What does "created to be like God" mean for Christian character? Setting the Scene “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24) Paul has just told believers to “put off” the old self (v. 22)—the person we were before Christ—and “put on” the new self. He’s using clothing language: take off what no longer fits, and dress in what God designed for you. Created to Be Like God—Restoring the Image • Genesis 1:26-27 reminds us we were originally made in God’s image. • Sin distorted that image, but in Christ we are “new creation” people (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Colossians 3:10 echoes Paul’s point: the new self “is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” So “created to be like God” is literally a restoration project—God bringing us back to what He intended humanity to be. True Righteousness: Living in Line with God’s Standards Righteousness means straight-edge living that measures up to God’s moral ruler. • Honesty—“put off falsehood” (Ephesians 4:25). • Integrity in work and speech—“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (4:29). • Justice and fairness—Micah 6:8 calls us to “do justice, love mercy, walk humbly.” • Generosity—Ephesians 4:28 urges former thieves to work so they can “share with the one in need.” Holiness: Set Apart for God Alone • 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, because I am holy.” • Holiness isn’t withdrawal from the world; it’s refusal to be shaped by its sin patterns. • Practical expressions: purity in thought and body (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4), distinct speech seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), Sabbath rhythms that keep God central. Powered by the Spirit, Not Self-Effort • Galatians 5:22-23 lists the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are God-qualities reproduced in us. • 2 Corinthians 3:18 promises ongoing transformation “from glory to glory” by the Spirit. Character Traits That Mirror the Father • Love—“God is love” (1 John 4:8); we walk in love (Ephesians 5:2). • Mercy—“Be kind and tenderhearted… forgiving each other” (Ephesians 4:32). • Humility—Jesus “made Himself nothing” (Philippians 2:7); we esteem others above ourselves. • Faithfulness—God keeps covenant; we keep our word, our vows, our commitments. • Patience—The Lord is “slow to anger” (Psalm 145:8); we endure wrongs without retaliation. Ongoing Transformation: From Position to Practice • Positionally, we already “have put on” the new self the moment we trusted Christ. • Practically, we keep choosing the wardrobe of righteousness and holiness daily—saying “yes” to the Spirit, “no” to the flesh (Romans 8:12-13). • Romans 8:29 shows God’s goal: conformity to the image of His Son. Every circumstance becomes a shaping tool. Living the New Self in Community • Christian character shows up most clearly in relationships—family, church, workplace. • Ephesians 4–5 details how the new self treats others: truth, grace, mutual submission, sacrificial love. • When the church displays God-like character, the world sees a living picture of the gospel. Summing It Up “Created to be like God” means believers are re-clothed in the moral likeness of their Creator—righteous in actions, holy in affections, Spirit-powered in daily life. As we wear the new self, God’s own character becomes visible through us, restoring His image before a watching world. |
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