Why is purity so important?

Psalm 24:3-6Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

Matthew 5:8“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”

Romans 5:8God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Purity doesn’t earn God’s love. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. But when we have pure hearts, our relationship with God has freedom to flourish and grow in a way it can’t when we are hampered by lust, greed, selfishness, and pride.

Romans 6:1-2Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?

Ephesians 5:1-3Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. . . . Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

Titus 2:14He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

When God saved us, he did not save us so we could merely wait around until we die and go to heaven. He also gave us a fresh purpose for our lives. For a Christian, purity is a desire to be like Jesus in thought, word, and deed.

Galatians 5:22-23The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

1 Timothy 4:12Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

2 Timothy 2:21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

When we are living pure lives, walking in step with the Spirit, it is easier for God to work through us to bless those around us.