Renovation of the Heart

Putting on the Character of Christ

By: Dallas Willard

Narrated by: Dallas Willard

A high school student reared in a Christian home turns to drugs and alcohol. A woman tries to stop criticizing others—for ten years. A father knows he needs more patience with his children, but his efforts seem in vain.

What do these people have in common? They are all in desperate need of further renovation of the heart, of transformation of the spirit. But just what is this transformation? Author Dallas Willard explains that its ideal end is when "all of the essential parts of the human self are effectively organized around God, as they are restored and sustained by Him. Spiritual transformation in Christ is the process leading to that ideal end, and its result is love of God with all of the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and of the neighbor as oneself."

Although you may acknowledge this as the ideal, you may still wonder how to get there? Renovation of the Heart helps to answer that inquiry. It lays a foundation for understanding the ruin and restoration of humanity by discussing human nature and its components, how they operate, and how they are renewed. It describes common misunderstandings about our human nature and the discipleship process. Most important, it outlines the general pattern of personal transformation—not as a formula, but as a systematic process that we have the responsibility to undertake as intentional apprentices of Jesus. Only then will our transformation be accomplished, through interaction with the grace of God in Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual treasures stored in the body of Christ. //We aren't born again to stay the way we are. But how many times have we looked around us in dismay at the lack of spiritual maturity in fellow believers? There's good news. You can experience significant growth in your Christian walk, shed sinful habits, and increasingly take on the character of Christ. Willard calls this "the transformation of the spirit"—a divine process that "brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God or the kingdom of God."

©2002 Dallas Willard (P)2002 Christian Audio

Powerful prescriptive ways to grow in Christ

I thought the Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard was an incredible book on focusing on Christ and not on performance. Too many of us Christians talk a good game, but the call in this book is to actually live in a way that proves that Christ lives in us. I highly recommend this book if you’re interested in Christian spiritual formation.

Intelligent and easy to understand

This is an understandable look into the deeper thoughts in the Bible. Willard explains subject matter that often gets glossed over because most of us simply do not have the education or experience to "see" the way history and current events are affected by Biblical events.

Unique approach to discipleship of Jesus

Important to be aware of necessity of authentic belief through inner spiritual change. Thanks Dallas Willard

I am truly grateful

This man has taken me thru a journey to find that you can find christ not only within yourself but others too.

Insights obtained

This title shed light on a few areas of my spiritual walk that I hadn't realized needed fleshing out.