Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Ensnaring

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◄ Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Ensnaring ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the unrenewed heart in Scripture is often depicted as being ensnaring, leading individuals into a web of sin and spiritual bondage. This condition is characterized by a heart that has not been transformed by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, remaining in its natural, fallen state. The unrenewed heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, as described in Jeremiah 17:9 : "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure—who can understand it?"

Deceptive Nature

The ensnaring nature of the unrenewed heart is primarily rooted in its deceitfulness. It lures individuals into sin by presenting false promises of satisfaction and fulfillment. Proverbs 28:26 warns, "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe." This verse highlights the folly of relying on one's own heart, which is prone to deception and self-delusion.

Enticement to Sin

The unrenewed heart is easily enticed by the desires of the flesh, leading to a life dominated by sin. James 1:14-15 explains this process: "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." The heart's natural inclination towards sin acts as a snare, trapping individuals in a cycle of temptation and transgression.

Spiritual Blindness

An unrenewed heart is also marked by spiritual blindness, unable to perceive the truth of God's Word. 2 Corinthians 4:4 states, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This blindness prevents individuals from recognizing their need for salvation and keeps them ensnared in spiritual darkness.

Resistance to God

The unrenewed heart is inherently resistant to God and His commandments. Romans 8:7 describes this hostility: "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." This resistance further ensnares the individual, as they are unable to break free from their sinful nature without divine intervention.

Consequences of an Ensnared Heart

The ensnaring nature of the unrenewed heart leads to severe consequences, both in this life and the next. Galatians 6:7-8 warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." The unrenewed heart, left unchecked, ultimately leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God.

Need for Renewal

The ensnaring character of the unrenewed heart underscores the necessity of spiritual renewal through faith in Jesus Christ. Ezekiel 36:26 offers the promise of transformation: "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 divine renewal breaks the chains of sin and enables individuals to live in accordance with God's will, free from the snares of the unrenewed heart.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 7:26
And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
Torrey's Topical Textbook