The New Man. Colossians 3:10. A new nature is planted within everyone who puts their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God placed it in me when spiritual life began. That was God's work, an act of His grace, when He made us into a new creation that started at a specific time and place. But now, it is my duty to align my conduct with my faith. It’s not enough for me to just know what the scripture says; I must act on what the Holy Spirit teaches me because this new man is not the same as I was before. This new person in Christ continues to learn and grow by applying what has been learned.
The new man understands what is right by reading God's Word and can do what is right by learning from and yielding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What I know and what I do must align with God's nature and the divine inner Resident who has been dwelling inside me since I became a child of God. The more I learn about God, the more I should resemble Him. Christ-likeness without should come from Christ-likeness within. Forms and activities that seem spiritual can be done by me just for show. Faith grows and is renewed as my knowledge of Him increases and matures.
There is no reason for me to go through life without dedicating myself to the things related to God's kingdom. Things may appear good on the surface, and I might not be doing anything wrong, but reflecting God's image requires more than good intentions. I need to see my life as a continuous Christian education that prepares me for the work I will do forever. This happens when I intentionally put on the new self, like putting on a new coat. This new self is challenged to grow constantly in learning and experiencing God's grace by practicing conduct that consistently reflects a life of faith.
The “new man” does not refer to our new spiritual nature but rather to the image and likeness of Christ in our minds, hearts, attitudes, and conduct in everyday life. Being “renewed in knowledge” results from learning from God how to live the new kind of life He has given us. He has taught us to live as Christ did, who is the image of the invisible God. Kingdom living in this world is very different from the foolish ways of sinful society.
No faith justifies us unless it sanctifies us, setting us apart from walking with the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting in the seat of the scornful. God’s people have been given a spiritual garment for their walk with and for the Lord. In the scriptures, clothing is connected with righteousness, and nakedness is linked to depravity: “garments of salvation” or “robe of righteousness.” The ongoing renewal of knowledge and wisdom comes from the Lord when we obey His word and do His will.
In many societies, it is customary to wear clothing that identifies a person’s profession. Such attire is typically suited to the role, the expected attitude, and the actions involved. Policemen, firemen, doctors, nurses, chefs, and cowboys are usually quite recognizable when performing their job duties. The continuous growth of knowledge shows that spiritual renewal deepens our understanding of our connection and relationship with God.
An image reflects what it depicts. In this case, the image of God, our Creator, is made openly visible. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God and the true image of manhood, which God intended when He created man in His own likeness. God’s work in us is to shape us and our new life to resemble its source and Originator.