The New Heart Transplant: What Organ Transplants Illustrate About Spiritual Renewal
Dr. Perry Greene introduces the theme of inner transformation by referencing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In the story, each character pursues a quality believed to be missing. Dorothy seeks a way home, the Scarecrow desires a brain, the Cowardly Lion longs for courage, and the Tin Man yearns for a heart. The Tin Man’s longing serves as a framework for examining what it means to receive a new heart rather than attempting to improve an existing one.
From this illustration, Dr. Greene turns to organ transplantation. He describes transplantation as a life-saving medical procedure that replaces a failing organ with one from a healthy donor. While the physical outcomes of transplantation are well studied, Dr. Greene explains that some recipients report unexpected psychological or behavioral changes following surgery. These reports include new food preferences, altered habits, emotional shifts, vivid dreams, or interests that were not present prior to the transplant.
In some cases, recipients believe these changes reflect traits or experiences associated with their donors, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as cellular memory. Dr. Greene notes that while such experiences are not universal, they are reported often enough to warrant consideration. He provides examples such as individuals developing tastes for foods they previously disliked or discovering interests that later align with known details about their donors.
Using this medical analogy, Dr. Greene draws a theological parallel. Scripture describes God not as repairing a damaged heart, but as replacing it entirely. The primary biblical foundation for this teaching comes from Ezekiel 36:26–29, written in the context of Israel’s return from Babylonian captivity. In this passage, God promises to remove a heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh, to put His Spirit within His people, and to cause them to walk in obedience.
Dr. Greene emphasizes that this promise focuses on internal transformation rather than external behavior modification. A heart of stone represents resistance, hardness, and spiritual immobility. A heart of flesh represents responsiveness, sensitivity, and renewed direction. The change described is foundational, affecting motivation, desire, and allegiance.
Several characteristics accompany this God-given heart. First is obedience. Dr. Greene explains that obedience flowing from a new heart is not forced compliance but willing alignment with God’s will. Jesus’ words in John 14:15 are cited to support this, along with Ezekiel 36:27, which emphasizes that obedience is enabled by God’s Spirit rather than human effort alone.
Second, the new heart is associated with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Dr. Greene explains that the Spirit empowers believers to live according to God’s will and gradually reshapes character over time.
Third, the new heart produces genuine love for God and compassion toward others. Deuteronomy 30:6 is referenced to show that love for God originates from God’s work within the heart, not merely from external instruction.
Fourth, the new heart brings new desires. Dr. Greene connects this change to 2 Corinthians 5:17, which describes life in Christ as a new creation. Old priorities give way to new ones oriented toward righteousness, holiness, and relationship with God.
Fifth, the new heart is associated with cleansing from sin and guilt. Psalm 51 is presented as an example of a prayer for inner renewal, where David asks for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Dr. Greene explains that this cleansing is essential to a transformed life.
Dr. Greene also highlights historical examples of faith shaped by Scripture, including Matthew Fontaine Maury, a scientist known as the “Pathfinder of the Seas” for his work charting ocean and wind currents while serving in the United States Navy. During a prolonged illness, Maury demonstrated reliance on Scripture, particularly the Book of Job and Psalm 130, which were read repeatedly at his request.
Maury is also noted for repeating a devotional prayer he had written decades earlier, asking Jesus for mercy, forgiveness, a new heart, a right mind, and guidance to do God’s will. Dr. Greene presents this prayer as an example of how the biblical promise of a new heart shapes both daily life and one’s approach to death.
Dr. Greene concludes by emphasizing that God’s promise is not to preserve a failing heart through temporary repairs, but to replace it entirely. The new heart brings a new outlook, sustained hope, and a life reshaped by God’s Spirit—an ongoing transformation expressed through obedience, faith, and trust.
Application
Reflect on Ezekiel 36:26–29 and identify the contrast between a heart of stone and a heart of flesh in everyday decisions.
Observe areas where obedience feels resistant rather than willing, and consider how Scripture describes God’s role in enabling change.
Take note of emerging desires or priorities that reflect alignment with righteousness, compassion, or holiness.
Practice confession using Psalm 51 as a model, focusing on inner renewal rather than external correction.
Discuss how long-term faith, as demonstrated by historical figures, is shaped by consistent engagement with Scripture.
TL;DR
Dr. Perry Greene uses organ transplantation as an analogy for spiritual renewal.
Reported psychological changes after transplants illustrate how receiving something new can alter behavior and desire.
Scripture promises a new heart, not repair of the old one.
Ezekiel 36 describes the replacement of a heart of stone with a heart of flesh.
A new heart produces willing obedience, Spirit-empowered living, love for God, and new desires.
Cleansing from guilt and sin is foundational to transformation.
Historical examples demonstrate how Scripture shapes faith during suffering.
The new heart results in sustained hope and a transformed life.
Discussion Questions
What distinguishes internal transformation from external behavior change?
How does the heart of stone versus heart of flesh imagery apply to modern life?
Why does Scripture emphasize replacement rather than repair?
Which characteristics of a new heart are most evident in daily decisions?
How do historical examples help illustrate long-term spiritual formation?
Apply It This Week
Read Ezekiel 36:26–29 aloud once each day.
Identify one habit that reflects resistance and replace it with a concrete act of obedience.
Write a short reflection on how desires shape actions.
Read Psalm 51 as a prayer for inner renewal.
Prayer Prompt
Lord, grant a new heart that is responsive to truth, aligned with Your will, and shaped by Your Spirit. Renew desires, cleanse what is broken, and guide each step in faithful obedience. Amen.