In the book of James, we encounter a profound statement: “To be renewed in the spirit of your minds and to put on the new self created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (James 1:23). This verse speaks to the transformative power of Christ in our lives. It emphasizes the need to not only believe in Jesus but also to actively embody the new self that He has called us to be. In this article, we will explore the concept of putting on the new self, understanding the law of liberty, experiencing justification, and striving to meet God’s high standard. Through this exploration, we will discover the freedom and joy that comes from embracing transformation in Christ.
The Call to Put on The New Self
The apostle James encourages believers to put on the new self, a self that reflects the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. This call to transformation is not merely a mental shift but a tangible change in our lives. It requires us to remove the old ways of thinking and behaving and to embrace a renewed mindset. Just as we change our clothes, we must shed our old selves and put on the new self that Christ has created within us.
The Old vs. New Self
The old self represents our former way of life, marked by sin, selfishness, and disobedience. It is characterized by anger, sorcery, sexual promiscuity, and other vices that are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit. On the other hand, the new self, fashioned after the likeness of God, embodies true righteousness and holiness. It is marked by love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. As we put on the new self, we begin to reflect the image of Jesus to those around us.
The Law of Liberty
James introduces the concept of the law of liberty, which may seem paradoxical at first. How can a law bring freedom? The answer lies in understanding the role of Jesus and His fulfillment of the law. Jesus declared, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law, offering us access to God’s grace and forgiveness. The law of liberty, therefore, sets us free from the bondage of trying to attain God’s standard on our own and invites us into a relationship with Christ, where transformation becomes possible.
Justification and the Law of Liberty
The Unreachable Standard
God’s standard is perfection, and none of us can attain it on our own. James reminds us that even if we keep the entire law but fail in one point, we are guilty of breaking the entire law. The mirror of God’s perfect law reveals our imperfections and highlights our need for a Savior. It can be disheartening to compare ourselves to an unattainable standard, leading to feelings of bondage and inadequacy.
The Perfect Lamb
However, the good news is that Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, fulfilled the law on our behalf. He took upon Himself the penalty that we deserved, offering us the opportunity for justification and reconciliation with God. In Jeremiah 31, God prophesied about the new covenant He would establish with His people, where He would put His law within them and forgive their iniquities. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled this prophecy, allowing us to be justified and made right before God.
Communion and the New Covenant
During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the practice of communion, symbolizing the new covenant established through His blood. As we partake in communion, we remember and participate in the new space of justification and grace that Christ has opened for us. We are justified not by our own actions but by our faith in what Jesus has accomplished. This understanding of justification frees us from striving to earn God’s favor and empowers us to live out the righteousness that flows from our belief in Christ.
Embracing the Law of Liberty
Bible Consumption and Transformation
The apostle James warns against being hearers of the word without being doers. Mere consumption of the Bible without action leads to deception, but when we combine our knowledge of Scripture with a transformed life, true transformation takes place. The law of liberty invites us to actively engage with God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
Putting Off and Putting On
Putting on the new self involves a conscious effort to shed the old habits and attitudes that are contrary to God’s standard and replace them with righteous behavior. James provides practical examples of what this looks like: putting off anger and replacing it with forgiveness, putting off dishonesty and embracing truthfulness, putting off sexual immorality and valuing the dignity of others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can align our lives with the law of liberty and experience the freedom and joy that comes from living in obedience to God.
The Transfiguration
Just as Jesus was disfigured for our sake, we are called to be transfigured through our relationship with Him. Jesus willingly suffered and died so that we could be transformed and made new. His sacrifice enables us to experience the fullness of the law of liberty, where we are no longer bound by our own efforts but freed by God’s grace. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process as we continually grow and mature in our faith.
Conclusion
Putting on the new self is not a superficial change but a profound transformation of our minds, attitudes, and actions. It involves embracing the law of liberty, understanding our justification through Christ, and striving to meet God’s high standard. Through this journey of transformation, we are set free from the bondage of sin and empowered to live in righteousness. As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and allow it to shape our lives, we become living testimonies of the power of Christ’s work in us. Let us, therefore, continually put on the new self and walk in the freedom and joy that comes from embracing transformation in Christ.
