In Ephesians 4:22-24, the Apostle Paul presents a profound call to transformation, urging believers to cast off the "old man" and embrace the "new man" in Christ. This passage serves as a foundational principle for Christian living, highlighting the stark contrast between the life of sin and the life of righteousness that God desires for His people.
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”— Ephesians 4:22-24 (KJV 1611)
This scripture outlines three critical steps in the believer’s transformation: putting off the old man, renewing the mind, and putting on the new man. Let’s explore each aspect in depth.
Putting Off the Old Man
Paul first instructs believers to "put off" the old man, which represents the sinful nature inherited from Adam. This old self is characterized by corruption, deceitful lusts, and a mind that is estranged from God.
The term “conversation” in the King James Bible does not simply refer to speech but encompasses one’s entire way of life. Before salvation, a person’s life is shaped by fleshly desires, worldly ambitions, and ungodly influences. Paul describes the old man as "corrupt," meaning it is perishing and tainted by sin.
This “putting off” is not a mere behavior modification—it is a radical severing of ties with the old way of life. It signifies true repentance, turning away from sin with the intent never to return. Just as one removes filthy garments, believers are called to strip off the sinful habits, desires, and attitudes that once defined them.
Practical Ways to Put Off the Old Man:
Confession and Repentance – Acknowledging sin before God and seeking His grace to forsake it (1 John 1:9).
Guarding the Mind – Avoiding sinful influences that corrupt thoughts and actions (Romans 12:2).
Crucifying the Flesh – Denying fleshly desires that lead to sin (Galatians 5:24).
Renewing the Mind
Paul emphasizes that true transformation occurs through the renewal of the mind. This renewal is not merely intellectual but spiritual, involving the Holy Spirit reshaping our thinking according to God's truth.
The carnal mind, left to itself, is opposed to God (Romans 8:7). Without renewal, even those who attempt to "be good" will fall back into old patterns. This is why the renewing of the mind is essential—it shifts the believer’s focus from the world’s standards to God’s righteousness.
How Can the Mind Be Renewed?
Immersing in God’s Word – Daily meditation on Scripture transforms thoughts and aligns them with God’s will (Psalm 119:11).
Seeking the Holy Spirit – Allowing the Spirit to lead and convict, bringing clarity and wisdom (John 16:13).
Prayer and Worship – Intimate communion with God reshapes desires and purifies motives (Philippians 4:6-7).
Fellowship with the Saints – Being around godly believers encourages growth and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Putting On the New Man
The final step in this transformation is putting on the new man. Paul states that this new man is “created in righteousness and true holiness” after the image of God.
This is not self-improvement or moral reform—it is a divine work. Just as Adam was originally created in God's image, the new man is a spiritual recreation in Christ. It reflects God's righteousness, purity, and truth.
The new man is not added on top of the old—it replaces it. When a person is truly born again, they do not live in both identities simultaneously. They forsake the old man entirely and embrace the new life God has given them.
What Does the New Man Look Like?
Righteousness – Living in obedience to God’s commandments, not out of obligation but out of love (1 John 2:3-6).
Holiness – Being set apart for God, walking in purity and rejecting the ways of the world (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Love and Kindness – Demonstrating Christ-like love in actions, words, and thoughts (Ephesians 4:32).
Spiritual Discernment – Having a renewed mind that discerns good from evil and follows the path of truth (Romans 12:2).
Putting on the new man is a daily choice. Paul elsewhere describes it as “walking in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). It requires ongoing surrender to Christ, daily dependence on His strength, and a heart committed to righteousness.
The Big Picture: Living as the New Man in Christ
The message of Ephesians 4:22-24 is clear: believers must turn from sin, renew their minds, and embrace a life of holiness.
This transformation is not simply for personal benefit—it is a testimony to the world. As believers walk in the newness of life, they reflect the image of Christ, drawing others to Him.
The process of putting off the old man and putting on the new is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of sanctification. It requires constant dependence on the Holy Spirit, a steady intake of God’s Word, and an unwavering commitment to live for Christ.
In closing, let us examine our lives in light of this passage. Have we truly put off the old man, or are we clinging to remnants of our past? Is our mind being daily renewed, or are we influenced by worldly thinking? Are we walking in the new man, reflecting righteousness and true holiness?
May we daily surrender ourselves to Christ, allowing Him to conform us to His image, so that we may live as the new man He has called us to be.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1611)
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