Numbers 19

We don't use the blood of a bull or the ashes of a heifer in any of our spiritual ceremonies today. We have something better than that, something that can even cleanse our consciences not only from sin, but even from dead religious works. We have the blood of Christ shed for us, and the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon us.

Not that we are without rituals. We do have water baptism and the regular celebration of the body and blood of the Lord. These are gifts that Christ has instituted for the church. They are signs and seals that remind us of our hope in Jesus Christ alone.

In the days of Moses and Aaron, Israel was prepared for the coming of the Messiah through rituals that showed a way of purification through cleansing.

The water of purification could provide ceremonial cleansing for an outward uncleanness, such as might result from contact with a dead body. But that water could not address the inner uncleanness that comes through defiling thoughts and actions. Yet Christ does have an answer for our deepest need for lasting and perfect purification.

Christ has not only cleansed us, He has also cleansed the heavenly sanctuary to receive us as holy in Him. I am not sure I understand all that, but He knew what was necessary in order for us to be with Him forever, and He has accomplished it all for us. On earth, He did all that was required for the Messiah to do on earth. It is finished. In heaven He is doing all that is necessary for the Messiah to do at the right hand of the Father. Fantastic. We shall be eternally free of all uncleanness, and we will live in a new cosmos of complete blessedness and purity.

Our bodies will be clean. Our dwelling places will be clean. Our relationships will be clean. Our souls will be clean.

Baptism testifies to these great promises of God to us in Jesus Christ. Consider the water. Consider the Name. Consider the blood of Jesus. Consider the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. Remember your baptism, and walk in the heavenly power of clean that can do much more for you than anything made with the ashes of a heifer.