A New Heart and Mind

by Dionne Sabbay Thompson August 29, 2008


For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people (Hebrews 8:10).


The children of Israel were delivered physically yet selfishness and human works caused their experience to be Old Covenant. It is impossible in our flesh to keep God's word. The law of God written in our hearts is eternal, as God Himself. Thus it is not possible for us to write the law of God in our own hearts ourselves, we require Divine Intervention.


Romans 8:7 emphasizes the nature of the carnal mind, as identified by the Apostle Paul. The carnal mind is enmity against God. If we are in the flesh we can not please God. The children of Israel were carnal minded, disobedient and self-centered. It is therefore not possible for sinful human beings to write the law of God in their own hearts. The law of God is a constitution of God's character. If our natural tendency is to be disobedient, then we can not please God (Hebrews 11:6). Ancient Israel's promise to keep the law of God was broken, as they manifested an old covenant experience. Similarly, if we are not obedient as Modern Israel, we can not please God.


If our minds are selfish and carnal; then it is not possible to receive God in our hearts. It takes the power of God and the law to truly please the Most High (Romans 1:20). We must obey God, fulfilling our part of the Better Promises (Hebrews 8:6-8), thus receiving a gift of righteousness from God. Lucifer was created in a New Covenant experience, yet self-righteousness entered this covering cherubs nature, causing Satan's fallen state "I will be like the Most High..." (Isaiah 14:13,14). When we make our promise to God, allowing Him to write the law in our hearts and minds, we please Him. A reward of Salvation results from Modern Israel's acts of receiving Christ's gift of righteousness (Philippians 3:9). Recognizing that God's power is an essential part of us keeping the covenant, we must obey the ten commandments as well as receive the gift of Christ's righteousness (Romans 1:20). God will enable us to be His people, writing His laws on our hearts and mind.


Legalism is righteousness by works (Isaiah 64:6, Philippians 3:3-8). Romans 4:4's message maintains that righteousness can not be earned, it is a free gift. Galatians 3:1 exhibits the idea that individuals who attempt to continue in their own strength will not be true Overcomers, granted a seat at the Throne of God (Revelation 3:21). If we rely on our own effort we will never be successful, as our righteous walk must be focused solely on the Messiah. Relying on our own righteousness which is as filthy rags, will result in bondage (Isaiah 64:6, Galatians 4:21-31). If we believe the Word of God and His promises, we can enjoy the peace of knowing the Lord. We do not have the power independently to keep God's laws on our own, we require the Power of God, through faith.


God spoke to the children of Israel through Moses, emphasizing that the a New Covenant exemplified the ways of the Lord. God wants us similarly today to walk in a New Covenant experience. This New Covenant bears God's non-negotiable Word which is "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Here Paul, the apostle, is making a comparison of a soul which is related to the bone and the spirit which is symbolized by the marrow in the bone. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 lays a foundation, edifying that there is no such thing as an immortal soul, as the soul is very much prone to death. Mankind has body, soul and spirit; operating intelligently by choice, accountable to God morally (Exodus 20). The spirit is the highest developed part of the human soul, as from creation we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Deep within the human soul is the human spirit, containing one's character, identity and personality (1 Corinthians 2:9-13). Complete obedience of the Decalogue, God's character, His Holy-finger written Ten Commandments is a requirement, combined with faith (Exodus 31:18).


If we hear God's voice, harden not your hearts, as we today, Modern Israel can walk in a newness of life (Hebrews 3:7,8). By acknowledging and obeying God's ways, casting out our own ways, we can please God. Without faith it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). God will keep us from having a carnal mind, thus granting us freedom.


This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them (Hebrews 10:16).