Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: A Treasury of Evil

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◄ Character of the Unrenewed Heart: A Treasury of Evil ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The unrenewed heart, as depicted in the Bible, is fundamentally flawed and inclined towards evil. This condition is a result of the fall of man, which introduced sin into the human experience. The Scriptures provide a comprehensive portrayal of the unrenewed heart, emphasizing its inherent corruption and propensity for wickedness.

Deceitfulness and Wickedness

The prophet Jeremiah succinctly describes the unrenewed heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). This verse highlights the heart's deceitful nature, suggesting that it is inherently misleading and treacherous. The unrenewed heart is not only deceitful but also desperately wicked, indicating a profound moral corruption that pervades human nature.

Foolishness and Darkness

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, elaborates on the condition of those with unrenewed hearts: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts" (Romans 1:21). This passage underscores the foolishness and spiritual darkness that characterize the unrenewed heart. Despite an awareness of God, such individuals fail to honor Him, resulting in futile reasoning and moral obscurity.

Rebellion and Hardness

The unrenewed heart is also marked by rebellion against God. In Ezekiel, God speaks of the Israelites, saying, "But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to Me, because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart" (Ezekiel 3:7). This imagery of a "stubborn heart" conveys a willful resistance to divine authority and instruction, illustrating the rebellious nature of the unrenewed heart.

Pride and Selfishness

Pride is another defining characteristic of the unrenewed heart. Proverbs warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). The unrenewed heart is often consumed with self-importance and arrogance, leading to its eventual downfall. This pride is closely linked to selfishness, as the unrenewed heart prioritizes personal desires over the will of God and the needs of others.

Enmity and Hostility

The Apostle Paul further describes the unrenewed heart in his letter to the Romans: "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so" (Romans 8:7). This hostility towards God is a defining trait of the unrenewed heart, which is in constant enmity with divine principles. The inability to submit to God's law underscores the heart's inherent opposition to righteousness.

Conclusion

The unrenewed heart, as depicted in the Bible, is a treasury of evil, characterized by deceitfulness, foolishness, rebellion, pride, and hostility. These traits underscore the profound need for spiritual renewal and transformation through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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