Deep Dive into Put Off, Be Renewed, Put On: Paul’s Theology of Sanctification (Ephesians 4:22 –24)

Paul’s theology of sanctification in Ephesians 4:22 –24 presents spiritual growth not as self-improvement, but as the practical outworking of a transfer between two corporate humanities: from the old humanity in Adam to the new humanity in Christ. This framework operates through a tightly connected, threefold rhythm.

First, the believer must decisively "put off" the "old man." This represents a categorical break from the pre-conversion identity characterized by futile thinking and "deceitful desires." The text describes the old self as structurally corrupt and rotting from within; therefore, it cannot be repaired but must be totally repudiated.

Second, the believer must "be renewed in the spirit of the mind." Transformation is located in the deep inner orientation of the person, distinct from mere behavior modification. This is a continuous process where the Holy Spirit acts as the primary agent, using the Word of God to reshape the believer’s thinking and values. This emphasizes that spiritual growth is inseparable from doctrinal clarity and biblical truth.

Third, the believer must "put on" the "new man." Crucially, this new identity is not a human invention but a divine creation. It explicitly echoes the imago Dei (image of God), restoring the "true righteousness and holiness" that was marred by the fall. Because God creates this identity, the Christian's task is appropriation, not manufacture.

Theologically, this framework balances the "already" of definitive salvation with the "not yet" of progressive growth. It offers a sharp critique of modern notions of self-invention: whereas contemporary culture views the self as a project of construction and validates internal desires as authentic, Paul insists that true identity is a received gift from God and that internal desires are often deceitful. True change is the Spirit-empowered practice of becoming in conduct who one already is in Christ.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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