Holiness and Purity

Introduction  During the Mosaic era, entrance into God’s presence and participation in worship involved rituals of purification (Exod. 30:17-21; Num. 9:9-14; etc.).  This ancient Jewish practice persisted into the first century (John 11:55-56; Acts 21:26; 24:17-19).

Illustration  The concept of physical purification helps us understand the need for spiritual purification.  For the sake of illustration, consider Jesus’ encounter with the Jewish leaders, as recorded in Matthew 15 and Mark 7.

A Relevant Greek Word  Thomas defines hagnos, derived from the same as hagios [sacred, holy], as “free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred” [53].  BDAG say this adjective, which is descriptive of that which is “pure” or “holy, is a “cultic word, originally an attribute of the divinity and everything belonging to it,” and is used of persons and things.

Used of Persons  Disciples in General (2 Cor. 7: 5-13, esp. vs. 11; 11:1-6, esp. vs. 2; 1 John 3:1-10, esp. vs. 3)  Faithful Evangelists (1 Tim. 5:21-22)  Godly Women (Titus 2:3-5; 1 Pet. 3:1- 6, esp. vs. 2)

Used of Objects  Proper Thoughts (Phil. 4:4-9, esp. vs. 8)  Divine Wisdom (James 3:13-18, esp. vs. 17)

Conclusion  May God help us, like the Corinthians, to genuinely repent of all wrongdoing, thus demonstrating ourselves to be innocent regarding our former transgressions (2 Cor. 7:11).  May we be faithful to the divine covenant, so that when the Lord returns, the church (and each individual member thereof) might be presented as a pure virgin to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2).

Conclusion  May we consecrate our minds, dwelling upon things that are true, honorable, right, pure, and lovely, meditating upon things of good repute, focusing upon ideas that are excellent and worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8).  Patterning our lives after the wisdom that is from above, let us be pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).

Conclusion  May all who serve as evangelists, proclaiming the Word of God, bringing glad tidings of good things, keep themselves free from sin (1 Tim. 5:22).  May Christian wives be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored (Titus 2:5). May their behavior be chaste and respectable (1 Pet. 3:2).

Conclusion  Longing for that day when hope will become sight, when we see our Lord and Master in all His glory, being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, may we (while remaining here below), be about the business of purifying ourselves, just as He is pure (1 John 3:3).