The Renewal of the New Man • Deshen Daily

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Col. 3:10 KJV)

Spiritual renewal showing a butterfly in development

The new man is the new creation, as clearly revealed in Colossians 3:10 above. God has recreated humanity in Christ. But the recreative act was only the beginning. God has mapped out two significant phases to bring this new creation to perfection: renewal of the soul now and the transformation of the body when Christ returns.

The renewal of the new creation is the progressive transformation of our hearts, minds, character, and personality to become more like Christ. Renewal perfects or matures the new creature while still in this old body of flesh. It is God’s agency to bring us to the fullness of the stature of Christ so that, as mature sons and daughters, we will manifest His glory in this present world before Christ returns. Therefore, our progressive renewal, transformation, or growth is not only God’s will but His expectation and command.

But what causes the renewal of the new man? What brings about this progressive transformation of our hearts and character, resulting in the glory shining brighter and brighter in our lives? Paul says:

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Colossians 3:10 KJV)

The believer in Christ is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. For clarity, the New Living Translation gives us a simple version in plain English:

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him” (Colossians 3:10 NLT)

The new creation is transformed, perfected, and renewed by knowledge. Knowing Christ is seeing His face, so when we grow in our intimate knowledge of Him, we see His face brighter and brighter. And as we keep beholding His face, we are changed, without struggle, to become like Him. Behold the beauty of the following verse from the Apostle Paul as He expounds on this glorious truth:

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV).

Sadly, I have noticed that many believers have not yet awakened to the mystery of the knowledge of God. Since the knowledge of God is the agency that will bring His Church to perfection, the Lord spoke prophetically through Jeremiah and said:

“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV).

And I have good news for you. This is the time for this prophecy to be fulfilled. The Church urgently needs God’s pure, uncorrupted, and operational knowledge.

In conclusion, after the new birth, the Spirit begins the long process of renewal by knowledge, and He is raising ministers that will feed His Church with the pure knowledge of God to bring us to full maturity.

What is the renewal of the new man? How is this renewal different from the unique birth experience?

I believe in miracles, and I have seen miracles in my ministry and experienced miracles myself. Miracles have their place, and we need them in the House. However, please get this deep into your heart—miracles are not what God primarily uses to bring His people to maturity. God’s desire is not to fill our heads with knowledge but to bring us into the full experience of His presence and power through the glorious knowledge of His Word. Grow in the intimate and experiential knowledge of Christ.

Ask the Father to fulfill Jeremiah 3:15 as He promised.