All Scripture ultimately points back to Jesus. Although it is beneficial to examine our lives in light of Scripture, our study of it should constantly cause us to stand in awe of this amazing God and the fact that He allows sinners to draw near to Him.
*What does purity mean? Examples of purity?(Bride, gold, water)
Definition: to be free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind. To be clear, or free, from blemishes.
*If God alone is pure/holy (holy: exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness-Lev. 11:44a), and mankind is sinful (Romans 3:23), then how does God allow us to come into His presence?
Since the Old Testament speculated that the people would sin and therefor be unclean, the purification rituals furnished a way to return to cleanness. The priests and Levites purified themselves first, then the people, and then the city gates and the wall. By doing this, they were prepared for worship. We read in Nehemiah 12:30," Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, the people, the gates, and the wall." The altar for sacrifice and the objects used in the tabernacle were purified so they would be prepared for worship. The last aspect of their sacrificial ritual was the sacrifice itself.
Because of sin, a cleansing agent was required: water, blood, or fire in the Old Testament. The Old Testament was for our learning. In the New Testament, our cleansing is complete through Jesus' death on the cross, which was a final, fulfilling sacrifice for sin. In Mark 16:16," He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. "
*Think about it:Because of sin, a cleansing agent was required: water, blood, or fire in the Old Testament. The Old Testament was for our learning. In the New Testament, our cleansing is complete through Jesus' death on the cross, which was a final, fulfilling sacrifice for sin. In Mark 16:16," He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. "
God is the absolute example of purity, and to fellowship with Him we must be pure. The eyes of the Lord are too pure to look upon evil. God expects ethical purity, and sin results in uncleanness. Our Lord God has no part with sin. God is our light in the world. When we turn off the lights, there is darkness. Without God in our lives, we are living in darkness, which is a sinful life. Habakkuk 1:13a," You are of purer eyes than to behold evil and cannot look on wickedness." We are only seen as pure and forgiven when God sees us through the salvation of His Son, Jesus Christ's, death on the cross. Being seen as pure, or not pure, has eternal consequences.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
Verses about purity:
2 Samuel 2:27; Psalm 24; Psalm 51; Psalm 119:9-16; Proverbs 20:9; 1 John 3:1-10
In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor. Ephesians 1:7
With study help from: http://gardenofpraise.com/godseg24a.htm
Bible Study credits: Terri Stellrecht http://howmysaviorleadsme.blogspot.com/
