What Does Purge Mean In The Bible
The term “purge” is used multiple times by various authors throughout the Bible. It usually describes a cleansing or purifying process. The primary context in which it is found is in the context of spiritual cleansing. In other instances, it is used in reference to physical substances, or political and religious entities.
In the Old Testament, the term is associated primarily with removing uncleanliness or sin. An example of this is in Exodus 30:18-20, where God instructs Moses to create “a holy anointing oil…to be a holy anointing oil to the Lord; and to make an offering by fire to the Lord of a sweet-smelling aroma.” This passage is a reference to the purging of impurity from the oil.
In the New Testament, the term is associated with spiritual transformation, as in Romans 8:7, which says, “the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace”. Here, the term purging refers to the spiritual transformation of believers in Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 4:13, the Apostle Peter gives a similar instruction, saying, “keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” This passage references the purging of our sinful habits, behaviors, and thoughts.
In some Old Testament passages, the term is also used to reference “separation,” such as in Leviticus 20:18, which says, “If a man has sexual relations with a woman and has an emission of semen, he must purify himself and bathe with water.” In this passage, the purging is related to physical separation from the impurity of sexual sin.
Purging is also mentioned in the context of people, objects and places becoming purified for religious purposes. An example of this is in Numbers 19:11-18, where God instructs his people, the Israelites, to build and maintain an altar, and to purify it with the ashes of certain animals. This passage is an example of purging in a religious context.
In some instances, purging is used in reference to the removal of negative elements from political or religious communities. In some passages, this is a physical event, such as the “banishment” of certain individuals from a religious or political community. Other passages, such as Daniel 11:33-35, describe the purging of false beliefs and wickedness from a religious or political community, reflecting God’s desire that a community be cleansed and purified of sin.
In conclusion, the term “purge” has multiple meanings in the Bible. It is primarily associated with spiritual cleansing, physical separation from impurity, and the removal of negative elements from religious or political entities.
Purging for Sanctification
A key concept associated with purging in the Bible is sanctification. In holy books, the term “sanctification” is often used to describe the process of the soul being purified, cleansed, and transformed. In particular, the Bible speaks of how followers of Jesus Christ must be sanctified, or purified and cleansed, so they can become more like him.
The process of sanctification includes experiencing physical death, being baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit, forgiving others, and striving to live in accordance with God’s commands. When someone is sanctified, they are forgiven of their sins and set free to enter into a new life with Christ and his kingdom.
In the New Testament, several passages refer to the sanctification of believers. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” Here, Paul is speaking of the power of Jesus Christ to cleanse and purify those who are in him of their sins.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul speaks of the role of the renewing of our minds in the sanctification process. He says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2 makes it clear that part of the process of sanctification includes a spiritual transformation of the believer’s mind and heart. This process is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process of purging and cleansing our hearts and minds from the influence of the world, and embracing the righteousness of God.
Purging for Holiness
Purging for holiness is another important aspect of the concept of purse in the Bible. This is a process where a person is cleansed, purged and refined, not just of sinful behavior, but also of immoral or defective thoughts and feelings. It is a process of purifying the inner self, and of growing closer to God and the ideal of holiness.
One of the most direct references to this type of Purge is found in Hebrews 12:14, where it says, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Here, the passage is referring to the need to purify one’s soul and rid it of all unholy behaviors and attitudes.
2 Corinthians 7:1 is another passage that speaks of Purge: “Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Here, Paul is speaking directly to the necessity of purifying oneself in order to enter into a closer relationship with God.
In the Old Testament, purging is often discussed in the context of purifying physical things, such as food, water, and material objects. This includes rituals that involve offerings and the sprinkling of sacrificial blood. But throughout the Biblical narrative, the theme of purging and holiness is a recurring theme.
In Exodus 19:10-12, God makes a covenant with the Israelites, saying, “…you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.” This is a reference to purging and holiness; a promise that by keeping his commands and living according to his will, the Israelites could become a holy nation.
Purging in Contemporary Christianity
Today, purging has become an important theme in contemporary Christianity. Many churches and denominations have services and rituals devoted to purging. These often involve external rituals, such as confession, prayer, and fasting, along with more internal practices, such as meditation and repentance.
One of the main reasons why purging is so important to modern Christianity is because it reflects a desire to grow closer to God and to his will. Purging is often seen as a tool for spiritual transformation, changing not just one’s behavior, but also one’s heart and mind.
In addition to external purging, many Christians also practice inner purging. This process involves meditating on scriptures and removing negative, impure, and unhealthy thoughts from one’s mind. Many churches have special classes and seminars devoted to this type of inner purging.
Finally, there are numerous books and resources that are devoted to the subject of purging. These books and resources provide helpful information and advice on how to become more holy and closer to God in one’s life. They also provide assurance and hope, as they remind the reader of the power of Jesus Christ to purify, renew, and sanctify his followers.
Purging and Its Impact on Society
The concept of Purge has had a significant impact on society throughout the centuries. By highlighting the importance of purging, the Bible has served to remind us of the necessity of removing sinful, negative, and unhealthy elements from our lives, whether physical or spiritual.
In his book “Mere Christianity”, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Most of us think that if we could only learn to be good and to conquer our sins, all would be well. But that will not do. The point is not only to learn to be good, but to learn to be clean. We can never be perfect in ourselves. We must be cleansed.” This passage highlights the importance of purging as a tool for spiritual growth.
In a world that often seems filled with evil and corruption, the message of purging provides a refreshing reminder that we can become closer to God and be cleansed of our sins. It reminds us that, with God’s help, we can be freed from the things that bind us and brought into a closer relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.
Purging and Its Application in Everyday Life
The message of Purge has a real, practical application in everyday life. As we strive to become more like Jesus, purging helps us remove the negative thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping us from him.
A key component of purging is repentance. This is an important step in the process of transforming our heart and mind, and it involves confessing our sins and turning away from them. As we confess our sins, we receive forgiveness from God, allowing us to move forward in our journey of spiritual growth.
In addition to confession and repentance, another key element of purging is self-reflection. This involves taking a hard look at oneself, critically analyzing one’s thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, and seeing how they measure up against the standard of holiness set by God. Doing this can help us identify the negative elements in our lives, and to take steps to eliminate them.
Finally, another important aspect of purging is taking proactive steps to eliminate sinful, negative, and unhealthy elements from our lives. This includes setting goals, such as reading the Bible more regularly or spending more time in prayer. It also involves actively engaging in activities that foster spiritual growth and holiness, such as attending regular church services, or spending time in fellowship with other believers.
Conclusion
In summary, the concept of purge, as found in the Bible, has a powerful message for all who seek to become closer to God. It encourages us to seek spiritual transformation by removing the impurities from our hearts and minds and living according to God’s commands. It reminds us that we can be freed from the things that keep us from God, and that we can come into a closer relationship with him through the process of purging.
