Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Pure

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of purity in the renewed heart is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Purity, in this context, refers to a heart that is cleansed from sin and aligned with the will and character of God. This transformation is not merely an external adherence to moral codes but an internal renewal that affects thoughts, intentions, and actions.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of purity in the life of a believer. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). This statement underscores the promise of divine fellowship and vision for those whose hearts are purified. The purity of heart is not just a prerequisite for seeing God but is indicative of a life that is in harmony with His holiness.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, exhorts believers to focus on purity: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). Here, purity is presented as a quality that should permeate the believer's thoughts and, by extension, their actions.

Theological Implications

Purity of heart is intrinsically linked to the doctrine of sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. This process involves both the initial cleansing from sin at the point of salvation and the ongoing transformation into the likeness of Christ. The renewed heart, therefore, is one that continually seeks to be free from the corruption of sin and to reflect the character of God.

The Apostle John writes, "Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:3). This verse highlights the active role of the believer in pursuing purity, motivated by the hope of Christ's return and the desire to be like Him. The purity of the renewed heart is both a gift from God and a responsibility of the believer.

Practical Outworking

The purity of the renewed heart manifests in various aspects of a believer's life. It influences moral decisions, guiding the believer to choose actions that are pleasing to God. It affects relationships, promoting sincerity, honesty, and love. Moreover, it shapes worship, as believers approach God with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:4).

James, the brother of Jesus, provides practical advice for maintaining purity: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:7-8). This passage emphasizes the necessity of submission to God and resistance to evil as means of maintaining a pure heart.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that the character of the renewed heart, marked by purity, is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It is a reflection of God's holiness and a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Through the pursuit of purity, believers are drawn closer to God and equipped to live lives that honor Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 24:4
He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Test of Discipleship
... The drunken become sober, and the profligate pure. ... 1 John 4:19, RV In the heart renewed
by divine ... It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... Hatred of the pure principles of truth, and reproach ... In the renewed heart there is
hatred of sin and ... time assimilating to the world in character, words, and ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... Hatred of the pure principles of truth, and reproach ... In the renewed heart there is
hatred of sin, and ... time assimilating to the world in character, words, and ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

The Difference Between the Upright in Heart and the Clean in Heart ...
... to be severally bestowed on each separate character, where it ... in his hands, and stand,
clean in his heart,"the one ... he departs from it, and is renewed day by ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/36 the difference between the.htm

Forms Versus Character
... drive the wheel of life, to build up character, to make ... made us, and not we ourselves.'
The very heart of what ... of God, will spring up in our renewed spirits as ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/forms versus character.htm

Life and Character of John
... an interior view of the mind and heart of his ... in extreme old age, when his youth
was renewed like the ... I quote some excellent remarks on the character of John ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 41 life and character.htm

The Healing of the Waters
... To the heart that has become purified, all is changed. ... of Christ; and the inward
man is renewed in the ... power of grace can cause the faulty character to develop ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 18 the healing of.htm

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... be adding a particle to his moral character or his ... the sinfulness that was wrought
into their heart and will ... If the Psalmist, a renewed man, yet not entirely ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a ...
... His amiable character, accompanied doubtless by one of those ... These lessons, long
hidden in the heart of the ... his glory remains entire, and will ever be renewed. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter v the first sayings.htm

A Call to Holy Living
... If you say you are regenerated, renewed, and sanctified ... Our Lord Jesus Christ's heart
was expansive and ... No depravity of character or poverty of condition must ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a call to holy living.htm