How Much Does a New Heart Cost?
by Philip Asselin
A heart transplant is probably the most expensive procedure available, once you take into account the post-operative care. In the USA the latest cost estimate is just under $1.4m! The US waiting list for these operations is at least 3,000 patients at any one time, and almost 300 in the UK; so demand vastly outstrips supply.
But when we look at the need for a spiritual heart transplant the facts are staggering. The current world population is almost 7.5 billion. Of that vast number, 100% need a spiritual heart transplant, and without one every person will die, not just physically, but eternally separated from God. Yet, there is no ‘transplant waiting list’, as a new heart is available from God for everyone. The cost is far greater than $1.4m each. To have them available, cost the life of the one and only Son of God. Jesus willingly suffered, and died a cruel, unjust death, and rose again on the third day, so that our sins might be forgiven and we’d be given a new heart, as Ezekiel wrote.
Our physical heart keeps our body alive and able to do all the physical things we take for granted. Those on the transplant list can usually do very little, and many are in need of round the clock care, unable to even leave their beds. The operation itself takes many hours and the normal recovery time is six months. The new heart that Jesus wants to give everyone is immediately available to whoever repents of their sins and invites Jesus to be Lord of their life. While there is no ‘recovery time’ as such, it takes a lifetime to learn how to utilize that new heart as Jesus intended.
Finally, the new heart, which God gives us, brings with it, through the Holy Spirit, some incredible blessings:
• We’re changed from sin-focussed to God-focussed
• We have a heart that desires to know Him and return to Him
• We’re changed from sin-hardened to heart-softened
• We’re no longer separated from God, but joined to Him
• We have a new desire to please God, rather than ourselves
• It’s an ongoing work of God in us through the Holy Spirit 24/7
Who on earth wouldn’t want the new heart that God offers every one of us? Can we find someone to share this glorious truth with?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, giving me a new heart, one that I don’t have to join a transplant list for, one I don’t have to wait months or years for, and even die without, one that’s already available for every single man women and child in the whole world, one that’s already bought and paid for in full by our loving heavenly Father. Thank You so much for this incredible gift! Amen.
Philip Asselin Philip is on the associate ministry and teaching teams with Glyndley Manor. He and his wife Gillian attended the second Healing Retreat at Glyndley Manor in 1992, and were greatly helped. They have two grown up children, one grandson, and a step-granddaughter in California, and a daughter and granddaughter in Eastbourne. His desire is to see people healed and set free to serve God.
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