Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Hateful to God

Bible > Topical > Character of the Unrenewed Heart

◄ Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Hateful to God ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the unrenewed heart being hateful to God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the inherent sinfulness and rebellion of humanity apart from divine transformation. The unrenewed heart, in its natural state, is characterized by a disposition that is contrary to the holiness and righteousness of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently portrays the unrenewed heart as fundamentally opposed to God. In Jeremiah 17:9, the prophet declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This verse underscores the inherent deceit and corruption of the human heart, which is naturally inclined towards sin and rebellion against God.

In Romans 8:7, the Apostle Paul further elaborates on this condition: "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 not merely passive but active, as the unrenewed heart resists God's authority and refuses to align with His will.

Manifestations of the Unrenewed Heart

The unrenewed heart manifests in various sinful behaviors and attitudes that are detestable to God. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the "acts of the flesh," which include "sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy" . These acts are symptomatic of a heart that is not transformed by the Spirit of God.

Moreover, in Mark 7:21-23, Jesus Himself identifies the evil that originates from within the human heart: "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 passage highlights the internal source of sin, emphasizing that the unrenewed heart is the root of actions that are abhorrent to God.

God's Displeasure

God's displeasure with the unrenewed heart is evident throughout Scripture. In Proverbs 6:16-19, the writer lists things that the Lord hates, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes" . This indicates that God not only disapproves of sinful actions but also the very intentions and inclinations of the unrenewed heart.

Furthermore, in Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul describes the state of humanity before receiving God's grace: "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath" . This passage illustrates that the unrenewed heart, left to its own devices, is subject to God's wrath due to its sinful nature.

The Need for Renewal

The Bible makes it clear that the unrenewed heart is in desperate need of transformation. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises, "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 intervention is necessary for the heart to be aligned with God's will and to escape His righteous judgment.

In the New Testament, the necessity of being "born again" is emphasized by Jesus in John 3:3: "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" . This rebirth is a spiritual renewal that transforms the heart, making it pleasing to God and capable of living in accordance with His commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 6:16,18
These six things does the LORD hate: yes, seven are an abomination to him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:20
They that are of a fraudulent heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
... though there can be of a creature's character and inclination ... a spasmodic effort
it costs an unrenewed man even ... He brings the human heart into harmony with the ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the original and the actual.htm

Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ...
... society of those blessed inhabitants, that unrenewed nature and ... xvii.15;) a character
that is manifestly most agreeable ... show; the music of the heart would be ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse v of the incapacity.htm