Putting on the New
Derek Prince
Published: 2008
Last Updated: July 2026
Read Time: 2
Religion often tries to change people from the outside in, but God's way is the complete opposite. He works from the inside out, enabling us through the Holy Spirit to put off the corrupt old man and put on the new man created in true righteousness and holiness.
Religion always tries to change man from the outside in: make the skirts longer, make the dresses looser, add something to the border, put something on your head, take off the makeup, lengthen the sleeves, cut the hair, or whatever it is. God always operates in the opposite way. He changes man from the inside out. God begins with what we think. He says, “If there is going to be any effective change, you have to think in another way. Another Spirit has to have access to your mind. You have been under the deception of Satan; now, you must open up to the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit.” As a result of doing that, we are able to put on the new man—the opposite of the old man.
Ephesians 4:24 says:
“Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
This new man was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness. He was created according to God’s plan; he is the product of God’s purpose, God’s standard, God’s pattern. The old man is the product of Satan’s deception; the new man is the product of God’s truth.
It is significant that Satan came to the human race in the form of a serpent. By its very nature, a snake is a crooked animal, and I think that is a vivid picture of the devil—he is a very crooked being. He never comes out with full truth. The distinctive word that describes the old man is corrupt.
We have to put off the old man and put on the new. The distinctive words that describe the new man are righteous and holy.
*Prayer Response
Thank You, Jesus, for the exchange at the cross. I proclaim that I am putting off the “old man” and putting on the “new man,” for my old man was put to death in Christ that the new man might come to life in me. Amen.
Free Download
This devotional is available to download, print and share for personal or church use.
Code: WD-B097-237-ENG