Topical Bible: Heart: The Unregenerate is Worldly

◄ Heart: The Unregenerate is Worldly ►

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In biblical theology, the heart is often seen as the center of human will, emotion, and intellect. It is the seat of moral and spiritual life, reflecting the true nature of a person. The unregenerate heart, in particular, is described in Scripture as being inherently worldly, inclined towards sin and rebellion against God.

Worldliness of the Unregenerate Heart

The unregenerate heart is characterized by its attachment to the things of this world, often prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual truths. This worldliness is evident in various aspects of life, including thoughts, actions, and priorities. The Apostle John warns against such attachments, stating, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). This passage highlights the incompatibility between a love for the world and a love for God, suggesting that the unregenerate heart is naturally inclined towards the former.

Deceitfulness and Corruption

The unregenerate heart is also described as deceitful and corrupt. Jeremiah 17:9 declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This verse underscores the inherent deceitfulness of the unregenerate heart, which often leads individuals astray, away from God's truth and righteousness. The corruption of the heart is further emphasized in Mark 7:21-23, where Jesus explains, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man" .

Hostility Towards God

The unregenerate heart is not only worldly but also hostile towards God. Romans 8:7 states, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so" . This hostility is a natural consequence of the heart's worldliness, as it seeks to fulfill its own desires rather than submit to divine authority. The unregenerate heart is thus in a state of enmity with God, unable to please Him or align with His will.

Spiritual Blindness

Another characteristic of the unregenerate heart is spiritual blindness. 2 Corinthians 4:4 explains, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" . This blindness prevents the unregenerate heart from recognizing the truth and beauty of the gospel, keeping it ensnared in worldly pursuits and values.

Need for Regeneration

The condition of the unregenerate heart underscores the necessity of spiritual regeneration. Jesus emphasizes this need in John 3:3, saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" . Regeneration, a work of the Holy Spirit, transforms the heart, turning it away from worldliness and towards God. This transformation is essential for overcoming the inherent deceitfulness, hostility, and blindness of the unregenerate heart, enabling individuals to live in accordance with God's will and purpose.

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2 Chronicles 26:16
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.
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Daniel 5:20
But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
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Acts 8:21,22
You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
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Library

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... happiness in another, is yet in an unregenerate state ... Philippians 3:19,) for having
your heart on earth ... 21;) and if you govern yourselves by worldly maxims alone ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm

Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ...
... turning a heart of stone into a heart of flesh ... While sinners are in their unregenerate
state, he endeavors to ... in the enjoyment of all its worldly prosperity; nay ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse v of the incapacity.htm

A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... God, and the unholy nature of carnal and unregenerate men ... against the soul, which
tend to harden the heart, and keep ... will put an end to all your worldly concerns ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin and a ... In the renewed heart there is
hatred of sin and ... Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a ... In the renewed heart there
is hatred of sin, and ... Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... of the sensibility incline him to worldly gratifications, and ... but does not in fact
forsake it, in his heart. ... than of his regenerate or unregenerate state; and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxx evidences of regeneration.htm

"In the Spirit and Power of Elias"
... pleasing fables that permit man to follow the inclinations of the unregenerate heart. ...
to become so darkened and confused by conformity to worldly customs and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 14 in the spirit.htm

The Christian's Hope
... Every unregenerate man either does not desire this new life or ... Heart faith in Christ
leads a man to follow and ... If the spirit of a purely worldly pleasure rules ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xiv the christians hope.htm

part i.
... order enters into, and pervades our worldly business, we ... the deep-seated depravity
of the human heart. ... This, in unregenerate men, is the governing principle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part i.htm

Peace
... flows from sanctification, but they being unregenerate, have nothing ... a secret peace
which the heart has in ... He cannot take comfort in worldly blessings, health ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm