In the first part of this series on Colossians 3 we saw that a believer’s new identity in Christ should lead him to have a new focus on things above. Next, in part 2, we saw that this new identity should provoke him to put off his old self by putting to death what is earthly in him. This final part focuses on what the believer should then put on as result of his new identity. Paul concludes this section when he writes:
10 And have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but Christ is all and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another. And if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other. As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these, put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the Word of Christ rule in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. Singing songs, and hymns, and spiritual songs with thanksgiving in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or dee, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Simply putting off the old self (vv. 5-9) is not enough for the believer. He cannot just stop sinning without filling that void in his life with something. This is why Paul tells his readers in verse 10 that they should also put on the new self. He says that the new self is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. In other words, we are becoming more Christ-like in our thoughts and actions. Paul then continues by telling us what being Christ-like looks like. First, there is no distinction in the new self. He states, “Here there is not Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free (v. 11a).” The distinctions which existed under the Old Covenant have been abolished under the New. The Jews can no longer act superior because they have the sign of the covenant, circumcision. The New Covenant sign is the circumcision of the heart, and all people can have it. Paul says that “Christ is all and in all (v. 11b).” Christ does not withhold his grace and mercy from anyone. The forgiveness he obtained on the cross is freely offered to anyone who would repent and believe in him. So, the new self does not claim any distinction based on ethnicity, economic status, or gender because the true distinction is one in the heart.
Second Paul continues by pointing out what the believers should do as a result of their identity in Christ. He says that they should put on “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, and patience (v. 12b).” These characteristics should all be distinguishing marks of someone who has put off the old self and is striving to put on the new self. He next addresses the issue of forgiveness. He says that they should all bear with one another, forgiving them just as the Lord has forgiven them (v. 14). He then tells them what binds all of this together is love. A person who loves his neighbor will be compassionate towards him, will be kind towards him, will be humble towards him, will be meek towards him, will be patient with him, and ultimately forgive any wrong he commits against him. If you do not have love for your neighbor, then you will not display these characteristics towards him. These characteristics are all outward manifestations of someone who has put on the new self.
Paul concludes by talking about what should happen in a person’s heart who has the new self. In verse 15 he says to let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. A person whose identity is in Christ does not have to worry about his life. He does not have to have an existence of inner turmoil and anxiety over his present situation or the future of his life. He has the confidence Paul reminds us of in verse 4, that we will one day appear with Christ in glory. This assurance means that nothing that happens on this Earth will have an ultimate say in our success in life. We can lose everything including our own lives, and if we are in Christ we will still gain everything. So, let the peace of Christ take root in your heart. One way this happens is by letting the Word of Christ dwell in us richly (v. 16). Paul instructs his readers to allow this to happen by admonishing and teaching each other. We must allow the Words that Christ has spoken in his word to correct, rebuke, comfort and encourage us. Someone who has put on the new self will love and cherish the very words of Christ.
As people who have a new identity in Christ we should all strive to put off the old self by killing the earthly things in us, putting on the new self by cherishing Christ’s word, and doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.