"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."  Ezekial 36:26

When God restores both the spirit and the physical fortunes of His people, He will do so not only to bless His redeemed sons and daughters, but also to show the nations that He is a gracious and loving God who always keeps His promises. God means for His glory to cover and bless the whole earth (Isaiah 11:9) so that all of creation will know and experience the splendor of His majesty (Rom. 8:19; Eph.2:7; 1 Peter 1:12).

Let’s look at the way we can glean and discern what God has for us from this verse.

The verse beautifully illustrates the concept of renewal in the following ways:

A New Heart

Renewal of Identity: The "new heart" symbolizes a transformation of one's inner being. It represents a complete renewal of desires, motivations, and emotions, aligning them with God's will and purpose.

A New Spirit

Spiritual Renewal: The "new spirit" evidence identifies with the restoration of a vibrant relationship with God. It is a renewal of spiritual life, fueled by the presence of the Holy Spirit, which leads to living in harmony with God's ways.

Removing the Heart of Stone

Softening of the Heart: A "heart of stone" represents a hardened and unresponsive state—one resistant to God. Renewal involves removing this hardness and replacing it with a "heart of flesh," one that is tender, compassionate, and open to God's guidance.

A Gift from God

Divine Initiative: This renewal is not achieved by human effort but is a gift from God. It is His act of grace to transform individuals, making them new creations who reflect His character.

Application of Renewal

Ezekiel 36:26 offers hope and assurance that God can completely transform and renew our hearts and spirits. It reminds us of His power to heal brokenness, remove spiritual apathy, and restore a vibrant relationship with Him. This process of renewal brings life, purpose, and a restored sense of joy.

The evidence of a new heart and a new spirit, as described in Ezekiel 36:26 and reflected throughout Scripture, are evident in the transformation of one’s attitudes, behaviors, and relationship with God. Here are some ways this renewal is expressed:

A Heart of Compassion and Love

A new heart is tender and responsive to others, showing genuine love and empathy.

Evidence: Kindness, forgiveness, and a willingness to serve others.

Reference: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Obedience to God's Will

A new spirit reflects a desire to follow God’s commands and live in alignment with His Word.

Evidence: A life characterized by moral integrity and righteousness.

Reference: "I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." (Ezekiel 36:27)

A Spirit of Joy and Worship

Renewal brings an overflow of joy and a heart that delights in worship and praise.

Evidence: A thankful attitude and a deep sense of spiritual satisfaction.

Reference: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

Freedom from Sinful Desires

A renewed heart and spirit lead to breaking free from the grip of sinful habits.

Evidence: Self-control and victory over temptations.

Reference: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

A Desire for God's Presence

With a new heart, there is an increased longing for fellowship with God.

Evidence: Regular prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking His guidance in all areas of life.

Reference: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." (Psalm 42:1)

A Life Guided by the Holy Spirit

A new spirit is empowered by the Holy Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit.

Evidence: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Reference: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace..." (Galatians 5:22-23)

A Heart for Reconciliation

A new heart seeks to restore broken relationships and promote unity.

Evidence: Humility, peacemaking, and a willingness to reconcile with others.

Reference: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

A Renewed Hope and Purpose

Renewal brings a sense of hope, purpose, and confidence in God's plans.

Evidence: Perseverance in trials and trust in God's promises.

Reference: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord... "plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

The new heart and spirit transforms every aspect of a person’s life, leading to love, obedience, joy, freedom, and an ever-deepening relationship with God. This evidence reflects God's work in reshaping us into His likeness. 

Stay strong and be blessed.