The Jews, throughout their lives will observe the practice of cleansing and purification. The purpose of these rituals is to remind the Jews that God is Holy and cannot stand sin in His presence. They are not allowed to enter into the temple or even handle the Torah (Word of God) if cleansing and purification is not done first.

Likewise, we as believers need to practice the ritual of confession and repentance. We cannot approach God as we like because He is holy. However, unlike the OT, Jesus has paid the price for our sins – past, present and future. Therefore, there is forgiveness in him through repentance without the need for a constant physical cleansing.

The beauty of the Mikveh (water immersion) for the cleansing and purification of the Jews is that while the Jews have to do it repeatedly, New Testament believers only have to do it once through Baptism – because Jesus as our substitute was the sufficient sacrifice once and for all. Once and for all, our standing before God is righteous and holy because of Christ’s work on the cross.