New man in christ
The "new man" in Christ refers to the transformed and renewed individual who has been born again through faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament.
In Ephesians 2:15, Paul writes, "By abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man in place of the two, thus making peace." Here, Paul is speaking of the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) in Christ, and the creation of a new humanity in Him.
In Colossians 3:9-10, Paul writes, "Do not lie to each other, since 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." Here, Paul is emphasizing the need to put off the old self, with its sinful habits and attitudes, and to put on the new self, which is being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
The "new man" in Christ is characterized by several key features:
- New creation: As a new creation in Christ, believers are no longer defined by their old sinful nature, but by their new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Spiritual rebirth: The new man in Christ is born again of the Spirit, and is given a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
- Renewed mind: The new man in Christ has a renewed mind, which is transformed by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2).
- New identity: The new man in Christ has a new identity, which is rooted in their relationship with God and their union with Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).
- New life: The new man in Christ lives a new life, characterized by love, joy, peace, and other fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The "new man" in Christ is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical reality that is experienced by believers as they walk with God and grow in their faith.