“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
It is the conviction of sin that drives a man to seek forgiveness from the One whom he has offended – the Father; that forgiveness can only be found because of the sacrifice of the Son – Jesus Christ; when we believe in God and trust in Christ Jesus, we are given the down payment on our salvation – the Holy Spirit. After that, much of what follows is up to us.
When we respond to the call of God, we are, above all, seeking forgiveness from the burden of sin, and this gate is opened to us by the Blood of Christ; many are satisfied with the relief that follows, but from the Father’s point of view, what He seeks is that we become pure in heart in this life, sons like the Son, in preparation for life eternal.
God Himself is waiting for our response; waiting and watching (Matthew 6:4-6); He offers His presence as an encouragement to draw us into the eternal world that is all about us, encompassing us, embracing us, waiting for us to realise it, recognise it and enter into it. It is there, within our reach, but we must struggle to reach it and take hold of it.
If our response is true, we will begin to be drawn to the things of God, focusing on that which is pleasing to Him, disdaining the things of this world in favour of that holy presence; as we submit our inner selves to the Word of God, the Spirit within will grow and begin to take control. It is our submission and obedience alone that gives the Spirit authority to do that which only He is able to do; He will not wrench our lives from our hands; we must give them over in humble submission and surrender, grateful that there is One who is willing to take on the task of purifying our hearts.
Thus, the spiritual world, the true world, will begin to take shape before the eyes of our soul and there will be an inward revelation of the Godhead; a new God-consciousness will grow within and we will start to hear His voice and taste of His holy presence. The true light that, entering into the world, enlightens every man (John 1:9) will shine continually, constantly occupying our thoughts and guiding our steps and drawing us in to never-ending fellowship.
It is in this place and condition that we are finally able to see God in His triune manifestation; the Father against whom we have sinned, the Son, in whom we have the example of sonship that we are to follow if we are to be saved, and the Spirit, who dwells within to encourage, to inspire, to guide and to teach.
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