The Bible vividly contrasts the condition of a heart of stone with that of a heart of flesh, illustrating the transformation from the old man, ensnared by a deceptive heart, to the new man, imbued with the divine nature and guided by the Spirit of God. This transformation, as described in both the Old and New Testaments, underscores the profound change that occurs when one is born of the Spirit and assumes the mind of Christ.
The Heart of Stone: The Fallen Nature and the Old Man
The metaphor of a "heart of stone" originates from the Old Testament, particularly in Ezekiel 36:26, where God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This imagery depicts the innate hardness and resistance to God's will that characterizes humanity's fallen nature.
Jeremiah 17:9 starkly reveals the condition of the human heart in its natural state: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This deceitful heart represents the old man, burdened by sin and estranged from God. The old man operates under a fallen nature, which is inherently rebellious, self-centered, and unable to align with God's righteous standards.
The Heart of Flesh: The New Man and Divine Nature
In contrast, the heart of flesh symbolizes a transformed, responsive, and obedient heart. This transformation is a hallmark of the new man, who, having been born of the Spirit, exhibits the characteristics of the divine nature. The heart of flesh is malleable and sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reflecting a life that is led by the Spirit of God rather than by the dictates of the flesh.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses this profound transformation. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, he writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This new creation is the new man, who is no longer dominated by a deceptive heart but is instead endowed with the mind of Christ.
Born of the Spirit: The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
The new man is born of the Spirit, a fundamental aspect of Christian rebirth and regeneration. Jesus explains this to Nicodemus in John 3:5-6: "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." Being born of the Spirit signifies a supernatural birth that imparts a new nature, enabling believers to live in accordance with God's will.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers the new man to overcome the limitations of the old, fallen nature. Romans 8:14 declares, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." This guidance by the Spirit fosters a life of righteousness, peace, and obedience, contrasting sharply with the old man's life of sin and rebellion.
The Mind of Christ: A Renewed Perspective
Possessing the mind of Christ is another distinguishing feature of the new man. Paul urges believers in Philippians 2:5, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." This mindset encompasses humility, selflessness, and a profound commitment to God's purposes. It is a radical departure from the self-serving, deceitful inclinations of the old heart.
The mind of Christ equips believers to discern and follow God's will, transforming their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. In Romans 12:2, Paul advises, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This renewal of the mind is essential for living out the divine nature imparted through the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: From Stone to Flesh, From Old to New
The journey from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh encapsulates the biblical narrative of redemption and transformation. The old man, characterized by a deceitful heart and fallen nature, is replaced by the new man, born of the Spirit, led by the Spirit of God, and possessing the mind of Christ. This metamorphosis is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental reorientation of one's entire being, reflecting the profound work of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As believers embrace this new identity, they experience a dynamic and life-giving relationship with God, marked by love, obedience, and a deepening alignment with His will. The heart of flesh, responsive and pliable in God's hands, becomes the vessel through which His purposes are fulfilled, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in the life of every believer.