Question:

What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” as Romans 13:14 tells us to do?

Answer:
Romans 13:14: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” – This verse is not talking about our position in Christ, but of showing Christ in our lives practically. To put on Christ we must have Christ on the throne of our hearts. And then, with no will of our own, make every decision led by Christ and act as He would act.

Water baptism is an outward appearance of putting on Christ (Galatians 3:27), but Romans 13:14 is speaking of the fruit of the Spirit in a very practical way of putting on Christ as a garment so all can see Him in our walk or actions. If we are saved we have Christ inside, but putting on Christ means to cover yourself up with Christ. “Putting on” indicates close communion with Christ. If we are taken up with the love of Christ, we will automatically put Him on.Putting on Christ includes everything we do, and we put Him on by wearing “modest” apparel (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3, 4). “Modest apparel” would not draw attention to ourselves so Christ can be seen in us. Boys put on Christ by not having long hair, and girls by having long hair which is her glory (1 Corinthians 11:14, 15). What do we want people to see? Me or Christ? Any healthy Christian wants Christ to be always seen by him or her. Therefore, “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.”