TheBeatitudes

byA.W.Pink

TableofContents

Introduction

TheFirstBeatitude:Blessedarethepoorinspirit

TheSecondBeatitude:Blessedaretheythatmourn

TheThirdBeatitude:Blessedarethemeek

TheFourthBeatitude:Blessedaretheywhichdohungerandthirstafterrighteousness

TheFifthBeatitude:Blessedarethemerciful

TheSixthBeatitude:Blessedarethepureinheart

TheSeventhBeatitude:Blessedarethepeacemakers

The Eighth Beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted forrighteousness'sake

Conclusion

Introduction

Opinion has been much divided concerning the design, scope, andapplicationoftheSermonontheMount.MostcommentatorshaveseeninitanexpositionofChristianethics.MensuchasthelateCountTolstoihaveregardeditasthesettingforthofa"goldenrule"forallmentoliveby.Othershavedweltupon itsdispensationalbearings, insisting that it

belongs not to the saints of the present dispensation but to believerswithinafuturemillennium.Twoinspiredstatements,however,revealitstruescope.InMatthew5:1,2,welearnthatChristwashereteachingHisdisciples.FromMatthew7:28,29,itisclearthatHewasalsoaddressingagreatmultitudeofthepeople.ThusitisevidentthatthisaddressofourLordcontainsinstructionbothforbelieversandunbelieversalike.

ItneedstobeborneinmindthatthissermonwasChrist'sfirstutterancetothegeneralpublic,whohadbeenrearedinadefectiveJudaism.ItwaspossiblyHisfirstdiscoursetothedisciples,too.Hisdesignwasnotonlyto teach Christian ethics but to expose the errors of Pharisaism and toawaken the consciences of His legalistic hearers. In Matthew 5:20 Hesaid, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of thescribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the Kingdom ofHeaven."Then,totheendofthechapter,HeexpoundedthespiritualityoftheLawsoastoarouseHishearerstoseetheirneedofHisownperfectrighteousness. Itwas their ignorance of the spirituality of theLaw thatwastherealsourceofPharisaism,foritsleadersclaimedtofulfilltheLawintheoutwardletter.ItwasthereforeourLord'sgoodpurposetoawakentheir consciences by enforcing the Law's true inner import andrequirement.

It is to be noted that this Sermon on the Mount is recorded only inMatthew's Gospel. The differences between it and the Sermon on thePlain in Luke 6 are pronounced and numerous. While it is true thatMatthewisbyfarthemostJewishofthefourGospels,

yetwebelieveitisaseriousmistaketolimititsapplicationtogodlyJews,eitherof thepastor the future.Theopeningverseof theGospel,whereChrist is presented in a twofold way, should warn us against such arestriction. There He is presented as Son of David and as Son ofAbraham,"thefatherofallthemthatbelieve"(Romans4:11).Therefore,wearefullyassuredthatthissermonenunciatesspiritualprinciplesthatobtainineveryage,andonthisbasisweshallproceed.

Christ'sfirstpreachingseemstohavebeensummarizedinoneshortbutcrucialsentence, likethatofJohntheBaptistbeforeHim:"Repentyou:for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2; 4:17). It is not

appropriateinabriefstudysuchasthistodiscussthatmostinterestingtopic,theKingdomofheaven—whatitisandwhatthevariousperiodsofits development are—but these Beatitudes teach us much about thosewho belong to that Kingdom, and upon whom Christ pronounced itshighestformsofblessing.

Christcameonce in the flesh,andHe iscomingyetagain.EachadventhasaspecialobjectasconnectedwiththeKingdomofHeaven.ThefirstadventofourLordwasforthepurposeofestablishinganempireamongmen and over men, by laying the foundations of that empire withinindividualsouls.Hissecondcomingwillbeforthepurposeofsettingupthatempireinglory.Itisthereforevitallyimportantthatweunderstandwhat the character of the subjects in that Kingdom is, so that wemayknow whether we belong to the Kingdom ourselves, and whether itsprivileges,immunities,andfuturerewardsareapartofourpresentandfuture inheritance.Thusonemaygraspthe importanceofadevoutandcarefulstudyoftheseBeatitudes.Wemustexaminethemasawhole;wecannot take one alone without losing a part of the lesson they jointlyteach. These Beatitudes form one portrait. When an artist draws apicture,eachlinemaybegracefulandmasterful,butitistheunionofthelines that reveals their mutual relation; it is the combination of thevarious artistic delineations and minute touches that gives us thecomplete portrait. So here, though each separate aspect has its ownpeculiarbeautyandgraceandshowsthehandofamaster,itisonlywhenwetakeallthelinesincombinationthatwegetthefullportraitofatruesubject and citizen in the Kingdom of God (Dr. A. T. Piersonparaphrased).

God'sgreatsalvation is free,"withoutmoneyandwithoutprice"(Isaiah55:1).ThisisamostmercifulprovisionofDivinegrace,forwereGodtooffersalvationforsalenopoorsinnercouldsecureit,seeingthathehasnothingwithwhichtopurchaseit.Butthevastmajorityareinsensibleofthis;yes,allofusareuntiltheHolySpiritopensoursin-blindedeyes.Itisonlythosewhohavepassedfromdeathtolifewhobecomeconsciousoftheirpoverty,taketheplaceofbeggars,aregladtoreceiveDivinecharity,and begin to seek the true riches. Thus "the poor have the Gospelpreachedtothem"(Matthew11:5),preachednotonlytotheirears,butto

theirhearts!

Thus poverty of spirit, a consciousness of one's emptiness and need,resultsfromtheworkoftheHolySpiritwithinthehumanheart.Itissuesfromthepainfuldiscovery thatallmyrighteousnessesareas filthyrags(Isaiah64:6).Itfollowsmybeingawakenedtothefactthatmyverybestperformancesareunacceptable(yes,anabomination)tothethriceHolyOne.Thusonewho ispoor in spirit realizes thathe is aHell-deservingsinner.

Poverty of spiritmay be viewed as the negative side of faith. It is thatrealization of one's utter worthlessness that precedes a laying hold ofChristby faith,aspiritualeatingofHis fleshanddrinkingofHisblood(John6:48-58).ItistheworkoftheSpiritemptyingtheheartofself,thatChristmayfillit.Itisasenseofneedanddestitution.ThisfirstBeatitude,then, is foundational, describing a fundamental trait that is found ineveryregeneratedsoul.Theonewhoispoorinspiritisnothinginhisowneyes,and feels thathisproperplace is in thedustbeforeGod.Hemay,through false teaching or worldliness, leave that place, but God knowshowtobringhimback.AndinHisfaithfulnessandloveHewilldoso,fortheplaceofhumbleself-abasementbeforeGodistheplaceofblessingforHischildren.HowtocultivatethisGod-honoringspiritisrevealedbytheLordJesusinMatthew11:29.

Hewho is inpossessionof thispovertyof spirit ispronouncedblessed:becausehenowhas adisposition that is the very reverse of thatwhichwas his by nature; because he possesses the first sure evidence that aDivineworkofgracehasbeenwroughtwithinhim;becausesuchaspiritcauseshimtolookoutsideofhimselffortrueenrichment;becauseheisanheiroftheKingdomofHeaven.

TheFirstBeatitude

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven"(Matthew5:3).

Itisindeedblessedtomarkhowthissermonopens.Christbegannotby

pronouncingmaledictions on thewicked, but bypronouncingblessingsonHis people.How likeHimwas this, towhom judgment is a strangework(Isaiah28:21,22;cf.John1:17).Buthowstrangeisthenextword:"blessed"or"happy"arethepoor—"thepoorinspirit."Who,previously,hadeverregardedthemas theblessedonesofearth?Andwho,outsidebelievers,doessotoday?AndhowtheseopeningwordsstrikethekeynoteofallChrist'ssubsequentteaching:itisnotwhatamandoesbutwhatheisthatismostimportant.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit." What is poverty of spirit? It is theopposite of that haughty, self-assertive, and self-sufficient dispositionthattheworldsomuchadmiresandpraises.Itistheveryreverseofthatindependent and defiant attitude that refuses to bow to God, thatdeterminestobravethingsout,andthatsayswithPharaoh,"WhoistheLord,thatIshouldobeyHisvoice?"(Exodus5:2).TobepoorinspiritistorealizethatIhavenothing,amnothing,andcandonothing,andhaveneed of all things. Poverty of spirit is evident in a person when he isbroughtintothedustbeforeGodtoacknowledgehisutterhelplessness.ItisthefirstexperientialevidenceofaDivineworkofgracewithinthesoul,and corresponds to the initial awakening of the prodigal in the farcountrywhenhe"begantobeinwant"(Luke15:14).

TheSecondBeatitude

"Blessedaretheythatmourn,fortheyshallbecomforted"(Matthew5:4).

Mourningishatefulandirksometopoorhumannature.Fromsufferingandsadnessourspiritsinstinctivelyshrink.Bynatureweseekthesocietyof the cheerful and joyous. Our text presents an anomaly to theunregenerate,yetitissweetmusictotheearsofGod'select.If"blessed,"whydothey"mourn"?Ifthey"mourn,"howcantheybe"blessed"?OnlythechildofGodhasthekeytothisparadox.Themoreweponderourtextthe more we are constrained to exclaim, "Never man spoke like thisMan!" "Blessed [happy] are they thatmourn is an aphorism that is atcompletevariancewiththeworld'slogic.Menhaveinallplacesandinallagesregardedtheprosperousandmirthfulasthehappyones,butChristpronounceshappythosewhoarepoorinspiritandwhomourn.

Now it is obvious that it is not every species ofmourning that is herereferred to. There is a "sorrow of the world [that] works death" (2Corinthians7:10).ThemourningforwhichChristpromisescomfortmustberestrictedtothatwhichisspiritual.Themourningthatisblessedistheresult of a realization of God's holiness and goodness that issues in asense of the depravity of our natures and the enormous guilt of ourconduct. The mourning for which Christ promises Divine comfort is asorrowingoveroursinswithagodlysorrow.

The eight Beatitudes are arranged in four pairs. Proof of this will befurnishedasweproceed.ThefirstoftheseriesistheblessingthatChristpronounced upon those who are poor in spirit, which we took as adescription of those who have been awakened to a sense of their ownnothingness and emptiness. Now the transition from such poverty tomourningiseasytofollow.Infact,mourningfollowssocloselythatitisinrealitypoverty'scompanion.

Themourning that is here referred to is manifestly more than that ofbereavement,affliction,orloss.Itismourningforsin.

Itismourningoverthefeltdestitutionofourspiritualstate,andovertheiniquities that have separated us and God; mourning over the verymorality inwhichwehaveboasted,and the self-righteousness inwhichwe have trusted; sorrow for rebellion against God, and hostility toHiswill;andsuchmourningalwaysgoessidebysidewithconsciouspovertyofspirit(Dr.Pierson).

A striking illustration and exemplification of the spirit uponwhich theSavior here pronounced His blessing is to be found in Luke 18:9-14.Thereavividcontrastispresentedtoourview.First,weareshownaself-righteousPhariseelookinguptowardGodandsaying,"God,IthankYouthatIamnotasothermenare,extortioners,unjust,adulterers,orevenasthispublican. I fast twice in theweek, Igive tithesofall that Ipossess.Thismayallhavebeentrueashelookedatit,yetthismanwentdowntohis house in a state of condemnation.His fine garmentswere rags, hiswhite robeswere filthy, thoughheknew itnot.Thenweare shown thepublican,standingafaroff,who,inthelanguageofthePsalmist,wassotroubledbyhisiniquitiesthathewasnotabletolookup(Psalm40:12).

HedarednotsomuchasliftuphiseyestoHeaven,butsmoteuponhisbreast.Consciousofthefountainofcorruptionwithin,hecried,"Godbemerciful to me a sinner." That man went down to his house justified,becausehewaspoorinspiritandmournedforsin.

Here, then,are the firstbirthmarksof thechildrenofGod.Hewhohasnevercometobepoorinspiritandhasneverknownwhatitistoreallymournforsin,thoughhebelongtoachurchorbeanoffice-bearerinit,has neither seen nor entered the Kingdom of God. How thankful theChristianreaderoughttobethatthegreatGodcondescendstodwell inthe humble and contrite heart! This is thewonderful promisemade byGodevenintheOldTestament(byHiminwhosesighttheheavensarenotclean,whocannotfindinanytemplethatmanhaseverbuiltforHim,however magnificent, a proper dwelling place—see Isaiah 57:15 and66:2)!

"Blessedare they thatmourn."Though theprimary reference is to thatinitialmourningcommonlycalledconvictionofsin,itisbynomeanstobelimitedtothat.Mourningiseveracharacteristicof

thenormalChristianstate.Thereismuchthatthebelieverhastomournover.Theplagueofhisownheartmakeshimcry,"OwretchedmanthatIam"(Romans7:24).Theunbeliefthat"doessoeasilybesetus"(Hebrews12:1)andsinsthatwecommit,whicharemoreinnumberthanthehairsof our head, are a continual grief to us. The barrenness andunprofitableness of our lives make us sigh and cry. Our propensity towander from Christ, our lack of communion with Him, and theshallowness of our love for Him cause us to hang our harps upon thewillows. But there are many other causes for mourning that assailChristianhearts: on everyhandhypocritical religion thathas a formofgodliness while denying the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5); the awfuldishonor done to the truth of God by the false doctrines taught incountless pulpits; the divisions among the Lord's people; and strifebetween brethren. The combination of these provides occasion forcontinual sorrow of heart. The awful wickedness in the world, thedespisingofChrist,anduntoldhumansufferingsmakeusgroanwithinourselves.TheclosertheChristianlivestoGod,themorehewillmournoverallthatdishonorsHim.ThisisthecommonexperienceofGod'strue

people(Psalm119:53;Jeremiah13:17;14:17;Ezekiel9:4).

"Theyshallbecomforted."BythesewordsChristrefersprimarilytotheremovaloftheguiltthatburdenstheconscience.ThisisaccomplishedbytheSpirit'sapplicationoftheGospelofGod'sgracetoonewhomHehasconvictedofhisdireneedofaSavior.TheresultisasenseoffreeandfullforgivenessthroughthemeritsoftheatoningbloodofChrist.ThisDivinecomfort is "the peace of God, which passes all understanding"(Philippians4:7),fillingtheheartoftheonewhoisnowassuredthatheis"accepted in theBeloved" (Ephesians 1:6).Godwounds before healing,andabasesbeforeHeexalts.FirstthereisarevelationofHisjusticeandholiness,thenthemakingknownofHismercyandgrace.

Thewords"theyshallbecomforted"alsoreceiveaconstantfulfillmentintheexperienceoftheChristian.ThoughhemournshisexcuselessfailuresandconfessesthemtoGod,yetheiscomfortedbytheassurancethatthebloodofJesusChrist,God'sSon,cleanseshimfromallsin(1John1:7).ThoughhegroansoverthedishonordonetoGodoneveryside,yetishecomforted by the knowledge that the day is rapidly approaching whenSatanshallbecastintoHellforeverandwhenthesaintsshallreignwiththe Lord Jesus in "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwellsrighteousness"(2Peter3:13).ThoughthechasteninghandoftheLordisoftenlaiduponhimandthough"nochasteningforthepresentseemstobejoyous,butgrievous"(Hebrews12:11),nevertheless,heisconsoledbytherealizationthatthisisallworkingoutforhim"afarmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglory"(2Corinthians4:17).LiketheApostlePaul,thebelieverwhois incommunionwithhisLordcansay,"Assorrowful,yetalwaysrejoicing"(2Corinthians6:10).HemayoftenbecalledupontodrinkofthebitterwatersofMarah,butGodhasplantednearbyatreetosweetenthem.Yes,mourningChristiansarecomfortedevennowbytheDivineComforter: by theministrations ofHis servants, by encouragingwords from fellowChristians, and (when these are not to hand) by thepreciouspromisesoftheWordbeingbroughthomeinpowerbytheSpirittotheirheartsoutofthestorehouseoftheirmemories.

"They shall be comforted." The best wine is reserved for the last."Weepingmayendureforanight,butjoycomesinthemorning"(Psalm30:5).DuringthelongnightofHisabsence,believershavebeencalledto

fellowshipwithHimwhowastheManofSorrows.Butitiswritten,"If...wesufferwithHim..,we[shall]bealsoglorifiedtogether"(Romans8:17).Whatcomfortandjoywillbeourswhenshalldawnthemorningwithoutclouds! Then "sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isaiah 35:10). ThenshallbefulfilledthewordsofthegreatheavenlyvoiceinRevelation21:3,4: Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell withthem,andtheyshallbeHispeople,andGodHimselfshallbewiththem,andbetheirGod.AndGodshallwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes;andthere shall be nomore death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shalltherebeanymorepain:fortheformerthingsarepassedaway.

TheThirdBeatitude

"Blessedarethemeek:fortheyshallinherittheearth"(Matthew5:5).

There have been considerable differences of opinion as to the precisesignificance of thewordmeek. Some regard itsmeaning as patience, aspirit of resignation; some as unselfishness, a spirit of self-abnegation;othersasgentleness,aspiritofnon-retaliation,bearingafflictionsquietly.Doubtless,thereisameasureoftruthineachofthesedefinitions.Yetitappearstothewriterthattheyhardlygodeepenough,fortheyfailtotakenote of the order of this third Beatitude. Personally, we would definemeekness as humility. "Blessed are themeek," that is, the humble, thelowly.Letusseeifotherpassagesbearthisout.

The first time the word meek occurs in Scripture is in Numbers 12:3.Here the Spirit of God has pointed out a contrast from that which isrecorded in the previous verses. There we read of Miriam and Aaronspeaking againstMoses: "Has the Lord indeed spoken only byMoses?HasHe not spoken also by us?" Such language betrayed the pride andhaughtinessof theirhearts, their self-seekingandcraving forhonor.Astheantithesisofthisweread,"NowthemanMoseswasverymeek."Thismustmeanthathewasactuatedbyaspirittheveryoppositeofthespiritofhisbrotherandsister.

Moseswashumble, lowly,andself-renouncing.This is recorded forouradmirationandinstructioninHebrews11:24-26.Mosesturnedhisback

onworldlyhonorsandearthly riches,deliberatelychoosing the lifeofapilgrim rather than that of a courtier. He chose the wilderness inpreference to the palace. The humbleness ofMoses is seen againwhenJehovahfirstappearedtohiminMidianandcommissionedhimtoleadHis people out of Egypt. "Who am I," he said, "that I should go untoPharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out ofEgypt?" (Exodus3:11).What lowliness thesewordsbreathe!Yes,Moseswasverymeek.

Other Scripture texts bear out, and seem to necessitate, the definitionsuggestedabove."ThemeekwillHeguideinjudgment:andthemeekwillHeteachHisway"(Psalm25:9).Whatcanthismeanbutthatthehumbleand lowly-hearted are the ones whom God promises to counsel andinstruct?"Behold,yourKingcomesuntoyou,meek,andsittinguponandonkey" (Matthew 21:5). Here is meekness or lowliness incarnate."Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual,restore suchanone in thespiritofmeekness; consideringyourself, lestyoualsobetempted"(Galatians6:1).Isitnotplainthatthismeansthataspirit of humility is required in him who would be used of God inrestoring an erring brother?We are to learn of Christ,whowas "meekand lowly inheart."The latter termexplains the former.Note that theyarelinkedtogetheragaininEphesians4:2,wheretheorderis"lowlinessand meekness." Here the order is deliberately reversed from that inMatthew11:29.Thisshowsusthattheyaresynonymousterms.

Having thus sought to establish that meekness, in the Scriptures,signifiedhumilityandlowliness,letusnownotehowthisisfurtherborneoutbythecontextandthenendeavortodeterminethemannerinwhichsuchmeeknessfindsexpression.ItmustbesteadilykeptinmindthatintheseBeatitudesourLordisdescribingtheorderlydevelopmentofGod'swork of grace as it is experientially realized in the soul. First, there ispovertyofspirit:asenseofmyinsufficiencyandnothingness.Next,thereismourningovermylostconditionandsorrowingovertheawfulnessofmy sins againstGod.Following this, in order of spiritual experience, ishumblenessofsoul.

The one in whom the Spirit of God has worked, producing a sense ofnothingness and of need, is now brought into the dust before God.

Speaking as one whom God used in the ministry of the Gospel, theApostlePaulsaid,"Theweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythrough God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting downimaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against theknowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to theobedienceofChrist"(2Corinthians10:4,5).Theweapons

thattheapostlesusedwerethesearching,condemning,humblingtruthsofScripture.These,asappliedeffectuallybytheSpirit,weremightytothepulling down of strongholds, that is, the powerful prejudices and self-righteousdefenseswithinwhichsinfulmentookrefuge.Theresultsarethe same today: proud imaginations or reasonings—the enmity of thecarnalmindandtheoppositionofthenewlyregeneratemindconcerningsalvationisnowbroughtintocaptivitytotheobedienceofChrist.

BynatureeverysinnerisPharisaical,desiringtobejustifiedbytheworksoftheLaw.Bynatureweallinheritfromourfirstparentsthetendencytomanufactureforourselvesacoveringtohideourshame.BynatureeverymemberofthehumanracewalksinthewayofCain,whosoughttofindacceptancewithGodon thegroundofanofferingproducedbyhisownlabors.Inaword,wedesiretogainastandingbeforeGodonthebasisofpersonalmerits;wewishtopurchasesalvationbyourgooddeeds;weareanxioustowinHeavenbyourowndoings.God'swayofsalvationistoohumblingtosuitthecarnalmind,foritremovesallgroundforboasting.Itisthereforeunacceptabletotheproudheartoftheunregenerate.

Man wants to have a hand in his salvation. To be told that God willreceive nothing from him, that salvation is solely a matter of Divinemercy, that eternal life is only for those who come empty-handed toreceive it solely as amatter of charity, is offensive to the self-righteousreligionist.Butnotso to theonewho ispoor inspiritandwhomournsoverhisvileandwretchedstate.Theverywordmercyismusictohisears.EternallifeasGod'sfreegiftsuitshispoverty-strickencondition.Grace—thesovereignfavorofGodtothehell-deserving—isjustwhathefeelshemusthave!Suchaonenolongerhasanythoughtofjustifyinghimselfinhis own eyes; all his haughty objections against God's benevolence arenow silenced.He is glad to own himself a beggar and bow in the dustbeforeGod.Once, likeNaaman,herebelledagainstthehumblingterms

announcedbyGod'sservant;butnow,likeNaamanattheend,heisgladtodismountfromhischariotofprideandtakehisplaceinthedustbeforetheLord.

ItwaswhenNaamanbowedbeforethehumblingwordofGod'sservantthathewashealedofhisleprosy.Inthesameway,whenthesinnerownshisworthlessness,Divinefavorisshowntohim.SuchaonereceivestheDivineblessing:"Blessedarethemeek."SpeakinganticipativelythroughIsaiah,theSaviorsaid,"TheLordhasanointedMetopreachgoodtidingsuntothemeek"(Isaiah61:1).Andagainitiswritten,"FortheLordtakespleasureinHispeople:Hewillbeautifythemeekwithsalvation"(Psalm149:4).

WhilehumilityofsoulinbowingtoGod'swayofsalvationistheprimaryapplication of the third Beatitude, it must not be limited to that.Meekness is also an intrinsic aspect of the "fruit of the Spirit" that iswroughtinandproducedthroughtheChristian(Galatians5:22,23).Itisthat quality of spirit that is found in one who has been schooled tomildnessbydisciplineandsufferingandbrought intosweetresignationtothewillofGod.When inexercise, it is thatgrace in thebeliever thatcauseshimtobearpatientlyinsultsandinjuries,thatmakeshimreadytobe instructedandadmonishedby the leasteminentofsaints, that leadshimtoesteemothersmorehighlythanhimself(Philippians2:3),andthatteacheshimtoascribeallthatisgoodinhimselftothesovereigngraceofGod.

On the other hand, truemeekness is notweakness. A striking proof ofthis is furnished in Acts 16:35-37. The apostles had been wrongfullybeatenandcastintoprison.Onthenextdaythemagistratesgaveordersfortheirrelease,butPaulsaidtotheiragents,"Letthemcomethemselvesandfetchusout."God-givenmeeknesscanstandupforGod-givenrights.WhenoneoftheofficerssmoteourLord,Heanswered,"IfIhavespokenevil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smite you Me?" (John18:23).

ThespiritofmeeknesswasperfectlyexemplifiedonlybytheLordJesusChrist, who was "meek and lowly in heart." InHis people this blessedspirit fluctuates, oftentimes beclouded by risings up of the flesh. Of

Mosesitissaid,"Theyprovokedhisspirit,sothathespokeunadvisedlywith his lips" (Psalm 106:33). Ezekiel says of himself: "I went inbitterness, intheheatofmyspirit;butthehandoftheLordwasstronguponme"(Ezekiel3:14).OfJonah,afterhismiraculousdeliverance,weread: "It displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry (Jonah4:1).EventhehumbleBarnabaspartedfromPaulinabittertemper(Acts15:37-39). What warnings are these! How much we need to learn ofChrist!

"Blessed are themeek: for they shall inherit the earth." Our Lord wasalludingto,andapplying,Psalm37:11.Thepromiseseemstohavebothaliteralandspiritualmeaning:"Themeekshallinherittheearth;andshalldelightthemselvesintheabundanceofpeace."Themeekarethosewhohave the greatest enjoyment of the good things of the present life.Delivered fromagreedyandgraspingspirit, theyarecontentwithsuchthingsastheyhave."Alittlethatarighteousmanhasisbetterthantherichesofmanywicked"(Psalm37:16).Contentmentofmindisoneofthefruits ofmeekness of spirit. The proud and restless do not "inherit theearth,"thoughtheymayownmanyacresofit.ThehumbleChristianhasfarmoreenjoymentinacottagethanthewickedhasinapalace."Betteris little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and troubletherewith"(Proverbs15:16).

"Themeekshallinherittheearth."Aswehavesaid,thisthirdBeatitudeisanallusiontoPsalm37:11.MostprobablytheLordJesuswasusingOldTestamentlanguagetoexpressNewCovenanttruth.Thefleshandbloodof John 6:50-58 and the water of John 3:5 have, to the regenerate, aspiritualmeaning;soherewiththewordearthor land.BothinHebrewand inCreek, the principal terms rendered by ourEnglishwords earthandlandmaybetranslatedeitherliterallyorspiritually,dependinguponthecontext.

Hiswords,literallyunderstood,are,"theyshallinherittheland,"thatis,Canaan, "the land of promise." He speaks of the blessings of the neweconomyinthelanguageofOldTestamentprophecy.Israelaccordingtotheflesh(theexternalpeopleofGodundertheformereconomy)wereafigureofIsraelaccordingtothespirit(thespiritualpeopleofGodundertheneweconomy);andCanaan,the[earthly]inheritanceoftheformer,is

thetypeofthataggregateofheavenlyandspiritualblessingswhichformtheinheritanceofthelatter.To"inherittheland"istoenjoythepeculiarblessingsofthe

peopleofGodundertheneweconomy;itistobecomeheirsoftheworld,heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ [Romans 8:17]. It is to be"blessed.., with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ"[Ephesians 1:3], to enjoy that true peace and rest of which Israel's inCanaanwasafigure(Dr.JohnBrown).

Nodoubtthereisalsoreferencetothefactthatthemeekshallultimatelyinheritthe"newearth,whereindwellsrighteousness"(2Peter3:13).

TheFourthBeatitude

"Blessedaretheywhichdohungerandthirstafterrighteousness.fortheyshallbefilled"(Matthew5:6).

In the first three Beatitudes we are called upon to witness the heartexercisesofonewhohasbeenawakenedbytheSpiritofGod.First,thereis a sense of need, a realization of my nothingness and emptiness.Second, there is a judging of self, a consciousness of my guilt, and asorrowingovermylostcondition.Third,thereisacessationofseekingtojustifymyself beforeGod, an abandonment of all pretenses to personalmerit,andatakingofmyplaceinthedustbeforeGod.Here,inthefourthBeatitude,theeyeofthesoulisturnedawayfromselftowardGodforaveryspecialreason:thereisalongingafterarighteousnessthatIurgentlyneedbutknowthatIdonotpossess.

Therehasbeenmuchneedlessquibblingas to theprecise importof theword righteousness in our present text. The best way to ascertain itssignificanceistogobacktotheOldTestamentScriptureswherethistermisused,andthentoshineuponthesethebrighterlightfurnishedbytheNewTestamentEpistles.

"Drop down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour downrighteousness:lettheearthopen,andletthembringforthsalvation,and

let righteousness springup together; I theLordhavecreated it" (Isaiah45:8). The first half of this verse refers, in figurative language, to theadventofChristtothisearth;thesecondhalftoHisresurrection,whenHewas"raisedagainforourjustification"(Romans4:25)."HearkenuntoMe, you stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: I bringnearMyrighteousness;itshallnotbefaroff,andMysalvationshallnottarry:andIwillplacesalvationinZionforIsraelMyglory"(Isaiah46:12,13)."Myrighteousness is near;My salvation is gone forth, andMine arms shalljudge the people; the isles shall wait uponMe, and onMine arm shalltheytrust"(Isaiah51:5)."ThussaystheLord,Keepyoujudgment,anddojustice: for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to berevealed"(Isaiah56:1)."IwillgreatlyrejoiceintheLord,mysoulshallbejoyfulinmyGod;forHehasclothedmewiththegarmentsofsalvation,Hehascoveredmewiththerobeofrighteousness"(Isaiah61:10a).Thesepassages make it clear that God's righteousness is synonymous withGod'ssalvation.

TheScripturescitedaboveareunfoldedinPaul'sEpistletotheRomans,wheretheGospelreceivesitsfullestexposition.InRomans1:16,17a,Paulsays,"ForIamnotashamedoftheGospelofChrist:foritisthepowerofGoduntosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieves;totheJewfirst,andalsototheGreek.ForthereinistherighteousnessofGodrevealedfromfaithtofaith."InRomans3:22-24weread,"EventherighteousnessofGodwhichis by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: forthereisnodifference:Forallhavesinned,andcomeshortofthegloryofGod;BeingjustifiedfreelybyHisgracethroughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus."InRomans5:19,thisblesseddeclarationismade:"Forasbyoneman'sdisobediencemanyweremade[legallyconstituted]sinners,so by the obedience of One shall many be made [legally constituted]righteous." InRomans10:4,we learnthat"Christ is theendof theLawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieves."

Thesinnerisdestituteofrighteousness,for"thereisnonerighteous,no,notone"(Romans3:10).Godhas,therefore,providedinChristaperfectrighteousness for each and all of His people. This righteousness, thissatisfyingof all thedemandsofGod'sholyLawagainstus,wasworkedoutbyourSubstituteandSurety.This righteousness isnow imputed to

(thatis,legallycreditedtotheaccountof)thebelievingsinner.JustasthesinsofGod'speoplewerealltransferredtoChrist,soHisrighteousnessisplaceduponthem(2Corinthians5:21).These fewwordsarebutabriefsummaryoftheteachingofScriptureonthisvitalandblessedsubjectoftheperfectrighteousnessthatGodrequiresofusandthatisoursbyfaithintheLordChrist.

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness."Hungeringandthirstingexpressesvehementdesire,ofwhichthesoulisacutelyconscious.First, theHolySpiritbringsbeforethehearttheholyrequirementsofGod.HerevealstousHisperfectstandard,whichHecannever lower.Heremindsus thatexceptyourrighteousnessshallexceedtherighteousnessofthescribesandPharisees,youshallinnocaseenterinto the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:20). Second, the tremblingsoul,consciousofhisownabjectpovertyandrealizinghisutterinabilityto measure up to God's requirements, sees no help in himself. Thispainful discovery causes him tomourn and groan. Have you done so?Third,theHolySpiritthencreatesintheheartadeep"hungerandthirst"that causes the convicted sinner to look for relief and to seek a supplyoutside of himself. The believing eye is then directed to Christ, who is"THELORDOURRIGHTEOUSNESS"(Jeremiah23:6).

Like the previous ones, this fourth Beatitude describes a twofoldexperience.Itobviouslyreferstotheinitialhungeringandthirstingthatoccurs before a sinner turns toChrist by faith. But it also refers to thecontinual longing that isperpetuated in theheartof every saved sinneruntil his dying day. Repeated exercises of this grace are felt at varyingintervals. The onewho longed to be saved byChrist, now yearns to bemade like Him. Looked at in its widest aspect, this hungering andthirstingreferstoapantingoftherenewedheartafterGod(Psalm42:1),a yearning for a closer walk withHim, and a longing formore perfectconformitytotheimageofHisSon.IttellsofthoseaspirationsofthenewnatureforDivineblessingthatalonecanstrengthen,sustain,andsatisfy.

Our textpresents suchaparadox that it is evident thatno carnalmindeverinventedit.CanonewhohasbeenbroughtintovitalunionwithHimwho is theBread of Life and inwhomall fullness dwells be found stillhungeringandthirsting?Yes,suchistheexperienceoftherenewedheart.

Markcarefullythetenseoftheverb:itisnot"Blessedaretheywhichhavehungered and thirsted," but "Blessed are they which do hunger andthirst."Do you, dear reader?Or are you contentwith your attainmentsand satisfied with your condition? Hungering and thirsting afterrighteousness has always been the experience of God's true saints(Philippians3:8-14).

"Theyshallbefilled."Likethefirstpartofourtext,thisalsohasadoublefulfillment,bothinitialandcontinuous.WhenGodcreatesahungerandathirstinthesoul,itissothatHemaysatisfythem.WhenthepoorsinnerismadetofeelhisneedforChrist,itistotheendthathemaybedrawntoChrist and led to embraceHim as his only righteousness before a holyGod. He is delighted to confess Christ as his new-found righteousnessandtogloryinHimalone(1Corinthians1:30,31).Suchaone,whomGodnow calls a "saint" (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1;Philippians 1:1), is to experience an ongoing filling: not with wine,whereinisexcess,butwiththeSpirit(Ephesians5:18).HeistobefilledwiththepeaceofGodthatpassesallunderstanding(Philippians4:7).WewhoaretrustingintherighteousnessofChristshallonedaybefilledwithDivineblessingwithoutanyadmixtureofsorrow;weshallbefilledwithpraise and thanksgiving to Him who wrought every work of love andobedience in us (Philippians 2:12, 13) as the visible fruit ofHis savingwork in and for us. In thisworld, "He has filled the hungrywith goodthings" (Luke 1:53) suchas thisworld canneither give tonorwithholdfromthosewho"seektheLord(Psalm34:10).Hebestowssuchgoodnessandmercyuponus,whoarethesheepofHispasture,thatourcupsrunover (Psalm 23:5, 6). Yet all that we presently enjoy is but a mereforetaste of all that our "God has prepared for them that loveHim" (1Corinthians 2:9). In the eternal state, we will be filled with perfectholiness,for"weshallbelikeHim"(1John3:2).Thenweshallbedonewithsinforever.Thenweshall"hungernomore,neitherthirstanymore.

TheFifthBeatitude

"Blessedarethemerciful:fortheyshallobtainmercy"(Matthew5:7).

In the first four Beatitudes, which have already been considered, a

definiteprogressionofspiritualawakeningandtransformationhasbeennoted as one of the thrusts of our Lord's teaching. First, there is adiscoveryofthefactthatIamnothing,havenothing,andcandonothing—povertyofspirit.Second,thereisconvictionofsin,aconsciousnessofguiltproducinggodlysorrow—mourning.Third,thereisarenouncingofself-dependence and a taking of my place in the dust before God—meekness.Fourth, there followsan intense longingafterChristandHissalvation—hungeringandthirstingafterrighteousness.But,inasense,allof this is simply negative, for it is the believing sinner's perception ofwhat isdefective inhimselfandayearning forwhat isdesirable. In thenextfourBeatitudeswecometothemanifestationofpositivegoodinthebeliever, the fruitsofanewcreationandtheblessingsofa transformedcharacter.Howthisshowsus,oncemore,theimportanceofnotingthatorderinwhichGod'struthispresentedtous!

"Blessedarethemerciful: fortheyshallobtainmercy."Howgrosslyhasthis text been perverted by merit-mongers! Those who insist that theBible teachessalvationbyworksappeal to thisverse insupportof theirperniciouserror.Butnothingcouldbe less to theirpurpose.OurLord'spurposeisnottosetforththefoundationuponwhichthesinner'shopeofmercyfromGodmustrest,butratheritistodescribethecharacterofHisgenuine disciples. Mercifulness is a prominent trait in this character.According to our Lord's teaching, mercy is an essential feature of thatholycharactertowhichGodhasinseparablyconnectedtheenjoymentofHisownsovereignkindness.Thus,thereisnothingwhateverinthisversethatfavorstheerroneousteachingsofRomanCatholicism.

ThepositionoccupiedbythisBeatitudeinitscontextisanotherkeytoitsinterpretation.Thefirstfourdescribetheinitialexercisesofheartinonewhohasbeenawakenedby theHolySpirit. In thepreceding verse, thesoulisseenhungeringandthirstingafterChrist,andthenfilledbyHim.Hereweareshownthe firsteffectsandevidencesof this filling.Havingobtainedmercyof theLord, thesavedsinnernowexercisesmercy. It isnotthatGodrequiresustobemercifulinorderthatwemightbeentitledtoHismercy,forthatwouldoverthrowthewholeschemeofDivinegrace!ButhavingbeentherecipientofHiswondrousmercy,Icannothelpbutnowactmercifullytowardothers.

What is mercifulness? It is a gracious disposition toward my fellowcreaturesandfellowChristians.Itisthatkindnessandbenevolencethatfeelsthemiseriesofothers.Itisaspiritthatregardswithcompassionthesufferingsoftheafflicted.Itisthatgracethatcausesonetodeallenientlywithanoffenderandtoscornthetakingofrevenge.

Itistheforgivingspirit;itisthenon-retaliatingspirit;itisthespiritthatgivesupallattemptatself-vindicationandwouldnotreturnaninjuryforan injury, but rather good in the place of evil and love in the place ofhatred.That ismercifulness.Mercybeingreceivedby the forgivensoul,thatsoulcomestoappreciatethebeautyofmercy,andyearnstoexercisetowardotheroffenders similar grace to thatwhich is exercised towardsone'sself(Dr.A.T.Pierson).

Thesourceofthismercifultemperisnottobeattributedtoanythinginour fallen human nature. It is true that there are some who make noprofession of being Christians in whom we often see not a little ofkindlinessofdisposition,sympathy for thesuffering,andareadiness toforgivethosewhohavewrongedthem.Admirableasthismaybe,fromapurelyhumanviewpoint,itfallsfarbelowthatmercifulnessuponwhichChristherepronouncedHisblessing.Theamiabilityof the fleshhasnospiritualvalue,foritsmovementsareneitherregulatedbytheScripturesnor exercised with any reference to the Divine authority. ThemercifulnessofthisfifthBeatitudeisthatspontaneousoutflowofaheartthatiscaptivatedby,andinlovewith,themercyofGod.

ThemercifulnessofourtextistheproductofthenewnatureimplantedbytheHolySpirit inthechildofGod.It iscalledintoexercisewhenwecontemplate thewondrousgrace,pity, and longsufferingofGod towardsuchunworthywretchesasourselves.ThemoreIponderGod'ssovereignmercytome,themoreIshallthinkoftheunquenchablefirefromwhichIhavebeendeliveredthroughthesufferingsof theLordJesus.ThemoreconsciousIamofmyindebtednesstoDivinegrace,themoremercifullyIshallacttowardthosewhowrong,injure,andhateme.

Mercifulness is one of the attributes of the spiritual nature that onereceives at the new birth. Mercifulness in the child of God is but areflection of the abundantmercy that is found in his heavenly Parent.

Mercifulness is one of the natural and necessary consequences of amercifulChrist indwellingus. Itmaynotalwaysbeexercised; itmayattimesbe stifledor checkedby fleshly indulgence.Butwhen thegeneraltenorofaChristian's characterand themain trendofhis lifeare takenintoaccount, it isclearthatmercifulness isanunmistakabletraitof thenewman. "Thewicked borrows, and pays not again; but the righteousshowsmercy,andgives"(Psalm37:21).ItwasmercyinAbraham,afterhehadbeenwrongedbyhisnephew,thatcausedhimtopursueandsecurethe deliverance of Lot (Genesis 14:1-16). It was mercy on the part ofJoseph,afterhisbrethrenhadsogrievouslymistreatedhim,thatcausedhim to freely forgive them (Genesis 50:15-21). It was mercy inMoses,afterMiriamhadrebelledagainsthimandtheLordhadsmittenherwithleprosy, that causedhim to cry, "Heal her now,OGod, I beseechYou"(Numbers12:13).ItwasmercythatcausedDavidtosparethelifeofhisenemySaulwhenthatwickedkingwas inhishands(1Samuel24:1-22;26:1-25). In sad and striking contrast, of Judas it is said that he"remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needyman"(Psalm109:16).

InRomans 12:8 theApostle Paul gives vital instruction concerning thespiritinwhichmercyistobeexercised:"hewhoshowsmercy"istodoso"withcheerfulness."Thedirect referencehere is to thegivingofmoneyforthesupportofpoorbrethren,butthislovingprinciplereallyappliestoallcompassionshowntotheafflicted.Mercyistobeexercisedcheerfully,to demonstrate that it is not only done voluntarily but that it is also apleasure. This spares the feelings of the one helped, and soothes thesorrowsof thesufferer. It is thisqualityofcheerfulness thatgivesmostvalue to the service rendered. The Greek word is most expressive,denotingjoyfuleagerness,agladsomeaffabilitythatmakesthevisitorlikea sunbeam, warming the heart of the afflicted. Since Scripture tells usthat"Godlovesacheerfulgiver"(2Corinthians9:7),wemaybesurethattheLordtakesnoteofthespiritinwhichwerespondtoHisadmonitions.

"Fortheyshallobtainmercy."Thesewordsenunciateaprincipleor lawthatGodhasordainedinHisgovernmentoverourliveshereonearth.Itis summarized in that well-known word: "Whatever a man sows, thatshallhealsoreap"(Galatians6:Th).TheChristianwhoismercifulinhis

dealingswith otherswill receivemerciful treatment at thehands of hisfellows; for "withwhatmeasure youmeet, it shall bemeasured to youagain" (Matthew 7:2). Therefore it is written, "He who follows afterrighteousnessandmercyfindslife,righteousness,andhonor"(Proverbs21:21). The one who shows mercy to others gains personally thereby:"Themercifulmandoesgoodtohisownsoul"(Proverbs11:17a).Thereisan inward satisfaction in the exercise of benevolence andpity towhichthe highest gratification of the selfishman is not to be compared. "Hewhohasmercyonthepoor,happyishe"(Proverbs14:21b).Theexerciseof mercy is a source of satisfaction to God Himself: "He delights inmercy"(Micah7:18).Somustitbetous.

"Fortheyshallobtainmercy."NotonlydoesthemercifulChristiangainbythehappinessthataccruestohisownsoulthroughtheexerciseofthisgrace, not only will the Lord, in His overruling providence, make hismercifulnessreturnagaintohimatthehandsofhisfellowmen,buttheChristian will also obtain mercy from God. This truth David declared:"With themerciful Youwill showYourselfmerciful" (Psalm 18:25).Onthe other hand, the Savior admonishedHis discipleswith thesewords:"But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Fatherforgiveyourtrespasses"(Matthew6:15).

"Fortheyshallobtainmercy."LikethepromisesattachedtothepreviousBeatitudes, this one also looks forward to the future for its finalfulfillment.In2Timothy1:16,18,wefindtheApostlePaulwriting,"TheLordgivemercyuntothehouseofOnesiphorus....TheLordgrantuntohim that he may findmercy of the Lord in that day." In Jude 21, thesaints are also exhorted tobe "looking for themercyof ourLordJesusChrist"—this refers to the ultimate acknowledgment of us as His ownredeemedpeopleatHissecondcominginglory.

TheSixthBeatitude

"Blessedarethepureinheart:fortheyshallseeGod"(Matthew5:8).

This isanotherof theBeatitudes thathasbeengrosslypervertedby theenemies of the Lord, enemies who have, like their predecessors the

Pharisees,posedasthechampionsofthetruthandboastedofasanctitysuperior to thatwhich the true people ofGodwould dare to claim. AllthroughthisChristianera,also,therehavebeenpoor,deludedsoulswhohaveclaimedanentirepurificationoftheoldman.OthershaveinsistedthatGodhassocompletelyrenewedthemthatthecarnalnaturehasbeeneradicated, so that they not only commit no sins but have no sinfuldesiresorthoughts.ButtheSpirit-inspiredApostleJohndeclares,"Ifwesay that we have [present tense] no sin, we deceive ourselves, and thetruth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). Of course, such people appeal to theScripturesinsupportoftheirvaindelusion,applyingtoexperienceversesthat describe the legal benefits of the Atonement. The words "and thebloodofJesusChristHisSoncleansesusfromallsin"(1John1:7)donotmean that our hearts have been washed from every trace of thecorrupting defilements of evil, but primarily teach that the sacrifice ofChristhasavailedforthejudicialblottingoutofsins.WhentheApostlePaul,describingthemanwhoisanewcreatureinChrist,saysthat"oldthings are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2Corinthians5:17),heisspeakingofthenewdispositionoftheChristian'sheart, which is wholly unlike his inner disposition prior to the HolySpirit'sworkofregeneration.

That purity of heart does notmean sinlessness of life is clear from theinspiredrecordofthehistoryofGod'ssaints.Noahgotdrunk;Abrahamequivocated;MosesdisobeyedGod;Jobcursedthedayofhisbirth;ElijahfledinterrorfromJezebel;PeterdeniedChrist."Yes,"perhapssomeonewill exclaim, "but all these things transpired before Christianity wasestablished!"True,butithasalsobeenthesamesincethen.WhereshallwegotofindaChristianofsuperiorattainmentstothoseoftheApostlePaul?Andwhatwashis experience?ReadRomans7and see.Whenhewoulddogood,evilwaspresentwithhim(v.21).Therewasalawinhismembers, warring against the law of his mind, and bringing him intocaptivitytothe lawofsinthatwasinhismembers(v.23).Hedid,withthemind,servetheLawofGod;nevertheless,withthefleshheservedthelawofsin(v.25).Thetruthisthatoneofthemostconclusiveevidencesthatwedopossessapureheartisthediscoveryandconsciousnessoftheremainingimpuritythatcontinuestoplagueourhearts.Butletuscomeclosertoourtext.

"Blessedarethepureinheart."InseekinganinterpretationtoanypartofthisSermonon theMount, the first thing tobear inmind is that thosewhomourLordwasaddressinghadbeenrearedinJudaism.AsonesaidwhowasdeeplytaughtoftheSpirit,

IcannothelpthinkingthatourLord,inusingthetermsbeforeus,hadatacit reference to that character of external sanctity or purity whichbelonged to the Jewish people, and to that privilege of fellowshipwithGod which was connected with that character. They were a peopleseparated from the nations polluted with idolatry; set apart as holy toJehovah;and,asaholypeople,theywerepermittedtodrawneartotheirGod,theonlylivingandtrueGod,intheordinancesofHisworship.Onthepossessionof thischaracter,andon theenjoymentof thisprivilege,theJewishpeopleplumedthemselves.

A higher character, however, and a higher privilege, belonged to thosewhoshouldbethesubjectsoftheMessiah'sreign.Theyshouldnotonlybe externally holy, but "pure in heart"; and they should notmerely beallowed to approach towards the holy place, where God's honor dwelt,but they should "see God," be introduced into the most intimatefellowship with Him. Thus viewed, as a description of the spiritualcharacter andprivileges of the subjects of theMessiah in contrastwiththe external character and privileges of the Jewish people, the passagebefore us is full of themost important and interesting truth (Dr. JohnBrown).

"Blessed are the pure in heart."Opinion is divided as towhether thesewordsofChristrefertothenewheartreceivedatregenerationortothatmoral transformation of character that results from a Divine work ofgracehavingbeenwroughtinthesoul.Probablybothaspectsofthetrutharecombinedhere.InviewofthelateplacethatthisBeatitudeoccupiesin the series, it would appear that the purity of heart upon which ourSavior pronounced His blessing is that internal cleansing that bothaccompanies and follows the new birth. Thus, inasmuch as no inwardpurity exists in thenaturalman, that purity attributed byChrist to thegodly man must be traced back, as to its beginnings, to the Spirit'ssovereignworkofregeneration.

ThePsalmistsaid,"Behold,Youdesiretruthintheinwardparts:andinthehiddenpartYoushallmakemetoknowwisdom"(Psalm51:6).Thisspiritual purity that God demands penetrates far beyond the mereoutwardrenovationsandreformationsthatcomprisesuchalargepartoftheeffortsnowbeingputforthinChristendom!Muchthatweseearoundusisahandreligion—seekingsalvationbyworks—oraheadreligionthatrests satisfiedwith an orthodox creed. ButGod "looks on the heart" (1Samuel16:7),thatis,Helooksuponthewholeinnerbeing,includingtheunderstanding,theaffections,andthewill.ItisbecauseGodlookswithinthatHemustgivea"newheart" (Ezekiel36:26) toHisownpeopleandblessedindeedaretheywhohavereceivedsuch,foritisapureheartthatisacceptabletotheGiver.

As intimated above, we believe that this sixth Beatitude contemplatesboth the new heart received at regeneration and the transformation ofcharacter that followsGod's work of grace in the soul. First, there is a"washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5), by which we understand acleansingof theaffections,whicharenowsubsequentlysetuponthingsabove,insteadofthingsbelow.Thisiscloselylinkedwiththatchangethatfollowsupon theheelsof regeneration, inwhichallbelieversundergoa"purifying[of]theirheartsbyfaith"(Acts15:9).Accompanyingthisisthecleaningoftheconscience(Hebrews10:22),whichreferstotheremovalof the burden of conscious guilt. This results in the inward realizationthat,"beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist"(Romans5:1).

ButthepurityofheartcommendedherebyChristgoesfurtherthanthis.Whatispurity?Itisfreedomfromdefilementanddividedaffections;itissincerity,genuineness,andsinglenessofheart.AsaqualityofChristiancharacter, we would define it as godly simplicity. It is the opposite ofsubtlety and duplicity. Genuine Christianity lays aside not onlymalice,butdeceitandhypocrisyalso.Itisnotenoughtobepureinwordsandinoutward deportment. Purity of desires, motives, and intents is whatshould(anddoesinthemain)characterizethechildofGod.Here,then,isamostimportanttestforeveryprofessingChristiantoapplytohimself.Aremyaffectionssetuponthingsabove?Aremymotivespure?WhydoIassemblewiththeLord'speople?Isittobeseenofmen,orisittomeet

withtheLordandtoenjoysweetcommunionwithHimandHispeople?

"For they shall see God." Once more we would point out that thepromisesattached to theseBeatitudeshavebothapresentanda futurefulfillment.Thepureinheartpossessspiritualdiscernment,andwiththeeyes of their understanding they obtain clear views of the Divinecharacterandperceive theexcellencyofHisattributes.When theeye issinglethewholebodyisfulloflight.

Inthetruth,thefaithofwhichpurifiestheheart,they"seeGod";forwhatisthattruth,butamanifestationofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist [2 Corinthians 4:6]—an illustrious display of the combinedradianceofDivineholinessandDivinebenignity!...Andhe[whoispurein heart] not only obtains clear and satisfactory views of the Divinecharacter, but he enjoys intimate and delightful communionwithGod.He isbroughtverynearGod:God'smindbecomeshismind;God'swillbecomeshiswill;andhisfellowshipistrulywiththeFatherandwithHisSonJesusChrist.

Theywho are pure in heart "seeGod" in thisway, even in the presentworld; and in the future state their knowledge of God will become farmore extensive and their fellowship with Him far more intimate; forthough, when compared with the privileges of a former dispensation,even now as with open face we behold the glory of the Lord [2Corinthians3:18],yet,inreferencetotheprivilegesofahighereconomy,weyetseebutthroughaglassdarkly—weknowbutinpart,weenjoybutinpart.But thatwhich is inpart shallbedoneaway,and thatwhich isperfectshallcome.Weshallyetseefacetofaceandknowevenasweareknown(1Corinthians13:9-12);ortoborrowthewordsofthePsalmist,weshall behold His face in righteousness, and shall be satisfied when weawakeinHislikeness(Psalm17:15).Then,andnotuntilthen,willthefullmeaningof thesewordsbeunderstood, that thepure inheart shall seeGod(Dr.JohnBrown).

TheSeventhBeatitude

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of

God"(Matthew5:9).

ThisseventhBeatitudeisthehardestofalltoexpound.Thedifficultyliesin determining the precise significance and scope of the wordpeacemakers. The Lord Jesus does not say, "Blessed are the peace-lovers," or "Blessed are the peace-keepers," but "Blessed are thepeacemakers."Nowitisapparentonthesurfacethatwhatwehavehereissomethingmoreexcellentthanthatloveofconcordandharmony,thathatredofstrifeandturmoil,thatissometimesfoundinthenaturalman,becausethepeacemakersthatarehereinviewshallbecalledthechildrenofGod.Threethingsmustguideusinseekingthetrueinterpretation:(1)the character of those to whom our Lord was speaking; (2) the placeoccupied by our text in the series of Beatitudes; and (3) its connectionwiththeBeatitudethatfollows.

TheJews, ingeneral, regardedtheGentilenationswithbittercontemptandhatred,andtheyexpected that,under theMessiah, thereshouldbeanuninterrupted series ofwarlike attacksmade on thesenations, untilthey were completely destroyed or subjugated to the chosen people ofGod[anideabased,nodoubt,onwhattheyreadintheBookofJoshuaconcerning the experiences of their forefathers]. In their estimation,those emphatically deserved the appellation of "happy" who should beemployedunderMessiahthePrincetoavengeontheheathennationsallthewrongsthesehaddonetoIsrael.Howdifferentisthespiritoftheneweconomy!Howbeautifullydoesitaccordwiththeangelicanthemwhichcelebratedthenativityof itsFounder:"GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeace,goodwilltowardmen!"(Dr.JohnBrown).

This seventh Beatitude has to do more with conduct than character,though, of necessity, theremust first be a peaceable spirit before therewillbeactiveeffortsputforthtomakepeace.Letitberememberedthatin this first section of the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus isdefiningthecharacterofthosewhoaresubjects

and citizens inHis Kingdom. First, He describes them in terms of theinitialexperiencesofthoseinwhomaDivineworkiswrought.ThefirstfourBeatitudes,ashasbeenpreviouslystated,maybegroupedtogetheras setting forth thenegative graces of their hearts.Christ's subjects are

not self-sufficient, but consciously poor in spirit. They are not self-satisfied,butmourningbecauseoftheirspiritualstate.Theyarenotself-important,notlowlyormeek.Theyarenotself-righteous,buthungeringand thirsting for the righteousness of Another. In the next threeBeatitudes, the Lord names their positive graces. Having tasted of themercy of God, they are merciful in their dealings with others. HavingreceivedfromtheSpiritaspiritualnature,theireyeissingletobeholdthegloryofGod.HavingenteredintothepeacethatChristmadebythebloodofHiscross,theyarenowanxioustobeusedbyHiminbringingotherstotheenjoymentofsuchpeace.

Thatwhichhelpsus,perhapsasmuchasanythingelse,tofixthemeaningofthisseventhBeatitudeisthelinkthatexistsbetweenitandtheonethatimmediatelyfollows.Inourpreviouschapters,wehavecalledattentiontothe fact that the Beatitudes are obviously grouped together in pairs.Povertyofspirit isalwaysaccompaniedbymourning,as ismeeknessorlowliness by hungering and thirsting after the righteousness of God.Mercifulness towardmen isunited topurityofheart towardsGod, andpeacemaking is coupled with being persecuted for righteousness' sake.Thusverses10-12supplyuswiththekeytoverse9.

By approaching the seventh Beatitude from each of the three separateviewpointsmentionedabove,wearriveatthesameconclusion.First,letusconsiderthemarkedcontrastbetweenthetasksthatGodassignedtoHispeopleundertheOldCovenantandNewCovenantrespectively.AfterthegivingoftheLaw,Israelwascommandedtotakeuptheswordandtoconquer the land of Canaan, destroying the enemies of Jehovah. Therisen Christ has given different orders to His Church. Throughout thisGospeldispensation,wearetogointoallnationsasheraldsofthecross,seekingthereconciliationofthosewhobynatureareatenmitywithourMaster.

Second,thisgraceofpeacemakingsupplementsthesixgracesmentionedinthepreviousverses.PerhapsthefactthatthisistheseventhBeatitudeindicatesthatitwasourLord'sintenttoteachthatitisthisattributethatgives completeness or wholeness to Christian character. We mustcertainlyconclude that it isanunspeakableprivilege tobesent forthasambassadors of peace. Furthermore, those who fancy themselves to be

Christians,yethavenointerestinthesalvationoffellowsinners,areself-deceived. They possess a defective Christianity, and have no right toexpecttoshare intheblessedinheritanceof thechildrenofGod.Third,thereisadefinitelinkbetweenthismatterofourbeingpeacemakersandthe persecution to which our Master alludes in verses 10-12. BymentioningthesetwoaspectsofChristiancharacterandexperiencesideby side in His discourse, Christ is teaching that the oppositionencountered by His disciples in the path of duty is the result of theirfaithfulnessintheservicetowhichtheyhavebeencalled.Thuswemaybecertain that the peacemaking of our text refers primarily to our beinginstruments inGod'shandsforthepurposeofreconcilingtoHimthosewhoareactivelyengagedinwarfareagainstHim(cf.John15:17-27).

Wehavedealtatsomelengthonthereasonsthathaveledustoconcludethat the peacemakers referred to in our text are those who beseechsinnerstobereconciledtoGod(2Corinthians5:20),becausemostofthecommentators are very unsatisfactory in their expositions. They see inthis Beatitude nothing more than a blessing pronounced by Christ onthosewho endeavor to promote unity, to heal breaches, and to restorethosewhoareestranged.Whilewefullyagreethatthisisamostblessedexercise,andthattheChristianis,byvirtueofhisbeingindweltbyChrist,aloverofpeaceandconcord,yetwedonotbelievethatthisiswhatourLordhadinmindhere.

The believer in Christ knows that there is no peace for the wicked.Therefore,heearnestlydesiresthattheyshouldacquaintthemselveswithGodandbeatpeace(Job22:21).BelieversknowthatpeacewithGodisonlythroughourLordJesusChrist(Colossians1:19,20).ForthisreasonwespeakofHimtoourfellowmenastheHolySpirit leadsustodoso.Our feet are "shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace"(Ephesians6:15);thusweareequippedtotestifytoothersconcerningthegrace ofGod.Of us it is said, "Howbeautiful are the feet of them thatpreach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"(Romans 10:15). All such are pronounced blessed by our Lord. Theycannotbutbeblessed.Nexttotheenjoymentofpeace inourownsoulsmustbeourdelightinbringingothersalso(byGod'sgrace)toenterintothispeace.Initswiderapplication,thiswordofChristmayalsoreferto

that spirit in His followers that delights to pour oil upon the troubledwaters,thataimstorightwrongs,thatseekstorestorekindlyrelationsbydealingwithandremovingdifficultiesandbyneutralizingandsilencingacrimonies.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children ofGod."Thewordcalledhereseemstomean"acknowledgedas."GodshallownthemasHisownchildren.

He is "the God of peace" (Hebrews 13:20). His great object, in thewonderfulschemeofredemption,isto"gathertogetherinoneallthingsin Christ," whether they be things "in Heaven," or things "on earth"(Ephesians 1:10). And all those who, under the influence of Christiantruth, are peacemakers show that they are animated with the sameprincipleofactionasGod,andas "obedientchildren" [1Peter 1:14]arecooperatingwithHiminHisbenevolentdesign(Dr.JohnBrown).

The world may despise them as fanatics, professors of religion mayregard themasnarrow-minded sectarians, and their relativesmay lookupon themas fools.But thegreatGodowns themasHis childrenevennow, distinguishing themby tokens ofHis peculiar regard and causingHisSpiritwithinthemtowitnesstothemthattheyaresonsofGod.ButintheDaytocome,HewillpubliclyavowHisrelationshiptotheminthepresence of an assembled universe. However humble their presentsituation in lifemaybe, however despised andmisrepresentedby theirfellowmen,theyshallyet"shineforthasthesunintheKingdomoftheirFather"

(Matthew 13:43). Then shall transpire the glorious and long-awaited"manifestationofthesonsofGod"(Romans8:19).

TheEighthBeatitude

"Blessedaretheywhicharepersecutedforrighteousness'sake:fortheirsis theKingdomofHeaven.Blessedareyou,whenmenshall revile you,andpersecuteyou,andshallsayallmannerofevilagainstyoufalsely,forMy sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in

Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you"(Matthew5:10-12).

TheChristian life is fullofstrangeparadoxesthatarequite insolubletohumanreason,butthatareeasilyunderstoodbythespiritualmind.God'ssaints rejoice with joy unspeakable, yet they also mourn with alamentation towhich theworldling isanutter stranger.Thebeliever inChrist has been brought into contact with a source of vital satisfactionthatiscapableofmeetingeverylonging,yethepantswithayearninglikethat of a thirsty heart (Psalm42:1).He sings andmakesmelody in hishearttotheLord,yethegroansdeeplyanddaily.Hisexperienceisoftenpainfulandperplexing,yethewouldnotpartwithitforallthegoldintheworld.Thesepuzzlingparadoxes are among the evidenceshepossessesthat he is indeed blessed ofGod. Such are the thoughts evoked by ourpresent text. Who, by mere reasoning, would ever conclude that thereviled,thepersecuted,thedefamed,areblessed?

It is a strong proof of human depravity thatmen's curses and Christ'sblessings should meet on the same persons. Who would have thoughtthatamancouldbepersecutedandreviled,andhaveallmannerofevilsaid of him, for righteousness' sake? And do wicked men really hatejusticeandlovethosewhodefraudandwrongtheirneighbors?No;theydo not dislike righteousness as it respects themselves: it is only thatspeciesofitwhichrespectsGodandreligionthatexcitestheirhatred.IfChristianswere contentwith doing justly and lovingmercy, andwouldceasewalkinghumblywithGod[Micah6:8], theymightgothroughtheworld,notonlyinpeace,butwithapplause;buthewhowilllivegodlyinChrist Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Such a lifereprovestheungodlinessofmenandprovokestheirresentment(AndrewFuller).

Verses10-12plainlygotogetherandformtheeighthandlastBeatitudeofthisseries.Itpronouncesadoubleblessinguponadoublelineofconduct.Thisatoncesuggeststhatitistobelookedatinatwofoldway.Whatwehave in verse 10 is to be regarded as an appendix to the whole series,describing the experience that will surely be met with by those whosecharacterChristhasdescribedinthepreviousverses.Thecarnalmindisenmity against God (Romans 8:7), and the more His children are

conformedtoHisimagethemoretheywillbringdownuponthemselvesthe spite ofHis foes. Being "persecuted for righteousness' sake"meansbeingopposedbecauseofrightliving.ThosewhoperformtheirChristianduty condemn those who live to please self, and therefore evoke theirhatred. This persecution assumes various forms, from annoying andtauntingtooppressingandtormenting.

Verses 10-12 contain a supplementary word to the seventh Beatitude.ThatwhicharousestheangerofSatanandmoststirsuphischildrenaretheeffortsofChristianstobepeacemakers.TheLordherepreparesustoexpect that loyalty toHimandHisGospelwill result in our ownpeacebeing disturbed, introducing us to the prospect of strife and warfare.ProofofthisisfoundwhenHesays,"Forsopersecutedtheytheprophetswhichwerebeforeyou."It isserviceforGodthatcalls forththefiercestopposition.Necessarilyso, forweare living inaworld that ishostile toChrist,asHiscrosshasonceandforalldemonstrated.

OurLordmentions,inverse11,threesortsofsufferingthatHisdisciplesshouldexpect toendure in the lineofduty.The first is reviling, that is,verbal abuse or vituperation.The second is persecution.Thisword is aproperrenderingofaGreekwordmeaning"topursue,whichmeans, inthiscase,"toharass,trouble,ormolest"(eitherphysicallyorverbally).ItmayincludethesortofhandlingorhuntingdowntowhichSaulofTarsussubjected theChurchbeforehewas apprehendedbyChrist (Acts8, 9).Christsets forththethirdtypeofsufferingas follows:"Blessedareyou,whenmen...shallsayallmannerofevilagainstyoufalsely...."ThusHedescribes the defamation of character to which His saints must besubjected.This last isdoublypainful tosensitivetemperaments, findingitsrealizationinthecountlesscalumniesthattheDevilisneverwearyofinventinginordertointensifythesufferingsofthechildrenofGod.Thewords"persecutedforrighteousness'sake"and"forMysake"cautionusto see to it that we are opposed and hated solely because we are thefollowersoftheLordJesus,andnotonaccountofourownmisconductorinjudiciousbehavior(see1Peter2:19-24).

Persecutionhaseverbeenthe lotofGod'speople.CainslewAbel."Andwherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and hisbrother's righteous" (1 John 3:12). Joseph was persecuted by his

brethren, anddown inEgypthewas cast intoprison for righteousness'sake (Genesis 37, 39).Moses was reviled again and again (see Exodus5:21; 14:11; 16:2; 17:2; etc.). Samuelwas rejected (1Samuel8:5).Elijahwasdespised(1Kings18:17)andpersecuted(1Kings19:2).Micaiahwashated(IKings22:8).Nehemiahwasoppressedanddefamed(Nehemiah4).TheSaviorHimself,thefaithfulWitnessofGod,wasputtodeathbythepeopletowhomHeministered.Stephenwasstoned,PeterandJohncastintoprison,Jamesbeheaded,whiletheentirecourseoftheApostlePaul's Christian life and ministry was one long series of bitter andrelentlesspersecutions.

Itistruethatthepersecutionofthesaintstodayisinamuchmilderformthanitassumedinotherages.Nevertheless,itisjustasreal.ThroughthegoodnessofGodwehavelongbeenprotectedfromlegalpersecution,buttheenmityofSatanfindsotherwaysandmeansofexpressingitself.LetpersecutedChristiansrememberthiscomfortingtruth:"ForuntoyouitisgiveninthebehalfofChrist,notonlytobelieveonHim,butalsotosufferforHis sake" (Philippians 1:29).ThewordsofChrist inJohn15:19,20,haveneverbeenrepealed:Ifyouwereoftheworld,theworldwouldlovehisown:butbecauseyouarenotoftheworld,butIhavechosenyououtof theworld, therefore theworldhates you.Remember theword that Isaid unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they havepersecutedMe,theywillalsopersecuteyou;iftheyhavekeptMysaying,theywillkeepyoursalso.

The world's hatred manifests itself in derision, reproach, slander, andostracism.MayDivinegraceenableus toheed thisword: "But if,whenyoudowell,andsufferforit,yettakeitpatiently,thisisacceptablewithGod"(1Peter2:20).

The Lord Jesus here pronounced blessed or happy thosewho, throughdevotion to Him, would be called upon to suffer. They are blessedbecausesucharegiventheunspeakableprivilegeofhavingfellowshipinthesufferingsoftheSavior(Philippians3:10).Theyareblessedbecausesuch "tribulation works patience; And patience, experience; andexperience,hope:Andhopemakesnotashamed"(Romans5:3-5).Theyareblessedbecause theyshallbe fully recompensed in thegreatDay tocome. Here is rich comfort indeed. Let not the soldier of the cross be

dismayed because the fiery darts of the wicked one are hurled againsthim.RatherlethimgirdonmorefirmlytheDivinelyprovidedarmor.Letnot the child of God become discouraged because his efforts to pleaseChristmake someof thosewhocall themselvesChristians speakevil ofhim. Let not the Christian imagine that fiery trials are an evidence ofGod'sdisapproval.

"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." Not only are the afflictions thatfaithfulnesstoChristinvolvestobepatientlyendured,buttheyaretobereceivedwith joyandgladness.Thisweshoulddofor threereasons. (1)TheseafflictionscomeuponusforChrist'ssake;andsinceHesufferedsomuchforourredemption,weoughttorejoicegreatlywhenwearecalledupon to suffer a little forHim.(2) These trials bring us into fellowshipwithanoblecompanyofmartyrs, for tomeetwithafflictionsassociatesus with the holy prophets and apostles. In such company, reproachbecomes praise and dishonor turns to glory. (3) We who sufferpersecution for Christ's sake are promised a great reward in Heaven.Truly,wemayrejoice,howeverfiercethepresentconflictmaybe.HavingdeliberatelychosentosufferwithChristratherthanenjoythepleasuresof sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25), we shall also reign with Him,accordingtoHisown

surepromise(Romans8:17).RememberPeterandJohn,who"departedfromthepresenceofthecouncil,rejoicingthattheywerecountedworthytosuffershameforHisname"(Acts5:41).So,too,PaulandSilas,inthePhilippian dungeon and with backs bleeding, "sang praises unto God"(Acts16:25).Wearetoldthatothers"tookjoyfullythespoilingof[their]goods,"knowinginthemselvesthattheyhad"inHeavenabetterandanenduring substance" (Hebrews 10:34). May Divine grace enable allmaligned, misunderstood, and oppressed saints of God to draw fromthesepreciouswordsofChristthatcomfortandstrengththattheyneed.

Conclusion

TheBeatitudesandChrist

OurmeditationsupontheBeatitudeswouldnotbecompleteunlessthey

turned our thoughts to the Person of our blessed Lord. As we haveendeavored to show, they describe the character and conduct of aChristian. Since Christian character is formed in us by the experientialprocessofourbeingconformedtotheimageofGod'sSon,thenwemustturn our gaze uponHimwho is the perfect pattern. In the Lord JesusChrist we find the brightest manifestations and the highestexemplificationsofallthevariousspiritualgracesthatarefound(asdimreflections) inHis followers.Notoneor twobutallof theseperfectionsweredisplayedbyHim,forHeisnotonlylovely,but"altogetherlovely"(SongofSol.5:16).MaytheHolySpirit,whoisheretoglorifyHim,takenowofthethingsofChristandshowthemuntous(John16:14,15).

First let us consider the words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Howmarvelous it is to see how the Scriptures speak of Him who was richbecomingpoorforoursakes,thatwethroughHispovertymightberich(2Corinthians8:9).GreatindeedwasthepovertyintowhichHeentered.Bornofparentswhowerepoorinthisworld'sgoods,HecommencedHisearthlylifeinamanger.DuringHisyouthandearlymanhood,Hetoiledat the carpenter's bench. After His public ministry had begun, Hedeclared that though the foxes had their holes and the birds of the airtheirnests,theSonofManhadnotwheretolayHishead(Luke9:58).IfwetraceouttheMessianicutterancesrecordedinthePsalmsbytheSpiritofprophecy,weshallfindthatagainandagainHeconfessedtoGodHispovertyof spirit: "Iampoorandsorrowful" (Psalm69:29); "BowdownYourear,OLord,hearMe:forIampoorandneedy"(Psalm86:1);"ForIam poor and needy, and My heart is wounded within Me" (Psalm109:22).

Second, let usponder thewords, "Blessed are they thatmourn."Christwas indeed the chief Mourner. Old Testament prophecy contemplatedHim as "a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3).WhencontendingwiththePhariseesovertheirslavishobservanceoftheSabbath, and while seeking to teach them, by precept and example, aproper understanding of God's holy institution, He "grieved for thehardness of their hearts" (Mark 3:5). Behold Him sighing before Hehealed thedeafanddumbman(Mark7:34).MarkHimweepingby thegrave side of Lazarus (John 11:35). Hear His lamentation over the

belovedcity:"OJerusalem,Jerusalem...howoftenwouldIhavegatheredyour children together" (Matthew 23:37). Draw near and reverentlybeholdHiminthegloomofGethsemane,pouringoutHispetitionstotheFather "with strong crying and tears" (Hebrews5:7).Bowdown in aweandwonderasyouhearHimcrying fromthecross, "MyGod,MyGod,Why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34). Hearken to His plaintiveplea,"Isitnothingtoyou,allyouthatpassby?behold,andseeiftherebeanysorrowlikeuntoMysorrow"(Lam.1:12).

Third,beholdthebeautyofChristinthesaying,"Blessedarethemeek."AscoreofexamplesmightbedrawnfromtheGospelsthatillustratethelovely lowliness of the incarnate Lord of glory. Mark it in the menselected by Him to be His ambassadors. He chose not the wise, thelearned,thegreat,orthenoble.Atleastfourofthemwerefishermen,andonewasintheemploymentoftheRomangovernmentasadespisedtaxcollector.WitnessHislowlinessinthecompanythatHekept.Hesoughtnot the richandrenowned,butwas "a friendofpublicansandsinners"(Matthew11:19).SeeitinthemiraclesthatHewrought.AgainandagainHe enjoined the healed to go and tell nomanwhat had been done forthem. Behold it in the unobtrusiveness of His service. Unlike thehypocrites,whosoundedatrumpetbeforethemwhentheywereabouttobestow alms on some poor person, He sought not the limelight, butshunnedadvertising anddisdainedpopularity.When the crowdswouldmakeHim their idol,Heavoided them(Mark 1:45;7:24). "WhenJesusthereforeperceivedthattheywouldcomeandtakeHimbyforce,tomakeHim a king, He departed again into amountain Himself alone" (John6:15). When His brethren urged Him, saying, "Show Yourself to theworld," He declined and went up to the feast in secret (John 7:2-10).WhenHe,infulfillmentofprophecy,presentedHimselftoIsraelastheirKing,HeenteredJerusaleminamostlowlyfashion,ridinguponthefoalofandonkey(Zechariah9:9;John12:14).

Fourth,considerhowthesewordsarebestexemplifiedinChrist:"Blessedare they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness." What asummary this is of the inner life of the man Christ Jesus! Before theIncarnation,theHolySpiritannounced,"AndrighteousnessshallbethebeltofHisloins"(Isaiah11:5).WhenChristenteredthisworld,Hesaid,

"Lo,IcometodoYourwill,OGod"(Hebrews10:9).AsaboyoftwelveHeasked,"KnewyounotthatImustbeaboutMyFather'sbusiness?"(Luke2:49). At the beginning ofHis publicministryHe declared, "Think notthat I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come todestroy,buttofulfill"(Matthew5:17).ToHisdisciplesHedeclared,"MymeatistodothewillofHimthatsentMe,andtofinishHiswork"(John4:34).OfHimtheHolySpirithassaid,"Youloverighteousness,andhatewickedness: thereforeGod, YourGod, has anointedYouwith the oil ofgladnessaboveYourfellows"(Psalm45:7).WellmayHebecalled"THELORDOURRIGHTEOUSNESS"(Jeremiah23:6).

Fifth,notethewords,"Blessedarethemerciful."InChristweseemercypersonified.ItwasmercytopoorlostsinnersthatcausedtheSonofGodtoexchangethegloryofHeavenfortheshameofearth.ItwaswondrousandmatchlessmercythattookHimtothecross,theretobemadeacurseforHis people. So, it is "not byworks of righteousnesswhichwe havedone,butaccordingtoHismercy[that]Hesavedus"(Titus3:5).Heis,evennow, exercisingmercy on our behalf as our "merciful and faithfulHighPriest"(Hebrews2:17).Soalsowearecontinuallytobe"lookingforthemercyofourLordJesusChristuntoeternal life"(Jude21).becauseHewillshowmercyintheDayofJudgmenttoallwhobelieveuponHim(IITimothy1:18).

Sixth,contemplatethewords,"Blessedarethepureinheart."This, too,wasperfectly exemplified inChrist.Hewas the "Lambwithoutblemishand without spot (1 Peter 1:19). In becoming man, He wasuncontaminated, contracting none of the defilements of sin. Hishumanitywas,andis,perfectlyholy(Luke1:35).Hewas"holy,harmless,undefiled,separate fromsinners" (Hebrews7:26). "InHimisnosin" (1John3:5).Therefore,He"didnosin"(1Peter2:22)and"knewnosin"(2Corinthians5:21)."Heispure"(1John3:3).BecauseHewasabsolutelypureinnature,Hismotivesandactionswerealwayspure.WhenHesaid,"IseeknotMineownglory"(John8:50),HesummedupthewholeofHisearthlycareer.

Seventh, ponder the words, "Blessed are the peacemakers." SupremelytrueisthisofourblessedSavior.HeistheOnewho"madepeacethroughthe blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20). He was appointed to be a

atoning sacrifice (Romans 3:25), that is, the One who would appeaseGod'swrath,satisfyingeverydemandofHisbrokenLaw,andglorifyingHis justice and holiness. He has also made peace between Jews andGentiles(Ephesians2:11-18).EvennowChristJesusisseatedinmajestyupon the throne of His father David (Acts 2:29-36), reigning as the"PrinceofPeace.OftheincreaseofHisgovernmentandpeacethereshallbenoend,uponthethroneofDavid"(Isaiah9:6,7).WhenChristreturnstoraisethedeadandtojudgetheworldinrighteousness,thenHeshallpurgethiswar-tornearthofsinandofalltheeffectsoftheFall(Romans8:19-23). We may look confidently to that time when the Lord Christshall thus restore peace in the "newheavens and a new earth,whereindwellsrighteousness"(2Peter3:13).

Eighth,meditateonthesewords:"Blessedaretheywhicharepersecutedforrighteousness'sake."NonewaseverpersecutedaswastheRighteousOne,asmaybeseenbythesymbolicreferencetoHiminRevelation12:4!By the Spirit of prophecyHe declared, "I am afflicted and ready to diefromMyyouthup"(Psalm88:15).AtthebeginningofHisministry,whenJesuswas teaching inNazareth (His home town), the people "rose up,and thrustHim out of the city, and ledHim unto the brow of the hillwhereon their citywasbuilt, that theymight castHimdownheadlong"(Luke4:29).Inthetempleprecincts,leadersoftheJews"tookupstonesto cast at Him" (John 8:59). All through His ministry His steps weredogged by enemies. The religious leaders charged Him with having ademon(John8:48).ThosewhosatinthegatespokeagainstHim,andHewasthesongofthedrunkards(Psalm69:12).AtHistrialtheypluckedoffHis hair (Isaiah 50:6), spat inHis face, buffetedHim, and smoteHimwiththepalmsoftheirhands(Matthew26:67).AfterHewasscourgedbythesoldiersandcrownedwiththorns,HewasledcarryingHisowncrosstoCalvary,wheretheycrucifiedHim.EveninHisdyinghoursHewasnotleft in peace, but was persecuted by revilings and scoffings. Howunutterablymild, by comparison, is the persecution that we are calledupontoendureforHissake!

Inlikemanner,eachofthepromisesattachedtotheBeatitudesfindsitsaccomplishment inChrist. Poor in spiritHewas, andHis supremely istheKingdom.MournHedid,yetHewillbecomfortedasHeseesofthe

travailofHissoul(Isaiah53:11).Hewasmeeknesspersonified,yetHeisnow seated upon a throne of glory. He hungered and thirsted afterrighteousness, yet nowHe is filledwith satisfaction asHebeholds thattherighteousnesswhichHeworkedouthasbeenimputedtoHispeople.Pure inheart,HeseesGodasnoneotherseeshim(Matthew11:27).AsthePeacemaker,HeisacknowledgedastheuniqueSonofGodbyalltheblood-boughtchildren.AsthepersecutedOne,greatisHisreward,forHehasbeengiven thenameabove all others (Philippians2:9-11).May theSpiritofGodoccupyusmoreandmorewithHimwhoisfairerthanthechildrenofmen(Psalm45:2).

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