“Pure in Heart”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Jacob extols the pure in heart (in general referring to the chaste and fair women and innocent children in his audience—see Jacob 2:10) and promises them grand blessings from the Lord. If they will receive His “pleasing” word, they may feast upon His love forever. The expression “pure in heart” is used frequently in the scriptures. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8; compare the similar statement in 3 Nephi 12:8). In addition, the “pure in heart” are promised deliverance and abundant blessings at the Second Coming (D&C 56:18), the privilege of seeing God in His holy temple (see D&C 97:15–16), the blessings of returning to their inheritance with joy as part of the latter-day gathering (see D&C 101:17–18), counsel and authority at the hands of the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 122:1–2), the bestowal of saving and exalting truths of the gospel (see D&C 123:11–12), and the opportunity to be part of Zion, “for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART” (D&C 97:21).

The Lord has promised those that are pure in heart that they shall see God (see 3 Nephi 12:8). The purpose of our lives is to become worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. This is His work and glory. He seeks for us to love Him with all our hearts (see Mark 12:30). Are we pure in heart?

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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