Never Ending Warning
[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God. Heb. 3:12 AMP
This verse stands as a timeless warning, relevant not only to the original recipients of the letter but also to us, even after nearly two millennia. In His wisdom, the Holy Spirit intended for us to be keenly aware of the reality of our heart's condition, which remains just as relevant today.
It is an undeniable truth that humans are often enticed by temptations that sever our connection with God, leading to a sinful mindset and behaviour. Our natural inclinations tend toward wickedness and disbelief because, by nature, our hearts are evil and unbelieving. At birth, we inherit a wicked and corrupt nature. Known as sinful nature. However, through the transformative process of redemption, we are able to foster a compassionate and benevolent disposition as a result of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the writer underscores the significance of possessing a gracious, benevolent, and credulous heart in conveying this timeless admonition. It is indeed possible to cultivate a kind and trustful heart. Why else would the Spirit of God caution us to 'take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart'?
According to the text, an unbelieving heart is characterized by its refusal to cling to, trust in, and rely on God. Unbelieving hearts are inherent in individuals who have not experienced redemption or the atonement of Christ, and they remain spiritually inert due to their sinful state. Recognizing these traits can help us steer clear of such a heart condition.
The believer's heart undergoes transformation through the regenerative process of redemption. Due to Christ's atonement applied to the once-dead and unbelieving heart, the believer can not only trust, rely on, and confide but also believe and act under the work the Holy Spirit now produces within the believer. This work is characterized by love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These traits were nonexistent before the regenerative process and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The passage explores the repercussions of lacking a personal and intimate relationship with God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit through the transformative power of Scripture. It suggests that this may result in a turning away from, forsaking, or creating a distance from the living God. How can we confront and preempt this issue? We need to properly acknowledge the worth and nurture the closeness in our relationship with Him.
I believe the key factor is unwavering faith in God—that is, trusting Him. Through my belief in Him and His word, I can cultivate a deeper connection with Him. As I draw closer to His presence, He graciously offers me guidance, communion, and spiritual reinforcement.
Approaching God with a steadfast belief in Him, His Word, and what He has said, which is reinforced by my intimate connection with Him, encourages a turning towards, approach, and devotion to the living God. The question that invariably arises is: Do I believe Him, His teachings, and His past and future actions on my behalf?