THE TRANSMISSION OF HOLINESS
The prophet Haggai asked the Jewish priests two questions concerning the transmission of holiness and impurity. They were experts on such things, so they answered correctly according to the Mosaic Law. Haggai clearly knew the answers to his two questions before he asked, for he was quick to apply the principles to the situation of the people in Jerusalem at that time.
The first question had to do with the transmission of holiness. The question involved three items: 1) meat from a holy sacrifice, 2) priestly robes, and 3) some other item that the robes might touch secondarily. The nature of the question was this, is holiness transmitted from the meat to the robe to the third thing? The priests answered correctly, “No.”
The transmission of holiness from the meat to the robes is based on the Law which states, “Anyone or anything that touches the sacrificial meat will become holy” (Lev. 6:27). So primary contact is required for holiness. The robes were made holy by coming into primary contact with the sacrificial meat, but that which the robes might touch were not made holy. There is no secondary holiness.
The second question that Haggai posed had to do with the transmission of impurity. He asked, “If someone becomes ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person and then touches any of these foods, will the food be defiled?” (Haggai 2:13). In other words, does impurity pass by secondary contact, to which the priests correctly answered, “Yes.”
Haggai applied this spiritual principle concerning the transmission of holiness and impurity to the way the Israelites were living in Jerusalem. They were not putting God and His worship first, therefore everything they touched was defiled by their sin.
Let us consider how we might apply this spiritual principle today. Since holiness may only be transmitted by primary means, where might this holiness be found? The answer is found in the one and only sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, who is the Holy One of God. As the apostle Peter declared, “We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69). Those who place their faith in Jesus will have His righteousness, His holiness, credited to their account. However, those who have not believed in Jesus, will remain in their sin. For impurity is contagious, but holiness is not.
It is not enough to do good deeds, nor to put on religious robes. For all of our efforts are defiled by sin. We must come to the Holy One, Jesus Christ. For holiness is only transmitted by primary contact with Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Son, Jesus Christ to offer His body as a sacrifice for our sins. We thank You that it is by faith in Him that we are saved and made holy. Christ in us and we in Him, that is our hope and our glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.