How does Exodus 30:10 reflect God's holiness and our need for purification? Setting the scene Aaron’s instructions in Exodus 30 revolve around the golden altar of incense that stood just outside the veil. Every morning and evening he burned incense there (Exodus 30:7-8), symbolizing the prayers of God’s people ascending before Him (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). Even this fragrant place required blood once a year: “Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns with the blood of the sin offering of atonement; he is to make atonement for it once a year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the LORD.” (Exodus 30:10) God’s holiness on display • “Most holy to the LORD” underscores God’s absolute otherness—He is morally flawless (Leviticus 11:44-45; 1 Peter 1:16). • Even the altar that hosted daily worship needed cleansing; holiness is not negotiable or relative. • One specific day, one prescribed priest, one prescribed blood sacrifice—no improvising. Exact obedience highlights the unchanging, perfect character of the One giving the command (Malachi 3:6). Our need for purification • If the altar of incense—never touched by human transgression—required blood, how much more do sinners (Romans 3:23)? • Blood was God’s ordained means: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • Annual repetition exposed humanity’s ongoing sin problem (Hebrews 10:1-4). We cannot cleanse ourselves; we must receive cleansing. Threads that run through Scripture • Leviticus 16:30 – “On this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you. Then you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD.” • Isaiah 6:5-7 – Isaiah’s lips purified by a coal from the altar shows God-initiated cleansing. • 1 John 1:7 – “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin,” tying the ritual to its fulfillment. Christ, the perfect fulfillment • Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary “by His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Unlike yearly sprinkling, His sacrifice was “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). • The cross satisfied God’s holiness and secured our purification, removing the need for further animal blood (John 19:30). Life applications • Approach God with reverent confidence—boldness rooted in Christ’s finished work, never casual presumption (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Keep short accounts with sin—confess quickly, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Pursue practical holiness—set apart in conduct and thought because the Holy One now dwells within (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15). |
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