The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 240

The guilt is washed out by a Divine pardon given through the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ, and the impurity is purged away by the Holy Spirit communicated to us b-:1 the grace of God in Christ. 'l'he cross redeems from all sin. The Lamb of Gl-uci taketh away the sin of the world. '!'here is perfect cleansing of character, motive, heart, and soul in Christ. IV. Tms CLEANSING WATER IS SPRINKLED ON INDIVIDUAL SOULS FOR THEIR CLEANSIX(}, It is not enough that the water exists, nor that we behold it, nor that it flows in a full, free torrent. 1. It mwt be applied to each individual soul-sprinkled. This great fact is suggested by the rite of baptism. The future tense is here used. The prophecy was written before the advent of Christ. But even now the future ten~e must be used for a.II who are still in sin and earnestly desire cleansing. Christ's atonement i11 finished; but his clennsing must be continually given afres~ to separate souls. 2. Thi& cleansing is divinely given. " I will sprinkle," etc. God himself cleanses souls. We have to repent and seek his mercy. Then he will work directly in his pardoning and. purifying grace. . Ver. 26.-" .A new heart." We are here introduced to one of those profound utterances in which the Old Testament anticipates some of the richest truths of the New. The grace here promised was doubtless given in all ages to those who truly repented and souubt it. Bat reading these words in the light of the gospel, we are able to see much mo?e clearly what is their eternal significance. I. THE ESSENCE OF SALVATION IB THE RENEWAL OF THE HEART. The commonest mistake is to ignore this most significant fact. People regard salvation too much as a change in the soul's estate rather than a change in its very nature. But while there is a change of condition, and while the greatest possible external consequences flow from the redemption of souls, that redemption does not consist in these things ; they are but af secondary importance. The primary fact is internal. To be saved from the visible fires of a material bell, and to be carried aloft to the tangible pleasures of a celestial Paradise, may satisfy the Mohammedan-minded Christian, but it will not fulfil the great thought of Christ. Hearts are wrong, foul, diseased. Men have false ideas,, corrupt desires and nffections, evil imaginations, or perhaps a blank deadness of soul. Here is the seat of the disease; here, then, the cure must begin. Sin is heart-disease; salvation is heart-renewal. II. THE OLD EVIL HEART IS OF STONE. A terrible and most significant description. 1. It is hard. It does not responcl to the call of God; it neither perceives spiritual truth, nor feels Divine influences, nor responds to heavenly voices. It has no sympathy with God. It is inflexible and immobile. 2. It is cold. Not only does it not respond to the influences of God; in itself and in its new condition it is unfeeling. There is no glow of generous affection in the sinful heart. 3. It is dead. The heart is the most vital organ. For this part of the body to be petrified involves a fearful conditioa. of utter death. The bands might be turned to stone, and yet the man might live. But if he had o. heart of stone be must be dead. Souls are "dead in trespasses and sin" (Eph. ii 1). Men fear a future death, but the Bible teaches that there is & present death of godless souls. 4. It is unnatural. A heart of stone-what can bo more monstrous? Sin is all unnatural, It is contrnry to nature not to hl\ve feelin"~ 0 of love for our heavenly Father. Ill. Goo GIVES A NEW HEART OF FLESH. 1. It is a new heart. There Is no curin.,. the old one. "Ye must be born again" (John iii. 3). 'l'o be in Christ is to be": ~ew_ cre~ture." Thus Christ gives complete renewal. Now, the hope of the worhl hes m this great f~ct. We try to patch up the face of society, but it is mortifying at the core; and Christ goes at once to the root of the matter. With creative power he makes the heart afresh, i.e. he gives quite new thoughts, feelings, and desires. The most abandoned wrecks of society may take courage and believe that even they caa be saved if this is the glorious work of Christ in souls. 2. It is a heart of flesh. (1) Tender. The old coldness and hardness pass away. Pride, stubbornness, obstinacy, are broken down. The penitent soul is melted. The softening of the hardened spirit is an essential part of conversion. (2) Sympathetic. The renewed heart readily answers tu the call of God and to the joys and sorrows of men. (3) Living. 'l'his new heart beats. It drives life-blood through the whole being. The fainting soul is invigorated. 248 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [ea. xxxvr. l-38.