In this age. God purifies his people through Spirit-empowered preaching, and by faithful, loving application of church discipline. By these means, the Holy Spirit cuts men to the heart (Acts 2:37), and convicts sinners of their guilt and condemnation, leading to their repentance. By the same preaching, the Spirit works renewal, leading to holiness and purity.
At the end of this age, God will purify this world by means of the judgment. His angels “will separate the evil from the righteous (Matthew 13:49). “He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32–34).
3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.