By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

Christ pronounced blessedness on “the pure in heart,” whose hearts are washed and cleansed by His blood. He says,“they shall see God.” And because every coin has two sides, there are religious people who are impure in heart.

Jesus Christ began the sermon on the Mount in a unique way: by declaring blessings on His followers. He blessed the poor in spirit (those who know they have nothing to pay for their salvation) and those who mourn, not only for themselves, but also for the sake of those who are dead in trespasses and sins. The Lord assures that they shall be comforted.

Christ also blessed those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Such do not seek position or recognition without righteousness. He pledges that they shall be filled. Then He blessed the meek who approached Him without pride and arrogance. They have His nature and will receive rest for their souls. Christ pronounced blessedness on “the pure in heart,” whose hearts are washed and cleansed by His blood. He says,“they shall see God.” And because every coin has two sides, there are religious people who are impure in heart. They may occupy top positions in their assemblies or denominations, have a calling and serve the Lord in various capacities, but they have impure hearts. Despite all the zeal and commitment they manifest, they will face eternal punishment and shall not see God.

The Lord has made provision for the purity of heart of anyone who would ask for it. When we partake of that provision, people will see the proof and the product of the work of grace in our hearts.

First, there must be salvation and peace before purity of heart or sanctification can be attained. This is because the sinner does not have peace in himself, with his neighbours, family, in the workplace, and most definitely, the sinner does not have peace with God, who “is our peace.” But as we turn away from sin, self and pride, and come to Christ for salvation, He breaks down “the middle wall of partition between us” and Himself, as well as between us and our spouses, neighbours and others. This is because when peace is present, “the enmity” prevailing between man and God is taken away. This is what it means to be saved. It is the salvation we receive from the Lord that also justifies and makes us “have peace with God.”

The experience of sanctification comes with clear proof. Any claim to sanctification that cannot be proved is counterfeit. A heart that is truly sanctified is without H – hypocrisy or hatred; E – envy; A – anger and animosity; R – retaliation or revenge; as well as T – tempestuous temper. Those who are sanctified have the “laws (of God written in) their hearts” and possess the nature of love that opposes fulfillment of the evil intentions of the flesh, with “a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” Such people persevere in spirit and live with a clear purpose of heart.

• Further reading (King James Version): Matthew 5:8. Ephesians 2:14,15; Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7,9. Matthew 5:8; Hebrews 10:14,16,22; 1 Timothy 1:5. Psalm 17:3; Daniel 1:8. Matthew 5:8; 24:35; Psalms 24:3,4; 89:34. Psalm 51:7,10; Ezekiel 36:26,37; James 1:6. 2 Chronicles 16:9; Luke 10:27,19; Acts 1:8. Matthew 5:8. Genesis 26:2-5,12; Jeremiah 1:12. Jeremiah 18:7,8. 2 Peter 1:19; Luke 1:45.