Defilement, in biblical terms, refers to the state of being unclean or impure, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It is a condition that separates individuals from the holiness required by God and is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. The concept of defilement is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for purity and holiness.

Old Testament Understanding

In the Old Testament, defilement is often associated with ceremonial uncleanness, which could result from various sources, including contact with dead bodies, certain diseases, and specific bodily discharges. Leviticus 11-15 provides detailed laws regarding what is considered clean and unclean. For instance, Leviticus 11:44-45 states, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming creature that moves along the ground. For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy."

The defilement laws served as a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the need for His people to remain separate from anything that could corrupt their relationship with Him. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures, and adherence to these laws was a sign of their covenantal faithfulness.

Moral and Spiritual Defilement

Beyond ceremonial defilement, the Old Testament also addresses moral and spiritual defilement. Sin, idolatry, and injustice are seen as defiling acts that corrupt the heart and separate individuals from God. 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 does not hear."

The prophets frequently called the people of Israel to repentance, urging them to cleanse themselves from their sins and return to God. Ezekiel 36:25-27 promises a future cleansing: "I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ redefines the understanding of defilement, shifting the focus from external rituals to the condition of the heart. In Mark 7:14-23 , Jesus teaches, "There is nothing outside a man that can defile him if it enters him, but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him." He emphasizes that evil thoughts, immorality, theft, murder, and other sins originate from within and are the true sources of defilement.

The apostle Paul further elaborates on this concept, urging believers to live lives of purity and holiness. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , he writes, "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."

Purification and Redemption

The New Testament also presents the solution to defilement through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for cleansing from sin and restoring fellowship with God. Hebrews 9:13-14 explains, "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God?"

Believers are called to live in the light of this redemption, continually seeking to purify themselves from all defilement of body and spirit, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1 : "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Conclusion

The nature of defilement, as presented in the Bible, underscores the importance of holiness and purity in the life of a believer. It highlights the need for a heart transformed by the grace of God, leading to a life that reflects His holiness and righteousness.