Notes of Faith August 28, 2024

Notes of Faith August 28, 2024

Put Off, Put On

Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24

In the Garden of Eden, God created a new man and woman according to His image “in true righteousness and holiness.” But righteousness and holiness were marred by sin. The story of redemption becomes the story of restoring righteousness and holiness in man and creation. We call the temporal restoration of righteousness sanctification and the ultimate, eternal restoration of righteousness glorification.

We find connections to the creation and re-creation story throughout Scripture. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The practical application of that truth is described in Ephesians 4:22-24 where Paul says to “put off” the old self of unrighteousness and sinfulness and “put on” the new self of righteousness and holiness. Putting off and putting on are our part, our responsibility, as “imitators of God” (Ephesians 5:1). Giving us the desire and power to do so is God’s part through the power of His Spirit.

We don’t start a new day in dirty clothes; neither should we live a new life with an unrighteous heart.

Everything in Scripture has in view the promotion of holiness.

AW Pink

We were created without sin although allow man the choice to obey or rebel against God. God provided a way to restore relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ. If we have faith in the work and person of Jesus, we also have the opportunity to pursue the holiness in which we were first created. I urge those of you who believe to pursue purity and holiness. Yes, we will fail. But our utmost attempts must be pure and holy not giving in to sin and corruption and destruction of our lives. You are loved by God who wants His best for you. You are loved by me and I want His best for you. Believe in Jesus and obey the truth of God that brings eternal righteousness and holiness!

Pastor Dale