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Jeremiah 17:9 - What is the condition of the heart? - Day 202

 From Complete Word Study Bible dictionary

’ānaš: A verb meaning to be sick, incurable, in poor health. It describes a weakened condition that can lead to death (2 Sam. 12:15; Job 34:6; Isa. 17:11) or an incurable pain or ill health (Jer. 15:18). In its most potent theological usage, it describes the incurably wicked, desperately sick condition of the human heart (Jer. 17:9) that only God knows.

This is God's description of man's condition.  Many object to the doctrines of grace taught by Calvin and other reformers.  But giving man any ability to chose life with a heart that is incurably wicked is not consistent with this passage. 

Do you think we are sinners because we sin?  Or do you think that we sin because we are sinners?  Which one of these options is supported by this passage?  Isn't God saying that it is the deceitful, incurably wicked heart which is the source of ways and deeds that he judges?  It is not the deeds that make the heart deceitful, but the heart that makes man's deeds wicked.

As this is written on Good Friday, I am mindful of For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21


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