Scripture on "Purification of Our Soul"

Purification of our soul is how the fathers tell us to prepare for the reception of divine grace. The say that the more we purify ourselves the more we allow divine grace to function within us.


Elder Paisios says,

When a soul is completely clean from its will and is totally humbled, then it can experience the grace of Christ and the fulfillment of all His promises.

 The following are Scripture passages suggested by Elder Paisios on purification of our soul.

In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some of ignoble.  If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work. (2Tim 2:20-21)

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God. (2Cor 7:1)

For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Cor 10:3-5)

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. (Phil 2:5-9)

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. (Mt 5:8)

You blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, and then the outside also will be clean. (Mt 23:26)

...Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. (Lk 11:39)

Source: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, pp 55-56