MAY 27, 2025 – CLEANSING

READ: Zech. 13:1-6

For the church that seeks its redemption in the LORD and His Christ, not only true sorrow over sin is necessary, but also sanctification and discipline. Verse 1 states that in the time of salvation, a fountain will be opened against sin and iniquity.

This points to God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the One who was pierced: His blood cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7). His blood, which covers our sins, is also purifying and healing. Rev. 7:14 speaks of the great multitude that no one can count, clothed in white robes: “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Verse 2 speaks of discipline against idol worshipers and false teachers. These are church members who sin against the first and second commandments, thereby endangering the church, just as happened in Israel. Now that Christ and His Spirit have come, this danger still exists for His church.

The cleansing through Christ’s blood and Spirit must also be accompanied by repentance, admonition, and the exercise of discipline. This is also part of the Gospel! Christ wants to keep His church pure and wants her to be vigilant against the power of sin.

It begins with self-discipline and mutual discipline (Matt. 18), and if that does not work, church discipline through the elders. In this way, Christ ensures that God is glorified, the church is protected, and the sinner is saved. A church that lacks discipline will perish.

Verses 3-6 show that the entire congregation has a role in this. Guarding against idolatry is not just an Old Testament concern. Idolatry in the New Testament is less obvious because there are often no physical objects to bow down to. It is so subtle that it is often not recognized as idolatry (Eg. addictions to pleasures and the media).

The same applies to false doctrine. Exposing false teaching—which is the responsibility of the whole congregation (!)—requires much knowledge and discernment. Let us pray for this and work on it!

What forms of false teaching threaten us?       

Sing: Ps. 101:2-4