Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Perfect With God

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The concept of a heart that is "perfect with God" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting a state of spiritual renewal and alignment with God's will. This idea is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the transformation that occurs when an individual fully commits to a life of faith and obedience.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of a heart being perfect with God is often associated with the Hebrew term "shalem," which conveys completeness, wholeness, and integrity. In 1 Kings 8:61, Solomon exhorts the Israelites, "And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day" . This verse underscores the expectation of wholehearted devotion and the pursuit of a life that reflects God's statutes.

Old Testament Examples

King David is frequently cited as an exemplar of a heart that sought perfection with God. Despite his failings, David's life was marked by a sincere desire to follow God. In 1 Kings 11:4, it is noted, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of his father David had been" . David's heart, though imperfect in human terms, was characterized by a genuine pursuit of God's will.

Another significant figure is King Asa, who is described in 1 Kings 15:14: "The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days" . Asa's reign is marked by reforms and a commitment to seeking God, illustrating the possibility of maintaining a heart perfect with God even amidst external challenges.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the call to a renewed heart is intensified through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity and sincerity in Matthew 5:8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" . This beatitude highlights the connection between a pure heart and the ability to perceive and experience God's presence.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his letters. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul writes, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus" . Here, Paul acknowledges the ongoing journey toward spiritual perfection, driven by the transformative power of Christ.

Theological Implications

The character of a renewed heart that is perfect with God involves a dynamic process of sanctification. It is not about achieving sinless perfection but rather cultivating a heart that is fully devoted to God, characterized by faith, repentance, and obedience. This transformation is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will.

The renewed heart is marked by a deep love for God and others, as articulated in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). It reflects a life that seeks to glorify God in all things, striving for holiness and righteousness. The pursuit of a heart perfect with God is a lifelong journey, marked by continual growth and reliance on God's grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 8:61
Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 101:2
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Test of Discipleship
... of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect ... to doubt whether their
hearts have been renewed by the ... for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

General Character of Christians.
... The renewed are chiefly restrained by love to God and ... yea not only in every field,
but in every heart. ... made perfect""those of the opposite character put on ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xi general character of.htm

The Likeness of God
... may be blotted and corrupted, it can be cleansed and renewed. ... it, and take it on
trust: but the CHARACTER of the ... we can know what is better, the heart of God. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ii the likeness of.htm

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations
... 1. Note the revelation of God's character, and of our ... reference to the danger of
renewed attack from ... breathed itself into Abram's hushed heart, should speak ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/waiting faith rewarded and strengthened.htm

Letter xvii. Harmony of Christian Character.
... It is to be "renewed in knowledge, after the ... is but acting out the state of heart
expressed by ... The perfection of Christian character consists in the harmonious ...
/.../letter xvii harmony of christian.htm

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
... through his purity separate from sinners as to his character, yet he ... is sweet
suitableness in the grace of God to the heart, and in the renewed heart to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the tender mercy of our.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... to meet the public ear, but which the renewed heart feels to ... for my text is addressed
to a special character. ... of the watches, pour out thine heart like water ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

Asa
... After his great deliverance Asa renewed his consecration. ... for its renewal shows that
in character and conduct ... of great mercy, was that Asa's heart was "perfect ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/asa.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... breathing the purest conceptions of the character and nature ... and asks that the ancient
experiences may be renewed. ... is the entire devotion of heart, which leads ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

Life and Character of John
... an interior view of the mind and heart of his ... in extreme old age, when his youth
was renewed like the ... I quote some excellent remarks on the character of John ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 41 life and character.htm