The Life and Ministry of Jesus
When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” Mark 7:14–16
In every period of history, true holiness has always been a matter of the heart, a right relationship with God by faith. Ceremonial purity was a matter of external obedience to a law as evidence of that faith.
Moses made it clear in Deuteronomy that God wanted love and obedience to come from the heart, and not be merely outward obedience to rules. 1
Personal Encouragement
If you could take an x-ray of your heart that would expose any sinful impurities that may have set up a campground in your heart, how crowded would that campground be? What would you have to do to evict all those campers? How long would it take you to serve that eviction notice?
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6
Purity begins on the inside of one, and is observed on the outside by everyone.
A Prayer
Lord, forgive me for pointing to the outside circumstance while ignoring the inside corruption of my own heart.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
