How does the washing in 2 Chronicles 4:6 connect to New Testament baptism? Scripture Focus 2 Chronicles 4:6: “He then made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north side; in them the articles for the burnt offerings were rinsed, but the Sea was for the priests to wash in.” Setting the Scene: Solomon’s Basins and Sea • Ten smaller basins—rinsing the sacrificial implements. • One massive “Sea”—for priests to wash before ministering (cf. Exodus 30:17-21). • The temple embodied God’s holiness; water guarded the boundary between holy and common. Purpose of the Old Covenant Washing • Removed blood and ash so nothing defiled entered God’s presence (Leviticus 16:4, 30). • Signaled the priest’s readiness for service (Numbers 19:11-13). • Functioned as “a symbol for the present time” until Christ’s perfect cleansing (Hebrews 9:9-10). New Covenant Fulfillment: Baptism • Christ’s blood accomplishes what temple water pictured (Hebrews 9:13-14). • Baptism proclaims that cleansing: “Be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). • Unites believers with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). • “Baptism…now saves you—not the removal of dirt…but a pledge of a clear conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:21). Parallels Between Temple Washing and Baptism • Divine command—2 Chronicles 4:6 " Matthew 28:19 • Pre-service cleansing " Entrance into the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5) • External symbol of purity " External symbol of Spirit’s inward washing (Titus 3:5) • Repeated continually " One decisive act—Christ’s sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 10:12) Living Out the Picture Today • Recall your baptism whenever you read of temple water; God has provided the real cleansing. • “Let us draw near…having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22). • Guard personal holiness just as priests guarded ritual purity (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Offer yourself as a living sacrifice—already washed and ready for service (Romans 12:1). |
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