The Empty Heart, the Pure Heart, the Broad Heart, the Renewed Heart, and the Cleansed Heart — A Biblical Comparative Study

 

The Empty Heart, the Pure Heart, the Broad Heart, the Renewed Heart, and the Cleansed Heart — A Biblical Comparative Study

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

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Psalm 119:32 You have enlarged my heart, and I will run the way of your commandments.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but even though our outer man is perishing, our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Col. 3:10 And we have put on the new self, which is being renewed unto full knowledge after the image of Him who created it.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

Aspect	The Empty Heart	The Pure Heart	The Broad Heart	The Renewed Heart	The Cleansed Heart
Meaning	A heart that is emptied of self, pride, and old things, open to receive the new things of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3).	A heart that is single and unmixed, seeking God alone so Christ may grow freely within (Matt. 5:8).	A heart enlarged in wisdom and love, able to embrace others and the work of God (1 Kings 4:29).	A heart constantly supplied with the freshness of resurrection life, renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16–18).	A heart cleansed by the Spirit and the Word, freed from idols and worldly occupations, wholly belonging to God (Ezek. 36:25–27).
Effect	Enables receiving the kingdom of heaven and spiritual revelation (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20).	Causes believers to see and gain God in experience, resulting in transformation (2 Cor. 3:18).	Allows one to minister life and embrace all believers with love and understanding (2 Cor. 6:11–13).	Brings inward renewal, vitality, and freshness; makes the believer part of the New Jerusalem (Rom. 6:4; Eph. 4:23).	Produces purity, freedom, and spiritual strength; keeps the heart tender toward God (Ps. 51:10; Heb. 10:22).
Distinction	Emptying precedes receiving; foundation for all other heart conditions.	Purity concerns focus and singleness toward God.	Broadness concerns the capacity to love and include others.	Renewal concerns freshness and transformation in the Spirit.	Cleansing concerns separation from defilement and sin.
Example	The poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3); the widow’s empty vessels (2 Kings 4:1–6).	Job seeing God and hating himself (Job 42:5–6).	Solomon with a broad heart like the sand of the sea (1 Kings 4:29).	Paul being renewed amid suffering (2 Cor. 4:16–18).	David’s prayer, “Create in me a clean heart” (Ps. 51:10).
Application	Let go of old experiences and self-sufficiency to receive new light from God.	Seek God alone with a single intention.	Embrace others with forbearance and love; serve with largeness of heart.	Daily contact God in prayer and the Word for continual renewal.	Allow the Spirit and Word to cleanse motives and thoughts continually.
Interrelation	An empty heart leads to purity; purity enlarges the heart; broadness keeps renewal flowing; renewal maintains cleanliness. All five form a cycle of spiritual growth.
Detailed Scriptures	Matt. 5:3; Luke 18:17; Phil. 3:13; Job 42:5–6; 1 Kings 4:29; 2 Cor. 4:16–18; Ps. 51:10; Ezek. 36:25–27; Eph. 4:23; Rom. 12:2.

Key Insights:

• The empty heart prepares the vessel.
• The pure heart directs the vision.
• The broad heart expands love.
• The renewed heart keeps freshness.
• The cleansed heart preserves holiness.

Conclusion:

A believer’s progress depends on maintaining these five hearts in balance—emptied before God, pure in motive, broad in love, renewed in spirit, and cleansed in life—so that Christ may fully occupy the heart and manifest His kingdom through us.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training  General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him