The New Man’s Moral Decency

Once again, the characteristics of the New Man are the exact opposite of those of the Old Man: intellectual ductility, spiritual durability, and moral decency.

Ephesians 5:24b declares that third characteristic: which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

What a contrast this is with the “moral depravity” of the “Old Man” (v. 19)! Consider three manifestations of the “New Man’s” moral decency.

First, there is righteousness. This refers to our dealing with our fellow men. Verse 19 says that the “Old Man” is “past feeling,” that men can do things to one another without feeling any remorse or guilt. But the “New Man” treats others rightfully. As we’ll see down in verse 32, in directly contrast to being “past feeling” the “New Man” is “tenderhearted.” In place of a heart of stone is a heart that is tender.

Second, there is holiness. This refers to our relationship with God. Instead of the lascivious and unclean life of the “Old Man,” our behavior is now pure and godly.

Third, there is “truth.” The word true is not an adjective in the Greek, rather a noun; it literally reads “in righteousness and holiness of the truth” and is in direct contrast to the word “deceit” in verse 22. What is it that characterizes the “Old Man?”—deceit. What characterizes the “New Man?”—TRUTH. It is Truth that produces righteousness and holiness. As our Lord declared in His High priestly prayer: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). How are people sanctified? Is it through making them feel good, appealing to their “felt needs,” or entertaining them? No, they will be sanctified only through truth.

To conclude our study, it is sweet to think of a man named Lazarus and how he illustrates the principle that is before us (Jn. 11-12). Lazarus was dead; he had been dead, in fact, for four days. He even had on the “evidences of death”—the grave clothes. But our Savior came to the tomb and, after raising Lazarus from the dead, said to those present, “Loose him and let him go.” What a picture! “Take off the evidences of death; take off the evidences of the grave!” This is what happens to the one who comes to Christ. Having removed the grave clothes of the “Old Man,” we put on the “grace clothes” of the “New Man.” In the verses to follow (25-32), we’ll see more of what living this new life involves.