Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "New Man" in Christian theology is a profound and transformative theme that emerges primarily in the New Testament. It signifies the radical change that occurs in a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This transformation is not merely an external change but a deep, internal renewal that affects the believer's entire being.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul is the primary biblical author who expounds on the idea of the New Man. In his epistles, Paul contrasts the old self, characterized by sin and separation from God, with the new self, which is created in the likeness of God. This transformation is described in several key passages: 1. Ephesians 4:22-24 : "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." 2. Colossians 3:9-10 : "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." These passages highlight the process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self, emphasizing a continuous renewal in the believer's life. Theological Significance The New Man represents the believer's new identity in Christ. This identity is not based on human effort or merit but is a result of God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. The New Man is characterized by a life that reflects the attributes of God, such as righteousness, holiness, and truth. The transformation into the New Man is both instantaneous and progressive. At the moment of salvation, a believer is made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!"). However, the believer is also called to grow in this new identity, continually being renewed in knowledge and conformed to the image of Christ. Practical Implications Living as the New Man involves a daily commitment to reject the sinful patterns of the old self and to embrace the virtues and behaviors that reflect Christ's character. This includes: · Renewal of the Mind: Believers are encouraged to renew their minds through the study of Scripture and prayer, allowing God's truth to transform their thoughts and attitudes (Romans 12:2). · Moral and Ethical Living: The New Man is called to live a life of integrity, love, and service, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). · Community and Relationships: The New Man is part of the body of Christ, the Church, and is called to live in unity and love with other believers, reflecting the communal nature of the Christian faith (Ephesians 4:3). Conclusion The New Man is a central theme in Christian theology, representing the profound change that occurs in a believer's life through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a call to live out the new identity given by God, marked by righteousness, holiness, and a continual renewal in the image of the Creator. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia New ManNEW MAN See MAN. Library The New Man The Old Man and the New. The Old Man and the New Man of St. Paul Explained. Now, Whether this Awakened, New Man Breathes Forth his Faith and ... Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man. What is the Quickening of the New Man? Man and the New Covenant. God, Man and the New Covenant Whether the New Law Directed Man Sufficiently as Regards Interior ... That this New Birth of the Spirit, or the Divine Life in Man... Resources What are the New Heavens and the New Earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Reformation? | GotQuestions.org What is the New Covenant? | GotQuestions.org New: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Neophytes: General Scriptures Concerning New Moon: Traffic at Time of, Suspended Select Readings: The New Heaven and the New Earth The New Birth is for the Glory of God The New Birth is of the Mercy of God The New Birth is of the Will of God The New Birth: A Spiritual Resurrection The New Birth: All Saints Partake of The New Birth: Circumcision of the Heart The New Birth: Connected With Adoption The New Birth: Effected by Christ The New Birth: Effected by God The New Birth: Effected by The Holy Spirit The New Birth: Evidenced by Brotherly Love The New Birth: Evidenced by Faith in Christ The New Birth: Evidenced by Righteousness The New Birth: Manner of Effecting--Illustrated The New Birth: Newness of Life The New Birth: None Can Enter Heaven Without The New Birth: Partaking of the Divine Nature The New Birth: Preserves from Satan's Devices The New Birth: Produces Delight in God's Law The New Birth: Produces Hatred of Sin The New Birth: Produces Knowledge of God The New Birth: Produces Likeness to Christ The New Birth: Produces Likeness to God The New Birth: Produces Victory Over the World The New Birth: Putting on the New Man The New Birth: The Corruption of Human Nature Requires The New Birth: The Ignorant Cavil At The New Birth: The Washing of Regeneration The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Ministry of the Gospel The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Resurrection of Christ The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Word of God Related Terms |
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