The Shame and Defilement of Sin by John Owen The spiritual beauty and attractiveness of the soul lies in its being like God. Grace gives beauty, Psalm 45 verse 2. The Church, adorned with grace, is fair and lovely. Song of Solomon, chapter 1, verse 5. Sin produces spots, stains, and wrinkles in the soul. It is holiness and being like God that makes our souls truly noble. All that is opposite to and against holiness is base, vile, and unworthy of man's soul." Isaiah chapter 57 verse 9. This depravity or spiritual disorder, which is the shameful defilement of sin, is revealed in two ways. It is revealed by the uncleanness of our natures, which is graphically illustrated by a wretched, polluted infant, Ezekiel chapter 16, verses 3 through 5. All the powers and abilities of our souls are from birth shamefully and loathsomely depraved. In no way do they work to make us holy as God is holy. This depravity is revealed also by the wickedness of our behavior arising from the depraved and defiled soul. Sin brings pollution. Whatever the sin, there is always pollution with it. So we are advised by Paul to cleanse ourselves from all pollutions of the flesh and spirit. 2 Corinthians chapter 7 verse 1. Spiritual sins such as pride, self-love, covetousness, unbelief, and self-righteousness all have a polluting effect, as do fleshly and sensual sins. The depravity of our natures makes even our very best duties unclean. Isaiah chapter 64 verse 6. Every person born into this world is polluted by sin, but with actual sins there are degrees of pollution. The greater the sin is, from its nature or circumstances, the greater the defilement. Ezekiel chapter 16 verses 36 and 37. Pollution is worse when the whole person is defiled, as in the case of fornication. Pollution is made even worse when a person throws himself into a continual course of sinning. This is described as wallowing in the mire. Second Peter chapter 2 verse 22. The final judgment against obstinate sinners fixes them forever in that state of pollution. Revelation chapter 22 verse 11. Having a clear understanding of sin and its pollution helps us to understand more clearly the nature of holiness.