SERMON ON THE MOUNT

(PART I)

The Sermon on the Mount presents moral and ethical principles pertaining to the kingdom of the Messiah? What is the relationship between the moral degradation of the human race and the principles announced by Jesus? The Sermon on the Mount is a set of standards and principles had ethical and moral? It is a statute of Christ's kingdom? Just behave according to some ethical and moral principles that man is entitled to the kingdom of heaven?

And Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain, and sat down, came to him the disciples, and opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted;
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth;
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled;
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy;
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God;
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God;
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

(Matthew 5:1 -11)

There are several theories that attempt to explain the Sermon on the Mount.

For some scholars the Sermon on the Mount is a 'gospel' exclusive reign of Jesus. Other features include the sermon ethical and moral principles relevant to the kingdom of the Messiah. Generally make a comparison between the moral degradation of the human race and the principles announced in the sermon.

Given the analysis and some contradictions, are issues: The Sermon on the Mount is a set of standards and principles had ethical and moral? It is a statute of Christ's kingdom? Just practice what Jesus said and the man is entitled to the kingdom of heaven?

To understand the message of Jesus, it is necessary to observe a few verses of the Old Testament and the dynamics of learning Scripture at that time. Among several verses include:

"Blessed art thou, O Israel: who is like you? A people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and the sword of thy excellency therefore thine enemies shall be subject, and thou shalt tread upon their high places" ( Deuteronomy 33:29);

"Taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man who trusts in him" (Psalm 65:4);

"Blessed is he whom thou you choose, and you do get to you, that he may dwell in thy courts" (Psalm 34:8);

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the ways of them" (Psalm 84:5).

Learning about the dynamics of the Jewish people, we highlight:

Several books of the Old Testament refer to bliss. Among them the book of Proverbs and the book of Psalms are the ones that make references to the beatitudes. These books of the Old Testament were read constantly in the synagogues, and even those who could not read color knew some of the quotes, including those involving the idea of ​​bliss.

It is important to remember that at that time a book was expensive, and people had no access to, or could not read, which strengthened the need for remembering what was read. They depended on reading in the temple to hear excerpts of the law, the prophets and the songs. The book of Proverbs and the Song of Psalms helped much in the process of memorization.

Another feature of the texts that reference Bliss is the connection with the name of the God of Israel. In the Old Testament the idea of ​​bliss arises from the favor of God toward men.

A master whenever he sat down to teach and Jesus sat on the hill surrounded by his disciples and the crowd. The crowd to see that Jesus sat, surrounded him eager to hear the speech.

Jesus had traveled throughout Galilee healing the sick, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel. The news of his actions went about all the cities. A large crowd coming from various cities followed him (Matthew 4:25).

When Jesus saw the great multitude went up a hill and sat down (Matthew 5:1), his disciples came up and he began to teach them!

Long ago that the people had heard of the beatitudes promised in the scriptures, but the situation was of oppression and misery.

The fame of Jesus had created an expectation in the crowd, and when Jesus spoke of the blessedness, materialized hope the listeners. Year after year parents announced their children a full season of joy, most had not yet experienced the joy promised by God.

The Sermon on the Mount began with a message of joy to a people oppressed and hopeless. Jesus presents a living hope, however, the speech hardens soon after. The people waiting refreshing and security in this life. They expected a Messiah who would deliver them from slavery policy.

What is the message Jesus delivered to the people in the Sermon on the Mount? Joy that Jesus spoke about? What hope was transmitted? The joy promised depended on the compliance of all rules and regulations?

Learn a little more about this important sermon!

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

People to hear: "Blessed are ...", soon made connections with some of the biblical quotations. Does he comment on one of Proverbs? Does he quoted Psalms? Or his approach will be taken from the law?

Bliss is a topic that caught the attention of the listeners of Jesus and in our day still creates expectations in readers. After all, who does not want to be blessed?

When Jesus adds: "Blessed are the Poor ..." the message rings even more listeners. This would be an unforgettable message, because it touches the emotion of the people: "It will be a social revolution? Now is that we will achieve political hegemony and peace promised?".

The promise of joy to the poor is fully understandable, but to understand the adjective added to the noun poor? "Blessed are the poor in spirit ...". Who are the poor in spirit?

Jesus was surrounded by poor several surrounding towns. If the message was only: 'Blessed are the poor', it would be accepted and applauded by the crowd! Jesus would have won their listeners and more followers. But, as a people who professed 'best' religion with ethical and moral principles and considered themselves untouchable children of Abraham could accept or recognize to be a 'poor in spirit'?

As someone doer of the law would recognize the condition of spiritual poverty?

In the Old Testament is not in the concept 'poor in spirit'. But one who represented a hope for change in the condition of the people, presents a new concept and a need to recognize a condition that characterizes sinners or uncircumcised. As a son of Abraham could recognize that he was poor in spirit?

Jesus completed the sentence: "... for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Many wondered: Whose is the kingdom of heaven? The poor in spirit?

Moreover, the people were looking for cures, bread, fish, an earthly kingdom, but Jesus was speaking of another kingdom: the kingdom of heaven!

Where is this kingdom? What is the kingdom of heaven?

To answer these questions we must look at the message that was announced since the birth of Christ: "In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for now is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 3 1 -2): "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, because now is the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 4: 17.

It appears that the kingdom of heaven says the person of Christ, as prophesied Isaiah and John the Baptist reaffirmed: "Because this is announced by the prophet Isaiah, who said, The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths "(Matthew 3:3).

When Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," He was not denouncing the morals of the people. He was not touting one human kingdom (John 18:36). Nor was looking for an improvement in the socioeconomic status of the people (John 12:8). Before Jesus was presented to the people in parables.

In his message, Jesus told the people that He is the access to the kingdom of heaven, and that all those who recognize that they were poor in spirit, they would be blessed. Those who recognize the precarious spiritual condition they were in, belonged the kingdom of heaven, which is Christ. They needed to recognize that they were spiritually needy.

While they wanted bread, Jesus was presented the living bread which came down from heaven. While seeking a kingdom, Jesus was them opening the door of the kingdom of heaven. The reluctance to accept the condition spiritually needy persisted even among the disciples who believed Him, "And they (the Jews which believed on him): we are Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man" (John 8:31 -33) .

They believed they were wealthy because they are spiritually descended from Abraham. To proclaim themselves as the children of Abraham, the Jews were conscious that they were children of God (John 8:41). Being the son of Abraham for them was the same as having divine sonship. That is why John the Baptist said that God could make the stones children to themselves. Because of this belief did not admit Jews who were slaves of anyone, since it is admitted to be slaves, was the same as admitting that someone had conquered God himself (John 8:33).

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"

The sermon continues: "Blessed are those who mourn ...". The bliss depends on human emotion? Crying as a direct consequence of a human emotion grants please be comforted?

No! The idea presented in this verse complements the previous one.

Crying denotes the condition of impotence in the face impossible questions. After recognizing the condition of spiritual destitution, the reaction of the man is crying.

The only action is a miserable crying, and shall be comforted!

For the shot may be comforted, it is necessary to dwell with someone you start misery: "For thus saith the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy: in the high and holy place, but also with the contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite "(Isaiah 57:15, Psalm 51:17).

Compare:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).

"... But also with the contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite" (Isaiah 57:15).

The Psalmist when asked forgiveness of the Lord said, "Create in me, O God, a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in me" (Psalm 51:10).

Who would comfort those who mourn? Those who mourn will be comforted by Him who has the kingdom of heaven. It is he who shall wipe away all tears!

The answer is in Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to prisoners, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn "(Isaiah 61:1 -2).

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth"

The message of Jesus possibly formed a stalemate in the minds of listeners: Moses, the meekest man on earth could not inherit the land as an inheritance the land if the listeners did not consider themselves greater than Moses "And the man Moses was very meek, than all the men which were upon the earth "(Numbers 12:3).

If Moses, considered one of the meekest men of the earth, could not inherit the earth, which Jesus' intention to declare that the meek are happy?

But the question remains: Who are the meek? What is the earth to inherit?

"And the meek shall have joy of joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 29:19).
"The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever" (Psalm 22:26).
"But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace" (Psalm 37:11).

In the example of the Old Testament Beatitudes stems from the Lord of Israel, but how to achieve such joy and still inherit the earth? And what land?

Jesus is the answer: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth;"

".... Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls"

Note the relationship between the two verses: those who let themselves be taught by Jesus, the Master Teacher, they will be happy to reach the promised rest to the souls. These will be blessed to reach the promised: the promise to inherit the land equivalent to rest for the soul to those who fail to instruct.

When Jesus said, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth', not in order to muster the listeners that had a personality similar to or greater than Moses.

The meekness that Jesus refers is not behavioral, but is linked to heart meekness, or the new nature of man. After learning of the man Jesus there will be a transformation in the nature of man, and they will receive the fullness of Christ, and shall be like Him, meek and humble of heart (Colossians 2:10).

When Jesus said that the meek shall inherit the earth, He made no reference to elements of this world, but to the rest prepared by God. The 'earth' represents a place of rest that God has prepared for those who learn that it is quintessential meek of heart, "Now we who have believed do enter into rest ..." (Hebrews 4:3 -10).

The Promised Land in the Old Testament was linked the idea of ​​rest, and in the New Testament reference to the Earth says better things: the rest of God. Those who learn from Christ, they will rest for your souls.

He who finds his soul to rest in Christ will not receive as an inheritance a clod before be heir of the new heavens and new earth "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).

The Apostle Peter to refer to the meek of heart, does not speak of the natural man, but the man who can not see, that 'hidden in the heart', the regenerated man, who has an incorruptible costume of a meek and quiet spirit "But the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible costume of a meek and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God "(1 Peter 3:4).

What is in the sight of God? What has value to God? According to the apostle Paul that has value, which is due to God, is to be a new creature: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6), "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any virtue, but rather a new creation" (Galatians 6:15).

Like faith 'comes by hearing', and 'hearing by the word of God', when Jesus says we should learn from it, it is because their teaching produces faith that makes its listeners achieve a new life with the right to be heir with Christ. As Christ rested from his works, as heirs of God, the new generated attain bliss.

By regeneration man acquires the nature of Christ, ie, it generates a new man after God in true righteousness and holiness characteristics relevant to the person of Christ. Only through the new birth man becomes meek and humble of heart.

(PART II)

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled"

Realize that Jesus was not referring to justice which is administered in tribunaisdos men! The approach of Jesus at no time had political goals. Jesus was not concerned with the problems linked social injustices. Jesus was not promoting another charity.

Nowhere Jesus expounded the principles announced by liberation theology in the practice of justice is linked to transformations of order economic, social and political. Nowhere Jesus demonstrates that the bliss depends on social change or that is based on social relationships.

Jesus was not directly promoting the practice of brotherhood, balance in relationships in the exercise of power or encouraging the sharing of goods in order to balance the distribution of wealth.

No! The Sermon on the Mount is eminently spiritual issues.

If Jesus were promoting human solidarity as a requirement to achieve true happiness, he would not have filed an urgent protest to his listeners: "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven "(Matthew 5:20).

Have you noticed the concept of the Pharisees and scribes front of the crowd? For the people the Pharisees and the scribes were what society had to offer. However, the analysis of Christ is different: "So you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity" (Matthew 23:28).

Religious seemed fair, but their nature was incompatible with the divine were full of iniquity.

How could the works of Jesus' listeners achieve a higher position in relation to the Pharisees and Sadducees? How to understand the hunger and thirst for righteousness? Where Jesus' listeners would find plenty of justice?

If we can answer these questions, we will be very close to understand all the concepts presented by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus did not deal set a new standard of conduct for its listeners. Nor was offered happiness and joy based on human emotions and motivations.

The happiness of man in this world involves other aspects and is not tied to what Christ proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him eschew evil, and do good, Seek peace, and pursue it "(1 Peter 3:10 -11).

If one seeks the happiness of this world, just follow what the apostle Peter said, quoting the (Psalms 34:12 -14). Just have a good life in society that man will have a quiet and peaceable life in many ways.

What Jesus offers through the beatitudes goes beyond human perspectives and does not refer to this world. Jesus' mission is to rescue the poor in spirit, without any reference to human values, personality, character, morals, etc.. All these elements undergo changes over time, and differs from company to company.

The values ​​of today are totally different from those of a hundred years ago. The moral character and have been transformed and adapted to modern society. If salvation was supported these issues circumstantial, which would be the correct standard of conduct in these centuries of church history?

Jesus did not support his doctrine in man or his merits. The doctrine of Jesus is no respecter of persons, social condition, from age or culture. Jesus' message is the same for the poor and for the rich. Both need to recognize the spiritual misery that lie.

All men must repent and the first step is to recognize the condition of spiritual poverty and the need for divine help. All men were dead in trespasses and sins, without any distinction between them.

The next beatitude Jesus announced Waxing a desire for change. Given the condition of spiritual misery, when man recognizes his true condition, there is only crying, and work to be done to change this situation is dependent on God.

Those who let themselves be taught by Jesus, the meek and lowly in heart, free from the condition of spiritual misery as was proclaimed after time "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples. know the truth, and the truth shall make you free "(John 8:31 -32).

(PART III)

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled"

Still the questions remain: How to hunger and thirst for righteousness? Where to find plenty of justice? The answer to these questions will make us better understand the concepts presented by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

"O YE, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, and he that hath no money, come, buy and eat, yea, come, buy without money and without price, wine and milk. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor on what does not satisfy? Hear me carefully, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live: for I will make an everlasting covenant with you, giving you the firm kindnesses of David "(Isaiah 55:1 -3).

The paradox persists: Before a crowd hungering and thirsting Jesus declares that those who hunger and thirst are happy. The basic needs of the hearers of Jesus were evident. But Jesus did not atem social problems. The fact of not being tolerant social injustice does not approach the man of God. Promote social projects is not the path that leads to heaven.

In a world in crisis social, economic, political, family, etc, people want changes and urgent call for justice, but this 'hunger' and 'thirst' justice is not what brings true happiness. The gospel message is not consistent with the theology of liberation.

Only the poor in spirit hunger and thirst for justice. The 'rich' spiritual are those who consider themselves righteous before God. Are those that are justified by his actions before men.

The poor have nothing in this world to feel safe, but they will have the kingdom of heaven. Only the poor in spirit who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and God will be filled. That granting the kingdom of heaven is just and the justifier, and only he can satisfy what is required by their righteousness.

The prophet Isaiah long ago announced that the poor were enough to come and buy the best you could offer: wine and milk. That invitation! What a joy! The poor were invited to take what possessions they could not fasten.

But the prophet protests: "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55:2). To whom the prophet was referring? Those who have not considered thirst and hunger! Those who claimed to have worked enough to meet their needs. They labor in vain.

The so-called rich were spending what they could not meet the essential needs of man.

But, how are the poor in spirit can satisfy the hunger and thirst? The answer is quite simple: "Listen to me carefully ... Incline your ear ...". Simple justice be wealthy? That is what the prophet Isaiah said: All who hear the word of God carefully, they will eat what is good, the better! What can delight the soul.

What is the delight of the soul? What does the word of God may meet? "Hear, and your soul shall live." If man has hunger and thirst for justice, it is quenched from the moment you get the life that is in God. Only after becoming partaker of the divine nature man is wealthy justice.

It is not the work of man that satisfies the need of the soul. There is donations, not dishes soups, not recognizing the errors of the day-to-day, is not making sacrifices that man will satisfy the primary need of God's creature.

What satisfies the need of men is the result of the work of God: "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant will justify many, for their iniquities will about you "(Isaiah 51:11).

The fruit of the labor of the servant of the Lord comes down to knowledge. Knowledge is transmitted via word! The Lord's work is done through their word, and all who attend will have the fruit offered new life.

After learning of Him who is meek and humble of heart "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29), the man find rest and the true food for the soul.

Christ was not concerned with the socio-economic misery of the people. The housing shortage was not the cause or the flag of the gospel. The social gospel was not in vogue in the discourse of the Messiah.

Christ bore the iniquity of us all, but it is the knowledge imparted by Him who justifies. Ie, when Paul says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, is nothing more than learn from Him who is meek and humble of heart.

Through the knowledge gained comes to faith, and by faith we can please God. After acquiring life through the word of God, acquired a meek, we are justified, or declared righteous before God.

It is not the character of the man who is transformed. The moral man does not receive a 'new' to acquire the knowledge of the holy. Before, the man has his being created anew in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24), and his soul rest reaches the Good Shepherd.

Those who enter there will be for Christ to enter, go out and find pasture. These are in possession of the promised rest of God (John 10:9, Matthew 23).

Through the gospel of Christ man the righteousness of God (Romans 1:17). On feeding the promises contained in the gospel, man attains wonderful faith that comes from God and comes to life from the dead.

The thief on the cross was justified to take refuge in Christ after recognizing his misery. He did not try to cling to life here, but pleaded for the future (Matthew 10:39). Maybe that man never wanted the justice of men. Maybe he always was a social outcast. But a single encounter with the righteousness of God revealed to men was enough for a narrow-minded obtain eternal life.

Jesus continued to speak of the necessity to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness in contrast to the situation of the Pharisees and Sadducees "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20).

Only those who feed on the word of God have in them a greater justice, which far surpasses that of the Pharisees. Just the man to recognize their spiritual poverty that God will not withhold the necessary food that produces new life "For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it "(Isaiah 55: 10 -11).

For men, the Pharisees and the scribes represented what society had to offer, but the analysis of Christ is different: "So you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity" (Matthew 23: 28).

Only in Christ can obtain the righteousness that comes from God. After being justified through Christ man gets the right to enter the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy"

Why are the merciful obtain mercy? It is one of the qualities that we have? Jesus was encouraging forgiveness among its listeners? If we do not show mercy to our fellow men will not obtain the mercy of God?

The mercy promised not here refers to mercy that we offer to our fellow men. Being compassionate to the next does not enable anyone to receive divine mercy. Experience shows that by being friendly with our neighbors we will have a better life on this earth, but this does not mean that we will obtain mercy of God because we exercise mercy.

Only blessed one who attains divine mercy, because all bliss comes from God. However, this beatitude is not subject to human behavior.

Hence the question arises: How to be merciful obtain mercy? If you do not bargain with God?

What Jesus taught does not compare to the Buddhist teachings, spiritual, etc.. Jesus did not speak of reciprocity necessary to humane treatment. He does not mind in dealing with behavioral issues as do the various religions around the world.

Jesus is dealing from the beginning of the sermon spiritual matters exclusively and this verse is no exception: Watch This Psalm: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit "(Psalm 32:1 -2).

Being merciful is a condition that arises from the new birth, where justified becomes like Christ. This similarity is not manifested in behavior, but arises from the new nature.

Everyone who is instructed by Jesus becomes meek and lowly in heart, who partakes of Christ's teachings become weary of Justice, they are created in righteousness and true holiness; those who receive God's mercy, pass the condition the merciful.

The mercy of God is demonstrated in forgiveness. God does not impute evil to those who are targets of his mercy. How? The psalmist says,

(PART IV)

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered"

Who is blessed? The answer is that! He who? The transgressor, the sinner! If the transgressor, the sinner is one who receives the gift of God, one realizes that the psalmist speaks of the old man. The man needs forgiveness, but for that the old nature must be covered in death with Christ.

The offender is targeted for divine forgiveness if it is satisfied a condition of righteousness and divine justice: the soul that sins will die! That is, if you are sinful only cease from sin after death with Christ. This is the new and living way opened for us the body of Christ.

The above verse points to the unregenerate man.

"Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile"

The man whose transgression is forgiven, after receiving forgiveness, will be in the condition presented in this verse: The Lord does not impute iniquity, and in your spirit there is no deceit, as it was again created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

These two verses indicate two different situations of the same man. Blessed is the man:

a) whose sin is covered, and;

b) whose spirit there is no deceit. This is the new man and that the old man.

The new man created in Christ has no malice to be imputed. If he had, it is true that would be charged, because God does not have the guilty innocent. Only the new man has no guile in their nature.

When the apostle Paul advises Christians to be merciful, he is addressing behavioral issues relevant to Christians, but the theme is not the same Jesus presented by "Be one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as well God in Christ forgave you "(Ephesians 4:32).

Now, when Christ says, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36), he is talking about the same topic presented in beatitude. The man is blessed when it reaches the divine sonship. The conditions necessary for man to be truly merciful is only possible to him that God accepts as a son.

Notice what Jesus taught: "And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man. Folgai that day , rejoice: for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for so did their fathers unto the prophets ";

But the spiritually wealthy says: "But woe to you rich! Ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that ye are full, because ye have famine. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Ai to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets ";

And Jesus goes on to warn his listeners:

"But unto you that hear, I say: Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, offer also the other; and who takes away your cloak, do not refuse his tunic; Give to every man that asks you, and take what is yours, return unto him not to ask. And as ye would that men should do to you, the same way them do to you, too ";

Note that it is impossible for man to achieve the standard of behavior described above, but it is fully possible for any man to the behavior described below?

"And if you love those who love you, what reward have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to those who do well, what reward have ye? Even sinners do the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much ";

Jesus recommends a new pattern of behavior to his listeners?: "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again, and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto to the ungrateful and wicked. ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: Loose him, and drop you will. Dai, and be- shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap; For with the same measure that ye mete also will measure again ";

The new form of behavior shows that the man is in possession of divine sonship. Behavioral issues do not lead man to reach the divine sonship, but when it reaches the membership through Christ, man will have itself the necessary conditions to behave the height of their new condition.

When Jesus said, "Be ye therefore merciful ..." what he actually recommended? The answer lies in the parable: "And he told them a parable: Can the blind lead the blind? Do not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master . attentive And why thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye and not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself not the beam that is in thine own eye? hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote that is in thy brother's eye ";

Jesus reproaches the Jewish religious leaders: they were the blind leading the blind a crowd. Anyone who learned with a Pharisee, the maximum reach was to be a Pharisee.

The perfection that one could achieve would be learning a Pharisee: "... outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity" (Matthew 23:28).

"Because there is no good tree bears bad fruit, nor a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit, because men do not gather figs from thorns, nor are grapes picked from thistles. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil because of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks "

Through parables Jesus evidence a principle relevant to the gospel: it is only possible for a man to produce the well from the time he is on the olive tree, which is Christ.

One who is not in Christ obrará evil forever, and who are in Christ will produce according to the species of your tree good, good. The transformation that operates in nature overflow beyond the heart. The man can draw good from good deposit.

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Anyone who comes to me and hears my words and notes, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house , and digged, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he who hears and does not practice is like a man which built an house upon the earth without a foundation, against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house. "

Every work that man builds is not rooted in Christ, nothing is for God. The example of the tree and the house versa founded on the same principles.

(PART V)

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God"

Note that after the second beatitude was a subtle change in the composition of the text. At the beginning of Jesus' sermon highlights the need of those who are blessed: the poor and those who mourn. He highlighted the need and who have achieved: the kingdom of heaven and be reconciled.

From this point on, Jesus began to highlight the new condition of those who had already attained the kingdom of heaven, and were comforted. Jesus goes on to describe how the blessed meek, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, etc..

You can only see God when it is clean of heart, and the word of God has this function, remove all impurities. Through the word of the gospel the disciples were clean. Similarly, all who hear the gospel and believe in Christ are also clean: "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken" (John 15:3).

Who are the pure in heart? How to achieve this condition?

The pure in heart are those who have heard and learned of Christ, who is meek and humble of heart. The pure in heart are those who have achieved the status as children of God, that they died with Christ and risen with Him a new creature.

The new man is created through the power of God that the gospel contains, and through this new creation man is replaced by a new spirit and a new heart, cleaned of impurities (Romans 1:16, John 1:12 -13) . These are the Regenerated.

Someone may ask: How can we see God? John answers: "God has never been seen by anyone. Begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has revealed" (John 1:18).

Those who are instructed by Christ shall see God, for they are completely washed away by the word of the gospel.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God"

Jesus gives another title to blessed: peacemakers!

Who are they, and what is to be a peacemaker? Would be those who repudiate the war? No!

The peacemakers are those who carry the good news of peace. Those who proclaim that God is in Christ reconciling the world to Himself! These are the peacemakers ", that God was in Christ reconciling the world, not imputing their sins, and post us the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Those who meet the ide of Jesus, these are the peacemakers. Jesus, the Son of God sent into the world to proclaim the word of truth: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners "(Isaiah 61:1).

All who receive the gospel message are also commissioned to carry the good news of salvation. Besides the wonderful task of proclaiming the Christian gospel is bestowed with divine sonship.

Only the sons of God, the new born, the seed can take the word of truth. This is because they are born of incorruptible seed, and advertising, the fruit of lips, contains the incorruptible seed.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

The mission of the peacemakers is not easy. They endure persecution, but the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

The persecution is because of the righteousness of God expressed in the gospel. The blessed are not haunted by human issues, but because of the message of Christ, the righteousness which is of God to men "But now manifested apart from the law the righteousness of God, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; This the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference "(Romans 3:21).

The reason for the persecution of the peacemakers is because of Christ, the righteousness of God to men.

"Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me"

Jesus to speak the Beatitudes by pointing to his disciples.

The disciples should understand that they were blessed when they suffer insults and persecution. It is a joy to be a partaker of the afflictions of Christ.

Through the Beatitudes Jesus was presented to the people, since they all flow from Christ. Christ is established in the joy of peoples and nations.

Even when persecuted and reviled Blessed is blessed: happiness transcends this life to the eternal. Stephen was glad to see the face of the Lord!

There are persecutions or hardships of this life that make a man blessed. Problems are part of everyday life. Bliss arises from the gospel of Christ, for Christ is what gives men the condition of joy in God.

After announcing the Beatitudes, Jesus demonstrated that only their followers attain true happiness "Blessed are you ..." (Matthew 5:11).

True joy belong those who, because of Christ, they would be persecuted and reviled "Now, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (1 Timothy 3:12).

All who are in Christ will be persecuted, but, in addition to being in possession of the Beatitudes, should rejoice because the reward stored in heaven. What a privilege and what a joy! Be pursued as the prophets were persecuted in the past and still be entitled to a great reward in heaven saved (v. 12)!

Christ declares that his followers, in addition to being blessed and having rewards stored in heaven, also are the salt of the earth.

In that respect the followers of Jesus are the salt of the earth? The followers of Christ retain the standard of sound words of the gospel. Through the action of the Holy Spirit Christians keep it in good deposit (2Timótreo 1:13).

The word of God is food that gives life to men, and the followers of Christ also play the role of salt: it makes it palatable (ears) food (gospel).

The Christian when he proclaims the gospel is not doing the 'work' of God, as some think to accomplish.

The work of God is to give life and life in abundance, and no man's conduct work that is unique to God "So neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the growth "(1 Corinthians 3:7).

It was not given to the followers of Christ to do the work that is achievable only by God, "What do to do the works of God?" (John 6:28).

The followers of Christ can be offered as a drink offering on the sacrifice, but never carry out the work of God "And yet that is offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all" (Philippians 2: 17).

The blessed salt is to have the function of providing a pleasant taste, which makes it pleasant to men the gospel message.

The apostle Paul was concerned much with these aspects by asking them to pray for him, "Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am stuck. Pray that it manifest, as I do "(Colossians 4:3 -4).

Christians must walk in wisdom toward them that are without, and taking advantage of every opportunity to proclaim the gospel. For this the word of the Christian should be seasoned with salt! What word should be tempered? The word (message) of the gospel.

The Christian walk, or elements that are convenient answer 'season' the word of the gospel to those who are outside.

The apostle Peter refers to the blessed and persecution as a result of the gospel: "But rejoice in the fact that you may be partakers of the sufferings of Christ, so that at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with joy. If the name of Christ you are insulted, you are blessed, because the Spirit rests upon you and the glory of God, as to them, it is, yes, blasphemed, but as for you, is glorified. let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, and evildoer, or as what busybody in other men: but if any man suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf "(1 Peter 4:13 -16).

If the Christian does not play the role of salt, how can it be made salty again? All who claim to be followers of Christ should be aware of their condition. If the Christian does not play the role for which it was commissioned, remains to be thrown out and serve pasture to men.

The Christian must be very careful not to confuse 'trampled underfoot by men' and 'be blessed to suffer persecution. " When Christians are persecuted for the gospel is blessed, but there are those who suffer for meddling in other people's business, etc..

The Christian is the light of the world, it is the child of Light "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things Jesus said, and they went and hid himself from them" (John 12:36) . The disciples were light in the Lord, since they believed in Christ.

Being light in the world, this indicates that, which is Jesus, the disciples were in this world "... because as He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17).

The function of the followers of Christ is to give light to the world (home) that is in darkness.

The followers of Jesus become light, by being born of Light (regeneration). Now, the condition of the children of light, the born again should behave as sons "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

Who is born again must behave in a manner worthy of the calling to which he was called, or should not behave as other Gentiles walk (Ephesians 4:1, 17).