Definition: Purification, a process by which a person unclean is restored.

History: The annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement. In the details of daily life there were special causes of uncleanness: the leper or touching a dead body.

Purification was accomplished by bathing and washing the clothes or by “baptisms” and the sprinkling of blood and water.

Israel, chosen by God to be his people, was required to be holy. The holiness of Israel was recognized as moral separation from sin and was expressed outwardly by separation from objects designated unclean. Unclean utensils and clothing were washed in running water; but if a porous earthenware vessel became unclean, it had to be destroyed. Metal was purified by passing it through fire.

Israelites who had become unclean had to separate themselves from the congregation, the length of time depending on the nature of the uncleanness. They were to wash themselves in water, and for the more serious forms of uncleanness they were required to offer sacrifice. The unclean Israelite who would not purify himself was executed.

As time passed, the concept of holiness deepened and the purification ritual came to describe the cleansing of the heart from sin. (Psalms 51:1-7)

The NT writers described purification as the cleansing from sin through the blood of Christ (I John 1:7; Hebrews 1:3) and interpret the OT rituals as foreshadowing this cleansing (Hebrews 9:13-14).

(Psalm 51:8-12)

 

(Isaiah 1:18 & 25)

18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

25 I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all you impurities.

2. 2. A pure heart keeps our relationship with God strong!!

(Matthew 5:8)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

 

3. 3. A pure heart requires discipline and making correct choices. We must decide to walk in His ways!!!

(Philippians 4:8)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

(1 Timothy 5:22)

“…do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

(2 Timothy 2:22)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

(James 4:8)

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts…

Conclusion: Purity is not a discipline of the body, but a discipline of the heart! Purity is not just keeping yourself from sexually immorality, its about keeping your mind and thoughts pure, not giving into temptations, keeping you mind set on things above (Colossians 3:2); it’s about seeking the face of God. It’s about having pure motives, pure speech, pure attitudes, pure reasons, pure relationships, and pure feelings!!! Purity goes way beyond sex; its allowing God to purify every little part of my life!!! If purity comes from God then we need to stick close and let Him fight off the temptations of the devil. That’s why I prefer “keeping yourself sexually pure” over “abstaining from having sex”; the first statement requires maintaining a relationship with God while the latter statements just means not having sex!!

Bottomline: A pure lifestyle is something we all need to work on and it begins and ends with our relationship with Jesus!!