In Numbers 6 in the Old Testament, God told Moses specifically that if anybody wants to be a Nazirite, he is required to observe three restrictions: first, during his period of dedication to God, he must refrain from shaving his head. He can only do so when his Nazirite vow is over.  He has to put the hair cut from his head in the fire under the sacrifice of the fellowship offering to God. Secondly, during the period of the vow, he must avoid contact with the dead, otherwise he will defile himself. Thirdly, he needs to abstain from wine and other fermented drink.

In the history of God’s grace of salvation, the Nazirite is a symbol of holy life. “Nazirite” means to be consecrated, dedicating oneself to God. Both men and women can take a Nazirite vow, but the act must be voluntary. He or she will be consecrated and dedicated to God for His use only. (In other words, an important meaning of “holiness” is to separate someone out for the Lord and for His use, not any others.) The Nazirite cannot cut his hair for his hair is a symbol of consecration to the Lord. So it will not be cut out for other purposes. When the days of the vow are over, he can cut his hair. But what is cut out must be offered to God in sacrificial rituals. What belongs to God can only be offered to Him.

Secondly, the Nazirite must not come in contact with a corpse. It is because death and decay come from sin. But holiness belongs to the everlasting God, who will not in any way be linked to, or come in contact with, evil or unrighteousness. The dead here symbolizes all things that are unclean. “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’ And, ‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)

Thirdly, the Nazirite must abstain from wine and fermented drinks since a holy life will only obey God, with God alone being his joy. He does not need wine, which symbolizes all kinds of artificial ways, to “boost” personal strength. Neither will he be bound by any person or anything other than God that will likely steer him out of control. “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17-18)

God calls all those who have experienced His salvation to no longer be enslaved to sin. They are to consecrate themselves to Him, to offer their bodies to Him as vessels of righteousness, to be used by Him so that their lives can completely belong to Him. Today, is anybody willing to take this calling seriously, to offer himself to God and make it his utmost desire to belong to Him completely – to be a New Testament Nazirite?