Ephesians 4:24
and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The "new self" isn't just a better version of your old self; it's described as being "created after the likeness of God." This emphasizes that this transformation is a divine act, bringing you into alignment with God's original, perfect design for humanity, not just a personal improvement project. It's about reflecting His true nature in your life.
Paul is contrasting the old way of life, characterized by deceit and sinful desires, with a transformed, renewed life in Christ. Having just described the need to "put off" the old self, he now urges believers to "put on" the new self, emphasizing its divine origin and inherent qualities. This new self is not merely an improvement but a creation patterned after God Himself, reflecting His righteousness and holiness.
Ever felt like you're trying to fix yourself up, but the real change just won't stick? Paul is about to reveal why that is.
Paul uses the powerful image of being "created" to describe the transformation that happens when we embrace Christ. This isn't just about changing some habits; it's about a radical, God-initiated makeover.
A New Constitution
Think of it like getting a whole new operating system installed. Your old ways of thinking, feeling, and acting are replaced by something entirely new, originating from God Himself. This new self isn't something you can build by sheer willpower alone; it's a divine creation.
Restoring the Divine Image
This new creation is made "after the likeness of God." Before sin, humanity was created in God's image. Through Christ, that image is restored and perfected. It's a return to our intended design, but even better, empowered by God's own life.
What does it look like to be made new? It's not just about being 'less bad,' but about embodying specific divine qualities.
The verse pinpoints the core characteristics of this new self: "true righteousness and holiness." These aren't just abstract concepts; they are the very fabric of this divinely created identity.
Righteousness: Living with Integrity
This refers to our outward actions and our integrity in how we treat others and live according to God's standards. It's about doing what is right, not just because it's the law, but because it reflects God's just nature.
Holiness: Devotion to God
Holiness speaks to our inner disposition and our devotion to God Himself. It's about being set apart for Him, pure in heart, and reverent in our worship and service. It's the 'godliness' that flows from a heart rightly related to God.
The "Truth" of It All
Understand the original words
kainos anthrōpos · Greek Noun phrase
The new identity imparted to the believer at conversion, characterized by a fundamental change of nature that reflects the character of Christ. It is a new 'person' or moral orientation shaped by the Holy Spirit.
homoiōsis · Greek Noun
Refers to the moral nature of God, which is the standard and goal for human character. It signifies that the believer is a new creation molded to mirror the divine attributes of justice and purity.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The state of moral rectitude, integrity, and uprightness in living, consistent with God's commands and character. It is the practical application of being right with God.
hosiotēs · Greek Noun
This passage describes humanity being created in the image of God, providing the foundational concept for the 'new self' being recreated in God's likeness.
Colossians 3:10This verse directly parallels Ephesians 4:24, stating that believers are being renewed in knowledge after the image of their creator, reinforcing the idea of restoration and transformation.
2 Corinthians 5:17This passage highlights that in Christ, one is a new creation, emphasizing the radical change and renewal that defines the 'new self'.
Romans 8:29This verse explains that God's foreknowledge leads to conformity to the image of His Son, showing the ultimate purpose of the Christian life is to reflect Christ's character.
Galatians 5:22-23These verses list the fruit of the Spirit, which are the practical outworkings of the 'new self' in righteousness and holiness, demonstrating the character that should be evident.
vincentEphesians 4:24: "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
New man (καινὸν)See on Matthew 26:29.Created (κτισθέντα)See on Ephesians 2:10.In righteousness and true holiness (ἐν δικιαιοσύνη καὶ ὁσιότητι τῆς ἀληθείας)Rev., correctly, in righteousness and holiness of truth. See on Luke 1:75. Truth. Opposed to deceit, Ephesians 4:22, and likewise personified. Righteousness and holiness are attributes of truth.
barnesEphesians 4:24: "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
And that ye put on the new man - The new man refers to the renovated nature. This is called in other places, the "new creature, or the new creation" (see the notes on 2 Corinthians 5:17 ), and refers to the condition after the heart is changed. The change is so great, that there is no impropriety in speaking of one who has experienced it as "a new man." He has new feelings, principle…
The "new self" isn't just a better version of your old self; it's described as being "created after the likeness of God." This emphasizes that this transformation is a divine act, bringing you into alignment with God's original, perfect design for humanity, not just a personal improvement project. It's about reflecting His true nature in your life.
Paul is contrasting the old way of life, characterized by deceit and sinful desires, with a transformed, renewed life in Christ. Having just described the need to "put off" the old self, he now urges believers to "put on" the new self, emphasizing its divine origin and inherent qualities. This new self is not merely an improvement but a creation patterned after God Himself, reflecting His righteousness and holiness.
Paul is contrasting the old way of life, characterized by deceit and sinful desires, with a transformed, renewed life in Christ. Having just described the need to "put off" the old self, he now urges believers to "put on" the new self, emphasizing its divine origin and inherent qualities. This new self is not merely an improvement but a creation patterned after God Himself, reflecting His righteousness and holiness.
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The phrase "of truth" (or "true holiness") emphasizes that this righteousness and holiness are genuine, sincere, and aligned with God's ultimate truth, in contrast to any false or deceitful imitations.
The state of being set apart for God’s exclusive use, resulting in purity of life and character. It reflects the sanctity of God’s own nature.
"and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." — The "new self" isn't just a better version of your old self; it's described as being "created after the likeness of God." This emphasizes that this transformation is a divine act, bringing you into a…
