Sermon from Sunday May 5

seeing god through a purified heart
Pastor mark Scholten *   s.o.t.m  SERIES  7   05/04/2008 LISTEN

spiritual sheepdogs
Pastor mark Scholten *   JAMES SERIES   25  05/04/2008  LISTEN

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Purity is a sacred refined thing. It stands diametrically opposed to whatever defiles. We must distinguish the various kinds of purity.
First, there is a primitive purity which is in God originally and essentially, as light is in the sun. Holiness is the glory of the Godhead: 'Glorious in holiness' (Exodus 15:11). God is the origin, pattern and prototype of all holiness.
Second, there is a created purity. Thus holiness is in the angels, and was once in Adam. Adam's heart did not have the least spot or tincture of impurity. We call that wine pure which has no mixture; and that gold pure which has no dross mingled with it. Such was Adam's holiness. It was like the wine which comes from the grape, having no mixture. But this is not to be found on earth. We must go to heaven for it.
Third, there is an evangelical purity; whence grace is mingled with some sin—like gold in the ore; like wine which has a dreg in it; like fine cloth with a blemish; like Nebuchadnezzar's image, part of silver, and part of clay (Daniel 2:35). This mixture God calls purity in a gospel-sense; as a face may be said to be fair, which has some freckles in it. Where there is a study of purity and a loathing ourselves for our impurity—this is to be 'pure in heart'.
Some by pure in heart, understand chastity, others sincerity (Psalm 32:2). But I suppose purity here is to be taken in a larger sense for the several kinds and degrees of holiness. They are said to be pure, who are consecrated people, having the oil of grace poured upon them. This purity is much mistaken.
Civility and morality are not purity. A man may be clothed with great moral virtues, such as justice, charity, prudence, temperance—and yet go to hell.

– Brian Schwertley