In the referenced scripture,(Ephesians 4:22) we're instructed to discard the previous way of life, characterized by corrupt desires, which represent the old self. The phrase "Put off" signifies removing which is like shedding old, soiled garments, symbolizing repentance from sin and surrender to God during salvation. These actions are not human efforts necessary for divine salvation, but essential components of the divine process of salvation. Paul's language in this passage essentially describes repentance from sin and surrender to God, often taught as aspects of rebirth. This stands in stark contrast to those who are unregenerate (unsaved), who persistently resist and spurn God, living under the influence of sin (their former way of life). Christians, on the other hand, have responded to the call to abandon their old self. The term "The old man" refers to the worn out, useless, unregenerate sinful nature tainted by deceit. Salvation involves a spiritual connection with Jesus Christ, symbolized as the death and burial of the old self, and the resurrection of the new self, walking in a new way of life. This transformation is the central theme that Paul elaborates on in Romans 6:2-8.
The root of the problem lies in human flesh and its desires. The old self of the flesh must be crucified so that the spiritual self can live. John the Baptist emphasized the necessity of being born again, as stated in the Gospel of John 3:5-6: "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.'" To truly belong to Christ, we must bury the old sinful nature and live in the Spirit. Repentance involves not just remorse but a complete turning away from sin towards God. The book of Ephesians 4:23 instructs us to renew our minds through the Word of God: "to be made new in the attitude of your minds." Salvation encompasses the transformation of the mind, which governs thoughts, beliefs, motives, and actions. Upon becoming a Christian, God grants a new spiritual and moral capacity that surpasses worldly understanding. It is essential to discard the old worldly mindset and adopt the mind of Christ, which is spiritual. The renewed mind of a believer reflects the new creation in the likeness of God, characterized by righteousness and holiness. What was once dark, ignorant, hardened, callous, sensual, impure, and greedy is now enlightened, knowledgeable in truth, sensitive to sin, pure, and generous. A computer can bring out only what you program into it. The mind is a giant computer. Erase all of those bad things in your mind by washing them away in the blood of Jesus. Reprogram your mind with the things of God. Fill your mind with the Word of God..
Finally, Ephesians 4:24 tells us, "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." "Put on the new man": The renewal of the mind in salvation brings not simply a renovation of character, but transformation of the old to the new self (2 Cor. 5:17). The word "Righteousness" relates to our fellow men and reflects the second table of the law (Exodus 20:12-17). The word "Holiness" (sacred observance of all duties to God) relates to God and reflects the first table (Exodus 20:3-11). There is still sin in the believer’s unredeemed human flesh, but he now possesses a new nature, a new self, a holy and righteous inner person fit for the presence of God. This is the believer’s truest self.
When the Bible speaks of "which after God is created," it means, in Christ, the old self no longer exists as it had in the past. The new self is created in the very likeness of God (Gal. 2:20). When you receive Christ as your Savior and are baptized, you bury that old man in the watery grave and rise a new creature in Christ Jesus. You are washed in the blood of the Lamb and are wearing His righteousness. He took your sin on His body on the cross and clothed you in His righteousness. We are new, but not yet all new. We are righteous and holy, but not yet perfectly righteous and holy. But understanding the genuine reality of our transforming salvation is essential if we are to know how to live as Christians in the Body of Christ to which we belong.
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