Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Often Judicially Stupefied

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the unrenewed heart being judicially stupefied is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the spiritual blindness and hardness that can result from persistent disobedience and rejection of God's truth. This condition is often depicted as a divine judgment, where God allows individuals to become further entrenched in their rebellion, leading to a state of spiritual insensitivity and moral decay.

Biblical Foundation

1. Judicial Hardening: The Bible frequently describes how God, in response to persistent unbelief and sin, may harden the hearts of individuals or groups. This is not an arbitrary act but a judicial response to human obstinacy. In Exodus 9:12, we see this with Pharaoh: "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses." Pharaoh's repeated refusal to heed God's commands led to a divinely sanctioned hardening, illustrating the principle of judicial stupefaction.

2. Spiritual Blindness: The unrenewed heart is often depicted as being blind to spiritual truths. In Isaiah 6:9-10, God instructs the prophet, "Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes." This passage highlights the consequence of persistent rebellion, where the heart becomes calloused and unable to perceive divine truth.

3. Moral Insensitivity: Romans 1:28-32 provides a vivid description of the moral insensitivity that characterizes the unrenewed heart. "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." This passage underscores the idea that when individuals reject God, He allows them to pursue their sinful desires, resulting in a depraved mind and a life filled with unrighteousness.

4. Rejection of Truth: The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, where Paul writes, "They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness." Here, the refusal to accept the truth leads to a divinely permitted delusion, further entrenching individuals in their unbelief.

Theological Implications

The judicial stupefaction of the unrenewed heart serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and rejection of God. It highlights the seriousness with which God views rebellion and the reality of divine judgment. This condition is not merely a passive state but an active judgment where God allows individuals to experience the full weight of their choices.

Pastoral Considerations

From a pastoral perspective, the concept of judicial stupefaction calls for a compassionate yet urgent response. It underscores the importance of preaching repentance and the transformative power of the Gospel. Believers are encouraged to intercede for those who are spiritually blind, praying that God would soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth. The church is called to be a beacon of light, offering hope and redemption to those trapped in spiritual darkness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 6:10
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 28:26,27
Saying, Go to this people, and say, Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and not perceive:
Torrey's Topical Textbook