Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Double

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The concept of a "double heart" in biblical literature often refers to a state of inner duplicity, insincerity, or inconsistency in one's spiritual and moral life. This condition is emblematic of the unrenewed heart, which has not yet been transformed by the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit. The double heart is characterized by a lack of wholehearted devotion to God, resulting in a life marked by instability and divided loyalties.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 12:2 : "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart." This verse highlights the deceitful nature of those with a double heart. Their speech is marked by flattery and falsehood, revealing an inner life that is not aligned with truth and integrity.

2. James 1:8 : "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." Here, the double-mindedness is linked to instability. The unrenewed heart is torn between conflicting desires and allegiances, leading to a life that lacks firm direction and purpose.

3. James 4:8 : "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This exhortation calls for repentance and purification, indicating that a double heart is in need of cleansing and renewal. The double-minded are urged to seek a singular devotion to God.

Characteristics of the Double Heart:

· Inconsistency: The double heart is marked by a wavering commitment to God and His commandments. This inconsistency is often reflected in a life that vacillates between obedience and disobedience, faith and doubt.

· Deceitfulness: As seen in Psalm 12:2, those with a double heart often engage in deceitful practices, using flattering words to mask their true intentions. This duplicity is a manifestation of an inner life that is not fully surrendered to God.

· Divided Loyalties: The unrenewed heart struggles with divided loyalties, often attempting to serve both God and worldly desires. This division leads to spiritual instability and a lack of peace.

· Lack of Integrity: A double heart lacks the integrity that comes from a unified devotion to God. This lack of integrity is evident in actions that do not align with professed beliefs or values.

Spiritual Implications:

The presence of a double heart is a significant barrier to spiritual growth and maturity. It prevents individuals from experiencing the fullness of a relationship with God, as their divided loyalties hinder true fellowship and communion with Him. The call to purify the heart and seek a singular devotion to God is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the need for transformation and renewal through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The double heart is a reminder of the human tendency toward self-deception and the need for divine intervention to bring about a heart that is wholly devoted to God. The Scriptures consistently call believers to examine their hearts, repent of duplicity, and pursue a life of integrity and faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 12:33
Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 12:2
They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Wedding Garment
... is indispensable to a Christian, but which the unrenewed heart is not ... Judas exemplified
in his own person this character. ... it will always be in his heart to hate ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... or self-righteousness of their unrenewed hearts, then ... would be pleased to influence
the heart of this ... but his circumstances were of the most trying character. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
... though there can be of a creature's character and inclination. ... not the state of things,
in the unrenewed soul ... of conscience, and the desires of the heart, is to ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the original and the actual.htm

Four Soils for one Seed
... prosper, whether this or that.' The character of the ... up to softness, and the stony
heart changed, and ... of the desires and inclinations of the unrenewed man is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/four soils for one seed.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... Also thy soul and body are his; but the double-minded man is forbidden to think
that he ... Q. You have given me a very bad character of the heart, but how ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

A Message from God for Thee
... terrible figures to set forth the abominable character of sin ... Unrenewed persons find
fault with God's justice ... But when the heart is really touched by divine grace ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

All the Day Long
... down your God-given and heaven-honored character of a ... it has more practical power
over his life and heart. ... is not to be accomplished by unrenewed nature; it is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

Washed to Greater Foulness
... of men: they think they are saved when they are still unrenewed. ... Lord permits him
to see his own heart and he ... brother men; if, in a word, his character had not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/washed to greater foulness.htm

Heavenly Worship
... themselves, and note their manner and their character; in the ... If you were in heaven
without a new heart and a ... A man who is unrenewed and unregenerate going to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly worship.htm

An Examination of the Treatise of William Perkins Concerning the ...
... own fault and negligence, be removed from his heart, and as ... You say that "Grace is
of a two-fold character. ... the Holy Spirit does not dwell in the unrenewed man ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/an examination of the treatise.htm