There is no form of sexual immorality that is beyond the reach of the grace, mercy and love of God. Equally, every form of sexual immorality is incompatible with the holiness and purity of God.

Verses

Ephesians 2:4-5 “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 5:5 “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person – such a person is an idolator – has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

Observations

It is not hard to encounter the message of the love, mercy and grace of God. It is an important message, for without it, none would have experienced salvation through Jesus. This is the message of John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.‘ However, the challenge comes when this is our only view of God. God encounters us as we are as an expression of his love, mercy and grace.

However, Peter acknowledges that the call to holiness in practical action first requires that we also encounter God in his holiness. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do (1 Peter 1:15). Peter here cites Leviticus 11:44-45, which mirrors Leviticus 20:7-8. The latter has the important addition of introducing the holy God as also JHVH Mekadishkem, the Lord who sanctifies us and makes us holy. Our acts of repentance to consecrate ourselves and set ourselves apart for him are met with his character and action to purify and sanctify us. To encounter God as our Sanctifier is the source of Supernatural Purity.

Prayer

Father open my eyes to see your love, your mercy and your grace. Also open my eyes to see you in your holiness and your purity. Purify my heart, O God; create in me a clean heart.