Put off the Old and Put On the New-- Pure and Holy Nature

 Eph 4: 21-24
   21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,  22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Paul make an outstanding comparison of how the church members CAN be juxtaposed to how they formerly were, before coming to Christ. It is not that we don't want to bring sinners into the church. They are our mission and we must bring them in. It is that through the power of Christ, we can nurture them into newness. In vv 25-29 Paul points out exactly how we all were before faith in Christ began remaking us into His image. We threw off that old nature like we might throw off a burdensome dirty coat on a hot sultry day. That old way, he points out. was corrupted with ugly things like 'lust' or deception. It included lying to people, explosive or destructive anger at others, even, perhaps, stealing, stinginess, and abusive speech. Who wouldn't want to throw off such things as that? Who would desire to be characterized by those descriptions? None of us, for sure.

Thus, Paul explains how God's promises work to help us "put on your new nature." He clarifies that this new nature was 'created to be like God-- truly righteous and holy.' I  dismiss those critics who dare to say it is impossible for you and I to be holy. God's Word here promises it! So after we put off that old nature, let's remember to dress ourselves in this rich wondrous gift from God called our 'new nature.' How does it fell to you to be dressed in this new pure nature? Breathe a prayer of thanksgiving to Him who made it possible.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan Elliott
drdanelliott@gmail.com