I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8). The laws of God for the people of Israel consistently highlight purity. There are clean (pure) and unclean (impure) animals. Touching certain things would bring them into impurity and defilement. While the high priest must adhere to certain ceremonies, dress, and mannerisms before going into the Holy of Holies, the intent of the numerous requirements is purity. Even the fire on the sacrifice altar must be pure fire, ever burning and maintained. If “strange” or “unholy” fire is brought to the altar, it is not acceptable to God (Leviticus 6:8-13).
If this standard was proposed and upheld in the Old Covenant, the New Covenant will support an even higher requirement. The Hebrew author wrote, “For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13-14). The intent of this statement by the Hebrew author was not to condemn or impose guilt. He was revealing the tremendous, increased, and extravagant possibility found in Jesus! The blood of Jesus, meaning His life, extends to us a state of purity. We are cleansed and living in the presence of Jesus! I am a Jesus pusher!!!