I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8). Obviously the Old Covenant’s focus on pure actions changed to inward purity in the New Covenant. What is the content of this purity? The Greek word “katharos,” translated pure, does not play a dominate role in New Testament language. However, ”katharos” is linked in usage with “holy,” “obedience,” “sanctification,” and “love.” These words must be viewed against the opposite state of “sin.”
The message of the angel to Joseph before Jesus was born is startling. Joseph needed instruction because he concluded not to make her a public example. He decided to put her away secretly (Matthew 1:19). During the revelation the angel spoke, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The mission of Jesus was to rescue us from sin. The Book of Matthew unfolds in revealing that the opposite of sin is purity of heart. The deed or external action is not the determining factor, but the motive and intent of the heart. Therefore the substance of purity is found in the attitude of the heart. This truth complicates the issue of purity. I cannot conquer my outward actives and force them into purity; I must conquer my inner motive and it will change my actives. I cannot do this! I need Jesus! He is my only answer for heart purity! I am a Jesus pusher!!!