The new creature in Christ (Eph 4.22-24)

[Ken McRae]

Eph 4:20-24 "Ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him,
and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off
concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according
to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that
ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true
holiness."

2 Cor 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Is there anyone here who would care to expound upon the experimental meaning
and practical application of the above words, in the Orthodox spiritual life?

[Rick H.]

Dear Ken,

In the thread (below) there is discussion on the old nature and the new nature by St. Theophan. I am no stranger to commentary on these verses and I'm not sure that I've seen a better one than the recluse's here. Scroll-up/look for the post on 12/6 sub-titled "What Happens Through Baptism;" however, if you have time to click on the link at the top of this post to the online text you may find a treat in the section of the book covered in this post that deals directly with your question:

Reading group: St Theophan, 'The path to salvation' - Page 6 - Monachos.net Discussion Community (http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?p=54706#post54706)

The section in the saints book that you are looking for is part 1; chapter 1, section 4 titled "A New Creature in Christ Through Holy Baptism."


All One In Christ,
Rick