Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God (KJV). The word, “pure,” means clean (literally and figuratively). In the natural sense, it means unsoiled or not mixed with other materials. It also means clean in that something is lawful or not forbidden (i.e., something is lawful to be eaten or used). It involves being cleansed legally or ceremonially. In the spiritual sense, it means to be clean from the pollution and guilt of sin, and points to being sincere, upright and void of evil in relation to our opening Scripture. It leads to the pureness in the sense of being holy. “See,” means more than the act of seeing, but it implies having the actual perception of what is seen. In relation to this verse, it also means to be admitted into God’s presence, and enjoying His fellowship and extraordinary kindness.
The pure in heart believe. Belief is a starting point to living a consecrated life unto God. “Believe” is the verb form of “faith,” and without faith it is impossible to please God. A pure heart believes God is and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (see Hebrews 11:6). Without belief, a heart will not be pure because it cannot receive the righteousness of God by grace, which is in Christ Jesus. Grace does not work without faith. If a person does not believe, he will not call on the Name of Jesus and be saved. He simply will not seek God.
The rebellious use unbelief as a cloak to cover their rebellion. Since they do not want to be held accountable for their unrighteousness, they choose not to believe that God exists. They hate the Light because it exposes and reproves their evil deeds (see John 3:18-21). They do not want to face the Judge of all people, so they rather not believe. However, a day will come when they will believe. Indeed, many will be forced to believe and bow before His Majesty, as no one can stand in His presence and not bow.
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled (KJV). Since the word, “pure” points to being ceremonially clean, it also means that without belief one’s heart will remain defiled or contaminated. There is a clear connection between an evil heart and unbelief found in Hebrews 3:12, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God (KJV). It is written, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV)? Matthew 15:18-20 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man (KJV). Change is necessary, therefore the old man had to die in order to receive a new heart. When we were baptized into Jesus, His death became our death (see Romans 6:3-11). Likewise, His resurrection became our resurrection. When the old man died the old heart stopped beating. Ephesians 4:21-24 If so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man (previous manner of life found in the old nature), which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (KJV). With the new man came a new heart, which is soft and tender toward God (see Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26-27). It is pure in God’s sight.
The pure in heart believe God and are ready to respond to Him out of love. A pure heart loves at all times. One way people can know if they are pure in heart is by their love. If you love God and people, your heart is clean. If you love darkness and place your affections on the things of the world, it is time for a transplant. The pure in heart walk with joy, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-24). Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15 (KJV), and He commanded that we love one another. He further said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11, KJV). 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous (KJV). The pure in heart embrace God’s commandments and find them to be a joy. Those with defiled hearts will never know real joy and what is to be blessed. No matter how much they succeed in filling their lives with the things of this world, they will never be happy. Only the pure in heart are able to be blessed and happy in the truest sense.
