and to put on the new man, who according to God is created in righteousness and piety of the truth (Ephesians 4:24).
As members of the body of The Christ, those of the Church are part of the new man—the new creation God made when He raised Christ from the dead (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new man is created according to God in righteousness and piety of the truth.
Christ is our righteousness, 1 Corinthians 1:30. Thus, the believer does not work to become righteous; rather, he lives a life of righteousness because he is in Christ, and Christ’s righteousness is imputed to him.
Piety is the living out of holiness. We are set apart (holy) to God. This holiness relates to the truth—seeing things as they really are. Therefore, our actions demonstrate our separation unto God. Paul expresses in 1 Timothy 2:8 his determination for men to worship in all things, lifting up pious hands—working out the holiness they have in Christ—apart from wrath and doubting.