Topical Bible: The Heart: The Pure In, Shall See God

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The concept of the heart in biblical literature is rich and multifaceted, often symbolizing the innermost part of a person, encompassing emotions, will, intellect, and moral character. In the Scriptures, the heart is frequently associated with one's spiritual state and relationship with God. A pure heart is particularly emphasized as a prerequisite for experiencing the divine presence.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "The pure in heart shall see God" is rooted in the Beatitudes, a series of teachings by Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 5:8 , Jesus declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This statement underscores the importance of inner purity as a condition for perceiving and experiencing God.

Purity of Heart

Purity of heart involves a sincere devotion to God, characterized by integrity, honesty, and a desire for righteousness. It is not merely an external adherence to religious rituals but an internal transformation that aligns one's desires and actions with God's will. The heart, in its purest form, is free from deceit, malice, and hypocrisy.

The Old Testament also emphasizes the significance of a pure heart. In Psalm 24:3-4 , the psalmist asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully." Here, purity of heart is linked with moral integrity and fidelity to God.

Seeing God

The promise that the pure in heart will "see God" is both profound and mysterious. In biblical terms, "seeing God" often refers to experiencing His presence, understanding His nature, and enjoying a close relationship with Him. While no one can physically see God in His fullness (Exodus 33:20), the pure in heart are granted spiritual insight and communion with Him.

This promise is echoed in the writings of the Apostle John. In 1 John 3:2-3 , he writes, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." The anticipation of seeing God motivates believers to pursue purity.

The Role of Christ

The New Testament reveals that purity of heart is ultimately made possible through Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for cleansing and renewal. Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers, "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Through faith in Christ, believers receive a new heart, as prophesied in Ezekiel 36:26 : "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This transformation enables them to live in a manner pleasing to God, reflecting His holiness and love.

Practical Implications

The call to purity of heart has practical implications for daily living. It involves a continual process of self-examination, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to guard their hearts, as Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life."

In summary, the biblical teaching that "the pure in heart shall see God" highlights the essential connection between inner purity and spiritual vision. It invites believers to seek a heart aligned with God's purposes, promising the ultimate reward of His presence and fellowship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

God Reigns in a Pure Heart.
... firm faith, holy hope, perfect confidence and pure love, and ... lose ourselves in God,
even in His heart, to become ... We shall find in His heart the key of heavenly ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section viii god reigns in a.htm

God's Family.
... wherewith God is righteous! They that hunger and thirst after such only
righteousness, shall become pure in heart, and shall see God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/gods family.htm

How, While the Whole Heart is Employed in Sacred Love, yet one May ...
... Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, shall be so ... from himself in
this love; and that with his second heart which God created pure and clean ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii how while the.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart ...
... You see then, there is an admirable harmony and consent ... The command is for faith,
and a pure heart and love are ... We shall use no other division but consider the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi now the end.htm

Heart's-Ease
... Be true and pure and lofty and devout, and He who ever seeks the souls of men shall
find His ... To every heart's experience comes its time of desert-journeyings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brooks/hearts-ease/hearts-ease.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... the blood of the Son of God, which was offered up by the eternal Spirit. It is but
a poor fancy to suspend believing till ye see a pure heart. How shall ye get ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii now the end.htm

Morgan -- the Perfect Ideal of Life
... "Blest are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Now, the trouble is we have
been lifting all the good things of God and putting them in heaven. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/morgan the perfect ideal.htm

Of the Holy Spirit and the Mystery of the Trinity.
... "Blessed," however, "are they of a pure heart, for they shall see God." [1632] This
is the faith on the subject of God our Maker and Renewer. 21. ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 9 of the holy spirit.htm

The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint.
... the multitude of spirits dwelling in it do not suffer it to be pure; but each ... And
he who possesses such a heart is so blessed, that "he shall see God." [2395 ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xx the true gnostic exercises.htm

Entire Sanctification a Necessity.
... that they may bring forth the more abundant fruit by which He Himself shall be
glorified. ... "My strength is as the strength of ten, Because my heart is pure.". ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter i entire sanctification a.htm