Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Filled With the Law of God

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The concept of a renewed heart filled with the law of God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the transformative power of God's grace in the believer's life. This transformation is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal change that aligns one's desires and actions with God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of a heart renewed and filled with God's law is rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In Jeremiah 31:33, God promises a new covenant with His people: "But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people" . This passage highlights the shift from external observance to internal transformation, where God's law becomes an integral part of the believer's being.

Similarly, Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks of this renewal: "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" . Here, the emphasis is on the divine initiative in renewing the heart, enabling the believer to live in accordance with God's statutes.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament further develops this theme, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 8:2-4, Paul explains, "For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" . This passage underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law through a renewed heart.

Practical Implications

A heart filled with the law of God manifests in a life characterized by love, obedience, and holiness. Jesus summarized the law in terms of love in Matthew 22:37-40: "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.' All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments" . A renewed heart naturally expresses love for God and others, fulfilling the essence of the law.

Moreover, the renewed heart is marked by a desire for holiness and obedience. In 1 Peter 1:14-16, believers are exhorted, "As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" . The indwelling Spirit empowers believers to pursue holiness, reflecting the character of God in their lives.

Conclusion

The character of the renewed heart, filled with the law of God, is a testament to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It is a heart that delights in God's commandments, seeks to live in accordance with His will, and reflects His love and holiness in every aspect of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 40:8
I delight to do your will, O my God: yes, your law is within my heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:11
Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Modern Revivals.
... His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must ... the purity and holiness of His
character, will be ... the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

Modern Revivals
... His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must ... the purity and holiness of His
character, will be ... the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... not be adding a particle to his moral character or his ... If the Psalmist, a renewed
man, yet not entirely free ... terror when, in the thoughts of his heart, in the ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

A Faithful Witness
... He first loved us." In the heart renewed by divine ... It modifies the character, governs
the impulses, controls ... redeeming power, filling the heart, would control ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 54 a faithful witness.htm

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... In paying this tribute of approbation to the character of a God whom you do not
yourself love and serve ... No man's heart and will can be renewed or changed by ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... meet the public ear, but which the renewed heart feels to ... here who wear a very excellent
moral character in the ... and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.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

The Backslider in Heart.
... is a spirit of distrust of Christian character and professions ... and see that your
love and zeal are renewed. ... A backslidden heart will lead to the adoption of lax ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works
... it out anew in our own life and character by seeking ... that purpose, with the freedom
of your renewed will, and with the delight of your regenerated heart! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the agreement of salvation by.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... crimes which had so maimed his character, must have ... instantly to change the sinner's
heart without previous ... respects, a similar change, when renewed again by ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm