In the pursuit of purity, we are called to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Purity of heart is a standard that requires constant vigilance, as defilement comes easily and can be transmitted through unintentional contact or the deceitful nature of the human heart, which pulls us back into sin. We must wash ourselves, making ourselves clean by putting away the evil of our doings and washing our hearts from wickedness, so that we may be saved. This cleansing is not merely external but demands a transformation of the inner nature, for no matter how clean we appear on the outside, if the heart remains unchanged or returns to habitual sin, we become filthy both inside and out. The process of purification is ongoing, beginning with an initial cleansing through God's grace and faith in Christ's sacrifice, but it is far from complete at that stage. After receiving God's Spirit, human nature remains, and with it the seeds of continued defilement, requiring daily effort to overcome and root out as we strive toward perfection. We are to wash ourselves daily, just as we cleanse our bodies, giving specific and continuing attention to purity of heart, character, attitude, motive, and service. The Holy Spirit, truth, and God's Word support this ongoing transformation, renewing our minds and providing a fresh start on the path of life after periods of defilement. Guarding our hearts is essential, for the carnal mind is at enmity with God and not subject to His law, constantly seeking to pull us into sin's defilement. We must examine ourselves diligently, ensuring our desires, motives, and intents are pure, and grieve over the filth we still find within. This self-examination, though daunting, is necessary to draw near to God, for the pure in heart seek to remain free from every form of sin's defilement, gaining spiritual discernment and clear views of God's character and will. Let us, therefore, commit to this daily discipline of cleansing, striving to meet the standard of a pure heart with selfless motives and a conscious need for God.

We are engaged in a vital process of sanctification, which is both a state and a journey toward holiness. This process begins with receiving the Holy Spirit, setting us apart for a divine purpose. Our aim is to become pure as God is pure, to be holy as He is holy, through a continuous cleansing that transforms our character, thoughts, heart, mind, motives, and attitudes. This cleansing is not instantaneous; it unfolds over time as we repeatedly repent and are purified by the blood of Jesus Christ, who is our Sanctifier. He administers the Holy Spirit, mediates on our behalf as our High Priest, and serves as the propitiation for our sins. The process of sanctification involves overcoming sin, eliminating wrong attitudes, humbling ourselves, and sacrificing. Much of the suffering we experience is internal, occurring in the mind and heart as we battle the flesh against the Spirit, the world, and the influences of satan the devil. This war within us is part of our purification, as we strive to replace worldly thoughts with the Word of God, which cleanses our minds. By thinking and acting according to His Word, we gradually wash away the imprint of this world's systems and take on the image of God. Sanctification is a preparation for our future roles in the Kingdom of God, where we will be tasked with cleansing, rebuilding, and beautifying the world. It equips us to govern ourselves within the framework of His law, proving our faithfulness to live according to His way. As we are cleansed and shaped by His Word, our witness becomes brighter and purer, reflecting His image. This ongoing process of perfection through suffering and cleansing is essential, as it aligns us with His purpose to reproduce Himself in us, preparing us for the majestic work ahead.

Fresh starts in life are often an exhilarating experience, and the story of a leper being cleansed by Christ exemplifies this transformative power. Christ, our Healer, cleanses us from all unrighteousness, offering a chance to change our lives for the better through His love and mercy. Just as the leper could not pronounce himself clean, we cannot declare ourselves free from sin without divine intervention. A certain chastening is required for cleansing, as blows that hurt cleanse away evil and stripes purify the inner depths of the heart. The cleansing process is not free; a price had to be paid for the leper's restoration, ultimately fulfilled through Christ's shed blood. He stretches out His hand, commanding cleansing, showing God in action as the Eternal-Who-Heals. After God acts to restore us to Himself, we bear an increasing responsibility to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness in cooperation with Him. This ongoing effort to overcome helps prepare us for complete reconciliation and fellowship with the Father, made possible through Christ's sacrifice, which grants us access to Him. The effects of sin, like leprosy, progress slowly and are deeply rooted, leading to spiritual dismemberment and death. The only possible redemption from sin and its consequences is through Jesus Christ, the Eternal-Who-Heals, who cleanses us through the washing of water by the word. We cannot heal ourselves or change our nature without His intervention. As with the leper, restored to wholeness, we are given the tools to hear and apply knowledge, leading to an abundant life through the blood of Christ and the anointing of God's Holy Spirit.