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Cleansing through the Word

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Cleansing through the Word

The Psalmist raised the question, “How can a young man cleanse his way?”  Within the same passage he answers the question. He states, “…By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalms 119:9)

It is not possible to live pleasing unto God apart from the knowledge of His word. In the book of Hosea the Lord states, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6a).  Therefore, it is to our advantage to know the will of God and to follow the teachings contained within.

The word of God helps us to cleanse our way by first revealing the devastation of sin. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet’”. (Romans 7:7)

The word of God reveals to us what sin is and the consequences of it. Isaiah said it this way, “But your iniquities have separated you form your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

The apostle Paul lists the works of the flesh in the book of Galatians. At the conclusion of the list he says, “…that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21b). When we understand the devastation of sin, we are compelled to cleanse ourselves of all evil and be made right in the sight of God. The word reveals to us the way.

The only way for man to be cleanses of his sins is through the blood of Jesus. Paul wrote, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7). We are cleansed from our sins when we obey the gospel by being baptized into Christ. Paul was told by Ananias, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash way your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

After one becomes a Christian, the word of God is necessary to guide us throughout our lives. The Hebrew writer compare the knowledge of God’s word to our physical nourishment. He states, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12)

The way for us to cleanse our way is by acknowledging sin, knowing our Savior, and following all He says for us to do. Then we continue to read and study so that we may know the difference between what is good and evil. The word of God is truly one of our greatest blessings.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks

 


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