Sunday, April 7, 2024

 In scripture, the heart is regarded as the center of one's intellect, volition, and emotions. It is imperative to embrace specific truths pertaining to Christ in order to possess a faith that leads to salvation. When an individual claims to have faith in Christ, it becomes necessary to inquire about their perception of Christ's identity. The subsequent articulation of this understanding constitutes their confession. Hence, faith is not merely an uninformed leap into the unknown.

Given our inherent inability to trust in Christ independently, due to our lack of knowledge and reasoning abilities regarding his divinity, it becomes necessary for us to undergo a process of rebirth. However, this rebirth cannot be achieved through our own willpower, as the darkness of sin and its curse has clouded our minds. Consequently, we are incapable of comprehending the true nature of Christ and placing our faith in him. When we experience this rebirth, also known as regeneration, we are entirely passive participants. If we were able to simply act upon the word or witness of others and believe, it would imply that our belief stems from our own abilities or self-will. Yet, according to the Bible, our corrupted will requires a new will in order to believe. The Bible asserts that we must be bestowed with divine knowledge, akin to the enlightening radiance of Jesus Christ, which illuminates our hearts and grants us a saving understanding. It is important to note that this light does not represent the actual glory of God, but rather serves as a metaphorical depiction. This transformative process of being born again simultaneously renews us, granting us a new will that enables us to choose what is spiritually righteous. This renewal is facilitated by a mind that possesses new desires, comparable to spiritual senses. The mind, in this context, is not merely a repository of factual information, but rather becomes alive, allowing us to comprehend and prioritize God's goodness over our own selfish desires. This new will, therefore, encompasses the essence of the heart as described in the Bible, symbolizing the immediate act through which we are saved and empowered to grasp spiritual truths.

The root of our virtuous spiritual decisions lies in our desires, which are guided by the mind. Believers are able to perceive spiritual truths and develop a deep affection for them through newfound spiritual senses. This enables us to develop a profound spiritual connection with Christ, whom we believe in and view as the focal point of our faith. By immersing ourselves in His teachings and understanding His word, we cultivate a deep affection for Him. This transformation in our desires influences our choices and actions, leading us to pursue what is inherently good and valuable. Ultimately, our heart is the driving force behind our spiritual inclinations.

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