Topical Bible: Defilement: Moral, Caused by Following the Sins of the Heathen

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Topical Encyclopedia

Defilement, in a biblical context, refers to the corruption or pollution of moral and spiritual purity. This concept is frequently addressed in the Scriptures, particularly concerning the Israelites' interactions with surrounding nations, often referred to as "the heathen." The moral defilement caused by adopting the practices and sins of these nations is a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of maintaining holiness and separation from ungodly influences.

Biblical Foundation

The Old Testament provides numerous warnings against the moral defilement that results from following the practices of the heathen nations. In Leviticus 18:24-30, God explicitly warns the Israelites not to defile themselves by engaging in the abominable practices of the nations He is driving out before them. The passage 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" (Leviticus 18:24). This warning underscores the direct link between adopting heathen practices and becoming morally defiled.

The Israelites are repeatedly instructed to remain distinct and separate from the surrounding nations to preserve their covenant relationship with God. In Deuteronomy 18:9, they are cautioned, "When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there" . This command emphasizes the importance of avoiding the moral corruption that comes from assimilating the sinful customs of others.

Consequences of Defilement

The consequences of moral defilement are severe, as they lead to a breakdown in the relationship between God and His people. In the historical books, the Israelites' repeated failure to heed these warnings results in divine judgment. For instance, in 2 Kings 17:7-18, the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel is attributed to their adoption of heathen practices, including idolatry and child sacrifice. The text explains, "They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the LORD had ordered them, 'Do not do as they do'" (2 Kings 17:15).

The prophets also address the issue of defilement, often calling the people to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Ezekiel 20:30-31 highlights the ongoing struggle with idolatry and the resulting defilement: "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, prostituting yourselves with their abominations?'" . The prophetic call to repentance serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual purity and the dangers of moral compromise.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of defilement is expanded to include not only external actions but also internal attitudes and thoughts. Jesus teaches that true defilement comes from within, from the heart, rather than from external sources. In Mark 7:20-23, He states, "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" .

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of moral defilement in his letters, urging believers to live holy lives and avoid the corrupting influences of the world. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, he exhorts, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you" . This call to separation reflects the ongoing need for Christians to maintain spiritual purity in a world filled with moral challenges.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on defilement underscores the importance of holiness and the dangers of moral compromise. By adhering to God's commands and avoiding the sinful practices of the world, believers can maintain their spiritual integrity and remain in right relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 18:24
Defile not you yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Original, Nature, Property, and Use of the Law
... breathed into him the breath of life, and caused him to ... so termed, is no other than
the moral law. ... It is a chaste virgin, incapable of any defilement, of any ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 34 the original nature.htm

The Lord and the Leper
... soul he pined to be cleansed from its terrible defilement. ... God hath highly exalted
him, and caused all fullness ... Jesus is able to work great moral marvels still ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the lord and the leper.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... given by Moses (John 1:17) ; the moral law to ... in this way their dross is consumed,
their defilement removed ... covenant of the Lord, and thereby had caused many to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

The Doctrine of God
... finite to the infinite, from the caused to the ... absolutely clean and pure and free
from all defilement. ... the Ten Commandments, with their moral categories; the ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

The Pattern of Service
... falling upon men of vivid imagination, keen moral sense, and ... Has the benighted world
ever caused us as much ... of elevation above all laws of defilement; but what ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the pattern of service.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... free both from roughness and from defilement; drinking of ... these, and indifferent,
as having no moral quality, are ... tumult of his people, which was caused by the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... The defilement of one stone in rebuilding virtually mars ... But the interval in a moral
aspect looked rather ... Understand, our large expenditure is caused partly by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... we know little more than is to be found in the two following books, had ... (4) All sins
are equal ... and of single marriages derived from examples in the heathen world ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... I also sought to hide myself, but I could not, for the man that sat upon the cloud
still kept his eye upon me: my sins also came into my mind; and my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm