Devotionals

What Does God Mean by a Pure Heart?

by Michael Edwards 
11/11/23
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Purity is mentioned most in the Old Testament, usually referring to the purity of materials for the temple’s construction. Pure gold for example, unmixed with other contaminants.   If you think about pure gold, you can understand the concept of what God means by having a pure heart, unmixed, undivided. A heart that keeps God and His will first, single minded, not divided between the Spirit and the flesh.

Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:8 NLT

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 ESV

God has been pointing out to me that many of my struggles come because my heart is divided between God and the world. I can even see it in my morning devotional time with the Lord where it can be difficult to stay focused on God, the cares of the world crowding in.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Rom 8:6 ESV

To have a pure heart is summed up in the first commandment (Matt 22:37-38), that we all fail to keep. This can lead the enemy to bring condemnation if we are not careful. Thankfully, we have Christ’s abounding mercy, grace and forgiveness. And we are not alone, King David’s broken and contrite heart, and truthful admission of his divided heart reminds me that only God can give me the pure heart I seek.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV

‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Act 13:22b ESV

Father, I come to you with a broken and contrite heart. My heart has been divided between my flesh and the Spirit. I desire to have your pure heart within me, where we are one and your will comes first in my life. Help me, Lord. Amen

Blessed are the pure (undivided) in heart, for they will see God. Matt 5:8 NIV (Emphasis Mine)

Many more New Covenant Bible Studies HERE. Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross. 

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” Luke 22:20