I was listening to Ephesians 4 and was impressed by these verses:
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
I now believe that wonderful feelings I have about Jesus Christ and His grace and mercy and atonement, anchor my faith, testimony and hope. These feelings of love and gratitude are very important to any believer. I used to be more cerebral regarding my religion. Not any more.
When I read 'past feeling' in verse 19, I thought about how if a person denies that feelings matter that they are purely a result of your own made up brain activity, that this person can become 'past feeling'. It also become nearly impossible to bear testimony to him because what he can't see, feel, or hear isn't valid.
Being past feeling create other problems according to Paul. It seems to give the person reject good principles and hold to their own set of right from wrong. Lascivious behavior enters in his life. Since there isn't any higher source right and wrong, he can basically do whatever he decides is right or wrong. He begins to work 'uncleanness with greediness'. His understanding has been darkened and he doesn't even know it. He thinks he is liberated. But, he isn't happy. He says he is but happiness is different from hedonistic pleasures seeking.
Anything goes. No opposition in all things. He is blind to goodness.
