How does Exodus 30:20 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual cleansing? the old covenant picture: the priests must wash (Exodus 30:20) “Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Likewise, when they approach the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the LORD,” • God required real, physical washing before any priestly service. • The penalty for bypassing the laver was death—holiness is non-negotiable. • The basin stood between everyday life and the holy presence, underscoring mankind’s need for cleansing before drawing near. fulfilled in Jesus: a once-for-all bath • Hebrews 10:22—“having our bodies washed with pure water” points to Christ’s completed work. • Titus 3:5—“He saved us… through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” • 1 Corinthians 6:11—“you were washed… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Christ gives the decisive, internal cleansing the laver only symbolized. yet still needed: continual washing for fellowship • John 13:8-10—Jesus tells Peter, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet,” distinguishing the full cleansing of salvation from the repeated cleansing of daily sin. • 1 John 1:7-9—believers confess and are “continually cleansed” by His blood. • Ephesians 5:26—Christ “cleanses her by the washing with water through the word,” showing Scripture’s role in ongoing purity. shared themes: old and new • Approach—both covenants place cleansing before service and worship. • Holiness—God’s standard never relaxes; He provides the means to meet it. • Life-or-death seriousness—the priests faced physical death; rejecting Christ’s cleansing leaves one in spiritual death. • Divine provision—the laver was God’s gift; the cross is God’s ultimate gift. living the connection today • Rest in the once-for-all washing accomplished by Christ (Hebrews 9:12). • Keep “coming to the laver” through confession and the Word, letting Him wash the day’s dust from heart and mind. • Serve confidently: cleansed people have full access to the “altar” of worship and ministry (Hebrews 4:16). |
    |