CLEANLINESS AND HOLINESS: PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WHOLENESS IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

Abstract

Old Testament theology is a portrayal of Gods attempts to restore the broken
relationship that exists between man and his Creator. Genesis begins with the
Omnipotent proclaiming each act of creative reality to be good, until in its
completed totality it is declared to be very good (Genesis 1:31, KJV). As the
crown jewel of that magnificent handiwork, mankind was included in this
proclamation. Fashioned in Gods own image and after His likeness (vs. 27),
man was given dominion over the earth and its creatures (vs. 28). However, in an
attempt to achieve equality with Divinity, (Genesis 3:5), Adam found himself
instead to be separated and in open rebellion. He had surrendered his allegiance to a
foe. His offspring quickly sank into degradation (Genesis ch. 3-6, KJV), a far cry
from what Divinity had ordained in the beginning. Throughout the ensuing oracles
of Genesis, numerous pen pictures depict Gods efforts to reconcile lost humanity to
Himself.