Purity for Perfection - Part 1.

Purity means the quality or state of being pure. This is also synonymous to immaculacy - the state of being immaculate.

To be pure or immaculate is to have no stains or blemishes. Jesus Christ died that He might present to Himself a glorious church; not having spots, or wrinkles (immaculate church). Read Ephesians 5:25-27. For us to attain unto perfection individually as believers that constitute the body of Christ (church), we must lay hold on the power of purity.

Purity can also be related to holiness and righteousness but seems deeper in all aspects. While holiness and righteousness are mostly judged by outer appearances and dispositions which can be feigned, purity is a reflection of inner and outer states. It can be described as content and appearance.

A simple illustration on purity:

A glass of water that is without any impurities is pure in content and appearance. Then, drop a small quantity of mentholated spirit inside the same water. Does it still appear pure? Yes, it appears pure in appearance but the truth is that the water is no longer pure. 

Though there might not be any relative change in colour and odour of the water, it is already contaminated with that little drop of that mentholated spirit and is no longer pure. While the appearance is not altered, the content no longer remain the same. The water in its pure state must maintain its composition and appearance. That is purity.

The scripture in Mathew 5:20 says, "For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of heaven". The righteousness of scribes and Pharisees was superficial but ours must transcend theirs. This is attained by embarrassing the power of purity.

Purity is the Spirit of God being alive in the heart of a man with full evidence and manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Why the need for purity?

It helps us to prepare for the glorious hope ahead. Read 1 John 3:1-3. What is the hope? According to the scripture, the hope is about;

1. The second coming of Christ.

2. The gift of eternal life.

3. The confidence that we shall be like Christ 

What purity is NOT!

1. It is not coming to church. While the scripture admonishes not to forsake the assemblies of brethren, church attendance without a redeemed heart cannot be substituted for the power of purity for perfection.

2. It is not being a worker. Jesus talked about workers of iniquities. These are those who served and are serving with wrong hearts and motives. Luke 13:24-27.

3. Purity is not about your church title, position or accolade. The scribes and Pharisees are religious positions but failed to meet up with God's standard of purity.

4. It is not the tithes and offerings. 

5. It is not miracles, signs and wonders.

6. Purity is not prosperity and neither is it penury. The messages of prosperity or poverty can never replace the power of purity for perfection. As a matter of fact, both have the capacity to bring transgressions and make you go against the will of God. Proverbs 30:8-9.

To be continued.