Topical Bible: The Heart: should be Single

◄ The Heart: should be Single ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the heart is a central theme that encompasses the core of human existence, representing the seat of emotions, intellect, and will. It is a term that appears frequently throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing the innermost part of a person, where thoughts, desires, and intentions reside.

Old Testament Understanding:

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for heart is "leb" or "lebab," which appears over 800 times. The heart is often depicted as the center of human life and spiritual activity. It is the place where decisions are made and where one's true character is revealed. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:7, the LORD tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

The heart is also portrayed as the source of both good and evil. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the importance of maintaining a pure heart, as it influences one's actions and life direction.

New Testament Perspective:

In the New Testament, the Greek word for heart is "kardia," which similarly refers to the inner self. Jesus emphasizes the significance of the heart in His teachings. In Matthew 5:8, He declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This beatitude highlights the necessity of inner purity for spiritual vision and communion with God.

The heart is also the focal point of transformation in the New Covenant. In Romans 10:9-10, Paul writes, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." Here, the heart is the locus of faith and justification, indicating its vital role in the believer's relationship with God.

Spiritual Condition of the Heart:

The Bible frequently addresses the condition of the human heart, acknowledging its propensity for sin and deceit. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse reflects the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine intervention.

Conversely, the Scriptures also speak of the possibility of a renewed heart. Ezekiel 36:26 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 prophetic promise points to the transformative work of God in regenerating the believer's heart.

The Heart in Worship and Devotion:

The heart is central to authentic worship and devotion. Jesus teaches that true worshipers must worship "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24), indicating that genuine worship arises from a sincere heart. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 51:10, praying, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Moreover, the heart is integral to the greatest commandment, as Jesus affirms in Matthew 22:37: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This command underscores the comprehensive devotion that God desires from His people, encompassing every aspect of their being.

Conclusion:

The heart, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound and multifaceted concept that encapsulates the essence of human identity and spirituality. It is the wellspring of life, the seat of faith, and the arena of divine transformation. The Scriptures call believers to guard their hearts, seek purity, and devote themselves wholly to God, recognizing the heart's pivotal role in their spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Steps to Wisdom: First, Fear; Second, Piety; Third, Knowledge ...
... God is to be loved with all the heart, and with ... [1764] It is necessary, then, that
each man should first of ... Accordingly, that holy man will be so single and so ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 7 steps to wisdom first.htm

Introduction
... Within the single century of our own church history what wonderful things have been ...
his enthusiasm and spoiling the joy with which his heart should always run ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jackson/the message and the man/introduction.htm

The Wilderness State
... God's countenance, should be any way prevailed on to commit a single act of ... abomination
to the Lord;" and that, although this pride of heart should not appear ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 46 the wilderness state.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... Since the heart follows the treasure, that it may dwell ... for it is better that our
hearts should abide in ... the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 6.htm

Heart's-Ease
... There is positive proof in the single sunbeam of the ... they looked not merely farther
on into the heart of the ... God is as willing that you should read your lesson ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brooks/hearts-ease/hearts-ease.htm

V. ...
... But this is what should be taught, that there should be a single aim and many
employments, one heart and many hands: all should not follow one business, but ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iii v .htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... had up to the age of sixty-five years never written a single sentence, yet ... As in
the instance of the great New Englander, purity of heart should be ingrained ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... a man should exert himself with great zeal, and should follow his single intention
with ... man practises and clings to the activities of the heart and the ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

Excellence of this virtue.
... A single act of uniformity with the divine will suffices to ... If we would completely
rejoice the heart of God, let ... of perfection and to it we should always aspire ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/1 excellence of this virtue.htm

An Old Disciple
... with which he holds its vital heart, and to ... The union of these two characteristics
should be consciously aimed ... That single phrase is the noblest summary of a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/an old disciple.htm