Walking By Faith | More Than Just Rules: A Heart Change | Exodus 29; Acts 15; Titus 3:5 | Part 1

"I hate how hard spiritual transformation is and how long it takes. I hate thinking about how many people have gone to church for decades and remain joyless or judgmental or bitter or superior."  - John Ortberg, American evangelical Christian author, speaker, and pastor. (1957-Present)

In this opening discussion, we will be looking at the foundational truth that hearts are purified by faith, not ritual. We will examine Exodus 29, Acts 15, and Titus 3:5 to understand that salvation is a work of grace through Jesus alone, separating “religion” from “relationship”.

In Exodus 29, the Old Testament highlights rituals and shadows through the establishment of the formal, hereditary priesthood, specifically Aaron and his sons. To be prepared to enter God's presence, they were required to undergo an intense seven-day purification process:

• Washing (Exodus 29:4): They were washed with water to symbolize removal of impurity.
• Anointing (Exodus 29:7): They were anointed with oil.
• Blood Sacrifices (Exodus 29:10-21): Blood from animals was placed on their ears, thumbs, and toes. This represented dedicating their whole lives—what they hear, do, and walk toward—to God.

Because the priests were sinful, they required consecration through numerous external rituals. Animal sacrifices offered only a temporary covering for sin rather than permanent removal, acting as a foreshadowing of the ultimate, lasting cleansing to come (Hebrews 10:1).

Bottom Line: Rituals are necessary to show we need cleaning, but they cannot do the cleaning.

Just as Exodus 29 describes repetitive, external rituals, we often construct modern, similar routines in our quest to feel spiritual. Here are some considerations to help identify a “ritual” mindset:

• When you’ve had a “bad” spiritual week (missed prayer, lost your temper, etc.), what is your immediate gut reaction? Do you tend to hide from God, or do you try to “make up for it” with good behavior?
• What are some “unwritten rules” we tend to follow in the church today that feel like requirements for being a “good Christian”?
• How can you tell the difference between a spiritual discipline (like reading the Bible to know God) and a religious rite (reading the Bible just to check a box and feel “clean”)?

Concluding Remarks: Unlike the priests in Exodus who offered daily sacrifices, Jesus offered one sacrifice for all time. Because of Him, we are purified by faith, not works. Live this week in the security of being already accepted in Him.

In our next session, we’ll dive deeper into Acts 15 and Titus 3:5 to understand why true heart purification comes through faith in Jesus, not through religious rites. I hope you can join us then!

Prayer: “Father, thank you for purifying us through faith in Jesus. Help us trust in His work on the cross and live holy lives that reflect Him. Amen.”

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane