Being Pure in Heart

Written by missionaryforever

AVOW, September 2016

On this forum we talk a lot about the future and call-outs and the world as we know it collapsing, etc. And occasionally also the building of Zion. Frankly, the only thing that excites me about “tent cities” is that I see it as the prelude to building Zion, i.e., something we must go through on the path to Zion. If the future doesn’t lead us to Zion, then life would be pretty bleak.

The reason I bring this up is that in order for us to eventually make it to Zion we must become Pure in Heart. Only the pure in heart will be allowed to enter that great city, not those who have their year’s supply of food, and a tent that will handle high winds. So if you will permit me, let’s see what it will take for you and me to become pure in heart, because that is what it really is all about.

When Jesus spoke with those in ancient Israel and to the Nephites he said: “Blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God” 3 Nephi 11.

In Doctrine and Covenants Section 130:20-21 it reads: “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.”

So the key to the blessing of seeing God (and being allowed into the city of Zion) is to be Pure in Heart. Now let’s discuss those principles that will lead each of us to having this wonderful quality, which is what the Temple Endowment teaches by covenant (Note to reader: I am not revealing anything about Temple Covenants that has not been published on the church website, for example, see this link https://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/07/...h-god?lang=eng)

As I researched the phrase “Pure in Heart” I discovered many qualities that take a person on the journey to becoming pure. Keeping the commandments and repenting of sin is the first step. But the type of repentance and obedience described here is because we want to change, and we no longer have a desire to sin (which is the definition of being born again.) This is the repentance that King Benjamin spoke of in his great and final address to his people contained in the book of Mosiah.

Once we have a firm desire for obedience (the first temple covenant), then we move on to the second; sacrifice. As President Kimball spoke in his talk on Becoming the Pure in Heart (April 1978 ), he said “we must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness”. This is the second covenant, that is, to live the Law of Sacrifice. The law of sacrifice is the opposite of the anti-Christ doctrine taught by Korihor in which he said “every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime”. Those who subscribe to Korihor’s doctrine think only of themselves and will go to any lengths to feed their selfish desires. Whereas, a true disciple of Christ is unselfish and has great desires to teach and serve others.

The third temple covenant is the Gospel covenant. To live the Gospel of Christ is to honor and worship him whose sacrifice for us allows us to be cleansed and sanctified. To live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, to testify of him, to honor him, to have faith in him and repent and to be grateful for him is the Law of the Gospel. As we strive to become more like him each day, we in turn become more and more pure in heart as he is pure.

In a world where the evils of sexual immorality is everywhere, the next temple covenant and principle of purity is challenging to all who live at this time. I think this principle is more than just abstinence when you are single and fidelity when you are married; it is keeping from even the appearance of evil, and staying away from all forms of immorality, even in entertainment. To watch any form of media today that makes light of the sacred power of creation through casual relationships will keep us from being pure in heart.

Finally, the last temple covenant is that covenant that will make Zion possible. To consecrate is to set aside and dedicate to a purpose. When we give freely of our time, talents and means we are really giving ourselves. To give our all in the building up of the Kingdom of God and not our own kingdoms is the crowning principle that proves to the Lord that he is the most important person in our lives. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

As we learn to live and love each of these covenants, we will become pure in heart, and as we become pure in heart we have the right by law to see the face of God and be a citizen of Zion.