New Birth, New Heart

Did you know that part of your new identity in Christ includes a new heart? We use the language a lot in the church about being “born again,” but do we really know what that means? Pause for a minute and think about it. You were born physically “into Adam” and with that birth came a “desperately wicked heart” as Jeremiah tells us. But then something mystical and miraculous happens. We choose Christ and with that comes a new birth, into Christ, along with which comes a new willing, tender heart as Ezekiel foretold. Why? Well, because Christ lives in our hearts now (Gal 4:6) and He has a history of only living in holy places.

There is a great temptation for us, in our humanity, to settle for a doctrine that is driven by fear. Fear of falling short, fear of being distant, fear of disappointing God, fear of punishment or suffering from Him as a result of our disobedience. The premise of which is that we are victims of sin, driven by a desire to sin, wicked at our core. Don’t fall for this! Your heart has been transformed. You are not a slave to sin (Rom 6:6). Sin is not beneficial to you (Rom 6:21). You have an obedient heart (Rom 6:17). Religion may offer you temporary change, but only resting in the true gospel of Christ in you will give you eternal life. Which is a better deal I wonder?