by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: Purification is a lifelong process to which we must be consistently committed: "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1).
In the song, "Purify Us" (Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs #576), we learn of our need for purification from the dross that enters our souls because of sin. We look to the Lord to restore us to a state of cleanness by overcoming temptation and filling our hearts with God's love and peace. Having been perfected in obedience to His word, we become vessels of righteousness and good works.
Our Restoring Lord provides the perfect law of liberty to guide us to restoration and lead us in the path of righteousness (Pss. 19:7; 23:3). Through obedience to the law of the Lord, we become a royal priesthood, called out of darkness into God's glorious light. Accordingly, we have the confidence to enter the holy place, having been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. With a sincere heart full of faith, we are sprinkled clean, and our bodies are washed with living water (1 Pet. 2:9-12; Heb. 10:19-22). As priests standing in His holy place, we should have clean hands and a pure heart (Ps. 24:3-5). Thus, being restored to God's favor through this purifying process, we can have the joy of salvation, and His face will shine upon us (Pss. 51:10-12; 80:3, 7, 19).
Like silver and gold, God's people are refined in the testing fire. As temptations come, we are tried in the furnace of affliction (Isa. 48:10). The Lord tests our hearts so that we might be made pure (Prov. 17:3). He wants to know if we love Him with all our heart and soul (Deut. 13:3-4; Ps. 26:2). The messenger, John the Baptist, prepared the way for Jesus' coming. He came "as a smelter and purifier of silver," purifying the sons of Levi, along with all responsive Israelites (Mal. 3:1-3). Christians are the priesthood today, refined to present offerings in righteousness (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). As we call on the Lord's name during the day of testing, He will say, "They are My people." We should reply, "The Lord is my God" (Zech. 13:9). Despite all attempts at self-justification, lukewarm Christians are, in reality, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (Rev. 3:17-18). By reproof and discipline from God, coupled with our repentance, we are molded in our minds to be conformed to God. Dross is burned away, and we can see the love and peace that God offers.
Having been purged from sin, we become golden vessels of righteousness, made complete in Him. Denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we live sensibly, righteously, and godly—being purified by Jesus, zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14). Let us continually think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). As we are purified in thought and heart, we draw near to God. Cleansing our hands from sin and purifying our hearts, we grow in oneness with Him (Jas. 4:8). As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the hope of His appearing causes us to purge sin from our lives to be like Him (1 John 3:3).
We have the treasure of the Light in our earthen vessels. The life of Jesus is manifested in our bodies through His death, so we are honored to work for Him (2 Cor. 4:7, 10-12). Rather than engaging in the impurity of sexual immorality, God intends that we possess our vessels in sanctification and honor (1 Thess. 4:3-7). Being freed from sin, let us be busy with the Lord's work. In obedience to the truth, we must fervently love one another from the heart, especially our brethren (1 Pet. 1:22). As we forgive and comfort those who repent, we are tested vessels. The Lord seeks to know whether we are obedient in all things (2 Cor. 2:6-9). Abstaining from evil, we should be a clean "vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Tim. 2:19-21).
Author Bio: Sherelyn is the wife of Mark Mayberry, who labors with the Adoue Street congregation in Alvin, TX as an evangelist and elder. She can be reached at sherelynmayberry@live.com.
