How can we apply the purification principles in Ezekiel 44:27 today? Taking a Closer Look at Ezekiel 44:27 “On the day he enters the sanctuary into the inner court to minister in the sanctuary, he must present his sin offering,” declares the Lord GOD. Purity Before Participation • The priest could not simply walk into God’s presence and serve; he had to deal with sin first. • The same sequence still matters: cleansing first, service second (Hebrews 10:19-22). The Sin Offering Foreshadows Christ • Every animal on that altar anticipated “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Christ offered “one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Hebrews 10:12). • We no longer bring animals, yet we still approach through a sacrifice—His. Intentional Re-entry After Defilement • Ezekiel’s priest had a waiting period (v. 26) and a sacrifice (v. 27). • We follow a clear, grace-filled pattern: – Recognize where we’ve been defiled (Psalm 139:23-24). – Confess with honesty: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). – Re-enter service with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4). Practical Ways to Apply the Principle Today • Keep short accounts with God—confession as soon as the Spirit convicts. • Begin any ministry moment (teaching, worship leading, hospitality, parenting) by thanking Jesus for His once-for-all offering and asking Him to cleanse hidden faults (Psalm 19:12). • Set aside regular “purification pauses”: – Daily Scripture reading that exposes motives (Hebrews 4:12). – Weekly communion reflecting on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:28). • Guard the “inner court” of the heart—what we watch, hear, and ponder (Proverbs 4:23). • Invite trusted believers to speak in when they notice attitudes or habits that defile (Galatians 6:1). The Ongoing Call to Holiness • “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8) Encouragement to Finish Strong • Jesus, our greater High Priest, “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). • Because His sacrifice is perfect, we can approach each new ministry moment in confidence—freshly purified and ready to serve. |
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