Benefits of purity of heart – Part 1

Jesus Christ, the great communicator, adopted a unique approach with the Sermon on the Mount. He began 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 others who are dead in trespasses and sins. The Lord pointedly assured that they shall be comforted. Christ also blessed those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Such people do not seek for positions or recognition without righteousness. He pledged that they shall be filled.

Our Lord blessed the meek who approach Him without pride and arrogance. They have His nature and will receive rest for their souls. Christ also pronounced blessedness on “the pure in heart” those, whose hearts are washed and cleansed by His blood. He said, “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, have a calling and serve the Lord in various capacities in the church, 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. We will obtain personal salvation with peace is the heart.

There must be salvation and peace before purity of heart or sanctification. This is because the sinner does not have peace in himself; with his neighbours, family, in the workplace and 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 our spouses, neighbours and others, because peace will be present, “the enmity” being taken away. The salvation we receive also justifies and makes us “have peace with God.” And it prepares us to possess proven sanctification and purity of heart.

Any sanctification that cannot be proven is counterfeit. A heart that is truly sanctified is without H(hypocrisy or hatred); E (envy); A (anger and animosity); R (retaliation or revenge); and 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.” This is what equips the “to persevere is spirit” and face lifestyle with purpose of heart.

Those who lack a clear purpose of heart will be easily shaken by life circumstances. Persecutions will make them to backslide by resorting to compromise. But those who are saved and sanctified, and prioritise maintaining their purity of heart in order to get to heaven, have purpose of heart. Their spirits will persevere in a good way such that they will not turn in the way of unrighteousness. More so, it takes purpose of heart, if our “mouth shall not transgress.” The decision and consecration we make today to have a purpose of heart like Daniel will prepare us to be used of God in next chapters of our lives.

Holiness or purity of heart is not obtained solely by personal effort. People with fake holiness describe their purity of heart by what they do or avoid doing. Holiness is rather an experience the Lord promised and gives to those who are saved, whose sins have been cleansed and who now walk in the steps of Jesus Christ. After they are purified in heart, the Lord then empowers them to fulfill their purpose for loving and their ministry here on earth.

Christ promises that only those with pure hearts “shall see God.” At the end of life, such people will dwell with God in heaven. And in this life, such individuals will see God when they pray and when they face challenging or any threatening conditions. God shows up for them in times of difficulty, whether in life or ministry, when only He can provide a solution. In addition, Jesus said: “heaven and earth shall pass away,” but His promise for a pure heart “shall not pass away.”

• 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 24:35.