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Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God
Experience Freedom from Sexual Sin through the Power of the Savior
Many women and men trapped in sexual sin believe willpower is the key to overcoming temptation, but your shaky self-discipline doesn’t have to be the source of your strength. Sharing from his personal struggles, J. Garrett Kell explains that life-long transformation rests in the supernatural power of the Savior and the support of a local church. He offers profound insights into Jesus’s teachings on purity and provides you with long-term strategies for your own pathway to freedom.
Written for both men and women struggling with temptation, this book is a vital resource for the church, encouraging a healthy, empathetic community to help brothers and sisters in Christ resist sin. The goal isn’t purity for purity’s sake, but delighting in God and trusting him for ultimate victory.
Many women and men trapped in sexual sin believe willpower is the key to overcoming temptation, but your shaky self-discipline doesn’t have to be the source of your strength. Sharing from his personal struggles, J. Garrett Kell explains that life-long transformation rests in the supernatural power of the Savior and the support of a local church. He offers profound insights into Jesus’s teachings on purity and provides you with long-term strategies for your own pathway to freedom.
Written for both men and women struggling with temptation, this book is a vital resource for the church, encouraging a healthy, empathetic community to help brothers and sisters in Christ resist sin. The goal isn’t purity for purity’s sake, but delighting in God and trusting him for ultimate victory.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2021
99 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
J. Garrett Kell
9 books13 followersJ. Garrett Kell (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a pastor at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He and his wife, Carrie, have six children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 15, 2021
My endorsement:
“If you’re looking for a resource on sexual purity written by someone who’s never struggled, this is not the book for you. Garrett Kell has been in the trenches. And while he’s enjoyed a great measure of deliverance, the smoke of battle still lingers over his life. ‘Pure in Heart’ directs our gaze to the promise, spoken and secured by Jesus, that the pure in heart will see God. Laced with vivid illustrations and saturated with Scripture, Garrett brings years of pastoral wisdom to a topic we often wish to avoid. If you’re looking for a resource that will reinvigorate your heart with biblical truth and concrete steps for the fight, this is the book for you.”
“If you’re looking for a resource on sexual purity written by someone who’s never struggled, this is not the book for you. Garrett Kell has been in the trenches. And while he’s enjoyed a great measure of deliverance, the smoke of battle still lingers over his life. ‘Pure in Heart’ directs our gaze to the promise, spoken and secured by Jesus, that the pure in heart will see God. Laced with vivid illustrations and saturated with Scripture, Garrett brings years of pastoral wisdom to a topic we often wish to avoid. If you’re looking for a resource that will reinvigorate your heart with biblical truth and concrete steps for the fight, this is the book for you.”
February 11, 2025
Not sure if there’s such a thing as reading something too fast, but I couldn’t put this book down. As this is a topic I’ve been particularly burdened by, I was excited to get into this book after hearing Garrett Kell speak at CrossCon this year.
It is simple, but rich. Saturated in scripture with personal testimony and practical application. It points you to a deeper understanding of purity as a means to seeing God as promised in the beatitudes, rather than purity being the end that is pursued.
How beautiful it is to know that we have hope and a way out of what feels like an oppressive cycle of shame and guilt?
“You don’t have to do what you used to do, because you aren’t who you used to be.” (p138)
May I be a doer of the words from this book and not just a hearer.
It is simple, but rich. Saturated in scripture with personal testimony and practical application. It points you to a deeper understanding of purity as a means to seeing God as promised in the beatitudes, rather than purity being the end that is pursued.
How beautiful it is to know that we have hope and a way out of what feels like an oppressive cycle of shame and guilt?
“You don’t have to do what you used to do, because you aren’t who you used to be.” (p138)
May I be a doer of the words from this book and not just a hearer.
December 24, 2021
A Scripture-saturated work.
I would recommend this book to anyone considering how rampant the presence of the sexual sin is in our era of hyper-digitization and hyper-sexualization.
I think, anyone, struggling with sexual sin or not, would be benefited from this reading. The struggling ones may be able to make sense their own struggle better and be equipped with a lot more knowledge and wisdom on how to overcome their struggle in the Lord. The ones who have no struggle in this area, may also become a better companion for their (struggling) loved ones and/or may have a lot more references on how to lessen the odds of the sexual sin occurrence in their marriages/families.
I would recommend this book to anyone considering how rampant the presence of the sexual sin is in our era of hyper-digitization and hyper-sexualization.
I think, anyone, struggling with sexual sin or not, would be benefited from this reading. The struggling ones may be able to make sense their own struggle better and be equipped with a lot more knowledge and wisdom on how to overcome their struggle in the Lord. The ones who have no struggle in this area, may also become a better companion for their (struggling) loved ones and/or may have a lot more references on how to lessen the odds of the sexual sin occurrence in their marriages/families.
June 23, 2024
I was helped so much by this book in so many ways, especially the last chapter.
This book over and over emphasized the empty promises of sin with the glorious truths of the gospel, the link between our standing with God as united to Christ with our responsibility to kill sin by the power of the Spirit, and our present suffering with the fight for purity with our eternal home in heaven with Jesus. Highly recommend!
Biggest takeaway: Jesus promises in Matthew 5:8 that the pure in heart will SEE God. Is this promise worth giving up the temporary pleasures of sin for an eternal weight of glory? (Answer: yes!)
Second read: NSBC Internship
#1 takeaway: the seriousness of sin was clear in every chapter. The results of sin are deadly and will destroy you.
Thankful that this book got a second read, much better the 2nd time tbh
This book over and over emphasized the empty promises of sin with the glorious truths of the gospel, the link between our standing with God as united to Christ with our responsibility to kill sin by the power of the Spirit, and our present suffering with the fight for purity with our eternal home in heaven with Jesus. Highly recommend!
Biggest takeaway: Jesus promises in Matthew 5:8 that the pure in heart will SEE God. Is this promise worth giving up the temporary pleasures of sin for an eternal weight of glory? (Answer: yes!)
Second read: NSBC Internship
#1 takeaway: the seriousness of sin was clear in every chapter. The results of sin are deadly and will destroy you.
Thankful that this book got a second read, much better the 2nd time tbh
December 6, 2021
This is a very helpful read. It doesn't feel comprehensive, but that may be part of the book's strength. This will be the second book I would hand to someone struggling with purity. The first would be Finally Free by Heath Lambert: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finally, Free is comprehensive. It is a Christ-centered systematic, and engaging "course" on purity. Pure in heart is a Christ-centered conversation at the coffee shop. Both are biblical and highly useful. Kell has a way of saying pithy and highly compact statements that are portable. His counsel is biblical truth that the author has used in the battle.
Finally, Free is comprehensive. It is a Christ-centered systematic, and engaging "course" on purity. Pure in heart is a Christ-centered conversation at the coffee shop. Both are biblical and highly useful. Kell has a way of saying pithy and highly compact statements that are portable. His counsel is biblical truth that the author has used in the battle.
July 4, 2025
I was first introduced to Garrett Kell when he spoke at CrossCon 2025. He spoke during the first session about sin, and how it separates us from the most precious, life-giving relationship: our relationship with God.
Some of the stuff he said sucked the air out of the biggest room I have ever been in (if you were there you know what I’m talking about).
I remember how uncomfortable he made me feel about my sin, and he didn’t even have to guilt trip me. He just reminded me of the glory, beauty and joy of loving and seeing Christ for who He is, and how devastatingly fast sin numbs us to that. In short, Kell gave me FOMO on the glory and beauty of Christ (praise God, may I do the same for others).
Despite (or maybe because of?) him making my conscience squirm, I was compelled to read this book when I realized he had one.
This book was Christ-centered, Bible-saturated, and deeply convicting. Though Kell talks about some helpful practical tools, he ultimately is getting at the heart. If you are looking for a quick fix to your lust and sexual disfunction (as I so often do), this book will not satisfy and honestly might be a little annoying to you.
However, if God has granted you the humiliation to find yourself only after Christ to be your Savior, this book will encourage you as you pursue Him, love Him and anticipate “seeing Him.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Some of the stuff he said sucked the air out of the biggest room I have ever been in (if you were there you know what I’m talking about).
I remember how uncomfortable he made me feel about my sin, and he didn’t even have to guilt trip me. He just reminded me of the glory, beauty and joy of loving and seeing Christ for who He is, and how devastatingly fast sin numbs us to that. In short, Kell gave me FOMO on the glory and beauty of Christ (praise God, may I do the same for others).
Despite (or maybe because of?) him making my conscience squirm, I was compelled to read this book when I realized he had one.
This book was Christ-centered, Bible-saturated, and deeply convicting. Though Kell talks about some helpful practical tools, he ultimately is getting at the heart. If you are looking for a quick fix to your lust and sexual disfunction (as I so often do), this book will not satisfy and honestly might be a little annoying to you.
However, if God has granted you the humiliation to find yourself only after Christ to be your Savior, this book will encourage you as you pursue Him, love Him and anticipate “seeing Him.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
March 17, 2025
Great resource. A simple easy read that can make an immediate significant impact on your life. It offers gospel rich clarity on a topic that so many people so desperately need it for. It’s not comprehensive, but is a great intro to a biblical understanding of sexuality and sexual sin.
Having heard Garett Kell’s story in person I wish he would have begun the book with the full version of it. I think it gives helpful insight that he is not preaching from an ivory tower, but as a former hedonist that has seen the superior beauty of Christ and bears the scars of battle against sexual sin. (We get pieces of this story throughout the book but I’d prefer the whole thing.)
From the final few pages:
“Fill your mind with the assurance that we will forever be like Jesus. Let your imagination travel to that day. Smell the fruits of the tree of life; taste the banquet where flowing wine brings endless joy. Let the songs of angels and the redeemed drown out the song of sinful sirens.
Consider how unfulfilling the adulteress’s house is when compared to the place Jesus has prepared for us. Be repulsed by the false pleasures that plunge many into destruction, and be wooed by the promised pleasures in the paradise of God”
Having heard Garett Kell’s story in person I wish he would have begun the book with the full version of it. I think it gives helpful insight that he is not preaching from an ivory tower, but as a former hedonist that has seen the superior beauty of Christ and bears the scars of battle against sexual sin. (We get pieces of this story throughout the book but I’d prefer the whole thing.)
From the final few pages:
“Fill your mind with the assurance that we will forever be like Jesus. Let your imagination travel to that day. Smell the fruits of the tree of life; taste the banquet where flowing wine brings endless joy. Let the songs of angels and the redeemed drown out the song of sinful sirens.
Consider how unfulfilling the adulteress’s house is when compared to the place Jesus has prepared for us. Be repulsed by the false pleasures that plunge many into destruction, and be wooed by the promised pleasures in the paradise of God”
June 16, 2024
I have a read a number of books on purity in my life, and Kell’s is one of the most helpful ones I have found. Books on purity often root the why in the wrong things and earthly goals, but Kell roots his why in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” We pursue purity in Jesus so that we can see the glory and beauty of the Triune God clearly with eyes unhindered and unencumbered by the fleeting things of this world.
I appreciated that this book is gospel-centered, Scripture saturated, and that it’s written for both men and women when so many purity books focus on just men. Overall, I would recommend it as a resource for those who feel consumed by sexual temptation and sin.
“The Holy Spirit’s conviction is a gift that should move us to confession and repentance.
But Satan is a historian. He is the master of replaying old sins to the tune of accusation. He digs up past failures and then blackmails us with reminders of why God is disappointed with us. Before sin, Satan is the tempter who whispers, ‘You should do this!.’ After sin, Satan is the accuser who whispers, ‘How could you have done this!’ Satan kills through temptation and then buries with guilt.”
I appreciated that this book is gospel-centered, Scripture saturated, and that it’s written for both men and women when so many purity books focus on just men. Overall, I would recommend it as a resource for those who feel consumed by sexual temptation and sin.
“The Holy Spirit’s conviction is a gift that should move us to confession and repentance.
But Satan is a historian. He is the master of replaying old sins to the tune of accusation. He digs up past failures and then blackmails us with reminders of why God is disappointed with us. Before sin, Satan is the tempter who whispers, ‘You should do this!.’ After sin, Satan is the accuser who whispers, ‘How could you have done this!’ Satan kills through temptation and then buries with guilt.”
May 6, 2025
Gained a lot from reading this book.
June 9, 2025
This is a phenomenal resource on sexual sin. I appreciate how it's written for everyone, whether male or female of any range of sexual attraction. It nearly brought me to tears on countless occasions. I hope this will be a useful resource for myself and many others for years to come.
November 24, 2025
Very good book. I love that he uses the first half of the book not speaking practices and techniques but speaking to the very heart of what “pure” means to God. It makes you long to live a life of purity not just in sexual purity but in all of life, as God wishes us to. Great resource to have read for discipleship and walking with others as well as personal growth.
February 17, 2025
Wow wow wow. I have read many books on sexual purity, and this one is by far my favorite. Garrett Kell discusses and unpacks how we cannot just modify our behavior, but rather we must feed ourselves that which, through the Holy Spirit, stirs our affections for Christ and deepens our hatred for our own sin.
Highly recommend to anyone who struggles with sexual sin, as well as any believer, since, as he explains, “pure in heart” does not just refer to sexual immorality.
Highly recommend to anyone who struggles with sexual sin, as well as any believer, since, as he explains, “pure in heart” does not just refer to sexual immorality.
June 2, 2025
Really helpful book on breaking down sexual sin and providing a holistic treatment for the pursuit of sexual purity. It is also a page-turner because it has a lot of stories in it.
Kell is a very captivating writer. I thought this book was phenomenal. 11/10.
Kell is a very captivating writer. I thought this book was phenomenal. 11/10.
February 6, 2023
This book was great. So encouraging and life-filling. Highly recommend to anyone who struggles with purity or wants to help others who struggle with purity.
September 9, 2023
This book is amazing, I recommend to anyone
March 26, 2025
I would highly recommend this book to any Christian struggling with any form of habitual sin, not just sexual sin. Kell goes into great detail on ways to confess, prevent, and help battle sin in our daily lives, and has been an amazing book that has helped me in my personal walk.
July 17, 2024
Thoughtful, convicting read. Spoke to very specific lies plaguing me. Highly recommend this.
March 3, 2025
(4.5/5) Great. Read this with some dudes at church. Well balanced with an equal measure of grace and truth.
My dumb friend Tanner Howard told me that Death Of Porn by Ortlund is better - so now I might have to read that to see which would be better to give out in the future
My dumb friend Tanner Howard told me that Death Of Porn by Ortlund is better - so now I might have to read that to see which would be better to give out in the future
March 23, 2025
The best book I have read on how to fight sexual sin and cling to the Lord.
January 19, 2025
Excellent read! Catered for both men and women - and insightful regardless of what specific sins you may struggle with.
October 29, 2023
Great book! Personal, biblical, theological, practical. Will become my go-to resource for discipling and counseling on this topic.
August 5, 2021
Scripture provides clear marching orders for us on matters that pertain to purity:
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality (porneia); that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God (1 Thess. 4:3-4, ESV).
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14–16, ESV).
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22, ESV).
J. Garrett Kell recognizes the biblical mandate for purity and helps readers develop a game plan in their battle against sin in his book Pure in Heart.
Part 1: Promise of Purity
Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). This mighty promise undergirds part one of the book and beckons each person to pursue God with holy passion. The longing to see God fuels the resolve, then, of every follower of Christ.
Kell summarizes, “Purity is an orientation of the faith-filled heart that flees the pleasures of sin and pursues the pleasures of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This premise runs throughout the book in the hopes that readers will find their ultimate pleasure in the living God. As the psalmist writes, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11).
Part 2: Pathways to Purity
The second half of the book is oriented to application. Readers are encouraged to “feed their affections” by feasting on Scripture, spending time in prayer and fasting, focusing on Christ-centered music, and being captivated by God’s creation. In the end, what severs the attraction with sin is the sight of God and all his holiness and the heavenly home that awaits God’s elect.
Principles of accountability and biblical admonition are offered. Confession of sin is focused on and biblical repentance is a key aspect of part two. Kell adds, “When we succumb to sin, our flesh is inflamed, our peace quenched, our godly desire sapped, our joy smothered, our prayer hollowed, our resolve weakened, and our communion with God and others hindered.”
Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God is a much-needed book in a culture that is drowning in sensuality. Young men will especially benefit from Kell’s timely pastoral counsel. In the end, they will be drawn to a God that offers eternal life and the most satisfying relationship in the universe.
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality (porneia); that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God (1 Thess. 4:3-4, ESV).
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14–16, ESV).
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22, ESV).
J. Garrett Kell recognizes the biblical mandate for purity and helps readers develop a game plan in their battle against sin in his book Pure in Heart.
Part 1: Promise of Purity
Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). This mighty promise undergirds part one of the book and beckons each person to pursue God with holy passion. The longing to see God fuels the resolve, then, of every follower of Christ.
Kell summarizes, “Purity is an orientation of the faith-filled heart that flees the pleasures of sin and pursues the pleasures of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This premise runs throughout the book in the hopes that readers will find their ultimate pleasure in the living God. As the psalmist writes, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11).
Part 2: Pathways to Purity
The second half of the book is oriented to application. Readers are encouraged to “feed their affections” by feasting on Scripture, spending time in prayer and fasting, focusing on Christ-centered music, and being captivated by God’s creation. In the end, what severs the attraction with sin is the sight of God and all his holiness and the heavenly home that awaits God’s elect.
Principles of accountability and biblical admonition are offered. Confession of sin is focused on and biblical repentance is a key aspect of part two. Kell adds, “When we succumb to sin, our flesh is inflamed, our peace quenched, our godly desire sapped, our joy smothered, our prayer hollowed, our resolve weakened, and our communion with God and others hindered.”
Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God is a much-needed book in a culture that is drowning in sensuality. Young men will especially benefit from Kell’s timely pastoral counsel. In the end, they will be drawn to a God that offers eternal life and the most satisfying relationship in the universe.
March 6, 2025
Among the many books on the topic, this is the first I’d recommend. It calls up our hearts to the beauty and power of Christ in our fight for purity.
April 4, 2024
Anyone who struggles with sexual sin NEEDS to read this book.
January 24, 2025
A big-hearted and thoughtful book on recovery from sexual sin. Kell adds a needed element of spiritual development to the discussion of addiction and recovery. His chapter “Feed Your Heart” is worth the price of the book.
His general theme is that overcoming sexual sin is really a process of gradual growth into Christ in which previous temptations slowly decrease in intensity and appeal. He is critical of overfocus on sin, rules, and strategy (although he certainly gives a lot of advice on rules and strategy). Somehow these seem to contradict grace in his view.
The chapter on “Fallout” was also extremely powerful.
Generally good, but I’ve docked a star for pervasive Calvinism and the mixed messages that inevitably spring from it. (ie sexual sin won’t actually cause you to lose your salvation, it affects “fellowship” with God but not “relationship”(?), etc). At best this only serves to confuse the struggler and dull the force of warnings like “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
His general theme is that overcoming sexual sin is really a process of gradual growth into Christ in which previous temptations slowly decrease in intensity and appeal. He is critical of overfocus on sin, rules, and strategy (although he certainly gives a lot of advice on rules and strategy). Somehow these seem to contradict grace in his view.
The chapter on “Fallout” was also extremely powerful.
Generally good, but I’ve docked a star for pervasive Calvinism and the mixed messages that inevitably spring from it. (ie sexual sin won’t actually cause you to lose your salvation, it affects “fellowship” with God but not “relationship”(?), etc). At best this only serves to confuse the struggler and dull the force of warnings like “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
December 18, 2025
Two (well, two and a half) verses from two hymns rang in my head while J. Garrett Kell’s words did the same:
And,
Kell points readers to the truth that is the Gospel—a truth that we sinners need reminded of daily. May Christ be our greatest delight and strengthen us by his grace to resist all sin, hunger and thirst for righteousness and be completely satisfied in him.
“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Oh that day when freed from sinning
I shall see Thy lovely face
Full arrayed in blood-washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry
Bring Thy promises to pass
For I know Thy pow’r will keep me
Till I’m home with Thee at last”
(Verses 3-4 from Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing).
And,
“Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power,
Till all the ransomed Church of God
Be saved, to sin no more.”
(Verse 4 from There is a Fountain Filled with Blood).
Kell points readers to the truth that is the Gospel—a truth that we sinners need reminded of daily. May Christ be our greatest delight and strengthen us by his grace to resist all sin, hunger and thirst for righteousness and be completely satisfied in him.
May 29, 2025
Very helpful book overall.
I do think any book that flattens too many sexual sins together will lose ways in the various ways our flesh can operate and how we can cultivate righteousness in response. So, that's my critique. Just a bit broad for anything beyond pornography, which has the bulk of application.
But still good nonetheless!
I do think any book that flattens too many sexual sins together will lose ways in the various ways our flesh can operate and how we can cultivate righteousness in response. So, that's my critique. Just a bit broad for anything beyond pornography, which has the bulk of application.
But still good nonetheless!
Read
December 25, 2025This book is a wonderful mixture of mortification of sin paired with the goal to see Christ more clearly and beautifully. Furthermore, Kell is modest and sober in his approach speaking very plainly that the struggle of sexual sin is long-term. However, the meditations on Scripture's Gospel message, the warnings against sin, and the ultimate heavenly hope ground believers in fighting any sin. I am convinced this book not only helps believers in sins regarding lust, but for pride as well.
Let this book break you and make you contrite for you will see God's beauty ever more clearly.
Let this book break you and make you contrite for you will see God's beauty ever more clearly.
June 5, 2024
Simple, yet powerful. He not only gives a proper course correction on how one understands purity, but he gives familiar insights in fresh words with great reflection questions and discussion questions.
January 30, 2025
Listened to the audiobook!
Some key takeaways:
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you
Psalm 36:9
Loved the opening chapter where he uses sirens to depict our sin
Satan kills with temptation and berries with guilt
You cannot stir eternal affections by sowing earthly escapes
Wherever I retreat for refreshment will form my affections
Some key takeaways:
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you
Psalm 36:9
Loved the opening chapter where he uses sirens to depict our sin
Satan kills with temptation and berries with guilt
You cannot stir eternal affections by sowing earthly escapes
Wherever I retreat for refreshment will form my affections
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews