It is difficult to accurately define what purity means in the Bible, as it is a complex concept and can have vastly different interpretations. Purity can be seen as an inner strength that is acquired through discipline, dedication, faithfulness and self-control. According to the Bible, purity is essentially a state of spiritual integrity that allows us to be closer to God and experience His love. It is something that comes from within, rather than from external factors.
The way in which purity is presented in the Bible is quite varied. In the Old Testament, purity was associated with sexual morality, and God’s commands were often focused on maintaining purity in these areas. However, in the New Testament, Jesus outlines a more holistic approach to purity that goes beyond physical acts and calls for internal, moral and spiritual purity. Jesus also emphasises that it is not the outward show of purity that matters, but the heart condition, as this is what dictates how we act in the world.
The Bible includes many references to purity, both in terms of how we treat other people and how we treat ourselves. We see this in Ephesians 5:3, which says: “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”.
Purity is also seen as the absence of sin and iniquity, which is of utmost importance to those seeking to follow and live according to the teachings of the Bible. In Isaiah 1:16, for example, it says: “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.” This passage serves as a reminder that we must strive to keep ourselves free from sin in order to be pure in the eyes of God.
Although purity is often equated with sexual morality, it is important to note that the Bible also speaks of purity in other areas. For example, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul urges believers to keep themselves from being enslaved to passions, and instead “present your members as instruments of righteousness to God” and strive for holiness. Here, we can see that the Bible is calling us towards a life of purity not just in terms of sexuality, but also in terms of our thoughts, words, and actions.
In the Bible, we are also encouraged to maintain purity in our lives by abiding by God’s commands, avoiding certain types of behaviour, and by living according to His teachings. Deuteronomy 11:22-23, for instance, encourages us to “obey all these statutes and decrees…So that you will enjoy a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you”. This is a reminder that following God’s commands will bring us closer to Him and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.
The Role of Discipline in Achieving Purity
In order to achieve purity in our lives, discipline is of the utmost importance. Proverbs 4: 23-24 states, “ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips”. This passage reminds us that to maintain purity in our lives, we must guard our mouths from temptations, as well as strive to make sure that our thoughts and actions remain in line with God’s will.
Maintaining purity in our lives is not something that comes naturally, but requires regular effort and dedication. As Proverbs 16:32 states, “He who rules his spirit, is better than he who captures a city”. This passage serves to remind us to strive to maintain control over our behaviour, thoughts, and emotions so that we may lead a life free from sin and fully dedicated to the Lord. Ultimately, it is only through self-discipline that we can hope to remain pure in the eyes of God.
Keeping ourselves pure and righteous also requires constant vigilance and dedication, as it is easy to make mistakes. Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, but the naïve go on, and are punished”. This passage reminds us that if we want to achieve purity in our lives, it is important to protect ourselves from sin, as well as to be aware of our own vulnerabilities and ensure that we are not being taken advantage of.
The Role of Faith in Purity
The Bible also speaks of the importance of having faith in God when it comes to achieving purity. The Book of Hebrews 11:6 states, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him”. This verse serves as a reminder that relying on God and having faith in His promises are paramount to achieving purity. Only through faith can we hope to be free of sin and impurity and strive to stay pure in the sight of God.
When it comes to faith, it is important to remember that it involves more than just believing in God. It also includes trusting Him with our lives and honouring His commands. In 1 Peter 5:7, we read “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. Here, we are encouraged to rely on God’s promises and entrust ourselves to Him in order to achieve purity and gain His approval. Confidence in His love and trust in His will are essential in our pursuit of purity.
Finally, Hebrews 12:14 reminds us that striving for purity requires perseverance and endurance. The verse says, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”. This encourages us to keep at it, even when we feel discouraged or have failed, as the Lord will reward us for our efforts and grant us his grace.
How Forgiveness Aids Purity
In his teachings, Jesus also emphasises the importance of forgiveness in helping us to achieve purity. In Luke 6:37, He says “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”. This passage serves to remind us that forgiving others is key for us to experience true purity in our lives, as it allows us to let go of bitterness and resentment towards others, which can impede our spiritual growth. Ultimately, being able to forgive is essential if we want to enjoy a life of purity.
Jesus not only encourages us to forgive others, but also ourselves. Matthew 5:7 says “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy”. This passage reminds us that it is important to forgive ourselves, as this will free us from guilt and shame and allow us to move on and strive for purity. It also encourages us to extend mercy to others, as this will help create a more forgiving and accepting environment and will aid in fostering true purity.
How to Remain Pure in the Age of Technology
Living in the age of technology has its challenges, but it is possible to remain pure in this age. This is especially difficult due to the vast amounts of content that is available online that could potentially lead us astray. To help us remain pure and a righteous path in this age, it is important to set boundaries for ourselves and to make sure that we are only consuming content that is conducive to our spiritual growth.
We also need to strive for purity in our virtual relationships, as Paul instructs us in Colossians 3:15 to “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”. Paul is reminding us here that even though virtual relationships may not be anchored in physical proximity, it is important to remain mindful of the type of conversations we’re engaging in and the content that we’re viewing.
Finally, it is important to remain mindful of our safety when interacting online. It is always important to remember that while the internet can be a great tool, it also has its dangers, and it is important to keep ourselves protected at all times. This can be done by taking appropriate steps to make sure our online activity is secure. In addition, it is important to exercise caution when engaging with people we meet online, as this can ensure that our interactions are pure and untainted by evil.
The Power of Prayer in Achieving Purity
Prayer is another powerful tool that can help us in our goal of achieving purity. We find a vivid illustration of the power of prayer in Psalms 66:18 which states “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened”. This passage serves to remind us that if we want to be heard by God and His angels, we must strive to keep our hearts pure and free from evil. We need to make sure we are living a life of purity and offering only righteous and humble prayers.
Prayer also aids us in our pursuit of purity by reminding us to stay focused on God and His will at all times. In Ephesians 6:18, we read: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere”. This verse is a reminder to stay vigilant in our prayers and to be dedicated to praying for both ourselves and our fellow believers.
Moreover, prayer allows us to express our need and desire for God’s help in maintaining purity and holiness in our lives. Proverbs 30:8 says “Remove far from me falsehood and lying; Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is needful for me”. This is a beautiful reminder that God always listens to His children and is ready to give us the strength to stay on the path of purity, even when it is difficult.
The Rewards of Maintaining Purity
The Bible also outlines some of the rewards that come with maintaining purity. In Proverbs 11:20, we read: “Those with crooked hearts are an abomination to the Lord, but those with blameless conduct are his delight”. This serves to remind us that if we choose to remain pure and walk in the ways of the Lord, we can expect to receive His blessings and favour.
The Bible also speaks of the rewards that come with maintaining purity in terms of eternal life. In Galatians 6:8, it states: “He who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life”. This is a reminder that only a life dedicated to purity and holiness can bear fruit in eternity. Thus, to gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven, we must strive to make our lives an example of purity.
Finally, Psalms 15:1-2 serves to remind us that it is through living a life of purity and holiness that we will be able to experience joy and peace here on earth. The passage reads, “Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, And works righteousness, And speaks truth in his
