Topical Bible: Pardon: Outward Purifications, Ineffectual For

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In the biblical context, the concept of pardon is deeply intertwined with the idea of forgiveness and the cleansing of sin. However, the Scriptures make it clear that outward purifications, such as ritual washings and sacrifices, are ineffectual for achieving true pardon from sin. This is a recurring theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the necessity of inward transformation and divine grace.

The Old Testament law prescribed various rituals and sacrifices for the purification of the people. These included offerings and ceremonial washings intended to cleanse individuals from ceremonial impurity. However, these outward acts were symbolic and pointed to a deeper need for spiritual cleansing. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet declares, "What is your multitude of sacrifices to Me? says the LORD. I am full of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats" (Isaiah 1:11). This passage underscores that God desires genuine repentance and a contrite heart over mere ritualistic observance.

The inadequacy of outward purification is further highlighted in the New Testament. The author of Hebrews explains that the sacrifices of the Old Covenant were unable to perfect the conscience of the worshiper. "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4). This statement reinforces the idea that true pardon cannot be achieved through external rituals but requires a more profound, spiritual intervention.

Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, often confronted the religious leaders of His time regarding their reliance on external observances. In Matthew 23:25-26, He admonishes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well" . Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity over outward conformity.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his epistles. In Romans 2:28-29, he writes, "A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code" . Paul highlights that true spiritual identity and pardon are matters of the heart, transformed by the Holy Spirit, rather than adherence to external rituals.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently teaches that outward purifications are ineffectual for obtaining true pardon. The Scriptures call for an inward transformation, a cleansing of the heart, and a reliance on God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This inward change is the true path to forgiveness and reconciliation with God, transcending the limitations of external rituals and ceremonies.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 9:30,31
If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 2:22
For though you wash you with nitre, and take you much soap, yet your iniquity is marked before me, said the Lord GOD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... by them to intimate, by the outward act, that ... sinner himself regained his confidence
of pardon before God ... would, for no end, imitate the purifications of the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... all overpowered by my regret, pardon this most ... and drinks, temporary sacrifices,
and purifications of the ... unpractical reasoning are alike ineffectual, he added ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm