Connect Ezra 6:20's purification theme to New Testament teachings on holiness. Purification in Ezra 6:20 “All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean, and they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves.” (Ezra 6:20) • The rebuilt temple called for a pure priesthood. • Cleansing preceded sacrifice; holiness prepared the way for worship. • The Passover lamb, once slain, allowed the restored community to stand before the Lord with clean hands and hearts. Why Purification Mattered under the Old Covenant • God’s presence dwelt among His people; uncleanness separated them from Him (Leviticus 16:16). • Ceremonial washing and sacrificial blood showed that sin demands atonement. • Purity was never an end in itself—it pointed to deeper, inward holiness (Psalm 24:3-4). Christ—The Ultimate Fulfillment of Purification • Hebrews 9:13-14: “How much more will the blood of Christ… purify our consciences from dead works to serve the living God!” • Titus 2:14: “He gave Himself for us… to purify for Himself a people for His own possession.” • The priests in Ezra washed themselves; Jesus, our great High Priest, washes us (Revelation 1:5-6). New Testament Call to Holiness • 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, because I am holy.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Hebrews 10:19-22: With hearts sprinkled clean, we “draw near” in full assurance. • Holiness is both position (set apart in Christ) and practice (daily obedience). Living Out Purity Today • Walk in the light—1 John 1:7 says Christ’s blood “cleanses us from all sin.” • Immerse yourself in Scripture—Ephesians 5:26 calls it the “washing with water through the word.” • Offer your body as a living sacrifice—Romans 12:1 makes purity an act of worship. • Pursue community accountability—Hebrews 3:13 urges mutual encouragement so sin does not harden the heart. • Depend on the Spirit—Galatians 5:16 reminds us that walking by the Spirit keeps us from gratifying the flesh. A Continuous Thread: From Temple to Heart • Ezra 6:20 shows purified priests bringing a nation back to God. • The New Testament reveals Christ purifying believers, making them “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). • The outward washings of the Old Covenant culminate in the inward, lasting cleansing accomplished by Jesus—calling every disciple to pursue practical, joyful holiness today. |
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