Why is purity necessary for Christians?

The necessity of purity before God is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. In Exodus 30:20, God commands that the priests wash before entering the tabernacle or approaching the altar. This principle holds true for Christians today: we must recognize our sinful state and the need for Christ’s sacrifice to cleanse us from unrighteousness. Purity allows us to fellowship with God, as He is holy, and we must be made holy through the work of Christ in our lives. The brazen laver thus serves as a reminder that through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit, we are cleansed and made fit to commune with our holy God.