In Numbers, chapter nineteen, verse two, the Lord speaks to Moses and Aaron concerning the children of Israel that they bring a red heifer. The sacrifice of the red heifer in the Old Testament provided cleansing of anyone who was ritually unclean or defiled and unable to draw near to God in worship. A red heifer without defect was killed and burned outside the camp. The ashes were kept, mixed with water, and applied to those who were undefiled. This purification rite cleansed that person, allowing them to approach God again.
In the New Testament, Hebrews chapter nine, verses thirteen and fourteen, sum up both testaments. For if “the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of the heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more the blood of Christ, who thorugh the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” This verse contrasts the blood of Christ with the ashes of the red heifer. The Israelites had the ashes for a ready means of purification so that believers in Christ have a ready fountain of the blood of Christ in which, by faith and repentance, they may find cleansing “from all sin,” as stated at the end of First John one verse seven. By this cleansing, they may draw near to God, receive mercy, and obtain grace to help in their time of need.
Today, believers have the means of purification through the blood of Christ and no longer need to sacrifice an offering to atone for their sins. However, all followers of Christ need to ask God daily to cleanse us from all known and unknown sins. We cannot afford to be careless nowadays with technology and all sorts of attractions to lure our attention. We need to be intact with God at all times.