Topical Bible: Heart: Renewed: Faith

◄ Heart: Renewed: Faith ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the concept of a renewed heart is deeply intertwined with the notion of faith. The heart, often seen as the center of one's being, emotions, and will, undergoes a transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. This renewal is a fundamental aspect of the believer's spiritual journey and is frequently addressed in Scripture.

Biblical Foundation

The renewal of the heart is a work of God, initiated by His grace and accomplished through faith. Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks of this divine transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This passage highlights the promise of a new heart, one that is responsive to God and His commands.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the role of faith in the renewal of the heart. In Romans 10:9-10 , he writes, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." Here, faith is the means by which the heart is justified and renewed, leading to salvation.

Faith and Transformation

Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep trust and reliance on God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This faith is transformative, leading to a renewed heart that seeks to align with God's will.

The renewed heart is characterized by a change in desires and actions. Galatians 2:20 illustrates this transformation: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." The believer's life is now lived by faith, with Christ at the center, resulting in a heart that reflects His love and sacrifice.

Practical Implications

A renewed heart through faith manifests in various aspects of a believer's life. It leads to a love for God and others, as seen in the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39): "Jesus declared, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Moreover, a renewed heart produces the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These qualities are evidence of a heart transformed by faith, reflecting the character of Christ.

Challenges and Growth

While the renewal of the heart is a divine work, believers are called to actively participate in their spiritual growth. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This guarding involves nurturing one's faith through prayer, Scripture study, and fellowship with other believers.

The journey of faith is ongoing, with the believer continually seeking a deeper relationship with God. Philippians 1:6 offers encouragement: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." The renewal of the heart is a lifelong process, sustained by faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 27:3
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 112:7
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 8:37
And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Test of Discipleship
... by love and purifies the soul. Through this faith the heart is renewed
in the image of God. And the heart that in its unrenewed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Rahab's Faith
... of heart, and renewed in her the beauty of holiness; and now her name shall be recorded
in the roll of my triumphs as a woman full of sin, yet saved by faith.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/rahabs faith.htm

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations
... with reference to the danger of renewed attack from ... points to doubts whispering in
Abram's heart, by reason ... the revelation when he glorifies the faith which it ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/waiting faith rewarded and strengthened.htm

The Stony Heart Removed
... great heart changer. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be be saved."
The Holy Spirit gives faith, and then through faith the mature is renewed. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the stony heart removed.htm

Sacrifice Renewed
... THE SECOND BOOK OF CHRONICLES SACRIFICE RENEWED. ... in sacrifices and thank-offerings;
and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings."2 ... 'My faith would lay ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sacrifice renewed.htm

The Circumcision of the Heart
... which were also in Christ Jesus; the being so "renewed in the spirit ... 2. To be more
particular: Circumcision of heart implies humility, faith, hope, and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 17 the circumcision of.htm

The Place Where God is Not.
... inferential knowledge regarding the man. It is sufficient to comfort a
heart, and give one renewed faith in praying for others. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the place where god is.htm

The Covenant of Peace Renewed Between Christians.
... 8.8.8.8 James Montgomery. The Covenant of Peace renewed between Christians. ... As faith,
and hope, and love increase,. ... From heart to heart, for His dear sake. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cx the covenant of.htm

A New Heart.
... the region of fleshly influences, is renewed in every ... out this charm which takes
the heart captive and ... We see decaying faith in some quarters, and selfishness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xvii a new heart.htm

New Covenant Obedience
... to obey in everything, and of its faith that in ... a good conscience restored, and the
heart's confidence before God ... The renewed man has still the flesh, with its ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xiii new covenant obedience.htm