Column reflects on sacrifice, spiritual purification and the meaning of holiness

In his column “Article of Faith: The acceptable sacrifice”, Femi Aribisala reflects on the relationship between religious sacrifice, holiness and inner renewal. The writer begins by distinguishing the desire of human beings to reach heaven from what he presents as the biblical vision of God’s kingdom coming to earth. He cites passages from Revelation and Exodus to describe a divine presence dwelling among people, and uses the tabernacle as an image of that presence.

Aribisala then recounts an incident involving a new domestic helper. After the household’s purified water had run out, water from an inadequately cleaned storage system was used to prepare food. He says he became severely unwell and that the experience led him to consider the idea of purity.

In the column’s theological argument, the physical reaction becomes a metaphor for God’s rejection of what is imperfect. The writer draws on passages from Hebrews, Malachi and Leviticus to describe holiness as a refining or consuming fire. He says divine purification either removes corruption or destroys it, and argues that people cannot approach God through external cleanliness alone.

The column also refers to the biblical account of Isaiah’s vision, in which a coal from the altar touches the prophet’s lips and his guilt is taken away. A story about a pastor dreaming of being pursued by fire is used to illustrate the writer’s view that spiritual maturity can change a person’s response to divine power. Aribisala contrasts this understanding with what he describes as Israel’s ritualistic approach under the Old Covenant.

He cites Isaiah’s criticism of people who honour God with their lips while remaining distant in their hearts. The central argument is that sacrifice is unacceptable when it is separated from obedience, holiness and inward change.