What does "put off the old man" mean?

Definition and Overview

“Put off the old man” is a phrase found in several New Testament passages that describes the believer’s deliberate action of removing or discarding a previous, sinful lifestyle and mindset, allowing for a renewed, Christ-centered life. The term “old man” (Greek: palaios anthrōpos) represents the former self—bound to sin, hostile to God, and driven by self-centered desires. This expression is often paired with the corresponding call to “put on the new man,” symbolizing the transformation made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the indwelling influence of the Holy Spirit.

Scriptural Context and Key Passages

1. Ephesians 4:22–24: “You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

• Here, “put off” demands a decisive break with the past. The old identity, ruled by sin, must be shed like a worn-out garment.

• Being renewed in the spirit of our minds points to a continual transformation, relying on divine empowerment rather than mere human effort.

2. Colossians 3:9–10: “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

• The believer’s identity is here described as fundamentally changed. A new nature, defined by the image of God, replaces self-driven impulses.

• This passage echoes the language of new creation, reinforcing that, in Christ, a person’s entire orientation and purpose are reoriented toward godliness.

3. Romans 6:6: “We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”

• The “old man” is intricately linked to the crucifixion of Jesus, underlining that the believer’s freedom from sin and spiritual rebirth hinge on Christ’s completed work.

• The verse emphasizes the practical outworking of this reality: believers should no longer live as slaves to sinful urges.

Theological Significance of “the Old Man”

The concept of the “old man” encompasses every aspect of life before coming to a saving knowledge of Christ. This includes corrupt inclinations, disordered affections, and a worldview that lacks the renewing influence of the Holy Spirit. In biblical teaching, humanity’s fallen state is inherited through Adam (Romans 5:12–14), and each individual actively participates in sin, compounding this fallen condition.

When Scripture instructs believers to “put off” this old nature, it underscores that the victory over sin was achieved in Jesus’s death and resurrection. Faith unites the believer with Christ, whereby the old nature is considered crucified, and the new nature is resurrected to walk “in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). This highlights two key truths:

1. Spiritual Union with Christ: The believer participates in Christ’s death and resurrection. The old nature is counted as dead, and new life in Christ is formed.

2. Personal Responsibility: Though God is the source of transformation, the believer cooperates through yieldedness, conscious effort, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Practical Outworking and Steps to “Put Off the Old Man”

1. Continual Mind Renewal:

• Practically, “putting off the old man” begins with engaging Scripture prayerfully, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform thinking and desires. Romans 12:2 states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

• This involves intentionally replacing sinful thoughts with biblically grounded truths.

2. Active Submission to the Holy Spirit:

• The change of nature is not accomplished by personal strength alone; believers are taught to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

• By yielding daily to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, comfort, and guidance, believers can resist returning to the old way of life.

3. Pursuit of Holiness through Daily Choices:

• Ephesians 4:25–32 lists practical examples of how to “put off” falsehood, anger, and bitterness, replacing them with truth, kindness, and forgiveness.

• These moral and ethical transformations do not occur instantly, but the Christian is expected to be vigilant against sinful patterns, trusting God every step.

4. Participation in the Body of Christ:

• Fellowship with other believers is a foundational means by which believers encourage one another to continue “putting off” sin and “putting on” righteousness. Hebrews 10:24–25 underscores this by saying, “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds…encouraging one another.”

• Local church communities, small groups, and accountability relationships help foster an environment where growth flourishes and the old, destructive ways are dismantled.

Contrast with “Put On the New Man”

“Putting on the new man” entails adopting Christlike virtues and attitudes, made possible by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This new identity is consistently developed through prayer, study of God’s Word, and choices that honor God. In Ephesians 4:24, believers are encouraged “to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

While “put off” highlights the removal of harmful patterns, “put on” underscores the proactive decision to fill one’s life with things consistent with God’s character. Both elements work together. Scripture calls for a sweeping overhaul of the heart and life, rather than a mere behavioral patchwork.

Conclusion

“Put off the old man” is a vivid biblical expression describing the believer’s active role in removing sin’s stranglehold and embracing the freedom won by Jesus Christ. Rooted in Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, this command carries both a finished reality—because the old man was crucified with Christ—and a daily practice of cooperating with God, renewing one’s mind, and choosing righteousness.

This transformation is neither instantaneous nor isolated. It is sustained by the Holy Spirit, strengthened by fellowship within the body of Christ, and nurtured by deep engagement with the Scriptures. As believers continually “put off” the vestiges of the old life and “put on” the virtues of Christ, they experience the ongoing effect of God’s power to restore, renew, and ultimately conform them to the image of His Son.