The Beatitudes
Thomas Watson, 1660
An exposition of Matthew 5:1-12
Heart Purity
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see
God." Matthew 5:8
The holy God, who is 'of purer eyes than to behold
iniquity' calls here for heart-purity, and to such as are adorned with this
jewel, he promises a glorious and beatific vision of himself: 'they shall
see God'. Two things are to be explained the nature of purity; the subject
of purity.
1. The NATURE of purity.
Purity is a sacred
refined thing. It stands diametrically opposed to whatever defiles. We must
distinguish the various kinds of purity.
First, there is a primitive purity which is in God
originally and essentially, as light is in the sun. Holiness is the glory of the
Godhead: 'Glorious in holiness' (Exodus 15:11). God is the origin, pattern and
prototype of all holiness.
Second, there is a created purity. Thus holiness is in
the angels, and was once in Adam. Adam's heart did not have the
least spot or tincture of impurity. We call that wine pure which has no mixture;
and that gold pure which has no dross mingled with it. Such was Adam's holiness.
It was like the wine which comes from the grape, having no mixture. But this is
not to be found on earth. We must go to heaven for it.
Third, there is an evangelical purity; whence grace
is mingled with some sin—like gold in the ore; like wine which
has a dreg in it; like fine cloth with a blemish; like Nebuchadnezzar's
image, part of silver, and part of clay (Daniel 2:35). This mixture God calls
purity in a gospel-sense; as a face may be said to be fair, which has some
freckles in it. Where there is a study of purity and a loathing ourselves for
our impurity—this is to be 'pure in heart'.
Some by pure in heart, understand chastity, others
sincerity (Psalm 32:2). But I suppose purity here is to be taken in a larger
sense for the several kinds and degrees of holiness. They are said to be pure,
who are consecrated people, having the oil of grace poured
upon them. This purity is much mistaken.
Civility and morality are not purity. A man may be
clothed with great moral virtues, such as justice, charity, prudence,
temperance—and yet go to hell.
Profession is not purity. A man may have a name to live
and yet be dead (Revelation 3:1). He may be swept by civility and garnished by
profession—yet the devil may dwell in the house. The blazing comet is no star.
The hypocrite's tongue may be silver—yet his heart stone.
Purity consists in two things; rectitude of mind, a prizing
holiness in the judgment (Psalm 119:30); conformity of will, an embracing of
holiness in the affections (Psalm 119:97). A pure soul is cast into the mold of
holiness. Holiness is a blood that runs in his veins.
2. The SUBJECT of purity.
The heart—'pure
in heart'. Purity of heart does not exclude purity of life, no more than
the pureness of the fountain excludes the pureness of the stream. But it is
called purity of heart, because the heart is the main thing in true religion,
and there can be no purity of life without it. A Christian's great care should
be to keep the heart pure, as one would especially preserve the spring
from being poisoned. In a duel, a man will chiefly guard and fence his heart, so
a wise Christian should above all things keep his heart pure. Take heed that the
love of sin does not get in there—lest it prove fatal.
Christians should above all things breathe after heart
purity: 'Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience' (1 Timothy 3:9).
Justification causes our happiness, sanctification evidences it.
1. The REASONS for purity.
[1] Purity is a thing called for in Scripture.
'Be
holy for I am holy' (1 Peter 1:16). It is not only the minister bids you be
holy—but God himself calls for it. What would the Holy God do with unholy
servants?
[2] Because of that filthy and cursed condition we are in,
before purity is wrought in us.
We are a lump of clay and sin
mingled together! Sin not only blinds us—but defiles us. It is called
filthiness (James 1:21). And to show how befilthying a thing it is, it is
compared to a plague of the heart (1 Kings 8:38), to corruption (Deuteronomy
32:5), to vomit (2 Peter 2:22), to infants 'helplessly kicking about in their
own blood' (Ezekiel 16:6), and to a 'menstrual cloth' (Isaiah 30:22), which (as
Jerome says) was the most defiling thing under the law. All the legal warnings
which God appointed, were but to put men in mind of their loathsomeness before
they were washed in the blood of Christ. If all the evils in the world were put
together and their quintessence strained out, they could not make a thing so
black and polluted as sin does! A sinner is a devil in a man's shape!
When Moses' rod was turned into a serpent, he fled from it. Would God open men's
eyes and show them their deformities and damnable spots—they would fly from
themselves, as from serpents! This shows what need we have of purity. When grace
comes—it washes off this hellish filth. It makes Ethiopians into true
Israelites! It turns ravens into swans! It makes those who are as black as
hell—to become as white as snow!
[3] Because none but the pure in heart are savingly
interested in the covenant of grace.
Covenanted people have 'the
sprinkling with clean water' (Ezekiel 36:25). Now, until we are thus sprinkled,
we have nothing to do with either the new covenant, or with the new
Jerusalem. If a will is made only to such people as are so qualified, none
can come in for a share—but such as have those qualifications. Just so, God has
made a will and covenant that he will be our God, and will settle eternal glory
upon us—but with this clause or proviso in the will—that we be purified people,
having the 'clean water sprinkled, upon us. Now until then, we have nothing to
do with God or mercy.
[4] Purity is the end of our election.
'He has
chosen us—that we should be holy' (Ephesians 1:4). Not for holiness—but
to holiness. 'Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be
conformed to the image of his Son' (Romans 8:29). God predestinates us to
Christ's image, which image consists 'in righteousness and true holiness'
(Ephesians 4:24). So that until you are holy, you cannot show any sign of
election upon you—but rather the devil's brand-mark!
[5] Purity is the end of our redemption.
If we
could have gone to heaven in our sins, Christ needed not have died. Why did he
shed his blood, but to redeem us from an 'empty way of life'? (1 Peter 1:18,
19). 'Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify
for himself a people that are his very own' (Titus 2:14). Christ shed his
blood—to wash off our filth! The cross was both an altar and a laver. Jesus
died not only to save us from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10)—but to save us from
sin (Matthew 1:21). Out of his side came water which signifies our cleansing, as
well as blood which signifies our justifying (1 John 5:6). The truth is, it
would make Christ monstrous, if the head should be pure and not the members.
2. Why purity must be chiefly in the heart.
[1] Because if the heart is not pure, we differ nothing from
a Pharisaic purity.
The Pharisees' holiness consisted chiefly in
externals. Theirs was an outside purity. They never minded the inside of the
heart. 'Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are so careful to
clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of
greed and self-indulgence! Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful
on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts
of impurity!' (Matthew 23:25, 27). The Pharisees were good only on the surface.
They were whited-over, not white. They were like a rotten post overlaid with
fine paint. They were like a gold chimney—but within nothing but soot. Of such
hypocrites Salvian complains, who had Christ in their mouths—but not in
their lives.
We must go further. Be 'pure in heart', like the king's
daughter 'all glorious within' (Psalm 45:13); else ours is but a
Pharisaic purity; and Christ says, 'For I tell you that unless your
righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you
will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.' (Matthew 5:20).
[2] The heart must especially be kept pure, because the heart
is the chief seat or place of God's residence.
God dwells in the
heart. He takes up the heart for his own lodging (Isaiah 57:15; Ephesians 3:17),
therefore it must be pure and holy. A king's palace must be kept from
defilement, and especially his throne. How holy ought that to be! If the
body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), the heart
is the holy of holies! Oh take heed of defiling the room where God chiefly
dwells! Let that room be washed with holy tears.
[3] The heart must especially be pure, because it is the
heart which sanctifies all that we do.
If the heart is holy, all is
holy—our affections holy, our duties holy. 'The altar sanctifies the gift'
(Matthew 23:19). The heart is the altar that sanctifies the offering. The Romans
kept their springs from being poisoned. The heart is the spring of all our
actions; let us keep this spring from poison. Be 'pure in heart'.
See here what that beauty is, which beautifies a soul in
God's eye, namely, purity of heart. You are but a spiritual leper—until you are
pure in heart. God is in love with the pure heart, for he sees his own picture
drawn there.
Holiness is the angels' glory. They are pure virgin-spirits.
Take away purity from an angel—and he is but a devil! You who are pure in
heart—have the angels' glory shining in you. You have the embroidery and
workmanship of the Holy Spirit upon you.
The pure heart is God's paradise where he delights to walk.
It is his lesser heaven. The dove delights in the purest air. The Holy
Spirit who descended in the likeness of a dove, delights in the purest soul. God
says of the pure in heart, as of Zion, 'This is my rest forever, here will I
dwell' (Psalm 132:14). God loves the loveliest complexion. The pure in heart is
Christ's bride, decked and bespangled with the jewels of holiness. 'You have
ravished my heart with one of your eyes' (Canticles 4:9). Your eyes, that is,
your graces; these as a chain of diamonds, have drawn my heart to you. Of all
hearts God loves the pure heart best. You who dress yourself by the
looking-glass of the Word and adorn 'the hidden person of your heart' (1 Peter
3:4), are most precious in God's eyes, though you may be as bleary-eyed as Leah,
or as lame as Barzillai. Yet being 'pure in heart, you are the mirror of beauty
and may say 'Yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord' (Isaiah 49:5). How
may this raise the esteem of purity! This is a beauty which never fades and
which makes God himself fall in love with us.
If we must be pure in heart—then we must not rest in
outward purity. Morality is not sufficient. A swine may be washed—yet a
swine still. Morality does but wash a man, grace changes him. Morality may shine
in the eyes of the world—but it differs as much from purity, as a pebble differs
from the diamond. Morality is but strewing flowers on a dead corpse. A man who
is but highly moral—is but a tame devil. How many have made 'morality' their
Savior! Morality will damn, as well as heinous vice. A boat may be sunk with
gold, as well as with dung.
Observe two things:
1. The moral person, though he will not commit gross sins—yet
he is not sensible of heart sins. He does not discern the 'law in his members'
(Romans 7:23). He is not troubled for unbelief, hardness of heart, vanity of
thoughts. He abhors gaol-sins, not gospel-sins.
2. The moral person rises against holiness. The snake
has a fine appearance—but has a deadly sting. The moral man is fair to look
to—but has a secret antipathy against the holy ways of God. He hates grace, as
much as vice. Zeal is as odious to him as uncleanness. Morality is not to be
rested in. The heart must be pure. God would have Aaron wash the inner parts of
the sacrifice (Leviticus 9:14). Morality does but wash the outside; the inside
must be washed. 'Blessed are the pure in heart'.
Let us put ourselves on TRIAL whether we are pure-hearted or
not.
Here I shall show the signs of an impure heart; and then,
signs of a pure heart.
I. Signs of an IMPURE heart
1. An IGNORANT heart is an impure heart.
To be
ignorant of sin or Christ, argues impurity of heart. Nahash the Ammonite would
enter into covenant with the men of Jabesh-Gilead, so he might thrust out their
right eyes (1 Samuel 11:2). Satan leaves men their left eye. In
worldly knowledge they are quick-sighted enough—but the right eye of spiritual
knowledge is quite put out! (2 Corinthians 4:4). Ignorance is Satan's stronghold
(Acts 26:18). The devils are bound in chains of darkness (Jude 6). So are all
ignorant people. Impossible it is that an ignorant heart should be holy. It is
knowledge which makes the heart good. 'That the soul is without knowledge is not
good' (Proverbs 19:2). For any to say that, though their mind is
ignorant—yet their heart is good; they may as well say that, though they
are blind—yet their eyes are good.
In the law, when the plague of leprosy was in a man's
head—the priest was to pronounce him unclean. This is the case of an
ignorant man. The leprosy is in his head, 'he is unclean'. That heart cannot be
very pure, which is a dungeon. Grace cannot reign, where
ignorance reigns. An ignorant man can have no love to God. 'He cannot
love that which he does not know'. He can have no faith. Knowledge must
usher in faith (Psalm 9:10). He cannot worship God aright (John 4:22). Though he
may worship the true God—yet in a wrong manner. Ignorance is the root of sin.
Blindness leads to lasciviousness (Ephesians 4:18, 19; Proverbs 7:23). Ignorance
is the mother of pride (Revelation 3:17). It is the cause of error (2 Timothy
3:7), and, which is worse, a willful ignorance. 'It is one thing to be ignorant;
it is another thing to be unwilling to know'. Many are in love with ignorance.
They hug their disease (Job 21:14; 2. Peter 3:5). Ignorant minds are impure.
There is no going to heaven in the dark!
2. A SELF-RIGHTEOUS heart is an impure heart.
It
sees no need of purity. 'I am rich and have need of nothing' (Revelation 3:17).
Not to be sensible of a disease—is worse than the disease! You do not hear a
sick man say, 'I am well'. There are some who 'need no repentance' (Luke 15:7).
Some sinners are too well to be cured. Heart purity is as great a wonder to the
natural man—as the new birth was to Nicodemus (John 3:4). It is sad to think how
many go on confidently and are ready to bless themselves, never suspecting their
dreadful condition—until it is too late!
3. He has an impure heart who regards iniquity in his heart.
'If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me' (Psalm
66:18). In the original it is 'If I look upon sin', that is, with a lustful
look. Sin-regarding is inconsistent with heart-purity.
What is it to 'regard iniquity'?
[1] We regard iniquity, when we INDULGE in sin.
When sin not only lives in us—but when we live in sin. Some will leave all their
sins but one. Jacob would let all his sons go but Benjamin. Satan can hold a man
by one sin. The fowler holds the bird fast enough by one claw. Others HIDE their
sins like one who shuts up his shop windows, but follows his trade within doors.
Many deal with their sins as Moses' mother dealt with her son. She hid him in
the ark of bulrushes, as if she had left him—but her eye was still upon him and
in the end, she became his nurse (Exodus 2:9). Just so, many seem to leave their
sins—but they only hide them from the eye of others. Their heart still goes
after them, and at last they nurse and give breast to their sins.
[2] To regard iniquity, is to DELIGHT in iniquity.
Though a child of God sins—yet he does not take a delight in sin. 'I do the very
thing I hate' (Romans 7:15). But impure souls make a recreation of sin. They
'delight in wickedness' (2 Thessalonians 2:12). Never did one feed with more
delight on a meal he loves—than a wicked man does upon the forbidden fruit. This
delight in sin—shows that the will is in the sin. And 'the will is the rule and
measure of the deed'.
[3] To regard iniquity is to make PROVISION for sin.
'Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof' (Romans 13:14).
The wicked are caterers for their lusts. It is a metaphor taken from such as
make provision for a family—to feed them. The Greek word here signifies a
projecting and planning in the mind, how to bring a thing about. This is to make
provision for the flesh—when one studies to satisfy the flesh and provide fuel
for lust. Thus Amnon made provision for the flesh (2 Samuel 13:5). He pretends
himself to be sick, and his sister, Tamar, must be his nurse. She must cook and
serve his food to him. By which means he defiled her virginity. It is sad when
men's concern is not to be holy—but to satisfy lust.
[4] To regard iniquity, is to give it respect and
ENTERTAINMENT
, as Lot showed respect to the angels. 'He bowed himself
with his face toward the ground and said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I beg
you . . .' (Genesis 19:2). When the Spirit of God comes He is repulsed and
grieved—but when temptation comes, the sinner bows to it, sets open the gates,
and says 'Turn in here, my lord'. This is to regard iniquity.
[5] He is said to regard sin, who does not regard the
threatenings of God against sin.
We read of 'seven thunders uttering
their voices' (Revelation 10:3). How many thunders in Scripture utter their
voice against sin! 'Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy
crowns of those who go on in their sins.' (Psalm 68:21). Here is a thundering
scripture—but sinners fear not this thunder. Let a minister come as a
Boanerges, clothed with the spirit of Elijah, and denounce all the curses of
God against men's sins—they have no regard for it. They can laugh at the shaking
of a spear (Job 41:29). This is to regard iniquity, and argues an impure heart.
4. An UNBELIEVING heart is an impure heart.
The
Scripture calls it expressly 'an evil heart of unbelief' (Hebrews 3:12).
An unbelieving heart is evil in the highest degree. It is full of the poison of
hell. Unbelief is the foul medley of all sins—the root and receptacle of sin.
[1] Unbelief is a God-affronting sin.
It puts the
lie upon God. It calls in question his power (Psalm 78:19), mercy and truth.
'The one who does not believe God, is actually calling God a liar' (1 John
5:10). Can a greater affront be cast upon the God of glory! It makes us trust to
second causes, which is setting the creature in the place of God. 'Asa in his
disease sought not to the Lord—but to the physicians' (2 Chronicles 16:12). He
relied more on the physician than upon God. Saul seeks to the witch of Endor. O
high affront, to lean upon the reed and neglect the Rock of Ages!
[2] Unbelief hardens the heart.
These two sins are
linked together. 'He upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness
of heart' (Mark 16:14). Unbelief breeds the stone of the heart. He who does
not believe God's threatenings—will never fear him. He who does not
believe God's promises—will never love him. What is said of the
Leviathan, is true of the unbeliever. 'Its heart is as hard as rock, as hard as
a millstone' (Job 41:24). Unbelief first pollutes the heart—and then
hardens it!
[3] Unbelief breeds hypocrisy.
Professors do not
believe that God is a jealous God, and will call them to account. Therefore it
is they put on a mask of religion and are saints in jest, that they may
play the devil in earnest (2 Timothy 3:4, 5). They pretend to worship
God—but Self is the idol they worship. Like rowers—they look one way and row
another. The unbeliever is the greatest hypocrite.
[4] Unbelief causes the fear of men.
'Fear is
proof of a baseborn soul'. Fear is a debasing thing. It unmans a man. It makes
him afraid to be godly. The fearful man studies rather compliance, than
conscience. 'The fear of man brings a snare' (Proverbs 29:25). What made
Abraham equivocate, David pretend to be mad, and Peter deny
Christ? Was it not their fear? And whence does fear spring—but from unbelief?
Therefore the Scripture joins them together. 'The fearful and
unbelieving' (Revelation 21:8).
[5] Unbelief is the root of apostasy.
'an evil
heart of unbelief in departing from the living God' (Hebrews 3:12). What is the
reason those who seemed once zealous—now despise God, and leave off prayer in
their families? Is it not their unbelief? They believed not that God is, and
that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Infidelity is the cause of apostasy. In the Greek, 'apistia' (unbelief) leads to
'apostasia' (apostasy). And if unbelief is the breeder and fomenter of so much
sin, then the unbelieving heart must needs be an impure heart.
5. A COVETOUS heart is an impure heart.
The
earth is the most impure element. The purity of the heart lies in the
spirituality of it, and what is more opposite to spiritualness than earthiness?
Covetousness is 'the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10). 'To what cost do you
drive mortal hearts—you accursed lust for gold!'
[1] Covetousness is the root of
discontent. Why do any repine at their condition—but because they
think they do not have enough? The Greek word for covetousness signifies
an immoderate desire of getting. Because the covetous man is never satisfied,
his heart frets in discontent and impatience.
[2] Covetousness is the root of
theft. Achan's covetous heart made him steal that wedge of gold—which
served to cleave asunder his soul from God (Joshua 7:21).
[3] Covetousness is the root of
treason. It made Judas betray Christ. 'How much will you pay me to
betray Jesus to you?' (Matthew 26:15). Absalom's covetousness made him attempt
to pluck the crown from his father's head. He who is a Demas, will soon
prove a Judas. 'Men shall be covetous' (2 Timothy 3:2), and it follows in
the next verse, 'traitors'. Where covetousness is in the preface, treason will
be in the conclusion.
[4] Covetousness is the root of
murder. Why did Ahab stone Naboth to death but to possess his
vineyard? (1 Kings 21:13). Covetousness has made many swim to the crown in
blood. And can the heart be pure, when the 'hands are full of blood'? (Isaiah
1:15).
[5] Covetousness is the root of
perjury. 'Men shall be covetous, and it follows, 'trucebreakers' (2
Timothy 3:2, 3). For love of money will take a false oath and break a just oath.
He who lives a Midas, will die a perjurer.
[6] Covetousness is the root of
necromancy. Why do people indent with the devil—but for money? They
study the black art—for yellow gold. Alexander the Sixth pawned his soul to the
devil for a popedom.
[7] Covetousness is the root of
fraud and theft. Such as would be
over-rich, will overreach. It is the covetous hand which holds false
weights (Amos 8:5).
[8] Covetousness is the root of
bribery and injustice. It makes
the courts of law, 'great places of robbery', as Augustine speaks. At Athens,
court cases were bought and sold for money.
[9] Covetousness is the cause of
uncleanness. The Scripture mentions 'the hire of a whore'
(Deuteronomy 23:18). For money both conscience and chastity are sold.
[10] Covetousness is the root of
idolatry: 'Covetousness which is idolatry' (Colossians 3:5). The
covetous person bows down to the image of gold. His money is his god, for he
puts his trust in it. Money is his creator. When he has abundance of wealth,
then he thinks he is made. Money is his redeemer. If he is in any strait or
trouble, he flies to his money and that must redeem him. Money is his comforter.
When he is sad he counts over his money and with this golden harp he drives away
the evil spirit. When you see a covetous man, you may say, "There goes an
idolater!"
[11] Covetousness is the cause of
unprofitableness under the means of grace. In the parable, the
thorns choked the seed (Matthew 13:7). This is the reason the Word preached
does no more good. The seed often falls among thorns. Thousands of sermons
lie buried in earthly hearts!
[12] Covetousness is the root of
selfishness and stinginess. It
hinders hospitality. A covetous man has a withered hand. He cannot reach it out
to clothe or feed those who are in need. The covetous person is so sordid, that
if his estate may flourish he is content to let his name lie dead and buried.
What a cursed sin is avarice! And can he be pure in heart—who has such a 'root
of bitterness' growing in him? We may as well say that the body is pure which is
full of plague-sores.
6. Those hearts are impure which are 'haters of purity'
(Micah 3:2). They 'hate knowledge' (Proverbs 1:29). Some things in nature have
an antipathy; the serpent will not come near the boughs of the wild ash. There
is an antipathy in a carnal heart against holiness; and when hatred
is boiled up to malice—it is dangerous. Thus Julian maliciously
opposed holiness. Receiving a mortal wound when in battle, he threw up a handful
of his blood into the air in indignation saying, 'O Galilean, you have overcome
me!'
7. He who scoffs at purity, has an impure heart.
'There shall come in the last days scoffers' (Luke 16:14; 2. Peter 3:3). There
are some who make a jeer of religion. It is a sign of an Ishmael spirit to scoff
at holiness. Are we not commanded to be perfect as God is perfect? (Matthew
5:48). One would wonder that those who dare open their mouths in derision
against holiness—the earth does not open her mouth to swallow them up as it did
Korah and Dathan. These are devils covered over with flesh! They have
damnation written on their foreheads! Lucian who in the time of the Emperor
Trajan had professed religion, afterwards became so profane as to make a mock at
the Christians and by his jeers and taunts went about to destroy religion. At
last he himself was rent asunder and devoured by dogs. When the scab of the
leper appeared, he was to be shut out of the camp (Leviticus 13:8, 46). Those
who flout at religion, if God does not give them repentance, are sure to be shut
out of the camp of heaven.
II. I shall next show you the signs of a PURE heart.
1. A SINCERE heart is a pure heart.
'In whose
spirit there is no deceit' (Psalm 32:2). There are four characters of a
sincere-hearted Christian.
[1] A sincere heart serves God with the whole heart.
First, he serves God with the heart. The hypocrite does
but make a show of obedience. 'You are always on their lips—but
far from their hearts' (Jeremiah 12:2). There may be a fair complexion
when the lungs and vitals are diseased. The hypocrite is fair to look on. He has
a devout eye—but a hollow heart. But he who is sincere, his inside is his
best side! In the law God would have 'the inner parts' offered up
(Leviticus 4:11). A good Christian gives God 'the inner parts'. When he
prays—his heart prays. 'Hannah prayed in her heart' (1 Samuel 1:13). In his
thanksgiving the heart is the chief instrument of praise (Psalm 111:1). Then is
the sweetest music when we 'make melody in our hearts to the Lord'
(Ephesians 5:19).
Secondly, the sincere Christian serves God with the 'whole
heart' (Psalm 119:2). Hypocrites have a double heart (Psalm
12:2)—a heart for God, and a heart for sin. 'Their heart is divided' (Hosea
10:2). God loves a broken heart—but not a divided heart. An
upright heart is a whole heart. The full stream and torrent of the affections
runs out after God. A sincere heart 'follows God fully' (Numbers 14:24).
[2] A sincere heart is willing to come under a trial.
'Search me, O God, and try me' (Psalm 139:23). That metal is to be
suspected which men are afraid to bring to the touchstone. A sound heart likes
the touchstone of the Word. It is for a searching ministry. Hypocrites fly from
the light of truth; they fly from that light which would reveal their sin. They
hate that physic of the Word which, meeting with their ill humours,
begins to make them sick, and trouble their conscience. A gracious soul loves
that preaching best, which makes a heart-anatomy.
[3] A man of sincere heart, dares not act in the least
against his conscience.
He is the most magnanimous—yet the most
cautious. He is bold in suffering (Proverbs 28:1) but fearful of sin (Genesis
39:9). He dares not get an estate by sinful shifts, or rise upon the ruins of
another. Jacob got his father's blessing by fraud—but that is not the way to get
God's blessing.
[4] A sincere heart is a suspicious heart.
The
hypocrite suspects others of sin—but has charitable thoughts of
himself! The sincere Christian has charitable thoughts of others—and
suspects himself of sin. He calls himself often to account: "O my soul, have you
any evidences for heaven? Is there no flaw in your evidences? You may mistake
common grace—for saving grace. Weeds in the cornfields look like
flowers. The foolish virgins' lamps looked as if they had oil in them. O my
soul, is it not so with you?" The man of sincere soul, being ever jealous, plays
the critic upon himself and so traverses things in the court of conscience as if
he were presently to be cited to God's bar. This is to be pure in heart.
2. A pure heart breathes after PURITY.
If God
should stretch out the golden scepter and say to him, 'Ask, and it shall be
given you—up to half the kingdom', he would say, "Lord, give me a pure heart!
Let my heart have this inscription—Holiness to the Lord. Let my heart be
your temple for you to dwell in. Lord, what would I do in heaven with this
unholy heart? What converse could I have with You?" A gracious soul is so in
love with purity—that he prizes a pure heart above all blessings.
[1] He prizes a pure heart above RICHES
. He knows
that he may be clothed in purple and fine linen—and yet go to hell. He is
content to be poor—so long as he may be pure. He knows
heart-purity is a special certificate of God's love. 'The pure in heart' shall
see God.
[2] He prizes a pure heart above GIFTS.
Gifts do
not at all commend us in God's eye. A pure heart is the jewel! 'O woman,
great is your faith!' (Matthew 15:28). It was not her rhetorical language Christ
was taken with—but her faith. Hypocrites have had rare gifts. Saul had the
spirit of prophecy. Judas no doubt could make an elegant oration. Hypocrites
have come into God's church loaded with the Egyptian gold of human learning.
There may be illumination without sanctification. A small
diamond is better than a great deal of brass. A little grace excels
the most flourishing abilities. Now if the out-goings of your soul are after
holiness—you desire a pure heart, rather than an eloquent tongue. You have the
oil of the Spirit poured on you and you shall be crowned with a glorious sight
of God.
3. A pure heart abhors all SIN.
A man may
forbear and forsake sin—yet not have a pure heart.
[1] A man may FORBEAR sin—for lack of occasion to sin.
He may forbear sin as one may hold his breath while he dives under water, and
then take breath again. The gunpowder makes no noise until the fire is put to
it. The clock stands still until the weights are put on. Let a temptation come,
which is like the hanging on of the weights, and the heart goes as fast in sin
as ever!
[2] He may forbear sin—for fear of the penalty.
A
man forbears a dish he loves—for fear it should bring his disease upon him of
the stone or gout. There is conflict in a sinner between the passions of
desire—and fear. Desire spurs him on to sin—but fear as a curb and bit checks
him. Nor is it the crookedness of the serpent he fears—but the sting
of the serpent!
[3] He may forbear sin—out of a design.
He has a
plot in hand and his sin might spoil his plot. Some rich heir would fly out in
excess—but he behaves properly, to prevent being cut off from the inheritance.
How good was Joash while Jehoiada the priest lived! Prudence as well as
conscience may restrain from sin.
Again, a man may FORSAKE sin—yet not have a pure heart. It is
a great matter, I confess, to forsake sin. So dear is sin to men, that they will
part with the fruit of their body for the sin of their souls. Sin is the Delilah
that bewitches, and it is much to see men divorced from it. There may be a
forsaking of sin—yet no heart purity. Sin may be forsaken upon wrong principles.
[1] A man may forsake sin, from MORALITY
. Moral
arguments may suppress sin. I have read of a debauched heathen who, hearing
Socrates read an ethical lecture on virtue and vice—he went away changed and no
more followed his former vices. Cato, Seneca, Aristides, seeing beauty in
virtue, led unblamable lives.
[2] A man may forsake sin, from POLICY.
A man may
forsake sin, not out of respect to God's glory—but his own credit. Vice will
waste his estate, eclipse the honor of his family, therefore out of policy he
will divorce his sin.
[3] A man may forsake sin, from NECESSITY.
Perhaps
he cannot follow the trade of sin any longer. The adulterer is grown old, the
drunkard has become too poor. His heart is toward sin—but either his purse
fails him or his strength; as a man who loves hunting—but his
prison-fetters will not allow him to follow the sport. This man, who is
necessitated to put a stop to sin—does not so much forsake sin, as sin forsakes
him.
But he is pure in God's eye, who abhors sin. 'I hate every
false way' (Psalm 119:104). This is excellent indeed, because now the love
of sin is crucified. A hypocrite may leave sin—yet love it; as the serpent
sheds her coat—yet keeps her sting. But when a man can say he abhors sin—now is
sin killed in the root. A pure heart abstains from sin—as a man does from a dish
that he has an antipathy against. This is a sign of a new nature—when a man
hates what he once loved! And because he hates sin, therefore he fights against
it with the 'sword of the Spirit'—as a man who hates a serpent seeks the
destruction of it.
4. A pure heart avoids the appearance of evil.
'Abstain from all appearance of evil' (1 Thessalonians 5:22). A pure
heart avoids that which may be interpreted as evil. He who is loyal to his
prince, not only forbears to have his hand in treason—but he takes heed of that
which has an appearance of treason. A gracious heart is shy of that which
looks like sin. When Joseph's mistress took hold of him and said, 'Lie with
me!'—he left his garment in her hand and fled from her (Genesis 39:12). He
avoided the appearance of evil. He would not be seen in her company. Thus a pure
heart avoids whatever may have the suspicion of sin:
[1] A pure heart avoids the suspicion of sin—in regard of
HIMSELF
, and that two ways.
First, because the appearance of evil is oftentimes an
occasion of evil. Dalliance is an appearance of evil, and many
times occasions evil. Had Joseph been familiar with his mistress in a wanton
sporting manner, he might in time have been drawn to commit immorality with her.
Some out of novelty and curiosity have gone to hear mass, and afterwards have
lent the idol not only their ear—but their knee! There are many
who have gone with itching ears to hear false teachers, and have come home with
the plague in their head! When Dinah would be gadding about, she lost her
chastity (Genesis 34:2). A pure heart foreseeing the danger avoids the
appearance of evil. It is dangerous to go near a hornet's nest. The men who went
near the furnace were burned (Daniel 3:22).
Second, because the appearance of evil may eclipse his good
name. A good name is a precious ointment. It is better than 'fine gold'
(Proverbs 22:1). It commends us to God and angels, which riches cannot do. Now a
godly man avoids the appearance of evil—lest he wounds his good name. What
comfort can there be of life, when the name lies buried?
[2] A pure heart avoids the suspicion of sin—out of reverence
and respect to the holiness of GOD.
God hates the very appearance of
evil. God abhors hypocrites because they have no more than the appearance of
good—and he is angry with his children if they have so much as the
appearance of evil. A gracious heart knows God is a jealous God and
cannot endure that his people should border upon sin. Therefore he keeps aloof
from sin, and will not come near the smell of infection.
[3] A pure heart avoids the very appearance of sin—in regard
of the GODLY.
The appearance of evil may scandalize a weak brother. A
gracious heart is not only fearful lest he should defile his own conscience—but
lest he should offend his brother's conscience. Were it only an indifferent
thing—yet if it is an appearance of evil and may grieve another—we are to
forbear (1 Corinthians 10:25-28). For 'when we sin against the brethren and
wound their weak conscience, we sin against Christ' (1 Corinthians 8:12). The
weak Christian is a member of Christ. Therefore the sinning against a member—is
a sinning against Christ.
[4] A pure heart avoids the very appearance of evil—in regard
of the WICKED.
The apostle would have us walk wisely towards
unbelievers. (1 Thessalonians 4:12). The wicked watch for our halting. How glad
would they be of anything to reproach religion! Professors are placed as stars
in the highest orb of the church, and if there is but the appearance of any
eccentric, or irregular motion, the wicked would presently open their mouths
with a fresh cry against piety. Now to a godly heart the fame and honor of the
gospel is so dear that he had rather die than incriminate or eclipse it.
By this then let us try ourselves whether we are pure in
heart—do we avoid the least appearance of sin? Alas, how many run themselves
into the occasions of sin! They tempt the devil to tempt them! Some go to
plays and comedies—the very fuel and temptation to lust! Others frequent
heretical meetings, and truly God often in just judgment leaves them to the acts
of sin, who do not avoid the appearance of sin. 'They were mingled among the
heathen and learned their works' (Psalm 106:35). Pure hearts flee the occasion
of sin! John would not endure the company of the heretic Cerinthus. Polycarp
would have no conference with Marcion the heretic—but called him 'the devil's
firstborn'. Basil says that the Christians in his time avoided the meetings of
heretics as the 'very schools of error'. Oh, avoid the appearance of evil. The
apostle bids us to follow those things which are 'of good report' (Philippians
4:8).
5. A pure heart performs holy duties in a holy manner.
This holy manner, or due order, consists in three things:
[1] Preparing the heart before a duty.
An
unholy heart does not care how it rushes upon an ordinance. It comes without
preparation and goes away without profit. The pure heart is a prepared heart. It
dresses itself, before it comes to a duty—by examination and prayer. When the
earth is prepared—then it is fit to receive the seed. When the instrument is
prepared and tuned—then it is fit for music.
[2] Watching the heart in a duty.
A holy
heart labors to be affected and wrought upon by the Spirit. His heart burns
within him. There was no sacrifice without fire. A pure saint labors to have his
heart broken in a duty (Psalm 51:17). The incense, when it was broken, cast the
sweetest savor. Impure souls care not in what a dead or perfunctory manner they
serve God (Ezekiel 33:31). They pray more out of fashion, than out of
faith. They are no more affected with an ordinance, than the dead in the
church graveyard. God complains of offering up the blind (Malachi 1:8).
And is it not as bad to offer up the dead? O Christian, say to yourself,
How can this deadness of heart, stand with pureness of heart? Do
not dead things putrefy?
[3] Outward reverence.
Purity of heart will
express itself by the reverend posture of the body—the lifting up of the eye and
hand, the bending the knee. When God gave the law, 'the mount was on fire and
trembled' (Exodus 19:18). The reason was that the people might prostrate
themselves more reverently before the Lord. The ark wherein the law was put, was
carried upon poles, so that the Levites might not touch it—to show what
reverence God would have about holy things (Exodus 25:11, 14). We must not only
offer up our souls—but our bodies (Romans 12:1). The Lord takes
notice what posture and gesture we use in his worship. If a man were to deliver
a petition to the king, would he deliver it with a foolish jest? The careless
irreverence of some would make us think they did not much regard whether God
heard them or not. We are run from one extreme to another, from superstition to
irreverence. Let Christians think of the dreadful majesty of God who is present.
'How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God and this is
the gate of heaven!' (Genesis 28:17). The blessed angels 'cover their faces
crying, Holy, holy holy' (Isaiah 6:3). A holy heart will have a holy posture.
6. A pure heart will have a pure LIFE.
'Let us
cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God'. (2 Corinthians 7:1). Where there is a holy heart,
there will be a holy life. Some bless God they have good hearts—but their lives
are evil. 'There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not
washed from their filthiness' (Proverbs 30:12). If the stream is corrupt—we may
suspect the spring-head to be impure. Aaron was called the saint of the Lord
(Psalm 106:16). He had not only a holy heart—but there was a golden plate on his
forehead on which was written 'Holiness to the Lord'. Purity must not only be
woven into the heart—but engraved upon the life! Grace is most beautiful when it
shines abroad with its golden beams. The clock has not only its motion
within—but the hand moves outside upon the dial. Just so, pureness of heart,
shows itself upon the dial of the life.
[1] A pure soul TALKS of God
(Psalm 37:30). His
heart is seen in his tongue. He who is pure in heart—his mouth is full of
heaven.
[2] A pure soul WALKS with God
(Genesis 6:9). He
is still doing angel's work, praising God, serving God. He lives as Christ did
upon earth. Holy duties are the Jacob's ladder by which he is still ascending to
heaven. Purity of heart and life, are in Scripture made twins. 'I
will put my Spirit within you'—there is purity of heart. 'And cause you
to walk in my statutes'—there is purity of life (Ezekiel 36:27). Shall we
account them pure, whose life is not in heaven (Philippians 3:20)—but rather in
hell? 'Shall I count them pure—who have wicked balances and a bag of deceitful
weights?' (Micah 6:11). How justly may others reproach religion when they see it
kicked down with our unholy feet! A pure heart has a golden frontispiece. Grace,
like new wine, will have vent; it can be no more concealed than lost. The saints
are called 'jewels' (Malachi 3:17), because of that shining luster which they
cast in the eyes of others!
7. A pure heart is so in love with purity that nothing can
draw him off from it.
[1] Let others reproach purity, he loves it.
As
David, when he danced before the ark, and Michal scoffed. David replied, 'if
this is to be vile—I will yet be more vile!' (2 Samuel 6:22). So says a pure
heart: 'If to follow after holiness is to be vile—I will yet be more vile!' The
more others deride holiness, the more a gracious soul burns in love and zeal to
it. If a man had an inheritance befallen him, would he be laughed out of it?
What is a Christian the worse for another's reproach? A blind man's disparaging
a diamond does not make it sparkle the less!
[2] Let others persecute holiness, a pure heart will
pursue it.
Holiness is the queen every gracious soul is
espoused to—and he will rather die than be divorced. Paul would be holy, 'though
bonds and persecutions awaited him' (Acts 20:23). The way of religion is often
thorny and bloody—but a gracious heart prefers inward purity before outward
peace. I have heard of one who, having a jewel he much prized, the king sent for
his jewel. 'Tell the king' (says he) 'I honor his Majesty—but I will rather lose
my life than part with my jewel.' He who is enriched with the jewel of holiness,
will rather die than part with this jewel. When his honor and riches will do him
no good—his holiness will end in bliss, 'You have your fruit unto holiness, and
the end everlasting life'.
Let me persuade Christians to heart purity.
The harlot 'wipes her
mouth' (Proverbs 30:20). But that is not enough. 'Wash your heart, O
Jerusalem' (Jeremiah 4:14). And here I shall lay down some arguments or
motives to persuade to heart purity.
1. The NECESSITY of heart-purity.
[1] Heart-purity is necessary, in respect of OURSELVES.
Until the heart is pure, all our holy things (that is, our
religious duties) are polluted. They are but splendid sins! 'Everything
is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are
corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are defiled' (Titus
1:15). Their offering is unclean. Under the law, if a man who was unclean by a
dead body, and carried a piece of holy meat, the holy meat could not cleanse
him—but the dead body polluted that. (Haggai 2:12,13). He who had the leprosy,
whatever he touched was unclean. If he had touched the altar or sacrifice, the
altar would not cleanse him—but he would defiled the altar. A filthy hand
defiles the purest water. An impure heart defiles all religious duties—he
drops poison upon them all. A pure stream running through muddy ground, is
polluted. Just so, the holiest duties, running through an impure heart, are
polluted. A sinner's works are called 'dead works' (Hebrews 6:1). And those
works which are dead cannot please God. A dead wife cannot please her husband.
[2] Heart purity is necessary, in respect of GOD.
God is holy. Purity is the chief robe with which God adorns himself. 'You are of
purer eyes than to behold evil' (Habakkuk 1:13). And will this holy God endure
to have an impure heart come near him? Will a man lay a viper in his bosom! The
holy God and the unrepentant sinner, cannot dwell together. None can dwell
together but friends—but there is no friendship between God and the sinner, both
of them being of a contrary judgment and disposition. An impure heart is more
odious to God than a serpent! God gave the serpent its venom—but Satan fills the
heart with sin. 'Satan has filled your heart!' (Acts 5:3). The Lord abhors a
sinner. He will not come near him, having his plague-sores running. 'My soul
loathed them!' (Zechariah 11:8).
[3] Heart purity is necessary, in regard of ANGELS.
They are pure creatures. The Cherubim, which typified the angels, were made of
fine gold to denote the purity of their essence. No unholy thought enters
into the angels, therefore there must be purity of heart that there may be some
resemblance between us and them. What would unholy hearts do, among those pure
angelic spirits?
[4] Heart purity is necessary, in regard of the GLORIFIED
SAINTS.
They are pure, being refined from all the dregs of sin. They
are 'spirits of just men made perfect' (Hebrews 12:23). Now what would
profane spirits do among 'spirits made perfect'? I tell you, if you who
wallow in your sins, could come near God and angels and spirits of men made
perfect, and have a sight of their luster—you would soon wish yourselves out of
their company. As a man who is dirty and in his rags, if he should stand before
the king and his nobles and see them glistening in their cloth of gold and
sparkling with their jewels—he would be ashamed of himself, and wish himself out
of their presence.
[5] Heart purity is necessary, in regard of HEAVEN.
Heaven is a pure place. It is an 'undefiled inheritance' (1 Peter 1:4).
No unclean beasts come into the heavenly ark! 'Nothing evil will be
allowed to enter!' (Revelation 21:27). The Lord will not put the new wine of
glory, into a musty impure heart! All these things considered, shows the
necessity of heart purity.
2. It is the will of God that we should be pure in heart.
'This is the will of God—your sanctification' (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Are
you low in the world? Perhaps it is not the will of God that you should be
rich. But it is the will of God that you should be holy. 'This is the
will of God—your sanctification.' Let God have his will by being holy—and
you shall have your will by being happy. God's will must either be
fulfilled by us or upon us!
3. Purity of heart is the characteristic note of God's
people.
'God is good to Israel—to those whose hearts are pure' (Psalm
73:1). Heart-purity denominates us, the 'Israel of God'. It is not
profession which makes us the Israel of God. 'Not all who are descended from
Israel, are Israel' (Romans 9:6). Purity of heart is the jewel which is hung
only upon the elect! Chastity distinguishes a virtuous woman from a harlot. Just
so, the true Christian is distinguished from the hypocrite—by his heart-purity.
This is like the nobleman's star, which is a peculiar ensign of honor, differing
him from the vulgar. When the bright star of purity shines in a Christian's
heart, it distinguishes him from a formal professor.
4. Purity of heart makes us like God.
It was
Adam's unhappiness once, that he aspired to be like God in omniscience; but we
must endeavor to be like God in sanctity. God's image consists in holiness. To
those who do not have this image and superscription upon them, he will say 'I
never knew you!' God delights in no heart but where he may see his own face and
likeness. You cannot see your face in a looking-glass when it is dusty. God's
face cannot be seen in a dusty impure soul. A pure heart (like a clean
looking-glass) gives forth some idea and representation of God. There is little
comfort in being like God in other things besides purity. Are we like God in
that we have a being? So have stones. Are we like him in that we have
motion? So have stars. Are we like him in that we have life? So have
trees and birds. Are we like him in that we have knowledge? So have
devils. There is no likeness to God, which will prove comfortable and
blissful—but our being like him in purity. God loves the pure in heart. Love is
founded upon likeness.
5. The excellency of the heart, lies in the purity of it.
Purity was the glory of the soul in innocence. The purer a thing is—the better.
The purer the air is, and the more free from noxious vapors—the better it
is. Pure water is most sweet. The purer the gold is, the more
valuable. The purer the wine is when it is taken off from the lees and
dregs—the more excellent it is. The more the soul is purified by grace and taken
off from the lees and dregs of sin—the more precious in God's eyes. The purer
the heart is—the more spiritual it is; and the more spiritual it is—the more fit
to entertain him who is pure Spirit.
6. God is good to the pure in heart.
'God is
good to Israel—to those whose hearts are pure' (Psalm 73:1). We all desire
that God should be good to us. It is the sick man's prayer, 'May the Lord be
good to me'. God is good to those whose hearts are pure. But how is God good to
them? Two ways—
[1] To those who are pure, all things are sanctified.
'To the pure—all things are pure' (Titus 1:15). Estate is sanctified,
relations are sanctified—just as the temple sanctified the gold and the altar
sanctified the offering. To the unclean—nothing is clean. Their table is
a snare; and their devotions are sin. There is a curse entailed upon a
wicked man (Deuteronomy 28:15-20)—but holiness removes the curse and cuts off
the punishment. 'To the pure all things are pure'.
[2] The pure-hearted have all things work for their good
(Romans 8:28). Mercies and afflictions shall turn to their good. The most
poisonous drug shall be medicinal. The most cross providence shall carry
on the design of their salvation. Who then would not be pure in heart? 'God is
good to those who are pure in heart'.
7. Heart purity makes way for heaven.
The pure in
heart 'shall see God'. Happiness is nothing but the quintessence of holiness.
Purity of heart is heaven begun in a man. Holiness is called in Scripture 'the
anointing of God' (1 John 2:27). Solomon was first anointed with the holy oil,
and then he was made king (1 Kings 1:39). Just so, the people of God are first
anointed with the oil of the Spirit and made pure in heart, and then the crown
of glory is set upon their head. And is not purity to be highly valued? It lays
a path for glory. 'Purity of heart' and 'seeing of God' are linked together.
8. Note the examples of those who have been eminent for
heart-purity.
The Lord Jesus was a pattern of purity. 'Who of you
convicts me of sin?' (John 8:46). In this we are to imitate Christ. We are not
to imitate him in raising the dead or in working miracles—but in being holy (1
Peter 1:16).
Besides this golden pattern of Christ, we are to write after
the fair copy of those saints who have been of a dove-like purity. David
was so pure in heart, that he was a man 'after God's heart'. Abraham was
so purified by faith that he was one of God's cabinet-counsel (Genesis 18:17).
Moses was so holy that God spoke with him face to face. What were the
rest of the patriarchs but so many plants of renown, flourishing in holiness?
The fathers in the primitive church were exemplary for purity. Gregory Nazianzen,
Basil, Augustine, they were so inlaid and adorned with purity, that envy itself
could not tax them. We wish we had such saints as were in the primitive times,
so just were they in their dealings, so decent in their attire, so true in their
promises, so devout in their religion, so unblamable in their lives, that they
were living sermons, walking Bibles, genuine pictures of Christ, and
helped to keep up the credit of godliness in the world.
9. Heart-purity is the only jewel you can carry out of the
world.
Have you a child you delight in, or an estate? You can 'carry
nothing out of the world' (1 Timothy 6:7). Purity of heart is the only commodity
that can be with comfort transported. This is that which will stay longest with
you. Usually we love those things which last longest. We prize a diamond or
piece of gold above the most beautiful flower, because the flower is fading.
Heart-purity has perpetuity! It will go with us beyond the grave!
But how shall we attain to heart-purity?
1. Often look into the Word of God.
'Now you are
clean, through the word' (John 15:3). 'Your word is very pure' (Psalm 119:140).
God's Word is pure, not only for the matter of it—but the effect
of it, because it makes us pure. 'Sanctify them through your truth; your word is
truth' (John 17:17). By looking into this pure crystal—we are changed into the
image of it. The Word is both a looking-glass to show us the spots of
our souls—and a laver to wash them away! The Word breathes nothing
but purity; it enlightens the mind; it consecrates the heart.
2. Go to the bath.
There are two baths Christians
should wash in.
[1] The bath of tears.
Go into this bath. Peter
had sullied and defiled himself with sin and he washed himself with penitential
tears. Mary Magdalene, who was an impure sinner, 'stood at Jesus' feet weeping'
(Luke 7:38). Mary's tears washed her heart—as well as Christ's feet! Oh
sinners, let your eyes be a fountain of tears! Weep for those sins which are so
many as have passed all arithmetic. This water of contrition is healing and
purifying.
[2] The bath of Christ's blood.
This is that
'fountain opened for sin and uncleanness' (Zechariah 13:1). A soul steeped in
the brinish tears of repentance and bathed in the blood of Christ is made pure.
This is that 'spiritual washing'. All the legal washings and purifications were
but types and emblems representing Christ's blood. This blood whitens the black
soul.
3. Get faith.
It is a soul-cleansing grace.
'Having purified their hearts by faith' (Acts 15:9). The woman in the gospel who
but touched the hem of Christ's garment was healed. A touch of faith heals. If I
believe Christ and all his merits are mine, how can I sin against him? We do not
willingly injure those friends who, we believe, love us. Nothing can have a
greater force and efficacy upon the heart to make it pure, than faith. Faith
will remove mountains, the mountains of pride, lust, envy. Faith and the love of
sin are incompatible.
4. Breathe after the Spirit.
He is called the
Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). He purifies the heart as lightning purifies
the air. That we may see what a purifying virtue the Spirit has, he is compared
to various things:
[1] The Spirit is compared to FIRE
(Acts 2:3).
Fire is of a purifying nature. It refines and cleans metals. It separates the
dross from the gold. The Spirit of God in the heart refines and sanctifies it.
He burns up the dross of sin.
[2] The Spirit is compared to WIND.
'There came a
sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind, and they were all filled with the
Holy Spirit' (Acts 2:24). The wind purifies the air. When the air by reason of
foggy vapors is unwholesome, the wind is a fan to winnow and purify it. Thus
when the vapors of sin arise in the heart—vapors of pride and covetousness,
earthly vapors—the Spirit of God arises and blows upon the soul and purges away
these impure vapors. The spouse in the Canticles prays for a gale of the Spirit,
that she might be made pure (4:16).
[3] The Spirit is compared to WATER.
'He who
believes on me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water; but this
spoke he of the Spirit' (John 7:38, 39). The Spirit is like water, not only to
make the soul fruitful, for it causes the desert to blossom as the rose
(Isaiah 32:15; 35:1)—but the Spirit is like water to purify. Whereas,
before, the heart of a sinner was unclean and whatever he touched had a tincture
of impurity (Numbers 19:22), when once the Spirit comes into the heart, with his
continual showers, he washes off the filthiness of it, making it pure and fit
for God to dwell in.
5. Take heed of close converse and fellowship with the
wicked.
One vain mind makes another vain. One hard heart makes
another. The stone in the body is not infectious—but the stone in the
heart is. One profane person poisons another. Beware of the society of the
wicked.
Some may object: But what hurt is in this? Did not Jesus
converse with sinners? (Luke 5:29).
[1] There was a necessity for that. If Jesus had not come
among sinners, how could any have been saved? He went among sinners—but not to
join with them in their sins. He was not a companion of sinners—but a
physician of sinners.
[2] Though Christ did converse with sinners, he could not be
polluted with their sin. His divine nature was a sufficient antidote to preserve
him from infection. Christ could be no more defiled with their sin—than the sun
is defiled by shining on a dunghill. Sin could no more stick on Christ—than a
burr on a crystal. The soil of his heart was so pure—that no viper of sin could
breed there. But the case is altered with us. We have a storehouse of corruption
within, and the least thing will increase this storehouse. Therefore it is
dangerous mingling ourselves among the wicked. If we would be pure in heart—let
us shun their society. He who would preserve his garment clean, avoids the dirt.
The wicked are as the mire (Isaiah 57:20). The fresh waters running among
the salt waters, taste brackish.
6. If you would be pure, walk with those who are pure.
As the communion of the saints is in our Creed, so it should be in
our company. 'He who walks with the wise, shall be wise' (Proverbs
13:20), and he who walks with the pure, shall be pure. The saints are like a bed
of spices. By intermixing ourselves with them we shall partake of their
savouriness. Association begets assimilation. Sometimes God
blesses godly society, to the conversion of others.
7. Wait at the posts of wisdom's doors.
Reverence
the Word preached. The Word of God sucked in by faith (Hebrews 4:2) transforms
the heart into the likeness of it (Romans 6:17). The Word is a holy seed (James
1:18), which being cast into the heart makes it partake of the divine nature (2
Peter 1:4).
8. Pray for heart purity.
Job propounds the
question, 'Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?' (Job 14:4; 15:14).
God can do it. Out of an impure heart—he can produce grace. Pray that prayer of
David, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God' (Psalm 51:10). Most men pray more for
full purses, than pure hearts. We should pray for heart-purity fervently. It is
a matter we are most nearly concerned in. 'Without holiness no man shall see the
Lord' (Hebrews 12:14). Our prayer must be with sighs and groans (Romans
8:23-26). There must not only be elocution but affection. Jacob
wrestled in prayer (Genesis 32:24). Hannah poured out her soul (1 Samuel
1:15). We often pray so coldly (our petitions even freezing between our lips),
as if we would teach God to deny our prayers. We pray as if we did not care
whether God heard us or not!
Oh Christian, be earnest with God for a pure heart!
Lay your heart before the Lord and say, "Lord, You who have given me a heart,
give me a pure heart. My heart is good for nothing as it is. It defiles
everything it touches. Lord, I am not fit to live with this heart—for I cannot
honor you; nor fit to die with it—for I cannot see you. Oh purge me with hyssop.
Let Christ's blood be sprinkled upon me. Let the Holy Spirit descend upon me.
'Create in me a clean heart, O God'. You who bid me to give you my heart—Lord,
make my heart pure and you shall have it!"
The blessed PRIVILEGE of seeing God explained
"They shall see God!" Matthew 5:8
These words are linked to the former and they are a great
incentive to heart-purity. The pure heart shall see the pure God. There is a
double sight which the saints have of God.
1. In this life
; that is, spiritually by the
eye of faith. Faith sees God's glorious attributes in the looking-glass of
his Word. Faith beholds him showing forth himself through the lattice of his
ordinances. Thus Moses saw him who was invisible (Hebrews 11:27). Believers see
God's glory as it were—veiled over. They behold his 'back parts' (Exodus
33:23).
2. In the life to come
; and this glorious sight is
meant in the text, 'They shall see God.' A glorious prospect! This divines call
'the beatific vision'. At that day the veil will be pulled off, and God
will show himself in all his glory to the soul, just as a king on a day of
coronation, shows himself in all his royalty and magnificence. This sight of
God, will be the heaven of heaven. We shall indeed have a sight of
angels, and that will be sweet—but the quintessence of happiness and the
diamond in the ring will be this—'We shall see God!' It would be night
in heaven, if the Sun of Righteousness did not shine there. It is the king's
presence, which makes the court. Absalom counted himself half-alive,
unless he might see the king's face (2 Samuel 14:32).
'Blessed are the pure in heart—for they shall see God!' This
sight of God in glory is, first, partly mental and intellectual. We shall
see him with the eyes of our mind.
But second, it is partly physical; not that we can with
bodily eyes behold the bright essence of God. Indeed, some erroneously held that
God had a visible shape and figure. As man was made in God's image, so they
thought that God was made in man's image; but God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and
being a Spirit, he is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). He cannot be beheld by bodily
eyes. 'Whom no man has seen, nor can see' (1 Timothy 6:16). A
sight of his glory would overwhelm us. This wine is too strong for our weak
heads.
But when I say our seeing of God in heaven is physical, my
meaning is that we shall with bodily eyes behold Jesus Christ, through whom the
glory of God, his wisdom, holiness, and mercy, shall shine forth to the soul.
Put a back of steel to the glass—and you may see a face in it. So the human
nature of Christ is as it were a back of steel through which we may see the
glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:6). In this sense that scripture is to be
understood, 'With these eyes shall I see God' (Job 19:26, 27).
Now concerning this blessed sight of God, it is so sublime
and sweet, that I can only draw a dark shadow of it. We shall better
understand it—when we come to heaven. At present I shall lay down these
nine MAXIMS
concerning this beatific vision.
1. Our sight of God in heaven shall be a CLEAR sight.
Here we see him 'through a glass darkly' (1 Corinthians 13:12). But
through Christ we shall behold God in a very illustrious manner. God will unveil
himself and show forth his glory—so far as the soul is capable to receive. If
Adam had not sinned, it is probable that he would never have had such a clear
sight of God—as the saints in glory shall have. 'We shall see him as he is' (1
John 3:2). Now we see him as he is not. There we shall see him 'as he is' in a
very clear manner. 'Then shall I know—even as also I am known' (1
Corinthians 13:12), that is, 'clearly'. Does not God know us clearly and fully?
Then shall the saints know him (according to their capacity) as they are known.
As their love to God, so their sight of God—shall be perfect.
2. This sight of God will be a TRANSCENDENT sight.
It will surpass in glory. Such glittering beams shall sparkle forth from
the Lord Jesus, as shall infinitely amaze and delight the eyes of the beholders!
Imagine what a blessed sight it will be, to see Christ wearing the robe of our
human nature and to see that nature sitting in glory above the angels. If God is
so beautiful here in his ordinances, Word, prayer, sacraments; if there is such
excellency in him when we see him by the eye of faith through the
telescope of a promise, O what will it be when we shall see him 'face to face'!
When Christ was transfigured on the mount, he was full of
glory (Matthew 17:2). If his transfiguration was so glorious, what will
his exaltation be! What a glorious time will it be when (as it was said
of Mordecai) we shall see him in the presence of his Father, 'arrayed in royal
apparel, and with a great crown of gold upon his head' (Esther 8:15). This will
be glory beyond hyperbole! If the sun were ten thousand times brighter than it
is—it could not so much as shadow out this glory. In the heavenly horizon we
behold beauty in its first magnitude and highest elevation. There we shall 'see
the king in his glory' (Isaiah 33:17). All lights are but eclipses,
compared with that glorious vision. Apelles' pencil could but blot it; angels'
tongues could but dishonor it.
3. This sight of God will be a TRANSFORMING sight.
'We shall be like him' (1 John 3:2). The saints shall be changed
into glory. As when the light springs into a dark room, the room may be said to
be changed from what it was; the saints shall so see God—as to be changed
into his image! (Psalm 17:15). Here on earth, God's people are blackened and
sullied with infirmities—but in heaven they shall be as the dove covered with
silver wings. They shall have some rays and beams of God's glory shining in
them. The crystal, by having the sun shine on it, sparkles and looks like the
sun. Just so, the saints by beholding the brightness of God's glory shall have a
tincture of that glory upon them. Not that they shall partake of God's
very essence, for as the iron in the fire becomes fire—yet remains iron still,
so the saints by beholding the luster of God's majesty shall be glorious
creatures—but yet creatures still.
4. This sight of God will be a JOYFUL sight
. 'You
shall make me glad with the light of your countenance' (Acts 2:28). After a
sharp winter, how pleasant will it be to see the Sun of Righteousness displaying
himself in all his glory! Does faith breed joy? 'Even though you do not see him
now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious
joy' (1 Peter 1:8). If the joy of faith is such, what will the joy of
vision be! The sight of Christ will amaze the eye with wonder, and ravish
the heart with joy. If the face of a friend whom we entirely love so affects us
and drives away sorrow—O how cheering will the sight of God be to the saints in
heaven! Then indeed it may be said, 'Your heart shall rejoice!' (John 16:22).
There are two things which will make the saints' vision of God in heaven joyful.
[1] Through Jesus Christ, the dread and terror of the divine
essence shall be taken away.
Majesty shall appear in God to preserve
reverence—but however, it will be a majesty clothed with beauty and tempered
with sweetness, to excite joy in the saints. We shall see God as a friend, not
as guilty Adam did, who was afraid, and hid himself (Genesis 3:10)—but as Queen
Esther looked upon King Ahasuerus holding forth the golden scepter (Esther 5:2).
Surely this sight of God will not be dreadful, but delightful!
[2] The saints shall not only have vision, but fruition.
They shall so see God, as to enjoy him. True blessedness lies partly in
the understanding—by seeing the glory of God richly displayed; and partly
in the will—by a sweet delicious taste of it and acquiescence of the soul
in it. We shall so see God—as to love him—and so love him as to be
filled with him. The seeing of God implies fruition. 'Enter into
the joy of your Lord' (Matthew 25:21) not only behold it—but enter
into it. 'In your light we shall see light' (Psalm 36:9); there is
vision. 'At your right hand there are pleasures for evermore' (Psalm
16:11); there is fruition. So great is the joy which flows from the sight of
God—as will make the saints break forth into triumphant praises and hallelujahs.
5. This sight of God will be a SATISFYING sight.
Cast three worlds into the heart, and they will not fill it—but the sight
of God satisfies! 'I shall be satisfied when I awake with your likeness' (Psalm
17:15). Solomon says 'The eye is never satisfied with seeing'
(Ecclesiastes 1:8). But there the eye will be satisfied with seeing. God,
and nothing but God, can satisfy. The saints shall have their heads so
full of knowledge, and their hearts so full of joy—that they shall have
no lack.
6. This sight of God will be an UNWEARYING sight.
Let a man see the rarest sight that is—he will soon be cloyed. When he comes
into a garden and sees delightful walks, lovely arbours, pleasant flowers,
within a little while he grows weary; but it is not so in heaven. There is no
cloying there. We shall never be weary of seeing God, for the divine essence
being infinite, there shall be every moment new and fresh delights springing
forth from God into the glorified soul! The soul shall be full and satisfied—yet
still desire more of God. So sweet will God be—that the more the saints behold
God—the more they will be ravished with desire and delight!
7. This sight of God will be a BENEFICIAL sight.
It will tend to the bettering and advantaging of the soul. Some colors, while
they delight the eyes, hurt them. But this knowledge and vision of God, shall
better the soul and tend to its infinite happiness. Eve's looking upon the tree
of knowledge, was harmful to her. But the saints can receive no detriment from
the eternal beholding of God's glory. This sight will be beneficial. The soul
will never be in its perfection, until it comes to see God. This will be
the crowning blessing.
8. This sight of God shall be PERPETUAL.
Here we
see objects awhile, and then our eyes grow dim and we need eye-glasses. But the
saints shall always behold God. As there shall be no cloud upon God's
face, so the saints shall have no mote in their eye. Their sight shall never
grow dim—but they shall be to all eternity looking on God, that beautiful and
delightful object! O what a soul-ravishing sight will this be! God must make us
able to bear it. We can no more endure a sight of glory—than a sight of
wrath. But the saints in heaven, shall have their capacities enlarged,
and they shall be made fit to receive the delightful beams of divine glory!
9. This sight of God will be an IMMEDIATE sight.
There are some who deny that the soul is immediately after death admitted to the
sight of God—but I assert that the saints shall have an immediate transition and
passage from death to glory. As soon as death has closed their
eyes—they shall see God. If the soul is not immediately after death translated
to the beatific vision—then what becomes of the soul in that period of time,
until the resurrection?
Does the soul go into torment? That cannot be, for the
soul of a believer is a member of Christ's mystical body, and if this soul
should go to hell—a member of Christ might be for a time damned. But that is
impossible.
Does the soul sleep in the body as some drowsily
imagine? How then shall we make good sense of that scripture 'We are willing
rather to be absent from the body—and to be present with the Lord'?
(2 Corinthians 5:8) If the soul at death is absent from the body, then it
cannot sleep in the body.
Does the soul die? It appears that the soul of a
believer after death, goes immediately to God. 'This day shall you be
with me in paradise' (Luke 23:43). That word 'with me' shows clearly that
the thief on the cross was translated to heaven. For there Christ was (Ephesians
4:10). And the word 'this day' shows that the thief on the cross had an
immediate passage from the cross to paradise. Therefore, the souls of believers
have an immediate vision of God after death. It is but winking—and they
shall see God!
See the misery of an IMPURE sinner.
He shall never be admitted to the blessed sight of
God. Only the pure in heart shall see God. Such as live in sin, whose souls are
dyed black with the filth of hell—they shall never come where God is. They shall
have an affrighting vision of God—but not a beatific vision. They
shall see the flaming sword and the burning lake—but not the mercy-seat! God in
Scripture is sometimes called a 'consuming fire', sometimes the 'Father of
lights'. The wicked shall feel the fire—but not see the light. Impure souls
shall be covered with shame and darkness as with a mantle, and shall never see
the king's face. Those who would not see God in his Word and ordinances—shall
not see him in his glory.
Is there such a blessed privilege after this life? Then let
me persuade all who hear me this day:
1. To get into Christ.
We can come to God—only by
Christ. Moses when he was in the rock saw God (Exodus 33:32). Only in
this blessed rock, Christ—shall we see God.
2. To be purified people.
It is only the pure in
heart, who shall see God. It is only a clear eye, which can behold a bright
transparent object. Only those who have their hearts cleansed from sin, can have
this blessed sight of God. Sin is such a cloud as, if it is not removed,
will forever hinder us from seeing the Sun of Righteousness. Christian,
have you upon your heart 'holiness to the Lord'? Then you shall see God.
'There are many,' says Augustine, 'who want to go to heaven—but they will not
take the holy way which alone leads there!'
There are several sorts of eyes which shall never see God—the
ignorant eye, the unchaste eye, the scornful eye, the
malicious eye, the covetous eye. If you would see God when you die,
you must be purified people while you live! 'We know that when He appears, we
will be like Him, because we will 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).
Let me turn myself to the PURE in heart.
1. Stand amazed at this privilege
—that you
who are worms crept out of the dust—should be admitted to the blessed sight of
God, for all eternity! It was Moses' prayer, 'I beseech you, show me your glory'
(Exodus 33:18). The saints shall behold God's glory! The pure in heart
shall have the same blessedness that God himself has. For what is the
blessedness of God—but the contemplating his own infinite glory and beauty!
2. Begin your sight of God here on earth.
Let the
eye of your faith be ever upon God. Moses by faith 'saw him who is
invisible' (Hebrews 11:27). Often look upon him with believing eyes—whom
you hope to see with glorified eyes. 'My eyes are ever towards the Lord'
(Psalm 25:15). While others are looking towards the earth as if
they would fetch all their comforts thence—let us look up to heaven!
There is the best sight. The sight of God by faith would let in much joy to the
soul. 'You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him
now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy!' (1
Peter 1:8).
3. Let this be a cordial, to revive the pure in heart.
Be comforted with this—you shall shortly see God! The godly have
many sights here on earth, which they do not desire to see. They see a body of
death; they see evil and sin; they see unholy people wearing the mask of
religion; they see the white devil. These sights occasion sorrow. But there is a
blessed sight a-coming! 'They shall see God!' And in him, are all
sparkling beauties and ravishing joys to be found!
4. Do not be discouraged at sufferings.
All the
hurt that affliction and death can do—is to give you a sight of God. As one said
to his fellow-martyr, 'One half-hour in glory, will make us forget all our
pain!' When the sun rises—all the dark shadows of the night flee away. When the
pleasant beams of God's countenance begin to shine upon the soul in heaven—then
sorrows and sufferings shall be no more! The dark shadows of the night,
shall fly away. The thoughts of this coming beatific vision, should carry a
Christian full sail with joy through the waters of affliction! This made
Job so willing to embrace death: 'But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives!
And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for
myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes! I am overwhelmed at the thought!'
(Job 19:25-27).