January 26
Straight from the Pastor’s heart by Dr. Hernes Abante
Jeremiah 17:9 - “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
Jeremiah delivered a stern rebuke against the nation of Judah for their persistent sin and wickedness. He proclaimed that the people's transgressions were so deeply ingrained within them that they had become like steel, impenetrable and unyielding. Despite being God's chosen people, the nation of Judah continually rebelled and disobeyed, driven by the corrupt inclinations of their hearts.
This passage sheds light on the hopeless state of humanity, emphasizing that without divine intervention, there is no chance for man to have eternal life. According to the Bible, a person not born again cannot exercise faith in Christ or make a conscious decision to receive salvation. Such an individual is spiritually dead, devoid of a life-giving connection with God. Their supposed righteousness is nothing but filthy rags in the sight of the Almighty.
The doctrine of Total depravity has been a subject of debate among many scholars and theologians. Those who oppose argue that it is wrong to believe that man is inherently sinful and incapable of doing good, as they claim that every person has a spark of righteousness in them that can enable them to make an independent decision to turn to God.
To ignore this teaching is equivalent to asserting that salvation is only possible through man's willpower and choice to be saved, which implies that salvation is within human control rather than being solely a result of God’s grace.
A person who does not have a relationship with Christ lacks an understanding of their spiritual state. He remains unaware of his desperate need for a Savior. The only One who is aware of this is God. He examines the innermost parts of our hearts and enables us to recognize our need for salvation through His Word and the Holy Spirit. These divine forces convict our hearts and lead us into a place of genuine repentance and faith.
The source of man's salvation lies solely in the grace of God. Despite the fact that all of humanity is condemned and destined for hell, God has the right to choose whomever according to His will. The doctrine of total depravity does imply that man is incapable of redemption, but it highlights the boundless love and grace of God for the lost. It is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His love and grace to those who are unworthy and incapable, thereby offering them the opportunity to be saved.
The unyielding and stubborn heart of man can be broken and transformed by the powerful grace of God, which allows His word to penetrate even the most impenetrable barriers. This divine grace also activates and empowers the inner faculties of man, enabling him to believe and receive God's truth and ultimately leading to a profound transformation in his life.
There is a miraculous transformation that takes place when someone with a dishonest or unfaithful heart encounters God. The hardened and unyielding heart is replaced with a tender, responsive heart full of compassion and love. It is truly a remarkable and life-changing experience.
Ezekiel 36:26 - “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”
The heart of stone can transform into a faithful and sincere heart that beats in harmony with God's heart. This heart of flesh now has a deep empathy for the needs and desires of humanity and a fervent commitment to meet the ultimate need for salvation. It creates a zeal for serving the Lord and spreading the message of hope to all.
Our Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your unending mercy and love, even though we have often strayed from Your path. Your grace has transformed our hearts to yield to Your will and opened doors of opportunity beyond our imagination. May we always be faithful to serve You and fulfill Your divine purpose, bringing honor and glory to Your name until Your return. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.