In "Established Hearts," Don Fortner addresses the theological necessity of having one's heart established in the grace of God rather than in various human doctrines or legalistic practices. Fortner warns against being swayed by "divers and strange doctrines," emphasizing that true faith emanates from the heart, as seen in Scriptures like Romans 10:10 and Proverbs 4:23, which highlight the centrality of the heart in righteousness and spiritual obedience. He points to the sufficiency of Christ's righteousness, underscoring that believers are positioned in grace, not reliant on works or rituals as outlined in Titus 3:5-7 and Colossians 2:16-23. The practical significance of this doctrine lies in its assurance of peace and certainty in one’s relationship with God, contrasting the uncertainty of legalistic practices with the steady foundation found in the gospel of grace.
Key Quotes
“It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace not with meats which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”
“All true religion is a matter of the heart. Faith is a heart work. Repentance is a heart work.”
“The grace of God establishes the hearts of men. It does not leave us floundering in religious mysticism and philosophical speculation.”
“Let us never be unsettled tossed about and carried away from the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ by the many winds of strange doctrine.”
What does the Bible say about establishing the heart with grace?
The Bible emphasizes that our hearts should be established with grace, not with external rituals or legalistic practices (Hebrews 13:9).
Hebrews 13:9
How do we know that grace is sufficient for salvation?
Grace is sufficient for salvation as it affirms that justification and eternal life come through God's grace, not our works (Titus 3:5-7).
Titus 3:5-7
Why is understanding the heart important for Christians?
Understanding the heart is essential as it is the source of true faith, worship, and obedience (Proverbs 4:23).
Proverbs 4:23
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. - Hebrews 13:9Established Hearts
"Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." Hebrews 13:9
Multitudes are “carried about with divers and strange doctrines,” the many different doctrines of men that are strange, totally foreign to the Scriptures and contrary to the gospel of Christ, the character of God, and the person, work,and offices of Christ as our Mediator. The doctrine of Christ is one. Truly, it is a good thing to have our hearts established with grace.
“Hearts”
It is written, ― “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Rom. 10:10). The Lord God requires, ― “Apply thine heart to understanding” (Pro. 2:2). ― “Let thine heart keep my commandments” (Pro. 3:1). ― “Write mercy and truth upon the table of thine heart” (Pro. 3:3). ― “Let thine heart retain my words” (Pro. 4:4). ― “Keep thy heart with all diligence”(Pro. 4:23). ― “My son, Give me thine heart” (Pro. 23:26). All true religion is a matter of the heart. Faith is a heart work. Repentance is a heart work. The confession of sin is a heart work. Prayer is a heart work. Worship is a heart work. Our Lord declares in Matthew 5:8 that the pure in heart shall see God, and no one else. In all things spiritual the heart is the principle thing.
“Established”
The grace of God establishes the hearts of men. It does not leave us floundering in religious mysticism, religious intellectualism, and philosophical speculation. Believing hearts are convinced, persuaded, and settled regarding the righteousness of God and the way to God. Being built upon that foundation God himself has laid, Christ Jesus, we are established in the love of God, convinced of acceptance with God, the complete expiation of our sins, and our righteousness before God in and by Christ. Trusting Christ, we are no longer looking for the way to God and eternal life, but are established in the way. We no longer grope about in the blindness and darkness of religious confusion, but walk in the light of revealed truth, firmly looking for and expecting eternal happiness by, with, and in Christ, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.
“Grace”
Our hearts are established with the gospel of the grace of God, the doctrine of the grace of God, the truth of the grace of God, and by the work of the grace of
God. We understand that salvation, justification, and eternal life are the result of God's grace to us in Christ Jesus, not by deeds of the law or works of the flesh (Titus 3:5-7; 2 Tim. 1:8-11). Let us never be unsettled, tossed about and carried way from the gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ, by the many winds of strange doctrine, which come our way from the lips of men.
“Not with Meats”
Work-mongers and religious legalists are occupied with outward, carnal things: eating and not eating certain meats, the keeping of sabbath days, and the observance of religious ceremonies. Such carnal practices gratify the flesh, but do not profit their souls. These things cannot justify, sanctify, establish the heart, or give peace to the soul (Col. 2:16-23; Rom. 14:17). It is Christ alone who is all our acceptance with God (1 Cor. 1:30).
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