How can we apply the principle of purity in our daily spiritual lives? Leviticus 16:12 — A Snapshot of Reverent Purity “And he is to take a censer full of glowing coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and he is to bring them inside the veil.” What We See in the Verse • Glowing coals from the altar: fire that had consumed the sacrifice, symbolizing sin already judged. • Finely ground incense: nothing coarse or contaminated; refined and fragrant. • Inside the veil: the holiest place, where no impurity could survive. Purity Principles Drawn from the Scene • Only what has passed through God-given fire belongs in His presence (Malachi 3:3; 1 Peter 1:7). • Incense represents prayer rising without mixture of sin (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). • Entry is possible only through blood atonement: fulfilled in Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 9:24-26). Daily Steps to Walk in Purity 1. Confess quickly • 1 John 1:9 — agree with God about any sin as soon as His Spirit convicts. • Psalm 51:10 — ask Him to “create in me a clean heart.” 2. Feed the fire of holiness • Romans 12:1-2 — present your body as a living sacrifice; let His Word renew your mind. • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — actively “cleanse ourselves from every defilement.” 3. Season prayer with wholehearted devotion • James 4:8 — “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • Philippians 4:6 — bring everything in thankful prayer; purity grows where anxiety dies. 4. Filter inputs and influences • Philippians 4:8 — whatever is pure, dwell on these things. • Ephesians 5:3-4 — reject entertainment or conversation that normalizes impurity. 5. Guard relationships with integrity • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” • Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart with all diligence.” Living as Modern Temples • Incense today equals a lifestyle of worship (John 4:24). • Christ’s finished work has made us priests (1 Peter 2:9); purity is our fitting garment (Revelation 19:8). • A pure life points others to the Savior (Matthew 5:8, 16). Encouragement for the Journey • God never commands without empowering (Ephesians 3:20). • Daily purity is possible because “you are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). • Keep stepping behind the veil; His presence is the sweetest incentive to stay pure. |
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