“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8.

The Jews believed themselves to be pure because of their rigorous adherence to ceremonial washings and manmade teachings. They thought that their burdensome regulations would earn them favor with God, but Jesus never encouraged this kind of thinking. He pointed His hearers to a purity of heart that people cannot procure on their own.

All who enter the celestial city will be free from Earth’s defilement. Revelation 21:27. As we learn of Jesus, there will grow in us a distaste for careless manners and disgusting language. Christ, abiding in the heart, will refine our thoughts and speech. Jesus wants “the hidden purposes and motives of the soul” to be “free from pride and self-seeking, humble, unselfish, childlike.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 25.

When the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts to reveal the truth about Christ and the infinite price He paid to save humanity, “The pure in heart see God in a new and endearing relation, as their Redeemer.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 26. They will discern the beauty and the exalted character of Christ and will long to be like Him. As they see the beauty and harmony of the Creator’s handiwork, they will know that He can create in them a new heart and a right spirit. Psalm 51:10.

In our sojourn in this world, we behold Christ through a dark mirror, but at the Second Coming of our Lord, we will see Him face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12. “We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2, 3