PUT ON OR PUTTING ON III

(This is the final part on this topic posted in the last two days in the Journal)

Paul, an apostle, speaks clearly about the ‘on’ and ‘off’ issues in Colossians 3:5-15:

First, what is to be Put Off: (vs.5-9)

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”

Next, whom to Put On: (vs.10-11)

“Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”

Then, what to Put On: (vs.12-15)

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” Above all put on love.

“I tell you the truth, unless you are born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Jesus