“Blessed are the pure in heart,
For THEY shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8
Purity is the precursor to joy. It is the atmosphere of heaven, the spring from which the waters of salvation flow. Purity of heart is the fruit of discipleship. The human heart seeks joy; it is the inherent longing of every soul. Man was created for joy by the Creator of all good things.
With the fall, man’s passion became twisted, self-centered, and lustful. In the denial of God, joy eludes the grasping nature of fallen man. That which man was created for is lost by their renunciation of God.
“In Your presence is fullness of joy…”
Psalm 16:11 (LITV)
True joy does not come from activity or location. It is the uncontaminated air of His heavenly Presence.
Purity of heart will determine our growth in God.
“Then laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil words, as newborn babes desire the pure soul-nourishing milk, that you may grow by it.”
1 Peter 2:1-2 (LITV)
Salvation is much more than forgiveness of sins. True salvation progressively delivers us FROM our sins. To be forgiven while holding fast to the hideous sins of a fallen nature will prevent my growth and enjoyment of Him; such is the folly of religion.
“She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus,
For He will save His people FROM their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 (ESV)
Forgiveness and Joy
The saints of old knew the secret of His Presence and ordered their lives accordingly. They discovered that the joy of prayer and communion with Him was predicated on their forgiveness of others.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
Mark 11:25 (NKJV)
It is the joy of His Presence that presses every true child of God to pursue purity. Wherever there is the hope of seeing Him, there will be a corresponding desire for purity.
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
1 John 3:2-3 (NKJV)
King David knew from personal experience that it was only by walking in God’s ways that he would dwell in God’s presence and know the “fullness of joy.”
“You will make Me know the way of life.
In Your presence is fullness of joys…”
Psalm 16:11 (LITV)
“Simplicity and purity are the two wings by which a man is
lifted above all earthly things. Simplicity is in the intention
— purity in the affection. Simplicity tends to God,
— purity apprehends and tastes Him.”
Thomas A Kempis
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
For THEY shall see God.”
The Longing of Life Series:
The Longing of Life (LINK)
The Longing of Life – His Invitation (LINK)
The Longing of Life – Choices (LINK)
Brian Troxel
