Page 82 - Pentateuch - Student Textbook

of a priest. “That person must be cut off from my presence. I am the LORD (v. 3).” Not discerning clean
and unclean in the priestly functions is more like treating what is holy as if common (v. 9).
As a last note, some warnings are given about sacrifices (22:17-30). These go out to priest and people
alike. A required offering, such as a burnt offering in payment for sin, must be without defect. Voluntary
offerings, such as a thank offering for God’s blessing, would be acceptable, even if the animal had a
defect. A certain amount of kindness toward animals was also required. A calf could not be sacrificed
until after eight days. The reason is simple. “Do not profane my holy name (v. 32).” God is to be treated
as special at all times and in all activities.

The NT writers challenge Christians in the same way God challenged Israel “Be holy, because I am holy (1
Pet. 1:16).” We are foreigners in this world different from everyone else (v. 17) because we have been
redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (v. 19). We are to “revere [make holy] Christ as Lord” in our
hearts (3:15). We cannot act in a “common” manner.

The apostle Paul uses the image of dishes to communicate the difference (2 Tim. 2:
20-21). Some are made of special materials (gold and silver). Others are made out of
wood and clay. The materials indicate the purpose of the dishes, either for a special
purpose or a common purpose. We understand well, for we all have special
possessions that we treat differently. In the same way, Christians must choose how
God might use them. Living like everyone else, we are common. “Those who cleanse
themselves from the latter, will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful
to the Master and prepared to do good work (v. 21).”

10.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Flying insects that walk on all four legs are clean or unclean?

2. A pot or pan touched by a piece of bacon is clean or unclean?

3. Mold in any part of a house makes it clean or unclean?

4. A person with a discharge who sits on a chair makes the chair clean or unclean?

5. Old Testament laws about uncleanness have been set aside. True False

6. The nations in the Promised Land used sex in the practice of their religion. True False

7. Sexual laws are discussed in the NT with reference to self-control. True False

8. The reason behind the Old Testament law code is God’s holy nature. True False

9. Priests could not have a physical defect. True False

10. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is part of the Old Testament law on holiness. True False

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