The Old Self

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”—Romans 6:6 ESV

What happens when we are born again? We don’t just become better people. Paul explained the change this way: Our “old self was crucified.” It was put to death. Through Jesus, we have become new creatures.

This truth can be hard to understand. We still think in old ways sometimes. These are reasons Paul stressed the analogy of death for the transformation to be complete: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death.” This is necessary that we “might walk in newness of life” (v. 4). In fact, we are new creatures in Christ.

The Bible encourages us to approach life in new ways, to realize why God gave us the Holy Spirit, to help us think in new ways, and to have power we don’t have in ourselves.

The “old self” thinks about the things of this world—our reputations and pleasures, our feelings and interests. But everything changes when we realize that we “died to this life, and [our] real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3 NLT).

Therefore we are to give our hearts “to the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2 NLT). We are to set our minds on the things above.

Today, ask God to give you a deeper revelation of this new life. Truly walk in the Spirit, and don’t be controlled by your old self.

Reflection Question:What does walking in the newness of life mean for you practically today?