The Pure in Heart by A. M. L.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 30, 1872

The Pure in Heart.

By A. M. L.

“BLESSED are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.” Matt. 5 : 8.

This promise, in the midst of others of a like nature, assures the believer that he shall see God. A pure heart! How different from the natural, depraved heart! One who has a carnal heart, or mind, filled with the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life, cannot see God. The apostle writes: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which, no man shall see the Lord.”

But how is this fitness to be accomplished, this state of holiness to be attained? Says the apostle, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but 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. Paul, in his exhortation to Titus, says, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” After giving special directions for the aged and the young, he says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak and exhort.”

Here we have the grace of God which bringeth salvation well defined; and it is to be accomplished in “this present world.” Moreover, he exhorts and encourages us to look for that “blessed hope.” Then why should we be ashamed of our hope? It is, indeed, a glorious hope; one which all the New Testament writers were familiar with, and looked forward to, as the time of their reward. Those only who fulfill the conditions can have a well-grounded hope. There are many who are hoping and expecting to see their Lord in peace, who will utterly fail of their hopes and expectations.

Many who are placing their dependence upon universal salvation are not striving to lead a pure life. They strongly assert the doctrine, and vaguely hope it may be true. The greater part who hold to it, only follow their leaders, without attempting to examine for themselves. “If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Poor souls! Could they but get a glimpse of the character of a holy God, his matchless purity, and weigh well his requirement, “Be ye holy, for I am holy,” how would they sink speechless before him! They could not then expect to enter Heaven in all their impurity. Doubtless there are many honest ones who have been driven to this extreme by an equally extreme position in the opposite direction—that of endless misery. But the light is shining, and such will gladly exchange error for truth. How ought we to appreciate God’s plan of saving men, and enter into it with all our hearts as co-workers with him, purifying our souls through obedience to the truth, thus working

out our salvation with fear and trembling, and yet with a confidence that admits of no doubt. A. M. L.

Palermo, N. Y.