How can we apply the principles of purification from Leviticus 14:20 today? Overview of Leviticus 14:20—The Final Moment of Cleansing • “Then the priest is to sacrifice the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar, and he is to make atonement for him, and he will be clean.” (Leviticus 14:20) • After days of inspection, washing, and waiting, the former leper stands at the altar. Blood is shed, fire consumes the offering, and the priest declares, “clean.” • The text shows God’s unwavering design: impurity is real, atonement is necessary, and restoration is possible. Timeless Truths Wrapped in Ritual • Impurity separates—leprosy drove the sufferer outside the camp (v. 3); sin drives the heart away from God (Isaiah 59:2). • God Himself provides the way back—He prescribes the ritual, supplies the sacrifice, and appoints the priest. • Atonement requires blood—“for the life of a creature is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). • Cleansing results in renewed fellowship—the cleansed person rejoins worship and community. Christ, the Fulfillment of the Burnt Offering • Old-covenant sacrifices pointed forward: “But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12) • Jesus is both Priest and offering—“Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) • Because His work is complete, believers stand permanently “clean” (Hebrews 10:14). Practical Ways to Apply Purification Today 1. Embrace the once-for-all sacrifice • Turn from sin and trust Christ’s finished work (Acts 3:19). • Reject any notion that human effort can supplement His atonement. 2. Practice daily confession and cleansing • “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) • Keep short accounts with God; don’t let guilt linger. 3. Live gratefully in worship • Offer “a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Move worship beyond Sunday; let every task become an altar. 4. Pursue holiness in every arena • “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) • Evaluate entertainment, speech, and relationships for purity. 5. Walk in accountable community • “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16) • Genuine fellowship guards against the isolation that sin loves. 6. Serve as a kingdom of priests • “You are a chosen people… that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness.” (1 Peter 2:9) • Point others to the sole Source of cleansing; extend compassion to those still “outside the camp.” Living “Clean” in a Contaminated World • Remember your status—washed, sanctified, justified (1 Corinthians 6:11). • Resist contamination—“Keep yourself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27). • Reflect your Redeemer—let the fragrance of Christ replace the odor of sin (2 Corinthians 2:15). The ancient ritual ends in the ringing word “clean.” In Christ, that pronouncement becomes our everyday reality and our eternal song. |
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