Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

At some point in your life, you may have heard, read, and even uttered this antiquated and overused cliche. But have you ever wondered what the root of its meaning is? The expression is an archaic proverb originating from ancient Hebrew writings. Its debut in the English language, in a modified form, is found in the writings of Sir Francis Bacon. In 'Advancement of Learning' (1605) he wrote: 'Cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God.' Almost two hundred years after that, John Wesley made a reference to the expression in one of his sermons (1791) declaring that the proverb was already well known in the form we use it today. Wesley wrote: 'Slovenliness is no part of religion. 'Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness.'" If you noticed, at no point is the Bible mentioned in discerning the etymology of this popular expression. That's because it's not openly addressed in the Bible. However, if you are a disciplined scholar of the Bible, you will discover that this theme is incredibly prevalent and thematically embedded throughout every book of the Bible.Jesus "washed" away the sins of the earth. God instructed Moses to "cleanse" the Egyptians of sin. Jesus commands us to "wash" your neighbor's feet to symbolize that you are not superior to anybody. God "cleansed" the earth of sin by flooding it for forty days and forty nights. When Jesus instructed us to be baptized, he said to follow his example. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he was submerged in "water". As you can see, the expression is thematically present in all sections of the Bible.

Therefore, it is safe to determine that being clean is a sign of spiritual purity or goodness and that being dirty is a sign of spiritual filth or wickedness. Demons therefore thrive where it is unclean both literary and symbolically. If your soul, heart, thoughts or actions are dirty, then demons inhabit those elements. Demons draw strength first from fear, and second from that which is not clean. They dwell in dirty houses, dirty rooms, dirty cars, dirty hearts, dirty books, dirty magazines, etc. Hence, to destroy demons and that which is evil, all of us should consistently clean, purify, and wash away all that is impure, filthy, and dirty, else, face demonic consequences. The easiest and fastest way to destroy demons is to destroy filth, dirt, trash, grime, or anything that is just plain dirty. Demons are the dirt, clutter, disorganization, impurities, and or trash that make everything unclean. In keeping your body soiled by subjecting it to illicit drugs, perverse activity, or impure thoughts, the possibility of demon possession increases. Demons are evil and have no intention of behaving or being friendly. Cleanliness is not just a state of being. It is a strategic weapon, powerful in destroying demons.

Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness: The Secret of Destroying Demons