What New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 22:21's emphasis on purity? Purity Required in Deuteronomy 22:21 • Deuteronomy 22:21 demands that Israel “purge the evil from among you” when premarital unchastity was discovered. • The death penalty underscores how seriously God views sexual sin and the need for covenant faithfulness. • While the civil penalties attached to Israel’s theocracy are not carried over to the church age, the moral principle—God’s call to unblemished purity—remains unchanged. Jesus Deepens the Call to Purity • Matthew 5:27-28: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” • Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” • John 8:11: “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.” – Christ affirms moral purity, moves the standard from external compliance to internal holiness, and offers forgiveness with the command to forsake sin. Paul’s Instructions for Sexual Holiness • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: “For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” – “Flee from sexual immorality.” – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” – “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” • Ephesians 5:3: “But among you, as is proper among saints, there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.” • 2 Timothy 2:22: “Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” The Church’s Responsibility to Guard Purity • 1 Corinthians 5:11-13: Paul instructs believers “not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral,” concluding, “Expel the wicked man from among you.” – The echo of Deuteronomy’s phrase shows continuity: holiness keeps the covenant community distinct. • Revelation 2:20-22: The risen Christ rebukes Thyatira for tolerating sexual immorality, warning of judgment unless there is repentance. Grace-Empowered Living • Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensibly, uprightly, and godly in the present age.” • Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage must be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” • 1 Peter 1:14-16: “As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” Putting It Together • Deuteronomy 22:21 highlights God’s unwavering standard: sexual purity preserves covenant integrity. • The New Testament re-affirms this standard, shifts the focus from civil punishment to heart transformation, and supplies believers with the Holy Spirit to live it out. • Purity is therefore not optional; it is the joyful response of those redeemed by Christ, eager to reflect His holiness in every thought, desire, and action. |
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