Why We Must Be Holy - HOLINESS REQUIRED

Read Leviticus 8:5, 6.  Jehovah selected Aaron to serve as Israel's high priest, and his sons were made to serve as priests in behalf of the nation.  Aaron represents Jesus Christ and Aaron's sons represent Jesus' anointed followers.  So did the washing of Aaron represent  a cleansing of Jesus?  No, for Jesus was sinless and "without blemish," thus having no need for cleansing. (Hebrews 7:226; 9:14)  However, Aaron's washed condition does point to Jesus' clean and righteous state. What, then, does the washing of Aaron's sons represent? 

The washing of Aaron's sons prefigured the cleaning of those selected to be members of the heaven;y priesthood.  Was the baptism of the anointed connected with this cleansing of Aaron's sons?  No. baptism does not wash away sins, it symbolizes that a person has made and unconditional dedication to Jehovah God.  The washing of the anointed is accomplished  "by means of the word," and this requires that they wholeheartedly apply Christ's teachings in their lives. (Ephesians 65:25-27)   They are thus sanctified and cleansed,  but what about the  "other sheep"? - JOHN 10:16.

Aaron's sons did not represent the "great crowd " of Jesus' others sheep.  (Revelation 7:9) So are such baptized individuals also made holy and cleansed by means of God's Word?  Yes, they are!  When those with the earthly hop read what the Bible says about the importance and effectiveness of Jesus' shed blood, they put faith in these words and render "sacred service day and night." (Revelation 7:13-15)  The effect of the continual cleansing of the anointed and the other sheep is evident as they "maintain fine conduct." (1 Peter 2:12)  How pleased Jehovah must be as he observes the cleanliness and the unity of  anointed and the other sheep, who listen to and loyally follow their Shepherd, Jesus!

The requirement that Israel's priesthood be physically clean has real meaning for Jehovah's people today. Those with whom we study the Bible often notice that our places of worship are clean and also how neat and well-dressed we are. Yet, the cleanliness of the priesthood helps us to realize that anyone who ascends the elevated mountain of Jehovah's worship must have "a pure heart." (Read Psalm 24:3, 4; Isaiah 2:2, 3.) Our sacred service to God must be rendered with cleansed minds and hearts as well as with clean bodies.  This calls for frequent self-examination, after which some may need  to make significant changes so that they can be holy.  (2 Corinthians 13:5) For instance, a baptized person who deliberately  views pornography should ask himself, 'Am I proving myself holy? Then he ought to get help to end that vile practice. - JAMES 5:14.

Next time: Why We Must Be Holy - PROVE YOURSELVES HOLY BY BEING OBEDIENT

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