Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“. . . seeing you have purified your souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit . . .”
1Peter 1:22
It is a fearful thing to consider that, at some point, whatever is in our hearts is going to be exposed by Jesus, whether good or evil. David understood this, and he prayed that God would make his heart feel right things and be inclined toward God’s Law (Ps. 119:36). He wanted to be found innocent when the time came for what was in his heart to be made public.
How do we who have been born in iniquity become “pure in heart”? We cannot, by our own will and strength. It is impossible for fallen humans to raise themselves out of their fallen state and purify themselves. But if we embrace and obey what God tells us, then the holy truth that we obey will purify us. God’s way to purify our hearts is for Him to bear the burden of making us clean and perfecting our faith. If we listen to His word and obey it, a purging process takes place without us so much as thinking about it. God makes us ever more like Him as we continue to obey Him.
Then, rest in hope. Don’t try to carry the burden that none but God Himself can carry. You cannot make your own heart pure; yet, your heart can be made pure. All you have to do is to obey the word of God that has come to you. And you know that you can do that.