The New Man in Christ

Introduction

As a young believer, I found myself captivated by messages about faith, miracles, signs, and wonders. 

They seemed dynamic and exciting compared to topics like righteousness, holiness, and eternal destiny. 

However, as I matured in my walk with Christ, I realized that the Christian life is a holistic package encompassing all these elements. 

This article explores the profound truth of who we are in Christ and how we are called to live out this new identity.

The Transition: From the Old to the New

The Christian life signifies a transition from the old nature in Adam to the new nature in Christ Jesus. It is a move from darkness into light, characterized by a fundamental change in our spiritual DNA. 

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This transformation is not just symbolic; it is the foundation of our new life in Christ.

A. Walking as Gentiles: Life in Adam

Paul admonishes believers in Ephesians 4:17-19 not to live like the Gentiles, who are alienated from the life of God due to the futility of their minds, ignorance, and hardness of heart. 

This old life is characterized by:

1. Futility of Mind – A vain, purposeless way of thinking.

2. Darkened Understanding – A lack of clarity and spiritual insight.

3. Alienation from God – A life disconnected from His purpose.

4. Ignorance and Hardness of Heart – A stubborn refusal to embrace truth.

5. Lewdness and Uncleanness – A surrender to impurity and greed.

This life is under the influence of Satan, the “prince of the power of the air,” and leads to destruction. 

Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

B. Walking as Christ: Life in Christ

The new life in Christ offers a sharp contrast. Paul challenges believers to “put off the old man” and “put on the new man,” who is created in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). 

This involves:

1. Learning from Christ – Embracing His teachings and example.

2. Renewal of the Mind – A transformation that aligns our thoughts with God’s will (Romans 12:2).

3. Walking in Newness of Life – A lifestyle reflecting Christ’s character (Romans 6:4).

The standard for this life is Christ Himself, whose truth and example guide us. 

Romans 13:12-14 calls believers to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, living honorably and rejecting the deeds of the flesh.

Conclusion

The Christian journey is a call to a radical transformation—leaving behind the old life in Adam and embracing the new life in Christ. 

This change is not a one-time event but a progressive journey of conforming to the image of Christ.

The greatest resolution you can make is to fully embrace your new identity in Christ. 

Put off the old, put on the new, and live as the new man created in righteousness and holiness.