Conversion or Hardness of Heart

In admonishing Christians of their responsibility to continue to speak the God-saving truth that they may grow thereby (1 Pet. 2:2), the apostle Peter reminds them of how the Jews did not accept Jesus as the only begotten Son of God. Peter declared: They stumble at the Lord, being disobedient (1 Pet. 2:8). We learn from the Greek word translated being disobedient that its meaning is not to allow oneself to be persuaded. (see Thayer or any reputable Greek lexicon). Implied is the fact that man has the power to reject obvious truth.

He can close his understanding to adequate evidence if he does not love the truth above everything else (2 The. 2:10-12). When the truth is offered to an honest man in error, one of two things can happen: (1) He will keep his honesty by giving up his error and embracing the truth, or (2) He will reject the truth, give up his honesty, and keep his error.

Speaking for God, Isaiah said to Israel:  “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18). God created man a rational creature and has never bypassed man’s rationality in seeking to lead and guide him. God does not force Himself upon man against man’s will (Rom. 1:28). If man will not receive the abundant and adequate evidence regarding man’s spiritual needs, God is not going to force it on him. The people in Isaiah’s day were unreasonable and would not accept God’s Word. They simply would not allow themselves to be  persuaded (Isa. 6:9-13). Thus, they lost their honesty and retained their error. In the words of Peter: ”They stumble[d] at the word, being disobedient. Hence, Paul’s request to the Thessalonians that they pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 The. 3:2). If you want to become wicked, just stop being reasonable. In doing so, you will lose   your honesty and harden your heart as you embrace the strong delusion of error.

David P. Brown

What Kind of Hearts Do We Need?

Hearts not hardened by sin: “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).

Hearts prepared to seek and to do God’s Word: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10).

Hearts that are wise: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Hearts that are upright: “Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts” (Psalm 125:4).

Hearts that do not think evil: “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4).

Hearts willing to forgive: “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (Matthew 18:35).

Hearts filled with God’s Word: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). “And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts” (Mark 4:15).

Hearts filled with love: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

Hearts filled with Christ: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17).

Hearts kept by peace: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Hearts filled with grace: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

Hearts that are purified: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8).

-via “The Better Way,” Spring, TX

Conversion or Hardness of Heart

In admonishing Christians of their responsibility to continue to speak the God-saving Truth that they may grow thereby (I Peter 2:2), the apostle Peter reminds them of how the Jews did not accept Jesus as the only begotten Son of God. Peter declared: “They stumble at the word, being disobedient” (I Peter 2:8). We learn from the Greek word translated being disobedient, that its meaning is not to allow oneself to be persuaded. (see Thayer or any reputable Greek lexicon). Implied is the fact that man has the power to reject obvious Truth. 

He can close his understanding to adequate evidence if he does not love the Truth above everything else (II Thessalonians 2:10–12). When the Truth is offered to an honest man in error, one of two things can happen:

1. He will keep his honesty by giving up his error and embracing the Truth, or
2. He will reject the Truth, give up his honesty, and keep his error.

Speaking for God, Isaiah said: “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah1:18). God created man a rational creature and has never bypassed man’s rationality in seeking to lead and guide him. God does not force Himself upon man against his will (Romans 1:28). If men will not receive the abundant and adequate evidence regarding their spiritual needs, God is not going to force it on him. The people in Isaiah’s day were unreasonable and would not accept God’s Word. They simply would not allow themselves to be persuaded (Isaiah 6:9–13).

Thus they lost their honesty and retained their error. In the words of Peter: “They stumble[d] at the word, being disobedient.” Hence, Paul’s request to the Thessalonians that they pray “that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (II Thessalonians 3:2). 

If you want to become wicked, just stop being reasonable. In doing so, you will forfeit your honesty and harden your heart as you embrace the “strong delusion of error."

David P. Brown