Purity in the biblical context refers to the state of being free from sin, moral corruption, and defilement. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the holiness and righteousness that God desires for His people. The concept of purity is both physical and spiritual, encompassing actions, thoughts, and intentions.

In the Old Testament, purity is often associated with ceremonial laws and rituals. The Israelites were given specific instructions on maintaining purity, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers. For example, Leviticus 11 outlines dietary laws, while Leviticus 15 addresses bodily discharges and their impact on ceremonial cleanliness. These laws served to set the Israelites apart as God's holy people: "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44).

The New Testament shifts the focus from external rituals to internal purity. Jesus emphasized the importance of the heart's condition, teaching that true defilement comes from within: "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man" (Matthew 15:18). The Apostle Paul also speaks to this, urging believers to pursue purity in thought and deed: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Purity is closely linked to the concept of sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. This ongoing transformation aligns the believer's life with God's will, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor" .

Atonement

Atonement is a foundational doctrine in Christianity, referring to the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The concept of atonement is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood was required for the forgiveness of sins.

In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most significant day for atonement. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. Leviticus 16 details the rituals involved, including the sacrifice of a bull and a goat, and the release of a scapegoat to symbolically carry away the sins of Israel: "Then he shall lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities of the Israelites and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins. And he shall put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task" (Leviticus 16:21).

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the atonement. His death on the cross is the once-for-all sacrifice that provides complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption" .

The Apostle Paul explains the significance of Christ's atoning work in Romans 3:25: "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand" . Through faith in Jesus, believers receive the benefits of His atonement, including justification, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.

Atonement underscores the gravity of sin and the depth of God's love, as He provided a means for humanity to be restored to a right relationship with Him. This profound truth is central to the Christian faith, calling believers to live in gratitude and obedience to the One who has redeemed them.