Purity

Good Morning,

1 John 3:3 “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

If you share the longing, the "hope" of the Lord's soon return, it will cause you to purify your life. Purity is just as important as any other doctrine in the Bible.  I want to cast my vote for preaching on purity.  I have not heard of much preaching on purity lately, but purity is clearly a Bible doctrine.   Holiness and purity are both New Testament doctrines — Amen!

2 Corinthians 7:1“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Some promises should move us to be separate from the world.

This verse follows the wonderful truth that God desires to be our Father and to have us as sons and daughters; that we might walk with Him and He with us.  Those promises are so wonderful!  The next chapter begins with, "Having therefore these promises...."  The wonderful promise of a personal relationship with God is motivation for purity and holy living.

The book of Hebrews also casts the vote for holiness.

Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

Peter emphasizes the subject with a more detailed description: “without spot, and blameless.”

2 Peter 3:14 “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

"Without spot and blameless" means not to be living as much like the world as we are able, but to get as far away from the world as we can that we might strive for perfect holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

As our churches fashion themselves more and more after the world, we hear less and less about purity and holiness.  Yet, as these verses indicate, God clearly teaches us much about purity.

James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

I chose to cast my vote for PURITY — a wonderful goal to strive toward in our daily lives.  Exalt, promote, and talk about PURITY!

Pastor