Is Purity Possible?

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

​God's goal for us is that we are pure and blameless when Jesus returns. Is that really possible? We can often feel like we can only go so far in our purity. And there seems to be a big gap between our real life and what we see as a life of purity. Psalm 24:3-4 NIV asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?" And the answer comes, "He who has clean hands and a pure heart." Take a look at the hill in the picture. Do you feel like you're standing on the dock with a big gulf in between you and that hill? Does it seem like purity is one step too far?
In another passage, we read, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15 NIV). Would God tell you to do something and not mean it? Would he ever manipulate us with his words? No. He means what he says. Purity is possible. Is it not a never ending pursuit, like a dog chasing its tail. So, how is this possible?

Positional Purity is something that has been done for you. Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection made the way possible for your purity. His once and for all sacrifice on your behalf, applied to your life through your faith, has declared you as pure (Colossians 1:22). If you are in relationship with Jesus, you are pure. But, we know that we do not always make pure choices. Jesus also gives us a pathway to walk in purity in our daily lives. Practical Purity is possible! This is done through relationship with our Father. 
Right now you can ask him if there is any impurity in your life. He may speak to you from his Word or his quiet prompting. As soon as he convicts you of impurity, take a few moments to acknowledge this sin before him. Choose to repent and turn from your impure ways. He has promised to forgive you (1 John 1:9). Now get up and keep walking on with your Father in purity. There should never be a moment when you hopelessly sit in impurity - as if there is nothing to be done. Your Father has bought your purity with the death of his Son. He has also made a way for your practical purity as you listen to his voice. You are never without hope or a practical solution. You can walk in purity. It is possible! Will you listen and respond to your Father today?