Ephesians 4:23-24

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

(v23, NIV)

As mentioned in the last verse, we are to put off our old self. This is the former way of life which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires. Putting off the old self allows for this change to occur. This being made new begins with the attitude of the mind. Learning the truth in Christ means a change in our thinking and understanding. As Paul mentioned a few verses ago, the Gentiles walk in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding. However, truly knowing Christ will result in the change of our thinking. There is a change in our mind that allows us to understand clearly and to know and understand the truth in Christ Jesus our Lord.

and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

(v24, NIV)

This putting off of the old self and renewing of the mind comes with putting on the new self. In the same way that you put off the old self, you are to put on the new self. This new self is not like the old self, which is your former manner of life. The purpose of the new self is to be like God. We are to strive for righteousness and holiness. What's interesting is that they are referred to as "true" righteousness and holiness. The word true implies that there are such things as false righteousness and holiness. False righteousness and holiness can probably be found among the Gentiles or the Jews. The Pharisees gave the impression to others that they were righteous, but they were hypocrites as Jesus reveals. They may have been following the letter of the law, but they did not follow the spirit of the law. Or, some may think they have achieved righteousness and holiness by comparing themselves to others. They may think they have achieved righteousness by simply being better than others around them. This is not true righteousness and holiness.

One type of righteousness is Jesus' imputed righteousness. As we wear the breastplate of righteousness, we come to understand and realize that we are sinners and cannot attain righteousness by ourselves. However, because of the Lord Jesus Christ and his shedding of blood, we can be welcomed in as adopted sons of the living God and be counted as righteous by God. We cannot do anything by ourselves to make us righteous. However, let us strive to pursue true righteousness and holiness in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.