Who does not want a clean house? Who does not like a clean car? What if we are originally “wired” or “designed” to love and to long for things that are clean and pure?
There is an important spiritual principle revealed in Scripture that the Lord has reminded me of recently:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
That is what Jesus declared to His disciples through the Sermon on the Mount, which is called the Beatitudes. And I believe this principle still applies to Christ’s followers and believers today.
In my experience as a scientist/researcher, I have learned that seeing an invisible thing is fascinating. With technological advances, scientists can now image or visualize tiny objects (from micro to nanoscale) through X-ray microscope (the method is known as X-ray computed tomography).
What would be far more fascinating, at least in my view, is to see the Creator of it all—from the smallest particle to the biggest universe.
But, how is it possible to “see” the Almighty? Well, back to the Jesus’ teaching: we will see God with the eyes of our [pure] heart. It is indeed one of the spiritual blessings we have been promised to receive as we put our faith in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:3-4).
So this means that mankind can see God the Father ONLY through Jesus, the Son of God. No other prophets, nor priests, nor any religious leaders will be able to allow us to “see” God. Christ Jesus is the only One who reflects and represents fully the character of God—His holiness, His love, and His power.
Now, Scripture also reveals that as we put our hope in Jesus, we purify ourselves. As it is written:
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3, NKJV)
Another English translation puts it this way:
“My dear brothers, we are God’s children now. No one knows yet what we shall be like. But we know that when Jesus comes, we will be like Him. We will see Him as He really is. Everyone who has this hope about Christ makes his life holy. He makes his life holy and clean, just as Christ is holy.” (1 John 3:3, Worldwide English)
Did you see that? As Christians, we have this hope that when Christ appears, we will be like Him. We shall see Him as He really is. This means that we shall see Him in all His fullness—His glory and majesty—and the beauty of His holiness.
In the meantime, as we wait for Christ’s return, we can make our life holy and clean by having hope in Christ, especially hope for His appearance. This means we don’t need to go to an isolated place, or avoid certain food, or make any religious/sacrificial offering in order to earn holiness. Simply, put our hope in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. What a remarkable, undeserved blessing for sinners!
Scripture reveals that everyone has sinned and we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Romans 3:23). If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).
I would imagine that for us to say we have no sin is like to say our house [or car] is without dust [or dirt]. Could anyone show me here that one’s house is dust-less or dirt-less? 🙂
But, what if you have someone who is committed to help you clean your house every day? It would be awesome, right? Well, as a follower of Christ, that is exactly the promise that we have in Him!
Scripture, again, reveals that our body is a temple of God, where the Holy Spirit resides. And this Holy Spirit is our Helper, who is committed to us—as we surrender our lives to Jesus—to sanctify us and to transform us to be more like the One we worship and love.
Christian life is a journey of transformation from sinners to saints. We have received the gift of salvation through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Moreover, we have also received the gift of sanctification through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Again, what a remarkable, undeserved blessing for sinners!
Tell me any other gods who are so committed to their worshippers just as our Lord Jesus who has so passionately loved us and given everything for you and me—the beloved sons and daughters of God—even while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). There is indeed none like Him!
As we reflect on God’s love [that purifies our souls], may we look to Christ and be strengthened or renewed in our hope, love, and faith in Him. May we allow God to do what He alone can do in our lives as the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify us each day.
As we surrender our life to God, we proclaim the supremacy of His kingdom and the sovereignty of His will. We declare that His kingdom is more powerful than any other government in heaven and on earth. We acknowledge that His will [and wisdom] is greater than ours. In this way, we fulfill the first part of the Lord’s prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
God is holy—the only One who is perfect in all of His ways. And He also wants us to be holy—to be the partakers of His holiness (1 Peter 1:16, Hebrews 12:10). Now, what would be your response to this holy invitation? I believe deep down in my heart I would want to embrace God’s holiness because that would satisfy my deepest need and longing as a sinner. And I hope the same is true for you.
Since I got baptized, I have been a Christian for 24 years now. Looking back, I could testify that this sanctifying work of God is really at work! I am amazed by how God has transformed my life, how He has cleansed my dirty heart, and how He has replaced the ugliness [sinful anger, arrogance, bitterness, envy, hatred, hypocrisy, stubbornness] in me with the holiness in Christ.
This is, of course, not to say that I am now holier than others. I will not boast in anything—my own efforts or self-righteousness—except in the love and power of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that has been demonstrated through His death and resurrection. To Him be all the glory.
Yes, the work of salvation is finished. But, the work of sanctification is ongoing.
That is why we can hold on to this comforting promise:
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, ESV)
“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.” (Jude 1:24, NLT)
Jesus Christ is our righteousness and holiness, so we can stand before the holy God with confidence and see Him in His eyes with great joy!
This article was originally drafted on March 31, 2025 and finalized on April 5, 2025 by the author in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada. The featured image was adopted from online resources.
Read also:
Pearls of Mind 