Old Nature, New Creation: What it Means to Put On the New Self
"And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." – Ephesians 4:24 (ESV)
In Ephesians 4, Paul explains our new identity in Christ by contrasting the "old self" with the "new self." With this contrast in mind, he urges believers to walk in righteousness and holiness. If you're wondering what the "old self" and "new self" are, or if you're familiar with those terms but aren't sure what it means to walk that out, you're in the right place! I was curious about that last point, so I studied it. Join me as I unpack this further.
The Old Self (Ephesians 4:17–19) — Paul offers a sobering view of life without Christ. The old self is futile in its thoughts and darkened in understanding — cut off from God, hardened in heart, and completely insensitive to His ways. Without a sense of sin or accountability, those living in the old self fully indulge in sensuality: a life without moral standards, driven by impurity and an insatiable desire for self-gratification, with no regard for others.
In plain terms, the old self is life with self on the throne — running on our own wisdom, numb to God, chasing whatever feels good, and using people along the way. Paul says it's the life we were all born into: "dead in the trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). We didn't choose it; it's simply what it means to live apart from God. In short, it's the life one lives without Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
The New Self (Ephesians 4:20–32) — The new self represents a radical transformation. The mind is no longer clouded, the heart is no longer hardened, and life is no longer separated from God. Christ now takes center stage, and we are being reshaped into true righteousness and holiness — renewed in the spirit of our minds.
But where does a new self come from in the first place? This is the part many miss: you don't manufacture it — you receive it. The new self isn't self-improvement from a self-help book; it's the fruit of a new birth. According to Scripture, when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and turns from their old life, God does what only He can do — give them a new heart. As He promised, "I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you" (Ezekiel 36:26).
Paul takes this a step further when he says plainly: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). So the "putting on" Paul describes isn't striving to become someone you're not — it's living out who Christ has already made you to be. If you've never received that new self, the invitation stands now: come to Him, and He will make you new. If you're not sure how, don't stop here — I'll walk you through it at the very end.
Now, before we go any further, let me make an important distinction: receiving the new self is a one-time event — the moment you trust Christ, He gives you a new heart, and it's done. But learning to live out of that new heart is a lifelong process. Being reshaped into the image of Christ doesn't happen all at once; it unfolds over a lifetime, in the ordinary, everyday ways we live. According to Scripture, here's what that looks like:
We speak the truth to one another (vv. 15, 25).
We can feel anger without sinning — and we address it quickly rather than letting it fester (vv. 26–27).
We no longer take from others but instead work hard and give generously to those in need (v. 28).
We guard our words, replacing corrupt or harmful speech with speech that builds others up (vv. 29–30).
We put away bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice (v. 31).
We replace them with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness — the same kindness God showed us in Christ (Ephesians 2:7), the same compassion Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry (Mark 1:41), and the same forgiveness God extended to us through the cross (Ephesians 1:7).
None of this happens overnight. Every situation, relationship, and ordinary moment becomes an opportunity to grow into your new self.
BIG IDEA: Putting on the new self isn't about doing more or trying harder — it's not about doing anything on your own. Instead, it's about being transformed from the inside out by the Lord, little by little, over the course of your lifetime.
Questions to Ponder: Which characteristics of the "old self" do you still find most challenging? Where in your daily life do you see God growing the new self in you? Consider where each self flourishes: the old self grows in the dark, the new self in the light — what inputs, spaces, or habits are feeding the old self, and where could you step into the light so God can grow the new self? Is there a relationship or circumstance right now that God might be using to shape you more into His image?
Application: With your journal in hand, name the one relationship or circumstance that's been hardest lately — and beside it, note the old-self trait it tends to pull out of you (impatience, resentment, the need to control). Ask the Lord what it would look like to live this out as the new self, and write that beneath it. Then close with this prayer: "Lord, help me put off my old self, and form Christ in me." Make it your practice: the next time that hard thing flares, don't just try to get past it — pause, pray that line, and respond the way you named. Each evening, jot down one place you saw Him at work.
A Word If You've Never Come to Christ
If you've read this and realized you've never truly received that new self — never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior — this is the moment, and I don't want you to miss it. This is about more than a fresh start in this life; it's about eternity. Because of our sin, we're all separated from God and cannot save ourselves. But out of love, God sent His Son: Jesus died in our place for our sins and rose again, so that everyone who trusts in Him is forgiven, made new, and given eternal life with God (John 3:16). It's not about cleaning yourself up first or getting it all right. It's about coming to Him as you are — admitting you've lived with yourself on the throne, believing that Jesus died and rose again to save you and give you a new heart, and turning to follow Him as Lord. If that's the cry of your heart, you can pray something like this right now:
"Father, I've lived my own way, apart from You. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Forgive me, and give me eternal life. Give me the new heart You promised, and make me new. From this day forward, I'm Yours. In Jesus' name, amen."
If you prayed that — or you want to and aren't sure where to start — I would love to walk with you. Reach out at blakescrawford.com, and I'll send you your first steps. And know this: if you came to Him today, heaven is already rejoicing over you (Luke 15:10).