SATURDAY January 4, 2025
Putting on the New Man
...and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him....
Colossians 3:10
Once again, Paul used a familiar analogy of taking off and putting on different clothing––terms well-used in the ancient world. In these verses, the Apostle spoke of how Christians have put on the new man––the righteous garment that expresses a new life in Christ. Righteousness was actualized through Christ as taught in the New Testament, because without His sacrifice, our sin could not be removed:
First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time (Hebrews 10:8-10 NLT).
Christians are a part of the New Covenant. Again, they are made righteous before God only through the blood of Jesus Christ:
People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus (Romans 3:25-26 NLT).
Notice the progress of a regenerated man or woman. They are totally changed––transformed into spiritual people. Their progress is seen as they are renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. This means as they study God’s Word, spiritual growth is always happening.
Are you studying the Word of God daily to become more like Christ?
He that would be conformed to Christ's image, and become a Christ-like man, must be constantly studying Christ Himself.
~J. C. Ryle~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
