Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Mischievous

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The concept of the "unrenewed heart" in biblical theology refers to the natural state of humanity before the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. This state is often characterized by various sinful tendencies and inclinations, one of which is a propensity for mischief. The mischievous nature of the unrenewed heart is depicted throughout Scripture as a manifestation of rebellion against God's righteous standards.

Biblical Descriptions of Mischief

The Bible frequently addresses the mischievous nature of the unrenewed heart, illustrating how it leads individuals away from God's path. In Proverbs 6:12-14, the mischievous person is described as a "worthless person, a wicked man, who goes about with a perverse mouth, winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, pointing with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart; he always stirs up dissension." This passage highlights the deceitful and divisive nature of mischief, which is rooted in a heart that is not aligned with God's truth.

Consequences of Mischief

The mischievous actions of the unrenewed heart often result in negative consequences, both for the individual and for those around them. In Proverbs 24:8-9, it is stated, "He who plots evil will be called a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker." Here, the Bible warns that those who engage in mischievous behavior are not only engaging in sin but are also subject to the disdain of others. This reflects the broader biblical principle that sin leads to destruction and alienation from God and community.

Mischief as a Reflection of Inner Corruption

The mischievous nature of the unrenewed heart is a reflection of the inner corruption that sin brings. Jeremiah 17:9 declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse underscores the inherent deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart apart from divine intervention. Mischief, therefore, is not merely a series of isolated actions but a symptom of a deeper spiritual malady.

Contrast with the Renewed Heart

In contrast to the unrenewed heart, the heart that has been transformed by the Holy Spirit exhibits a different character. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." The renewed heart seeks to align with God's will, rejecting mischief and embracing righteousness.

Call to Transformation

The Bible calls individuals to seek transformation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2 exhorts, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a turning away from the mischievous inclinations of the unrenewed heart and a pursuit of godliness.

In summary, the mischievous character of the unrenewed heart is a significant theme in Scripture, illustrating the need for divine intervention and transformation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, individuals can overcome the deceitful and divisive tendencies of the unrenewed heart and live in accordance with God's righteous standards.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 28:3
Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 140:2
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Snares of Satan.
... Still another subtle and mischievous error is the ... 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
... Still another subtle and mischievous error is the ... 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

Divine Impartiality Considered.
... we would not attempt to vindicate his character as an ... Those who are unrenewed are
not all equally depraved ... will be opened, which will open every heart, and life ...
/.../sermon vi divine impartiality considered.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... Straightway the unrenewed man seeks out artillery with which ... prove themselves to
be their superiors in character. ... in morals before grace gives a heart to love ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

The Warrant of Faith
... evangelical repentance never can exist in an unrenewed soul ... meant for me, for I was
not the character intended; and ... Do not tell me that his heart is broken; if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the warrant of faith.htm

Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ...
... of death, for murders of the most atrocious character. ... What unrenewed man thinks
it a sin to forget God ... I know nothing of this young woman's heart, but using ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/confession of sin illustrated by.htm