What does it mean that the pure in heart will see God?

from the old testament

• The Psalmist offers a powerful example of one who would seek to be pure in heart. In turning from sin, he wrote, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10 NIV).
• Matthew 5:8 teaches that if we are pure in heart, cleansed and forgiven from sin, and drawing near to Him, we "shall see God." Other places in the Bible make it clear that this does not mean we will physically see God face to face. The Lord told Moses, "man shall not see me and live" (Exodus 33:20).
• Psalm 73:1 teaches that those who are “pure in heart” are blessed by Godg: "Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart."

from the new testament

• Similarly, Jesus taught in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." The Greek word for “blessed” can be translated "happy" and simply refers to a positive or joyful state of being.
• Believers become pure in heart before God at salvation (see Isaiah 1:18; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5), but they still also have sin in their lives that impacts their relationship with God (1 John 1:8). When a person lives with the guilt of sin, it is difficult to walk closely with God (Psalm 32:3-5).
• The pure in heart desire to draw near to God, and James 4:8 tells us, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." This closeness of relationship of knowing and “seeing” God is possible for the pure in heart.
• Sin distorts our purity of heart, which is why it is important to repent and confess our sins, as 1 John 1:9 teaches: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
• Seeking after the things of God helps us live as pure in heart. Philippians 4:8 encourages pure living and thinking: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
• John 1:18 confirms that seeing God does not mean physically seeing Him face to face: "No one has ever seen God." Instead, we will be able to "see" in the sense of understanding God better. Each of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 have to do with being closer to God or satisfied in God. When we are pure in heart, we will be closer to God than if we live impure lives.

implications for today

The Beatitudes are a series of blessings Jesus proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12), describing the attitudes and characteristics of those who are part of God's kingdom. They reveal what kingdom living looks like as we live on this earth. “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8) reveals God’s desire for us to live apart from sin, as those saved from sin. It also reveals His desire for us to know and walk with Him. Being pure in heart is not about following a list of rules—it’s about drawing near to God and experiencing the fullness of life He offers. This begins at salvation and continues as we are transformed by Him. When our hearts are free from sin’s weight, we can walk in the joy and peace that come from knowing Him deeply. The more we focus our thoughts and desires with what is true and good, the more we see and recognize His presence in our daily lives. This kind of kingdom living brings us closer to God and allows us to live a life of joy. It also reflects who He is to those around us, allowing others to see His goodness by the way we live. Purity of heart is a call to holiness and an invitation to a life of joy, clear purpose, and deep closeness with God.