October 14, 2007
What did James mean when he encouraged his readers and hearers to wash their hands? Alistair Begg unpacks this Old Testament image, which shows our need for cleansing from sin. James gives this command directly to believers; therefore, we cannot be passive and expect the Holy Spirit to fulfill it apart from our involvement. If we truly believe that Jesus is redeeming us, then we will take seriously His commands to be holy.
7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Copyright © 2023, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.