“Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5
From the beginning of our study of the Spirit of the Lord in prophecy, we’ve seen how we live in opposition to God’s Spirit. With our sinful, rebellious nature, our hearts are hard. In fact, the “heart of stone” that Ezekiel speaks about in chapter 36 is not merely stubborn; it is dead, lifeless. But the Lord does what is necessary to save His beloved children. So He gives us new hearts. A pacemaker, a new valve, or a stent won’t do the trick. Our old hearts are too far gone. Even better than a heart transplant, the Lord puts His Spirit in us. Then we find we have new desires. We want to do God’s will, obey His rules, abide in Him. Logical arguments or impassioned sermons might not persuade us. It’s when the Holy Spirit lives and moves in us that we change in our wills and desires. It’s important that we get the order right. We are incapable of obeying ourselves into a loving relationship with the Lord. But when He lovingly works on our hearts, we change from the inside out. Our new nature is aligned with His.



Scripture Focus

Ezekiel 36:26-27

Insight

“Jesus doesn’t say, ‘Just be the true you.’ He says, ‘You must be born again.’” (Greg Morse, December 26, 2017)

Bible In A Year

  • 2 Kings 15-16
  • Proverbs 18
  • 1 John 1-2

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