What connections exist between Leviticus 6:10 and New Testament teachings on holiness? Leviticus 6:10—Verse in Focus “Then the priest shall put on his linen garment and linen undergarments next to his body, and he shall remove the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the altar and place them beside it.” What We See in the Verse • Linen garments – symbol of purity and single-minded service • Garments “next to his body” – holiness is meant to be intimate, not superficial • Removing ashes – separating what is spent from what is sacred • Daily task – holiness is maintained continually, not occasionally • Priestly role – the one set apart handles both sacrifice and clean-up Key Old-to-New Testament Bridges 1. Pure Clothing → “Put On” the New Self • Ephesians 4:22-24 “put off your former way of life… and put on the new self” • Colossians 3:9-10 “taken off the old self… and have put on the new self” • The priest’s fresh linen foreshadows believers exchanging the “old self” for Christ’s righteousness. 2. Removing Ashes → Ongoing Cleansing from Sin • 2 Corinthians 7:1 “let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates” • 1 John 1:9 “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us” • Ashes of yesterday’s sacrifice picture confessed sin that must be taken away so fellowship remains unhindered. 3. Priestly Duty → Every Believer as Priest • 1 Peter 2:5 & 9 “a holy priesthood… a royal priesthood” • Revelation 1:6 “and has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” • The single priest in Leviticus points ahead to the shared priesthood of all who are in Christ. 4. Linen Garments → Righteous Acts of the Saints • Revelation 19:8 “She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure. For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.” • The physical linen of Aaron’s sons previews the spiritual linen granted to the Bride of Christ. 5. Daily Altar Service → Living Sacrifices • Romans 12:1 “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” • Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” • Just as the priest tended the altar morning by morning, believers keep the fire of devotion burning through continual surrender and worship. Putting It All Together • Holiness is both gifted and guarded. Christ supplies the spotless “linen”; we keep it unsoiled by removing the “ashes” of sin. • Holiness is personal. The garments touch skin; the New Covenant calls for purity “in the inner man.” • Holiness is priestly service. In Leviticus one man served for the nation; in Christ the whole church serves the world. • Holiness is daily maintenance. Yesterday’s ashes cannot stay on today’s altar; yesterday’s obedience never replaces today’s faithfulness. Practical Takeaways for Today • Begin each day “putting on” Christ by meditating on His Word (Colossians 3:16). • Confess sin quickly; do not let ashes pile up. • Remember your priestly identity—approach God freely and intercede for others (Hebrews 4:16). • Offer continuous praise and surrendered living as spiritual sacrifices that keep the altar fire bright. |
    |