The Bible

 

Matthew 5:3

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3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Commentary

 

Explanation of Matthew 5:3

By New Christian Bible Study Staff

This stained-glass window in St. Peter’s, Clapham, London, is one of eight depicting the Beatitudes.

The “poor” or “needy” in the Bible represent those who know very little about spiritual things, but want to learn.

“Spirit” represents our mind when we are receiving true ideas from the Lord.

A “kingdom” represents the doctrines or beliefs of a church.

This verse, then, says that those who know little, but are willing to learn directly from the Lord, will end up with the knowledge and wisdom of angels.

To be “blessed,” meanwhile, means being receptive to the Lord’s love and teaching.

Bottom line: We can learn many things from many sources, and it's valid to do that. But if we

want to learn about the Lord and spiritual things, we need to learn from the Lord

and from the Bible.

(References: Arcana Coelestia 9818 [8])


The Bible

 

Psalms 24:4

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4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.