The New Nature

The Apostle Paul wrote the following in Ephesians 4: 22-24: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Paul is not writing this passage to nonbelievers; he is writing to the faithful saints in Ephesus (1:1) It is the believer who is to put off the old man and put on the new man which is righteousness and holiness. The phrase literally means, put on the new nature. When you do, the fruits of the Holy Spirit will flow from you.

In discussing this topic, I understand that different sects will call the same experience by a different label. The Rev J.A. Wood wrote the following: “One person realizes a marked increase in faith, and he calls it ‘the rest of faith.’ Another is permeated with a sense of the divine presence... and calls it ‘the fullness of God.’ Another feels his heart subdued, melted, refined, and filled with God, and calls it ‘holiness.’ [One man] realizes principally a river of sweet, holy love flowing through his soul, and calls it ‘perfect love.’ Another is prostrated under the power of the refining and sin-killing Spirit, and calls it ‘the baptism of the Holy Ghost.’ Another realizes... Complete submission to God; he calls it ‘entire sanctification.’ Still another may feel... complete conformity to all the will of God, and calls it ‘Christian Perfection.’”

Regardless of the theological label your sect uses, the important point is to go deeper in God. Consecrate your all, have present faith that the Word of God promises this second act of grace, and believe that your old nature has been eradicated and destroyed. Then, put on the new nature and be a light to a dark world.