The word 'heart' in Scripture can mean different things depending upon the context. Most often it refers to the source of one's thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and actions.
It was originally designed to love righteousness and be in harmony with God's perfect will. But Adam's fall ushered in mankind's inherent sin nature and the heart became ... deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9)
Though a sinner tries, he is unable to truly repent, love God, and walk in obedience. His heart is so hardened that he cannot even seek the Lord on his own ... No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him. (John 6:44)
Since it is impossible to soften a stony heart, a supernatural transformation needs to take place ... I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
That 'heart transplant' allows man to have a relationship with God based on love, not law. When Jesus died on Calvary's cross, He broke the power of sin that once ruled over man's soul, and God's new covenant of grace was established.
We are commanded to ... Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. (Ezekiel 18:31)
The moment you receive the gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within. The new heart is pliable in His hands and your sanctification takes place ... transforming you into the likeness of Christ.
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