Putting On the New Self According to Accurate Knowledge
- Edward D. Andrews
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Colossians 3:10 instructs Christians to “put on the new man who is being renewed through accurate knowledge[1] according to the image of the one who created him.” This directive reflects the radical transformation required in salvation. The believer does not merely adjust behavior; he undergoes a decisive change of identity grounded in Christ’s atoning sacrifice and expressed through disciplined renewal of the mind.
[1] Accurate Knowledge: (ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis) This is a strengthened or intensified form of gnosis (epi, meaning “additional”), meaning “true,” “real,” “full,” “complete” or “accurate,” depending upon the context. It is a personal recognition where one understands something clearly and distinctly or as true and valid. Paul and Peter alone use epignosis. Paul uses the term 15 times, while Peter uses it four times. Paul wrote about some who were “always learning and yet never able to come to accurate knowledge of truth.” (2 Ti 3:6–7) He also prayed for those in the Colossian church, who clearly had some knowledge of the will and purposes of the Father, for they had become Christians, “that [they] may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Col 1:9) All Christians should desire to obtain or achieve accurate knowledge of God’s Word. (Eph 1:15–17; Php 1:9; 1 Ti 2:3–4), It is crucial in one’s effort at putting on the new person that Paul spoke of, and in gaining peace.—Rom. 1:28; Eph. 1:17; Phil. 1:9; Col. 1:9–10; 3:10; 1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pe 1:2.
The immediate context contrasts the “old [man] self” with the “new [man] self.” Colossians 3:5 commands believers to put to death immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed. These behaviors characterize fallen humanity influenced by sin and Satan. Conversion requires deliberate rejection of such conduct. Ephesians 4:22–24 parallels this command: “put off your old self… and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self.” This is not instantaneous perfection but progressive renewal through obedience to revealed truth.
The renewal occurs “to an accurate []or full] knowledge.” The Greek term epignosis signifies full, accurate knowledge. Spiritual growth is inseparable from doctrinal understanding. Ignorance weakens holiness; truth strengthens it. Romans 12:2 commands believers to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. This transformation happens as one studies, meditates upon, and applies the Spirit-inspired Scriptures. Second Peter 1:3 states that God’s divine power has granted “everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him.” Knowledge is not optional; it is foundational.
The phrase “according to the image of the one who created it” recalls Genesis 1:27, where man was created in God’s image. Sin marred that image, but redemption restores it progressively. The new self reflects God’s moral character—righteousness, holiness, truthfulness. Colossians 3:12–14 elaborates with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These virtues mirror the character of Christ, who perfectly reflected the Father.
This renewal does not imply mystical union or indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Rather, the Spirit operates through the inspired Word to instruct and correct. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as living and active, penetrating to the division of soul and spirit. As believers submit to Scripture, their thinking is reshaped, and their conduct conforms to God’s standards.
Putting on the new self is a decisive act at conversion, symbolized in baptism by immersion. Romans 6:4 explains that believers are buried with Christ through baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. Baptism does not regenerate automatically, but it publicly identifies the believer with Christ’s death and resurrection. From that point forward, the Christian actively cultivates the new identity through obedience.
The renewal is ongoing. The verb tense indicates continual action. Growth in knowledge produces growth in holiness. Colossians 1:10 urges believers to bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. Spiritual stagnation contradicts the nature of the new self. As knowledge deepens, discernment sharpens, and conduct reflects greater conformity to Christ.
Colossians 3:10 anchors spiritual growth in objective truth rather than subjective experience. Transformation is measurable by doctrinal clarity and moral consistency. The believer consciously rejects former patterns and intentionally adopts righteous ones. Through sustained engagement with Scripture and faithful obedience, the image of the Creator becomes increasingly evident in daily life.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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