Keeping Our Temples Clean: Understanding Purity in the Gospel

Brothers and sisters, as we gather here in the digital gathering place of the Rogue Disciples, we are constantly being called to refine our understanding of what it means to follow the Savior. It’s a process that requires more than just good intentions; it requires deep, scriptural knowledge. Sometimes the questions we face—either in a missionary discussion or in our own quiet study—are the hardest ones, the ones that touch at the very core of our covenants.

Recently, I was studying the scriptures with a few returning missionaries, and a discussion arose concerning the nature of sexual purity. It’s a topic that can feel weighty, sometimes even confusing, because our culture often blurs the lines between love, affection, and what the Lord requires of us. It’s easy to get caught up in the *feeling* of love rather than the *doctrine* of God’s law.

The Divine Design for Our Bodies

What struck me most, and what I hope will help you all as we continue our journey of discipleship, is how consistently the scriptures teach that sexuality is not merely a feeling, but a sacred gift designed by God. The word used in the New Testament, porneia, is so rich—it speaks of whoredom, fornication, and idolatry. It’s not just about the act; it’s about the *surrender* of sexual purity outside the boundaries of a covenant marriage.

It’s a powerful reminder that our bodies are temples. When we treat them with reverence, honoring the Spirit within them, we honor the covenants we have made. This isn't about fear; it’s about stewardship. It’s about recognizing that God’s standards—His eternal standards—do not change based on cultural shifts or what seems permissible today.

Addressing the Common Objections

The video really did a wonderful job of walking through some of the common objections we hear—and I know some of us have wrestled with these points! The arguments that "love is love," or that "times have changed," or that "God understands our hearts"—these are understandable, but the scriptures challenge us to look deeper. They challenge us to remember that God’s character is unchanging. He established marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, and that definition remains eternal.

A Call to Be Christlike

As we move forward, whether you are in the MTC, preparing for your first assignment, or serving as a lifelong disciple right here in your home, let’s keep this principle central: Our desire must be to be as Christlike as possible. The Spirit guides us toward purity, and the scriptures give us the roadmap. Remember the counsel in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20—we belong to Him.

If you found this discussion helpful, I encourage you to dive deeper! The insights shared here are just the tip of the iceberg. For those who are ready to dig into these complex doctrines, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod resources available in LivingBook. There are some fantastic articles on covenants and purity waiting for you.

Keep the Discipleship Going

This is the heart of being a Rogue Disciple: making discipleship a constant, visible, and active pursuit. If this topic sparked questions for you, or if you want to discuss these points further with the depth they deserve, please join us for our next virtual study. We’ll be tackling a related covenant topic next week!

For those who prefer to study at their own pace, remember that HolyPlaces is a wonderful resource for structured learning. If you’re looking for a Book Club setting, or perhaps want to jump into the Social Scripture Study layer to highlight verses related to covenants, take a look there. And if you’re feeling stuck on a doctrinal question, don’t hesitate to bring it to Davee! He’s ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask.

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary. We can keep the light burning brightly, together, no matter where we are.