Devotions

What is conversion? It is a change of nature! There is a putting off of the old man which is sinful and corrupt, and a putting on of the new man which is righteous and holy. It is a new creation. It is likened unto the stripping off of old filthy garments of sin and clothing oneself in new raiment of pure whiteness.
The person who is renewed puts off the “old man”. The “new man” is opposed to sin and strives against it. The Christian mortifies the affections and lusts of the flesh because he has found them deceitful. He, in deliberate and hearty purpose, renounces all sin. He abstains from the appearance of evil.
He puts on the “new man”. As the former signifies that which is corrupt and sinful, so the latter points to a holy and virtuous disposition and character. The new man is renewed in righteousness and true holiness. He not only ceases to do evil, but learns to do well.
This is true conversion! Jesus Christ died to make us holy; He suffered to put away our sin. There is a decisive change in the one who is found in Jesus Christ. The old man is crucified with Christ; he must die. There is a new life to live; one which reflects the beauty and loveliness of Christ.
This will be seen in the life lived. It is a sanctified, holy life due to the union that we enjoy with Christ. This is reflected in our character, conversation and conduct. Our words, works and ways will be different, for “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Let us, therefore, “put off… the old man [and] put on the new man”. May our family and friends note the difference; may they detect that beauty of Christ in us this very day.