Read: Ephesians 4:22-24
Put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24, R.S.V.).
The New Nature
In our scripture for today God’s Word speaks of “putting on the new man.” Literally it means to put on a new nature. When the Holy Spirit comes in His fullness this new nature is reflected in the fruits of the Spirit. Paul lists them as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” When we are sanctified wholly we experience all of these Christlike attitudes in some measure, but usually one of them will be more prominent than others.
It is this fact which J. A. Wood points out when he writes: “One person realizes principally a marked increase of faith, and he calls it ‘the rest of faith.’… Another is permeated with a sense of the divine presence… and calls it ‘the fullness of God.’ Another feels his heart subdued, melted, refined, and filled with God, and calls it ‘holiness.’ [One man] realizes principally a river of sweet, holy love flowing through the soul, and he calls it ‘perfect love.’ Another is prostrated under the power of the refining and sin-killing Spirit, and calls it ‘the baptism of the Holy Ghost.’ And another realizes,… complete submission to God; he calls it ‘entire sanctification.’ Still another may feel… complete conformity to all the will of God, and calls it ‘Christian perfection.'”
Call it what we please, this gift of God is a transformation of my spiritual nature. I am given a spirit “created after the likeness of God.” It makes me a new man, truly righteous and holy.
Love brings the glorious fullness in, And to His saints makes known The blessed rest from inbred sin, Through faith in Christ alone.
— The Salvation Army Tune Book