A pure marriage

Is it possible to keep a pure marriage?

Purity is a virtue that is becoming increasingly rare. Even within Christianity, what the Bible says about purity is watered down and many people no longer regard many forms of immorality as sin. When we read what Jesus Himself says about this subject, we find a standard that far surpasses just being pure in deed. Jesus brought an understanding completely contrary to the teaching of the religious leaders of the day, who “appeared beautiful outwardly” but were full of “dead men’s bones”. They were not interested in addressing the uncleanness within.

A pure marriage starts with a pure thought life

Jesus said that one who even looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5: 20, 27-28) This shows that it is the very thought life which must be kept pure from all sorts of lusts that are within our fallen nature.

Sex in the context of marriage is something God has meant to be a blessing, but Jesus makes it clear that even entertaining lustful thoughts about someone other than your marriage partner is sin. You can’t help seeing or hearing things in the world around you, but the lusts that are awakened by your senses must be dealt with!

Joseph did just that. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him on many occasions, he refused her. How did he do that? The answer lay in what he said to her – “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39: 9. Rather than give in to temptation, he fled from her and kept himself pure.

It is Godly fear that will not allow you to be unfaithful, whether it is in your thoughts, where you look, or your actions. It will give you a decided mind, when you are reading a newspaper or surfing the Internet, so you don’t expose yourself to uncleanness. Even with a decided mind, you will be tempted because of the lusts in your human nature. Temptation itself is not sin, but it is a test of your faithfulness, and you must rule over sin. This means you must consciously take up a battle against impure thoughts, and cry out to God for help in the temptation. God will answer with renewed strength to hold fast to your conviction, and in this way He will also work an inner transformation in you.

Marriage is instituted by God

In today’s society, marriage is often regarded as old fashioned, but not so in God’s eyes. God Himself has instituted marriage, and regards it so highly that the Bible uses a pure marriage to describe the pure, holy and perfect relationship between Christ and the church.

Infidelity and adultery cause pain, suspicion, lack of trust and misery, both for marriage partners, children and others involved. Marriage should be the stronghold of trust, faithfulness and pure love, where God can bestow His blessing. One psalmist wrote “Rule in the midst of your enemies,” (Psalm 110:2) and this starts in the thought life. To rule over sexual lusts so they do not corrupt your mind or ruin a relationship is perfectly possible and brings great reward from God!