“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
(Matthew 5:8)
It would be unthinkable to approach an earthly king without first ensuring that we are properly attired and in a presentable state. Yet, how often do we presume to enter the presence of the King of kings without first attending to the condition of our heart?
God sees beyond the external. He knows our real character is not defined by what we say or do but by the state of our heart (Matthew 5:27-28, 15:18, 23:25-26). And what does Scripture tell us about our natural heart? That it is “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).
By contrast, God is infinitely pure as Habakkuk 1:13 declares, “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You cannot look on wickedness with favor.” This is why our sinful hearts cannot stand before a holy God unless we are purified, cleansed by His grace, and renewed by His Spirit. Our only hope, therefore, is to cry out with the psalmist, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” (Psalm 51:10).
Psalm 24:3-4 is a complementary passage to Matthew 5:8: “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.”
James echoes this thought when he exhorts believers to “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind,” (James 4:8).
But what does it mean to have clean hands and a pure heart?
Jeremiah Burroughs explains, “By the heart we are to understand not only the will or affections, but all the faculties of the soul—the mind, conscience, and thoughts, all is to be understood by heart. Blessed are those who have purity in their minds and consciences, in their thoughts, wills, and affections.”[1]
A pure heart makes no allowance for a double life or deceitful behavior. It does not entertain falsehoods, nor does it seek to appear godly while secretly harboring sin. Instead, it aligns itself with the will of God, seeks His righteousness, and desires to live in a way that honors and obeys Him.
Do you long to see God? Then, to echo James, cleanse your hands and purify your heart.
Contemplations
- The Purity of Christ Within Me. Lord, purity does not tolerate pollution. In Adam I was polluted, but in Christ I am purified. Any association with that which is unclean contaminates me, but You are the pure and holy fountain of life. Your Spirit within me is a wellspring of purity, flowing as living water. Am I careful to guard this purity? Or do I allow myself to be tainted by the things of the world? Keep my heart unspotted, Lord, that I may walk in holiness.
- Longing for the Vision of God. Father, I know that one day I will see the fullness of Your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Purity of heart is the robe of heaven, the righteousness of Christ given to me through faith. It is no wonder that David cried out for a clean heart and a right spirit. Let me be ever diligent in seeking purity that I might be found faithful in Your sight.
- Resisting the Pollutions of the World. Lord, the world presses in and Satan’s fiery darts aim to distract and deceive. But You have called me to be separate, to be holy as You are holy. Strengthen me by Your Spirit that I may resist the corruption of the world, overcome temptation, and remain steadfast in my pursuit of righteousness.
- A Heart That is Undivided. Father, I know that a double-minded heart cannot stand before You. So keep me from saying that I love You with my mouth while my heart secretly clings to my own will and desires. Purify my heart, Lord, that I may be wholly devoted to You. Let my affections be set on things above that I may walk in single-minded faithfulness.
- Delighting in God’s Presence. Lord, I know that purity of heart is essential if I am to see You. Yet how often do I fail to value this great promise? Is my heart so fixed on earthly distractions that I forget the greater joy of knowing You? Remove the clutter of sin and worldliness from my heart. Draw me nearer to You that I may experience the blessedness of a pure heart that beholds Your glory.
Prayer
[Adoration on the Holiness and Majesty of God]
Holy and exalted Father, You dwell in unapproachable light, clothed in perfect righteousness, reigning in unchallenged sovereignty. There is none like You, none so pure, none so just, none so glorious in holiness. Before You, the mightiest tremble, the heavens declare Your majesty, and all creation bows in worship. The seraphim cry unceasingly, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory,” (Isaiah 6:3). Who can stand in Your presence? Who can gaze upon Your splendor and not be undone?
You alone are perfect in truth, unshaken in justice, radiant in purity. No shadow dims Your light, no imperfection mars Your beauty. Your throne is established in righteousness, and all Your judgments are true. In You is no fault, no error, no change, for You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
O Lord, my soul exalts You! You are the One who calls forth the stars by name, who stretches out the heavens by Your command, who measures the seas in the hollow of Your hand. You rule over all, and none can resist Your will. From everlasting to everlasting, You are God, and the nations are as dust before You. Kings rise and fall at Your decree, the earth shakes at Your voice, and yet You stoop in mercy to know the hearts of men.
Who is a God like You, full of majesty yet near to the humble? You, O Lord, are my refuge, my rock, my portion forever. The heavens declare Your glory, and the redeemed proclaim Your mercy. Angels marvel at Your grace, and all the host of heaven sing Your praise, yet it is the song of the ransomed that brings You delight.
I stand in awe of You, my God. Your holiness humbles me, Your mercy lifts me, and Your love overwhelms me. There is none beside You, none before You, none after You. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
O Lord, be exalted in my heart and magnified in my life. Let my every breath be praise, my every thought an offering, and every moment a testimony to Your greatness. Let me see You, not dimly or from afar, but as my all-consuming joy. And let my heart ever be captivated by Your beauty and glory.
To You alone be all honor, all worship, all praise, forever and ever. Amen.
Further References for Matthew 5:8
Psalm 24:4; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:22; Psalm 24:3, 73:1; 1 John 3:3.
[1] Jeremiah Burroughs, The Saints Happiness, (London: James Nisbet, 1867) 152.
