The concept of the renewed heart is central to Christian theology, representing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. This transformation is marked by a profound change in character, aligning the believer's heart with the will and purposes of God. The renewed heart is often described as a "treasury of good," reflecting the inner abundance of virtues and godly attributes that flow from a life surrendered to Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The transformation of the heart is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises, "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." This prophetic declaration underscores the divine initiative in renewing the human heart, replacing hardness with receptivity to God's will.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul elaborates on this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This passage highlights the radical change that occurs when one is united with Christ, resulting in a new identity and character.

Attributes of the Renewed Heart

1. Love: The renewed heart is characterized by a profound love for God and others. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 22:37-39, where He stated, "‘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.’" Love becomes the defining mark of the believer's life, reflecting the love of Christ.

2. Joy and Peace: The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, includes joy and peace, which are hallmarks of the renewed heart. These attributes are not dependent on external circumstances but are rooted in the believer's relationship with God. Philippians 4:7 assures us, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

3. Humility and Meekness: A renewed heart is marked by humility and meekness, following the example of Christ. In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

4. Righteousness and Holiness: The renewed heart seeks righteousness and holiness, striving to live in a manner pleasing to God. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This pursuit is a response to the grace received through faith in Christ.

5. Compassion and Kindness: The renewed heart is compassionate and kind, reflecting God's mercy. Colossians 3:12 instructs, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

The Source of Goodness

The goodness that emanates from the renewed heart is not self-generated but is the result of the indwelling Holy Spirit. In John 15:5, Jesus declares, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This abiding relationship with Christ is the source of all spiritual fruitfulness and goodness.

The Role of the Word and Prayer

The Word of God and prayer are vital in nurturing the renewed heart. Psalm 119:11 states, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Regular engagement with Scripture and communion with God through prayer fortify the believer's heart, enabling it to be a reservoir of good.

In summary, the character of the renewed heart is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, manifesting in a life that reflects His goodness and glory.Matthew 12:35
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayer and God's Work
... all those graces which have their root in the renewed heart, which mark ... If we were
more holy in heart and life ... They largely determine its character and its work ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... out of a cultivated taste and a jealous self-respect may appear in his character;
but unless he loves ... The heart and will themselves must be renewed. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... their doom; but the circumstances, the character, the life ... by sin, has its restoration
and renewal much at heart. ... fallen restored to favour and renewed in spirit ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

Modern Revivals.
... His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he ... inadequate his conceptions of the divine
character and requirements ... make but a feeble impression upon the heart. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

Modern Revivals
... His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he ... inadequate his conceptions of the divine
character and requirements ... make but a feeble impression upon the heart. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

part iii.
... and tens of hundreds into the treasury of the ... It must originate in the renewed heart,
be nourished ... full and symmetrical development of the Christian character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part iii.htm

The Established Christian Urged to Exert Himself for Purposes of ...
... would soon be produced in the character and circumstances ... a truly generous and
charitable heart, (Mark 12 ... Accept, O Lord, accept that renewed surrender which I ...
/.../chapter xxviii the established christian.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... it is also full of treachery of the human heart. ... Has the gospel renewed you in the
spirit of your ... if they shall experience such a change of character as passed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

Personal Characteristics.
... a genial temperament, and strong force of character which fitted ... But there were times
when he renewed his covenant with ... ever had a place in my heart for one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/vi personal characteristics.htm

The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods ...
... the first General Representative Synod of the Renewed Church of ... in theory, they were
international in character, in actual ... or land who lay to heart the weal or ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the church and.htm

What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.org

What is the heart? | GotQuestions.org

Heart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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