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What Does It Mean to Put On the New Self?

Ephesians 4:24 states, “And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This verse highlights the transformation that takes place when a person turns to Jehovah and commits to living according to His Word. It describes the contrast between the old way of life, characterized by sin and corruption, and the new life that is shaped by righteousness and holiness. However, this transformation is not automatic; it requires deliberate effort to conform to Jehovah’s will by correctly understanding and applying His Word.

The phrase “put on the new self” implies a conscious decision to embrace a new way of life. This idea is reinforced by the preceding verses, where Paul instructs believers to “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22). The “old self” represents the former way of life—one governed by selfishness, impurity, and a disregard for Jehovah’s commands. This old way is described in Romans 6:6: “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Those who follow Jehovah must reject the sinful habits and attitudes that defined their past and actively embrace a new way of living.

The transformation into the “new self” is described as being “created to be like God.” This does not mean becoming divine but rather reflecting Jehovah’s righteous and holy character. Leviticus 19:2 commands, “Be holy because I, Jehovah your God, am holy.” This has always been Jehovah’s standard for His people—He calls them to live differently from the world, setting themselves apart by their obedience and moral purity. This transformation is not based on human effort alone; it is made possible through Jehovah’s revealed Word, which provides the wisdom and strength to live righteously.

Paul further explains this process in Colossians 3:9-10: “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” The key to putting on the new self is continual renewal through knowledge—understanding and applying Jehovah’s Word correctly. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of growth and refinement.

The phrase “true righteousness and holiness” in Ephesians 4:24 emphasizes that the new self is not just about outward behavior but about an inward transformation. Many people attempt to appear righteous while continuing to live in sin, but Jehovah desires genuine holiness. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this very reason, saying in Matthew 23:27, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” True righteousness goes beyond external actions—it is about a heart that is fully committed to Jehovah’s ways.

Walking in the new self requires continual effort and discipline. Romans 12:2 instructs, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The mind must be shaped by Jehovah’s truth, rejecting the influence of worldly thinking. This is why consistent study and application of the Scriptures are essential for those who seek to live according to Jehovah’s standards.

Ultimately, Ephesians 4:24 calls believers to a life of righteousness and holiness, reflecting Jehovah’s character in all they do. Putting on the new self is not a passive experience but an active pursuit of godliness through obedience to His Word. By rejecting the old way of life and embracing the truth found in Scripture, believers ensure that they are walking in the way that Jehovah has set before them.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).