Purity

Purity

Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.

Psalm 24:3–4 RSV

Purity is probably the least appreciated of all the Christian virtues among young people. Yet the Bible teaches there must be total faithfulness within the bonds of matrimony. It also teaches that premarital sex—fornication, the Bible calls it—is to be avoided. In fact, the Bible says that those who commit fornication (and adultery) without repentance will have no part in the Kingdom of heaven.

We live in the most permissive society since pagan times. Movie marquees, the covers of magazines, and billboards scream sensual messages at us. “If it feels good, do it” has become a national motto.

Yet, if you talk with people who have come to Christ out of deep sin, they will tell you of their regret and of their torment. They will tell you they wish they had never fallen into such deep sin.

Many best-selling Christian books tell of men and women who committed terrible crimes or were involved in sensual pleasure. We rejoice with them that Christ has redeemed and forgiven them, but the best testimony is never to have fallen into such sin in the first place.

The secret of purity is God. Get a pure heart from God, and you can be supremely happy no matter what the circumstances and no matter what is going on around you.

Our Father and our God, purify my heart and mind. Sweep away from my desires the worldly evil I see around me. Help me to seek eternal joy rather than momentary pleasure. Please help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the sinless One who died for me. Help me to be like Him. In His name. Amen.