Leviticus 18: A Call to Holiness in Sexual Purity

Key Verse: Leviticus 18:4-5"You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord."

Leviticus 18 outlines God’s standards for sexual purity, setting Israel apart from the corrupt practices of the surrounding nations. This chapter is a reminder that God cares about every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, desires, and moral choices.

These laws were given so that Israel would not follow the sinful behaviors of Egypt (where they had lived) or Canaan (where they were going). Instead, they were called to live holy lives that reflected God’s righteousness.

God’s Standards for Purity

Leviticus 18 contains specific prohibitions against various sexual sins, including:

1. Incest – Sexual relations with close family members were forbidden. (Leviticus 18:6-18)

2. Adultery – A man was not to have relations with another man’s wife. (Leviticus 18:20)

3. Child Sacrifice – God warned against offering children to Molech, a pagan deity. (Leviticus 18:21)

4. Homosexuality – Men were not to engage in sexual relations with other men. (Leviticus 18:22)

5. Bestiality – Sexual relations with animals were condemned. (Leviticus 18:23)

God declared that these behaviors were detestable practices that led to moral and spiritual corruption.

Why Did God Give These Laws?

1. To Set Israel Apart – The nations around Israel engaged in these immoral acts, but God called His people to holiness. (Leviticus 18:3)

2. To Protect the Family and Society – Sexual sin leads to broken relationships, exploitation, and societal decay.

3. To Honor God with Our Bodies – Our bodies belong to God, and we are called to live in purity. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Jesus: The One Who Calls Us to Purity

Jesus not only affirmed God’s standards of holiness, but He also offered grace and transformation for those trapped in sin.

• Jesus called for purity of heart, not just outward obedience – “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)

• He offered forgiveness and a new life – To the woman caught in adultery, He said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

• He empowers us to live holy lives – Through His Spirit, we can resist temptation and walk in purity. (Galatians 5:16)

A Lesson for Us

• Are we living in sexual purity, honoring God with our relationships?

• Are we resisting the influence of a culture that distorts God’s design for sexuality?

• Are we relying on Christ’s strength to walk in holiness?

Leviticus 18 reminds us that God’s standards for purity are not outdated—they are life-giving. Through Jesus, we find both forgiveness for past sins and strength to live in righteousness.

Are we surrendering every part of our lives to His holiness?