Ephesians 4:24 – “And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is describing what it means to live as a new person in Christ. This follows his teaching in the previous verses, where he commands believers to put off the old self (Ephesians 4:22) and be renewed in their minds (Ephesians 4:23). Now, he tells them to put on the new self—a life that reflects God’s righteousness.

• “To put on the new self” – Just as a person takes off old, dirty clothes and puts on new, clean ones, believers must actively embrace a new way of living. This represents a complete transformation in character and behavior.
• “Created to be like God” – This phrase points back to Genesis 1:26, where mankind was made in God’s image. Sin corrupted that image, but through Christ, believers can now reflect God’s character again.
• “In true righteousness and holiness” – The “new self” is not just about self-improvement; it is about becoming more like God in purity, integrity, and godly living.

Paul is teaching that the Christian life is not just about turning away from sin (putting off the old self) but also about actively pursuing righteousness (putting on the new self).

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 60-62 while he was in prison in Rome. The church in Ephesus was made up of believers who had left behind a pagan lifestyle. Many had come out of idol worship, sexual immorality, and dishonesty.

In the Greek and Roman world, religion was often about external rituals, not about moral transformation. Many people thought they could worship false gods and still live however they wanted. But Paul is teaching something radical: Following Christ means becoming a completely new person from the inside out.

The Ephesians needed to understand that Christianity wasn’t just adding Jesus to their old life—it meant becoming a new creation, shaped by God’s righteousness and holiness.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches three important truths:

1. Salvation leads to transformation – A believer’s life should look different because they have been made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. God’s original design for humanity is restored in Christ – Sin corrupted humanity, but through Jesus, believers can once again reflect God’s righteousness.
3. Holiness is not optional – Paul makes it clear that righteousness and holiness are part of the new self. Those who follow Christ should desire to live in a way that honors God.

This verse challenges the idea that someone can believe in Jesus but live unchanged. If someone is truly in Christ, their life should reflect that transformation.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses the imagery of changing clothes to describe spiritual transformation:

• “Put off the old self” (Ephesians 4:22) – Taking off sinful habits, desires, and ways of thinking.
• “Be renewed in your mind” (Ephesians 4:23) – Changing the way you think so that you desire the things of God.
• “Put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:24) – Living in righteousness and holiness, actively pursuing a life that reflects Christ.

The words “true righteousness and holiness” are important. In Greek, “righteousness” (dikaiosunē) refers to living in a way that is morally upright, and “holiness” (hosiotes) refers to being set apart for God.

Paul is making it clear that the Christian life isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about pursuing a godly life.

Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
• Colossians 3:9-10 – “You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
• Romans 6:6 – “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.”
• Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.”
• 1 Peter 1:14-16 – “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that faith in Jesus leads to a changed life. Many people claim to be Christians, but their lives show no evidence of transformation. Paul is making it clear that:

• If you follow Christ, you should live differently – You are no longer controlled by sin. You have a new identity in Christ.
• If you struggle with sin, remember that God is renewing you – Change doesn’t happen overnight, but God is continually shaping you into His image.
• If you want to grow in holiness, be intentional – “Putting on the new self” requires daily choices to live in obedience to God’s truth.

This verse challenges believers to ask: Does my life reflect the new self in Christ?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He doesn’t leave people in their old sinful condition. Instead, He:

• Gives them a new identity in Christ – No one is trapped in their past.
• Transforms them into His image – He restores what sin has broken.
• Calls them to holiness because He loves them – Holiness is not about rules but about living in the joy of God’s presence.

Because of His love, God changes people from the inside out. He doesn’t just demand righteousness—He gives people the power to live in righteousness through His Spirit.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the key to putting on the new self:

• He is the perfect example of righteousness and holiness – “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
• He makes transformation possible – Through His death and resurrection, believers are freed from sin and given new life (Romans 6:4).
• He gives the Holy Spirit to help believers live righteously – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Through Christ, believers are not just forgiven—they are empowered to live a new life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to “put on the new self” in your daily life?
2. How does understanding that you are “created to be like God” change the way you see yourself?
3. What are some practical ways you can actively pursue righteousness and holiness?
4. Are there areas of your life where you are still holding onto the “old self”?
5. How can you encourage other believers to live in the fullness of their new identity in Christ?