LOST and FOUND
LOST and FOUND
When do we “Put off the old Self”?
When do we “Put off the old Self”?
You have put off once for all with reference to your former manner of life the
old self which is being corrupted according to the passionate desires of deceit;
moreover, that you are being constantly renewed with reference to the spirit
of your mind; and that you have put on once for all the new self who after
God was created in righteousness and holiness of truth
Ephesians 4:22-24, An Expanded Translation – Wuest
old self which is being corrupted according to the passionate desires of deceit;
moreover, that you are being constantly renewed with reference to the spirit
of your mind; and that you have put on once for all the new self who after
God was created in righteousness and holiness of truth
Ephesians 4:22-24, An Expanded Translation – Wuest
For 60 years I was part of a religion that constantly demanded more works, a setting of higher ministry goals, a striving for improved behaviour and personality - all to gain God’s approval. Has that been your experience too? Such false direction is performance based, not grace based.
What a relief to read the scripture above from Ephesians 4 and realise that our old person was “put off” and the new one “put on” in a once-for-all-time Holy Spirit action when we became believers. The Greek verbs “put off” (vs 22) and “put on” (vs 24) are both aorist, implying a done deal when we became believers and received Holy Spirit. Earlier in Ephesians, Paul likened this past change to dying and being raised up; Christ moved in and we moved into the kingdom (Eph 2:1-6). This means that we are already viewed by God as a new man in Christ, possessing his identity, his righteous.
Therefore, upon becoming saved Christians there is a massive change, likened to death followed by a new birth (John 3:3; 1 Pet 1:3). Water baptism thereafter symbolises and celebrates that changed status. It is though the Lord said, “here is a change of name, identity papers and a new outfit of clothes.” Imagine a spy assigned a new mission who insists on sticking with his old name, identity and old worn out gear! Some Christians are uncomfortable in accepting the free gift of salvation but continue to strive for years for God’s approval by polishing up their performance. They haven’t really been in the changing room.
______________________________
Have you changed yet?