The Transformer – From a heart of stone to a heart of flesh

Ezekiel 36:26 — “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.”

 

One of the most remarkable things I have witnessed is the transformation that takes place when a person comes to Christ. My father was a living example of this. Before he became a Christian, his life was marked by destructive habits and moral failures. But after he encountered Christ, he became a completely transformed man. And there are countless stories like his — testimonies of lives renewed by the grace and power of God.

 

Isn’t that what Paul meant when he wrote:

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

In Ezekiel 36, God made a powerful promise to the nation of Israel. At that time, the people were scattered in exile because they had defiled the land with idols and sinful practices (vv.17–19). Yet even in exile, they continued to dishonour His holy name (v.20). God’s decision to restore them was not because He saw their suffering or that they deserved mercy, but because of His own holy Name. He acted to reveal His faithfulness — to show the nations that He is a God who keeps His covenant and transforms His people for His glory.

 

As part of this divine restoration, God promised something far greater than merely returning them to their land — He promised to renew their hearts.

 

“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.” (v.26)

 

This was a promise of inner transformation. God would not just change their circumstances — He would change their very nature. The stony, stubborn heart that resisted His ways would be replaced with a tender heart that responds to His Word and Spirit.

 

This truth reveals the depth of God’s redemptive purpose — He does not merely rescue us from our troubles; He transforms us from within so that our lives reflect His holiness and love. True transformation begins in the heart. It is an inside-out work of grace, not an outside-in display of religion. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God examines the heart

 

It is dangerously easy to deceive ourselves and others with outward acts of piety. We may lift our hands in worship, give our tithes faithfully, and even serve diligently in ministry — yet if the heart remains unchanged, all these outward expressions amount to nothing before God. External devotion without internal renewal is empty religion.

The prophet Malachi confronted Israel with this very hypocrisy. The people continued to bring offerings and observe the Sabbaths, appearing outwardly devout. Yet God’s verdict was piercing:

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me... If I am a Father, where is the honour due me? If I am a Master, where is the respect due me?” (Malachi 1:6; 3:8)

 

Their worship was routine, their giving mechanical, and their reverence hollow. God was not impressed with their rituals because their hearts were far from Him.

 

This serves as a solemn warning to us today: God desires sincerity over show, purity over performance, and transformation over tradition. The Lord looks not at the hands lifted in worship, but at the heart behind them. Until our inner life is surrendered and renewed by His Spirit, all outward acts of religion remain lifeless and void of power.

 

And God knew that on our own, it was impossible for us to change. That is why He Himself comes to our rescue: “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.”

 

What God desired for Israel in the Old Testament, He now accomplishes in us through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! 

Now, with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, as we learn to walk in and be filled by the Spirit, we are continually being transformed into His likeness — in faith, in character, and in deeds.

 

We used to sing this heartfelt prayer:

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true,
Change my heart, O God, may I be like You.
You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me — this is what I pray.

A simple yet profound cry for inner renewal — asking God to shape us from the inside out. May this be our constant desire as we walk daily in His presence.

 

Reflection

1. Is my relationship with God marked more by outward activity or inner transformation?
2. Have I allowed the Holy Spirit to soften my heart and reshape my attitudes, habits, and desires?
3. When others see my life, do they see the evidence of a “new creation” in Christ?

Prayer

 

Father, thank You for the promise of a new heart and a new spirit. Forgive me for the times I’ve settled for outward religion instead of inward renewal. Remove every trace of hardness and pride from my heart. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit, and make me tender, responsive, and obedient to Your Word. Mold me into the likeness of Christ, so that my life may reflect Your holiness and love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.