What laws are written on a believer’s heart?

Quick Answer: What laws are written on a believer’s heart? The laws written on a believer’s heart are not the Ten Commandments, because we are no longer under the Law (Galatians 5:1; Romans 6:14; 2 Corinthians 3:6-7). Believers have the new commands of Jesus written on our hearts: believe in Him and love one another just as He has loves us (1 John 3:23; 5:3; John 13:34).

Diving Deeper: Hebrews 10:16 says “I will put My laws upon their hearts.” This is often misunderstood to mean that the Old Testament law is on a believer’s heart today. However, it’s important to note that the Jeremiah 31:33 reference to “My law” here has actually been changed to the plural “My laws.” We often see Old Testament quotes tweaked to reflect new covenant truths. It is not the 613 laws of the Old Testament that are etched on the lining of the believer’s heart.

Hebrews 8:10 says God has written His laws within us. The author makes it clear that these laws are “not like” the Old Covenant law (Hebrews 8:9). Therefore, it’s a mistake to assume God has written the Ten Commandments, or any of the 613 Old Testament regulations, on your heart. This would be contradictory to the New Testament message! Instead, there are two laws written on your heart: believe in Jesus and love one another just as Jesus has loved you (1 John 3:23). Yes, it’s that simple.

In John 13:34, Jesus says this to His disciples: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Inherent in this verse is the importance of believing in the love of Jesus (salvation) and loving one another from this love. This sentiment is expressed in 1 John 5:3 and also in 1 John 3:23. 1 John 5:3 states that we love God by obeying his commands. A few chapters earlier, we learn these commands are believing in Jesus and loving one another (1 John 3:23).

Do you see the beauty of these new laws? They are completely centered on the finished work of Christ. God has given you a new heart that will forever believe in Jesus and love Him (Ephesians 6:24). And He has filled your heart with love for other people (John 13:35). This means that these new covenant commands are compatible with who you are: “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

Let’s Make It a Conversation!
1. Had you ever thought the Old Testament law was written on your heart? Imagine what that would really mean. (Think pork, shellfish, Sabbath…)
2. React to this statement: I will never stop believing in Jesus because belief in Him is written on my heart.
3. Reflect on the difference between “love your neighbor as yourself” (Law) versus “love one another just as I have loved you” (Grace).
4. What does it mean to you that His commandments are “not burdensome”?