• 2 Corinthians 7:1
    Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
     
  • Ephesians 5:26-27
    that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
     
  • Haggai 2:11-14
    "Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Now, ask the priests concerning the law, saying, "If one carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and with the edge he touches bread or stew, wine or oil, or any food, will it become holy?""" Then the priests answered and said, "No." And Haggai said, "If one who is unclean because of a dead body touches any of these, will it be unclean?" So the priests answered and said, "It shall be unclean." Then Haggai answered and said, ""So is this people, and so is this nation before Me," says the LORD, "and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.
     
  • Mark 7:21-23
    For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
     
  • John 13:6-11
    Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean."
     
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
    Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
    "I will dwell in them
    And walk among them.
    I will be their God,
    And they shall be My people."
    Therefore "Come out from among them
    And be separate, says the Lord.
    Do not touch what is unclean,
    And I will receive you."

     
  • James 4:8-9
    Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Defilement, Spiritual


Resources

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Leper (Part Three)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45 exhibits His compassion for those suffering the repulsive effects of sin.


From Pilgrims to Pillars (Part One)

Sermon by David F. Maas

Sanctification is a process through which God transforms perishable raw materials into permanent, indestructible beings—literal members of the God-family.


The Beatitudes, Part 6: The Pure in Heart

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Purity before God is far more than just being clean. To Jesus, being pure in heart, described in the Beatitudes, touches on the very holiness of God.


Are Humans Good or Evil?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Philosophy debates whether human beings are by nature good or evil, but the Bible is consistent—and perhaps surprising—in its description of man's nature.


The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Two-Demon Possessed Men Healed (Part Two)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Most of the accounts of Jesus casting out demons are impersonal, merely stating the fact that He did so. However, one exorcism is quite detailed.


Approaching God Through Christ (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The one who comes before God must be pure in body and mind. The priests had to wash themselves from a bronze laver, midway between the altar and the entrance.


Sin And Overcoming (Part 1): If Anyone Sins!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are obligated to uphold a higher standard of morality, responsible for the letter and spirit of the law, as well as the prompts of our consciences.


Amos (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The favorite-son status of Israel was conditioned on accepting the terms of the covenant with God. Israel, then and now, has placed her trust in material things.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Defilement, Spiritual