Putting On Christ's Cothes

Putting on Christ’s Clothes

Colossians 3:12-17

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

Can you remember the moment your life changed forever? The moment Christ stepped into your heart and everything was made new? That life-changing moment when God’s grace swept over you, bringing a transformation so profound that words could hardly capture it? How does one describe the experience of receiving a brand-new heart and spirit, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27? In that instant, the self—the god we once worshiped—was crucified with Christ. Like Apostle Paul, we can now declare with joy, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). With deep humility and gratitude, we recognize that salvation was not something we earned through our own righteousness, which is like filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6). Instead, we were saved "by His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). In that moment, we were not just forgiven—we were adopted into God’s family as His children and heirs (John 1:12-13). Who could ever forget such a day?

But salvation didn’t just change our identity—it changed our relationship with sin. Sin lost its mastery over us! Do you remember your baptism? Paul writes in Romans 6:4-6:

"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Baptism itself does not save us, but it is a powerful symbol of the transformation brought by the Holy Spirit. Once, sin entangled and enslaved us. But in that moment, Christ broke its dominion over us. What the law was powerless to do because of our sinful nature (Romans 8:3), Christ accomplished on our behalf. In baptism, we are united with Christ in His death—so that we die to sin—and in His resurrection, so that we walk in newness of life, filled with His holiness and righteousness. This doesn’t mean that we become incapable of sin after salvation, but it does mean that we are no longer bound by it. Through the Holy Spirit, we now have the power to say NO to sin and YES to holy living.

As God’s chosen people, called "out of darkness into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9), we are urged to fix our hearts "on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1). This means we must put to death the remnants of our earthly nature—“sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). We once walked in these ways—anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language (Colossians 3:8)—but now, as God’s redeemed masterpieces, salvation is not just a one-time transformation. It is an ongoing, glorious invitation to sit at the feet of the Master, allowing the Potter to continually shape us into His righteousness and holiness. But how do we live this new life daily? How do we practically walk in holiness?

Today's Focus: Clothing Ourselves with Christ

In today’s message, we will dive into how to clothe ourselves with the characteristics of Christ—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues are not just personal attributes but essential for protecting unity within the body of Christ and living as those who have been made alive in Him. Let us press forward, not merely as those who have been saved, but as those who daily surrender to the Master’s refining work—so that Christ may be seen in us, and through us, for His glory.

Committing to Christ-like Character

Now that we have been born again of water and the Spirit, we are no longer who we once were—we are new creations, shaped, sustained, and sanctified by Christ Himself. This transformation is not merely personal; it marks our entrance into something far greater—a holy community, the people of God. As His chosen, holy, and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12), we are set apart, not because of anything we have done, but by His sovereign grace. Just as God chose Israel, so He has chosen us: “Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, to be His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6-7; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

Since no one earns their place in God’s kingdom, there is no room for boasting—only humble, joyful gratitude for His grace. As Paul reminds us, “He has called not only from among the Jews but also from the Gentiles” (Romans 9:24-25), making us partakers in His glorious inheritance (Ephesians 1:11-12). We now belong to a kingdom that is unshakable, a family that is eternal. Our past—our sins, failures, and former identities—no longer define us. Instead, we bear the mark of divine adoption, sealed by the Spirit.

This new identity transcends religious background, ethnicity, and social status; we are one body in Christ, bound together by His love (Galatians 3:28). And as God’s beloved, our calling is clear: to reflect His character, to live out His righteousness, and to walk in the light of His holiness. But what does this look like in our daily lives? How do we embody the identity Christ has bestowed upon us?