When one is baptized into Christ, he is clothed in Him (Galatians 3:27). We were raised from the watery grave of baptism to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). We were raised with Christ through faith (Colossians 2:12). Since this is true (Colossians 3:1), we have died to the practice of sin (Romans 6:2). “For ye died and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Therefore, because of all of this, you must put sin out of your life and “put off the old man with his doings” (Colossians 3:9) and “put on the new man” (3:10).
The elect are identified as holy and beloved (Colossians 3:12ff). We are holy because God’s chosen ones are separated unto God for sacred service. In Christ, God’s holy ones are to exhibit a pure and godly character. Christians are identified as beloved simply because we are loved by God. It is a term of affection and refers to God’s true love for His children.
Putting off the old man of sin requires a change of heart and mind. It requires a change of conduct and pattern of life. We no longer serve self, Satan or sin. As Peter described it, we are now “children of obedience” (1 Peter 1:14). We must be servants of obedience unto righteousness (Romans 6:16).
After we “put to death” what is earthly and of the flesh (Colossians 3:5), we must get dressed for heaven. Paul said, “put on the new man” (Colossians 3:10).
We must “put on therefore…” certain characteristics (Colossians 3:12ff). We must put on “a heart of compassion” (ASV) or “bowels of mercies” (KJV). We are to feel with and for one another. We are to have genuine care and concern for others. We must put on kindness. We are to be considerate, especially for the needs of others, good and gracious in service. We must put on lowliness, which involves humility. We are not to be proud, haughty or arrogant. We must put on meekness, which is strength under control. Meekness is restrained power. Meekness is not weakness. We must put on longsuffering, which includes self-restraint. It is a quality of control and endurance in the face of provocation. We must put on forbearance. Forbearance is to endure, to bear with. We must put on forgiveness. We are to graciously “let go of” the offenses of others. We must put on love, godly love. It is “agape,” the thing that holds all the other spiritual garments together! We must put love on above all else. Finally, we must put on thankfulness. It is to be grateful, especially of the relationships we have with fellow Christians, with God our Father and with the Lord Jesus Christ
