Bible Discussion Thread

How can a people of blood shedding (murder) on homeland become purified. be freed from curse according numbers 35?

Guillermo, Numbers chapter 35 was God's direction to the children of Israel concerning Cities of Refuge, where a murderer, who murdered someone unintentionally, could run to one of those cities for protection & safety, until the matter was dealt with by their justice system. There were to be six cities appointed to serve those types of murderers. But those who wilfully murder someone, the justice to be served was death to the perpetrator; and this could be done even by the avenger (one who might be related to the deceased).

So, the only way for the murderer who didn't kill wilfully, could get off, was that he would live in one of those Cities of Refuge until the death of the High Priest. He couldn't even go for a walk outside the city walls in case someone came after him. After the death of the High Priest, he could return to his own city, presumably he wouldn't be sought after by an avenger. But if a person wilfully murdered, then the death sentence would be given to him.

But that was Old Testament Law & practice & by the yearly offering of Sacrifices, atonement was made for the sins of the people. However, no sacrifice in that system, could ever remove a person's sin (e.g. sin of murder) - the sacrificial system was temporary & pointed to the time when God's Sacrifice, Jesus Christ, would come to give His Life on the Cross, to give a perfect & permanent forgiveness of sin. In the OT, those under the sacrificial system, had to express faith in that shedding of blood of the animal & that faith & change of heart carried them through into death, awaiting for Christ's death & resurrection. Then those with real faith & love for God (not as the false religious leaders & faithless Jews), were also raised to Life; all others, as those today who die outside of Christ, are confined to Hades, awaiting their final fate.

Apostle Paul (when his name was Saul): had Jewish ancestry but was working for the Romans, when he assisted with the stoning of Stephen. Heaven opened to receive Stephen's soul right then. After, Paul was on his way to kill some more; Jesus Confronted him and blinded him and spoke to him; person to person on the Damascus Road. He got radically saved that day. Got his sight back a few days later.

I watch 700 club for news and see former murderers on it often. Which means: if a person comes under conviction about any sin (by the Holy Spirit); if they truly repent of all sins, past and present; turn from their wickedness and turn to Jesus for forgiveness; they can be born again.

You can't be born again and live sinfully like you once did. Jesus paid in blood for all of our sins. The new life is lived in reverence of His sacrifice. Gods call is to all the World. He loves you, sent his Son to the Cross for you. You give your life to Him and He gives His Life to you.

We must be born again. He's not ashamed of you; so in return we tell others our testimony of how we came to receive Jesus.

If you ponder on the act of murder: people do it other ways too. Gossip, slander, back biting and biting back; abortion; character assassination of children and others. It's brutal and God has to judge it.

We have to repent, confess and get that stuff covered under the Blood of Jesus as soon as it takes to get on our knees.

The Good News is that Salvation and cleansing is available to all who ask.

I hope your question is answered.