Ephesians

Ephesians 4:17-24

¹⁷ With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.¹⁸ Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. ¹⁹ They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

²⁰ But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. ²¹ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

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Paul tells us to “throw off the old nature” which is of the world.  There is action on my part.  I am to throw it off like a dirty, wet jacket.  It is covered with lust and lies.  It is characterized by hardness of the heart and a closed mind.  The old nature has no shame and is hopelessly confused.

What a contrast Paul makes between my old nature and my new nature.  It also has action with it.  I am to put my new nature on–there is a process of putting it on.  It involves the renewing of my thoughts and attitudes.  Is it like the Holy Spirit is holding my new nature for me, like someone holds your coat or jacket–to help me put it on.
My new nature is truly righteous and holy.  It’s not that I am just covered by Christ’s righteousness–I am to work towards a life characterized by righteousness–more of my new nature and less of the old nature!