Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Fixed on God

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The concept of a heart fixed on God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting a transformation that occurs when an individual turns away from sin and aligns their life with the will and purposes of God. This transformation is often described as the renewal of the heart, a process that is both instantaneous and ongoing, marked by a steadfast commitment to God and His commandments.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous references to the idea of a heart that is steadfastly fixed on God. In Psalm 57:7, David declares, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music." This verse illustrates a heart that is unwavering in its devotion, even amidst trials and tribulations. Similarly, Psalm 112:7 speaks of the righteous, stating, "He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." Here, the fixed heart is characterized by trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Transformation through Renewal

The renewal of the heart is a work of the Holy Spirit, as described in Ezekiel 36:26, where 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 transformation involves a fundamental change in desires, priorities, and affections, aligning them with God's will. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 12:2, urging believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Characteristics of a Renewed Heart

1. Love for God and Others: A renewed heart is marked by a deep love for God and a genuine love for others. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 22:37-39, stating, "‘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.’"

2. Obedience to God's Commands: Obedience is a natural outflow of a heart fixed on God. In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This obedience is not burdensome but is a joyful response to God's love and grace.

3. Peace and Contentment: A heart fixed on God experiences peace and contentment, regardless of external circumstances. Philippians 4:7 promises, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

4. Perseverance in Faith: The renewed heart is resilient, persevering in faith through trials. James 1:12 encourages believers, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

5. Joy in Worship: Worship becomes a central aspect of life for those with a renewed heart. Psalm 95:1-2 invites, "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song."

Practical Implications

The character of a renewed heart fixed on God has profound implications for daily living. It influences decisions, relationships, and priorities, leading to a life that reflects the character of Christ. This transformation is not achieved through human effort alone but is a result of God's grace and the believer's continual reliance on the Holy Spirit. As believers grow in their relationship with God, their hearts become increasingly aligned with His purposes, resulting in a life that brings glory to Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 57:7
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

The Test of Discipleship
... Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before
God just as if you had not ... Through this faith the heart is renewed in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Messiah's Entrance into Jerusalem
... 15:2) , by whose order it was fixed over Him ... Jesus Christ, which is revealed to the
renewed heart by the ... righteous in the Beloved, but of their real character. ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xi messiahs entrance into.htm

Growing up into Christ
... The regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit renewed his heart. The power
of the love of Christ wrought a transformation of character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 8 growing up into.htm

Letter iii. True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart; but it ...
... the Spirit of God upon the heart is inseparably ... represents the fixed state of the
renewed soul, as ... This steadiness of Christian character is elsewhere spoken ...
/.../letter iii true religion a.htm

The God of the Aged
... His character, his essence, his being, and his deeds are all the ... And bind the Gospel
to my heart.". ... between the Bride and the Bridegroom was renewed; yea, here ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

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

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... Having these two principles fixed in your mind, you ... can be formed between the carnal
and the renewed heart. ... a dark mark against any one's Christian character. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

Love's Logic
... to God is as natural to the renewed heart as love ... the guilty, his holy, just, and
righteous character are not ... brethren, that faith in the heart always precedes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm

On Dissipation
... 8. But who is he that is thus renewed? ... vulgar, it is true, commonly confine this
character to those ... the Spirit of adoption, crying in your heart, Abba, Father ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 79 on dissipation.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ...
... find himself in health and vigor of mind, renewed to a ... which come warm from a gracious
heart, are always ... which regeneration makes in a man's character and views ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iii of the nature.htm