What does Ezekiel 43:20 teach about God's holiness and our approach to Him? The Setting: God’s Blueprint for Worship Ezekiel 43 finds the prophet standing in a future, restored temple. The vision is literal and trustworthy, showing how God Himself specifies every detail. Verse 20 zooms in on the consecration of the altar: “Then you shall take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge, and on the rim all around. In this way you are to cleanse the altar and make atonement for it.” (Ezekiel 43:20) The Blood on the Altar: A Declaration of Holiness • Blood is God’s chosen sign of life and atonement (Leviticus 17:11). • Applying blood to the altar’s horns, ledge, and rim underscores that every aspect of worship must be purified. • God’s holiness is so absolute that even the objects He commands for worship need cleansing before use. Four Horns, Four Corners, Whole Rim: Total Coverage • Four horns point north, south, east, and west—signaling universal purity. • The four corners of the ledge and the full rim show no area left untouched. • Holiness is not partial; God requires complete consecration. What This Teaches about Approaching God • We draw near only through atonement made in blood. • Sin cannot coexist with God’s presence; purification is non-negotiable (Isaiah 6:3–7). • The Lord Himself provides the means, ensuring our approach aligns with His character. From Shadow to Fulfillment in Christ • Old-covenant sacrifices pointed toward the perfect sacrifice of Jesus: — “Christ came as High Priest… by His own blood He obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12, 14) • The cross fulfills Ezekiel’s pattern: one sacrifice, total cleansing, permanent access (Hebrews 10:19-22). Living in Light of a Consecrated Altar • Confidence—We enter God’s presence “by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Reverence—God’s holiness has not diminished; grace heightens our awe. • Purity—“Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) We pursue practical holiness because the atoning blood has set us apart. • Sacrifice—Respond with living sacrifices of obedience and worship (Romans 12:1). |
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