Putting On Christ

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” (and if there is any other commandment) are summed up in this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this because we know the time, that it is already the hour for us to awake from sleep, for our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers. The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light. Let us live decently as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to arouse its desires.” Romans 13:8-14 NET

In his profound writings, the Apostle Paul highlights the essential reality of resisting the flesh’s insidious desire to fulfill its wicked impulses. This idea transcends a mere comparison between the law and the Spirit; Paul expands the conversation to cover a broad spectrum of issues associated with the flesh and its far-reaching impact on our behavior and mindset. He implores us to grasp that vanquishing the works of the law is just a fragment of the larger struggle. The power of the flesh infiltrates our actions and thoughts, shaping our perception of reality in ways we may underestimate.

When we allow the seductive works of the flesh—such as unchecked selfishness, insatiable greed, and overpowering lust—to govern our decisions, we risk becoming our own worst adversaries. These destructive impulses can twist our thinking, leading us astray from our true selves and Godly relationships. The accompanying guilt and shame can then suffocate our awareness of freedom, ensnaring us in a web of self-doubt and despair. Without solid boundaries to guide us, these emotions can spiral out of control, transforming our inner lives into battlegrounds filled with anxiety and conflict.

In this intricate dance of behavior and belief, the law emerges as a compass, offering clarity concerning right and wrong. It also serves as a structure within which we can navigate our desires responsibly and constructively. The Genesis narrative, particularly the story surrounding the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil, stands as a striking reminder of the limitations of human understanding. This tree, a symbol of moral knowledge and evil intent, was not meant for humanity to grasp; it existed solely for God. This distinction speaks volumes: there are facets of ethical understanding and existence that exceed human capacity, recognizing that divine authority is a crucial step for living a balanced life, and grasping that some things, like moral judgements, are best left for God alone.

Through this enriched perspective, Paul’s message encourages us to adhere to the Spirit of the law by faith and cultivate a deep spiritual connection that safeguards us from the flesh's destructive tendrils. Embracing the law through faith instead of strict observance leads us toward a more liberated and fulfilling existence, empowering us to rise above temptation and embrace a life of purpose and integrity.

Yet, there is even a more profound and transformative path forward that transcends mere compliance with the law or resistance to our base desires. This path is encapsulated in the four-letter word: love. Love not only fulfills the requirements of the law but also deepens our understanding of our responsibility to one another; it compels us to act as our brother’s keeper, urging us to love and to cover their sins with compassion and grace.

The concept of "covering sins" should not be misunderstood as condoning, ignoring, or excusing wrongdoing. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of approaching others with empathy and understanding, creating a supportive environment that encourages them to seek reconciliation and restoration in their relationship with their Creator. Embodying love fosters healing and growth, allowing others to move beyond their sins and find their true identity.

This practice leads us to a higher principle, often referred to by Paul as the law of love—a profound understanding that hinges on God’s mercies. It acknowledges that, while we may fall short, divine grace is available to us all. It invites us to live out our faith in a way that uplifts others and promotes unity within our communities. Through love, we find the strength to embody this higher law, transforming ourselves and those around us.

I find it particularly intriguing that this is the first time Paul employs the phrase "weapons of light" in his writings. This term vividly describes our intentional and purposeful decision to set aside the works of darkness—such as sin, malice, and selfishness—mentioned in these verses, to embrace and enact the transformative power the Spirit offers. By framing our spiritual practices as "weapons," Paul emphasizes the proactive and dynamic nature of walking in the light of Christ.

This concept provides a profound and multi-faceted perspective on the strength of moving in the power of the Holy Spirit. It evokes a sense of beauty and grace, reflecting how our actions can channel divine energy for good. At the same time, it is awe-inspiring and can be somewhat intimidating. While we should not fear God negatively, there is an inherent awareness of the magnitude of moving in the Spirit. Paul recognizes that this power is not only defensive—protecting us against spiritual attacks—but also offensive, empowering us to actively spread love, cast down falsehood by speaking truth, and redeem the world.

Paul’s final depiction in the above verses presents an impactful portrayal of 'putting on Christ' as a conscious and deliberate act. This metaphor signifies our awareness that we have been endowed with everything we need in Christ for spiritual growth, but it is ultimately our responsibility to actively 'put it on.' This vivid description of 'standing in Christ' by 'putting Him on' like clothing empowers us to take charge of our spiritual transformation and development.

To illustrate this concept, Paul draws upon rich imagery from the prophet Isaiah, underscoring the importance of divine intervention and righteousness. He writes:

“He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then His own arm brought Him salvation, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself in zeal as a cloak.” (Isaiah 59:16-17 ESV)

This imagery from Isaiah begins with a profound sense of urgency and concern. God is actively searching for a righteous individual who can intercede and pray on behalf of His wayward people. The Levites, specifically designated for this sacred task, were meant to serve as intermediaries between God and Israel. They were to embody and reflect God's character while ministering in the temple and guiding the people in their faith. Unfortunately, many Levites, like a significant portion of the Israelites, succumbed to corruption. They forsook their divine calling and engaged in sinful behaviors that betrayed the very essence of their roles.

Instead of displaying the qualities of the Lord—honesty, compassion, and justice—they fostered environments of oppression and rebellion. They filled their hearts and actions with deceit and violence, causing the foundational principles of justice to vanish from their society. This rampant misconduct deeply grieved the Lord’s heart, compelling Him to act personally. In response to the spiritual crisis, He brought forth His own righteousness, likened to a protective breastplate that would shield and serve as a standard for Israel.

Moreover, the salvation God provided is depicted as a helmet, which represents a protective covering for the mind against spiritual assaults and misleading influences that stray from His love. This metaphor highlights the significance of mental fortitude in the face of temptation and adversity. Verses 11–14 describe the pervasive tide of rebellion that had engulfed the people, illustrating the dire need for God's intervention and the restoration of righteousness within His community. This passage invites us to reflect on our responsibility in our spiritual walk, encouraging us to consciously 'put on' Christ in our lives, embodying His truth and righteousness in every aspect of our being.

Stephen Barnett