| Matthew 5:8-12 Display Chapter and Footnotes 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. [Blessed are those whom the Holy Spirit cleanses to purity, for they will see the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus appear in their hearts, in ever increasing glory. When he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And every man who has this hope in him purifies himself, even as He [Jesus] is pure. 1 John 3:2-3. He is revealed not just to be seen, but He then guides you through the rest of your life with what to do and say; then you are working righteousness like He did. Unless you have a pure heart, you will not see God; without a heart purified while on earth, you will see the Lord at your death, which will be a terrifying experience.] 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. [Blessed are those who seek and attain peace, which is the fruit of having attained righteousness, and which is quietness and confident trust (unquestionable assurance) forever. Then the peace of Christ will rule your heart; rule as king, rule your thoughts, rule your words, and rule your deeds.] 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [All who are determined to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12. Therefore, since Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, because he who has suffered in the flesh is finished with sin. 1 Peter 4:1-2. It is through many trials and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God, Acts 14:22. If there is no suffering, (even to being scourged), there is no being a son of God and no salvation, which is to be freed from sin.] 11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [Speaking to his true disciples, (then and now), Jesus said: If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, and because I have chosen you out of the world, the world therefore hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word [and practiced my teachings], they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you for my name’s sake, because they do not know him who sent me. John 15:18-21; yes, the time is coming when whoever kills you will think that he is doing a service to God. John 16:2. Just as the religious establishment persecuted Jesus then, just as the religious establishment persecuted the early Quakers, including hanging them in Boston, so will the religious establishment persecute the Spirit of Jesus wherever it fully appears in His followers.] 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Display Chapter and Footnotes |