A New Man

The concept of being a new man has spiritual connotations.

“He started an exercise program a few months ago, and now he is a new man.” “He had by-pass surgery two years ago, and he’s been a new man ever since.” “Since he met her he’s a new man.” I’m sure you’ve heard those, or similar statements, many times. They reflect the change brought about in the life of an individual by some special act or set of circumstances. In each case the new man is better than the old. The concept also has spiritual connotations.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). It was also Paul who wrote, “…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).

When one becomes a Christian, he becomes a new man. The change should be evident to all. The old life with all of its sin and folly must be forgotten, and a new life, patterned after that of the Lord, must begin. We must rid ourselves of anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (to name a few), and in their place add compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:8-17). Our success in the Christian endeavor is measured by how well we conform to the life and example of our Lord.

Too many people want the benefits of Christianity without any of the responsibilities. Becoming a new man is not optional. When we believe, repent of our sins, and confess our faith in Christ, we must be baptized, buried with him that we might rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Have you become a new man?