put on christ

Put On Christ

Today we will talk about putting on Christ. Many Christians do not fully understand what this means. It’s not just a nice phrase; it holds a significant weight in our daily lives. Put on Christ means to embody His characteristics, thoughts, and actions. It’s about choosing to reflect His love, grace, and truth in everything we do. As we read through God’s Word, let’s meditate on how we can better align ourselves with Christ and allow His presence to shape our identity and actions.

What Does It Mean to “Put On Christ”?

To “put on Christ” is an expression derived from the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 13:14, he encourages believers to clothe themselves in the Lord Jesus Christ. The phrase calls for a complete transformation of our lives and character. The word “put on” can also be interpreted through its Hebrew and Greek roots. In Greek, the word “enduo” means to put on a garment. The implication here is that wearing Christ is not a passive act. It requires intentionality and conscious choice.

When we put on Christ, we are stepping out of our old selves characterized by sin and selfishness and stepping into a new identity rooted in love and obedience to God’s will. In Galatians 3:27, we read that we are all one in Christ when we are baptized into Him. This shows us that becoming a Christian involves shedding our old identities and taking up a new one—a transformation that is entirely internal yet outwardly visible.

Historically, the early church saw putting on Christ as a radical act. When someone was baptized, it symbolized much more than just a ritual; it represented a complete reorientation of one’s life. The early Christians understood that in putting on Christ, they were embracing a radical new approach to every aspect of life, which included relationships, community, and even societal norms in the Greco-Roman world.

Putting on Christ also involves imitating Him. Ephesians 5:1 calls us to be imitators of God, as beloved children. This is a reminder that our lives are to reflect God’s character in every way. It’s about showing love, pursuing justice, and walking humbly. We carry Christ’s values with us, letting them influence our decisions, behavior, and interactions with others.

The Spiritual Significance of Putting on Christ

Putting on Christ also has a deep spiritual significance. It reflects our acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice and the grace given to us. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we learn that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away, and the new has come. This spiritual renewal is at the heart of the Christian faith; our identity shifts from being defined by sin to being defined by Christ’s righteousness. The act of putting on Christ acts as a daily reminder of that renewed identity.

Through this metaphor, we recognize that just as we dress ourselves every morning, we must also choose to embrace our identity in Christ every day. This commitment shapes the decisions we make and the priorities we set. Colossians 3:12 gives us an enticing list of qualities to “put on”—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience among them. When we intentionally put these traits on, we become living examples of Christ’s love and grace to others.

Additionally, putting on Christ has implications on our relationships. Philippians 2:5 encourages us to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. By adopting His attitude of humility and service, we gain a new perspective on how to treat others. Our ambition becomes serving rather than being served. When we embody Christ-like love, we transform not just ourselves but also the community around us.

Practically, putting on Christ means spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowshipping with other believers. These practices deepen our understanding of who Christ is and help us grow in our resemblance to Him. The more we know Christ, the more we can reflect Him, embodying His love and truth in our lives.

Living Out Our Identity by Putting on Christ

Living out the calling to put on Christ is more than simply an individual journey; it becomes a communal experience among believers. The Church is described in Ephesians 4:11-13 as the body of Christ, each individual carrying the responsibility to represent and reflect Christ’s character. Together, we fulfill our calling by “putting on” the qualities that He embodies.

This corporate identity encourages mutual support and accountability as we strive to reflect Christ’s nature. Colossians 3:13 urges us to bear with one another and forgive each other just as Christ forgave us. Through this lens, putting on Christ is a communal effort where individual actions reflect collective grace. Every time we encourage, uplift, or serve someone, we contribute to creating an atmosphere where others can also put on Christ.

The act of putting on Christ also prepares us for spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:11, we’re instructed to put on the full armor of God. This imagery ties back into the concept of clothing ourselves in Christ. The armor symbolizes various attributes and virtues that protect and empower us in our walk with God. Each piece—truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—directly relates to the characteristics of Christ that we need to embody.

Therefore, every day presents an opportunity to put on these virtues and face the world with Christ’s character as our guide. When we frame our lives around His truth and principles, we’re able to navigate challenges with faith, hope, and clarity.

Practical Steps to Putting on Christ Daily

Putting on Christ isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily practice that requires discipline and an open heart. There are many practical ways to engage with this transformative process. One way is through intentional prayer. Communicating with God helps align our thoughts, emotions, and actions with His will. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God, and in turn, His peace will guard our hearts—this act creates space to let Christ’s character take root in us.

Another vital practice is immersing ourselves in Scripture. Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as alive and active, capable of guiding and transforming us. Reading and meditating on the Bible helps us understand Christ’s nature better, who He is, and what it means to embody His teachings and actions. The wisdom found in Scripture refines our character and encourages us to model our lives after Christ.

Community involvement is also essential, as mentioned earlier. Being among fellow believers enables us to grow and learn together. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to stir one another up toward love and good works. Regularly participating in group gatherings strengthens our resolve and encourages us to pursue Christ actively.

Finally, showing kindness and grace to others captures the essence of Christ-like living. Acts of service, charity, and compassion can open doors for meaningful relationships and opportunities to reflect Christ. We can ask ourselves what it means to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). In doing so, we see Christ in action through us, fulfilling our call to put on Him.

Final Thoughts

Putting on Christ is a significant journey that impacts every aspect of our lives. It’s not just about believing in Him; it goes deeper, inviting us to embody His character and love in everything we do. Each day presents an opportunity to renew our commitment to reflect His identity, strengthen our faith through prayer and Scripture, and engage meaningfully with others. As we actively choose to wear Christ, we transform ourselves and become lights to the world. Together, let us strive to put on Christ in our daily lives and show others the beauty of His love.

By embracing our new identity in Christ, we allow His grace and truth to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Through practical steps and a heart wide open to His guidance, we can genuinely embody His love and character. Let’s encourage one another as we walk this path, ensuring we reflect Christ in all we do. Every moment is a chance to put on Christ anew and shine His light into the world.

As we close, let’s remember that putting on Christ is a continuous journey. Every step we take is significant. Let’s support each other as we grow closer to Him and become more like Him, allowing His love to work through us.

Further Reading

• Bible Verses About Letting Go Of Someone You Love
• Bible Verses About Communion

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4