In the heart of biblical counseling, we often encounter a profound truth: Information about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection alone cannot transform us. It is only when this gospel moves from our minds to our hearts, where it breaks us, humbles us, and daily draws us to our knees, that true, miraculous healing and restoration with God becomes possible. There is a world of difference between knowing about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and being transformed by these truths. If the resurrection remains mere head knowledge to us, it stays to us as facts we agree with but do not depend upon, robbing us of the miraculous, restorative healing our hearts desperately need.

The Trap of Intellectual Belief

It’s easy to agree intellectually that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. It’s possible to agree with the doctrines and even recite verses about salvation or affirm the facts without letting them change your heart. I know; I was there. Here’s what I’ve learned about the intellectual belief of salvation: It leaves us unchanged. 

It leads to:

• Reliance on self rather than God.

• Pride instead of humility.

• Hopelessness in the face of life’s struggles.

Scripture warns us:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Heart Knowledge: The Path to True Restoration

Transformation happens when the gospel penetrates our hearts. When we truly trust, rely on, and depend upon Christ’s finished work, everything changes:

• We are moved to repentance and humility.

• We experience a deep desire to know, love, and serve God and others.

• Our confidence and hope are anchored in God, not ourselves.

As Jesus said,

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

And as Paul reminds us,

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Like David in Psalm 51, the resurrection should break our hearts daily, leading us to cry out:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12)

The Daily Cry of a Restored Heart

A genuine relationship with God is marked by ongoing dependence and surrender. The resurrection is not just an event to remember, but a truth that should land us on our knees each day, seeking a renewed spirit and the joy of salvation

“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Practical Ways to Move from Head to Heart

By nature, many of us are drawn to checklists and “how-to” guides for life. There’s something comforting about being able to look at a list, check off each item, and feel a sense of accomplishment and progress. It can make faith feel more manageable, as if spiritual growth could be measured by completed tasks. However, our relationship with the Lord is not about ticking boxes or following a formula. While I will share a few practical examples of how we can move from head knowledge to heart knowledge, it’s vital to understand that genuine transformation is not checklist-driven. As God changes our hearts, He will reveal to us, often in unexpected and personal ways, what we need each day to grow in understanding, dependence, and love for Him. Our walk with Christ is a living relationship, not a series of completed steps, and it is the Holy Spirit who leads us into deeper intimacy and obedience as we surrender to Him daily. That being said, here are a few helpful examples to get you started.

• Pray Psalm 51 regularly: Make these words your own, inviting God to renew you daily.

• Reflect on the gospel each day: Don’t let the story become routine, let it move you to gratitude and awe.

• Pursue community: Surround yourself with others who seek heart transformation, not just intellectual agreement.

• Invite the Holy Spirit’s work: Ask God to reveal areas of pride, self-reliance, or numbness and to empower you to walk by His Spirit.

The Miracle of a New Relationship

When the resurrection becomes heart knowledge and not mere head knowledge, your life is changed forever. You are:

• Transformed with the intent to know, love, and serve God and others.

• Filled with the joy and hope of salvation.

• Empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in the newness of life.

• Assured of your place in God’s family and your inheritance in Christ.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18)

“In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13)

Let the resurrection move you from knowledge to transformation, from pride to humility, from self-reliance to dependence on Christ alone. This is the path to a miraculous, restorative relationship with God, a relationship that renews, restores, and fills your life with purpose and joy.

If you are ready to move from head knowledge to heart transformation, remember: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Let today be the day you cry out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” and experience the joy of transformational salvation!

At His New Creation Ministries, we are committed to walking alongside individuals who desire to explore topics like these and many others of a similar nature in greater depth. We understand that the journey from head knowledge to heart transformation can be challenging, and we want you to know you don’t have to walk it alone. Our mission is to help people grasp the transformational, saving love of God’s grace and the life-changing power of Jesus’ salvation. If you’re seeking understanding, encouragement, or guidance in your spiritual walk, we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can discover the joy and freedom found in a restored relationship with God. Please feel free to reach out to us at 979-645-6277 or email us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you and walk with you on this journey of faith and transformation.

In His Service,

Brianne Parker

Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor

President, His New Creation Ministries