Connect Revelation 21:27 with Matthew 5:8 on purity and seeing God. Revelation 21:27—A City Closed to the Impure “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” • The New Jerusalem is a literal, future city where God dwells with His redeemed. • Entrance is restricted to the “clean”—those whose hearts and lives have been washed. • The Lamb’s Book of Life lists every person rescued by Christ’s blood (Revelation 13:8). Matthew 5:8—The Pure in Heart See God “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” • “Pure” translates a word meaning unmixed, undivided, single-minded devotion. • The promise is direct: purity of heart leads to actual sight of God. • Jesus ties inward reality to future reward—exactly what Revelation depicts. How the Two Passages Interlock • Revelation 21:27 shows the final scene; Matthew 5:8 gives the present calling and promise. • Same outcome: the pure behold God—first spiritually, finally face-to-face (Revelation 22:4). • Same requirement: absolute purity, secured only through Christ, not human effort. Supporting Verses That Echo the Theme • Psalm 24:3-4—clean hands and a pure heart are needed to stand in God’s holy place. • Hebrews 12:14—“Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” • 1 John 3:2-3—hope of seeing Christ motivates ongoing purification. • Ephesians 5:26-27—Christ cleanses the church to present her “holy and blameless.” • Titus 2:14—He “gave Himself…to purify for Himself a people for His own possession.” The Source of True Purity • Christ’s sacrifice: “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) • Imputed righteousness: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) • Ongoing cleansing: confession brings continual washing (1 John 1:9). Living Out Purity Today • Guard the heart—what enters through eyes, ears, thoughts (Proverbs 4:23). • Cultivate single-minded devotion—serve one Master (Matthew 6:24). • Practice transparent honesty—avoid “a lie,” the very thing barred from the city (Revelation 21:27). • Pursue obedience empowered by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). • Encourage one another toward holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25). Hope That Fuels Perseverance • Purity is both a present pursuit and a promised completion (Philippians 1:6). • One day the struggle ends; the pure stand inside the gates, gaze on God’s face, and enjoy unhindered fellowship forever. |
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