The Bible has a lot to say about purity, which is an important concept for Christians seeking to live according to God’s standards. At its core, purity is about maintaining holiness and avoiding sinful desires and actions. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses and passages related to purity:
Avoiding Sexual Immorality
Several Bible verses warn against sexual immorality and impurity. Sexual purity is an important theme in Scripture. For example:
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
These and other verses make it clear that Christians are called to avoid sexual relations and activities outside of marriage. Purity in this area involves controlling lustful desires and remaining faithful to one’s spouse.
Avoiding Idolatry
Idolatry is viewed in Scripture as a form of impurity and sin. Putting anything before God is a violation of purity. For example:
“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14)
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
Purity in this sense is about devoting ourselves fully to God and not allowing other things like money, fame, power etc. to become our idol and obsession.
Living Holy Lives
The Bible calls Christians to pursue holiness and purity in all areas of life. Here are some verses that speak to this:
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:14-16)
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
“So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:1-3)
These verses demonstrate that purity involves our thoughts, attitudes, speech, conduct, and character. Christians are called to be set apart from the sinful ways of the world.
Pure Hearts and Minds
Inner purity is just as important as outward actions. Our thought lives and motivations matter to God. For example:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
These verses demonstrate that purity involves purifying our inner being, thoughts, and desires. It is not just about avoiding certain actions but also changing inward attitudes.
Avoiding Evil and Darkness
The Bible frequently portrays purity and holiness in terms of light and darkness. Christians are exhorted to avoid evil, sinful deeds depicted as “works of darkness.”
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
These verses convey that purity means fleeing from evil influences and anything associated with darkness, sin, and unbelief.
Being Cleansed from Sin
An important part of purity is being cleansed and set free from the burden of sin. Through Christ’s atoning work, we can be made pure. For example:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)
God graciously gives us purification through Christ’s redemptive work. Our response is to turn from sin and live righteously by His strength.
Being an Example of Purity
Christians have a responsibility not just to be pure themselves but to model purity for others. Here are some relevant verses:
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.” (Ephesians 5:3-7)
As followers of Christ, we must be careful to live above reproach so that we do not lead others into sin. Our example should point people to righteous living.
Promises to the Pure
The Bible offers many promises and blessings to those who pursue purity and righteousness. For example:
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3-4)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
“He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalm 24:4-5)
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)
God blesses and rewards those who diligently pursue purity. We have the hope of dwelling with Him eternally in paradise.
Relying on God’s Strength
Though Christians are called to purity, we cannot achieve it through our own effort. We rely on God’s grace and strength to make us pure. For example:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
When we are weak, God is strong. We must depend on the Holy Spirit’s power to help us live pure lives.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible has much to say about purity. True purity flows from the inside out – involving both our outward actions and inward thoughts and motivations. God wants His followers to live holy lives, set apart from sinful desires and practices. Through Christ, we can find cleansing and freedom from impurity. Christians are called to model purity for others and rely fully on God’s strength to pursue righteousness. God promises to bless and keep those with pure hearts who faithfully follow Him.