What is Uncleanness?
This is one of those "Sins" or "Poisonous fruits of the Flesh," that is hardly ever taught. Most do not even know what it means. Some think, that as it was in the days of old, where a Jewish Male, especially a Rabbi, was not allowed to touch a Woman, or anyone non-Jewish. Some say, it would be this way with Christians. That anyone not Christian, washed in the Blood of Christ, is unclean, and we should have nothing to do with them.
Well, God Himself explains what Unclean means in His Word. It can be considered gross or wanton Indecency in Sexual Relations and is sometimes used interchangeably with Licentiousness or Lasciviousness, which both relate to Debauchery. Yes, this also includes Homosexuality. This can include Adultery (in act or in the Heart) as well as
"envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." {Galatians 5:21}Again, as with all Sin, if you are Unclean, you will be separated from God.
"According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them." {Ezekiel 39:24}God makes it pretty simple to understand. In His Book of Revelation, God clearly tells us,,
"But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." {Revelation 21:27}Basically, ANYTHING that is not Godly, is unclean. If you are practicing anything that goes against God or His Word, you are Unclean. Oh, by the way, even if you ARE a Child of God, you can still fall into this Sin..
"In your filthiness is lewdness. Because I have cleansed you, and you were not cleansed, You will not be cleansed of your filthiness anymore, Till I have caused My fury to rest upon you." {Ezekiel 24:13}Child of God, be careful. Although we are Saved, it doesn't mean we have a free ride. It doesn't mean we have a Ticket to Sin.
Have you noticed a pattern yet? Next time we will be talking about Lasciviousness. What's that all about? Sex. What are we talking about? The Works of the Flesh. What is the greatest desire of the Flesh? Pleasure. What is the greatest Pleasure that the Flesh can experience? Sex. In all it's forms.
In Marriage, Sex is given to Mankind by God Himself. It is blessed by God. Married? Have at it. Enjoy it. Experiment in it. Enjoy it in whatever form you chose. But outside of Marriage, ALL of it is Sin. But Uncleanness is more than just Sex. It is ANYTHING that goes against God and His Word.
"Wait. That's too simplistic." No. Not really. You know, some of the Mysteries of God are so great we will never know them, until we stand before Him. But most? Most ARE simple to understand. Do not commit Adultery? Fornication? Do not have Sex with anyone you are not married to. Do not commit Murder. Do not kill an innocent life. Want Salvation? Accept Jesus.
"Wait. NO. You have to follow this or that Religious Tenet. Don't eat Meat on Friday. Prayer in this or that manor. Don't Smoke, Drink, or wear Makeup. Don't walk more than 3700 feet on the Sabbath. Or what makes you think your way is better than any other?" No. Accept Jesus. "That's too simplistic." No. It IS, just that simple.
See, most things in God's Word IS Simplistic. God makes it easy for all of us to understand. Anything against Him or His Word is Unclean. In Catholicism, they teach Peter the first Pope. This is not truth. Paul is, but that is a totally different Sermon. Peter? Peter wanted NOTHING to do with the Gentiles. Why? He was there when Jesus called us Dogs and Pigs. Oh, you didn't know Jesus called us Dogs and Pigs? He did. Peter was there. Peter was a good Jew. He knew from the Law of God, that the Jews are God's chosen people and anyone not a Jew, was,,,, Say it with me,, UNCLEAN. He wanted NOTHING to do with those that are Unclean. That is until God showed him in a Dream, a Vision.
If you have your Bible, turn to Acts 10:9-16
"The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”He then went down to meet the men that were there looking for him. He went with them the following day to Cornelius, and he, and his house, and those gathered there, heard Peter share with them the Gospel. Now Peter would have NEVER done this prior. But he told them there...
But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again." {Acts 10:9-16}
"You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?" {Acts 10:28-29}A little bit later, he made that famous statement..
"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality." {Acts 10:34}Again, it is simple to understand. Without God? Unclean. With God, Clean. Even though you may have been Cleansed by the Blood of Christ, remember and be warned, you can still live in an unclean way. Be Careful Child of God. Do your best to keep yourself clean in the eyes of God..
Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..
"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"
That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}
If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}
Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..