Blessed are the Pure in Heart ...

I have been preaching at UOB devotions (Mondays and Fridays) in January on the "Beatitudes." On Friday, January 28th, I shared the message about Matthew 5:8.

[Next to me is Daniel, Director of Transformational Impact, who interprets for me most of times.]

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (NIV)

There are several types of purity.

Absolute Purity exists only in God. No one else can have it.

Relative Purity existed with angels and humans before the fall. All humans have since fallen and part of angels have also fallen out of purity.

Positional Purity is granted to people who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord because He washed our sins through His redemptive work on the Cross.

Ultimate Purity is secured for the Christians who will have it when the Lord returns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords on the Day of the Lord and when He restores His Kingdom completely.

Practical Purity is what Christians strive to achieve during their earthly lives through sanctification. It is not easy, but should be neglected. It is possible because God has shown us the ways to pursue it. When facing temptations, we should put on the believer's whole armor. (Ephesians 6) When failing and making mistakes, we should repent by confessing our sins and receive forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

Apostle Paul urged us to strive for practical purity in 2 Corinthians 7:1.

"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purity ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (NIV)

This purity is more applicable to heart because out of it come all thoughts. The bible says heart is the wellspring of life and therefore we should guard it. (Proverbs 4:23)

Those whose hearts are pure are blessed or happy because they will see God. They will comprehend God. They will realize that God is there. They will experience the presence of God. They will be able to know what God's will is. Purity of heart cleanses the eyes of soul so that God is visible.

Christians are already blessed because they have positional purity and have the promise of ultimate purity. Those who pursue practical purity in their earthly lives are even more blessed because they will be able to see God in their lives and walk with Him, rejoicing in His presence and perfecting holiness out of reverence for Him.

May this message bless and encourage all who commit to pursuing practical purity in their lives, no matter how difficulty it may seem. Amen! - Jeffrey