Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving
is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess
that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient,
and unto every good work reprobate.
We learned in school that two objects cannot occupy the same space at the
same time. The above is the outworking of that truth. The man who lets his
mind harbor evil thoughts will have little room in his mind for any good
thoughts. Our Lord said that a fountain does not produce both bitter and
sweet water. These are truths that are known to the least of men, and can
be applied to spiritual things.
Our Lord said, Blessed are the pure in
heart: for they shall see God. And if they are looking for God, they
will not see the impurities in others. We see what we are looking for. Now
the Lord did not say that the pure in heart should be saved. That is what
some try to believe. The Lord was speaking about believers, but out of the
believers such as were pure in heart would see God. This can bear a bit of
thought. The greatest need of the believer is to know God. But he cannot
come to this knowledge with his mind full of filthiness.
People are in the habit of seeing their own faults in others. To the liar,
all men are liars. To the thief, all men are suspect. And so the unbeliever
does not see how that anybody can have faith. It is foolishness to him. Judas
was so saturated with greediness that he could not see the beauty of the
sacrifice of the ointment for the Lord at the supper. And the preaching of
the cross is foolishness to them that perish.
When the mind and conscience are defiled, the judgment is faulty. Truth and
error cannot be distinguished. Men cannot try the things that differ and
hold fast that which is good. And when their judgment cannot be relied on,
they have a tendency to follow the leader. The congregations of Christendom
are full of such. They can only judge a doctrine by its popularity or by
the appearance of the one who promulgates it.
Now there are great multitudes of these who are defiled in mind and conscience
who profess that they know God. They sometimes are the most faithful in attending
religious services. But Paul speaks of these who mind earthly things as being
enemies of the cross. They cause many to turn away. It is because that in
works they deny Christ. Their deeds speak louder than their words.
Yes, they deny Him in their works. And we are told that if we deny Him, He
will deny us (the crown). For the unprofitable servant there is a certain
punishment to follow. There is weeping and gnashing of teeth. This principle
runs thru all administrations. And today we are told that a man shall receive
for the wrong that he has done.
Finally we see that all this has to do with
obedience and with good works which are expected.
