What the Bible says about Transcendent Cleanliness
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Haggai 2:11-14 illustrates the impossibility of holiness being transferred from one to another, and by contrast, how easily defilement is transmitted. The sanctity of something or someone dedicated to God cannot be transferred merely by contact with another. However, the defilement of an unclean thing transfers easily to the clean, defiling it!
Washing is the primary means of ceremonial purity. From these biblical examples, John Wesley's well-known comment, "Cleanliness is next to godliness," arose. He realized that cleanliness is somehow related to what God is like and that personal hygiene has a spiritual dimension. Indeed, the very first mention of washing in Scripture is when Abraham's hospitality to his three visitors includes providing water to wash their feet (Genesis 18:4). This symbol of hospitality and servanthood reaches its zenith when Jesus includes it as part of the New Covenant Passover ritual.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Beatitudes, Part 6: The Pure in HeartRelated Topics: Ceremonial Purity | Cleanliness | Defilement | Footwashing Attitude | Holiness | Hospitality | Purity | Servant | Servant Attitude | Transcendent Cleanliness | Wesley, John
This helps us to understand what holiness is. It is the opposite of the filthiness of the flesh and spirit, a transcendent cleanliness, a transcendent purity of heart and spirit. It is what God is—God is transcendent. He is otherly. There is no one like Him, yet He wants all to be like Him. Life, then, becomes a journey toward holiness.
John W. Ritenbaugh
What Is Prayer?Related Topics: Holiness | Holiness, Pursuing | Transcendent Cleanliness | Transcendent Holiness | Transcendent Purity