Ephesians 4:24 - and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Generated Verse: Ephesians 4:24

What does "Ephesians 4:24" mean?


Ephesians 4:24, "and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth," is a powerful statement about transformation and the Christian life. Let's break it down:

"And put on the new man": This is an imperative (a command). "Put on" suggests clothing ourselves with something. In this context, it means to actively embrace and live out a new identity and way of being. This isn't a passive acceptance; it's a deliberate choice and ongoing process. "The new man" refers to the transformed self that Christians are called to become through faith in Jesus Christ. It contrasts with the "old self" described earlier in Ephesians, which is characterized by sin, corruption, and ignorance.

"who in the likeness of God has been created": This is the foundation of the "new man." It emphasizes that this new identity isn't something we conjure up ourselves, but something that is created in us through our relationship with God. "In the likeness of God" echoes Genesis 1:27, where humanity is created in God's image. This doesn't mean a physical resemblance, but a reflection of God's attributes and character. The "new man" is a restoration of that original image, which was marred by sin.

"in righteousness and holiness of truth": This describes the qualities of the "new man." These are the attributes that reflect God's likeness.

Righteousness: Conformity to God's standard of right and wrong. It's about living a life that is just, fair, and pleasing to God.
Holiness: Separation from sin and dedication to God. It's about being set apart for God's purposes and living a life of purity and devotion.
of truth: This modifies both righteousness and holiness. It suggests that these qualities are genuine and authentic, rooted in God's truth. It's not a superficial or legalistic righteousness or holiness, but one that springs from a transformed heart.

In Summary

The verse encourages believers to embrace their new identity in Christ, which is characterized by:

A Transformation from the Old Self: A deliberate rejection of sinful patterns and a commitment to a new way of living.
Restoration of God's Image: A reflection of God's character and attributes in our lives.
Righteousness and Holiness: Living a life that is just, pure, and devoted to God, rooted in truth.

This verse implies that becoming a Christian isn't just about believing in Jesus; it's about a profound change in the way we live, think, and relate to the world. It's an ongoing process of being conformed to the likeness of Christ.