327. Clean and Undefiled
Ezekiel 37:23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
“Cleanness” is an important matter to God and His prescribed rituals in the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament. God’s people could only eat “clean” food. Certain ritual washings were performed before offering sacrifices. Cleansings of persons who had had leprosy or skin diseases were done. Cleansing of houses with mold had to be done. Various cleansing rituals made one ceremonially clean.
The cleaning was not always related to anything scientific, as far as we can determine. It was simply a matter of doing what the Lord said in order to approach Him in worship or prayer. Obedience made one clean. Sin always defiled, made one unclean, and unable to approach a Holy God. The “clean and unclean” laws were symbolic of the clean or defiled heart. Unclean was equated with Sin, and clean was equated with Holiness. Outward ritual cleanliness was symbolic of inward holiness, which, in the simplest terms, meant worshiping the One True God in pure faith, with no holding on to idols behind your back (in the back of your mind).
Outward “Clean and Unclean Rules” were done away with at the coming of Christ, because it is faith in Him alone that makes one clean of defiling sin. Now access to God is always open through Jesus, and by faith in His Name. His Blood washes away sin and makes us clean and holy inside. Outward ritual cleansing is no longer required because inward, permanent, and spiritual cleansing comes by faith.
But the promise, “I will cleanse them,” is still real for NT believers. “The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.” “By a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. [Hebrews 10:14].” “Therefore…since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with our hearts sprinkled clean from any evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [Hebrews 10:21,22].” We may enter God’s Presence any time clean and undefiled by repentance and faith, for God has promised to cleanse the soul from Sin and its defilements. Why go through a day defiled? Come clean!