Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Unbelieving

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◄ Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Unbelieving ►

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The unrenewed heart, as depicted in the Scriptures, is fundamentally characterized by unbelief. This unbelief is not merely an intellectual doubt but a deep-seated spiritual condition that affects one's relationship with God and response to His revelation. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature and consequences of an unbelieving heart.

1. Nature of Unbelief:
The unrenewed heart is inherently resistant to the truth of God. In Hebrews 3:12 , it is written, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God." This passage highlights unbelief as a moral failing, a "wicked heart" that actively turns away from God. Unbelief is not a passive state but an active rejection of divine truth.

2. Spiritual Blindness:
Unbelief is often associated with spiritual blindness. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 , the apostle Paul explains, "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 the unrenewed heart from perceiving the truth and beauty of the gospel, keeping individuals in spiritual darkness.

3. Hardened Heart:
The unrenewed heart is described as hardened, resistant to the voice of God. In Mark 16:14 , Jesus rebukes His disciples for their unbelief and hardness of heart: "Later as they were reclining at the table, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen." This hardness is a barrier to faith and understanding, often leading to a rejection of God's works and words.

4. Rebellion Against God:
Unbelief is equated with rebellion against God. In Psalm 78:22 , the Israelites are condemned for their lack of faith: "because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation." This unbelief is not just a failure to trust but an act of rebellion, refusing to rely on God's provision and salvation.

5. Consequences of Unbelief:
The Scriptures warn of severe consequences for an unbelieving heart. In John 3:18 , it is stated, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." Unbelief results in condemnation, as it rejects the only means of salvation provided through Jesus Christ.

6. Call to Faith:
Despite the grim portrayal of the unrenewed heart, the Bible consistently calls individuals to faith. In Hebrews 11:6 , it is declared, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is presented as the antidote to unbelief, a necessary condition for pleasing God and receiving His promises.

The unrenewed heart, marked by unbelief, stands in stark contrast to the heart transformed by faith in Christ. The biblical narrative urges a turning away from unbelief towards a life of faith and trust in God, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel to renew the heart and mind.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 3:12
Take heed, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The National Preacher.
... disclosure of the true feelings of the unrenewed heart. ... a decisive criterion of human
character"to exhibit ... the self-righteous and unbelieving have transformed ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/the national preacher.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... The tendency that there is in the unrenewed heart to seek life ... in a state of sin,
has the character of a ... the world, to the descendants of the unbelieving Jews. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

The Blind Beggar
... The unrenewed mind is so blind, that it perceives not ... man's faith was of such a
character that it ... water of life freely." You poor unbelieving heart will you not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blind beggar.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... Unrenewed persons find fault with God's justice ... some here who wear a very excellent
moral character in the ... old enemy, long since wounded to the heart, which now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm