What other Scriptures emphasize purity and holiness in relationships? Jesus’ Standard: Purity That Begins in the Heart Matthew 5:27 introduces the command, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’” Jesus immediately deepens it in v. 28, pointing to desires and thoughts, not merely outward acts. His words set the tone for everything Scripture says about purity—holiness starts inside. Foundations in the Law and Wisdom Literature • Exodus 20:14 — “You shall not commit adultery.” • Leviticus 18:30 — “Keep My charge not to practice any of these detestable customs…” • Job 31:1 — “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?” • Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Proverbs 6:25, 27 — “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty… Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?” These verses show God’s consistent call to protect both actions and inner affections. Heart-Level Holiness in the New Testament Letters • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality… For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.” • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 — “Flee from sexual immorality… your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… therefore glorify God in your body.” • Ephesians 5:3-5 — “But among you, as is fitting for saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity…” • 1 Timothy 5:2 — “Treat younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” • Hebrews 13:4 — “Marriage should 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… be holy in all your conduct, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Guarding the Heart, Eyes, and Mind • Philippians 4:8 — “Whatever is true… pure… commendable… dwell on these things.” • Romans 12:1-2 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God… Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • 2 Timothy 2:22 — “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…” Scripture repeatedly links purity with deliberate mental focus and intentional avoidance of tempting situations. Living as Temples: Motivations for Ongoing Purity • The indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) provides power to obey. • Our bodies belong to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13) and are destined for resurrection. • Holy lives shine as light (Philippians 2:15), pointing others to Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s Word presents purity and holiness in relationships as non-negotiable expressions of love for Him and love for neighbor. These passages, read alongside Matthew 5:27-28, form a unified call: honor God in thought, desire, and deed, trusting His grace to make purity a joyful reality. |
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