The Beatitudes

A study of Matthew 5:3-10....

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 5:3

This is not a poverty of finance or other worldly possessions, but a poverty of spiritual worth. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible states this refers to those who "acknowledge that all they have, or hope to have, is owing to the free grace of God." Their reward is a gospel that reaches not just their ears, but their hearts..."eternal glory, this is prepared for them, and given to them."

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted" Matthew 5:4

Those that mourn not just for their own sinful nature, but for the wickedness of the world around them as well. They are comforted by the promises of God's word, the promise of an eternal home in heaven for those that are righteous in Christ's sacrifice.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" Matthew 5:5

John Gill describes meekness as "humility", a person "not easily provoked to anger."

Not this physical earth we know now, not the land of Canaan as promised by God's covenant with the nation of Israel, but the "new earth". "(They) shall inherit it by virtue of being heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." Those that are meek and humble in spirit and have accepted God's grace through the sacrifice of His son will reign with Him for all eternity.

"Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" Matthew 5:6

This does not refer to a righteousness of justice and equity for those oppressed, nor does it mean a legal and moral righteousness. Rather the "justifying righteousness of Christ, which is imputed by God the Father, and received by faith." Those that seek this righteousness will be satisfied with it and all of its effects (i.e. joy & peace).

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" Matthew 5:7

We should show mercy to the outwardly poor and miserable not just physically through assistance with their situation, but with compassion of spirit for them as well. In turn, God promises that we shall be shown mercy not only on this earth by our fellow man, but from Him as well.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" Matthew 5:8

Our hearts can only be clean and pure through the righteousness of Christ and our faith in Him as our personal savior. God promises to those who are pure in heart that they will not only enjoy personal communion with Him here on earth through prayer and scripture, but also in an eternal home in Heaven.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" Matthew 5:9

God calls us to be of a peaceful disposition and to make peace between our fellow man. In turn He makes us "children of God by adopting grace...whereby they become like to the God of Peace."

"Blessed are the persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 5:10

Those that are persecuted "on account of their righteous and godly conversation which brings upon them the hatred and enmity of the men of the world." They shall inherit the kingdom as joint heirs with Christ.

**all quotes are referenced from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible via http://www.crosswalk.com/