Created In True Righteousness and Holiness

    This week we continue our study of verses that link righteousness with holiness.

Holy/Holiness = physical purity, moral blamelessness, sacred, set apart, less like world/more like the Lord

Righteous/Righteousness = justified, innocent, just, equity of character, to possess all good qualities in perfect balance

“…be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:23-24 NKJV)

    God wants you always to be renewing your faith, your determination, and your zeal for Him and for the work you need to be doing. Romans 12:2 shows that instead of looking like the rest of the world (conforming to it) you can, through the renewing of your minds, be transformed into a new person with new purpose. This transformation will help you prove to yourself and to others the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The renewing of your mind will also keep your spirit/soul healthy and vibrant even when your physical body weakens and breaks down (2 Corinthians 4:16). Renewal comes from building a knowledge of Jesus and having a willingness to walk as He walked (Colossians 3:10, 16, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 John 1:7).

    In both Ephesians and Colossians Paul writes about “putting on the new man.” You are to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4) and in the two aforementioned books you will find practical information concerning what you are to put off (get rid of) and what you are to put on. In most of these instances Paul also gives information to help you renew the spirit of your mind so that you can have success in your discarding of the old and in your attaining of the new qualities that are pleasing to God.

    You also need to understand that this new man is “created according to God” – as a new person you are to look like Him (“as He who called you is holy, you also be holy…” 1 Peter 1:15). You are to look like Him in your holiness and true righteousness (Ephesians 5:1-2)!

    Do you look like God?

    Do all that is necessary to put off the old without regrets (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), and joyfully do what is necessary to put on all that God requires of you! Be holy for He is holy!

    You can do it! So can I!!