How can we apply the concept of purification to our spiritual walk? The Ancient Picture of Purification • Numbers 19:17 paints a vivid scene: “For the purification of the unclean person, take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and pour fresh water over them.” • Ashes from the red heifer spoke of a sacrifice already completed; fresh (literally “living”) water signified ongoing life. • Together they formed a cleansing mixture applied to anyone defiled by death—removing impurity so that worship and fellowship could resume. Why Purification Still Matters • Sin defiles as surely as contact with a corpse did in Israel’s camp (Isaiah 59:2). • God’s holiness has not changed (Leviticus 11:44). Without cleansing, intimacy with Him stalls. • The red heifer points to Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice supplies the “ashes,” while the Spirit applies “living water” to hearts today (Hebrews 9:13-14; John 7:38-39). Jesus: The Better Red Heifer • Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near… having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.” • 1 John 1:7: “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” • Ephesians 5:26: Christ cleanses the church “by the washing with water through the word.” He is both the sacrifice and the purifier, securing a cleansing that reaches deeper than ceremonial water ever could. Steps Toward a Purified Walk 1. Honest Confession • Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9—name sin without excuse and receive immediate cleansing. 2. Daily Immersion in the Word • John 15:3—Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” • Regular reading lets the Spirit rinse away worldly residue. 3. Yielding to the Spirit’s “Living Water” • Galatians 5:16—walk by the Spirit to stay clear of fleshly contamination. 4. Separating from Known Defilement • 2 Corinthians 7:1—“let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.” • Practical choices: media, relationships, habits. 5. Practicing Fellowship and Accountability • Hebrews 10:24-25—gathering with believers sharpens conviction and encourages purity. Practical Takeaways • Treat sin as spiritual death-contact; respond quickly with Christ’s cleansing. • Keep the “ashes” (cross) and “water” (Word + Spirit) in view every day. • Let purity be proactive—guard inputs, cultivate confession, pursue holiness. • Remember: purified people become useful vessels, ready for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21). |
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