What Does the Bible Say About the Heart Being Wicked: Answers Guide

Many Christians wonder about the state of the human heart, especially when it comes to its propensity towards wickedness. As a Charismatic/Pentecostal Christian, you may have heard various teachings on this topic. However, what does the Bible say specifically about the heart being wicked? Let’s explore this subject together.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bible teaches that the heart of man is inherently wicked
• This wickedness is the result of original sin and the fall of mankind
• Specific Bible verses highlight the deceitfulness, rebelliousness, and corrupt nature of the heart
• The Holy Spirit can transform the heart of believers, aligning their desires with God’s will
• Practicing spiritual disciplines like prayer and studying the Word can guard and renew the heart

Understanding the State of the Human Heart

Before discussing the wickedness of the heart, it is important to understand the state of your heart. According to the Bible, every human being is born with a sinful nature. This nature stems back to the original sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

As a result of this sin, all human beings are born with an inherent inclination towards disobedience and rebellion against God. This condition is known as the human condition.

The Bible describes the heart as the center of your being, the place where your thoughts, emotions, and desires originate. It is the core of your identity and character. According to scripture, your heart is not only deceitful but also “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV).

This does not mean that every person is inherently evil, but rather that the human heart has the potential to be corrupted by sin. The Bible teaches that no one is exempt from this condition, and that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

In summary, your heart is naturally inclined towards wickedness due to the human condition of sinfulness. This does not mean that you are inherently evil, but rather that you have the potential to be corrupted by sin.

The Wickedness of the Heart in Biblical Revelation

The Bible clearly states that every human being has a wicked heart capable of committing sin. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV).

This verse highlights that the human heart is not only wicked, but also deceitful and sick. In other words, people are not naturally inclined towards righteousness and purity. Instead, they have a natural inclination towards sin and rebellion.

Another verse that confirms this reality comes from the book of Ecclesiastes. The author wrote, “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV). This statement indicates that even the most righteous person on earth is still capable of sinning because of the fallen nature of humanity.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul declares in the book of Romans, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV). This statement leaves no doubt that all human beings are sinners in need of salvation because of their wickedness.

Jesus Himself spoke about the wickedness of the heart when He said, “Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander” (Matthew 15:19 ESV). This statement indicates that sinfulness and wickedness are not just external actions, but they originate from the heart.

Therefore, we can see that the Bible reveals the wickedness of the human heart through various passages and teachings. It emphasizes the need for salvation and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to overcome the inherent wickedness of the human heart.

The Hope for Transformation

Despite the wickedness of the human heart, there is good news for believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible promises that those who put their faith in Him can experience a radical transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Your heart can be renewed and aligned with God’s will, enabling you to live a life pleasing to Him.

Transformation is not something that happens overnight; it is a lifelong process. However, the Holy Spirit is with you every step of the way, guiding and empowering you to overcome sin and live a more righteous life. As you surrender your heart to Him, His love and grace will work in you, bringing about a heart transformation that is both profound and lasting.

So don’t lose hope if you feel trapped in sin or struggle with the wickedness of your heart. With God, there is always hope for transformation. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Through prayer, studying the Word, fellowship with other believers, and accountability, you can actively participate in the transformation process. Trust in God’s power and His promises, and allow Him to work in your heart to bring about a change that will glorify Him and bless those around you.

Guarding and Renewing the Heart

As a believer, it is important to guard and renew your heart on a regular basis to ensure that you remain aligned with God’s will and purposes.

One practical way to guard your heart is through prayer. As you take time to talk to God and invite His presence into your life, you create a protective shield that keeps out negative influences and helps you stay focused on what truly matters. Prayer also gives you the strength and wisdom to resist temptation and overcome any challenges that come your way.

In addition to prayer, you can also renew your heart through studying the Word of God. The Bible is a powerful tool for transformation, providing guidance, encouragement, and instruction on how to live a life that honors God. By spending time reading and meditating on His words, you allow His truth to sink deep into your heart, renewing your mind and transforming your desires.

Fellowship with other believers is another essential component of guarding and renewing the heart. As you connect with other Christians, you gain strength and encouragement from their experiences and wisdom. You also have the opportunity to be held accountable by those who care about your spiritual growth and can provide guidance and support when needed.

Finally, it is important to be intentional about guarding your heart by avoiding negative influences and replacing them with positive ones. This may mean limiting your exposure to media that promotes ungodly values or spending less time with people who bring you down. Instead, fill your life with activities and relationships that encourage and inspire you, helping you stay focused on what truly matters.

In conclusion, guarding and renewing your heart is a lifelong process that requires effort and intentionality. Through prayer, study of the Word, fellowship, and intentional choices, you can create a heart that is aligned with God’s purposes and empowered to live a righteous life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the state of the human heart and its inherent wickedness is crucial for Christian believers. The Bible teaches that humanity’s fall into sin has left us with a sinful nature that is prone to rebellion against God. However, despite this, there is hope for transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit.

By guarding and renewing our hearts through prayer, studying the Word, fellowship, and accountability, we can actively participate in the process of heart renewal. This allows us to align our desires with God’s will and experience a life that reflects His righteousness and love.

While the wickedness of the heart is a challenging reality to face, it is essential to recognize it so that we can live the abundant life that Christ promises us. So, keep pressing on in your journey towards heart transformation, knowing that God is faithful to complete the good work He has started in you.