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◄ Sin: Defiling►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, sin is often described as an act that defiles or corrupts the individual, separating them from the holiness of God. The concept of defilement through sin is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the moral and spiritual impurity that sin brings into the life of a believer.

Old Testament Understanding

In the Old Testament, the idea of defilement is closely associated with the laws given to Israel. These laws often included specific instructions on what was considered clean and unclean, both physically and spiritually.Leviticus 18:24-25 states, "Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants."

The defilement of sin is not limited to personal impurity but extends to the community and even the land itself. This reflects the pervasive nature of sin and its ability to corrupt all aspects of life. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God, and thus were required to avoid practices that would defile them.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the concept of defilement, teaching that it is not merely external actions that defile a person, but the condition of the heart. InMark 7:20-23 , Jesus says, "What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man."

This teaching underscores the internal nature of sin and its defiling power. It is not just the outward actions but the inner thoughts and intentions that corrupt and separate individuals from God.

Spiritual Implications

The defilement of sin has profound spiritual implications. It creates a barrier between humanity and God, as God is holy and cannot be in the presence of sin.Isaiah 59:2 declares, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

The defiling nature of sin necessitates purification and atonement, which in the Old Testament was achieved through sacrifices and rituals. However, in the New Testament, the ultimate purification comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.Hebrews 9:14 states, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!"

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The defilement of sin also carries moral and ethical considerations for believers. Christians are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, avoiding actions and thoughts that would defile them.1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

This call to holiness is a call to resist the defiling nature of sin and to pursue righteousness. It is a reminder that believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, as stated in1 Corinthians 6:19-20 : "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

Conclusion

The concept of sin as defiling is a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and its impact on the relationship between humanity and God. It calls believers to a life of holiness, relying on the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice to overcome the defilement of sin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:3
For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perverseness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sin.
... The following texts will acquaint the reader with the characteristics or nature
ofsin. 1.Sin isdefiling.... Here we see thedefiling nature ofsin....

First Part of the Book.
... Yet throughsin defiling, the good deed is lost; and here-unto accords Holy Writ
that says, "who sinneth in one thing, loses many good things," which is, "he...

The HeinousSin of Drunkenness
... Fifth consideration, which highly aggravates thesin of drunkenness, it separates
the Holy... They have chased him out of their hearts, bydefiling his temple; I...

Confession ofSin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
... Achan, you are aware, was stoned with stones, fordefiling Israel... God would have
mercy on his soul, seeing that he had made a full confession of hissin." And I...

Our Instructor's Treatment of Our Sins.
... his consecration shall be polluted, and shall be shaved," [1037] designating
involuntarysin as sudden death. And He says that it pollutes bydefiling the soul...

The Baptism
... falsehood, purity with vileness. Everysin, every discord, everydefiling lust
that transgression had brought, was torture to His spirit....

Separation to God.
... Death was brought into the world bysin; and, like all the other consequences
ofsin, it is loathsome anddefiling. Man seeks to...

The Beatitudes, Matt. 5 3-12.
... 6 [Bless'd are the pure, whose hearts are clean From thedefiling powers ofsin,
With endless pleasure they shall see A God of spotless purity.]....

The Beatitudes. Mt. 5:3-12.
... [Blest are the pure, whose hearts are clean. From thedefiling powers ofsin; With
endless pleasure they shall see. A God of spotless purity.]....

The Covenant of Works
... [1] It is adefiling thing.Sin is not only a defection, but a pollution.
It is to the soul as rust is to gold, as a stain to beauty....