Understanding Immorality

In today's culture, all sorts of things are considered immoral. Slavery, racism, abortion, terrorism, and government corruption are a few examples. Immoral is used interchangeably with words like unethical and unjust. However, when the Bible speaks of immorality, it is referring to one of two things: idolatry or sexual immorality.

• "[Samaria] has never given up her harlotry brought from Egypt, for in her youth they had lain with her, pressed her virgin bosom, and poured out their immorality upon her." Ezekiel 23:8

• "Then the Babylonians came to [Jerusalem], into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their immorality; so she was defiled by them, and alienated herself from them." Ezekiel 23:17

• "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father's wife!" 1 Corinthians 5:1

• "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality." 1 Thessalonians 4:3

• "The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Revelation 21:8

Perhaps our culture has broadened the definition of immorality because sexual sin is so popular. Schools encourage children to practice "safe sex" rather than abstinence. State governments fund sex-change operations for convicted felons—not as a punishment but as a concession. Pornography is practically mainstream entertainment. In a world that encourages unbridled passions, sexual immorality has lost its shame.

Sanctification Is the Cure for Immorality

Caught between the Bible and culture, Christians must choose to maintain God's perspective on immorality. This includes advancing biblical values through activities like advocacy and voting. It also includes guarding our hearts and minds through the ongoing act of sanctification.

The following is an excerpt from Answers to Questions about Spiritual Warfare.

What Is Sanctification?

The word "sanctification" means "to be set apart for a specific purpose." It is another way of looking at our journey with Christ and it comes in three tenses—three dramatic dimensions. Past sanctification is the moment when we say yes to Christ, are sealed by the Holy Spirit, and have our sins washed by the blood of Christ, with that debt declared paid in full, so that we are seated with Him in the heavenly places. And that's just the past part.

Present sanctification is an ongoing growth process, as spiritual molecule by spiritual molecule we are conformed to the image of Christ through the redeeming work of the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and the Word, we learn to experience victory in Christ, issue by issue.

Then, most thrilling of all, there is a future sanctification. There will be a day when we are finally freed from the presence of sin. As there can be no sin in heaven, no impurity in God's holy presence, it must finally be eliminated for good. We will see that happen, and I can't imagine how wonderful it will be. The best definition I've ever heard for sanctification is this: "Becoming in practice what you already are in position." And what are Christians "in position"? We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Sanctification is the process of growing in holiness—living every day in light of who we are in Christ.

This is threefold sanctification. It began when I trusted Christ, and the penalty was removed. It continued as I began walking with the Lord, and more and more I learned how to be victorious over temptation and in trials. Sanctification will be complete when Jesus takes me unto Himself in the future, when sin is judged and destroyed, and eternal life begins for us. And that day, Paul tells us, "is nearer than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11).

In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 12:28