Topical Encyclopedia The term "Old Man" in biblical theology refers to the sinful nature inherent in humanity due to the Fall, as well as the former way of life prior to conversion to Christianity. This concept is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's epistles, where he contrasts the "old man" with the "new man" in Christ.Biblical References: 1. Romans 6:6 : "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." Here, Paul speaks of the "old self" or "old man" as being crucified with Christ. This signifies the believer's identification with Christ's death, which breaks the power of sin and liberates the believer from its dominion. 2. Ephesians 4:22-24 : "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." In this passage, Paul instructs believers to actively "put off" the old self, which is characterized by corruption and deceitful desires, and to "put on" the new self, which reflects God's righteousness and holiness. 3. Colossians 3:9-10 : "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Paul emphasizes the transformation that occurs in believers, who have discarded the old self and its practices and are being renewed in the image of God. Theological Significance: The "old man" represents the pre-conversion state of a person, dominated by sin and separated from God. It is associated with the Adamic nature, which all humanity inherits due to Adam's transgression (Romans 5:12-21). This nature is characterized by sinful desires, actions, and a mindset that is contrary to God's will. In contrast, the "new man" is the regenerated self, brought to life through faith in Jesus Christ. This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them to live in accordance with God's will. The process of sanctification involves a continual putting off of the old man and putting on of the new, as believers grow in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. Practical Implications: Believers are called to live out their new identity in Christ by rejecting the behaviors and attitudes associated with the old man. This involves a conscious effort to resist sin, renew the mind through Scripture, and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Christian life is marked by a progressive transformation, as the believer becomes more like Christ and less like the old self. The concept of the old man underscores the radical change that occurs in a person's life upon accepting Christ. It highlights the believer's responsibility to actively participate in the sanctification process, relying on God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the remnants of the old nature. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Old ManOLD MAN (palaios, "old," "ancient"): A term thrice used by Paul (Romans 6:6 Ephesians 4:22 Colossians 3:9) to signify the unrenewed man, the natural man in the corruption of sin, i.e. sinful human nature before conversion and regeneration. It is theologically synonymous with "flesh" (Romans 8:3-9), which stands, not for bodily organism, but, for the whole nature of man (body and soul) turned away from God and devoted to self and earthly things. Greek 4246. presbutes -- an old man ... an old man. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: presbutes Phonetic Spelling: (pres-boo'-tace) Short Definition: an old man Definition: an old man ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4246.htm - 6k 1088. geron -- an old man 4245. presbuteros -- elder 5046. teleios -- having reached its end, ie complete, by ext. ... 3097. magos -- a Magian, ie an (Oriental) astrologer, by impl. a ... Strong's Hebrew 2205. zaqen -- old... old NASB Word Usage aged (3), aged* (1), elder (3), elders (132), old (21), old man (7), old men (7), old women (1), older (1), oldest (1), senior (1). ... /hebrew/2205.htm - 6k 2204. zaqen -- to be or become old 3453. yashish -- aged 1121. ben -- son 1419. gadol -- great Library The Old Man and the New Man of St. Paul Explained. The Old Man and the New. August 7. "Knowing this that Our Old Man is Crucified" (Rom. vi. 6 ... How the Old Man Exposed Our Errors. The Old Man Unconvinced. The Discourse of the Old Man on the State of the Soul and Its ... The Old Man Gives Information in Regard to Faustus the Father of ... The Pious Old Man Rejoices that He Read Plato and the Scriptures ... The Old Man Does not Believe in God or Providence. The Old Man Opposes his Personal Experience to the Argument of ... Resources Should the Old Testament instead be called the First Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Old Testament way of salvation? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Old: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |