Editing Washing and anointing (section)

== Symbolic interpretations ==<!-- 
***DO NOT add material here unless it can be supported by a reliable source. (Review [[WP:RS]] for clarification. Personal websites and blogs are not permitted.)***
-->

Many symbolic meanings of washings and anointings are traceable in the scriptures. Ritual washings (Heb. 9:10) symbolize the cleansing of the soul from sins and iniquities. They signify the washing-away of the pollutions of the Lord's people (Isa. 4:4). Psalm 51:2 expresses the human longing and divine promise: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin".<ref name="perry" /> The anointing of a person or object with sacred ointment represents sanctification and consecration, so that both become "most holy" unto the Lord.<ref>{{bibleref|Exodus|30:29}}</ref> In this manner, profane persons and things are sanctified in similitude of the ''messiah'' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] "anointed one"), who is ''Christ'' ([[Greek language|Greek]] "anointed one").<ref name="perry" />