Purge Me With Hyssop

The Bible frequently uses the hyssop plant as a symbol of cleansing and purification. In relation to Christ's sacrifice, this herb has a connection to the Passover.

The Beatitudes, Part 6: The Pure in Heart

Purity before God is far more than just being clean. To Jesus, being pure in heart, described in the Beatitudes, touches on the very holiness of God.

Why 153 Fish? (Part One)

Why did Jesus provide exactly 153 fish? Apparently, the number stuck in John's mind for decades. This number must hold some significance, but what is it?

Maintaining Good Health (Part 2)

The cleanliness laws in Leviticus, prescribing cleansing and quarantine, apply to the spiritual dimension as well. God will not tolerate uncleanness.

The Pharisees (Part 1)

Having their origin in the days of Ezra, the Scribes and Pharisees were extremely zealous for the law, separating themselves for this exclusive purpose.

Matthew (Part Twenty)

From Pilgrims to Pillars (Part One)

Sanctification is a process through which God transforms perishable raw materials into permanent, indestructible beings—literal members of the God-family.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part Three)

The one who comes before God must be pure in body and mind. The priests had to wash themselves from a bronze laver, midway between the altar and the entrance.

Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Six): Sunshine, Fresh Air, Cleanliness

There are striking and insightful parallels between the physical benefits of sunshine, fresh air, and cleanliness and the yet unseen spiritual dimensions.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Seven)

Christians must address marriage problems from God's perspective. Stress can cause people to lay aside their values in favor of humanly reasoned solutions.

Standing on the Sea of Glass

The Sea of Glass at God's throne reflects and symbolizes God's holiness and purity, peace and calmness, and His purposes of righteousness and love.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Four)

From the beginning, God has set apart certain individuals, putting them through a sanctifying process, perfecting their character until they reflect His image.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)

In Galatians, Paul took issue with the Halakhah, not God's word. Halakhah was a massive collection of human opinion that placed a yoke on its followers.

'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law

Our righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.

The Priesthood of God (Part Five)

We must endure chastening and correction to grow in holiness and become priests. In the qualifications of a Melchizedek priest, zeal and holiness are mandatory.