What Does the Bible Say About Purity Culture?

Purity Culture and the Evangelical Emphasis on Sexual Abstinence

Purity culture describes the evangelical movement promoting sexual purity, aimed mostly at teenagers. Through the use of purity pledges, purity rings, and even purity dances, teens are encouraged to stay sexually abstinent until marriage.

The trend peaked in the 90s. In recent years, some say the movement focused too much on sex and the body, or rules and regulations, and not enough on Christ. Sure, there are always those who will teach law without gospel, but that's not to overlook that Jesus indeed calls us to sexual purity, even in our thinking.

Jesus’ Teaching on Lust and Adultery

In Matthew 5 .27, he says,. You have heard that it was said,. You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

The Spirit’s Call to Flee Sexual Immorality

The Spirit says,. Flee from sexual immorality, or sex outside of marriage. Christian Jesus died on the cross for sins such as these. Do not be enslaved in them any longer. For you were bought with a price, so glorify God in your body.

Sexual Purity in Ephesians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians

Ephesians 5 .3 says,. But sexual immorality and all impurity must not even be named among you. Colossians 3 .5 says,. Put to death what is earthly in you, for the wrath of God is coming against the sexually immoral and adulterous.

In 1 Thessalonians 4 .3 -7 we read,. For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness, when we understand the text.