S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). Jesus spoke this during His famous Sermon the Mount. So what did He mean by "pure in heart?"The Greek word for "pure" in Matthe...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Impurity of heart is my greatest weakness (sin). I struggle with this more than anything else, as a man.

What does it mean to be pure in heart?

“We seek to keep our hearts pure that we might see God in our lives today.”--Wiersbe

Blest are the pure, whose hearts are clean,
Who never tread the ways of sin;
With endless pleasures they shall see
A God of spotless purity. (hymn)

David Hocking wrote regarding Hebrews 11:25 -- “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Egypt could provide whatever sexual and enticing pleasures a man’s heart would desire. Moses learned early to say “NO.” Yes, there is “pleasure” in sin, but the consequences are quite damaging to our physical and emotional health – AND, can have serious results in our spiritual lives if we do not get right with God! God is NOT trying to make us miserable or keep us from the enjoyment of physical affection and sex (which He Himself designed and created!)! But, He has clearly revealed in the Bible that the greatest enjoyment will come when we have sex the way He designed – sex between a husband and a wife and NO ONE ELSE!

Christ did not stop with the utterance of law protective of purity physically; He went behind all acts and laid down law for the thoughts and intents of the heart: "But I say unto you, that every one who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Mt 5:28). --C. Caverno

Lord, we Thy presence seek;
May ours this blessing be;
Give us a pure and lowly heart,
A temple meet [fit] for Thee. -- John Keble

May 08 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean to be pure in heart? Matt 5:8

The "pure in heart" are blessed (Matthew 5:8) because they shall see God, an intimate reward for having undivided loyalty, sincere motives, and a life cleansed from internal corruption. This promise indicates both a present spiritual insight into God's work and a future, face-to-face vision of God in eternity.

Some Key Reasons for the Blessing:

Undivided Devotion: A pure heart means one that is not divided, hypocritical, or focused on worldly, selfish gain. It is single-minded in its devotion to God.

Internal Purity (Not Just Outer Actions): Unlike mere ritual or external obedience, this purity is internal, focusing on thoughts, motives, and desires that align with God's holiness.

The Promise to "See God": The ultimate blessing is a profound, unhindered vision of God, which is possible only when the heart is not blinded by sin, malice, or deception.

Transformed Lives: The pure in heart are blessed because they are transformed by God's grace, allowing them to experience his presence and see his handiwork in life.

This beatitude emphasises that inner, spiritual cleansing, achieved through Christ and the Holy Spirit, removes the obstacles that prevent experiencing God's presence, leading to ultimate joy.

Intimate Fellowship: Purity of heart is the essential prerequisite for true communion with God. Without it, sin acts as a "blindness" that prevents a person from perceiving God's presence.

The "Beatific Vision": The highest possible blessing for a human is to behold God's glory. This promise fulfils the deepest longing of the soul—to be admitted into God's direct presence without the barrier of sin.

Transformation: Those with pure hearts begin to see God's hand in everything—nature, circumstances, and other people—viewing the world through a lens of divine love and truth.

How, though, do the pure in heart "see God" when, in fact, "no man can see [God] and live"? (Ex. 33:20) The Greek word rendered "see" can carry the sense of "to see with the mind, to perceive, know."

Those who see God with 'the eyes of the heart' are those who have really come to know him and appreciate his qualities. (Eph. 1:18)

Jesus perfectly reflected God's personality, so he could say: "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also."—John 14:7-9.

How can "the pure in heart," spoken of in Matthew 5:8, "see God"?

They "see God" through his qualities, such as his love and generosity, as well as his wisdom and power revealed in his creation – Romans 1:20- and, after being reminded of God's creative works, the faithful man Job felt as though God was right before his eyes. Job 42:5

They "see God" through his qualities, such as his love and generosity, as well as his wisdom and power, through his creation. (Romans 1:20) And, after being reminded of God's creative works, the faithful man Job felt as though God were right before his eyes.—Job 42:5.

Jesus perfectly reflected God's personality. Thus, knowledge of Jesus' life and teachings can help us see some of God's qualities.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report