Christian Living in 2017—A Call to Purity

by: Veronica Navarro

Photo by Camila Cordeiro on Unsplash

​God calls us to live a life that is sexually pure. What does this mean for us? What is His standard for our sexual conduct? Do we abstain from sex entirely? Or can we dip our toe into the water?

​We live in a day in age where participating in sexual activity outside of marriage is common—homosexuality is flaunted, sex sells, and many dating couples are living together and having children.

As Christians, we are called to be pure in every aspect of our being until marriage. God, himself, created sex as a way to bring married couples closer together, to become one. In fact, sex and marriage coincide! Essentially, sex without marriage is sinful, so God calls us to be pure until we are married. 

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. 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 6:9-11

His standard is total abstinence! This means abstinence from all things sex related, including pornography and other "types" of sexual pleasures.


So how do we do this? How do we live a life that is sexually pure?

1. We must recognize our natural desires, and we can not let them control us. 

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” -James 1:14-15

Everyone is tempted at times! If we submit to God, it is easier to recognize that He is greater than our urges.

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the desires of the flesh.” -Galatians 5:16


2. We must live accordingly to who we are in Christ.

We are a new creation when we trust in Him! It is as if we are born again. We are made pure! No matter our past, we are given a chance to start over with a clean slate. If we are now saved, we should live like it!


3. To live a sexually pure life, we must consider others as better than ourselves.

When we commit a sexual sin, we are not only sinning against God, but we are sinning against another individual. When was the last time you thought this way about your actions?


Why should we want to live a sexually pure life? 

There are three reasons why we should want to live this type of lifestyle.

1. Because God judges immoral behavior.

Every human at one point will one day face judgement for their actions. This is why God gave us the Holy Spirit, to guide us to make better decisions and show is His will for our lives. 

“For the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” -Romans 1:18


2. Because God has called us to purity!

Are we going to pretend like we didn’t hear this command? Are we going to ignore it? Disregarding a call from God does not mean it is nonexistent. 

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” -Romans 6: 1-4


​3. Because sexual immorality is a rejection of God!

Are you choosing sexual sin over the will of God? Which means more? 

If so, it isn’t ever too late to turn from your sin and repent. Make a commitment to God to whatever it takes to overcome this sexual sin. Trust in Him. Come to Him and you will be made new.