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The Cleansing Power of God: A Study on Fuller's Soap

This study explores the biblical imagery of fuller's soap, revealing God's profound work of purification and transformation in the lives of His people. We will examine the divine process of cleansing, from initial salvation to ongoing sanctification, and how believers are prepared to live holy and acceptable lives before Him.

1. The Divine Cleanser Revealed

1.1 The Prophecy of Purification

Verses: Malachi 3:2-3
  • God's coming brings a refining and cleansing work.
  • He is likened to a fuller's soap, intensely purifying.
  • This work prepares His people for true worship.

1.2 The Cleanser Manifested

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 1:1,14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus.
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
  • He came to purify a people for Himself.

1.3 His Cleansing Blood

Verses: 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:14; Revelation 1:5
  • The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
  • His sacrifice provides complete purification.
  • Through His blood, we are made holy and blameless.

2. The Cleansing of Repentance and Water

2.1 The Call to Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Mark 1:15
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart towards God.
  • It is the foundational step for spiritual cleansing.
  • God commands all people everywhere to repent.

2.2 Water Baptism in His Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins.
  • It is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This act symbolizes burial with Him and rising to new life.

2.3 Washing of Regeneration

Verses: Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:26
  • God saves us through the washing of regeneration.
  • Water baptism is a vital part of this new birth experience.
  • It cleanses us from past sins and initiates us into His family.

3. The Cleansing Fire of the Spirit

3.1 Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; John 7:38-39
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience after water baptism.
  • Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of this infilling.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for a holy life and service.

3.2 The Spirit's Refining Work

Verses: Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18
  • The Spirit helps us put to death the deeds of the flesh.
  • He guides us into all truth and righteousness.
  • We are transformed into His image by the Spirit.

3.3 Living by the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:4; Philippians 2:13
  • Walking in the Spirit leads to a life of purity and fruitfulness.
  • The Spirit enables us to fulfill God's righteous requirements.
  • He works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.

4. Maintaining a Cleansed Life

4.1 Continual Repentance and Forgiveness

Verses: 1 John 1:9; Matthew 6:12; Proverbs 28:13
  • Confessing our sins brings forgiveness and cleansing.
  • We must forgive others as we have been forgiven.
  • Hiding sin prevents true spiritual progress.

4.2 The Word as a Cleanser

Verses: John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26; Psalm 119:9
  • God's Word purifies and sanctifies us.
  • Meditating on Scripture keeps our path clean.
  • The Word washes away defilement and renews our minds.

4.3 Pursuing Holiness

Verses: Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
  • We are called to be holy in all our conduct.
  • Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit.