A New Heart and a New Spirit
A Formation Commentary on Ezekiel 25 through 36
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
Ezekiel 25–36 · 25–36
The journey of this volume
What would renewal look like if it reached deeper than appearances? Ezekiel’s third movement confronts proud powers and failed shepherds before announcing God’s work of gathering, cleansing, and restoring His people. Begin with chapter 36, where the promise of a living heart invites a responsive life. This reading makes room for grace, truthful repair, and obedience that becomes visible in our relationships.
Where do I need more than surface repair?
What you’ll explore
- Grace and God’s initiative
- A living heart responsive to truth
- The Spirit forming obedience
- Restoration with honest repair
The heart God gives
Begin with Ezekiel 36 in your Bible. Read Ezekiel 36 and notice what God promises to do. Follow the movement from desolation to cleansing, a new heart, and life in His Spirit.
The following reading summarizes Chapter 36, “A New Heart and a New Spirit,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
Ezekiel 36 first addresses Israel’s land and people after desolation and exile. God’s promise answers those who treat their loss as an opportunity for possession, while also naming the deeds that brought judgment.
Renewal begins in God’s holy character and faithful purpose. Cleansing, a heart of flesh, and the gift of His Spirit reach beyond external reform. The promised life becomes visible in walking, keeping, and doing.
Will connects renewal with truthful rebuilding. Changed appearances cannot substitute for changed practices. Grace invites prayer, confession, practical repair, and communities that protect rather than consume the people within them.
The heart God gives
This is more than emotional intensity. Tears, excitement, and public declarations may accompany transformation, but the chapter points toward durable obedience, truthful relationships, and a life no longer ruled by idols.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 36, “A New Heart and a New Spirit,” in A New Heart and a New Spirit
Following Christ through this movement
The commentary follows cleansing and the Spirit toward Jesus’ teaching on new birth, His new covenant, and resurrection life. Through Christ, forgiveness and transformation are gifts of grace.
Christians receive these promises with gratitude while honoring their direct address to Israel. The Spirit forms Christ’s character in embodied obedience, rather than making human personalities the center.
Continue in Scripture
John 3:1–8 · Titus 3:4–7 · Galatians 5:22–25
Read these passages alongside the selected chapter. Keep its historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
What habit or allegiance keeps my response to God closed? What would a small, truthful change look like in daily conduct?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
Name one practice that needs renewal. Ask God for a responsive heart, then choose a manageable act of obedience, such as correcting a record, keeping a promise, or repairing a wrong. Seek the support needed to follow through.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Faithful God, give us living hearts that receive Your truth. Jesus, cleanse and renew us by Your grace. Holy Spirit, form Your life in our choices and help us repair what we can with humility and love. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑Why this movement matters
I chose this title because Ezekiel 36 promises more than different circumstances. God promises cleansing, a new heart, a new spirit, and His own Spirit so that His people can walk in His ways.
The promise comes after pride, violence, failed leadership, exile, and desolation. It keeps hope truthful and directs us toward renewal that reaches deeper than external repair.
Adapted from Will Bourne’s prepared Ezekiel interview.
Back to section choices ↑