The concept of "The One to be Cleansed" primarily refers to individuals who are subject to purification rituals as outlined in the Mosaic Law. These rituals are detailed in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Leviticus, and are essential for maintaining ceremonial purity and restoring individuals to full participation in the religious and communal life of Israel.

Biblical Context

In the Old Testament, the laws concerning purification are given to the Israelites to distinguish them as a holy people set apart for God. The need for cleansing arises from various conditions, including skin diseases (often translated as "leprosy"), bodily discharges, and contact with dead bodies. The most detailed instructions are found in Leviticus 13 and 14, which address the diagnosis and cleansing of skin diseases.

Levitical Law and Rituals

Leviticus 14 provides a comprehensive procedure for the cleansing of a person healed from a skin disease. The process involves several steps:

1. Examination by the Priest: The individual must be brought to the priest, who examines the person outside the camp to confirm the healing (Leviticus 14:2-3).

2. Sacrificial Offerings: The priest commands two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop to be brought for the cleansing ritual. One bird is killed over fresh water in a clay pot, and the living bird, along with the cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped in the blood of the slain bird. The blood is then sprinkled seven times on the one to be cleansed, and the living bird is released into the open field (Leviticus 14:4-7).

3. Washing and Shaving: The individual must wash their clothes, shave off all their hair, and bathe in water to be ceremonially clean. After this, they may enter the camp but must remain outside their tent for seven days (Leviticus 14:8).

4. Final Cleansing: On the seventh day, the person shaves all their hair again, washes their clothes, and bathes. On the eighth day, they bring offerings to the priest, including two male lambs, one ewe lamb, fine flour mixed with oil, and a log of oil. The priest makes atonement for the individual through these offerings (Leviticus 14:9-20).

Symbolism and Significance

The cleansing rituals symbolize the restoration of the individual to a state of purity and their reintegration into the community. The use of blood, water, and oil in the rituals underscores the themes of atonement, purification, and consecration. The release of the living bird signifies the removal of impurity and the restoration of life and freedom.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the purification laws. His healing of lepers, as recorded in the Gospels, demonstrates His authority over physical and spiritual uncleanness. For instance, in Luke 5:12-14, Jesus heals a man with leprosy and instructs him to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices commanded by Moses, thus affirming the law while revealing His power to cleanse.

The cleansing rituals of the Old Testament foreshadow the spiritual cleansing available through Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 9:13-14 contrasts the temporary purification of the flesh through the blood of goats and bulls with the eternal cleansing of the conscience through the blood of Christ.

Theological Implications

The concept of "The One to be Cleansed" highlights the holiness of God and the necessity of purity for those who approach Him. It underscores the seriousness of sin and impurity and the provision God has made for restoration and fellowship with Him. Through Christ, believers are cleansed from sin and called to live holy lives, reflecting the purity and righteousness of God.