How does Leviticus 16:24 connect to New Testament teachings on purification? Setting the Scene in Leviticus 16:24 “ ‘He shall bathe himself with water in a holy place, put on his garments, and come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, making atonement for himself and for the people.’ ” (Leviticus 16:24) Key Movements in the Verse • Washing with water in a holy place • Putting on priestly garments again • Presenting the burnt offerings • Atonement accomplished for priest and people Old-Covenant Picture, New-Covenant Fulfillment • Washing with water → points ahead to the cleansing that comes through Christ: – “having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22) – “the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5) – “this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also” (1 Peter 3:21) • Holy place → anticipates direct access to God’s presence opened by Jesus: – “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19) • Fresh garments → foreshadows the new self believers receive: – “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness” (Ephesians 4:24) – “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14) • Burnt offering and atonement → fulfilled in the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ: – “by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14) – “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2) Jesus, the Greater High Priest • The Levitical high priest washed, changed garments, and re-entered the camp; Jesus passes through the heavens, utterly pure, never needing personal atonement (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Animal blood was offered repeatedly; Christ “entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • The priest returned to bless the people; Jesus rises and ever lives to intercede for His own (Hebrews 7:25). Purification by Water and the Word • Just as the priest’s body had to be washed, the church is cleansed: “Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 5:25-26). • External washing in Leviticus meets inward renewal in the gospel—water baptism publicly declares a heart already purified by faith (Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Living Out the Cleansing • Approach God confidently, knowing the ultimate washing has been accomplished. • Put on the “new garments” daily—habits that match the righteousness already granted. • Offer lives as spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1), echoing the priest’s burnt offering, but grounded in Christ’s finished work. |
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