Most NT uses of words for purity relate to cleanness of some types. Old Testament meanings are often reflected. Perfection is the meaning in Mark 14:3; this is mixed with religious purity in Heb 10:22; 1 Jhn 3:3.

Ethical purity dominates in the NT. The person who is in right relationship with God is to live a life of purity (2 Tim 2:21-22; Titus 1:15 and reference to a pure heart-Matt 5:8; 1 Tim 1:5; Heb 9:14; James 4:8; 1 Pet 1:22). Purity is also listed among virtues (2 Cor 6:6; Phil 4:8; 1 Tim 4:12; Mk 7:15).

Purification through sacrifice also is mentioned in the NT and applied to the death of Christ, a purification that does not need repeating and thus is on a higher level than OT sacrifices (Heb 9:13-14). The sacrifice of Christ brings purification; Christ cleansed as a part of the work of the high priest, and His blood cleanses from sin (1 Jhn 1:7).