Sin in the context of uncleanness is not merely the failure to purify oneself but the very state of being unclean, as defined in the Torah. This is because uncleanness, even when it arises from natural and unavoidable causes, represents a breach of Elohim’s holiness. Let’s examine why becoming unclean itself is considered sin according to the literal words of scripture.

 Key Scriptural Basis

 1. Leviticus 5:3-5

“Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty. Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these. And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing.”

– Key Points:

   – Touching uncleanness or becoming unclean makes the person guilty (liable before Elohim) once they recognize their state of defilement.

   – Guilt arises from the condition of uncleanness itself, not just the neglect of purification.

 2. Numbers 19:20

“But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of YAH: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.”

– Key Points:

   – The individual is already guilty for being in a state of uncleanness because they have “defiled the sanctuary of YAH.”

   – Failing to purify oneself compounds the offense but does not negate the fact that the uncleanness itself is sinful.

 3. Isaiah 59:2

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your Elohim, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

– Key Points:

   – The state of uncleanness (whether moral or ceremonial) represents a breach of fellowship with Elohim, as it is incompatible with His holiness.

 Uncleanness as Sin in the Torah

1. Uncleanness Violates Elohim’s Holiness:

   – Leviticus 11:44: “For I am YAH your Elohim: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy.”

   – Elohim’s holiness demands absolute separation from anything unclean. Uncleanness, even when resulting from natural processes (e.g., childbirth, menstruation, or sexual relations), is incompatible with Elohim’s nature.

2. Uncleanness as a Form of Sin:

   – Leviticus 5:3 explicitly states that touching or becoming unclean renders a person guilty.

   – This guilt is not dependent on neglecting purification but arises from the condition of being unclean in and of itself.

3. Examples of Uncleanness Considered as Sin:

   – Childbirth: After childbirth, the mother is considered unclean and must atone for her condition through a sin offering (Leviticus 12:6-8), even though the act of childbirth is not morally wrong.

                 Le 12:6 (KJV) And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:
7 Who shall offer it before YAH , and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

   – Sexual Relations: Sexual intimacy results in uncleanness until evening (Leviticus 15:18), requiring washing and waiting for restoration of purity.

                 Le 15:18 (KJV) The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.

   – Touching a Dead Body: Even accidental contact with a corpse results in uncleanness, requiring purification (Numbers 19:11-13).

                 Nu 19:11 (KJV) He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days.
12 He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean.
13 Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of YAH; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.  

Why Uncleanness Itself is Sin

1. Uncleanness Represents Separation from Elohim:

   – Elohim’s presence demands purity, and anything unclean cannot come near Him.

   – Leviticus 15:31: “Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.”

2. Uncleanness Defiles the Sanctuary:

   – Simply being unclean defiles Elohim’s dwelling place, whether or not one enters the tabernacle.

   – Numbers 19:13: “Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of YAH.”

3. Uncleanness Reflects Humanity’s Fallen Nature:

   – Psalm 51:5: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

   – Human uncleanness illustrates humanity’s inherent sinfulness, passed down through Adam’s fall (Romans 5:12: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world.”).

 The Role of Purification

While purification restores ceremonial cleanliness and allows a person to re-enter Elohim’s presence, the state of uncleanness itself is what requires atonement. For example:

1. Leviticus 12:6-8:

   – After childbirth, a woman must offer both a burnt offering and a sin offering. The sin offering is required not because childbirth is morally wrong, but because her uncleanness places her in a state of guilt before Elohim.

2. Leviticus 16:16:

   – On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest makes atonement for the uncleanness of the people: “And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins.”

   – Uncleanness is grouped with transgressions and sins, showing that it is part of what separates humanity from Elohim.

 Key Takeaways

1. Uncleanness Itself is Sin:

   – According to Leviticus 5:3, the act of becoming unclean places a person in a state of guilt, even before purification.

   – This reflects the magnitude of Elohim’s holiness and the incompatibility of uncleanness with His nature.

2. Purification Addresses Sin:

   – The washing, waiting, and offerings required in the Torah serve to cleanse and atone for the state of uncleanness, but the guilt exists from the moment one becomes unclean.

3. Practical Implication:

   – Engaging in activities that cause uncleanness (e.g., sexual intimacy, touching a corpse) on holy days like the Sabbath would not honor the command to keep the day holy, as it results in immediate sinfulness.

 Conclusion

Becoming unclean itself is considered sin because it violates Elohim’s standard of holiness, as explicitly stated in Leviticus 5:3-5 and supported by other scriptures. The purification rituals were given to address the sin of uncleanness, but the guilt arose the moment uncleanness occurred. This underscores the absolute purity Elohim demands and the importance of maintaining holiness, especially on holy days like the Sabbath.

Uncleanness “IS” Considered Sin

 Exodus 19:14-15

“And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.”

– Literal Meaning:

   – The Israelites were instructed to sanctify themselves by washing their clothes and abstaining from sexual relations in preparation to encounter Elohim’s presence on Mount Sinai. Abstaining from intimacy was necessary to maintain ceremonial purity.

– Cross-References:

   – Leviticus 15:18: “The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.”

      – Sexual relations cause both participants to become ceremonially unclean until evening, requiring washing.

   – Leviticus 11:44: “For I am YAH your Elohim: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy.”

      – Holiness requires a state of purity and separation from uncleanness.

 Leviticus 5:3-5

“Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty. Or if a soul swear… he shall be guilty in one of these. And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing.”

– Literal Meaning:

   – Touching any form of uncleanness renders a person guilty before Elohim. This guilt of touching something unclean is considered sin and requires confession and atonement.

– Cross-References:

   – Numbers 19:20: “But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of YAH.”

      – Remaining in a state of uncleanness without purification leads to separation from Elohim and the community.

   – Isaiah 59:2: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your Elohim.”

      – Uncleanness, as a violation of Elohim’s holiness, creates a barrier between humans and Elohim.

 Leviticus 12:2-8

“If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days… she shall continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days.”

“And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled… she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering… and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.”

– Literal Meaning:

   – The process of conception and childbirth results in ceremonial uncleanness, requiring a purification period and a sin offering to atone for the uncleanness.

– Cross-References:

   – Psalm 51:5: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

      – Human conception is inherently tied to uncleanness and sin, reflecting humanity’s fallen condition.

Why Sexual Relations on the Sabbath Violate Its Holiness

 Exodus 20:8-11

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of YAH thy Elohim: in it thou shalt not do any work.”

– Literal Meaning:

   – The Sabbath is a day set apart for rest and holiness, requiring complete sanctification and focus on Elohim.

 Why Sexual Relations Are Prohibited on the Sabbath:

1. Sexual Relations Cause Uncleanness:

   – Leviticus 15:18 states that sexual intimacy renders both participants unclean until evening. This state of uncleanness would conflict with the command to keep the Sabbath holy.

2. Approaching Elohim Requires Holiness:

   – Exodus 19:15 demonstrates the principle that abstaining from sexual relations is necessary to prepare for encountering Elohim’s presence. The same principle applies to the Sabbath, a day of holiness.

3. Uncleanness is Considered Sin:

   – As established in Leviticus 5:3-5, being in a state of uncleanness is considered sin. Engaging in sexual relations on the Sabbath would lead to uncleanness, violating the sanctity of the day.

4. Complete Focus on Elohim:

   – The Sabbath is a time to cease from earthly activities and dedicate oneself fully to Elohim. Abstaining from sexual relations aligns with the principle of complete sanctification.

 Messiah’s Virgin Birth Ensures Sinlessness

 Isaiah 7:14

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

– Literal Meaning:

   – The Messiah would be born of a virgin, bypassing human conception, which is tied to uncleanness and sin.

 Luke 1:34-35

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered… The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of Elohim.”

– Literal Meaning:

   – Yahoshuah was conceived by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that He was not born of human seed, which is tied to uncleanness and sin. This fulfills the requirement for a sinless Savior.

 2 Corinthians 5:21

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Elohim in him.”

– Literal Meaning:

   – Yahoshuah had to be sinless to atone for humanity’s sins. His virgin birth bypassed the uncleanness and iniquity inherited through human conception.

Both Christian and Jewish traditions often deviate from the biblical principle of abstaining from activities that cause ceremonial uncleanness on holy days such as the Sabbath. Let’s examine how these traditions, at times, violate the Torah’s teaching regarding holiness, uncleanness, and the Sabbath, based strictly on what the scriptures say.

 1. The Biblical Principle: Maintaining Holiness on the Sabbath

 Exodus 20:8-11 (KJV):

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of YAH thy Elohim: in it thou shalt not do any work.”

– Holiness Requires Purity: The Sabbath is a holy day set apart for worship, rest, and reflection. As seen in Exodus 19:14-15, approaching Elohim on a holy occasion requires abstaining from activities that cause ceremonial uncleanness.

 Leviticus 15:18 (KJV):

“The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.”

– Sexual Relations Cause Uncleanness: Engaging in sexual intimacy makes both participants ceremonially unclean until evening, making it incompatible with the Sabbath’s holiness.

 Leviticus 5:3 (KJV):

“Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.”

– Uncleanness Equals Guilt:  Being in a  state of uncleanness is considered a sin, even if it is due to natural bodily functions.

 2. Jewish Traditions and Practices

Certain Jewish traditions surrounding the Sabbath have evolved to permit activities that would violate the principle of ceremonial purity, according to the Torah.

 a. Intimacy on the Sabbath

– Jewish Tradition:

   – Some rabbinic interpretations encourage marital intimacy on the Sabbath as a way of honoring the joy of the day (oneg Shabbat, or delighting in the Sabbath).

   – Basis: The Talmud (Tractate Ketubot 62b) praises marital intimacy on the Sabbath, framing it as a mitzvah (commandment) to fulfill the duty of marital relations.

– Violation of Torah Principles:

   – Leviticus 15:18 explicitly states that intimacy results in uncleanness until evening, which is incompatible with the command to keep the Sabbath holy.

   – By encouraging intimacy on the Sabbath, this tradition overlooks the ceremonial impurity caused by the act and its conflict with the requirement to maintain purity on a holy day.

Accusation by Elohim against Israel:

                 Isa 58:13 ¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of YAH honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

 b. Permissiveness Toward Uncleanness

– Rabbinic Adaptations:

   – Rabbinic Judaism often emphasizes ritual behaviors (e.g., lighting candles, reciting blessings) over strict adherence to ceremonial purity laws.

   – For example, while washing hands before meals is customary, abstaining from intimacy is not uniformly practiced or taught.

– Violation of Torah Principles:

   – This focus on external rituals without addressing the uncleanness caused by intimacy or other activities violates the Torah’s emphasis on maintaining holiness and purity for Sabbath observance.

 3. Christian Traditions and Practices

Christian traditions often disregard the concept of ceremonial uncleanness altogether, which can lead to practices that contradict the biblical principle of holiness.

 a. Dismissal of Purity Laws

– Christian Perspective:

   – Many Christian denominations teach that ceremonial laws, including laws about uncleanness, were abolished with Christ’s sacrifice and are no longer binding (based on interpretations of passages like Colossians 2:16-17).

                 Col 2:16 (KJ2000) Let no man therefore judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

– Violation of Torah Principles:

   – While ceremonial laws are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of maintaining purity in worship and holy observances remains valid. Dismissing these laws entirely leads to a lack of reverence for holiness in worship and life.

   – Example: Engaging in sexual intimacy or failing to consecrate oneself before observing Sabbath or communion may contradict the principle of holiness outlined in Exodus 19 and Leviticus 15.

 b. Sabbath Observance Is Often Neglected

– Christian Practice:

   – Many Christians do not observe the Sabbath as a day of rest and holiness. Instead, Sunday worship often includes secular activities, work, and a lack of focus on purity or sanctification.

– Violation of Torah Principles:

   – Isaiah 58:13-14 emphasizes the need to “honor the Sabbath” by refraining from personal pleasures and focusing entirely on Elohim. Ignoring this principle violates the sanctity of the day.

 c. Intimacy on Worship Days

– Common Practice:

   – There is no teaching in most Christian traditions to abstain from sexual intimacy before participating in worship or observing holy days.

– Violation of Torah Principles:

   – According to Leviticus 15:18, intimacy results in uncleanness, making participants unfit to approach Elohim in worship without purification. This directly contradicts the call to approach Elohim in holiness.

 4. Why These Violations Matter

1. Elohim’s Holiness Requires Purity:

   – The Torah consistently teaches that approaching Elohim on holy days requires a state of ceremonial purity.

   – Leviticus 11:44: “Sanctify yourselves, and be ye holy; for I am holy.”

2. Uncleanness Equals Sin:

   – Leviticus 5:3 confirms that uncleanness is considered sin, making it incompatible with Sabbath observance.

3. Honoring the Sabbath:

   – Both Jewish and Christian practices that permit or ignore activities resulting in uncleanness on the Sabbath fail to honor the principle of keeping it holy, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11.

 Conclusion

– Jewish Tradition: Encouraging sexual intimacy on the Sabbath, despite its ceremonial impurity, violates the Torah’s principle of maintaining holiness on holy days.

– Christian Tradition: Ignoring ceremonial purity laws entirely and neglecting the sanctity of the Sabbath conflicts with the Torah’s emphasis on holiness and purity.

The Torah’s principles remain clear: uncleanness is considered sin, and one must be in a state of holiness to properly observe the Sabbath or approach Elohim. Both traditions, in differing ways, fail to uphold these biblical commands.

4. Uncleanness Was Considered Sin:

   – According to Exodus 19, Leviticus 5, and Leviticus 12, being in a state of uncleanness was regarded as sin because it violated Elohim’s standard of holiness.

5. Sexual Relations on the Sabbath Are Incompatible with Its Holiness:

   – Engaging in sexual intimacy on the Sabbath would result in uncleanness, violating the command to keep the day holy and free from sin.

3. Messiah’s Virgin Birth Was Necessary:

   – Yahoshuah had to be born without human seed to ensure He was free from the uncleanness and sin associated with conception. His conception by the Holy Spirit fulfilled this requirement and allowed Him to remain sinless as the perfect Savior and sacrifice.