The Beatitudes
“Blesséd are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Among the Greeks, the word MAKARIOS was used to describe people who had achieved an enviable position in life. Status was usually measured in terms of money, power, prestige, or fame. Jesus, however, gave the term makarios to those who are poor, sad, meek, merciful, and peaceable. They have the highest standing before God: blesséd. To these qualities, Jesus now adds purity of heart.
Where are you on the purity scale? Looking through the lens of the Law of God, we see impurities abounding, and the Law condemns us. However, looking through the lens of the Gospel, we see that Jesus “gave Himself for us, that He might…“purify for Himself His own special people” (Titus 2:14). Therefore, with joy we confess that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The condemning voice of the Law is repeatedly put to silence by the Gospel of forgiveness.
However, if we are pure in heart, why do sins arise so easily? It is because of the constant conflict between our Old Adam and our New Man. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:17 ESV). The Old Adam is bent on hate, while the New Man is committed to love. More than that, the New Man trusts that the blood of Jesus is an ongoing cleansing agent within our hearts. Thus, purity of heart is maintained.
Just how blesséd are we? “Blesséd are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Here is the guaranteed outcome for the pure in heart: we will see God. Standing on the crystal clear courtyard in front of His exalted throne, we will gaze upon the wondrous glory of the Most High God and even share in that glory. “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).
Lord Jesus, purify our hearts by Your Spirit that we may glorify You in our lives, Amen.