Purity Described

Hebrews 13:20-21 says, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

My Dear Comrades, Has anything I have said set anyone among you longing after the possession of the precious, the inestimable blessing of a Pure Heart? Has anyone in your Corps been heard singing: "Oh, when shall my soul find her rest, My strugglings and wrestlings be o'er; My heart, by my Saviour possessed, Be fearing and sinning no more?"

It is those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness” who will be filled. If that desire has begun in you, even in a small way, I am glad. Let me help deepen that longing by showing you some of the blessings that come from having a pure heart.

And the first is this: 1. A Pure Heart Produces a Holy Life But what do I mean by a holy life? It is a life that reflects the teachings and promises of Scripture—a life shaped after the example of Jesus Christ. It will not be perfect. There will still be weaknesses and mistakes. But according to the light a person has received, it will be truly holy. Is such a life not worth desiring, my comrades? Is it not a great privilege to live out your faith before your family, your coworkers, and the world? Such a person becomes a blessing wherever they go.

Look at their life: They are honest and faithful in all they do—at work, at home, and in every place. They keep their word. What they promise, they fulfil. They can be trusted, whether seen or unseen. They are diligent. They do not avoid responsibility or waste time, but do their work faithfully. They are kind, loving to their family, gentle with the weak, and compassionate toward those in need. They care deeply for others, seeking the restoration of those who have fallen, and praying for those who are lost. Such a person lives a holy life, not only outwardly, but inwardly. In thought, attitude, and desire, they seek to please God. This is the life that flows from a pure heart. Is this not something to desire? I thank God for those of you who, by His grace, already live in this reality—but I want all of you to enter into it.

2. A Pure Heart Brings Peace A pure heart also brings peace. In fact, true peace cannot exist without it. Now, do not expect a life of constant happiness here on earth—that is not possible. Our human weaknesses, life’s difficulties, and the struggles of living in a broken world make sure of that. But peace—the deep, steady peace of God—is your inheritance. And with a pure heart, it can be yours.

Yes, there will still be battles: You will face opposition from the enemy You will face resistance from the world You will face challenges because you stand for what is right But in a heart that has been cleansed: The struggle with God is over The conflict within the conscience is settled The fear of death and judgment is gone Such a soul has entered into the rest of God.

Do you know this peace, my comrades? Has the inward struggle ended? Do not delay. Let the Holy Spirit, who is ready to make you fully clean, remove everything that stands against your soul. It is not your struggles, your hardships, or your limitations that rob you of peace. Sin is the enemy.

And when pride, laziness, ambition, unbelief, and every other evil is removed, then your peace will flow like a river, and your righteousness will rise like the waves of the sea.

3. A Pure Heart Welcomes the Presence of God Purity of heart is the condition for God to fully dwell within you.

Listen carefully—this is a deep mystery, but it is gloriously true: God desires not only to be with you, but to live in you.

No matter how unnoticed or unimportant you may seem in the eyes of the world, God Himself—the One whom heaven cannot contain—wants to make your heart His home.

Not as a visitor, but as one who stays.

An old writer once said, “God has two homes: one in heaven, and one in the hearts of His people.” God Himself says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with the one who is humble and contrite in spirit…” And again: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock… if anyone opens, I will come in.”

Can you hear Him calling?

Will you not open your heart to Him?

Will you not let go of anything that keeps Him out?

Open the door fully. Welcome Him in—now.

I have much more to say on this precious subject, but it must wait for another time.

Do not delay in seeking full salvation.