Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Clean

Bible > Topical > Character of the Renewed Heart

◄ Character of the Renewed Heart: Clean ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of a "clean heart" is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the transformative work of God in the life of a believer. A clean heart is indicative of a renewed spirit, one that is aligned with God's will and purposes. This transformation is not merely an external change but a profound internal renewal that affects one's thoughts, desires, and actions.

Biblical Foundation

The plea for a clean heart is poignantly expressed in Psalm 51:10, where David cries out, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" . This verse underscores the necessity of divine intervention in purifying the heart, acknowledging that true cleanliness comes from God alone.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity. In Matthew 5:8, He declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" . This beatitude highlights the connection between a clean heart and the ability to perceive and experience God's presence.

Characteristics of a Clean Heart

1. Purity of Intentions: A clean heart is marked by pure motives and intentions. It seeks to honor God in all things, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:5, which states, "The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith" .

2. Repentance and Forgiveness: A renewed heart is quick to repent and seek forgiveness. It acknowledges sin and turns away from it, as illustrated in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" .

3. Obedience to God's Word: A clean heart delights in obeying God's commandments. Psalm 119:9 asks, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word" . This verse emphasizes the role of Scripture in maintaining a clean heart.

4. Love and Compassion: A heart that has been renewed by God is characterized by love and compassion for others. 1 Peter 1:22 encourages believers to "love one another deeply, from a pure heart" , indicating that genuine love flows from a heart purified by God.

5. Humility and Dependence on God: A clean heart recognizes its dependence on God for strength and guidance. James 4:8 exhorts, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" . This call to purity is coupled with a call to humility and reliance on God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the cleansing and renewal of the heart. Titus 3:5-6 explains, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior" . The Spirit's work is essential in transforming the believer's heart, enabling them to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Practical Implications

The pursuit of a clean heart involves regular self-examination, prayer, and a commitment to spiritual disciplines. Believers are encouraged to seek God's cleansing continually, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting" . This openness to God's scrutiny is vital for maintaining a heart that is pure and aligned with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:1
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Difference Between the Upright in Heart and the Clean in Heart ...
... to be severally bestowed on each separate character, where it ... in his hands, and stand,
clean in his heart,"the one ... he departs from it, and is renewed day by ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/36 the difference between the.htm

"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
... Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon its victims,
filled ... the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 27 thou canst make.htm

Xystus.
... altar," who knows not that the clean heart must be ... perfection, whilst "the inward
man is renewed day by ... any man's attaining such a high character, and thereby ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 77 xystus.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... token of friendship, a last appeal to his heart? ... sharper test of national or individual
character than the ... standing where their fathers had renewed the Covenant ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

The Doctrine Adorned
... can be made pure, and his nature renewed by the ... Years after, my own heart was awakened,
and desires arose ... the beauties of a happy, consistent character and life ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/v the doctrine adorned.htm

Two Essential Things
... Every renewed heart is anxious to be free from even a ... of self is formed by a comparison
with the divine character. ... evil act, and not of the evil heart, is like ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/two essential things.htm

Things which Defile
... that our true need is to be renewed inwardly, so ... until innocent indulgence does reach
the heart and pervert it ... enters into the mouth makes his character, for it ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 7 14-23 things which defile.htm

Prayer and God's Work
... and in all those graces which have their root in the renewed heart, which mark ... They
largely determine its character and its work. ... And purifies the heart.". ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... a jealous self-respect may appear in his character; but unless ... The heart and will
themselves must be renewed. ... Create within me a clean heart, O God, and renew ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ...
... in which he can discern himself in this character and state ... find himself in health
and vigor of mind, renewed to a ... Who can say I have made my heart clean, I am ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iii of the nature.htm