"And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...." Matthew 5:2-3 (Read v. 1-12)
Reading the opening part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount known as the beatitudes, one might draw the conclusion that one must be poor, sad and meek to be saved. In addition, he should be hungry for righteousness, always showing mercy, have a pure and sinless heart, always seek peace and unity in this world, and be persecuted, to be saved. But, sad to say, those who would turn Jesus' words into a way to be saved by works miss the mark and fail to understand what Jesus was teaching His disciples.
What Jesus describes are the fruits of faith found in those who are penitent -- truly sorry for their sins and trusting in the LORD God to show them mercy and forgiveness for the sake of Messiah Jesus and His atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. In many ways, they are almost the opposite of the rest of the people in this world and often suffer for it.
Those who see and know their spiritual poverty and trust in Christ Jesus are made rich in that they have forgiveness of sins and a place in God's eternal kingdom (cf. Psalms 51:17; 32:1-6; Isa. 57:15; 1 Cor. 1:18ff.).
Those who mourn now over their own sinfulness and the sinfulness of this world shall be comforted in the kingdom of heaven (cf. Isa. 61:2-3).
Those who are meek now and are abused by those in this world who take advantage of their humbleness and kindness shall inherit the earth (cf. Psalms 37:1ff., esp. v. 11; Isa. 11:4).
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied with Christ's righteousness now and, when they awake, with Christ's likeness (cf. Rom. 3:21-ff.; Psalms 17:15; 1 John 3:1-3).
Those who show mercy because of God's mercy toward them in Christ will be dealt with in mercy at the final judgment (cf. Matt. 18:23-35; John 5:24; Psalms 41:10).
Those whose hearts have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and who now seek after the things of God will see God face to face in heaven (cf. 1 John 1:3ff.; Rev. 7:13ff.).
Those who offer and proclaim the peace of God won for all by Jesus' blood shed upon the cross shall be called the children of God (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18ff.; Eph. 2:13ff.; Rom. 10:15; Isa. 52:7).
And, those who are reviled and persecuted for the sake of their faith in Christ Jesus and their commitment to Him and the truths of His Word shall be rewarded in heaven (cf. John 15:18-21; Mark 8:38; Rev. 7:9ff.; 2:10; 2 Tim. 3:12).
O gracious and merciful God, I have sinned and come short of the holiness your law requires. I do not and cannot love you with all my heart and soul or love my neighbor as You desire. Have mercy upon me and cleanse away my sins in the atoning blood of Christ Jesus, my Savior, and grant me a place in your everlasting kingdom for Jesus' sake. Amen.
[Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible]
Editorial on 02/01/2017