The concept of being "undefiled" is a significant aspect of the character of saints as depicted in the Bible. This term conveys purity, innocence, and a state of being untainted by sin or moral corruption. In the biblical context, saints are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and purity of God, striving to remain undefiled in a world that often promotes contrary values.

Biblical Foundation

The call to be undefiled is rooted in the nature of God Himself, who is holy and pure. In Leviticus 11:44 , God commands His people, "For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call to holiness is echoed throughout Scripture and is a defining characteristic of those who are set apart as saints.

Psalm 119:1 states, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD." Here, the term "blameless" is synonymous with being undefiled, indicating a life lived in accordance with God's commandments. The psalmist emphasizes the blessedness of those who maintain purity in their walk with God, suggesting that such a life leads to divine favor and spiritual fulfillment.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the call to be undefiled is reiterated and expanded upon. James 1:27 declares, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse highlights the practical outworking of an undefiled character, which involves both compassionate action and personal purity.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts believers to live lives that are holy and blameless. In Philippians 2:15 , he writes, "so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." Here, Paul underscores the importance of maintaining an undefiled character as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Christ as the Model

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model of an undefiled life. Hebrews 7:26 describes Him as "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." Christ's sinless life and sacrificial death provide both the example and the means by which believers can pursue a life of purity. Through His atoning work, saints are empowered to overcome sin and live in a manner that reflects His holiness.

Practical Implications

Living an undefiled life requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds, as instructed in Proverbs 4:23 : "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, which help to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the leading of the Spirit.

Furthermore, saints are encouraged to avoid influences that could lead to moral compromise. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 advises, "Abstain from every form of evil." This proactive stance against sin is essential for maintaining an undefiled character in a world that often seeks to undermine godly values.

In summary, the character of saints as undefiled is a vital aspect of their identity and calling. It reflects a life dedicated to holiness, empowered by the grace of God, and committed to living out the principles of the Gospel in every area of life.Psalm 119:1
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

All Saints' Day
... understand the bliss of that everlasting All Saints' Day which ... and the utterly good
in the character of God ... is an Holy One, spotless and undefiled, serene and ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... Assimilation to His character
makes us own and ... the 'inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled, and fadeth ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

Holy Song from Happy Saints
... Through God's help has your character been cleared from slander? ... in his own blood;
each note undefiled with sin ... find in the New Testament that saints and angels ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/holy song from happy saints.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... The word "holy" here means undefiled, unspotted, untainted, and ... when character and
conduct are at a low ebb ... is out of place in the communion of saints, out of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

Christianity a Light.
... He was holy, harmless and undefiled. ... In speaking of saints in 1:Cor.12:27 the apostle
says, "Now ye are the body of Christ ... The Beauties Of Christian Character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.
... a salutation, and is so called, and its character is evinced ... as man, and those of
the undefiled Mother of ... of the honourable Angels and of all Saints, should be ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of the synod 2.htm

Prefatory Notice
... greater tendency to revive pure and undefiled religion; that ... his invaluable book
of the Saints' Everlasting Rest ... Henry we have the following character given us ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the saints everlasting rest/prefatory notice.htm

Of the Church
... himself explains it, means, "the saints," the holy ... of the earth, who answer the
character here given. ... to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 74 of the church.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... little of his foul sin, nor that 'saints' make up ... of grace and beauty in the character
as a ... by degrees like Himself, 'holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

Letter Xlv. To a Lapsed Monk.
... Remember how many mouths of saints you saluted with a ... how many held your hands as
undefiled, how many ... perjury; and, by setting the ascetic character at nought ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xlv to a lapsed.htm

What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.org

What is the character of God? | GotQuestions.org

How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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