What other scriptures highlight the need for purity in approaching God's sanctuary? Ezekiel’s Warning - “foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and flesh” (Ezekiel 44:7) - Israel had allowed those still in outward and inward impurity to occupy the courts, breaking covenant and defiling the Lord’s house. God’s standard is holiness that reaches both body and heart. Old Testament Foundations for Purity • Exodus 19:10-15 – Before God descended on Sinai, the people washed and sanctified themselves. • Leviticus 10:1-3 – Nadab and Abihu died for offering unauthorized fire; God must be regarded as holy. • Leviticus 15:31 – Bodily uncleanness barred anyone from the tabernacle until cleansing rites were done. • Numbers 16:46-48 – Only a consecrated priest could stand between sinful people and a holy God. • 2 Chronicles 23:6 – No one but the consecrated priests and Levites could enter the LORD’s temple courts. • Psalm 24:3-4 – Access to God’s hill is for those of clean hands and pure hearts. • Isaiah 52:11 – Returning exiles were commanded to leave Babylonian defilement behind. • Malachi 1:7-10 – Polluted offerings caused God to prefer a closed door to compromised worship. New Testament Echoes • Matthew 5:8 – The pure in heart are promised sight of God. • John 2:13-17 – Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out merchants who profaned sacred space. • Acts 5:1-11 – Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit within the church showed that holiness still matters. • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – Believers are God’s temple; anyone corrupting it will face divine judgment. • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought at a price for God’s glory. • 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 – Paul urges separation from impurity and the perfecting of holiness in reverence. • Hebrews 10:19-22 – We draw near because hearts are sprinkled clean and bodies washed. • 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “Be holy, for I am holy.” • Revelation 21:27 – Nothing impure will ever enter the eternal sanctuary; only the redeemed may dwell there. Key Themes Tied Together - God’s holiness is unchanging; the dwelling place has moved from stone temple to redeemed hearts, but the purity requirement remains. - External rituals pointed toward inner reality; both mattered in the old covenant and find fulfillment in Christ. - The blood of Jesus supplies the only effective cleansing, yet believers actively pursue purity in gratitude. - Approaching God carelessly or defiantly brings judgment, while reverent purity invites intimate fellowship. Living It Out Today • Practice regular self-examination through Scripture and the Spirit’s conviction. • Confess and turn from sin immediately when it is revealed. • Cultivate clean hands (actions) and pure hearts (motives) in everyday choices. • Guard church life from teachings or habits that defile God’s dwelling. • Walk consciously as bearers of God’s presence in every place you enter. |
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