Why the Old Self Matters for Christian Growth

What is old self?

In Christian theology, the 'old self' represents the identity individuals held before spiritual rebirth, characterized by sin’s influence and separation from God.

Scripture describes the old self as a nature 'corrupted in the deceitful desires' (Ephesians 4:22) and 'lying in deceit' (Colossians 3:9), necessitating its rejection through faith in Christ. Colossians 3:10 further contrasts this with the 'new self,' which is 'renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.' These passages frame the old self as the pre-conversion identity opposed to God’s righteous standards.

This concept emphasizes a fundamental transformation: the old self, rooted in sin, is replaced by the 'new self' united to Christ. Understanding this distinction sets the foundation for exploring how believers practically embody this renewal in daily life.

Theological Foundations in Colossians 3:9-10

Colossians 3:9-10 provides a pivotal framework for understanding the necessity of discarding the old self and embracing the new identity in Christ.

The passage explicitly states, 'Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator' (Colossians 3:9-10). Here, the old self is described as a deceitful nature that must be 'stripped away' to live in alignment with truth and holiness. This act of 'putting off' signifies a decisive break from behaviors and thought patterns opposed to God's design.

The formation of the new self is a divine transformation rooted in Christ's resurrection, not just a human effort. As believers 'put on' the new self, they are renewed 'after the image of its Creator' - a process powered by the indwelling Spirit and the truth of God's Word. This renewal is both immediate and progressive, reflecting the believer's union with Christ, whose resurrection power dismantles the old self's dominion. The passage thus frames sanctification as an identity shift, where the old self's corruption is replaced by a life patterned after Christ's own resurrection victory over sin and death.

The Process of Putting Off the Old Self

Putting off the old self is both a deliberate spiritual act and a transformative process empowered by God’s grace, rooted in the believer’s union with Christ.

Romans 6:6 declares that believers are to consider the ‘body of sin’ destroyed so that they may no longer be enslaved to sin, while Galatians 5:24 emphasizes crucifying the ‘flesh with its passions and desires’ - practices that require conscious rejection of sinful patterns. This process is not achieved through human effort alone but depends on the Holy Spirit’s power to renew the mind and align the heart with God’s Word.

Obstacles in this process include the lingering influence of habitual sin, the deceptive nature of the old self (Ephesians 4:22), and the challenge of resisting temptation without relying on the Spirit’s strength. Progress requires ongoing dependence on Christ’s resurrection life, as the old self’s remnants are gradually dismantled through repentance, prayer, and community accountability. This dynamic interplay of divine enablement and human responsibility underscores the biblical call to pursue holiness as a lifelong journey.

The New Self in Christ

In contrast to the 'old self' described in Colossians 3:9-10, the 'new self' represents a believer’s transformed identity in Christ, renewed by God’s Spirit and aligned with His truth.

The new self is explicitly defined in Colossians 3:10 as 'renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator,' emphasizing a radical reorientation toward God’s design. This renewal reshapes a believer’s core identity, replacing the corruption of the old self with the moral and relational integrity of Christ. The new self is not just a moral upgrade; it participates in the divine nature, progressively reflecting God’s character through the Holy Spirit’s work.

This transformation directly impacts daily life, requiring believers to 'put on' the new self’s virtues - truth, compassion, and purity - while rejecting the old self’s deceitful patterns. The practical outworking of this renewal involves both personal repentance and communal accountability, as Colossians 3:10 underscores the collective call to live as a 'new creation' in Christ.

Why old self Matters Today

The biblical call to 'put off the old self' remains urgent for modern believers, as it addresses the ongoing tension between sin's lingering influence and the transformative power of Christ's renewal in daily life.

Ephesians 4:22-24 explicitly commands believers to 'put off your old self... which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator,' a directive that challenges Christians to actively reject deceitful desires and embrace truth. This process of spiritual renewal is not passive but requires conscious effort to align one's identity with Christ's resurrection life. By prioritizing this transformation, believers combat the world's corrupting values and cultivate a character shaped by God's Word.

Rejecting the old self redefines Christian identity by anchoring believers in their union with Christ, where their moral authority and purpose stem from His redemptive work rather than human effort. This identity shift equips modern followers to live counter-culturally, as the old self's corruption is replaced by a life oriented toward justice, compassion, and communal flourishing in Christ's name.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of the old self, explore how sanctification and the Holy Spirit's transformative power unfold in Pauline theology.

Consider studying Colossians 3:9-10 and Ephesians 4:22 in the context of sanctification, and reflect on how Romans 6:6 and Galatians 5:24 highlight the Holy Spirit's role in crucifying the flesh. Engaging with Paul's letters as a whole will also illuminate the broader theological framework of identity in Christ.