The concept of the unrenewed heart being fully set to do evil is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the inherent sinfulness and moral depravity of humanity apart from divine intervention. This condition is characterized by a persistent inclination towards sin and rebellion against God, reflecting a heart that is hardened and unrepentant.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of the unrenewed heart. In Ecclesiastes 8:11, it is written, "When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil." This verse highlights the tendency of the human heart to persist in wickedness when there is no immediate consequence for sin, suggesting a natural proclivity towards evil when left unchecked.

Jeremiah 17:9 further describes the deceitful nature of the heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This passage underscores the depth of corruption within the unrenewed heart, emphasizing its deceitfulness and the difficulty of comprehending its true nature.

Manifestations of Evil

The unrenewed heart manifests its evil inclinations in various ways. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus explains, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." This list of sins illustrates the breadth of moral corruption that originates from the heart, affecting both thoughts and actions.

Romans 1:28-32 provides a vivid depiction of the consequences of a heart set on evil: "Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity." This passage reveals the progression of sin when the heart is unrenewed, leading to a state of moral decay and separation from God.

Resistance to God

The unrenewed heart is marked by resistance to God's authority and truth. In Romans 8:7, Paul writes, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." This hostility is a defining characteristic of the unrenewed heart, which is naturally opposed to divine will and incapable of genuine obedience without transformation.

Ephesians 4:18-19 describes the spiritual blindness and insensitivity of the unrenewed heart: "They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more." This passage highlights the spiritual alienation and moral insensitivity that result from a heart set on evil.

Need for Renewal

The Bible consistently points to the necessity of heart renewal through divine intervention. Ezekiel 36:26 offers a 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 promise signifies the hope of redemption and the possibility of a heart that is responsive to God.

In the New Testament, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit is emphasized in Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." This renewal is essential for overcoming the inherent evil of the unrenewed heart and living a life pleasing to God.Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayerless Christians
... His heart is set on this one thing. ... the Father and the Son in spirit, character and
conduct. ... the angelic nature, or man's carnal nature unrenewed and unchanged ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/v prayerless christians.htm

Moral Insanity.
... to the Bible, therefore, the heart, in all unrenewed men, is ... may seem to be amiable
in temper and character, yet every ... that I can say is that my heart is set ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/ix moral insanity.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... the offers of mercy to the unrenewed are made as ... as they are unaccepted, they possess
the same character. ... exercise of believing; from the heart, whose energies ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

Spiritualism.
... a manner that is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its ... who indulge sinful traits
of character, or wilfully ... so agreeable to the carnal heart, and renounce ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /34 spiritualism.htm

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
... a manner that is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its ... who indulge sinful traits
of character, or willfully ... so agreeable to the carnal heart, and renounce ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 34 can our dead.htm

Snares of Satan.
... in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. ... minds of men are inadequate
fully to comprehend ... 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
... in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. ... minds of men are inadequate
fully to comprehend ... the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... Straightway the unrenewed man seeks out artillery with which ... first prove themselves
to be their superiors in character. ... he has often grieved my heart, I would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

The Blood of the Everlasting Covenant
... Thus have I, as fully as time permits this ... Having thus noticed the everlasting character
of the ... of the devil, and the spirit of the unhumbled, unrenewed heart. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blood of the everlasting.htm

Entire Sanctification
... the spirit of error will work in the unrenewed heart, filling it ... man that he ever
met." As the character of Socrates ... love him now with all thy heart; but he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clarke/entire sanctification/entire sanctification.htm

What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.org

What is the heart? | GotQuestions.org

Heart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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