[A principal part of the Jewish religion consisted in outward washings and cleansings: because of this THEY EXPECTED TO ENCOUNTER GOD, to enjoy eternal glory: but Jesus shows us that a cleansing and purification of the heart, from all impurities and desires, is essential to ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD. If our soul is not delivered from ALL SIN, through the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we can have no Scriptural hope of ever being with God!]
“Blessed are THE PURE IN HEART, for THEY WILL SEE GOD.” (Matt. 5:8)
[The one whose conscience is clean; whose heart is not filled with deception and not influenced by unholy desires.]
“Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has CLEAN HANDS AND A PURE HEART …They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication [justification] from God their Savior.” (Psa. 24:3-5)
[Create in me a clean heart – Mending will not benefit; without you Jesus, my heart is corrupted; IT MUST BE NEW MADE, made as it was in the beginning. This is exactly the sentiment of Paul: Circumcision does not accomplish this, nor does uncircumcision, but A NEW CREATION; and salvation given under the Gospel dispensation is called a being CREATED ANEW IN CHRIST JESUS.]
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow…Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psa. 51:7-12)
[Flee from sin, run after righteousness and – WHATEVER IS JUST, HOLY, AND INNOCENT. Faith – loyalty to God, purifying the grace by which our soul may be saved, and faithfully doing what God has called us to do, that we may be used of the Lord to save the souls of others. We must have Agape Love – to God and man.!]
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS.” …there are articles of gold and silver, wood and clay…for special purposes and…for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be INSTRUMENTS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, ALONG WITH THOSE WHO CALL ON THE LORD OUT OF A PURE HEART.” (2 Tim. 2:19-22)
YES, ABBA FATHER; KEEP MY HEART PURE FOR YOUR USE!
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that:
WE CAN CALL ON THE LORD WITH A PURE HEART!
–Bill Stockham