What cultural influences today parallel those described in Leviticus 18:3?

The Original Call to Holiness

“‘You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, nor follow the practices of the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their statutes.’” (Leviticus 18:3)

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Key Features of Egyptian and Canaanite Culture

• Widespread sexual immorality, including incest, adultery, and ritual prostitution (Leviticus 18:6-23)

• Child sacrifice to Molech (Leviticus 18:21)

• Idolatry—worship of multiple gods tied to fertility and power (Exodus 20:3-5)

• Occult practices and sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

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Modern Parallels We Face Today

• Sexual permissiveness

– Normalization of pornography, cohabitation, and hookup culture (Romans 1:24-27)

– Celebration of sexual identities contrary to God’s design (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

• Devaluation of unborn life

– Abortion legally protected and culturally endorsed mirrors the sacrifice of children to appease convenience or autonomy (Psalm 139:13-16)

• Idolatry of self and materialism

– “Follow your heart” replaces “Follow God” (Judges 21:25; 1 John 2:15-17)

– Consumer culture exalts possessions above obedience (Matthew 6:24)

• Entertainment saturated with occult themes

– Popular media normalizes magic, witchcraft, and spiritism (Acts 19:18-20)

• Legal and educational systems that codify sin

– Laws and curricula promoting moral relativism echo “their statutes” Israel was told to reject (Isaiah 5:20)

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Living Set Apart in Practical Terms

• Guard your inputs—choose media, music, and literature that honor Christ (Philippians 4:8)

• Treat sexuality as sacred—pursue purity in thought and action (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

• Defend life—support mother and child, volunteer at pregnancy centers, vote pro-life (Proverbs 24:11-12)

• Reject idols—practice generous giving, sabbath rest, and gratitude to break materialism (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

• Equip the next generation—teach Scripture diligently at home (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

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Encouragement from the New Testament

• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

• “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood…that you may proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)