Some have proposed that the Beatitudes speak to a progression in the Christian life. If this is the case, perhaps there is a path to purity.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy…”
Humility is the starting place with Jesus. Can the proud ever have a pure heart in God’s sight? Perhaps this is why Peter had to go through failure after he boasted of the things he would do for Jesus. What mourning comes when we see ourselves as we really are! But Jesus taught that such mourning would lead to blessing. It did for Peter. He was not only comforted, but he became meek. A transformed Peter called all disciples to walk in the meekness of Christ. He wrote, “Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
The pure in heart have learned to hunger and thirst for righteousness. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”, Jesus said. But who can attain righteousness? “There is no one righteous, not even one!” How we need mercy! “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “I am unrighteous, my heart is impure… have mercy on me!” “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
As is righteousness, a pure heart is found in only one place. Jesus alone is righteous, and He gives the gift of righteousness to all who put their faith in Him. Jesus alone has a pure heart, but He can make our hearts pure as we follow Him. And what a promise belongs to those that do.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8