Jesus said that if we are to be blessed, we need to be “pure in heart” (Mt. 5:8). As we saw in my previous blog on this topic, the Greek word for “pure” refers to the removal of something unclean or useless from our lives that will result in having an undivided, authentic, and sincere heart. 

Old Testament prophecies were given that gave the Israelites a glimpse of what was to come when the New Covenant arrived, which was inaugurated by the shedding of Jesus blood on the cross. This opened the door for the forgiveness of sins for all those who repent and turn to Christ in faith. Jeremiah prophesied, “Behold, the days are coming when I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (Jer. 31:31-33). The prophet Ezekiel added another crucial element to what would happen when Christ came, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezek. 11:19; 36:26).

This is what we call the “transformation of the heart.” Remember, Jesus said, “The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, for out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, and slanders. These are the things that defile a person…” (Mt. 15:18-19). It’s the heart that needs to change, and that’s something that only God can do. The Apostle Paul exhorts every follower of Christ to “…put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other….and put on love which is the perfect bond of unity” (Col. 3:12-14). Having such a heart is only possible if Christ has first given us a “new heart,” and that new heart is given to each and every person when they respond to Christ’s invitation to “receive Him” by faith (Jn. 1:12).

I find it interesting that the Apostle Paul, with all of the theology and practical exhortations found in each of his letters, gives a clear and concise purpose in all of his teaching to Timothy, “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (I Tim. 1:5). Notice the emphasis upon having a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. This should be the goal of all instruction coming from all pastors, teachers, church leaders, and in fact, anyone who is discipling others. 

Jesus concludes this beatitude by saying that the pure in heart “…will see God.” What does this mean? I believe that there are both future and present aspects of this blessing. The future aspect suggests that those who have such a heart will one day stand in God’s presence. King David asked a question, which he then answered, “Who may stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Ps. 24:2-3). But we don’t have to wait until that time, as there is also the present aspect of this promise. 

The Greek word for “see” is horao, and it means to “perceive,” “discern,” or “recognize.” In other words, those with a “pure heart” will be able to recognize that God is alive and working throughout His creation, and the primary evidence of this comes from the one who has been given a “new heart.” This is the person who has first hand evidence of “seeing God work” in his or her own life. These are the ones who are given “eyes to see” the great and marvelous things that God is doing, not only around the world, but also in the lives of those around them.

One of my dear friends who now lives in Colorado used to say, “Just look around and see what God is doing.” Even though she is getting up in years, this exhortation is still on her lips. It is my prayer that God is also doing something in your life. If God’s Spirit has been nudging you, letting you know that you need a “new heart,” you should know that He specializes in giving gifts. A “new heart” is a gift from God being offered to you. All you need to do is ask. There is no reason to wait. Go ahead, just ask.