Gaining A New Heart, Pure in Heart

If Christians cannot have their heart changed, then there is no essential difference between Christianity and other religions. It is only a matter of reform and comparison. But the words and works of Christ give us reason to think differently.

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Remember when Jesus spoke to Nicodemus? Jesus said to him, "You must be born again."

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13).

Nicodemus with all his wealth, prestige and power in the city of Jerusalem needed a new start. He needed a new life, a new heart. Cultural Christianity is the Christianity without the new life. People are 'born' into the faith rather than believe into the faith. (Of course this can't really happen -John 1:13)! They have the teaching without the power. They are the world inside, but Christianity on the outside. The world can't stand this type of Christianity that offers so much but has nothing to give. All they see is people claiming to live for God but really living for themselves. (Jude 10-16). These so-called Christians more than often wish they were in the world. If you could see them daydreaming: you would see them rushing along in the marathon to get the most out of the world.

How about you? What is your heart loving? I think if we are honest most people would admit that they do not seriously want things to change. You might catch them complaining about life and their lot, but ask them if they want to change! They have chosen what they have. They love their choices. If they could change things, they would only want more of what they have! They really do prefer it.

And it is this deepest affection of our lives - our soul hearts - that we need to focus on today. Jesus spoke to Nicodemus that he needed a new heart. Jesus was referring to the new life with its new affections. The Old Testament called it "circumcision of heart;" the New Testament called it a "new heart."

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:6).

This is so elementary but so needed. Without a heart that loves God, our religion and worship will come from our old hearts, and we will still love our selves. An excellent example is the time that Moses ascended Mt. Sinai to get the Law. Without Moses and his consciousness of God, they merely made a replica of a bull-like god and participated in sensual 'spiritual' pleasures. One can be part of a movement of God, but not really be of it.

We need a pure heart to seek for God. The first step in gaining a new heart is to be 'born again.' With a new life we have a new heart. Can you mark a point in time when you had a change of heart for the things of God? Can you say right now, deep in your heart that you have a great longing for the things of God? I am not denying that you might be battling some sin right now. Go deeper. Can you hold on to a desire for God? If not, I suggest that you need first to get a new heart from God.

Without life, we cannot train a child to walk or talk. Without a new life, we should not expect those things that only a new life can provide. If you haven't yet become a 'born again' Christian, then begin to seek the Lord for His heart born in your life. Humble your heart. Tell Him of your sins and your deserving instant judgment. Beg mercy and plead for faith to believe that Jesus Christ has died for your own sins too. When we believe, the Holy Spirit works through the new heart.

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Look at the next page to discover the reason we are impure even though we have a new heart? =>

Gaining a New Heart