Renewing the Heart and Having God's Image Imprinted In It

By Archdeacon Habib Guirgus

Our nature, which we inherited from our father Adam, has nothing but corruption; "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This nature that inclines one to evil still has the germ of sin threatening our hearts. We must put aside the old man and reject evil to feel the grace of God and unite with God.

The Apostle Paul said; "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18).

"That you put off, concerning the former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24).

"Since you have put the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Colossians 3:9,10).

"That you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).

When our sight enlightens inward, we'll change from the present conformation.
Seek the Lord and ask Him to change you and cure your heart, thoughts, inclinations, and ways and He will be able to change all what is in you.

When you change, renew and be born of God, having a new birth, then you will be a new person with a new mind and a new soul and a new will, who has new eyes, new ears and new senses; "For we died, and our life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
Unless the coin has the image of the king or president, it is considered counterfeit, so is the soul, unless God's image is imprinted in it, it cannot be accepted into the divine sheepfold, and will not be able to be seated in the heavenly banquet.

When the bird flies high, it does not fear the hunter, for it is safe, such is the soul which is elevated by the wings of grace, for it finds comfort in God and does not fear the traps of evil for it is carried off and united with God.

Therefore, unite with Him and be raised above yourself. Put your sight on Jesus, and put aside your lusts and desires. Let your life be steadfast and united with Christ.

If you gaze too much in a picture, it gets imprinted in your sub-conscience and will be portrayed in your mind.   So, God's image will be portrayed in your soul, as you look and gaze to Jesus, and Jesus alone.

Carry Jesus in your heart to walk with Him in peace and safety, and receive the freedom of the spirit, and acquire the perfect trust.

When the ostrich lay its eggs, if it loses sight and does not look at it constantly, it will be destroyed. So when you do not look at Jesus, you will lose all goodness and your worship will not be solid.

When fire touches iron it makes it malleable, so when you hold onto God's mercy it will make you malleable to accept grace. Therefore, reject all your previous lusts, and take off the old man and all the lusts of the world, to be born again, and live a new life in righteousness.