subject: The Combined Radiance Of Divine Holiness And Benignity [print this page] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8).
A higher character and a higher privilege, belonged to those who should be the subjects of the Messiahs reign. They should not only be externally holy, but pure in heart; and they should not merely be allowed to approach towards the holy place, where Gods honor dwelt, but they should see God, be introduced into the most intimate intercourse with Him.
Thus viewed, as a description of the spiritual character and privileges of the subjects of the Messiah in contrast with the external character and privileges of the Jewish people, the passage before us is full of the most important and interesting truth (Dr. John Brown). Blessed are the pure in heart. Opinion is divided as to whether these words of Christ refer to the new heart received at regeneration or to that moral transformation of character that results from a Divine work of grace having been wrought in the soul. Probably both aspects of the truth are combined here. In view of the late place that this Beatitude occupies in the series, it would appear that the purity of heart upon which our Savior pronounced His blessing is that internal cleansing that both accompanies and follows the new birth. Thus, inasmuch as no inward purity exists in the natural man, that purity attributed by Christ to the godly man must be traced back, as to its beginnings, to the Spirits sovereign work of regeneration.
The Psalmist said, Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom (Psalm 51:6).
This spiritual purity that God demands penetrates far beyond the mere outward renovations and reformations that comprise such a large part of the efforts now being put forth in Christendom! Much that we see around us is a hand religionseeking salvation by worksor a head religion that rests satisfied with an orthodox creed. But God looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), that is, He looks upon the whole inner being, including the understanding, the affections, and the will. It is because God looks within that He must give a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) to His own people and blessed indeed are they who have received such, for it is a pure heart that is acceptable to the Giver.
As intimated above, we believe that this sixth Beatitude contemplates both the new heart received at regeneration and the transformation of character that follows Gods work of grace in the soul. First, there is a washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5), by which we understand a cleansing of the affections, which are now subsequently set upon things above, instead of things below. This is closely linked with that change that follows upon the heels of regeneration, in which all believers undergo a purifying [of] their hearts by faith (Acts 15:9). Accompanying this is the cleaning of the conscience (Hebrews 10:22), which refers to the removal of the burden of conscious guilt. This results in the inward realization that, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
But the purity of heart commended here by Christ goes further than this.
What is purity? It is freedom from defilement and divided affections; it is sincerity, genuineness, and singleness of heart. As a quality of Christian character, we would define it as godly simplicity. It is the opposite of subtlety and duplicity. Genuine Christianity lays aside not only malice, but guile and hypocrisy also. It is not enough to be pure in words and in outward deportment. Purity of desires, motives, and intents is what should (and does in the main) characterize the child of God. Here, then, is a most important test for every professing Christian to apply to himself. Are my affections set upon things above? Are my motives pure? Why do I assemble with the Lords people? Is it to be seen of men, or is it to meet with the Lord and to enjoy sweet communion with Him and His people? For they shall see God. Once more we would point out that the promises attached to these Beatitudes have both a present and a future fulfillment.
The pure in heart possess spiritual discernment, and with the eyes of their understanding they obtain clear views of the Divine character and perceive the excellency of His attributes. When the eye is single the whole body is full of light.
In the truth, the faith of which purifies the heart, they see God; for what is that truth, but a manifestation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ [ 2 Corinthians 4:6]an illustrious display of the combined radiance of Divine holiness and Divine benignity! And he [who is pure in heart] not only obtains clear and satisfactory views of the Divine character, but he enjoys intimate and delightful communion with God. He is brought very near God: Gods mind becomes his mind; Gods will becomes his will; and his fellowship is truly with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
They who are pure in heart see God in this way, even in the present world; and in the future state their knowledge of God will become far more extensive and their fellowship with Him far more intimate; for though, when compared with the privileges of a former dispensation, even now as with open face we behold the glory of the Lord [ 2 Corinthians 3:18], yet, in reference to the privileges of a higher economy, we yet see but through a glass darklywe know but in part, we enjoy but in part. But that which is in part shall be done away, and that which is perfect shall come.
We shall yet see face to face and know even as we are known (1 Corinthians 13:9-12); or to borrow the words of the Psalmist, we shall behold His face in righteousness, and shall be satisfied when we awake in His likeness ( Psalm 17:15). Then, and not till then, will the full meaning of these words be understood, that the pure in heart shall see God (Dr. John Brown).
