What role does purification play in preparing for God's presence in Ezekiel 43:26? Setting the scene in Ezekiel 43 Ezekiel has just witnessed the glory of the LORD returning to the future millennial temple (43:1-5). Immediately, precise instructions follow so that everything about the sanctuary reflects God’s holiness. Central to those instructions is Ezekiel 43:26: “For seven days they are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; thus they will consecrate it.” Seven-day purification: what actually happened • Priests offered a bull each day (43:25) • Blood was applied to the altar’s horns, rim, and base (43:20) • Fire consumed the offerings on the newly built altar (43:21) The repeated sacrifices did two things: 1. Atoned—covered sin, removing guilt (cf. Leviticus 17:11). 2. Cleansed—wiped away defilement so the altar became fit for holy service. Why purification precedes God’s manifest presence • God’s nature is utterly holy (Isaiah 6:3); anything defiled cannot stand before Him. • Purification separates the common from the sacred (Leviticus 10:10). • Atonement establishes peace so God can “dwell among them” without consuming wrath (Exodus 25:8; 40:34-35). • The altar stands at the temple’s heart; if it remains unclean, every act of worship flowing from it is contaminated (Haggai 2:13-14). Old Testament echoes • Moses similarly consecrated the wilderness altar for seven days (Exodus 29:35-37). • Hezekiah’s revival cleansed temple articles before the LORD’s glory returned to Judah (2 Chronicles 29:15-17). • Each Passover required homes to be swept free of leaven—symbolic impurity—before celebrating God’s deliverance (Exodus 12:15-20). New Testament fulfillment • Jesus became the once-for-all sacrifice, providing perfect atonement (Hebrews 9:12-14). • His blood cleanses our consciences, enabling confident access: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience” (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Believers are now “a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Purification is still required, but it is received, not repeated. • Daily confession keeps fellowship unhindered: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Practical takeaways for worship today • Approach God mindful of His holiness; reverence is never optional. • Rest in Christ’s finished cleansing yet practice ongoing repentance to maintain intimacy. • Guard the “altar” of the heart—what fuels our worship must be pure. • Pursue sanctified living so that personal and corporate worship become fitting dwelling places for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 7:1). Purification in Ezekiel 43:26 underscores an unchanging principle: only what God cleanses can host His presence. Through Christ, that cleansing is offered freely, inviting us to live daily before His unveiled glory. |
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