SEXUAL PURITY. Leviticus 15 God's intention to preserve and promote the human race is that one man and one woman marry for life and do not have other sexual partners. This way, there are no sexually transmitted diseases spreading through society. The public display of sexual acts and the use of sexual suggestions to sell products have created a mindset that glamorizes sex. The casual attitude toward sex has led to an acceptance of immorality and promiscuity. Among the children of Israel, such activity had both spiritual and physical consequences. A man who contracted gonorrhea, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted diseases was considered unclean and needed to take steps to stop the disease.
Overlooking what God has condemned and accepting it as normal because it is socially acceptable or legal does not make it right. Strangely, people often condemn what God has cleansed and call it "common or unclean." Conversely, they accept and practice what God condemns. For society's well-being, there are biblical guidelines to follow. Sadly, these guidelines have been ignored, rejected, and mocked. The principle of "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" remains true in every aspect of life. The diseased person must confront their condition and face the consequences through the prescribed means of cleansing.
Sexual activity in marriage is not condemned, nor should it be considered sinful. God intends for it to be enjoyed within marriage and for procreation to continue the human race. The covenant of marriage was established and sustained through the intimacy of sexual activity. It was for their own benefit that they bathed after sexual activity within the bounds of marriage. The health of God's people is important to Him, and certain actions are prescribed to maintain health. A sense of dignity should be preserved in personhood, in marriage, and in one's own body. By avoiding unhealthy activities and engaging in those that promote physical health, we also safeguard our spiritual health and dignity.
Both men and women need to understand that there are safe practices to follow in order to maintain our marriage relationship physically, morally, and spiritually. Washing with water is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of any physical uncleanness. The spiritual act of the children of Israel, when they faced uncleanness, had to be addressed. Both the sin offering and the burnt offering were necessary. In other words, God's involvement in the situation required atonement for sin. Nothing we do escapes God's notice, and what we might see as our private matters can affect those around us. God's instructions were given to protect men and women from dangers they might not be aware of or able to see.
Public exposure to sex today has taken purity and safety away from the practice of sexual activity and has turned it into a form of self-gratification. God's intention was that the "gift" of sex be used in good health and dignity, expressing our affection for our spouse and our commitment to moral purity. This way, we also preserve our spiritual dignity. Sexual activity, when engaged in as God intends, does not carry shame or guilt. The intimacy of such a relationship in our private lives helps maintain our personal relationship with God.