Ten Heart Transplant Spiritual Analogies

My heart transplant journey has been for me a dramatic metaphor with a profound spiritual message. A few months after my heart transplant, I recognized that experience was reminiscent of what happened to me when I became a follower of Jesus Christ.

The physical heart is in the center of our body and our most important organ, constantly pumping life-giving blood into all the cells. The spiritual heart is the core of our being and the control center. Our mind, will, and emotions make up our heart, which is mentioned 987 times in the Bible.

Yes, a physical heart transplant is a wonderful thing. But a spiritual heart transplant is truly a miracle!

~ Fran Dwelle, Author of Failing Heart, Unfailing Hope

1. The Native (Natural) Heart

My native heart had become hardened, weak, and dysfunctional because of congestive heart failure. The prognosis was death. 

My natural spiritual heart was separated from God, spiritually dead, and diseased with sin. I was living for myself and not for God. Spiritual death was inevitable.

”If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)

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

2. Thirst

My weakened heart created a raging thirst that couldn't be satisfied.

When my spiritual heart was far from God, I had an insatiable inner spiritual thirst. I drank from various cups of life trying to quench the thirst, but nothing could satisfy the thirst.

”[Jesus said], 'whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.' “(John 4:13)

3. Only One Way

When my heart was damaged and weak, my doctor insisted a heart transplant was the only way I could live.

When my spiritual heart was dying, hope came to me when I learned what Jesus Christ offered to those who would trust Him.

“Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

 4. Choice

I gave written permission for a heart transplant. I wasn't coerced against my will, but I chose the transplant.

I chose to believe Jesus is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

“Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25)

5. Life

I live today because someone died, and I received her heart. I and my family are very thankful.

I have spiritual life today only because of Jesus' death and resurrection, and I am so thankful.

“These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” (Revelation 2:8)

“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

6. Gift

The donor heart was offered as a free gift which I accepted.

Jesus freely gave His gift of salvation to me which I gladly received. I didn't need to do penance or show my good works in order to receive Him. On the basis of faith in Christ alone, my sins were forgiven, and His righteousness was imputed to me. 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

7. Transformation

My heart surgeon replaced my weak and hard heart with a strong and healthy heart, which completely transformed my life. I came from death to life.

God, the divine surgeon, gives me the heart of Jesus when I submitted to Him and asked for forgiveness. Christ now lives dwells in my heart through the Holy Spirit, and my life is transformed. 

“The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you...it's that simple.” (Colossians 1:27)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)

8. Strength

After the heart transplant, I began a regimen of daily anti-rejection medicines to prevent my body from rejecting the new organ.

After a spiritual heart transplant, my native selfish nature continues to fight against my spiritual nature, and I continue to experience trials. However, now I have spiritual anti-rejection medicines —the love, strength and power of Christ dwelling in me through the Holy Spirit, the truth and promises of the Bible, and the loving community of faith. It's an amazing thing.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

9. Heart Biopsies

I have had many heart biopsies over the years where the doctor inserts a catheter with a sharp pronged point which cuts out small pieces of heart muscle for lab analysis to determine the health of the heart.

I need regular spiritual heart biopsies too to keep my heart healthy. This sharp tool is the Word of God

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

10. Eternal Life

One day my physical heart will stop beating, and I will die.

As a Christ follower, I'm confident my spiritual heart will never die because the risen Christ lives in me.

“....the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.” (Romans 6:23)

“Everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” (John 3:15)

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