Meaning of "created like God" in character?
What does "created to be like God" mean for Christian character?

Setting the Scene

“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)

Paul has just told believers to “put off” the old self (v. 22)—the person we were before Christ—and “put on” the new self. He’s using clothing language: take off what no longer fits, and dress in what God designed for you.


Created to Be Like God—Restoring the Image

Genesis 1:26-27 reminds us we were originally made in God’s image.

• Sin distorted that image, but in Christ we are “new creation” people (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Colossians 3:10 echoes Paul’s point: the new self “is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

So “created to be like God” is literally a restoration project—God bringing us back to what He intended humanity to be.


True Righteousness: Living in Line with God’s Standards

Righteousness means straight-edge living that measures up to God’s moral ruler.

• Honesty—“put off falsehood” (Ephesians 4:25).

• Integrity in work and speech—“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (4:29).

• Justice and fairness—Micah 6:8 calls us to “do justice, love mercy, walk humbly.”

• Generosity—Ephesians 4:28 urges former thieves to work so they can “share with the one in need.”


Holiness: Set Apart for God Alone

1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

• Holiness isn’t withdrawal from the world; it’s refusal to be shaped by its sin patterns.

• Practical expressions: purity in thought and body (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4), distinct speech seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), Sabbath rhythms that keep God central.


Powered by the Spirit, Not Self-Effort

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are God-qualities reproduced in us.

2 Corinthians 3:18 promises ongoing transformation “from glory to glory” by the Spirit.


Character Traits That Mirror the Father

• Love—“God is love” (1 John 4:8); we walk in love (Ephesians 5:2).

• Mercy—“Be kind and tenderhearted… forgiving each other” (Ephesians 4:32).

• Humility—Jesus “made Himself nothing” (Philippians 2:7); we esteem others above ourselves.

• Faithfulness—God keeps covenant; we keep our word, our vows, our commitments.

• Patience—The Lord is “slow to anger” (Psalm 145:8); we endure wrongs without retaliation.


Ongoing Transformation: From Position to Practice

• Positionally, we already “have put on” the new self the moment we trusted Christ.

• Practically, we keep choosing the wardrobe of righteousness and holiness daily—saying “yes” to the Spirit, “no” to the flesh (Romans 8:12-13).

Romans 8:29 shows God’s goal: conformity to the image of His Son. Every circumstance becomes a shaping tool.


Living the New Self in Community

• Christian character shows up most clearly in relationships—family, church, workplace.

Ephesians 4–5 details how the new self treats others: truth, grace, mutual submission, sacrificial love.

• When the church displays God-like character, the world sees a living picture of the gospel.


Summing It Up

“Created to be like God” means believers are re-clothed in the moral likeness of their Creator—righteous in actions, holy in affections, Spirit-powered in daily life. As we wear the new self, God’s own character becomes visible through us, restoring His image before a watching world.

How can we 'put on the new self' in our daily lives?
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