Why is maintaining purity important in our relationship with God today? The Serious Warning in Leviticus 7:20 “ ‘But if anyone who is unclean eats the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.’ ” Why This Matters Beyond the Tabernacle • God’s standards never shift. Holiness is not a temporary ritual rule; it reflects His unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6). • Purity is the condition for enjoying God’s nearness. In ancient Israel that meant remaining in the camp; for us it means unhindered fellowship with the indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). • Defilement always brings distance. “Cut off” then, broken fellowship now (1 John 1:6-7). Five Reasons Purity Is Still Essential 1. Fellowship: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) 2. Worship: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3-4) 3. Witness: A holy life displays God’s character (1 Peter 2:12). 4. Protection: Sin invites discipline (Hebrews 12:6). Purity keeps our hearts soft and guarded. 5. Expectation: “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) What Happens When Purity Is Neglected • Spiritual dullness and unanswered prayer (Isaiah 59:1-2). • Loss of joy and confidence (Psalm 51:10-12). • Harm to the wider body—“A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” (Galatians 5:9) New-Covenant Echoes of Leviticus 7:20 • 1 Corinthians 11:27-32—an unworthy approach to the Lord’s Table brings judgment. • 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1—“Let us cleanse ourselves … perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16—“Be holy, because I am holy.” Living Out Purity Day by Day • Guard inputs: what we watch, read, and listen to (Psalm 101:3). • Confess quickly: keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). • Practice accountability: invite trusted believers to speak truth in love (Proverbs 27:17). • Feed on Scripture: it cleanses and renews the mind (Ephesians 5:26). • Rely on the Spirit: purity is fruit of His work, not mere willpower (Galatians 5:16). The Hope Behind the Call God never commands what He won’t also empower. Through Christ’s finished sacrifice and the Spirit’s present help, the purity that once kept worshipers inside the camp now welcomes us into a closer, richer walk with the Holy One every single day. |
    |