Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Carnal

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The term "carnal" in the context of the Bible refers to the nature and disposition of the unrenewed heart, which is dominated by fleshly desires and inclinations. This condition is often contrasted with the spiritual nature that is imparted to believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. The carnal mind is characterized by its enmity against God and its inability to submit to His law.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 8:6-7 : "The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." This passage highlights the fundamental opposition between the carnal mind and the will of God. The unrenewed heart, being carnal, is inherently rebellious and resistant to divine authority.

2. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 : "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?" Here, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, pointing out their carnal behavior as evidence of their spiritual immaturity. The presence of jealousy and strife is indicative of a heart that has not fully embraced the transformative power of the Spirit.

3. Galatians 5:19-21 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage lists the manifestations of the carnal nature, which are in direct opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. The unrenewed heart is prone to these sinful behaviors, which are barriers to inheriting the kingdom of God.

4. James 4:1-3 : "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask. And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." James identifies the source of conflict and strife as the carnal desires that wage war within the unrenewed heart. These desires lead to destructive behaviors and hinder effective prayer.

The Nature of the Carnal Heart:

The carnal heart is fundamentally self-centered, seeking to gratify its own desires rather than pursuing the will of God. It is marked by a focus on temporal and material concerns, often at the expense of spiritual growth and maturity. The unrenewed heart is incapable of true righteousness, as it lacks the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's standards.

Transformation through Renewal:

The transformation from a carnal to a spiritual nature is a central theme in the New Testament. This renewal is accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ and the subsequent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As believers yield to the Spirit's work, they experience a progressive sanctification that aligns their desires and actions with the will of God. The call to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:22-24) underscores the necessity of this transformation for those who seek to live a life pleasing to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sinner's Need of Christ
... Such is still the condition of the unrenewed heart. ... unless he shall receive a new
heart, new desires ... the benevolence, the fatherly tenderness, of His character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 2 the sinners need.htm

The National Preacher.
... no conspicuous standard of Christian character is visible ... natural enmity of the carnal
heart, to give a ... subject discover the ungodliness of the unrenewed heart. ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/the national preacher.htm

Character and Condition of the Churches to whom the Epistle was ...
... spirit shows itself equally, when the unrenewed nature of ... while yet the whole inward
character has formed ... his treasure in heaven and his heart directed thither ...
/.../the epistle of james practically explained/ 4 character and condition.htm

Spiritualism.
... at liberty to obey the promptings of the carnal heart. ... years, and in these its real
character stands revealed ... that is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /34 spiritualism.htm

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
... at liberty to obey the promptings of the carnal heart. ... years, and in these its real
character stands revealed ... that is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 34 can our dead.htm

Aims of the Papacy.
... religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. ... licentiousness,"his standard
of character is lowered ... is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /35 aims of the papacy.htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. ... licentiousness,"his standard
of character is lowered ... is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... The carnal mind is ... The tendency that there is in the unrenewed heart to seek life
by the works of ... God revealed to men in a state of sin, has the character of a ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

Snares of Satan.
... intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires. ... His word sufficient evidence of
its divine character. ... the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires. ... His word sufficient evidence of
its divine character. ... the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm