Outward practical holiness is a precious mark of grace. I fear that many who claim to know Christ have so twisted the doctrine of justification by faith that they now treat good works with contempt. If so, they will receive everlasting contempt at the last great day!

If our hands are not clean, let us wash them in Jesus' precious blood, and then lift pure hands to God. But clean hands alone will not suffice. Not without a pure heart. True religion is heart-work. You may wash the outside of the cup and the platter as long as you please, but if the inward parts are filthy, you are filthy altogether in the sight of God! For your heart is more truly you than your hands are. The very life of your being lies in that inner nature—and hence the imperative need of purity within.

The pure in heart shall see God. All others are but blind bats.

The man who is born for heaven "has not lifted up his soul unto vanity." All men have their joys, by which their souls are lifted up. The worldling lifts up his soul in carnal delights, which are mere empty vanities. But the saint loves more substantial things. Like Jehoshaphat, he is lifted up in the ways of the Lord.

He who is content with husks will be reckoned with the swine. Does the world satisfy you? Then you have your reward and portion in this life. Make much of it—for you shall know no other joy!

"Nor sworn deceitfully." The saints are men of honor still. The Christian man's word is his only oath—but that is as good as twenty oaths of other men. False speaking will shut any man out of heaven, for a liar shall not enter into God's house, whatever may be his professions or doings.

Reader, does the text before us condemn you, or do you hope to ascend into the hill of the Lord?