Purity

In the biblical context, purity often refers to the state of being free from sin or moral corruption. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the holiness and righteousness that God desires for His people. Purity is not only a matter of external actions but also of the heart and mind.

The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding purity, particularly through the laws given to the Israelites. Leviticus 11:44-45 states, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call to holiness underscores the importance of purity as a reflection of God's own nature. The ceremonial laws, including dietary restrictions and purification rituals, served as tangible reminders of the need for spiritual cleanliness.

In the New Testament, Jesus intensifies the call to purity by focusing on the internal condition of the heart. In Matthew 5:8 , He declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This beatitude highlights the promise of divine fellowship for those who maintain purity in their innermost being. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme, urging believers to pursue purity in thought and deed. In Philippians 4:8 , he writes, "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."

Purity is also linked to the concept of sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 , Paul exhorts the church to abstain from sexual immorality and to live in holiness and honor, emphasizing that God has called them not to impurity but to a life of sanctification.

Restoration

Restoration in the Bible refers to the act of God bringing His people back to a state of spiritual health and wholeness after a period of sin, exile, or suffering. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's redemptive power and His desire to renew and restore His creation.

The Old Testament prophets frequently spoke of restoration in the context of Israel's disobedience and subsequent exile. Jeremiah 30:17 promises, "For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, declares the LORD." This assurance of restoration is not only physical but also spiritual, as God promises to renew the covenant relationship with His people.

The theme of restoration is vividly illustrated in the account of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. This parable, told by Jesus, depicts a wayward son who returns to his father after squandering his inheritance. The father's joyful reception and celebration of his son's return symbolize God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent and turn back to Him.

In the New Testament, restoration is closely associated with the work of Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for humanity's ultimate restoration to a right relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

The promise of restoration extends beyond individual believers to the entire creation. Romans 8:21 speaks of the future hope when "the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." This eschatological vision assures believers of the complete restoration that God will accomplish in the fullness of time.