Pureness of Heart

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

(CSB)

This week on Phoenix Arizona, where I live, we had temperatures of 115 and 116 degrees for a couple of days.  It is days like these that make me thankful for air conditioning and that Jesus died on the cross, so I do not need to spend eternity in the fires of hell.  Those choosing to make Jesus their savior will see God and spend eternity with Him.  However, this leads to the question of how one becomes pure in heart, so they can see God.

Some seek purity of heart through,

1)      Obedience to the law – The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) are the foundation for biblical law and the laws of the civilized world.  However, the narrative of the Bible demonstrates the failure of humanity to follow these ten simple commandments.  Disobedience to just one of these commandments means impurity in the heart of an individual.  Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all have sinned by breaking one of these commandments, resulting in a legal sentence of death (Romans 6:23).  If strict obedience to the law of the Bible resulted in purity of heart and salvation, there would have been no need for Jesus to come and die on the cross.

2)      Adherence to a strict moral code – One of the major misconceptions of Christianity is that Christians believe they are morally superior to those that do not believe in Christ.  Sadly, this misconception is often due to some Christians believing they have moral superiority in Christ, presenting a Gospel of moralism instead of the Gospel of grace.  Martin Luther’s 95 theses came as a result of his observation of moral superiority in church leadership through collection of indulgencies.  (1)  Living a moral life reflects a purity already existing in one’s heart but is not what creates a pure heart. 

3)      Performing good works of service – Faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:20) but does performance of good works make one pure in their heart.  Mother Teresa is a great modern example of one performing good works for Christ.  The performance of good works of charity by Mother Teresa were not to achieve purity of heart but out of love in her heart for the Lord.  She viewed her acts of charity as providing for Jesus.  (2)  Similar to moral living, acts of charity in one’s life represent an expression of a level of purity already existing in one’s heart.

While all of these are good principles for living, the Bible reminds us that all of our efforts towards achievement of purity are useless (Isaiah 64:6).  However, there is good news for God has made provision for us to apply the purity of the heart of His Son Jesus and have eternal life (John 3:16).  This is because Jesus was sinless and died in our place.  Jesus fulfilled the law by living in total obedience to God the Father.  Jesus never had an immoral thought or committed an immoral act.  Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, calmed storms, and even fed five thousand.  However, the greatest act of service performed by Jesus was dying in our place.  However, to receive forgiveness of sin, we must accept it by expressing our belief that Jesus died for our sins.  If you have not done so, please pray with me now.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

You have taken an important first step towards purity of heart.  Achieving purity of heart is an ongoing process of spending time in prayer and study of the Bible.  It also involves regularly connecting with other believers in Christ through regular church attendance.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

1. Christianity Today. Martin Luther: Passionate Reformer. www.christianitytoday.com. [Online] Christianity Today. [Cited: July 28, 2018.] https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/theologians/martin-luther.html.

2. Mike, Deacon. Wisdom of Mother Teresa - Matthew 25 - How can you see God? www.itinerantpreacher.org. [Online] Itinerantpreacher.org, November 14, 2011. [Cited: July 27, 2018.] http://www.itinerantpreacher.org/wisdom-of-mother-teresa-matthew-25-how-can-you-see-god/.