The New Man: Faith's Forerunner

The concept of the new man is found in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, where it is mentioned three times. The idea refers to the creation of a new man by Christ on the cross, who is something corporate and of Christ. This new man is a result of the transformation of believers by the Holy Spirit and is seen as the beginning of a new creation, where God's life and nature enter humanity. The understanding of the new man is often individual-centric, but it also has corporate implications, unifying Jews and Gentiles under Christ. This topic raises questions about the role of faith and reason in religion, with some arguing that faith is a habit of mind, independent of reason, and necessary for salvation.

The New Man is a corporate entity, not an individual one

Firstly, in Ephesians 2:15, Paul says that Christ on the cross created "one new man" in Himself. This "new man" is described as being made up of two peoples on the earth, the Jews and the Gentiles, with Christ slaying the enmity that was between them.

Secondly, in Ephesians 4:24, Paul tells the readers to "put on the new man", which was created according to God. This "new man" is described as being created by Christ as the firstborn of all (re)creation, and by putting him on, we become new creations ourselves.

Finally, in Colossians 3:10, Paul says that we "have put on the new man, which is being renewed". This "new man" is described as being created by Christ through the transformation of believers by the working of the Holy Spirit within them.

Therefore, the "new man" is not an individual entity, but rather a corporate one, representing the collective body of believers in Christ who have been redeemed, regenerated, and transformed by Him.

The New Man is created by Christ on the cross

We are all members of the "race" of fallen Adam, and in this corporate man, we see characteristics such as pride, selfishness, anger, lust, and vainglory. Christ created this new man on the cross, slaying the enmity between the Jews and the Gentiles. This new man also comes into existence as the Holy Spirit transforms us by working in us.

Paul's command to "put on the new man" means to put on Christ, because Christ is the firstborn of all (re)creation. By putting him on, we become new creations. Christ's nature was fully human yet without sin, and this is because his humanity was created "according to God" as it was at the beginning before the Fall into sin and corruption.

Through Christ's resurrection, he became the firstfruit plucked for the new creation, and we follow him. We are created in his image because Christ has summed up humanity in his human body. He did so for our salvation.

The New Man is created as the Holy Spirit transforms us

The New Man is a concept found in the New Testament, specifically in the writings of Paul. In Ephesians 2:15, Paul says that Christ on the cross created "one new man" in Himself, slaying the enmity between Jews and Gentiles. This "new man" is something corporate, just as Adam was the beginning of man as a collective entity.

On one hand, Christ created this new man on the cross. On the other hand, this new man comes into existence as the Holy Spirit transforms us by working in us. This transformation is a process of being renewed daily and being built together into a dwelling place for God.

Paul tells us to "put on the new man" (Ephesians 4:24), which means to put on Christ, as He is the firstborn of all re-creation. By putting on Christ, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This involves putting off the old human being, which is full of corruption, and being recreated into the image of Christ.

The New Man expresses all the divine attributes of Christ in uplifted and transformed human virtues. It is the church, the redeemed, regenerated, and transformed humanity that accomplishes God's eternal purpose of expressing Him in this universe.

The New Man is of the new creation

The New Man is a concept found in the New Testament, specifically in the writings of Paul. It refers to the idea that through Christ, a new collective humanity has been formed, transcending the old divisions between Jews and Gentiles. This new humanity is characterised not by the fallen nature of Adam, but by the righteousness and holiness of Christ.

Paul uses the phrase "new man" three times in his epistles. In Ephesians 2:15, he states that Christ on the cross created "one new man" in Himself, uniting Jews and Gentiles. In Ephesians 4:24, he instructs his readers to "put on the new man", indicating that this new identity is something to be actively embraced and embodied. Finally, in Colossians 3:10, Paul declares that believers "have put on the new man", emphasising the transformative power of this new identity.

The New Man is not just an individual concept but a corporate one. It represents the unity of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social barriers. This new creation is made possible by the work of Christ on the cross and the ongoing transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit.

The New Man is characterised by the divine attributes of Christ. It is a reflection of Christ's image, expressing His righteousness, holiness, and love. This new creation is not just a future hope but a present reality, as believers are being transformed daily into Christ's likeness.

The New Man is also described as a "new creation". This phrase signifies that God's life and nature have entered humanity, bringing about a fundamental change. It is a new beginning, where believers are being built together as a dwelling place for God.

The New Man expresses the divine attributes of Christ

The New Man is a concept that appears three times in the New Testament. In Ephesians 2:15, Paul states that Christ on the cross created "one new man" in Himself. In Ephesians 4:24, Paul urges his audience to "put on the new man, which was created according to God." Finally, in Colossians 3:10, Paul declares that we "have put on the new man, which is being renewed."

The New Man is something corporate and Christ-like. It represents the church, or humanity that has been redeemed, regenerated, and transformed by Christ Jesus. On the one hand, Christ created this new man on the cross. On the other hand, the New Man comes into existence as the Holy Spirit works within us and transforms us.

Paul clarifies the distinction between the old man and the New Man. The old man, or the corporate Adam, encompasses all fallen mankind, exhibiting characteristics such as pride, selfishness, anger, lust, and vainglory. In contrast, the New Man is a new creation, reflecting the image of Christ and expressing His divine attributes.

In conclusion, the New Man is not merely an individual concept but a corporate expression of Christ's attributes, achieved through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

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