The Sufficiency of Christ: Short Bible Verses

In Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV), God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel with a stunning promise: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel—God’s sovereign work in regenerating dead sinners, replacing their hardened, rebellious hearts with tender, responsive ones. It is a declaration of divine grace and a call to live in the newness of life.

An ancient painting-inspired illustration depicting a white dove perched on the head of a coiled serpent, symbolizing innocence and wisdom from Matthew 10:16. The two-dimensional artwork features earthy tones and a divided background: a glowing sunrise on one side and a dark forest with subtle wolf silhouettes on the other, representing the tension of living as sheep among wolves. The style mimics early Christian frescoes with minimalistic, flat elements and spiritual symbolism.

The Condition of the Human Heart

Reformed theology rightly emphasizes the radical depravity of humanity. As Paul states in Romans 3:10-12, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” The unregenerate heart is not merely wounded; it is stone-cold, lifeless, and incapable of seeking after God.

A heart of stone cannot respond to spiritual truth. It resists God, loves sin, and is indifferent to His glory. This is why Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). The problem with humanity is not superficial but foundational. Without a divine act of regeneration, no one can come to God.

God’s Sovereign Grace in Regeneration

Ezekiel 36:26 points us to the unilateral work of God in salvation. Notice the “I will” statements: “I will give you a new heart... I will put within you a new spirit.” This is not a cooperative effort; it is the work of a sovereign God who, out of His mercy, breathes life into spiritually dead sinners (Ephesians 2:1-5).

John MacArthur explains regeneration as “the act of God by which He imparts spiritual life to those who are dead in sin. It is the sovereign, mysterious, instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit.” This is the fulfillment of God’s promise in Ezekiel 36:26. The heart of flesh signifies a heart that is alive, pliable, and responsive to God. It is a heart that loves Him, desires holiness, and seeks to glorify His name.

A New Heart That Reflects Christ

When God removes the heart of stone and gives a heart of flesh, the transformation is profound. The believer’s desires, affections, and priorities are reshaped. This transformation is not merely external but internal, where the Spirit of God writes His law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).

The imagery on the “Heart of Flesh” t-shirt from 5 Alone Threads captures this truth. The design features a softened, living heart, a visual representation of the new life God breathes into His people. Wearing this shirt is a tangible way to proclaim the miracle of regeneration—a reminder to ourselves and others of God’s redemptive power to transform even the hardest heart.

Living as People with Hearts of Flesh

What does it mean to live with a heart of flesh? It means living as those who have been changed by grace. Voddie Baucham often reminds us that salvation produces fruit—real, visible transformation. As Paul exhorts in Ephesians 4:22-24, “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and... put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

A heart of flesh is marked by love for God, love for others, and a hatred for sin. It responds to the Gospel with gratitude and obedience. It is a heart that desires to see others transformed by the same grace we have received. By wearing a shirt like “Heart of Flesh,” we declare that the Gospel is not just a message—it is the power of God to change lives.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 36:26 is not merely a promise for ancient Israel; it is a promise for all who are in Christ. It is a declaration of the Gospel’s power to transform the coldest heart and breathe life into the deadest soul. As we reflect on this verse, let us thank God for His sovereign grace and live as those who have been made new.

If you want to spark conversations about the life-changing power of the Gospel, consider making a statement through what you wear. The Heart of Flesh t-shirt is more than apparel—it’s a declaration of faith, a testimony of God’s grace, and an invitation to others to experience the transformation only He can bring.

Soli Deo Gloria.