Cleanliness

by Parker, R. A. | Category: General | Feb 1957

In a factory in the Midlands a large notice appears in one of the works offices, " Cleanliness is next to godliness. Everything must have its proper place." This saying may well be taken by the child of God as sound advice, especially as we are always in contact with the filth and squalor of this present evil world. Moral uncleanness, which is a form of sin, separated men from God, and whether it be the sinner or the saint (in the New Testament use of the word) all must come to Christ for cleansing. The Scripture teaches us that moral cleanliness is achieved in two ways:

(a)by the blood of Christ, and

(b)by the use of the water of the Word.

Each of these has its proper application and they are not interchangeable. In the matter of sin, there is only one thing which will ever cleanse in perpetuity, that is the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9. 12). In the Scriptures the subject of cleanliness or cleansing is divided into two aspects:

(1)that which is done for the sinner initially, and eternally, through faith, and

(2)that which is done for us through confession.

When the sinner receives Christ He cleanses him by His precious blood (Hebrews 9.22) and when the saved person sins (and all saved persons do sin) the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses him from all sin upon confession to his heavenly Father (1 John 1. 7). Some believers seem to think that the reading of God's word of itself is sufficient, but that is not so.

Though the blood of Christ was shed for sin once for all it is a present memorial before God, and by its virtue, forgiveness and cleansing, communion, service and worship may be enjoyed. We only have boldness through the blood of Christ. The sinner needs first of all the washing of regeneration by the Lord. Subsequently the believer, because he is still in contact with the world, (in the world, but not of the world), needs to cleanse himself (John 17.15, 16). There are illustrated in Exodus 40.12, 13 and Exodus 30.17-21), where we read that Moses washed Aaron and his sons completely before putting upon them priestly garments. Afterwards it was the responsibility of Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and feet at the laver, before and as often as they served at the altar of burnt offering or ministered in the holy place. In service spiritually, whether towards man or towards God, cleanliness from defilement is vital to - spiritual exercise. In the case of Aaron and his sons it was " that they die not " (Exodus 30.20, 21).

The Psalmist gives sound advice in Psalm 119.9, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word." It was concerning this aspect of cleanliness that the apostle Paul wrote, when he asked, "For what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? and what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? "(2 Corinthians 6.14-16). Separation from these things contrary to the will of God brings with it such promises, as, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people ... I will receive you, and will be to you a Father, and ye shall be to Me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6.16-18). Here the relationship promised is not birth, but that we shall be sons and daughters to the Lord Almighty.

Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7.1).

Self-examination in our approach unto God or unto men on behalf of Christ needs diligence, and the Psalmist had a true perception of God's requirements when he wrote, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? and who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart" (Psalm 24.8, 4).

How much we need both the blood and the water of the word for our cleansing! A day will come when our struggle against sin and defilement will cease. Meanwhile, "everyone that hath this hope (of His coming) set on Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure" (1 John 3.4).

Parker, R. A. | Feb 1957
General