The Pure in Heart
The Beatitudes are divine blessings pronounced on those of godly character. These attributes are required for those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven. The sixth of these blessings is prescribed for “the pure in heart.” Matthew 5:8 NKJV Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. How does one remain pure in heart and in what way will the pure in heart see God?
David recognized that only those pure in heart may approach God. Psalm 24:1-5 NKJV The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. God is attentive to the righteous. Psalm 34:15 NKJV The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. Asaph also noted God’s goodness to the pure. Psalm 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
We all like to believe that we are good. Those who are truly good will live with integrity. However, it is only God who can make us pure. Proverbs 20:6-9 NKJV Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”?
God defines purity by law. His intent is for obedience to stem from a pure heart. 1Timothy 1:5-17 NKJV Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, … The old law condemned while the gospel provides mercy for those who believe in Jesus. Paul was an example of God’s grace. Grace coupled with faith and love enabled Paul to overcome his sinful past. Paul instructed Timothy to avoid the lusts of youth in favor of righteous behavior. 2Timothy 2:22 NKJV Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Those who have been purified may boldly approach God. Hebrews 10:19-23 NKJV Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Purification is accomplished by obedience to the gospel. 1 Peter 1:17-23 NKJV And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.
Not only can God purify us, He can sustain us. Jude 1:24-25 NKJV Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
Purify your heart. Love fervently. Live with integrity.