The Pure in Heart

The Pure in Heart

“To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.” Tit. 1:15.

Jesus says, “But rather give alms of such things as are within; then indeed, all things are clean to you.” Luke 11:41. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matt. 5:8.

The Pharisees sought an external purity by cleansing the outside, and there are many who follow their example in our time. Jesus came with purity of heart which gave that which was within as alms.

These pure ones of which Jesus is speaking get their purity from Jesus’ finished work. They have accepted it wholeheartedly, so that it has become true in them that their citizenship is in heaven. Their longing is no longer to enjoy the world, but rather to gather treasures in heaven. They like to hear the sharpest truths and are not afraid of judgments, for their works are done in God. They never get tired of speaking about God’s Word and the things that pertain to God’s kingdom. They do not putter around with the tithing, the Sabbath, or anything else legalistic, because they have completely offered themselves and their possessions to God; consequently they do not consider anything as their own but as belonging to God and to Jesus Christ. They do not bother with a denominational name because they believe Jesus’ word, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You . . . .” As a result, they also experience that they become one in Christ. They are not forced, and it is not a burden for them to keep God’s word or to deny themselves or to take up their cross and follow Jesus. On the contrary, it is their hearts’ delight and longing. Their entire longing is to be sanctified and to serve others for their sanctification. They are raised with Christ and seated in heavenly places. Just as the rejoicing in heaven is great over one sinner who repents, they also rejoice greatly over one sinner when he repents and when believers who have gone astray, repent.

Jesus says that all things are clean to them because they give as alms the things that are within. They are completely satisfied with Christ being pleased with them. When others judge and condemn them, they bear it gladly because the joy of the Lord has made them strong. They see those who are defiled and unbelieving (Tit. 1:15) and patiently suffer their contradictions, knowing that their own reward is great in heaven. They learn obedience by the things they suffer, and they cannot be moved even if Satan and people join forces. The Spirit they have received is stronger than the spirit that is in the world; therefore they rule with Christ. They greatly rejoice over the way of humility. They are sincerely grateful to God who “raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory.” 1 Sam. 2:8. They become increasingly aware of their royal birth in Christ; therefore they bear being despised and mocked by unbelievers. They learn to humble themselves and not be conspicuous. They learn to esteem and appreciate their brothers and esteem others higher than themselves. Their strength is in Christ; therefore they do not place their trust in the masses. Indeed, their salvation is exceedingly far and wide, high and deep. Therefore come and be along, for we are all along.