Colossians 3:10

Colossians 3:10 highlights the profound spiritual transformation that occurs in believers through Christ. It describes the Christian’s new identity as having “put on the new man,” a continuous process of renewal rooted in true knowledge and aiming to reflect the very image of God who created humanity.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial section in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, following his exhortation in Colossians 3:5-9 to "put to death" or "put off" the old, sinful nature and its practices (like fornication, uncleanness, evil concupiscence, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication, and lying). Having stripped off the old self, believers are called to embrace and live out their new identity in Christ. Paul emphasizes that this spiritual transformation is not just about abstaining from evil, but actively cultivating a new character that aligns with God's design.

Key Themes

• The New Man/New Self: This refers to the regenerated nature of a believer in Christ, a spiritual rebirth that changes one's core identity. It signifies a radical break from the former way of life dominated by sin and a new alignment with God’s will. This concept is foundational to Christian living, as seen in other Pauline epistles like 2 Corinthians 5:17 where believers are called "new creatures."
• Renewed in Knowledge: The renewal of the new man is specifically "in knowledge." This isn't merely intellectual understanding but a deep, experiential, and transformative knowledge of God and His will. It involves a continuous process of learning and growing in spiritual insight, which impacts one's character and actions. This echoes the idea of the renewing of the mind found in Romans 12:2.
• After the Image of Him that Created Him: This phrase points to the ultimate goal of the renewal: to be restored to the original likeness of God, in which humanity was created (Genesis 1:27). Sin marred this divine image, but through Christ, believers are being progressively conformed to His character, reflecting His holiness, righteousness, and true knowledge. This process of becoming more like Christ is central to sanctification.

Linguistic Insights

• The Greek word for "renewed" is anakainoumenon (ἀνακαινούμενον), which is a present participle, indicating a continuous and ongoing process of being made new. It's not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of transformation.
• "Knowledge" here is from the Greek epignosin (ἐπίγνωσιν), which denotes a full, precise, or experiential knowledge, more profound than simple intellectual acquaintance (gnosis). It's a relational knowledge that leads to genuine spiritual insight and transformation.
• "Image" comes from eikona (εἰκόνα), meaning a likeness, representation, or a copy. It emphasizes that believers are being recreated to bear the likeness of God, specifically as revealed in Christ, who is the image of the invisible God himself (Colossians 1:15).

Practical Application

Colossians 3:10 calls believers to actively participate in their spiritual growth. "Putting on the new man" is not passive; it involves intentional choices to align one's thoughts, attitudes, and actions with Christ's character. This means:

• Continual Learning: Engaging with God's Word, prayer, and fellowship to deepen our understanding of who God is and who we are in Him.
• Mind Transformation: Allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, replacing old patterns of thought with godly perspectives.
• Embracing Our Identity: Living out the reality that we are new creations in Christ, letting our actions reflect His nature rather than our former sinful desires.
• Pursuing Likeness: Striving to reflect God's character in our daily lives, demonstrating love, peace, patience, kindness, and other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that Christian living is a dynamic journey of becoming more like our Creator through the power of the Spirit and the truth of His Word.