PUT ON YOUR NEW IDENTITY

[Roughsoul1991]

PUT ON YOUR NEW IDENTITY

Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Verse 10 encourages us to rely on the Lord for His strength. We do this by verse 11, we see two key words “put on” the whole armor of God.

To put on is a verb, an action, a choice. The same Greek word is found in,

Romans 13:12 says to put on the Armor of light.

Romans 13:14 put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 15:53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.

Ephesians 4:24 put on the new self

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

The verb put on is about clothing or to be clothed. The issuid armor for the Roman soldier was the Lorica Segmentata. This was the typical armor worn by the Roman soldiers during the 1st and 2nd century AD. Paul most likely got his inspiration from the Roman guards.

In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically as the scriptures call us to spiritually put on virtues, Christ, immortality, new self, love, the armor of God, and light.

Ultimately, it carries the idea that to put on such armor, a uniform, is to adopt a new identity.

Culturally the Greeks saw clothing as a symbol of social status. The Jews had garments set apart for priestly and religious significance. Paul is using a real-world example to explain a spiritual transformation as now our identity is of Christ.

In verse 20 Paul says, “for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

He refers to himself as an ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 also says we are ambassadors for Christ.

What is an ambassador?

An ambassador is a citizen from another country who typically visits for political reasons. The ambassador had the authority to act on behalf of their ruler. They were highly respected because they would represent the interests and authority of their ruler or king. They also had the authority and trust to deliver messages and could even negotiate on behalf of their ruler.
Our new identity is like that of an ambassador. We represent Christ, our citizenship is of His Kingdom, and Jesus is our Lord and King, He has given us all authority to go and make disciples, to carry His message forth, and to act on behalf of His guidance.

This spiritual armor that we are to put on carries such significance just as a modern military uniform would carry. The uniform of our armed forces speaks of identity, unity, commitment, discipline, history, values, and ethos held to such supremacy that when the uniform is seen, it is this identity that instantly comes to mind.

As we live our lives, what identity do we want to portray?

As we put on the armor of God let us remember who we represent.

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Verse 18 reminds us to pray at all times in the Spirit, we are not without guidance. Paul warns us to stay alert with all perseverance and to earnestly seek divine intervention or assistance from God to act on behalf of the saints (fellow Christians).

In conclusion, to put on God’s armor takes deliberate action, we are to stay alert because the schemes of Satan are always acting against us. Another word from verse 11 is “whole”, the whole armor of God. We can not afford to neglect what God has given us to spiritually defend and attack the forces that want to destroy us.

I encourage us all to embrace this new identity and to live as ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ. Never forget who we represent and the identity we have due to Christ our Lord and King.

 

[Lafftur]

PUT ON YOUR NEW IDENTITY

Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Verse 10 encourages us to rely on the Lord for His strength. We do this by verse 11, we see two key words “put on” the whole armor of God.

To put on is a verb, an action, a choice. The same Greek word is found in,

Romans 13:12 says to put on the Armor of light.

Romans 13:14 put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 15:53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.

Ephesians 4:24 put on the new self

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

The verb put on is about clothing or to be clothed. The issuid armor for the Roman soldier was the Lorica Segmentata. This was the typical armor worn by the Roman soldiers during the 1st and 2nd century AD. Paul most likely got his inspiration from the Roman guards.

In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically as the scriptures call us to spiritually put on virtues, Christ, immortality, new self, love, the armor of God, and light.

Ultimately, it carries the idea that to put on such armor, a uniform, is to adopt a new identity.

Culturally the Greeks saw clothing as a symbol of social status. The Jews had garments set apart for priestly and religious significance. Paul is using a real-world example to explain a spiritual transformation as now our identity is of Christ.

In verse 20 Paul says, “for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

He refers to himself as an ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 also says we are ambassadors for Christ.

What is an ambassador?

An ambassador is a citizen from another country who typically visits for political reasons. The ambassador had the authority to act on behalf of their ruler. They were highly respected because they would represent the interests and authority of their ruler or king. They also had the authority and trust to deliver messages and could even negotiate on behalf of their ruler.
Our new identity is like that of an ambassador. We represent Christ, our citizenship is of His Kingdom, and Jesus is our Lord and King, He has given us all authority to go and make disciples, to carry His message forth, and to act on behalf of His guidance.

This spiritual armor that we are to put on carries such significance just as a modern military uniform would carry. The uniform of our armed forces speaks of identity, unity, commitment, discipline, history, values, and ethos held to such supremacy that when the uniform is seen, it is this identity that instantly comes to mind.

As we live our lives, what identity do we want to portray?

As we put on the armor of God let us remember who we represent.

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Verse 18 reminds us to pray at all times in the Spirit, we are not without guidance. Paul warns us to stay alert with all perseverance and to earnestly seek divine intervention or assistance from God to act on behalf of the saints (fellow Christians).

In conclusion, to put on God’s armor takes deliberate action, we are to stay alert because the schemes of Satan are always acting against us. Another word from verse 11 is “whole”, the whole armor of God. We can not afford to neglect what God has given us to spiritually defend and attack the forces that want to destroy us.

I encourage us all to embrace this new identity and to live as ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ. Never forget who we represent and the identity we have due to Christ our Lord and King.

Hello "Gentle"Soul,

Great post! Love our new identity... in Jesus Christ. When others see us, they see Jesus.... this is true for our fellow believers in Christ, lost souls in need of saving, the enemy Satan and the demonic, and even our Heavenly Father.

When we see each other, we see Jesus.

When we see a lost soul, we see someone that Jesus loves and doesn't want to live without and we want them to see Jesus.

When we encounter Satan and the demonic, we see an enemy of God and they tremble because they see Jesus.

When our Heavenly Father sees us, He sees Jesus.

When Jesus sees us, He sees His reflection.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Hello "Gentle"Soul,

Great post! Love our new identity... in Jesus Christ. When others see us, they see Jesus.... this is true for our fellow believers in Christ, lost souls in need of saving, the enemy Satan and the demonic, and even our Heavenly Father.

When we see each other, we see Jesus.

When we see a lost soul, we see someone that Jesus loves and doesn't want to live without and we want them to see Jesus.

When we encounter Satan and the demonic, we see an enemy of God and they tremble because they see Jesus.

When our Heavenly Father sees us, He sees Jesus.

When Jesus sees us, He sees His reflection.

Amen to that. A beautiful reality it is for the Christian.

 

[keepingthingsreal]

Hey, Roughsoul.

There were a lot of good points in your opening post. I especially liked this one.

In verse 20 Paul says, “for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

He refers to himself as an ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 also says we are ambassadors for Christ.

What is an ambassador?

An ambassador is a citizen from another country who typically visits for political reasons. The ambassador had the authority to act on behalf of their ruler. They were highly respected because they would represent the interests and authority of their ruler or king. They also had the authority and trust to deliver messages and could even negotiate on behalf of their ruler.
Our new identity is like that of an ambassador. We represent Christ, our citizenship is of His Kingdom, and Jesus is our Lord and King, He has given us all authority to go and make disciples, to carry His message forth, and to act on behalf of His guidance.

As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, or we are called to be representatives of the coming kingdom of God, and we had better be sure that we are properly equipped for the job. In other words, we had better be sure that we are properly representing that coming kingdom to the world, and the sad reality is that multitudes of professing Christians around the world are not doing the same. How can I make such a claim? I can make such a claim because there are factions/divisions/schisms galore among those who profess to be Christians, and there simply is no way that everybody can be right when people are preaching or teaching contrasting views on just about every topic imaginable while all claiming to be representatives of the same kingdom.

Last night, I contemplated starting a thread in which I was going to ask what people here thought were the reasons for such factions/divisions/schisms, and, sticking with your theme of "putting on" things, I believe that this is the primary reason for the same.

1Pe 5:5
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

How many of us are truly "clothed with humility?" Are we truly humbling ourselves before the Lord when it comes to the matters of properly understanding him and properly interpreting his word? We simply cannot all be doing the same because, again, there are so many factions/divisions/schisms, even right here on this forum, within professing Christendom.

Would God mislead one who humbly submits to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of truth? I simply cannot even imagine such a thing. God gives grace to the humble, and the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of grace" (Heb. 10:29) in scripture. At the same time, God resists the proud, and I am firmly convinced that pride is the real problem, and especially in that it is only by pride that contention comes (Prov. 13:10). Anyhow, we need to be sure that we are truly "clothed with humility" whenever we approach God and his word or else we are bound to not only misrepresent him with our lives, but with the "gospel" message that we bring to others as well.

I would also like to say something about this.

Culturally the Greeks saw clothing as a symbol of social status.

So did the Romans, and a failure to understand this has led to some major misunderstandings when it comes to Paul's epistles. For starters, Paul was a Roman citizen.

Act 22:25
And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
Act 22:26
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
Act 22:27
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
Act 22:28
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

As a Roman citizen, Paul was quite aware of Roman customs, and especially the custom of "adoption." In Roman culture, "adoption" was a coming-of-age ceremony, and a changing of garments was a major part of that ceremony. When a Roman son reached a certain age, an "adoption" ceremony took place in which he discarded his toga praextexta, which was the symbol of his adolescence, and he "put on" the toga virilis, which was the symbol that he had now attained to adult status. At the time of this "adoption" ceremony, certain rights or privileges were bestowed upon "the new man," and some of those rights were that he became the rightful heir of his Father's inheritance, and he also attained a political status as one who was now able to hold a seat in the Senate. Here is an excerpt on the toga virilus from an article entitled 'A Roman Boy's Rite of Passage."

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2564/a-roman-boys-rite-of-passage/

"At the ceremony, the boy put aside his childhood toga praetexta and prepared himself to receive the pure white toga virilis, the adult toga. Clothing in Roman culture could hold immense power; the toga symbolised many key aspects of what it meant to be a Roman male, and the toga virilis indicated not only that the wearer was a freeborn citizen but also his age and socio-economic status."

This coming-of-age ceremony is what Paul was talking about when he mentioned "adoption" in his epistles (Rom. 8:15, 23, 9:4, Gal. 4:1-7, Eph. 1:5), and it is imperative that we understand the same if we are ever to properly understand our own "adoptions" as Christians. In other words, in the same manner that a Roman youth became a son with certain privileges when he changed his outer garment, we too will gain certain privileges when we change our outer garments at Christ's second coming, or when we "put on immortality" (1 Cor. 15:53-54) at that time. Similar to a Roman youth who attained to his "adoption" status at that time, we will be "joint-heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17) at that time in that we will share his inheritance with him, and we will also attain to political power as we will reign and rule with him in his coming kingdom at that time. In fact, Paul said that all of creation is waiting for this manifestation of the sons of God, and this manifestation is totally related to our own "adoptions."

Rom 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rom 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom 8:20
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Again, all of creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, or it, as well as we, is/are waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies. It is not until the time comes that we receive glorified bodies at Christ's second coming that our "adoptions" will be complete. In other words, as with a Roman "adoption," the ceremony is marked by the changing of a garment, and, for the Christian, that changing will be the putting off of our mortal bodies as we will "put on immortality" in our glorified bodies instead. Presently, Christians have only "received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15), but our "adoptions" will be complete when we receive the redemption of our bodies at Christ's second coming.

Anyhow, this is how Paul used the word "adoption" in his epistles, and his audience of that day was well aware of the same.

 

[GWH]

PUT ON YOUR NEW IDENTITY

Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Verse 10 encourages us to rely on the Lord for His strength. We do this by verse 11, we see two key words “put on” the whole armor of God.

To put on is a verb, an action, a choice. The same Greek word is found in,

Romans 13:12 says to put on the Armor of light.

Romans 13:14 put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 15:53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.

Ephesians 4:24 put on the new self

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

The verb put on is about clothing or to be clothed. The issuid armor for the Roman soldier was the Lorica Segmentata. This was the typical armor worn by the Roman soldiers during the 1st and 2nd century AD. Paul most likely got his inspiration from the Roman guards.

In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically as the scriptures call us to spiritually put on virtues, Christ, immortality, new self, love, the armor of God, and light.

Ultimately, it carries the idea that to put on such armor, a uniform, is to adopt a new identity.

Culturally the Greeks saw clothing as a symbol of social status. The Jews had garments set apart for priestly and religious significance. Paul is using a real-world example to explain a spiritual transformation as now our identity is of Christ.

In verse 20 Paul says, “for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

He refers to himself as an ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 also says we are ambassadors for Christ.

What is an ambassador?

An ambassador is a citizen from another country who typically visits for political reasons. The ambassador had the authority to act on behalf of their ruler. They were highly respected because they would represent the interests and authority of their ruler or king. They also had the authority and trust to deliver messages and could even negotiate on behalf of their ruler.
Our new identity is like that of an ambassador. We represent Christ, our citizenship is of His Kingdom, and Jesus is our Lord and King, He has given us all authority to go and make disciples, to carry His message forth, and to act on behalf of His guidance.

This spiritual armor that we are to put on carries such significance just as a modern military uniform would carry. The uniform of our armed forces speaks of identity, unity, commitment, discipline, history, values, and ethos held to such supremacy that when the uniform is seen, it is this identity that instantly comes to mind.

As we live our lives, what identity do we want to portray?

As we put on the armor of God let us remember who we represent.

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Verse 18 reminds us to pray at all times in the Spirit, we are not without guidance. Paul warns us to stay alert with all perseverance and to earnestly seek divine intervention or assistance from God to act on behalf of the saints (fellow Christians).

In conclusion, to put on God’s armor takes deliberate action, we are to stay alert because the schemes of Satan are always acting against us. Another word from verse 11 is “whole”, the whole armor of God. We can not afford to neglect what God has given us to spiritually defend and attack the forces that want to destroy us.

I encourage us all to embrace this new identity and to live as ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ. Never forget who we represent and the identity we have due to Christ our Lord and King.

I also like the OP and would like to point out that Paul explains how the new clothing can be acquired in EPH 4:11-16 (cf. 2TM 3:14-17).

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

I have an issue with Christians saying to put on or look to their new identity. Do we put on an identity, or do we put on and look to Christ and in the process gain a new identity.

The reason it bothers me is because the world thinks identity is reality and speaks accordingly, But their identities don't reflect reality and are merely images in their minds that deceive them. For example, a man identifying as a woman doesn't make him a woman; it simply makes him a deluded man. Also, people identifying as Christian doesn't give them the identity of Christ. Putting on Christ gives them that identity. So if people identify with Christ without putting on Christ, then they are living in a deluded state of mind.

So in sum, identities are mental images and identity is reality. We don't gain anything by believing we have a new identity in Chirst without putting on the reality of Christ. That is simply deceiving ourselves

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what kind of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:21-25​

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Hey, Roughsoul.

There were a lot of good points in your opening post. I especially liked this one.
As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, or we are called to be representatives of the coming kingdom of God, and we had better be sure that we are properly equipped for the job. In other words, we had better be sure that we are properly representing that coming kingdom to the world, and the sad reality is that multitudes of professing Christians around the world are not doing the same. How can I make such a claim? I can make such a claim because there are factions/divisions/schisms galore among those who profess to be Christians, and there simply is no way that everybody can be right when people are preaching or teaching contrasting views on just about every topic imaginable while all claiming to be representatives of the same kingdom.

Last night, I contemplated starting a thread in which I was going to ask what people here thought were the reasons for such factions/divisions/schisms, and, sticking with your theme of "putting on" things, I believe that this is the primary reason for the same.

1Pe 5:5
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

How many of us are truly "clothed with humility?" Are we truly humbling ourselves before the Lord when it comes to the matters of properly understanding him and properly interpreting his word? We simply cannot all be doing the same because, again, there are so many factions/divisions/schisms, even right here on this forum, within professing Christendom.

Would God mislead one who humbly submits to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of truth? I simply cannot even imagine such a thing. God gives grace to the humble, and the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of grace" (Heb. 10:29) in scripture. At the same time, God resists the proud, and I am firmly convinced that pride is the real problem, and especially in that it is only by pride that contention comes (Prov. 13:10). Anyhow, we need to be sure that we are truly "clothed with humility" whenever we approach God and his word or else we are bound to not only misrepresent him with our lives, but with the "gospel" message that we bring to others as well.

I would also like to say something about this.

So did the Romans, and a failure to understand this has led to some major misunderstandings when it comes to Paul's epistles. For starters, Paul was a Roman citizen.

Act 22:25
And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
Act 22:26
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
Act 22:27
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
Act 22:28
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

As a Roman citizen, Paul was quite aware of Roman customs, and especially the custom of "adoption." In Roman culture, "adoption" was a coming-of-age ceremony, and a changing of garments was a major part of that ceremony. When a Roman son reached a certain age, an "adoption" ceremony took place in which he discarded his toga praextexta, which was the symbol of his adolescence, and he "put on" the toga virilis, which was the symbol that he had now attained to adult status. At the time of this "adoption" ceremony, certain rights or privileges were bestowed upon "the new man," and some of those rights were that he became the rightful heir of his Father's inheritance, and he also attained a political status as one who was now able to hold a seat in the Senate. Here is an excerpt on the toga virilus from an article entitled 'A Roman Boy's Rite of Passage."

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2564/a-roman-boys-rite-of-passage/

"At the ceremony, the boy put aside his childhood toga praetexta and prepared himself to receive the pure white toga virilis, the adult toga. Clothing in Roman culture could hold immense power; the toga symbolised many key aspects of what it meant to be a Roman male, and the toga virilis indicated not only that the wearer was a freeborn citizen but also his age and socio-economic status."

This coming-of-age ceremony is what Paul was talking about when he mentioned "adoption" in his epistles (Rom. 8:15, 23, 9:4, Gal. 4:1-7, Eph. 1:5), and it is imperative that we understand the same if we are ever to properly understand our own "adoptions" as Christians. In other words, in the same manner that a Roman youth became a son with certain privileges when he changed his outer garment, we too will gain certain privileges when we change our outer garments at Christ's second coming, or when we "put on immortality" (1 Cor. 15:53-54) at that time. Similar to a Roman youth who attained to his "adoption" status at that time, we will be "joint-heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17) at that time in that we will share his inheritance with him, and we will also attain to political power as we will reign and rule with him in his coming kingdom at that time. In fact, Paul said that all of creation is waiting for this manifestation of the sons of God, and this manifestation is totally related to our own "adoptions."

Rom 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rom 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom 8:20
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Again, all of creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, or it, as well as we, is/are waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies. It is not until the time comes that we receive glorified bodies at Christ's second coming that our "adoptions" will be complete. In other words, as with a Roman "adoption," the ceremony is marked by the changing of a garment, and, for the Christian, that changing will be the putting off of our mortal bodies as we will "put on immortality" in our glorified bodies instead. Presently, Christians have only "received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15), but our "adoptions" will be complete when we receive the redemption of our bodies at Christ's second coming.

Anyhow, this is how Paul used the word "adoption" in his epistles, and his audience of that day was well aware of the same.

Great points to add to this. Learned something new about roman culture.

 

[keepingthingsreal]

Learned something new about roman culture.

This should help to give you even more insight into what Roman "adoption" was truly all about in Paul's day.

https://studybible.info/vines/Adoption

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I have an issue with Christians saying to put on or look to their new identity. Do we put on an identity, or do we put on and look to Christ and in the process gain a new identity.

The reason it bothers me is because the world thinks identity is reality and speaks accordingly, But their identities don't reflect reality and are merely images in their minds that deceive them. For example, a man identifying as a woman doesn't make him a woman; it simply makes him a deluded man. Also, people identifying as Christian doesn't give them the identity of Christ. Putting on Christ gives them that identity. So if people identify with Christ without putting on Christ, then they are living in a deluded state of mind.

So in sum, identities are mental images and identity is reality. We don't gain anything by believing we have a new identity in Chirst without putting on the reality of Christ. That is simply deceiving ourselves

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what kind of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:21-25​

I see what your saying except scripture calls us to put on a new self or to put on Christ. That isn't my words but scripture and to define the word is to look at the author's intent which was to try and understand what Paul would have meant. The cultural and Greek definition of the word.

To put on is obviously spiritual in the real sense and metaphorical to speak of putting on armor.

To be reborn is a new identity. We are no longer the old self but a new self.

Ephesians 4:22 (ESV)
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

But to put off the old self is to battle the flesh. To battle evil for example, with the armor involving righteousness is to do what is right. To to put off the old self and to do what is right is to adhere to the Words of God.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

I see what your saying except scripture calls us to put on a new self or to put on Christ. That isn't my words but scripture and to define the word is to look at the author's intent which was to try and understand what Paul would have meant. The cultural and Greek definition of the word.
To put on is obviously spiritual in the real sense and metaphorical to speak of putting on armor.
To be reborn is a new identity. We are no longer the old self but a new self.
Ephesians 4:22 (ESV)
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
But to put off the old self is to battle the flesh. To battle evil for example, with the armor involving righteousness is to do what is right. To to put off the old self and to do what is right is to adhere to the Words of God.

Scripture nowhere says to put off the old self; it says to put off the old man, ie Adamic nature. It's impossible to put off self because self is who we are, whether walking in the flesh (old man) or walking in the spirit (new man).

I'm not just being pedantic about words. There are very serious heresies that are rooted in the idea that self is evil, and it must be put off and discarded. It is not evil because it is made in the image of God

 

[keepingthingsreal]

Learned something new about roman culture.

I am a bit of a word-nerd, so here is something interesting about how Roman culture has affected our own culture or political system.

In ancient Rome, when someone was running for political office, they would wear a toga which had been whitened by chalk to the point of almost glistening, and this toga was known as the "toga candida."

https://www.britannica.com/topic/toga-candida

The word used to describe someone who wore this "toga candida" was "candidatus," and it is from this word that we get our English word "candidate."

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candidate

candidate
noun
1 a: one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award
a candidate for governor
a candidate for "Manager of the Year"
the best candidate for the job

b: one likely or suited to undergo or be chosen for something specified
a candidate for surgery

2: a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree
a PhD candidate

Did you know?

Roman Fashion Is Responsible for Candidate

When a man running for public office in ancient Rome greeted voters in the Forum, the center of judicial and public business, he wore a toga that had been whitened with chalk. As a result, the Latin word for someone seeking office came to be candidatus, meaning literally "clothed in white." Candidatus, in turn, comes from the adjective candidus, meaning "white." Candidatus was adopted into English as candidate, and since the 17th century that word has had an uncontested seat in the language.

Anyhow, just a bit of a history lesson related to clothing. If nothing else, seeing how it is so boring in nature, it will help you sleep tonight.

 

[Burn1986]

PUT ON YOUR NEW IDENTITY

Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Verse 10 encourages us to rely on the Lord for His strength. We do this by verse 11, we see two key words “put on” the whole armor of God.

To put on is a verb, an action, a choice. The same Greek word is found in,

Romans 13:12 says to put on the Armor of light.

Romans 13:14 put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 15:53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.

Ephesians 4:24 put on the new self

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

The verb put on is about clothing or to be clothed. The issuid armor for the Roman soldier was the Lorica Segmentata. This was the typical armor worn by the Roman soldiers during the 1st and 2nd century AD. Paul most likely got his inspiration from the Roman guards.

In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically as the scriptures call us to spiritually put on virtues, Christ, immortality, new self, love, the armor of God, and light.

Ultimately, it carries the idea that to put on such armor, a uniform, is to adopt a new identity.

Culturally the Greeks saw clothing as a symbol of social status. The Jews had garments set apart for priestly and religious significance. Paul is using a real-world example to explain a spiritual transformation as now our identity is of Christ.

In verse 20 Paul says, “for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

He refers to himself as an ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 also says we are ambassadors for Christ.

What is an ambassador?

An ambassador is a citizen from another country who typically visits for political reasons. The ambassador had the authority to act on behalf of their ruler. They were highly respected because they would represent the interests and authority of their ruler or king. They also had the authority and trust to deliver messages and could even negotiate on behalf of their ruler.
Our new identity is like that of an ambassador. We represent Christ, our citizenship is of His Kingdom, and Jesus is our Lord and King, He has given us all authority to go and make disciples, to carry His message forth, and to act on behalf of His guidance.

This spiritual armor that we are to put on carries such significance just as a modern military uniform would carry. The uniform of our armed forces speaks of identity, unity, commitment, discipline, history, values, and ethos held to such supremacy that when the uniform is seen, it is this identity that instantly comes to mind.

As we live our lives, what identity do we want to portray?

As we put on the armor of God let us remember who we represent.

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Verse 18 reminds us to pray at all times in the Spirit, we are not without guidance. Paul warns us to stay alert with all perseverance and to earnestly seek divine intervention or assistance from God to act on behalf of the saints (fellow Christians).

In conclusion, to put on God’s armor takes deliberate action, we are to stay alert because the schemes of Satan are always acting against us. Another word from verse 11 is “whole”, the whole armor of God. We can not afford to neglect what God has given us to spiritually defend and attack the forces that want to destroy us.

I encourage us all to embrace this new identity and to live as ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ. Never forget who we represent and the identity we have due to Christ our Lord and King.

This works if you have no unconfessed sin in your life and you’re not asking God for anything.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Scripture nowhere says to put off the old self; it says to put off the old man, ie Adamic nature. It's impossible to put off self because self is who we are, whether walking in the flesh (old man) or walking in the spirit (new man).

I'm not just being pedantic about words. There are very serious heresies that are rooted in the idea that self is evil, and it must be put off and discarded. It is not evil because it is made in the image of God

Ephesians 4:22 (ESV)
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires


Ephesians 4:22-24
New King James Version
22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

The Greek word "anthrópos" is used in the New Testament to refer to a human being, encompassing both men and women.

In this context, the ESV is a better translation.

It is not impossible to put off self for those walking in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:17 ESV
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

heresies that are rooted in the idea that self is evil, and it must be put off and discarded. It is not evil because it is made in the image of God

This is confusing the context of self. To put off the old self is in relation to the desires of the flesh, not your God-created image. The evil desires of the flesh are not created by God but a byproduct of free will.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I am a bit of a word-nerd, so here is something interesting about how Roman culture has affected our own culture or political system.

In ancient Rome, when someone was running for political office, they would wear a toga which had been whitened by chalk to the point of almost glistening, and this toga was known as the "toga candida."

https://www.britannica.com/topic/toga-candida

The word used to describe someone who wore this "toga candida" was "candidatus," and it is from this word that we get our English word "candidate."

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candidate

candidate
noun
1 a: one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award
a candidate for governor
a candidate for "Manager of the Year"
the best candidate for the job

b: one likely or suited to undergo or be chosen for something specified
a candidate for surgery

2: a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree
a PhD candidate

Did you know?

Roman Fashion Is Responsible for Candidate

When a man running for public office in ancient Rome greeted voters in the Forum, the center of judicial and public business, he wore a toga that had been whitened with chalk. As a result, the Latin word for someone seeking office came to be candidatus, meaning literally "clothed in white." Candidatus, in turn, comes from the adjective candidus, meaning "white." Candidatus was adopted into English as candidate, and since the 17th century that word has had an uncontested seat in the language.

Anyhow, just a bit of a history lesson related to clothing. If nothing else, seeing how it is so boring in nature, it will help you sleep tonight.

Lol it isn't boring, I'm history nerd especially in relation to how Biblical history is connected.

 

[keepingthingsreal]

Lol it isn't boring, I'm history nerd especially in relation to how Biblical history is connected.

Come on. Admit it. Your head fell forward and hit your desk before you were able to type out your reply.

Seriously, I love knowing the origins of things, and especially words.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

The Greek word "anthrópos" is used in the New Testament to refer to a human being, encompassing both men and women.
In this context, the ESV is a better translation.
It is not impossible to put off self for those walking in the Spirit.

Anthropos means man, autos means self. If Paul had meant self he would have written autos. ESV is a bad translation in this case, It's probably modern translations like this that have led to to thls misconception. Trying to put off self creates mental disorders and is self-hating. We are commanded to love our neighbor as we love ourself. Therefore, we are commanded to love ourself

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14​

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Anthropos means man, autos means self. If Paul had meant self he would have written autos. ESV is a bad translation in this case, It's probably modern translations like this that have led to to thls misconception. Trying to put off self creates mental disorders and is self-hating. We are commanded to love our neighbor as we love ourself. Therefore, we are commanded to love ourself

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14​

As with most translated words the context and author intent gives meaning to the word.

K. Wuest, "There are two words in Greek which mean 'man,' anēr, which refers to a male individual of the human reace, and anthrōpos, which is the racial, generic term, and which has the general idea of 'mankind' " (3, Great Truths to Live By, 46).]

This section of scripture is speaking about Christian living not just individual men.

You should love your identity in Christ but we are told to also hate sin.