“In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
In the book of Ephesians, Paul tells us to put off our old self and put on our new self. What does it really mean to put off the old self and put on the new self?
Professor Heather Holleman says when we read through Ephesians we begin see a picture of what this supernatural transition is supposed to be like.
“I love that verse because so much of my life every day is just choosing by the power of the Holy Spirit to be made new in the attitude of my mind. So much of my old self are these patterns of thinking and the stories I’m telling myself about what is true about my life.”
“So putting off the old self is first identifying the story I’m telling myself, the lie. Putting on the new self means asking Jesus to show us what is true about our lives in light of the lies we believe. Every chapter is the new me. I’m able to be made new in the attitude of my mind by telling that new story, that savior story of what God is doing in my life.”
According to Heather, the book of Ephesians is widely considered to be the most important piece of literature because it forms our new identity in Christ.
“Many scholars believe that Ephesians is the most important piece of literature ever written because it tells us exactly who we are, what our new identity in Christ is, and how we’re supposed to live.”
Are you struggling with identity issues? Today, meditate on the book of Ephesians and ask God to help you fully comprehend your new identity in Him.
Heather Holleman, PhD, is a speaker, writer, and college instructor. She is a faculty member of Penn State’s English Department and teaches both freshman composition and advanced writing. As a prolific writer and speaker, Heather maintains her zeal on paper, in person, and on film.
What it means to be included in Christ with Heather Holleman
