Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
Ezekiel 18 includes the startling command: “Make a new heart and a new spirit for yourselves. Make it for yourselves”; how do you reconcile that command with the promise elsewhere of God giving a new heart, and what does this tension reveal about “synergy” (working together with God) in salvation?
Another way to ask: Ezekiel 18 says, “Make a new heart and a new spirit for yourselves,” but other places say God gives a new heart. How can both be true, and what does that show about working together with God in salvation?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The teacher reconciles this by teaching “synergy”: we truly must act—turn, choose, obey, “make” changes—yet we also need God’s Spirit and grace to empower obedience. The tension shows salvation is not passive: we are responsible, but not self-sufficient.
- From Ezekiel 18: “Return… Cast away… and make a new heart and a new spirit for yourselves. Make it for yourselves.”
- Earlier he referenced Ezekiel’s new covenant theme: God would “give us a new heart… and put his spirit within us so that we could walk in his requirements… It’s for obedience.”
- He states the goal clearly: cleansing “from all of our uncleanness” so we can “walk” in God’s judgments.
- He explains synergy directly: “It’s not just because I have a free will doesn’t mean I’m in this alone… It’s this synergy, this working together with God.”
- He stresses need for grace: “I realize I need grace. I need strength… as long as we’re in the flesh, we’re not going to be able to be 100% obedient.”
- He lists resources as part of cooperation: “prayer and fasting… scripture… discipleship and accountability.”