Purity in the Reformed Tradition
Definition of Purity
In the Reformed Protestant tradition, purity is understood as a holistic concept that encompasses more than just abstaining from certain behaviors, such as sexual immorality. Purity involves the heart, mind, motives, actions, and relationships. It is rooted in the transformation brought about by Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Purity is not merely about outward morality or ritual cleanliness, but about an inner reality-a life aligned with God’s will, characterized by integrity, holiness, and love.
Reformed theology emphasizes that purity is not something we achieve on our own; it is a gift from God, grounded in the righteousness of Christ that is imputed to believers. Christians are called to pursue purity not to earn God’s favor, but as a grateful response to His grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“Our purity is from God, through God, and to God. Purity isn’t merely abstaining from sexual activity; it is offering our whole selves back to the Giver. This positive response of gratitude and worship is where we find our greatest satisfaction and joy.”
Practical Pursuit of Purity
1. Pursuing Christ and Spiritual Disciplines
- The pursuit of purity is fundamentally the pursuit of Christ. As believers fix their hope on Jesus and abide in Him, they are transformed and empowered to live pure lives.
- Regular participation in spiritual disciplines-such as worship, hearing and meditating on the Word, prayer, fellowship, and the sacraments-is essential for growth in purity.
- Purity requires both inner transformation (pure heart, pure motives) and outward obedience (pure actions).
2. Fleeing Sin and Cultivating Godly Habits
- Christians are called to actively flee from situations and desires that lead to impurity, especially sexual immorality.
- This includes practical steps like avoiding compromising situations, guarding one’s eyes and thoughts, and not “flirting” with sin.
- Purity is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing pursuit that involves continual repentance and dependence on God’s grace.
3. Community and Accountability
- Purity is nurtured within the context of Christian community. Believers are encouraged to surround themselves with others who will support, encourage, and hold them accountable in their walk with God.
- Deep relationships and mutual encouragement help believers grow in purity and resist the isolation that often leads to temptation.
4. Holistic Approach
- Purity touches every aspect of life: thoughts, actions, words, motives, and relationships.
- It is not limited to sexual morality but includes integrity, honesty, love, and justice in all areas.
Scriptural Support and Encouragement
The Bible provides extensive encouragement and instruction regarding purity. Key passages include:
| Aspect of Purity | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Heart and Mind | Matthew 5:8 (“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”) |
| Psalm 24:3-4 (“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?… The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.”) Philippians 4:8 (“…whatever is pure… think about such things.”) | |
| Proverbs 4:23 (“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”) | |
| Actions | 1 Timothy 4:12 (“Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”) 1 Peter 1:22 (“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth…”) 1 John 3:3 (“All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”) |
| Sexual Purity | 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…”) Ephesians 5:3 (“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality…”) |
| Motives and Worship | Psalm 51:10 (“Create in me a pure heart, O God…”) James 4:8 (“…purify your hearts, you double-minded.”) |
| Body as Temple | 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (“…your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies.”) |
The Central Role of Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 4:23 is foundational in the Reformed understanding of purity:
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
This verse teaches that the heart is the command center of the Christian life. Guarding the heart diligently is essential because everything we do—our actions, words, and attitudes—flows from it. If the heart is neglected, spiritual vitality withers; if it is guarded, spiritual life flourishes. The call to guard the heart includes examining its ways, protecting it from harmful influences, and ensuring it is continually shaped by God’s Word and Spirit. This vigilance is crucial because, as Reformed commentators note, the heart is both the source of good and evil in life—its condition determines the course of one’s spiritual journey.
Summary
In the Reformed tradition, purity is a comprehensive, God-centered reality-rooted in Christ’s righteousness and the work of the Spirit-encompassing heart, mind, body, and relationships. It is pursued through spiritual disciplines, fleeing sin, cultivating godly habits, and living in Christian community. Scripture repeatedly calls and equips believers to this pursuit, promising that those who seek God with a pure heart will see Him and be transformed by His grace.
