01/01/21 WHAT’S NEW? #8 — Ezekiel 11:19 (HCSB) And I will give them ONE HEART and put a NEW SPIRIT within them; I will remove their heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh… — God pledged not only to restore Ezekiel's people to their ancient land, but to bring the New Covenant with its blessings (see Jer 31:31-34)

Ezekiel 18:31 Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a NEW HEART and a NEW SPIRIT. Why should you die, house of Israel? — The key to life eternal and triumph over death is conversion. This involves repentance from sin and receiving the new heart which God gives with a new spirit, wrought by the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:5-8).

Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a NEW HEART and put a NEW SPIRIT within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

36:25-31 This section is among the most glorious in all Scripture on the subject of Israel's restoration to the Lord and national salvation. This salvation is described in v. 25 as a cleansing that will wash away sin. Such washing was symbolized in the Mosaic rites of purification (cf. Nu 19:17-19; Ps 119:9; Isa 4:4; Zec 13:1). For the concept of sprinkling in cleansing, see Ps 51:7, 10; Heb 9:13; 10:22. This is the washing Paul wrote of in Eph 5:26 and Tit 3:5. Jesus had this very promise in mind in Jn 3:5.

What was figuratively described in v. 25 is explained as literal in vv. 26, 27. The gift of the "NEW HEART" signifies the NEW BIRTH, which is regeneration by the Holy Spirit (cf. 11:18-20). The "HEART" stands for the whole nature. The "SPIRIT" indicates the governing power of the mind which directs thought and conduct. A "heart of stone" is stubborn and self-willed. A "heart of flesh" is pliable and responsive. The evil inclination is removed and a new nature replaces it. This is New Covenant character as in Jer 31:31-34.

The Lord will also give His "SPIRIT" to the faithful Jews (cf. 39:29; Isa 44:3; 59:21; Joel 2:28, 29; Ac 2:16ff.). When Israel becomes the true people of God (v. 28), the judgment promise of Hosea 1:9 is nullified. All nature will experience the blessings of Israel's salvation (vv. 29, 30). When the Jews have experienced such grace, they will be even more repentant—a sign of true conversion (v. 31).

Ezekiel profoundly proclaims the doctrines of conversion and spiritual life. He includes forgiveness (v. 25), regeneration (v. 26), the indwelling Holy Spirit (v. 27), and responsive obedience to God's law (v. 27). These are all clearly presented as he prophesies Israel's conversion. As a nation, they will truly know their God (v. 38), hate their sin (vv. 31, 32), and glorify their Savior (v. 32). [adapted from The MacArthur Study Bible]          AND, OH… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!