The Heart of Man


For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, for­nications, thefts, murders, adulteries, ... Mark 7:21 (NASB)

Last time I challenged you to do more with what I wrote than just read it over and move on. I challenged you to be a Berean and study these things out for yourselves. The biblical study of the heart is one of the most important studies you can have! As you study what the Bible says about the heart you will see that Jesus Himself reveals the true condition of men’s hearts. He speaks about the heart many times as do the other New Testament authors. 

Contrary to popular belief, to follow your heart is not a good thing! It is in fact a very bad idea! 

The heart of man is not “basically good” but seriously flawed and utterly corrupt, and without the grace of God, will remain so. Since Adam all men and women are sinners by nature and by choice, so it would be accurate to describe ourselves as basically de­praved and not basically good (See Romans 3:9-18, 23; 5:10-12).

Proverbs indicates it is folly to trust in one own’s heart:

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs. 28:26 (NASB)

Instead, we are to trust in the Lord (and His Word) and not rely on our hearts.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own under­standing... Proverbs 3:5 (NASB)

You must realize the heart has been affected by the fall. But in realizing just how bad the bad news is, we also recognize there is hope. There is hope for sinful man and his bad heart. There is hope for the person who has truly received Christ as Savior and Lord. The Bible declares that a person who has been “born-again” has a new heart that did not previously exist.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ he is a new creature, the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.  2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

This means that the Holy Spirit will apply re­demption to your hearts; thus, enabling you to live a life pleasing to Him as you put off your old habits of the heart and put on new habits of the heart.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

The reason we need a new heart is tomorrow's topic. See you then!