PEOPLE DO "NOT" INHERENTLY HAVE A GOOD HEART; A GOOD HEART IS A CLEAN HEART!

                

A "GOOD" HEART OR A CLEAN HEART

“…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV).  "...[Man's GOODNESS]... is as filthy rags..." (Isaiah 64:6)

*

 The HEART is the MAIN location for SIN sickness. The HEART’S path to HELL, wickedness and destruction is BROAD. “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is WIDE for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).  

Without God, there is no TRUE, GOOD heart. Whatever your current perception about the human heart; in truth, it is desperately wicked, broken, and deceitful and If you want a truly GOOD heart, the way is narrow and “…Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV).

This book basically explores the various areas of the HEART that need total RENEWAL.

No matter what you think, or your opinion, or what you have been told - the heart “…is deceitful “ABOVE” ALL THINGS and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  Because of the heart’s wickedness, “….God, which knoweth the hearts…” says he has to, “…GIVE [YOU]… a heart to know [Him]…” (Acts 15:8 KJV & Jeremiah 24:7 NASB).

What would happen if, “…the thoughts of many hearts [were]… revealed…” (LUKE 2:35 KJV)? The “…thoughts of many hearts…” included sexual immorality, evil, unforgiveness, stubbornness, hypocrisy, doubt, pride, disobedience, worry, demonic influence, phoniness, insensitivity, etc. “… For out of the HEART come evil THOUGHTS—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). The HEART is the MAIN location for all mankind’s inner wickedness.

Read the following scriptures about what can be IN the heart: “…whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 KJV). “..And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:24 KJV). “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart…” (Matthew 18:5 NASB). “He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives…” (Matthew 19:8 KJV). “And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts…” (Mark 3:5 KJV). “For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened…” (Mark 6:52 KJV). “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “…For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith…” (Matthew 11:2 KJV). “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God…” (LUKE 16:15 KJV). “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken…” (Luke 21:26 KJV). “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap…” (Luke 21:34 NASB). “And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:38 NASB). “And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him…”(John 13:2 KJV). “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3 KJV). “To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt…” (Acts 7:9 KJV). “For the heart of this people has become dull,  And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them” (Acts 28:27 KJV). “…and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:32 NASB). “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18 KJV). “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart…” (Ephesians 4:18 KJV). “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways” (Hebrews 3:10 KJV).

Based on the previous scriptures, God can clearly see into the human heart. “…But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s HEART…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

The human heart can be blind, in err, deceived, hardened, disobedient, dark, filled by Satan, dull, fearful or troubled, not know God or hypocritical, and a hosts of other wicked deliberations. “… For out of the heart COME evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV).

If you are to “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). AND “…conformed to the image of his Son...” you will need a clean heart (ROMANS 8:29 & Psalms 51:10 KJV).  

God’s goal is “…to make [the heart]… holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). Why? The heart “…is deceitful ABOVE all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

When something is dirty you clean it. After a long day or after exercise most people take a bath or shower. After the human heart has been polluted with sin, it needs cleaning.

How is the heart cleaned? “You are “… [cleansed]… through [God’s]… truth: thy word is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). Therefore, “…Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). You are cleansed through the indwelling power of Jesus, the Word of truth; when “…Christ [dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). Jesus is the cleansing Word. “…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14 KJV).

“…Christ [comes to dwell]…in your hearts by faith …” AFTER “…[you]… confess with [your]… mouth the Lord Jesus, and …believe (choose to depend upon) in [your]… heart that God hath raised him from the dead, [you will]… be saved…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). God through Jesus “… [purifies your]… hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9 KJV).

To “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). AND “…conformed to the image of his Son.” Depend upon Jesus so “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith …” (ROMANS 8:29 & Ephesians 3:17 KJV).

A true heart cleansing starts with salvation. Therefore, “Believe (choose to depend upon) ... the Lord Jesus Christ, and [you will]… be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “…Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest [have salvation]…. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God…” (ACTS 8:37 KJV).

When “…Christ …dwell[s]… in your hearts by faith … [you can NOW]… “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….”  ” (Ephesians 3:17 & ROMANS 12:2 KJV).

God through Jesus has “…put [his]… laws (Jesus, the Word) into [your]… mind, and [wrote]… them in [your]… hearts…” (Hebrews 8:10 KJV). "…I will put my law (Jesus) in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people…” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV).

“… [To]…be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. [AND]…be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 12:2 & Romans 8:29 KJV) periodically examine yourself.  Do you personally “KNOW” Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “Examine yourselves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ (the Living Word)… is in you...” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Know for your own self that Christ is within you literally and “… [dwells] …in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). If you are a believer, Christ is in YOU and the Word confirms this over and over. Therefore, “…Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). What does “examine yourself” mean?

It means to examine your lifestyle to see if you are actually walking by the faith you profess in Christ. Many times believers judge and scrutinize the actions of others, but not their own.

However, “…Examine YOURSELVES, whether ye be in the faith; PROVE YOUR OWN SELVES. Know ye not your OWN SELVES, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Instead of scrutinizing the actions of others, subject your own self to honest scrutiny and examine the fruit YOU bear which is evidence of his presence. “…Ye shall know them [or your own self]… by their [or your]… fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

You will know a REAL, CHRISTLIKE Christian by their fruit, including yourself. You will clearly recognize them and clearly recognize your own self, “…Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit... [and] a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. WHEREFORE BY THEIR [and your own]… FRUIT YE SHALL KNOW THEM [or YOURSELF]…...” (Matthew 7:16-22 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, “You can identify them [and your own self]… by their [or your own]… fruit, that is, by the way they [or you]… act…” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).

“Christ IN YOU” is the catalytic agent for being “… transformed by the renewing of your mind…. [AND]…conformed to the image of his Son...”  (ROMANS 12:1 & Romans 8:29 KJV)

The “seemingly” hidden life or indwelling Christ in you IS “…the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …so that [you] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). Salvation MADE you brand new. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are BECOME NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

You provide the vessel, God provides his glorious indwelling Spirit (Christ IN you), and it should be “clearly seen.” However, if God’s glorious indwelling Spirit is NOT “clearly seen,” through your life, what’s the problem?

This was a tough question, so I will give the same analogy as before. I studied a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse takes place when the earth, because of its position, blocks or cuts off the BRIGHT light of the sun and the moon.

In addition, it’s amazing that the earth can even block or cut off the BRIGHT light of the sun. Especially, since the sun is so much larger than the earth. It would take over a million earth masses put together to match the size of the sun, yet the earth can BLOCK OR CUT OF its light.

^“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23 KJV).

“…The light of the body is the eye. …” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). Light, in this verse, means the mind. “…The light of the body is the eye. …If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the carnal, unrenewed mind], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).

Imagine the LIGHT (mind) within you shining through the eyes, like a flashlight helping you see your way and is bright enough to light the way of others as well. “…Ye ARE THE LIGHT of the world…and giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men…” (Matthew 5:14-15 KJV).

God called YOU “…out of darkness into his marvellous light...” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are BECOME NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [You NOW]… have the MIND of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV). “…Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I AM THE LIGHT of the world: he that FOLLOWETH me SHALL NOT walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life…” (John 8:12 KJV).

The new light within you can be blocked or cut-off or eclipsed by a mass of thoughts from the old carnal, unrenewed mind. Imagine YOUR thoughts from the old carnal, unrenewed mind becoming a mass like the earth. A mass is a group of individual parts (like your individual thoughts) that come together to form a unified or solid body. The individual thoughts, such as doubt, adultery, fear, disobedience, etc., come together to form a solid dark mass.

The actual physical brain is said to be gray or white matter, which means it takes up space and has mass too.

“…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the carnal, unrenewed mind], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is…clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). If the glorious indwelling Holy Spirit of God is within you and is not “clearly seen” what is blocking the light? “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

God’s “…radiance [from his Holy Spirit]… is like the sunlight…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). Jesus, “…the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). No sin or darkness or carnality blocked the glorious LIGHT/RADIANCE of God’s Holy Spirit from SHINING through Jesus Christ. “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is…CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEE the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “The Son is the RADIANCE of God’s glory and the EXACT representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“…The light of the body is the eye. …” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). The eye gives you the ability to see by projecting the light of truth, from within, to show you the way. Remember, the light, that helps you SEE, comes from the renewed mind. “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the carnal, unrenewed mind], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).

If you are “…to be conformed to the image of his Son…” the LIGHT within is what will show you the way. (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). To renew means to resume, or restore, or renovate, or to start over again after some kind of interruption.

The LIGHT was turned OFF, in the mind, and  couldn't be turned ON because it lost its power to do so. God restored the POWER and RENEWING the MIND is the switch that turns the LIGHT on again.

In the beginning, before the interruption of sin, God said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

 “… It was very good….” However, sin interrupted God’s “very good” creation.  The bible tell us, “…through one man SIN entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). At one time “…it WAS very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

In order to be restored or bought back to the God’s original creation: “… God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness [was offered]... to many through … Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.  Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous….” (Matthew 5:12-18 NLT).

Therefore, “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “… [You NOW]… have the MIND of Christ…” (1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV). “…Jesus … [said]…I AM THE LIGHT of the world: he that FOLLOWETH me (Jesus, the WORD) SHALL NOT walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life…” (John 8:12 KJV).

“The Son is the RADIANCE of God’s glory …” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “Let this [RADIANT]…mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 KJV). “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). You RIGHT NOW “…have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV).

“…Ye ARE [RIGHT NOW] …THE LIGHT of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:14-15 KJV).

“…The light of the body is the eye. …” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). The eye gives you the ability to see, your way, by projecting the light of God’s truth from within, the glorious, indwelling Holy Spirit. However,  when the light from within is blocked or cut off it keeps you englufed in GREAT darkness. Remember, the light IS turned ON by the mind. “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the carnal, unrenewed mind], HOW GREAT is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…Be transformed by the renewing (turning on the LIGHT) of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…Jesus … [said]…I AM THE LIGHT of the world: he that FOLLOWETH me (the WORD) SHALL NOT walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life…” (John 8:12 KJV).

The mind is IN the heart. “…out of the HEART come evil THOUGHTS (from the mind)—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). The heart “…is deceitful ABOVE all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). The HEART is the MAIN location of ALL wickedness and DARKNESS. Therefore, “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (or turning on the LIGHT)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

God doesn’t care about your money, your success, your education, your material possessions, your looks, or your renown; he cares about THE HEART. “…Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?” (Mark 8:35-35 NLT). “…For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV).

Thankfully,“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). Face it, the heart “…is deceitful ABOVE all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “….out of the HEART come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV).

Together these evil thoughts can form a mass of darkness that will block off the Glorious light of the Holy Spirit within you. The Word of God says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they MAY SEE your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

“…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the carnal, unrenewed mind], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).  You CAN’T SEE properly and neither can anyone else around you when the mind is NOT renewed.  Yet, “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is…CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

If God’s Glorious Holy Spirit is blocked or cut-off and not “clearly seen” it is the dark eclipse of thoughts from an unrenewed, carnal mind. “…How great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…Out of the [unrenewed]…HEART come … evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “…the things that come out of a person’s mouth come FROM THE HEART (mind) _…  [it is] …out of the ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART (mind) that the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 RSV).

If you are to be, “…transformed by the renewing of the mind...” the dark eclipse of thoughts from the carnal, unrenewed mind needs cleansing (ROMANS 12:2 KJV).  God wants “…to make [the heart]… holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word…” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). So, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). You are “… [cleansed]… through [God’s]… truth: thy word is truth” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).

“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [heart] sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Thus, “…You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good…” (1 Peter 4:3 MSG). “ …the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

It is time to “… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:14-15 KJV). “…it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work IN US what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…That [God] would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

God is paying VERY close attention to the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the carnal, unrenewed mind], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “… ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

Furthermore, “…To be transformed by the renewing of the mind...” “KNOW” the mind of Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 12:2 KJV).  “… [you]… have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV). Why? Because, “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…if Christ be in you… (Romans 8:10 KJV). “…if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…” (Romans 8:11 KJV).  ^“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

One of God’s main goals is for you to“…be transformed by the renewing of the mind (heart)…” (ROMANS 12:2 KJV). Renewing mind, through the Word of God, cleanses the eclipse of thoughts from the old carnal, unrenewed mind so the LIGHT of GOD’s indwelling Holy Spirit can shine through. This cleansing is called sanctification.

Sanctification is about being “…conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV) and being “…transformed by the REnewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). The prefix “RE” means to return something or in this case, someone to its previous condition or state of being. To renew the human mind is to return the mind to its previous condition, through sanctification, as it was BEFORE the fall.

How does the renewal of the mind begin? Man becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…he that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with him and God]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

You are a “new creation” and you are “one” spirit God through Christ. You are restored, but the mind needs cleansing or sanctification. After a baby is born the afterbirth needs to be cleaned off. After you are born again, sin needs to be cleaned off through sanctification. Sanctification is like a spiritual soap that cleanses you from the residual of sin. “…SANCTIFY them in the truth; Your word is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 NASB).  “…this is the will of God your SANCTIFICATION…” (1 THESSALONIANS 4:3 NASB). “…For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in SANCTIFICATION…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 NASB). “God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit and faith in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB). “…Pursue …the SANCTIFICATION without which no one will see the Lord…” (HEBREWS 12:14 NASB). “…But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God and …SANCTIFICATION…” (1 Corinthians 1:30 NASB). “…Now may the God of peace Himself SANCTIFY you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NASB).

Sanctification, therefore, is the process of cleansing the mind from the residual of sin in order to enable the believer to FULLY walk in his or her  restored condition as they were meant to be BACK in the original Garden-of-Eden holiness.  “...LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..GOD CREATED MAN in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “….THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE…” (DEUTERONOMY 6:4 KJV). “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 CORINTHIANS 8:4 KJV). “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…I pray God] your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV). “…the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body)…” (HEBREWS 4:12 KJV).

It is said that steam, ice, or liquid are simply three expressions of water, which makes them one and the same. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three expressions God, but are one and the same God. “…the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

Sanctification is what cleanses or renews the mind. Every time you are empowered, by depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, to follow after the WORD it sanctifies you. Following after the WORD, by being EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit, is the transformation process in action. “…Now may the God of peace Himself SANCTIFY you ENTIRELY; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved COMPLETE…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NASB).

When you are replacing old thoughts and behaviors with new holy thoughts and behaviors it is sanctifying you. “… [bring] …into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” (1 Corinthians 10:5 KJV). Being sanctified is enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit which helps you conform to the image of Christ by doing the WORK "in" and "through." “…Now may the God of peace HIMSELF SANCTIFY you ENTIRELY; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved COMPLETE…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NASB).

What is the role of sanctification in renewing the mind? Sanctification helps to renew the mind to holiness again, because God is holy. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… I AM HOLY...” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in SANCTIFICATION…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 NASB).

Remember,   “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” Getting rid of the dark eclipse of thoughts is not easy, but follow after the LIGHT of truth anyway. You were called “...out of darkness into his marvellous light…” and it can be tempting to stay in the darkness you are familiar with (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “…The light of the body is the eye. …If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the carnal, unrenewed mind], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).

Don’t forget, “… this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men LOVED DARKNESS rather than light, because their deeds were evil…” (John 3:19 KJV). God’s children are meant to come“...out of darkness into his marvellous light…” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “…The time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

Unfortunately, the heart “…is deceitful ABOVE all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). The HEART needs renewal the MOST and it is the HEART God sees.  “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

God is looking at YOUR heart and he KNOWS what is in it. “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know everything I do…” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT). He knows if you are NOT real. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV). “…he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

You can fool the world and make them “THINK” you have a clean heart and still lose your soul.  “…what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

God is the only standard for goodness. Every single person on earth “… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses (goodnesses) are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “…As it is written, There is none righteous (good), no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

 Yet, many people think they have a GOOD heart without God. It is an earthly, human standard of goodness, but not a heavenly, holy standard of goodness.  The heart  can deceive itself about what true goodness really is. The heart “…is deceitful ABOVE ALL THINGS and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). 

Because of the heart’s wickedness, “….God, which knoweth the hearts…” has to “Create in [you]… a clean heart…” like King David (Psalms 51:10 KJV).

No one else may SEE your heart, but “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one need[s]… to tell him about human nature, for he [knows]…what [is]… in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

 Thus, God has to, “…GIVE [YOU]… a heart to know [Him]…” (Acts 15:8 KJV & Jeremiah 24:7 NASB). Your old, carnal, unrenewed heart “…is deceitful ABOVE ALL THINGS and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). You can’t trust your own heart. “…if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things...” (1 John 3:20 KJV). “…There is …NO condemnation for those (including you) who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 NIV). Therefore, “….Don't put your confidence in … people (or your own self); there is no help for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).

In other words, “….Don't put your trust in mere human beings (including yourself)….” (Isaiah 2:22 NLT). “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (Psalms 138:8 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

God will“…”GIVE” [YOU]… a heart to know [Him]…” (Acts 15:8 KJV & Jeremiah 24:7 NASB). “…we have the mind (heart) of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

“… it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…that great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP you with everything good for doing his will, and may he WORK IN US what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). ). “…we have the mind (heart) of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

You can “…be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV) AND “… transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “… [You]... can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

You can boldly pray; “…Create in me a clean heart…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). God says, “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

Pray daily: “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV) SO I CAN BE “…transformed by the renewing of [my] mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  “… apart from [Jesus, You]…can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). ONLY “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). Amen. RENEW YOUR HEART. YOU ARE "NOT" INHERENTLY GOOD AND NEITHER IS THE HUMAN HEART. A GOOD HEART IS A CLEAN, SANCTIFIED HEART.