Psalm 103.12, CLEANSED, Pepper Run
Scripture and activity parallels
Scripture is very clear on the fact that we are, by nature, "unclean". Mark 7.23 - "All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' " Galatians 5.17 - "For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit. . ." Romans 7.18 - "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. . ." Scripture is likewise clear that our God is a holy God and that He also desires for us to be holy, that we may be prepared to do His work. Leviticus 11.44 - ". . . be holy, because I am holy." 2 Timothy 2.21 - "If a man cleanses himself from the latter (articles of 'ignoble purposes'), he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to do any good work." Finally, God also provides the means for cleansing. Ephesians 5.25-26 - ". . . Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." Hebrews 9.14 - "How much more, then. will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" John 15.3 - "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you."
The object lesson
God not only demands spiritual cleanliness, but also provides the means for that cleansing - His blood and His Word. Our desire as followers of Jesus is to avail ourselves of His Word and His purifying blood so He can cleanse us. His overwhelming grace is evident in the fact that when He cleanses us, He does not remember our sins, but casts them far away - "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103.12.
other appropriate SCRIPTURE Psalm 51.2 - "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Isaiah 38.17 - ". . . you have put all my sins behind your back." Acts 3.19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out. . ." 2 Timothy 3.16 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."
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