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A Changed Heart - What Literally Happens?

It is my current working theory that when the Lord changes our hearts and our natures, He accomplishes this by literally re-organizing our intelligences - our spiritual and physical makeup.

Sanctification is the process of "Being made holy". We are clay in the Potter's hands. We are the rough piece of wood in the Carpenter's shop.

This makes even more sense in light of the Savior's command over the elements. If he can turn water into wine, or calm the stormy sea, or raise the dead, then He can change me so that I no longer desire sin.

I was pondering the miracle of turning water into wine. Since all of creation is composed of things which act or are acted upon [2 Ne 2:13-14] it seems to follow that this was true of the water. The atoms of Hydrogen and Oxygen are in turn composed of intelligences that are attached to the physical matter. If the intelligences honor your authority [D&C 29:36] then they obey your command, they re-organize, and prest-o change-o, you have wine now where you used to have water. It is pure physics and chemistry at work, just not at a level we are accustomed to. Why are miracles like turning water into wine included in scripture? I think, in part, to show us that the Lord is capable of performing the same miraculous transformation in our hearts and minds. We quite literally become new creatures. We used to be water, but now we are wine. We used to be sensual, carnal and devilish, but now we are awakened unto God and delight in doing good.

How did it happen? It happened because the chemistry of our brains and the make-up of our spirits, which at a fundamental level are comprised of organized intelligences, has been modified. Reorganized such that our very thought processes and our responses are different as a result! It is amazing to think about that kind of power. But we must contribute to the process by the righteous exercise of our agency. It is obedience that opens the door for this divine tinkering. The Lord honors our agency, either to our condemnation or sanctification. We become what we desire.

As Saints, we know that His mission is to save us, to change our hearts and our natures, to bring about the rebirth so that we become His sons and daughters, spirutally begotten of Him! I just wonder if anyone has pondered how literal this change really is...and the miracle it is that He can do this if we invite Him to! We obey His voice so that we may qualify for the sanctification He provides. By receiving these needed upgrades to our souls we are not earning the changes...only qualifying for what was always an undeserved gift on His part unto precious children.

I'd like to hear what others think about the physical process of sanctification. If we were to isolate it and define what is taking place....how would you describe it?

Edited: JB on 19th Apr, 2014 - 11:21am

Happens Literally - Heart Changed A

I don't believe that know the physical side of a changed heart is very important, besides it's not the heart that is changed, it's one's mind. Christ puts in us a new desire to serve him, thus giving us a new heart.

A Changed Heart - What Literally Happens? Studies Doctrine Mormon

From my understanding, a change of heart is something we should experience on a continual basis, and not just once. I experience a change of heart each time the Spirit testifies to me of truth, and I have a desire to do everything the Lord would wish me to do. Then I often become complacent or less valiant and must once again experience a "change of heart" to become motivated to righteousness. This is why I believe that a change of heart is not a change in our physical natures, but rather in our spiritual natures. If not so, then one change of heart would seem sufficient. That's why I disagree with your theory. However, it is an interesting concept to consider.

Happens Literally - Heart Changed A

Very interesting theory knowltonutah, I actually agree with a lot of your statements. A mighty change of heart is when we do not longer wish to sin and sometimes it causes some type of physical changes that prevent us from doing the wrong thing. I do not think is all about the mind only but I believe some physical changes also take place. I just imagine someone who really struggles with alcohol, someone who has been drinking for 30 years or more. His willingness to change can help him to overcome that addiction, starting with the mind of course but then I think the Lord produces somehow a physical change in the individual that he does not longer wishes to drink or his/her body do not longer need it. A change of heart is definitely a Spiritual thing but it may encompasses some physical changes.

Valla said:

Then it is not a truly change of heart. If we really ponder the Scriptures we would realize that once we experience a change of heart, we become new creatures and not for just a day or two or a week. We are new individuals in every sense of the word.

Happens Literally - Heart Changed A

"When we truly understand how great a blessing the gospel of Jesus Christ is in our lives, when we accept and embrace these eternal truths and allow them to sink deep into our hearts and souls, we experience a 'mighty change' (Alma 5:14) in our hearts. We are filled with love and gratitude. As the prophet Alma wrote, we feel 'to sing the song of redeeming love' (Alma 5:26) to all who will hear it."

-- M. Russell Ballard, "Creating a Gospel-Sharing Home," Ensign, May 2006, 84

A Changed Heart - What Literally Happens?

The Book of Mormon talks about a Mighty Change of Heart, or what I call a "true conversion". Many times we speak about conversion as when were baptized but what really entitles a "Mighty Change of Heart" and how do you know you have experienced one?

A Changed Heart - Literally Happens

It's when you no longer have a desire to do those things that are wrong. There are many little mighty changes of heart and then there is the Big one. Look at Alma the Younger, While he had the Big Mighty change of heart, as he improved his life the smaller ones took place. (My personal belief).

A Changed Heart - Literally Happens Mormon Doctrine Studies

Name: KimB
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Comments: I know a few people who have experienced this. It is called the "unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost"
for a reason. It is so powerful, and overwhelming that mortal words cannot adequately explain it. This is something every LDS needs to strive to obtain.
I have some very beautiful testimonies I could share, but they are too long to post on here. Being new to this site I would appreciate insight here. How do you make long posts? Thank you.