The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes = eight blessings Jesus opened the Sermon on the Mount with - poor in spirit, mourners, meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted (Matthew 5:3-12).
“Beatitude” means supreme blessedness. Jesus flips the scoreboard: the kingdom belongs to the spiritually needy, not the self-sufficient - which fits Free Grace perfectly. “Poor in spirit” is bankruptcy before God, receiving the kingdom as gift rather than wage. Each line promises reward rooted in character shaped by grace, not self-made righteousness.
| Verse | Trait | Promise |
|---|---|---|
| 5:3 | Poor in spirit | Kingdom of heaven |
| 5:4 | Mourning | Comfort |
| 5:5 | Meek | Inherit the earth |
| 5:6 | Hunger for righteousness | Filled |
| 5:7 | Merciful | Obtain mercy |
| 5:8 | Pure in heart | See God |
| 5:9 | Peacemakers | Called children of God |
| 5:10 | Persecuted for righteousness | Kingdom of heaven |
Extends Free Grace. Contradicts Humility and Service when pride masquerades as strength.
