What connections exist between Exodus 30:28 and New Testament teachings on sanctification? The Anointed Furnishings (Exodus 30:28) “the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand,” Setting the Scene • God orders that the altar and basin be covered with the sacred anointing oil (vv. 22-29). • The oil literally set these objects apart as “most holy” so that “whatever touches them shall be holy” (v. 29). • In plain terms: God distinguished common from sacred, reserving these pieces exclusively for His worship. What Sanctification Means in Exodus 30 • Physical separation—pulled out of everyday use. • Purposeful dedication—assigned only to God’s service. • Perpetual holiness—once anointed, they remained holy for all generations. New Testament Parallels 1. Believers as God’s Sanctuary • 1 Corinthians 3:16—“Do you not know that you are God’s temple…?” • As the altar and basin were set apart by oil, we are set apart by the Holy Spirit. 2. The Anointing Foreshadows the Spirit • 2 Corinthians 1:21-22—God “anointed us, set His seal, and put His Spirit in our hearts.” • 1 John 2:20—“You have an anointing from the Holy One.” 3. Cleansing and Washing • The basin held water for priests to wash (Exodus 30:18-21). • Ephesians 5:26—Christ “cleansed her by the washing with water through the word.” • Titus 3:5—“the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” 4. Holiness by Contact with the Holy One • “Whatever touches them shall be holy” (Exodus 30:29). • Hebrews 10:10—“By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • Union with Christ makes the believer holy (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ, the Greater Altar and Basin • Altar: Place of sacrifice → Hebrews 13:10-12 shows Jesus as the once-for-all sacrifice. • Basin: Place of washing → John 13:8,10 pictures Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, underscoring continual cleansing. • Through His blood and word, He fulfills both symbols perfectly. Sanctification Applied to Us • Positional—“You were sanctified” (1 Corinthians 6:11). A settled fact the moment we trust Christ. • Progressive—“This is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). A lifelong growth in holiness. • Ultimate—“Blameless at His coming” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Final perfection when we see Him. Living the Connection Today • Recognize your body and life as God’s consecrated property (Romans 12:1). • Depend daily on the Spirit’s anointing to empower obedience (Galatians 5:16-25). • Allow the word to keep washing your mind and motives (John 17:17). • Guard against mixing the holy with the profane—reserve every gift, talent, and moment for His glory (2 Timothy 2:21). Exodus 30:28 shows tangible objects transformed into holy instruments. The New Testament reveals the deeper reality: in Christ, you are the set-apart altar, continually cleansed basin, and Spirit-anointed vessel through which God now displays His holiness to the world. |
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