Putting off the Old Man is an issue many Christian's don't understand. Reason? The Old Man still exists after one is saved and born of the Spirit. The Old Man tries to rule the new-born Christian with the power of selfishness...but Glory to God...God gives this believing heart a way out.
Sins are forgiven in the new birth. Self (the root of the old man) is not dealt with until after the new birth. The Holy Spirit takes the believing heart to Calvary so that "self can be put to death". Putting self to death is God's way of getting possession of the "whole you". Putting self to death is putting off the Old Man.
The best illustration I can give to shine light on "Putting off the Old Man" is like taking off a coat or jacket. Putting off the Old man must be taken off, hung up, but never put on again. By experiencing such blessing the Spirit of God can rid the believer of all the dross of the Old Man, purge the believer's entire being, and give him a "new man to put on" which is created in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-25
Putting off rids the saved man of the still existing Adamic life that taunts the believing heart. Putting on shows the life of contentment found in the sanctified life where the Old Adam got hung up and even buried...never to be shown anymore. Buried with Christ in Baptism is the result of putting off.
Putting off the Old Man and putting on the new man reflects the Sanctifying power that takes place in life of believer. Putting off the Old Man completely allows God to have full possession of your entire being...that your entire body, soul, and spirit be preserved blameless until the day of Christ's coming. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-25
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