A Matter Of The Heart
The heart is an important organ. It propels the blood in the body throughout the various organs and limbs to enable a body to carry out the many functions of life. Without the heart, or if the heart ceases its beating, life soon is over. One of the first ‘signs of life’ is that of a beating heart. Oh the joy of the newly expectant parents to hear their unborn child’s heartbeat for the first time. It is equally important to take care of that heart as we live and continue to age. Many are forced to take medication (especially in advanced age) as the heart begins to fail or become less efficient.
So important is the heart, that man for so long thought that the emotions came from it. I suppose this is why when some folks comment and say things like: “such and such is close to my heart”, or “my heart goes out to them”, they most often place their hand on the left side of the chest. Additionally, when a person becomes amorous of another, they might purchase a card to express their feelings. Sometimes, especially during “Valentines Day”, these have a❤️(heart) on them. This expresses the “feeling” that exists in the mind (heart). Also, I am quite certain that “feelings” within the “blood-pump” are a sign that something may be amiss. When folks feel pain in or around the blood pump, a doctor should be quickly consulted.
The phrase “the heart” is found nine times in the Gospels and thirteen times in the New Testament. In every occurrence, except one, the “mind” is that which is being referenced. The only exception is that found in Matthew 12:40 in which the Lord provided a sign for the evil minded scribes and Pharisees who, having observed many signs, yet asked for another. Jesus said: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. While they may have understood that “the heart of the earth” meant the grave, and they may have recalled that Jonah came forth from the belly of the whale, they failed to realize that when Jesus came forth from the grave to die no more, this was proof positive that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of Almighty God.
But let’s get back to the other twenty-one references of “the heart” found from Matthew through first Peter. In addition to this, the phrase “thy heart” is found three times in the Gospels and two times in the New Testament. One of these is in Acts 8. In the 19th verse, Simon made an offer to purchase the power of “laying on of hands” as he had observed the apostles doing. He no doubt considered his potential financial gain, considering he had previously been in the business of sorcery, “giving out that himself was some great one” (Acts 8:9). From Acts 8:19-20 we find that a) Simon “thought” he could buy the power with money, and b), his “heart” was not right with God.
Everyone knows that “thoughts” come from the mind. As Peter instructed Simon in Acts 8:22, we see that the Bible “heart” is the mind - Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. We might also point out that Ananias and Sapphira of Acts 5, also had a “heart” problem. After Barnabas sold land and laid the money at the apostles feet in Acts 4, they too sold land. However, Ananias and Sapphira conspired to lie, keep part pf the monies, and indicate they were giving all their proceeds from the sale to the work of the church. Notice the Words of Peter in Acts 5:4, as Ananias’ deception was exposed - Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. They had determined in their minds to lie. It cost them both their lives and souls. In both examples above, we see disobedience from “the heart”, which is the mind.
Now, let’s examine some obedience from the heart. In Acts chapter 8, we find Philip having been instructed by an angel of the Lord, to go unto Gaza. As he arrived, an eunuch, the treasurer of a queen, having been to Jerusalem to worship was returning, and reading Isaiah as he rode in his chariot. Philip asks if he understands what he’s reading. The eunuch asks Philip to guide him, and Philip begins at that point in the sacred scripture and “preached unto him Jesus”. The eunuch absorbed the instruction of Philip in his mind. When they approached some water, he asked “what doth hinder me to be baptized?” In Acts 8:37, we see that “in his heart” (his mind) he believed, and with his mouth he confessed Christ as Son of God.
Romans 10:10 states exactly the same thing. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. But notice that confession is “unto” Salvation. This means one is not yet saved when they “believe it in their heart”. Yet Salvation is still a matter of the heart per Romans 6:17. Those who were previously servants of sin had now “obeyed from the heart”. What had they obeyed? “That form of doctrine which was delivered you”. What was that form? It is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Read Romans 6:3-5 where this is taught in the N.T. It is baptism “into His death” for remission of past sins, burial (immersion) in water, and being raised (resurrected) to walk in newness of life. This “newness of life” is also supported by 2Corinthians 5:17.
So, how is Salvation a matter of the heart (mind)? That’s easy to answer. 1) One hears or reads (takes in the information of Christ in the mind) 2) Does in the body what God’s Word Commands. 3) Then living as the Lord directs our “hearts” (minds) through His Word as we read in 2Thessalonians 3:5 - And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Apply your heart (mind) to learning God’s Word, then do it. This is how Salvation is a matter of the heart.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
