"... put off your former way of life, the old man, that corrupt according to deceitful desires,
and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and put on the new man, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness of truth."1
How does one put off the former life? How do you put on the new man? We know that righteousness is a free gift received by faith in Christ, and that we will reign in grace through righteousness. We are created after the likeness of God, we have partaken of His Divine nature, in true righteousness, and the fruit of righteousness leads to sanctification or holiness. This process of sanctification is by truth, as Jesus prayed to the Father that believers be sanctified in truth, as He sanctified Himself. We see key concepts as pieces of the armor of God. Such we see is a process of sanctification or holiness. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,"3
In the time of Paul a belt was used to fix or set in place a garment, like a robe, thus the belt girds up the garment. Now, does Paul mention putting on garments? yes, he does, the process of sanctification is explained in putting off the old man and putting on the new man. We can view this as garments, white garments being symbolic of holiness in the scriptures. It begins with receiving the gift of true righteousness, according to grace, that we do not boast in self. The white robe being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. It continues by abiding in truth that sanctifies, the fruit of righteousness leads to sanctification, as Spirit and Truth transforms by the renewing of the mind, "and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new man, " putting off the old garment, putting on the new.
"so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."4
The truth sanctifies, matures, this is the idea of being girded or confident in truth, it is the testimony of water. Only those girded in truth will overcome the schemes of the devil. We see the deceitful schemes of the devil is to introduce doctrines, as Paul writes, of demons, that attack this very reasonable service of holiness. It also introduces old covenant Law that produces a spirit of fear and condemnation that seeks to destroy God's children. So we see the importance of being a new creation, "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness" and of this fruit leading to sanctification, "holiness of truth," the washing of the Word.
How does one put off the former life? How do you put on the new man? We know that righteousness is a free gift received by faith in Christ, and that we will reign in grace through righteousness. We are created after the likeness of God, we have partaken of His Divine nature, in true righteousness, and the fruit of righteousness leads to sanctification or holiness. This process of sanctification is by truth, as Jesus prayed to the Father that believers be sanctified in truth, as He sanctified Himself. We see key concepts as pieces of the armor of God. Such we see is a process of sanctification or holiness. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,"3
In the time of Paul a belt was used to fix or set in place a garment, like a robe, thus the belt girds up the garment. Now, does Paul mention putting on garments? yes, he does, the process of sanctification is explained in putting off the old man and putting on the new man. We can view this as garments, white garments being symbolic of holiness in the scriptures. It begins with receiving the gift of true righteousness, according to grace, that we do not boast in self. The white robe being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. It continues by abiding in truth that sanctifies, the fruit of righteousness leads to sanctification, as Spirit and Truth transforms by the renewing of the mind, "and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new man, " putting off the old garment, putting on the new.
"so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."4
The truth sanctifies, matures, this is the idea of being girded or confident in truth, it is the testimony of water. Only those girded in truth will overcome the schemes of the devil. We see the deceitful schemes of the devil is to introduce doctrines, as Paul writes, of demons, that attack this very reasonable service of holiness. It also introduces old covenant Law that produces a spirit of fear and condemnation that seeks to destroy God's children. So we see the importance of being a new creation, "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness" and of this fruit leading to sanctification, "holiness of truth," the washing of the Word.
"and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,"5
The helmet of salvation, speaks to the battle for the mind. Of such importance is being "renewed in the spirit of your minds." The carnal mind is hostile against God and can not be subject to the laws of God. Those of the former way walked "in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God... But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus."6 Of course we see the teaching of baptism in this process of sanctification. The washing of the Word, and the renewal of the Spirit of Life.
"and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,"7
The new man is a new creation created after the likeness of God in true righteousness. He walks by faith not by sight, in the Spirit, not in the flesh, he walks like Jesus as he is being transformed into His image. By faith we receive the gift of righteousness, such is according to grace, that we may not boast. We see the importance of a breastplate of righteousness protecting the heart, cleansed from a guilty conscious, there is no condemnation to those who understand such righteousness is in Christ. How can one fight if they are condemned by men who boast in works of righteousness, passing judgement on others, neglecting true righteousness?
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."9
We see true righteousness in the golden rule and in mercy that trumps judgment. We also see things that are an abomination to God; "a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked thoughts, feet swift to run to harm others, a false witness that speaks lies, and one who sows strife among brothers."8 We boast in Christ, in Him we receive the gift of righteousness and the fruit of it leads to sanctification and its end Life.
"and having put on your feet, with preparation, the gospel of peace."11
The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, the ministry or service of righteousness is trust and rest. Such key elements in sanctification, trust and rest, which the schemes of the devil seek to disrupt. Peace makers Jesus said are the children of God. This is our calling, "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."12
"when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."14
Many will be deceived by the schemes of the devil, because they are not founded in truth but doctrines and traditions of men. Jesus warned many will say Lord, Lord, having done many "good works" in His name, but they will not know Him. The scheme of the devil at first works to prevent men from knowing Him, then it is to bypass this reasonable service, distracting many through good works. And other schemes he uses like introducing old covenant teachings, fear and condemnation, many things to cause stumbling, to keep people from a throne of Grace. Sanctification in truth is our reasonable service as children of God, it is how we will overcome.
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;"16
Jesus is the author of faith and a measure of faith is given to all who hear and receive His words. Faith, the tiny seed or measure given is strengthened until it becomes fully grown or convincing. Fully convincing faith has great power to quench the fiery darts of the devil. And why does Christ give gifts? And what is the work of ministry? we see such a purpose of the Church building up in the knowledge of the Son, who is truth, and a unity of faith and Spirit, and a bond of peace. Paul writes the only thing that counts is faith working by love.
"for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,"17
Important is sanctification, maturity into the fullness of Christ, of grace and truth, of being transformed from glory to glory into His image. Those who do not have understanding in the truth will not have deep roots, their faith will not be strengthened, these will not stand. Sin fully conceived produces death, but faith fully conceived produces Life. First, one must believe that He is God then faith must be strengthened so that God is truly known as trustworthy, what He promised, He will do. Having put on the new man stand therefore, putting on the armor of holiness, praying always, watchful as to the schemes of the devil, who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy.
The helmet of salvation, speaks to the battle for the mind. Of such importance is being "renewed in the spirit of your minds." The carnal mind is hostile against God and can not be subject to the laws of God. Those of the former way walked "in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God... But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus."6 Of course we see the teaching of baptism in this process of sanctification. The washing of the Word, and the renewal of the Spirit of Life.
"and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,"7
The new man is a new creation created after the likeness of God in true righteousness. He walks by faith not by sight, in the Spirit, not in the flesh, he walks like Jesus as he is being transformed into His image. By faith we receive the gift of righteousness, such is according to grace, that we may not boast. We see the importance of a breastplate of righteousness protecting the heart, cleansed from a guilty conscious, there is no condemnation to those who understand such righteousness is in Christ. How can one fight if they are condemned by men who boast in works of righteousness, passing judgement on others, neglecting true righteousness?
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."9
We see true righteousness in the golden rule and in mercy that trumps judgment. We also see things that are an abomination to God; "a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked thoughts, feet swift to run to harm others, a false witness that speaks lies, and one who sows strife among brothers."8 We boast in Christ, in Him we receive the gift of righteousness and the fruit of it leads to sanctification and its end Life.
"and having put on your feet, with preparation, the gospel of peace."11
The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, the ministry or service of righteousness is trust and rest. Such key elements in sanctification, trust and rest, which the schemes of the devil seek to disrupt. Peace makers Jesus said are the children of God. This is our calling, "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."12
"when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."14
Many will be deceived by the schemes of the devil, because they are not founded in truth but doctrines and traditions of men. Jesus warned many will say Lord, Lord, having done many "good works" in His name, but they will not know Him. The scheme of the devil at first works to prevent men from knowing Him, then it is to bypass this reasonable service, distracting many through good works. And other schemes he uses like introducing old covenant teachings, fear and condemnation, many things to cause stumbling, to keep people from a throne of Grace. Sanctification in truth is our reasonable service as children of God, it is how we will overcome.
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;"16
Jesus is the author of faith and a measure of faith is given to all who hear and receive His words. Faith, the tiny seed or measure given is strengthened until it becomes fully grown or convincing. Fully convincing faith has great power to quench the fiery darts of the devil. And why does Christ give gifts? And what is the work of ministry? we see such a purpose of the Church building up in the knowledge of the Son, who is truth, and a unity of faith and Spirit, and a bond of peace. Paul writes the only thing that counts is faith working by love.
"for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,"17
Important is sanctification, maturity into the fullness of Christ, of grace and truth, of being transformed from glory to glory into His image. Those who do not have understanding in the truth will not have deep roots, their faith will not be strengthened, these will not stand. Sin fully conceived produces death, but faith fully conceived produces Life. First, one must believe that He is God then faith must be strengthened so that God is truly known as trustworthy, what He promised, He will do. Having put on the new man stand therefore, putting on the armor of holiness, praying always, watchful as to the schemes of the devil, who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy.