Topical Bible: The Heart: we should Sanctify God In

◄ The Heart: we should Sanctify God In ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the heart in biblical literature is rich and multifaceted, often symbolizing the center of human emotion, will, and intellect. In the context of sanctifying God, the heart is seen as the inner sanctum where reverence and devotion to God should be cultivated and maintained.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of the heart in one's relationship with God. In 1 Peter 3:15 , believers are instructed, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you." This verse underscores the necessity of setting apart Christ as Lord within one's heart, indicating a deep, personal commitment to His sovereignty and holiness.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous references to the heart as the seat of spiritual life. In Deuteronomy 6:5 , the Shema commands, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This commandment highlights the heart's role in total devotion to God, suggesting that sanctification begins with an undivided heart fully committed to Him.

The Psalms also reflect this theme. Psalm 51:10 pleads, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Here, the psalmist recognizes the need for divine intervention to purify the heart, making it a suitable dwelling for God's presence.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the heart's significance in spiritual matters. In Matthew 5:8 , He declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This beatitude suggests that a heart sanctified and purified is essential for perceiving and experiencing God.

Furthermore, Jesus teaches that the heart is the source of one's actions and words. In Matthew 12:34-35 , He states, "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil treasure." This passage indicates that sanctifying God in one's heart will naturally lead to righteous behavior and speech.

Practical Implications

Sanctifying God in the heart involves a conscious and continual effort to align one's inner life with God's will. This process includes regular self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This counsel highlights the importance of vigilance in maintaining a heart that honors God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification of the heart. Romans 5:5 states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." The indwelling Spirit empowers believers to sanctify God in their hearts, transforming them into the likeness of Christ.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that the sanctification of God in the heart is a central theme throughout Scripture. It requires a holistic approach, involving both divine assistance and human responsibility, to cultivate a heart that truly honors and reveres God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The False and the True Sabbath.
... of the Jews were the true Sabbath, we should have been ... God, who demands pure hands
and a pure heart."--Hefele. ... reads as follows: "Who then can sanctify the day ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter xv the false and the.htm

Thou Shalt Sanctify the Holy Day. [Remember the Sabbath Day to ...
... so that the special function of this day should be the ... But where the heart is idle,
and the Word does not ... breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt sanctify the holy.htm

The Divine Influence Alone Can Sanctify Us.
... no connexion with his reading his heart becomes ever ... to be allowed to act and that
we should abandon ourselves ... the body; even if the mind should be tormented ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section v the divine influence alone.htm

First Day. God's Call to Holiness.
... 7). When he writes, 'The God of peace sanctify you wholly ... He hath chosen us in Him,
that we should be holy ... the Father from eternity had set His heart upon: that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/first day gods call to.htm

Consecration and Preservation.
... in itself, as the seat and sphere of intellect, heart, and will. ... of the soul and
spirit through which we are enabled ... The order of these three should be observed ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ii consecration and preservation.htm

Sanctification is a Mystery.
... that harp: God created it pure that we might keep the law; which an impure heart
can not ... the sake of clearness, two acknowledged facts should be noticed: ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ii sanctification is a mystery.htm

His Holy Covenant
... so He will work it in us, that we "should serve Him ... Holy Covenant, that the grace
of such heart-holiness is ... point and glory,"that when He comes we may meet ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xvii his holy covenant.htm

Note A. Holiness as Proprietorship.
... rested upon God's claim that Israel should specially be ... as related to holiness (see
'Sixth Day'), we have seen ... God not only possesses the heart, but absolutely ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/note a holiness as proprietorship.htm

The Work of God in Our Work.
... ordained the good works that we should walk therein ... His instrumental cooperation
should therefore not be abused ... holy inclinations are implanted in his heart. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiii the work of god.htm

Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
The Heart-Cry of Jesus. ... THOSE FOR WHOM CHRIST PRAYED""SANCTIFY THEM.". ... we must go
to prayer: our Lord said that we should be sanctified." And thus in long line ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iii those for whom.htm