Purification

In the biblical context, purification refers to the process of making oneself or something clean and acceptable before God. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where various laws and rituals were established to ensure the purity of the Israelites, both physically and spiritually.

Old Testament Purification

The Mosaic Law contains numerous instructions regarding purification. These laws were given to the Israelites to maintain holiness and to distinguish them from other nations. Purification rituals often involved washing with water, offering sacrifices, and observing specific periods of separation. For instance, Leviticus 15 outlines the purification process for bodily discharges, while Leviticus 12 describes the purification after childbirth.

The Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16, was a significant annual event for the purification of the people and the sanctuary. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for himself, his household, and the entire assembly of Israel. This ritual underscored the necessity of purification to approach a holy God.

New Testament Purification

In the New Testament, purification takes on a more spiritual dimension. The coming of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament laws, and purification is now understood in the context of His redemptive work. 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, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!"

Baptism is a New Testament ordinance symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins. Acts 22:16 records Ananias instructing Paul, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name."

Service

Service in the Bible is closely linked to the concept of worship and obedience to God. It involves dedicating one's life and actions to the service of God and others, reflecting the love and grace received through Christ.

Old Testament Service

In the Old Testament, service to God was primarily expressed through obedience to His commandments and participation in the sacrificial system. The Levites were specifically set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple, as described in Numbers 3:5-10. Their duties included maintaining the sacred space and assisting the priests in their functions.

Service also extended to acts of justice and mercy, as seen in the prophetic writings. Micah 6:8 emphasizes, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

New Testament Service

In the New Testament, service is redefined through the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). Believers are called to follow His example, serving one another in love and humility. Romans 12:1 urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

The early church exemplified service through communal living and caring for the needs of others, as seen in Acts 2:44-45. Spiritual gifts are given to believers for the purpose of service, building up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Service is ultimately an expression of faith and love, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in the life of a believer.