“One Year Bible” Old Testament Passage
Ezekiel 35:1-36:38
Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26 (NKJV)
Grace is at the very core our our relationship with God. Many have erroneously interpreted the Old Testament as being a system built on man’s efforts to keep God’s law. One of the primary purposes of the law is to show us our profound need for a Savior – our need for grace. It is not a means of self-justification.
God says that He will cleanse us. This is HIS work. He does not say, “I will show you how to cleanse yourself.” He does not say, “I will inspect, guide, and approve your self-reformation.” He says that He will do that which He alone can do. He will wash us with pure water.
God does an inside job of removing the cold deep interior of man. He brings life and vibrancy to the deepest core of our being. Only He could do such a thing. All we can do is recognize, receive, and enjoy this wonderful work of grace. He will then live IN us bring power and freedom. This is the great promise of life that we enjoy!