The Pure in Heart
A pure heart is one that is free from sinful dross and filth, and is cleansed and purified by the power of grace.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the beatitude 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God' from Matthew 5:8, illustrating that a pure heart can exist even amidst sin and corruption. He compares the purity of the heart to gold, air, and springs, which may have impurities but still retain their essence. Brooks acknowledges that all Christians carry a body of sin, yet there is a divine grace within them that continually seeks to cleanse and purify their hearts. He encourages believers to recognize the ongoing work of grace in their lives, which helps them to overcome spiritual filth. Ultimately, the pure in heart are promised the profound blessing of seeing God.
Text
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
Dear hearts! As we truly say, that gold is pure gold, though much dross may hang about it; and as we truly say, that such and such an air is pure air, though at times there are many fogs and mists within it; and as we truly say, that such and such springs are pure springs, though mud, and dirt, and filth may are lying at the bottom of those springs; and as we truly say, that face is a fair face, though it has some freckles in it; so we may as truly say, that such and such a heart is a "pure heart," though there may be much sinful dross and filth cleaving to it.
Beloved! the best, the wisest, the holiest, and the most mortified Christians on earth, do carry about with them a body of sin and death, Romans 7:22-23; they have in them a fountain of original corruption, and from this fountain sin will still be arising, a-bubbling and a-boiling up as the scum in a pot over the fire.
But mark, as in wine, or honey, or water, though scum and filth may arise--yet the wine, the honey, the water, will be still a-purging and purifying itself, and a-working and casting it out. So though sin, though corruption, though spiritual filth may, and too often does, arise in a gracious heart--yet there is a spring of grace, a spring of living water in him; there is a holy cleansing and purifying disposition in a regenerate person, which will still be a-working and casting it out.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Definition of a Pure Heart
- The Presence of Sin in the Believer
- The Purifying Power of Grace
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II
- The Dross of Sin in the Believer
- The Fountain of Original Corruption
- The Ongoing Battle with Sin
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III
- The Purifying Process of Grace
- The Power of Regeneration
- The Assurance of Sanctification
Key Quotes
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” — Thomas Brooks
“Though scum and filth may arise--yet the wine, the honey, the water, will be still a-purging and purifying itself, and a-working and casting it out.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that even the best Christians struggle with sin, but it is cast out by the purifying power of grace.
- Trust in the ongoing work of grace to cleanse and purify your heart.
- Be assured of your sanctification through the power of regeneration and the ongoing work of grace.