Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 1. Without the renovation of the heart there can be no distinct knowledge of the Gospel. The natural mind cannot receive the things of God; they are spiritually discerned. The mind must be renewed, that the man may become spiritual. 2. Nor can there be a new nature. This is essential to the enjoyment of salvation. For how can we enjoy that which is opposed to our feelings, desires, habits? We have no enjoyment in the society of those who are the objects of our aversion. The "enmity" of the mind must be "slain" by the constraining power of the love of Christ; but this involves renovation. 3. Unless the heart is renewed by the Spirit of God there is no possibility of accounting for the discovery and preparation of a plan of redemption at all. Was it worthy of the Divinity to do all that He has done in redemption for the sake of saving those He never intended to change and purify? 4. This renovation of heart is essential to the enjoyment of heaven. Take an individual from the lowest ranks of society, and place him in the midst of the high born, the educated, the refined; where will be his enjoyment? The unrenewed man, set in the midst of those who have their "conversation in heaven," has no relish for the company, and gladly turns from it. The reason for finding no interest in heaven is — unrenewedness of heart. (J. Burnet.) Parallel Verses KJV: But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.WEB: But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation. |
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