|
|
|
In the field of medical science
today, tremendous strides are being made towards the prevention and
cure of heart disease. Scripture states that 'the life of the
flesh is in the blood' thus the heart, which pumps 4000 gallons
of blood through the human body each day, is a vital organ in the sustaining
of life.
As we focus our eyes on the Word
of God, we find the heart mentioned over 700 times! However, in most
cases this word 'heart' does not refer to the organ that pumps the
blood, but rather to the inward person himself.
'The Lord seeth not as man seeth;
for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on
the heart' (I Samuel 16:7)
Christ thus exposes the total
depravity of man by saying 'For from within, out of the heart of
men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil
eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from
within and defile a man' (Mark 7:21-23) Yes, even evil thoughts
and foolishness defile - and who can claim exemption from them? Some
say, 'Give your heart to Jesus.' Since when does God want a thing
that he describes as 'deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked' (Jeremiah 17:9)? We have a defiling heart.)
'A deceived heart hath turned
him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul' (Isaiah 44:20)
Israel had turned from God to idols
as a result of a deceived heart. They prayed unto a God that
couldn't save, and God was wearied with their iniquities (Isaiah
45:20; 43:24)
Today, the souls of many have been
turned aside through a deceived heart. Reformation, good works,
church membership, baptism, and a host of other things are being
offered, from many pulpits, as a means of obtaining eternal
salvation. What deception! Numbers of our youth who have seen the
religious hypocrisy that exists have turned to Hinduism, Yogi, Islam
and other various Asian cults. Their deceived hearts have moved them
even further away from God's salvation, and God is wearied with
their iniquities.
'There is a way which seemeth
right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death'
(Proverbs 14:12)
'But when Pharaoh saw that there
was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them'
(Exodus 8:15)
God dealt with Pharaoh in various
ways. Instead of humbling himself before God, he hardened his heart,
and later fell under God's judgment. Pharaoh who said 'Who is the
Lord, that I should obey His voice?' (Exodus 5:2), died in his sins
and went to hell.
God deals with hearts today! Many cry
unto Him in their distress and He delivers them. Then, instead of
turning to Him for salvation, they harden their hearts an continue
in their sin. These souls treasure up for themselves wrath against
the day or wrath (Romans 2:5) and make it harder than ever to be
saved. Does the reader have a hardened heart?
'Today if ye will hear His voice,
Harden not your hearts' (Hebrews 3:7-8)
In Luke 8:5-15, the Lord speaks of
the Word of God being sown on 'good ground'. These 'are they,
which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it,
and bring forth fruit with patience'. Ground must be prepared
before it can be sown. In like manner, God has to prepare the heart
to receive his Word before salvation can take place. He puts in the
plow and turns the sinner 'inside out' to show him that he is lost,
guilty, condemned already, and headed for hell because of his sin.
This awakening is called 'conviction of sin'. Making a commitment to
or a decision for Christ is not salvation! Having a preacher tell
you you're saved because you believe a Bible verse is not salvation!
King Agrippa believed the Bible, yet was not a Christian (Acts
26:27-28)! And certainly giving your defiling heart to the Lord is
not salvation! The Son of God says, 'Except ye repent, ye shall
al likewise perish' (Luke 13:30). Conviction of sin and
repentance is a must before faith can be placed in the Lord
Jesus for salvation (Acts 20:21) Much sham exists in the religious
world today, but true Christians can be recognised by the fact that
they keep the Word of God and bring forth fruit. They act like
Christ in their lives.
Perhaps you are longing to know your
sins forgiven, and realise you are lost. Then drink in the truth of
this closing verse, take God at His Word, believe with all your
heart on the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, and be saved for all
eternity.
'If thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus (Confessing Jesus to be your Lord), and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with
the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith,
Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed'. (Romans 10:9-11)
|
|
|
