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Washing And Cleansing

by Roland Crim
03/20/21
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Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:2 NIV

Sin and iniquity, is there a difference between the two? What difference is there between wash and cleanse?

Sin is an immoral act that transgresses divinity. Just a thought, on its own is not a sin. The thought must be carried into action. The thought of doing an immoral act is called temptation. A sin carried out against the knowledge of what God wants becomes a transgression against God. If the sin continues over and over it becomes an iniquity, a grossly immoral injustice before God Almighty. Sin not dealt with shall become iniquity.

The word cleanse can be a verb or a noun. Used as a noun, cleanse speaks of a process during which one attempts to rid the body of toxic substance which is unhealthy. The believer with a humble heart truly wishes their body to be rid of sin. They know that they were born into sin and that on our own we shall be enslaved to sin. Only through Jesus Christ can the cleansing process happen within us. Of our own will or desire we are helpless.

Washing is a process which can include a cleansing agent, possibly some soap, and water. The cleansing agent brings the toxicity to the surface and the water then removes the toxicity which has been brought to the surface. In the same manner, the Holy Spirit, working inside the believer brings the sin, sin which unattended becomes iniquity to the surface. It is brought to the heart, mind and soul of the believer. Grief and remorse fill the heart and soul. No longer is the iniquity hidden. It is laid bare at the viewing of the believer. God already knew it was there. The believer just needed to see it. Once the iniquity has then been brought into the view of the believer, and the grief and remorse and regret have set in, then through the asking for forgiveness by the believer, they then can be washed clean by the sacrificial blood of the lamb.

May the Lord wash away all your iniquity and may He cleanse you of your sin!