“Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock…” Matthew 7:24
Perhaps the greatest sermon that has ever been preached was that of the Lord Jesus which is called the “Sermon On The Mount.” If there is one theme that runs deep in this sermon to Christ’s disciples, then to be taught to the multitudes, it is the profound truth that the perspective of heaven takes precedence over every consideration of men’s opinions and persuasions. With regard to Christ’s words, the same words of God of which Isaiah speaks, the things of God and of heaven become a reality to the one who will truly hear with his heart that which God would say. What then is the great thrust of this sermon, even though a number of subjects are addressed? It is that God is God, and is to be believed and obeyed as such. God speaks always to the heart, to reach the will, so that faith will truly lay hold upon Him for all. How is it then that it can be said that the sermon on the mount is a proof of citizenship, specifically that of heaven?
From the beginning of the sermon which deals with what is called the “B-Attitudes,” we find the proof of the Spirit of God’s work in the heart of the individual. The first evidence of this is in the word, “Blessed.” This blessedness, or happiness, is the confirmation by the Spirit of God’s working in the life, revealing His ways to men. Secondly, this blessedness is seen in specific blessings from heaven. The first of these specific blessings speaks of citizenship in heaven, for the Lord Jesus declares to those who are poor in spirit, that “theirs IS the kingdom of heaven,” and that they belong to this kingdom. Those individuals who have been brought to the place of being “poor in spirit,” conscious of their helplessness, and dependence upon God for all, are those to whom the blessings of heaven belong. These are not just minor blessings, that what we might perceive as small in their effect. This is “…all spiritual blessings” IN Christ, the fullness of God in all. Therefore, being poor in spirit, is a testimony of one’s citizenship, belonging to the kingdom, and recipiant of that blessing.
Throughout the B-Attitudes, we find the consistent proof of one’s citizenship in heaven. Beginning every B-Attitude with the word “Blessed.,” Jesus begins with the declaration of that which already IS, not just blessing which is to come. Then He unveils characteristics of these individuals who are truly blessed of God. We have mentioned already those who are poor in spirit. He then goes to those that mourn. This mourning is the natural, spiritual reaction to the suffering in this world because of godlessness and sin. There is no rejoicing in sin, for the believer knows something of its devastating effects and end. Thirdly, the Lord speaks of the intervention of God on behalf of those who are blessed by God. He specifically declares that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit. To those who mourn, God promises to comfort them. For the meek of the kingdom of heaven, God will cause them to inherit the earth. For the merciful, they shall obtain mercy. The pure in heart who are blessed shall see God. What a wonderful promise! Not only one day shall the believer see God, that is, when he goes to be with Christ, but by the Spirt now, God gives perceptions, glimpses, of His glory. Martha saw this glory at the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Then, there are the peacemakers, who are blessed by God because they belong to the kingdom. These peacemakers will be declared to be the children of God, bearing the same blessed nature of God the Father. Even in persecution, there is the testimony of being blessed, for there is the great reward of communion with God, and the Spirit’s witness.
Father, Bless us for the blessing of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.