The concepts of "internal" and "external" are significant in biblical theology, often reflecting the contrast between the heart's condition and outward appearances or actions. This dichotomy is evident throughout Scripture, where God consistently emphasizes the importance of internal righteousness over mere external compliance.

Internal: The Heart and Spirit

The Bible frequently underscores the importance of the heart, the seat of emotions, will, and intellect, as the true measure of a person's relationship with God. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This verse highlights God's focus on internal qualities rather than external attributes.

The internal aspect is further emphasized in the New Testament. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, addresses the internal attitudes that underpin external actions. In Matthew 5:21-22, He expands the commandment against murder to include anger, illustrating that internal emotions are as significant as external actions. Similarly, in Matthew 5:27-28, He equates lustful thoughts with adultery, again stressing the importance of internal purity.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the internal transformation that comes through faith in Christ. In Romans 12:2, he urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is an internal process that results in a life that reflects God's will.

External: Actions and Appearances

While the Bible emphasizes the heart, it does not dismiss the importance of external actions. Rather, it calls for a harmony between internal faith and external deeds. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This verse underscores that genuine faith will naturally manifest in outward actions.

The Pharisees, often criticized by Jesus, serve as a cautionary example of focusing on external religiosity while neglecting internal righteousness. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This passage illustrates the danger of prioritizing external appearances over internal truth.

The Balance of Internal and External

The biblical narrative calls for a balance where internal transformation through the Holy Spirit leads to external expressions of faith. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are internal qualities that manifest in external actions, demonstrating the integral relationship between the two.

In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive view that values the internal condition of the heart as foundational to authentic faith, while also recognizing that true internal transformation will inevitably produce external evidence of that faith.