What the well dressed Christian is wearing

The Apostle Paul instructs Christians to “put on” Christ (Romans 13:14) as they endeavor to follow Yeshua (Jesus). Paul taught that when we were baptized we have already “put on” (been clothed in) Yeshua (Galatians 3:26-27). The Greek word used is “enduo.” Enduo is translated as “put on” or “clothed in.” It indicates a sinking into a garment, not merely adding on an article of clothing. Think of putting on a hooded snowsuit versus putting on a jacket. The snowsuit envelops your entire body, whereas the jacket only covers you partially. Our faith must direct every portion of our lives and not just be one aspect of our lives.

When we put on Christ, we are putting on our “new self” (Colossians 3:1-11). That new self has a heart of “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” that allows us to put on love (Colossians 3:12-17). Putting on love is important because Godly love is the fulfillment of the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) as well as the entire law of God (Romans 13:10). We are also commanded to “put on” love because love is “the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:14).

Our new self was created by God “in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:24). The new life we put on was put on when we were baptized (Galatians 3:26-27). As a result, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,” (Galatians 2:20). Therefore, as Christians Yeshua dwells within us and we are clothed in him. This truth fulfills what Yeshua promised His disciples at the Last Supper when He said He would be in them and they would be in Him (John 14:20)

Finally, this “new self” is immortal and imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). It is our true self. It is the self we will have throughout eternity. The good news is that we begin to enjoy some of the benefits of our eternal dwelling with God now (2 Corinthians 5:1-5).

Putting on Christ results in us putting on righteousness. When we are saved, Yeshua’s righteousness is credited to us (1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 3:9). So when God looks on us He does not see our sinfulness but His Son’s righteousness (Romans 5:19).

Righteousness is part of the “armor of God” that we commanded to put on. “Put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:10-17). God describes Himself as wearing righteousness like a breastplate (Isaiah 59:14-17). The breastplate protects from the shoulders down to the hips. It protects our hearts (the source of our moral preferences) and upper abdomen (which was considered in Bible times to be the source of our emotions). Paul also describes this as a breastplate of faith and love (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Righteousness, faith and love each guard and direct our moral and emotional decisions.

Let us put on Christ, our new selves and the armor of God to glorify Him.