Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

 

Both legalistic and licentious Christians have a troubling approach to holiness. While legalistic Christians believe that what they do will please God and earn God's favour, licentious Christians believe that holiness is unnecessary and overcoming sinful habits is unimportant in their response to salvation.

According to the Apostle Paul, our holiness is already established in Christ and so as we walk with His Spirit, He works within us to live a life that reflects His holiness. It is through the Spirit-empowered act of justification and process of sanctification that God sets us free from sin and sets us apart to Him. As we let the Holy Spirit teach and guide us to walk in obedience to His word and will, and we will grow and mature into our new nature of holy living and freedom from sinful bondage.

The Holy Spirit will lead us to renew our thoughts and attitudes on what the gospel says about us, rather than what we think about ourselves. The Greek word for “renew” is ananeóō, which refers to adopting a new mindset or understanding of who we are and what have in Christ. This will cause us to believe and live out the wonderful truths about our position and inheritance in Christ.