Chapter 18 of Leviticus deals with sexual purity. Marriage is ordained by God, but man has perverted and distorted it. As Christians, we are called to be distinct from the world. We must keep ourselves pure and have a holy testimony that glorifies God. The first five verses of Leviticus 18 give the general reasons for keeping our lives pure.

1. We belong to God (Lev 18:1-2)

We are God’s chosen people bought by the blood of Jesus. He has redeemed us from our sins. Thus, God has absolute authority over us. The standards that we have for our lives must be according to God’s Word. We must not be conformed to the cultures or traditions of the world. As we live a holy life for God, He will care for and guide us. During difficult times, He will protect us. And when we sin against Him, He will discipline us for our good.

2. We are to be separated from the world (Lev 18:3)

We must not just understand the principle of separation. We must exercise it. We are to keep ourselves separate from, and not be associated with, the idolatrous ways of the world. We must be careful not to just repackage our old lives into a form of godliness, and then just continue living our old lives. We must forsake our former sinful lives. We must not practise any superstitious beliefs. As we are still living in this world, we can still participate in activities that are not idolatrous in nature or that are not against God’s commandments.

3. We are to obey God’s Word (Lev 18:4-5)

As Christians, we are to be distinct from the world by obeying God’s “judgments, (Lev 18:4), i.e. God’s standards of what is right and what is wrong. Our intentions determine if our actions will be pleasing to God. As such, we are to be mindful of our intentions in all things that we do. We must also keep God’s “ordinances” (Lev 18:4), i.e. things that God had determined that man must follow (eg. the keeping of the Sabbath Day). We are to keep the Sabbath Day with the intention of pleasing God and to dedicate the day to God in worship and the study of God’s Word.

Christians are called to be distinct from the world. May we be a light in this world through our holy testimonies so that the world can see Jesus in us and come to receive Him as their Lord and Saviour.