Purity of Heart and Life
Purity of heart is essential for seeing God, and it is only possible through Christ Jesus and the purification of our hearts.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the vital importance of purity of heart, asserting that true cleanliness comes from the Spirit and the Word, leading to outward holiness through obedience. He explains that our affections influence our understanding; if we love evil, we cannot grasp goodness, and a foul heart results in dimmed perception of God. Spurgeon highlights the privilege of seeing God, which is granted to the pure in heart through Christ, and stresses that this vision is contingent upon the removal of sin from our hearts. He encourages believers to pursue godliness, echoing Moses' desire to see God's glory, and reminds us that the hope of seeing God inspires us to purify ourselves. Ultimately, he prays for purity of heart so that we may fully experience God's presence.
Text
Blessed are the are pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
Purity, even purity of heart, is the main thing to be aimed at. We need to be made clean within through the Spirit and the Word, and then we shall be clean without by consecration and obedience. There is a close connection between the affections and the understanding: if we love evil we cannot understand that which is good. If the heart is foul, the eye will be dim. How can those men see a holy God who love unholy things?
What a privilege it is to see God here! A glimpse of Him is heaven below! In Christ Jesus the pure in heart behold the Father. We see Him, His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, His covenant character, yea, we see Himself in Christ.
But this is only apprehended as sin is kept out of the heart. Only those who aim at godliness can cry, "Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord." The desire of Moses, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all iniquity. We shall "see him as he is," and "every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself." The enjoyment of present fellowship and the hope of the beatific vision are urgent motives for purity of heart and life. Lord, make us pure in heart that we may see Thee!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Purity of Heart points: - Purity of heart is the main thing to be aimed at - It is connected to the affections and understanding
- The Relationship Between the Heart and Sight points: - A foul heart leads to a dim eye - Those who love evil cannot see God
- The Privilege of Seeing God points: - Seeing God is a privilege and a glimpse of heaven - It is only possible through Christ Jesus
- The Necessity of Sinlessness points: - Sin must be kept out of the heart to see God - Purification is necessary for fellowship with God
Key Quotes
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“A glimpse of Him is heaven below!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Lord, make us pure in heart that we may see Thee!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must aim at godliness and purity of heart in order to see God.
- Purification is necessary for fellowship with God and for the enjoyment of present fellowship.
- We should desire to see God's glory and character, and strive to purify ourselves from all iniquity.