What does the Bible say about purifications?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents ceremonial purifications as God-given signs that sinful and unclean people need cleansing to draw near to his holy presence, ultimately pointing to Christ. Israel was consecrated before meeting God at Sinai in Exodus 19:10, and priests were washed for their service in Exodus 29:4 and Leviticus 16:4, 24. Numbers 8:6-7 describes the Levites' cleansing, while Leviticus 15:2-13 regulates uncleanness in ordinary life. The sea crossing, through which Israel was identified with Moses, is called a baptism in 1 Corinthians 10:2. These outward washings could not cleanse the conscience by themselves, but testified to the cleansing God provides through the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Of Israel at the exodus Exodus 14:22; 1 Corinthians 10:2
- Of Israel before receiving the law Exodus 19:10
- Of priests before consecration Exodus 29:4
- Of Levites before consecration Numbers 8:6; Numbers 8:7
- Of high priest on day of atonement Leviticus 16:4; Leviticus 16:24
- Of things for burnt-offerings 2 Chronicles 4:6
- Of individuals who were ceremonially unclean Leviticus 15:2-13; Leviticus 17:15; Leviticus 22:4-7; Numbers 19:7-12; Numbers 19:21
- Of the healed leper Leviticus 14:8; Leviticus 14:9
- Of Nazarites after vow expired Acts 21:24; Acts 21:26
- Used by the devout before entering God’s house Psalms 26:6; Hebrews 10:22
- Multiplied by traditions Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4
- Means used for
- Water of separation Numbers 19:9
- Running water Leviticus 15:13
- Water mixed with blood Exodus 24:5-8; Hebrews 9:19
- Was by
- Sprinkling Numbers 19:13; Numbers 19:18; Hebrews 9:19
- Washing parts of the body Exodus 30:19
- Washing the whole body Leviticus 8:6; Leviticus 14:9
- Of priests performed in the brazen laver Exodus 30:18; 2 Chronicles 4:6
- Vessels in the houses of the Jews for John 2:6
- Consequence of neglecting those prescribed by law Leviticus 17:16; Numbers 19:13; Numbers 19:20
- Availed to sanctifying the flesh Hebrews 9:13
- Insufficient for spiritual purification Job 9:30; Job 9:31; Jeremiah 2:22
- The Jews laid great stress on John 3:25
- Illustrative of
- Purification by the blood of Christ Hebrews 9:9-12
- Regeneration Ephesians 5:26; 1 John 1:7
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about purifications and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about purifications