Many times “pure” is used in the Old Testament to describe gold. Other times it describes the type of material or substance used in worship. In Leviticus, when the LORD gave instructions on what to used during Israel’s holy days and religious feasts they were instructed, among other things, to use “pure oil,” “pure candle stick,” “pure frankincense” etc. Even the animals used for sacrifice were to be pure without blemish [spot, fault, stain, etc]
In the New Testament, Jesus uses the word “pure” only once; and this was during the Sermon on the Mount. Many of us know Matthew 5:8 which says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” But what did Jesus mean by “pure in heart?”? [I will come back to this question later]
If you know anything about purifying gold, you know that is goes through fire to take out all of the impurities. What does impurity mean? It means, dirt, infection, uncleanness, adulteration [ruining, corruption, tarnishing], pollution, dirtiness, etc. I think we got the picture. So when applying the word “pure” to ourselves, it means that we have to go through a process. It means “purity” or being “pure” is not a one-time activity then everything falls in place with nothing impure coming from us.
Using the King James Version Bible, the word “purity” is used only two times: 1 Timothy 4:12 [Let no man despise your youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity] and 1 Timothy 5:12 [The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity].
What was Paul saying to Timothy? Let’s remember that Timothy was a youthful believer. When Paul said “your youth”, he was indicating that Christian authority depends on one’s character rather than age. He was saying that Timothy must be “an example” as a Christian [leader]. Timothy must be a model to others in several ways, such as by what Timothy said; by what he did; by him demonstrating true love; by him showing a right spirit or attitude; by him adhering to the truths of the Christian faith; and, by him maintaining moral purity and integrity. This also applies to each believer.
Therefore, what are we saying about purity? Purity simply means the state of being pure, uncorrupted or undefiled. It also implies remaining uncontaminated and free of uncleanness. However, purity does not mean that a person is a Christian. Purity does not mean you are right with God. It does not make you righteous. Purity does not mean you are going to heaven. Being a Christian requires you accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and walking with Christ Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit. Paul mentioned the importance of us having a pure or uncluttered devotion to Jesus when he stated: “But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ [2 Corinthians 11:3 ]. Moreover, Jesus said that those with a pure heart would have supernatural sight- "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Coming back to the meaning of “pure in heart,” one question many people do not ask about this verse is, “what does ‘heart’ mean.” Some people say “I gave my heart to Jesus,” or “I invited Jesus into my heart.” What do they really mean?
Heart = your thoughts, emotions, affections and attitude
Simply put, “heart” means giving or turning your thoughts, emotions, affections and attitude over to Jesus. You let Jesus through His Word guide and direct your “heart.” The Bible says, you do it by hearing the Word and doing what it says. Moreover, if you have not thought about it, reading the Bible is “hearing” what God has to say to you.
There are several passages concerning the necessity of purity in our thoughts and affections. To the Philippians, Paul says, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things [Philippians 4:8].
This verse tells us to do things that reflect our spiritual thoughts, emotions, affections and attitude. Whatever we do ultimately is an extension of our thoughts, emotions, affections and attitudes. The Bible says we speak out of the abundance of our heart. That is, the things we say is taken from the large quantity of thoughts, emotions, affections and attitude we have stored up inside of us.
In closing, as Christians it is important that we strive towards living a life of purity with the help of the Holy Spirit. Purity within itself does not make a person a Christian. Yet, one cannot say he is a Christian and not be striving to a life of purity with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Remember: Being pure does not make you righteous or holy.
