The theological topic addressed by Benjamin Keach in "The Heart of a Saint Compared to a Heart of Flesh" is the nature of a regenerate heart in contrast to a hardened heart. Keach argues that a heart of flesh, as referenced in Ezekiel 36:26, signifies a tender and sensitive disposition towards sin, God's word, and the afflictions of others. He emphasizes that such a heart is easily impacted by the weight of sin, reflecting the tragic state of believers like David (Psalm 38:6), who feel the pain and burden of their transgressions. Additionally, he posits that a tender-hearted Christian, akin to molten wax, is profoundly responsive to God's will and teachings, embodying the transformative nature of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This discussion holds significant doctrinal implications for understanding sanctification within Reformed theology, as it illustrates the internal change that accompanies true faith.
Key Quotes
“A Heart of Flesh is a tender thing; every small prick will make it bleed; so every sin, nay the smallest sin, will offend and make a tender-hearted Christian cry out much more a great sin.”
“Josiah's Heart melted when the law of God was read to him; his Heart gave way and yielded to God's word and trembled at the judgments denounced; he had a Heart of Flesh, a tender and soft Heart.”
“A tender Hearted Christian cannot bear the weight of sin; he feels the burden so heavy that he is sorely crushed down and oppressed under the guilt thereof.”
“A tender-hearted Christian will take any impression from God; he is like wax melted that will take the impression of the seal.”
THE HEART OF A SAINT COMPARED TO A HEART OF FLESH
"And I will give them a Heart of Flesh" &c., Eze 36:26.
I. A heart of Flesh is a tender thing; every small prick will make it bleed: so every sin, nay, the smallest sin will offend, and make a -tender-hearted Christian cry out, much more a great sin.
II. A Heart of Flesh is a soft Heart; the philosopher's description of a soft thing is, that it easily gives way to a touch: so a true Christian, a tender-hearted Christian will yield to God's word, to his reproofs, to his commands, &c. Lay your finger upon a stone, and that yields not; but lay your finger upon flesh, and that will yield; so will a Saint. Josiah's Heart melted, when the law of God was read to him; his Heart gave way and yielded to God's word, and trembled at the judgments denounced; he had a Heart of Flesh, a tender and soft Heart, 2Ki 22:19.
III. A Heart of Flesh cannot bear a great weight, a heavy burden will crush and mar it exceedingly. Lay ever so great a weight upon a stone, and that will bear it; you cannot crush that, nor make the least impression in it, what weight soever you lay upon it: but a heart of flesh, or that which is of a soft Substance, is of another nature; a weight will bruise, crush, and mar it immediately. So a tender Hearted Christian cannot bear the weight of sin; he feels the burden so heavy, that he is sorely crushed down and oppressed under the guilt thereof, and grievously bruised. Thus it was with David, "1 am sore broken, I am bowed down greatly," &c., Ps 38:6.
IV. A Heart of Flesh, I mean a living Heart, for it is such an one of which the text speaks, is a sensible Heart: so a tender-Hearted Christian, or a man or woman that hath a Heart of Flesh, is very sensible. Such are sensible of their vileness, and loathe themselves before the Lord, cannot bear the thoughts of God's displeasure; it goes to their very Heart, to think that the holy and infinite God should be displeased and offended with them: they are sensible of their own sorrows, and of the sorrows and miseries of others. A tender-Hearted person will grieve for the afflictions of his brethren and sisters; if his mother, or any dear relation be distressed, and in great misery, how sensible is he of it, and how sorely troubled and disquieted in his spirit! And thus it is with a tender-Hearted Saint; how is he grieved for the distressed Saints, and for distressed Sion! &c.
V. A Heart of Flesh, i.e. a tender Heart, will take any impression you please, so a tender-Hearted Christian will take any impression from God: he is like wax melted, that will take the impression of the seal. They are ready to take the stamp of the Word, the image of God, which is righteousness and true holiness. The Spirit and Word of God can mould these Hearts into any form or fashion God pleaseth, &c.
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