Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance Purifying, in the biblical context, refers to the process of making something ceremonially clean or free from impurities, both physically and spiritually. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments, where purification is often associated with religious rituals, moral cleansing, and the sanctification of individuals and communities. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, purification is primarily linked to the ceremonial laws given to the Israelites. These laws were designed to maintain holiness and cleanliness among God's people. The Book of Leviticus outlines various purification rituals, including those for individuals who have become unclean through contact with dead bodies, skin diseases, or bodily discharges (Leviticus 11-15). The purification process often involved washing with water, offering sacrifices, and waiting for a specified period. For instance, Numbers 19 describes the use of the "water of purification," made from the ashes of a red heifer, as a means to cleanse those who had come into contact with a corpse. This ritual underscores the importance of purity in maintaining a relationship with God and participating in communal worship. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of purifying takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection are seen as the ultimate means of purification for believers. Hebrews 9:13-14 states, "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!" The New Testament emphasizes the internal aspect of purification, focusing on the heart and conscience. In 1 John 1:7, believers are encouraged to walk in the light, as "the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." This purification is not merely external but involves a transformation of the inner person, aligning one's life with the holiness of God. Purification and Baptism Baptism is a significant New Testament ordinance symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins. Acts 22:16 records Ananias instructing Saul (Paul), "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name." Baptism represents the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, marking the beginning of a new, purified life in Christ. Moral and Ethical Purification Beyond ceremonial and ritualistic aspects, the Bible calls for moral and ethical purification. James 4:8 exhorts believers, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This call to purity involves repentance, turning away from sin, and seeking to live a life that reflects God's holiness. Eschatological Purification The theme of purification extends to eschatological hope, where believers anticipate a future state of complete purity and holiness. Revelation 21:27 speaks of the New Jerusalem, where "nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." This ultimate purification is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where His people are fully sanctified and dwell in His presence eternally. Conclusion The biblical concept of purifying encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms, highlighting the necessity of holiness in the life of believers. Through the sacrificial work of Christ, believers are called to live purified lives, reflecting God's holiness and preparing for the eternal purity of His kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Purify.Greek 2512. katharismos -- a cleansing ... of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: katharismos Phonetic Spelling: (kath-ar-is-mos') Short Definition: cleansing, purifying, purification Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2512.htm - 7k 2508. kathairo -- to cleanse 48. hagnizo -- to purify, cleanse from defilement Strong's Hebrew 2892. tohar -- purity, purifying... 2891, 2892. tohar. 2892a . purity, purifying. Transliteration: tohar Phonetic Spelling: (to'-har) Short Definition: clearness. clearness, glory, purifying ... /hebrew/2892.htm - 5k 2893. tahorah -- purifying, cleansing 2892a. tohar -- purity, purifying 2891. taher -- to be clean or pure 2403. chatta'ah -- sinful thing, sin Library Purifying the Soul The Purifying Influence of Hope The Purifying Hope The Purifying of the Temple. Whether Faith Has the Effect of Purifying the Heart? July the Twenty-First Purifying the Sanctuary Of Malachi's Prophecy, in which He Speaks of the Last Judgment ... The Apostolic Experience Sanctified by God the Holy Ghost. The Man Sent Ahead. Thesaurus Purifying (17 Occurrences)...Purifying (17 Occurrences). Mark 7:19 because it doesn't go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, thus purifying all foods?" (WEB YLT). ... /p/purifying.htm - 11k Purification (25 Occurrences) Purify (39 Occurrences) Thirty (189 Occurrences) Fulfilled (143 Occurrences) Nonimmersionist Non-immersionist Purim (5 Occurrences) View (86 Occurrences) Zephaniah (11 Occurrences) Resources What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the refiner's fire and launderer's soap in Malachi 3:2? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian be a prepper or in any way involved with doomsday prepping? | GotQuestions.org Purifying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Purifying (17 Occurrences)Mark 7:19 Luke 2:22 John 2:6 John 3:25 Acts 15:9 Acts 21:26 Ephesians 5:26 Hebrews 9:13 Leviticus 12:4 Leviticus 12:5 Leviticus 12:6 Numbers 8:7 2 Samuel 11:4 1 Chronicles 23:28 Esther 2:12 Ezekiel 43:23 Daniel 11:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
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