The topic of purity rings is one that elicits strong opinions from both Christians and non-Christians alike. A purity ring is a ring symbolizing a vow to remain sexually abstinent until marriage. It is most commonly worn by young Christians who want to commit themselves to sexual purity. But should Christians wear purity rings? Let’s explore what the Bible has to say.
The Biblical Call to Sexual Purity
First and foremost, the Bible clearly calls Christians to pursue sexual purity and abstinence from sexual immorality. Passages like 1 Corinthians 6:18 tell us to “flee from sexual immorality.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” Ephesians 5:3 instructs us to “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.”
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God’s design for sexuality is within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Hebrews 13:4). Any sexual activity outside of this parameter constitutes sexual immorality or impurity.
This biblical standard applies regardless of changing cultural norms. As Christians, God calls us to honor Him with our bodies and flee from activities He has deemed sexually immoral (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Wearing a purity ring can be a physical reminder of this commitment to honoring God with our bodies.
The Heart Behind Purity Rings
At their core, purity rings symbolize a personal commitment to remaining sexually pure until marriage. The physical ring serves as a visible sign of the inward decision to honor God with one’s body and sexuality. It represents a pledge to avoid sexual temptation and immorality.
Ideally, the choice to wear a purity ring flows from the heart and is not merely an empty gesture. Someone who puts on a purity ring should do so out of a genuine desire to remain sexually pure, not because of pressure or mere outward appearance. The physical ring itself does not guarantee purity – that requires daily commitment and reliance on God’s strength.
If worn with the right motives, a purity ring can be a meaningful symbol of an inner dedication to purity. But the external ring means little without the internal desire to honor God. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Setting a Public Standard
Another purpose of purity rings is to set a public standard regarding sexual purity. By wearing a ring that represents a pledge to remain abstinent until marriage, individuals make a statement about God’s design for sexuality. This serves as a counter-cultural message as sexual norms grow increasingly lax.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Wearing a purity ring can be a way to let one’s light shine by visually representing a commitment to God’s standards. This allows others to see a public example of someone striving to honor God with their body and sexuality.
That being said, the manner in which someone wears a purity ring matters. If worn in a judgmental, hypocritical or legalistic way, it undermines the positive purpose of setting a public standard for purity. But worn humbly and authentically, it can serve as a quiet witness for godly sexuality.
Cautions Regarding Purity Rings
While purity rings can signify positive intentions, Christians should exercise wisdom in whether to wear one. Here are some potential cautions:
- Purity rings can veer into legalism if someone adds extra-biblical rules about what is permitted or prohibited sexually beyond God’s commands in Scripture.
- Wearing a ring does not automatically confer purity – heart motivation matters most.
- Rings can create pressure and guilt if purity vows are broken.
- Outward symbols are less important than pursuing an inward relationship with Christ to find strength to resist sexual temptation.
- Focusing on abstinence alone is insufficient – godly sexuality requires positive preparation for marriage as well.
The goal of honoring God through sexual purity matters far more than wearing an external symbol. Rings should support this goal but not overshadow the biblical imperative of purity itself.
Parental Involvement
Purity rings are often given by parents to their teenage children as part of promoting abstinence. However, wisdom and caution are needed here as well.
While well-intentioned, parents should be careful not to force rings on children who may not share convictions about purity. Teenagers must personally own these values, not just comply with parents’ expectations. Also, purity vows should focus on personal holiness before God more than just abstinence itself.
Parents should educate and inspire their children toward godly sexuality with grace and wisdom. But purity rings should represent freely made personal commitments to honor God, not merely parental obligations. As youth mature, they must internalize values of sexual integrity on their own.
Managing Failure
For those wearing purity rings, living up to the vow of abstinence can prove challenging. Sexual temptation abounds, and not everyone will keep their pledge completely. Grace and restoration must meet those who stumble.
Galatians 6:1 offers this advice: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” Failure does not nullify one’s identity in Christ or future hopes. As James 5:16 notes, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Restoration to purity remains possible through God’s grace and strength.
Churches should provide accountability relationships, prayer support, and other resources to uphold those struggling to maintain purity. Most of all, God’s love, mercy and forgiveness offer a path to start fresh, even when vows get broken.
Biblical Motivations for Purity
More important than wearing a ring are the motivations fueling the commitment to sexual purity. Here are some biblical motivations:
- Honoring God with our bodies – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Respecting God’s boundaries – 1 Corinthians 6:18
- Protecting the sacredness of marriage – Hebrews 13:4
- Finding identity in Christ – Galatians 2:20
- Exalting spiritual purity – 2 Corinthians 7:1
- Embracing God’s design for intimacy – Genesis 2:24
- Waiting in purity for a spouse – 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
- Modeling Christ-like obedience – John 14:15
These heart-level motivations fuel genuine purity, with or without a ring. They keep the focus on honoring Christ with our whole lives, including our sexuality.
Seeking God’s Strength for Purity
Maintaining sexual purity requires depending on God’s strength and not willpower alone. Here are some biblical ways to seek God’s help in standing strong:
- Prayer – Matthew 26:41
- God’s Word – Psalm 119:9-11
- Accountability – Ecclesiastes 4:12
- Fleeing temptation – 1 Corinthians 6:18
- Spirit-empowered self-control – Galatians 5:22-23
- Christian community – Hebrews 10:24-25
- Grace & forgiveness – 1 John 1:9
- Eyes on Christ – Hebrews 12:1-2
Reliance on the Holy Spirit is essential for walking in sexual integrity. Christians find strength beyond themselves by pursuing spiritual disciplines and Christian fellowship.
Conclusion
The choice whether to wear a purity ring as a Christian ultimately comes down to personal conviction and liberty before God. The Bible does not command wearing purity rings, but it does clearly call Christians to honor God with their bodies and refrain from sexual immorality.
Rings can be meaningful symbols of an inner pledge to godly sexuality. But they can also devolve into legalism or empty outward appearances. What matters most is cultivating an inner heart of purity and obedience to God’s Word.
As single Christians navigate a sensual culture, wisdom and constant reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential for maintaining sexual integrity. A purity ring may support such purity for some but should not be viewed as a magic charm granting righteousness. Parents in particular should exercise caution and grace when approaching this topic with their children.
God grants freedom within biblical boundaries to every believer. When it comes to wearing purity rings, Christians must follow their conscience, act in faith and seek holiness from the inside out as the foremost priority. With the Spirit’s help, sexual purity can become a joyful expression of loving God with our whole beings.