Temporary Purity

Temporary purity refers to the state of ceremonial or ritual cleanliness that is often emphasized in the Old Testament. This form of purity is achieved through adherence to specific laws and rituals, which were given to the Israelites to set them apart as God's chosen people. These laws included dietary restrictions, purification rites, and sacrifices, all of which were intended to maintain a state of external cleanliness and holiness.

In the Mosaic Law, temporary purity was necessary for participation in religious activities and for maintaining a right relationship with God. For example, Leviticus 11 outlines dietary laws, while Leviticus 15 details various purification rituals. These laws were a shadow of the greater spiritual truths to come, as they pointed to the need for a deeper, internal purity.

The temporary nature of this purity is evident in its repeated need for renewal. The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, was an annual event where the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people, highlighting the insufficiency of temporary measures to achieve lasting purity. Hebrews 10:1 states, "The law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves."

Eternal Purity

Eternal purity, in contrast, is a state of spiritual cleanliness and holiness that is achieved through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This form of purity is not dependent on external rituals or adherence to the law but is granted through faith in Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Eternal purity is characterized by an inward transformation and renewal of the heart, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17 : "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!"

The New Testament emphasizes that eternal purity is a gift of grace, received through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This purity is eternal because it is secured by the finished work of Christ, who is the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.

The Apostle Paul contrasts the temporary nature of the law with the eternal nature of the Spirit's work in the believer's life. In Romans 8:1-2 , he writes, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." This freedom from condemnation and the law signifies the believer's entrance into eternal purity.

Eternal purity also involves the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are continually being made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 1:6 assures believers of this ongoing work: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

In summary, while temporary purity was a necessary aspect of the Old Covenant, pointing to the need for holiness and separation from sin, eternal purity is the fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus Christ. It is a permanent state of righteousness and holiness that believers enjoy through faith, secured by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.