What New Testament teachings align with Leviticus 14:36's focus on purity? Leviticus 14:36—Snapshot of Divine Concern for Purity “Then the priest shall order that the house be cleared before he enters to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will become unclean; afterward the priest shall go in to inspect the house.” Christ, the Greater Priest, and Heart Inspection - Hebrews 3:6: “But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house…” - John 2:15-16: Jesus drives out merchants, guarding the purity of His Father’s house. - Revelation 2:18-23: The risen Christ searches “minds and hearts,” exposing impurity within His churches. Believers as God’s House - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple…? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” - Ephesians 2:21-22: We are being built together into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. - The priest’s clearing of the house pictures the Spirit urging believers to remove anything that would pollute His dwelling. Practical New Testament Calls to Purity - 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” - Ephesians 5:3-4: No hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed; no obscene talk. - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7: God’s will is sanctification; He calls us to live pure, honorable lives. - 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” - James 1:27: Pure religion keeps “oneself unstained by the world.” - Revelation 21:27: Nothing unclean enters the New Jerusalem. Purity Guarded through Confession and Cleansing - 1 John 1:7-9: Walking in the light lets the blood of Jesus continually cleanse us; confession removes hidden defilement. - 2 Timothy 2:20-22: Cleansing oneself from dishonorable things makes one “a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master.” - Titus 2:11-14: Grace trains us “to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions,” purifying a people eager for good works. Motivations for Pursuing Purity Today - God’s presence: Matthew 5:8—“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” - Effective ministry: Philippians 2:15—shining as lights in a crooked generation. - Eternal inheritance: 1 John 3:2-3—everyone who has this hope purifies himself. Leviticus 14:36’s house-clearing points forward to the New Testament’s intensified call: let nothing impede fellowship with the Holy One who now dwells within His people. |
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