Tuesday, August 12, 2003 (51)WASHING IS IMPORTANT. Aaron and his sons who were to minister before the Lord were to be brought to the door of the tabernacle and there washed before donning the garb of the priesthood. Ex. 29:4-5 Interesting, for Jesus said, I am the door. Now he is washing His disciples who are soon to enter into a ministry for Him. Aaron and his sons were to come to the laver (washbowl) made out of brass, signifying judgment. Here they were to wash their hands and their feet before ministering in the tabernacle. Ex. 30:18-19 This was not an elective on their part. It was commanded that they perform this rite of cleansing, under the sentence of death. For were they to attempt to carry out their duties in the tabernacle without having washed their hands and their feet, the result would be death. Ex. 30:20-21
WASHINGS WHICH WE EXPERIENCE. We must understand that these tabernacle practices foreshadow our experiences in the Spiritual realm. As members of the body of Christ the church must exercise certain washings. The most important is the washing of the blood of Christ. This is the foundational washing and the beginning of a new life in Jesus. Rev. 1:5There is a washing of obedience which resulted in healing, and the ability to see. we could make a dual application here, for the man was able to see, both physically and spiritually. John 9:7 (38). Now what washing is this? Our bodies washed with pure water. So the statement of the Word as recorded in Heb. 10:22 It is made very clear that this is a necessary part of Christian experience as we attempt to draw closer to Jesus. Part of this process is most assuredly, water baptism. We call to mind the words of advice given by Ananias to Paul. Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16 Did water baptism save him, of course not. The cleansing was that of his temple, his body which had been used for sinful and worldly pursuits and needed a washing which was spiritual. Peter, on the day of Pentecost admonished them to repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. Acts 2:38 Salvation requires repentance, the cleansing of the blood of Christ and the remission of sins, freedom, liberty and deliverance. Salvation is complete and effects the whole man, spirit, soul and body. The body of sin must be cleansed as well as the spirit and soul, for it is to become the temple of the Lord through the person of the Holy Ghost. It is also a part of the washing of regeneration, spiritual birth requires blood and water to fully accomplish the work of the Lord in our being. Titus 3:5 Jesus made the water experience an imperative for entrance into the kingdom of the Lord. John 3:5 Natural birth involves blood, water and breath or spirit. Like wise new birth or spiritual birth. With every baby born into this world there is a witness and testimony of the requirements which gain a person entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Word of the Lord is very explicit on these matters and in order to obtain that which is prepared for us, we must do His will and follow the pattern which Jesus has left us.