In our study on human design, the Bible is clear: we have a body, soul, and spirit. But many of the students in our class often ask, “So where do references in Scripture to the ‘heart’ fit in?”
Great question!
In the most basic sense, the heart represents our natural tendencies. We’ve all heard someone say things like, “she’s a good-hearted woman” or “that horse has a lot of heart.” The heart often symbolizes characteristics like courage or kindness, or—on the flip side—cowardice or cruelty. But in Scripture, the heart definition applies to both our body (natural self) and our soul and spirit (spiritual self). Thus, we are designed with a natural heart and a spiritual heart.
The Bible doesn’t flatter the natural heart. In fact, it reveals an uncomfortable truth:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” -Jeremiah 17:9
That’s the condition of the human heart apart from the influence of the righteousness of God—a heart that can’t be trusted, and is prone to selfishness, pride, and sin.
Before our soul is born again, our spiritual heart mirrors this corruption. Even when we try to do good, our motives are tainted. But praise God—He doesn’t leave us there! When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are born again, and a divine exchange takes place. The Bible explains:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” -Ezekiel 36:26
In salvation, our soul is made alive in Christ, and we receive His heart—and thus, His nature.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” -2 Corinthians 5:17
That doesn’t mean our old flesh disappears. The nature of our physical body—its cravings and selfish impulses—remains fallen and must be crucified daily. The war between our flesh and our spirit is very real. The Bible explains:
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another…” -Galatians 5:17
But there’s a promise still to come. One day, our body will be made new. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too will receive a glorified, resurrected bodies—bodies that are no longer stained by sin, decay, or weakness.
“…We also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body…” -Philippians 3:20–21
This is the full arc of redemption: a new heart now in our soul, and a new heart in our body later. Until then, we walk in the Spirit, led by the heart of Christ, who resides in our soul and guides our thoughts, words, and actions.
Reflection Thought:
We are born with broken hearts in broken bodies, but God gives us a new heart through salvation and promises a new body in the resurrection. Live today from the heart of the redeemed soul and spirit He’s given you—not the one He delivered you from.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for not leaving me in the condition I was born into. Thank You for giving me a new heart in my soul and spirit through Jesus. Teach me to walk by the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Strengthen me in the hope that one day, I will be made completely new—body, soul, and spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
