This is a very interesting question because it already assumes sexual impurity. But first, we must define sexual purity? Is it simply the absence of pornography, fornication, and adultery? Or does it extend beyond that? Does it differ based on gender?
I am not sure about all these questions; however, I tend to define sexual purity fairly tightly and conservatively (extremely Christian). Without answering all the questions or trying to debate this, I believe that sexual purity must include the following: abstinance from masterbation, personal fantasy, lusting in one’s thoughts, sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, virtual sex, phone sex (bascially anything with the word sex, or anything else that involves sexual arousal, which for some, but not all, may include kissing, massaging, petting, spooning, etc.), with any person other than your spouse (including yourself; look for a future post on a definition, but this is currently a working definition). With that extremely conservative Christian definition, which I do not want to push on to others, for I believe that everyone should come up with their own definition of sexual purity, or for addicts, their sexual sobriety, I do believe that it is impossible for a person to become completely sexually pure without God. I do believe that people can reach a certain level of sexual purity on their own, but to become sexually pure in thoughts, and anything internal, I believe that they need Jesus.
Most, if not all, 12 step groups have a step about recognizing a higher power. As a Christian, I believe that we need a specific higher power, Jesus Christ. Without the transforming and purifying power of Jesus Christ, I believe that we will only achieve a certain level of purity. Even as a Christian on this side of heaven, I am not sure if we will ever achieve the kind of purity that Jesus discussed in Matthew 5. However, this could be my own lack of faith. What do you think?
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