Purification in the biblical context often refers to the process of making oneself or something clean, both physically and spiritually, to fulfill a divine purpose. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments, where purification is seen as a prerequisite for service, worship, and communion with God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, purification rituals were integral to the Israelites' religious life. These rituals were prescribed by the Mosaic Law and were necessary for maintaining holiness and cleanliness before God. Leviticus 11-15 outlines various laws concerning clean and unclean animals, skin diseases, and bodily discharges, all of which required specific purification processes. For instance, Leviticus 14:8-9 describes the purification of a person healed from a skin disease: "The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water, and he will be clean. After this, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days."

Purification was also required for those who had come into contact with the dead, as seen in Numbers 19:11-12: "Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. He must purify himself with the water on the third day and the seventh day; then he will be clean."

These rituals were not merely about physical cleanliness but symbolized the need for spiritual purity to approach a holy God. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was a significant annual event where the high priest would perform elaborate purification rites to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of purification takes on a more spiritual dimension, emphasizing inner transformation and holiness. Jesus Christ's ministry often challenged the traditional views of purity, focusing instead on the purity of the heart. In Matthew 15:11, Jesus states, "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."

The apostle Paul further develops this theme, urging believers to live lives of purity and holiness as a response to the grace of God. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul writes, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

The purification for purpose is also evident in the call to be set apart for God's work. In 2 Timothy 2:21, Paul instructs, "So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work."

Purification and the Sacrifice of Christ

The ultimate purification for purpose is found in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides the means for spiritual cleansing and reconciliation with God. Hebrews 9:13-14 contrasts the old purification rituals with the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice: "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on 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 dead works to serve the living God?"

Through Christ, believers are purified and called to a life of holiness and service, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes. This purification is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, as believers strive to live in accordance with God's will and reflect His character in the world.