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◄ Being Clean►

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Definition and Importance
In the biblical context, being clean often refers to both physical cleanliness and spiritual purity. The concept of cleanliness is deeply rooted in the laws and teachings of the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing holiness, sanctification, and the separation from sin and impurity.

Old Testament Context
In the Old Testament, the laws concerning cleanliness are primarily found in the books of Leviticus and Numbers. These laws were given to the Israelites to distinguish them from other nations and to maintain a state of holiness before God. Physical cleanliness was a prerequisite for participating in religious activities and entering the sanctuary.

Leviticus 11-15 outlines various laws regarding clean and unclean animals, skin diseases, bodily discharges, and other conditions. For example,Leviticus 11:47 states, "You must distinguish between the clean and the unclean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not." These laws served as a constant reminder of the need for purity and obedience to God's commands.

Ritual Purity
Ritual purity was essential for worship and community life. The Israelites were required to undergo specific purification rituals to become ceremonially clean. For instance,Numbers 19:20 emphasizes the importance of purification: "But if the man who is unclean does not purify himself, he must be cut off from the assembly because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD."

Spiritual Implications
Beyond physical cleanliness, the Old Testament also emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity.Psalm 51:10 reflects a plea for inner cleanliness: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This verse highlights the desire for moral and spiritual renewal, which is central to the biblical understanding of being clean.

New Testament Context
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from ritualistic laws to the condition of the heart. Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of inner purity over external rituals. InMatthew 15:11, Jesus teaches, "A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it." This statement underscores the significance of moral and spiritual cleanliness over mere ceremonial observance.

Cleansing through Christ
The New Testament reveals that true cleansing comes through faith in Jesus Christ.Hebrews 9:14 explains, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!" This verse highlights the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which purifies believers from sin and enables them to live in righteousness.

Sanctification and Holiness
Believers are called to live lives of holiness and purity, reflecting their new identity in Christ. 1John 1:7 states, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." This ongoing process of sanctification involves both divine grace and personal responsibility.

Practical Applications
The biblical principle of being clean extends to practical aspects of life, encouraging believers to maintain both physical and spiritual cleanliness. This includes personal hygiene, moral integrity, and a commitment to living according to God's standards.Ephesians 5:26-27 speaks of Christ's desire for the Church, "to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless."

Conclusion
The biblical teaching on being clean encompasses a holistic approach to purity, integrating physical, moral, and spiritual dimensions. Through the redemptive work of Christ, believers are empowered to pursue a life of holiness, reflecting God's character and preparing for eternal fellowship with Him.

Topical Bible Verses

John 15:3
Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 1:16
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil;
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 24:4
He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Topicalbible.org

John 13:10
Jesus said to him, He that is washed needs not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and you are clean, but not all.
Topicalbible.org

Greek

53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred
... unadultered); pure ; because (undefiled from sin), ie without spoilation even within
(even down to the center of one'sbeing); not with... chaste,clean, pure....

Library

Argument. --He First of all Asserts that the Law is Spiritual; and...
... for some animals it gave and granted for use, [5314] asbeing clean; some it
interdicted as notclean, and conveying pollution to those that eat them....

AClean Tongue.
... If we would keep aclean tongue, we must pray "Create in me aclean heart, O God...
But is it not a fact, that his words arebeing taken down, and when the books...

The Murderous Rejection.
... Then He calls the crowd together and talks on the importance ofbeing clean inside,
in the heart and thought. Before all the crowds He calls them hypocrites....

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... For thebeing clean in body was a type of purity, not the truth of purity;
was a type of righteousness, not the truth of righteousness....

Washed to Greater Foulness
... miraculous faith. Men dream ofbeing clean without the blood of Jesus, they
even boast of it, and yet their sin remaineth. The eye...

TheClean and the Unclean
... timid to be domesticated among the creatures whom the Lord has pronouncedclean....
The fearful that are afraid ofbeing persecuted, mocked, or even laughed at...

How St. Augustine,Being Made a Bishop, Sent to Acquaint Pope...
... Thus, when we are hungry, it is no sin to eat; yet ourbeing hungry proceeds... why
shall that which a woman suffers according to nature, with aclean mind, be...

The Leper
... Andbeing moved with compassion, He stretched forth His hand, and touched
him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou madeclean. And...

How Caedwalla, King of the West Saxons, Went to Rome to be...
... he had learned that in Baptism alone the entrance into the heavenly life is opened
to mankind; and he hoped at the same time, thatbeing madeclean by Baptism...

Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached...
... I regard the creation of both asclean, because both He who created them is holy,
and those things which were created are not in fault inbeing that which they...