What role does purification play in our relationship with God, according to Leviticus 16:30? Scripture Focus “because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD.” (Leviticus 16:30) Understanding Purification in Leviticus 16:30 • “Atonement” and “cleanse” are linked; God removes sin’s guilt and its defilement in one act. • The initiative is God’s—“will be made for you”; we cannot purify ourselves. • The result is relational—“before the LORD.” Cleansing is never merely ritual; it restores fellowship with the Holy One. What Purification Achieves in Our Relationship with God • Restores access: Only the clean may draw near (Psalm 24:3-4). • Removes wrath: Sin’s penalty is covered (Romans 5:9). • Grants peace of conscience: “You will be clean…”—no lingering stain (Hebrews 9:13-14). • Sets apart for service: Cleansed people become a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). • Cultivates ongoing holiness: Freed from guilt, we pursue purity in daily conduct (1 John 3:3). Purification Fulfilled in Christ • Day of Atonement prefigures the cross (Hebrews 9:23-26). • His blood accomplishes permanent cleansing—“The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). • He entered the heavenly Most Holy Place once for all, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Living Out Purification Today • Confess sin quickly; apply the finished work of Jesus (1 John 1:9). • Approach God confidently, yet reverently, knowing Christ has made you clean (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Guard personal holiness—what God has cleansed, we do not re-soil (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Worship with gratitude, remembering that purity is a gift, not an achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9). |
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