We’ve all heard the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness,” but have you ever wondered where it comes from? Surprisingly, this exact phrase is not found in the Bible. It was popularized by John Wesley, an English cleric and theologian in the 18th century. However, the Bible does emphasize the importance of being clean—not just physically, but also spiritually and morally.
For Christians seeking to live a Biblical life, cleanliness goes beyond just personal hygiene; it extends to our spiritual state and moral choices. In this article, we’ll explore what the Bible says about spiritual cleanliness, its importance for salvation, and why external cleanliness does not equate to godliness.
Overview of the Article
- What Does “Cleanliness is Next to Godliness” Mean?
- Is Cleanliness Mentioned in the Bible?
- Spiritual Cleanliness and Salvation
- Why Works Do Not Save Us
- Examples from the Bible About Spiritual Cleanliness
- Relevant Bible Verses on Cleanliness
What Does “Cleanliness is Next to Godliness” Mean?
The phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” suggests that being clean is closely related to being godly. This means that how we care for our bodies and surroundings reflects our spiritual and moral values. While the Bible does not use this phrase, it does teach that purity and cleanliness are important to God—but primarily in a spiritual sense. With outside cleanliness used to teach about inner purity.
Cleanliness Mentioned in the Bible
The Bible speaks about cleanliness in two major ways:
- Physical Cleanliness – The Old Testament law contains many rules about hygiene, such as washing hands, avoiding unclean foods, and purifying oneself after illness (Leviticus 15:13). However, these were primarily symbolic of spiritual purity.
- Spiritual and Moral Cleanliness – The Bible teaches that outward cleanliness means nothing if the heart is unclean (Matthew 23:25-26). True godliness is about being clean before God, not just before man.
Spiritual Cleanliness and Salvation
The Bible emphasizes that spiritual cleanliness is essential for salvation. However, this cleanliness does not come from external actions but from the work of Jesus Christ in our hearts:
- God desires a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Our thoughts and actions must be pure, not just our outward appearance.
- Sin makes us spiritually unclean, but through Jesus, we can be made clean (Isaiah 1:18).
- Salvation comes through Christ alone, not through our efforts to be physically clean (Titus 3:5).
Why Works Do Not Save Us
Many people misinterpret “cleanliness is next to godliness” as meaning that maintaining outward cleanliness makes a person more righteous. However, the Bible makes it clear that works do not cleanse us from sin:
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
- Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
- Matthew 15:11 – “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
These passages show that external cleanliness has no impact on our salvation. Only faith in Christ makes us truly clean before God.
Examples from the Bible About Spiritual Cleanliness
To understand spiritual cleanliness, let’s look at a few Biblical examples:
- The Pharisees and Jesus – In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for focusing on outward cleanliness while their hearts were full of sin.
- David’s Prayer for Purity – In Psalm 51, David asks God to cleanse his heart, showing that true cleanliness comes from repentance and God’s mercy.
- Jesus and the Lepers – In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. This highlights that physical healing is not as important as spiritual gratitude and faith.
Relevant Bible Verses on Cleanliness (KJV)
Here are some Bible verses that emphasize spiritual cleanliness:
- Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
- Isaiah 1:16 – “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.”
- Matthew 23:25-26 – “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.”
- James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Although the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is not found in the Bible, its physical interpretation can be misleading. The Bible teaches that while external cleanliness is beneficial, it has no impact on our salvation. What truly matters is spiritual cleanliness—having a heart that is pure before God.
By focusing on spiritual cleanliness, we align ourselves with God’s will and prepare for eternal life. Rather than striving for outward cleanliness, Christians should seek to be washed by the blood of Jesus and renewed in the Spirit. For it is not what is outside that makes us godly, but what God does within us.
Our Adventist Life is a dedicated online evangelist and mother of two, deeply rooted in her Seventh-day Adventist faith. With over 15 years of experience in creating and optimizing digital content, she brings a unique blend of professional expertise and spiritual insight to her work. Her passion lies in exploring Biblical truths and their practical applications in daily living, self-care, and family nurturing. Through her writing, she aims to inspire and guide her readers toward a more fulfilling Christian lifestyle, drawing from her own experiences as a parent and a follower of Christ. Her thoughtful and engaging content reflects her commitment to sharing the love and wisdom found in the Scriptures with a modern audience living in the end times.
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