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The Purity Principle: God's Safeguards for Life's Dangerous Trails
For thirty years Randy Alcorn has been encouraging people-young and old-to pursue the rewards of sexual purity. Too often we settle for a compromised Christianity that's just a baptized version of the world's sad existence, rather than the abundant life to which God calls us. This book deals with - raising children to embrace sexual purity - providing an example of purity in the home - protecting purity in dating (at any age) - and maintaining purity in marriage. Biblical, practical, and concise, The Purity Principle is a one-stop handbook for individuals, families and churches.Some people have given up on purity. Some have never tried. Bestselling author Randy Alcorn shows us why, in this culture of impurity, the stakes are so high—and what we can do to experience the freedom of purity. Impurity will always destroy us; purity always leads to higher pleasures! Choose wisely. Let the insights of this amazing book—written for old and young, married and single—help you gain your footing on the path to truly lasting joy.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2003
107 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Randy Alcorn
221 books1,576 followersRandy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
September 14, 2013
Dear friends,
I'm not struggling with sexual sin, I just love to read and to be encouraged while I'm waiting faithfully for the day I'll be ONE with my lady.
To single Christians,
*Ask a mature Christian to mentor you as you walk in purity.
*Remember that your date is your Christian brother or sister, not your lover.
*Focus on talk, not touch; conversation, not contact.
*Be accountable to someone about your purity.
*Don't do anything with your date that you wouldn't want someone else to do with your future mate.
~Purity comes only to those who truly want it.
To married people,
*Date your spouse. Put it on your schedule. Dating doesn't end with the wedding ceremony.
*Pray with and for each other.
*Be as attractive to you mate as you can.
*Treasure your marriage partner. Restrict your eyes to your mate, and he or she will become the true desire of your heart. You'll be lost in his or her love FOREVER. This is what Proverbs.15:15-16 says.
To parents,
*Show children a loving, affectionate, and pure marriage.
*Tell your kids as much as they need to know now - not less and more.
*Parents should be the definitive sex educators.
*Be positive. Discuss the goodness of sex within marriage. Don't be ashamed to talk about what God wasn't ashamed to create.
To you all,
~ Honor God by living in sexual purity.
You'll experience His blessings and rewards not only today, tomorrow, and 10 years from now but also throughout ETERNITY.
Be blessed and pure!
I'm not struggling with sexual sin, I just love to read and to be encouraged while I'm waiting faithfully for the day I'll be ONE with my lady.
To single Christians,
*Ask a mature Christian to mentor you as you walk in purity.
*Remember that your date is your Christian brother or sister, not your lover.
*Focus on talk, not touch; conversation, not contact.
*Be accountable to someone about your purity.
*Don't do anything with your date that you wouldn't want someone else to do with your future mate.
~Purity comes only to those who truly want it.
To married people,
*Date your spouse. Put it on your schedule. Dating doesn't end with the wedding ceremony.
*Pray with and for each other.
*Be as attractive to you mate as you can.
*Treasure your marriage partner. Restrict your eyes to your mate, and he or she will become the true desire of your heart. You'll be lost in his or her love FOREVER. This is what Proverbs.15:15-16 says.
To parents,
*Show children a loving, affectionate, and pure marriage.
*Tell your kids as much as they need to know now - not less and more.
*Parents should be the definitive sex educators.
*Be positive. Discuss the goodness of sex within marriage. Don't be ashamed to talk about what God wasn't ashamed to create.
To you all,
~ Honor God by living in sexual purity.
You'll experience His blessings and rewards not only today, tomorrow, and 10 years from now but also throughout ETERNITY.
Be blessed and pure!
August 15, 2017
I didn't finish this book because it was so terrible. It is big on law and contains pretty much no gospel at all. It is condemning and makes the argument that people who sin sexually will end up completely broken and unable to serve God in any way. Horrible. Please read a different book, especially if you struggle with past sins (of any kind, this book is seriously condemning).
November 8, 2021
Book made me feel bad. But in a good way.
April 6, 2024
By far the best book I've read on purity. 4.5 stars
March 7, 2022
This book has an admirable goal. But- I’m not sure this is the best format for it. It strongly sets out the Biblical commands for purity, not a popular or familiar principle today, but it tries to do it in 93 extra small, largely spaced pages. For a Christian culture that barely understands the holiness of God or the power of God to sanctify, transform, us this book is weak about teaching Scriptural conviction, and encouragement. Instead, it leans heavy, almost solely, on accountability to other people. I don’t think that is what the author intended, but that is how I understood his arguments. It just needs to be longer so the author can carefully show us the Biblical principles that underly his arguments.
June 28, 2010
"A short book full of wise advice, straight to the point stating the obvious but often overlooked message that `Purity is smart and Impurity is stupid' - can it get any simpler than that?"
Published in 2003 by Multnomah, Randy Alcorn's The Purity Principle: God's Safeguards for Life's Dangerous Trails is as relative and pertinent today (maybe even more so) than when it was first published. The message in this book is timeless, obvious, and wise.
I re-read this book as research for my current non-fiction book for women on the subject of purity and because Randy Alcorn tops the list of my favorite authors whether fiction or non-fiction. His words are sound truth and offer no fluff.
His illustrations are, at times, heartbreaking. We've all heard the stories of how good men and women fall to such temptations. He offers these short stories to state the obvious response. We will rationalize our actions and then look to excuse all the warning signs until it is too late.
Using these stories, Alcorn tracts back the origin of the issue - purity. First, one must admit that no one is above such temptations. We should expect temptation to come our way, consider our response in advance, and be ready with a godly response - not excuse it.
He later drives home the point that there is no one else to blame when we find our witness destroyed, our marriages broken, and our relationships with friends and family forever changed.
One of my favorite portions of this book was how God sees things. Alcorn states that God does not deal in right or wrong. God deals in wisdom and righteousness. A point to ponder as a culture can excuse or manipulate right and wrong but God's word cannot be morphed in such a way. An act is either wise or foolish and is never subject to man's judgement on the matter.
A quick, relative read on the subject of purity. Don't let this books small size suggest it is not thorough. There is enough wise instruction in this little book if applied to your life, to save you many a heartache.
This books should be in every Church library and perhaps used regularly in a Church discipleship curriculum. I recommend this book highly.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
Published in 2003 by Multnomah, Randy Alcorn's The Purity Principle: God's Safeguards for Life's Dangerous Trails is as relative and pertinent today (maybe even more so) than when it was first published. The message in this book is timeless, obvious, and wise.
I re-read this book as research for my current non-fiction book for women on the subject of purity and because Randy Alcorn tops the list of my favorite authors whether fiction or non-fiction. His words are sound truth and offer no fluff.
His illustrations are, at times, heartbreaking. We've all heard the stories of how good men and women fall to such temptations. He offers these short stories to state the obvious response. We will rationalize our actions and then look to excuse all the warning signs until it is too late.
Using these stories, Alcorn tracts back the origin of the issue - purity. First, one must admit that no one is above such temptations. We should expect temptation to come our way, consider our response in advance, and be ready with a godly response - not excuse it.
He later drives home the point that there is no one else to blame when we find our witness destroyed, our marriages broken, and our relationships with friends and family forever changed.
One of my favorite portions of this book was how God sees things. Alcorn states that God does not deal in right or wrong. God deals in wisdom and righteousness. A point to ponder as a culture can excuse or manipulate right and wrong but God's word cannot be morphed in such a way. An act is either wise or foolish and is never subject to man's judgement on the matter.
A quick, relative read on the subject of purity. Don't let this books small size suggest it is not thorough. There is enough wise instruction in this little book if applied to your life, to save you many a heartache.
This books should be in every Church library and perhaps used regularly in a Church discipleship curriculum. I recommend this book highly.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
December 1, 2021
Great short read that explains the practical implications of our sin, while offering practical solutions and strategies to fight the sin.
November 7, 2021
This book was truly insightful and inspiring and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to take the battle with purity seriously!
November 15, 2021
Probably gonna pick this one back up every couple months
July 10, 2014
Randy Alcorn’s book The Purity Principle is a great addition to one’s library. In only 82 pages, Alcorn has provided a superb book on the topic of purity. Not only is the content biblical and pastoral, but also the writing style is very easy to read.
Each chapter contains helpful analogies and stories of personal experiences that drive home the topic at hand, such as the pencil analogy on page 31 and the doughnut analogy on pages 51 & 52. My favorite, however, is the analogy that begins chapter 1: no matter how much we pray that a book does not fall to the ground, if we slowly push it to the edge of a desk, gravity will pull it down. Alcorn’s point is that “many of us Christians hope God will guard us from calamity and misery, while every day we make small, seemingly inconsequential immoral choices that inch us toward bigger immoralities” (pg. 10). He also provides biblical guidance on how to avoid making such choices.
I’m very pleased that Alcorn does not stop after providing guidance on what and what not to do, but he continues by explaining the proper motivations to have, which include loving God, fearing God, and future blessings. Moreover, he reminds us that our goal is not self-reformation, but rather divine transformation, which is the result of the “indwelling power of the risen Christ” (pg. 56). He goes on to say, "Ultimately, the battle for purity is won or lost in quietness, on our knees with God, and in collaboration with our fellow soldiers" (pg. 56).
I think this excellent book could have been better had Alcorn elaborated more on the gospel. He briefly mentions the fact that we have been bought and paid for at the price of the shed blood of Jesus on page 31, yet since it is at the core of our identity as Christians, I believe it should have been referenced often as a motivating factor to pursue purity with our bodies. Indeed, it is because we have been bought with Jesus' own blood that Paul says to honor God with our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20). He does mention gospel truths elsewhere, but only briefly in comparison to everything else.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. I’m very grateful to have read it.
Each chapter contains helpful analogies and stories of personal experiences that drive home the topic at hand, such as the pencil analogy on page 31 and the doughnut analogy on pages 51 & 52. My favorite, however, is the analogy that begins chapter 1: no matter how much we pray that a book does not fall to the ground, if we slowly push it to the edge of a desk, gravity will pull it down. Alcorn’s point is that “many of us Christians hope God will guard us from calamity and misery, while every day we make small, seemingly inconsequential immoral choices that inch us toward bigger immoralities” (pg. 10). He also provides biblical guidance on how to avoid making such choices.
I’m very pleased that Alcorn does not stop after providing guidance on what and what not to do, but he continues by explaining the proper motivations to have, which include loving God, fearing God, and future blessings. Moreover, he reminds us that our goal is not self-reformation, but rather divine transformation, which is the result of the “indwelling power of the risen Christ” (pg. 56). He goes on to say, "Ultimately, the battle for purity is won or lost in quietness, on our knees with God, and in collaboration with our fellow soldiers" (pg. 56).
I think this excellent book could have been better had Alcorn elaborated more on the gospel. He briefly mentions the fact that we have been bought and paid for at the price of the shed blood of Jesus on page 31, yet since it is at the core of our identity as Christians, I believe it should have been referenced often as a motivating factor to pursue purity with our bodies. Indeed, it is because we have been bought with Jesus' own blood that Paul says to honor God with our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20). He does mention gospel truths elsewhere, but only briefly in comparison to everything else.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. I’m very grateful to have read it.
October 27, 2021
This review was originally posted over at my website.
This book is part of the “Small Books, Big Change” series. With only 93 pages, and those quite small, it’s the sort of book even the most avid non-reader can read. This book is for men and addresses the matter of sexual purity.
THE UPS
First, there are some excellent insights in this book. For instance, on page 38, Alcorn contrasts the false intimacy of sexual fantasy with real intimacy with God. He argues that God offers a superior satisfaction. It’s the sort of book you could give to all the guys in your church and be confident that all of them would benefit from its insights.
Second, the book offers some practical ideas for fighting sexual sin.
THE DOWNS
First, the book is not particularly Christian. My first notice of Jesus Christ in the text is on page 60. In all, I noticed only four or five mentions of Jesus Christ in the whole book and in most of those cases, Jesus Christ was peripheral to the discussion.
Second, this book is tall on fear and short on grace. The gospel shows up briefly on page 59, but doesn’t get any substantial air time until page 85. Even then, the theme dies a quick death early on the next page. This seems to be a dangerous approach to such a vital issue.
CONCLUSION
This book is worth reading and should give some helpful insights, but it is not essentially a Christian book and it’s solution to the problem of sexual temptation is not the gospel.
This book is part of the “Small Books, Big Change” series. With only 93 pages, and those quite small, it’s the sort of book even the most avid non-reader can read. This book is for men and addresses the matter of sexual purity.
THE UPS
First, there are some excellent insights in this book. For instance, on page 38, Alcorn contrasts the false intimacy of sexual fantasy with real intimacy with God. He argues that God offers a superior satisfaction. It’s the sort of book you could give to all the guys in your church and be confident that all of them would benefit from its insights.
Second, the book offers some practical ideas for fighting sexual sin.
THE DOWNS
First, the book is not particularly Christian. My first notice of Jesus Christ in the text is on page 60. In all, I noticed only four or five mentions of Jesus Christ in the whole book and in most of those cases, Jesus Christ was peripheral to the discussion.
Second, this book is tall on fear and short on grace. The gospel shows up briefly on page 59, but doesn’t get any substantial air time until page 85. Even then, the theme dies a quick death early on the next page. This seems to be a dangerous approach to such a vital issue.
CONCLUSION
This book is worth reading and should give some helpful insights, but it is not essentially a Christian book and it’s solution to the problem of sexual temptation is not the gospel.
March 22, 2020
Great Book!
I strongly encourage this short book on purity for all men. It provides numerous biblical references, practical ways to grow in purity, and many stories - both good and bad examples - that inspire Christian men to treat the purity principle seriously. Too many men think, “I would never cheat on my wife,” or “I’m not like other men.” Unfortunately, the divorce rate is near 50% in the church, and even many of the marriages that appear to be in tact suffer from severe impurities.
I’m convinced that educating ourselves in these areas and using Scripture to shape how we think and act is the answer to combat sexual immorality and other forms of impurity within marriage. It can and will happen to you if you don’t take these issues seriously and are not proactive in resolving any issues that surface in marriage and relationships.
The primary target audience is Christian men. However, the author writes with females in mind and provides many principles that they can apply to their lives.
Whether you’re single or married, I recommend reading this book and applying the many practical steps in this book by using Scripture to guard your hearts.
I strongly encourage this short book on purity for all men. It provides numerous biblical references, practical ways to grow in purity, and many stories - both good and bad examples - that inspire Christian men to treat the purity principle seriously. Too many men think, “I would never cheat on my wife,” or “I’m not like other men.” Unfortunately, the divorce rate is near 50% in the church, and even many of the marriages that appear to be in tact suffer from severe impurities.
I’m convinced that educating ourselves in these areas and using Scripture to shape how we think and act is the answer to combat sexual immorality and other forms of impurity within marriage. It can and will happen to you if you don’t take these issues seriously and are not proactive in resolving any issues that surface in marriage and relationships.
The primary target audience is Christian men. However, the author writes with females in mind and provides many principles that they can apply to their lives.
Whether you’re single or married, I recommend reading this book and applying the many practical steps in this book by using Scripture to guard your hearts.
September 14, 2018
It is said that some of the biggest things come in the smallest packages.
Though I have not read very much of Alcorn, I can certainly say that this “small package” contained some of the biggest defenses against sexual immorality.
Alcorn deals with a wide range of audiences, from married couples, parents, single adults, and teenagers. He presents biblical solutions though presented through topical arrangements.
I would have to recommend Heath Lambert’s “Finally Free” for a more in-depth and practical approach to battling sexual immorality and helping others find freedom, but I found Alcorn’s concise, power-packed simplicity to also be refreshing and challenging.
This small book is very helpful as I try to help others pursue purity and I too was reminded by this book of the dangers of immorality and the importance of putting barriers in our lives as we seek to glorify God and live in purity for His glory and for our good.
Though I have not read very much of Alcorn, I can certainly say that this “small package” contained some of the biggest defenses against sexual immorality.
Alcorn deals with a wide range of audiences, from married couples, parents, single adults, and teenagers. He presents biblical solutions though presented through topical arrangements.
I would have to recommend Heath Lambert’s “Finally Free” for a more in-depth and practical approach to battling sexual immorality and helping others find freedom, but I found Alcorn’s concise, power-packed simplicity to also be refreshing and challenging.
This small book is very helpful as I try to help others pursue purity and I too was reminded by this book of the dangers of immorality and the importance of putting barriers in our lives as we seek to glorify God and live in purity for His glory and for our good.
November 3, 2021
This was an easy and practical read on a topic I believe is not discussed enough. If it is discussed, it’s probably done without giving any practical advice to believers. This book is full of truth; however, think it is lacking in a few ways. The main critique I have is that the author fails to talk about the gift of grace we have received in Christ. The book is obviously directed towards believers but I would argue that if we discuss sin apart from grace then we are failing to communicate the Gospel. This is a primary opportunity to over-communicate the Gospel because the Gospel is for sinners! Overall this book is practical and filled with truth but a huge opportunity was missed for sinners to be reminded of the Gospel.
May 8, 2016
At 93 pages, The Purity Principle is a quick read. The book is geared more towards men than women, and offers Biblical advice on practicing purity. Randy Alcorn does a great job at taking out the "fluff" on the matter at hand and cuts to the chase. This approach really works, and I believe his message needs to be heard by the men of today's world. My one criticism is that towards the latter part of the book, Alcorn gets rather legalistic in his advice. Like anything someone says or writes, take it with a grain of salt, compare it to Scripture, and you'll set your self up for success.
June 28, 2012
Highly recommend to any man -- especially those who are married or in the ministry. Instructional and motivational -- this tiny book fits a spot that is missing on many bookshelves. There are plenty of books on purity for the unmarried and plenty of books on marriage, but this book is great for those who are already married but still wish to be challenged.
August 11, 2021
Great book for mature Christian guys who have either started slacking with purity or need to be reminded that victory is possible. I do wish that it was longer as I think some points could have been expanded on - and may possibly lead to the book feeling condemning to newer believers - but overall there is a ton of wisdom here!
August 16, 2024
This is a great book to read 1-2 times a year. It is a helpful reminder and helps you keep the mindset of purity. This is probably my 5th time reading it and it helps me every time.
October 2, 2025
Alcorn does a magnificent job at explaining all the layers that are a part of sexual purity as a Christian! He gave many examples of what that could look like, how to prevent it, and how to stop it when currently happening. I think this is a topic not talked about as much as it should be in this context, and I believe that God has so much more for us to experience in this life than sexually impure things. Alcorn really drives home that God is disgusted by these things, and so should we be. A quick and easy read that is extremely important for all Christians!
September 1, 2021
Great book on purity without sugar-coating God's holiness and the truth of the gospel!
My then fiancé (now husband) and I read it during our engagement it has truly made us set up the standard on our values and have given us the courage and right perspective for us to give up some of our favorite shows and movies for the sake of not giving into this sexually-saturated world and culture!
Praise God for truth and Bible-based books like this!
My then fiancé (now husband) and I read it during our engagement it has truly made us set up the standard on our values and have given us the courage and right perspective for us to give up some of our favorite shows and movies for the sake of not giving into this sexually-saturated world and culture!
Praise God for truth and Bible-based books like this!
February 23, 2023
it’s a quick book that contains some truth, but PLEASE use your discernment if you decide to read it. i felt like for a book on purity it was quite graphic and felt like it had the feel of a youth group purity talk. the main message was “don’t have sex or look at porn because God said so” without giving much truth of the gospel or hope for people who have fallen into sexual sin. also he cites 🚩🚨joshua harris🚨🚩who is PROBLEMATIC. there were a few one liners that were good that kept me from giving it a one star, but overall i think there are better books to read on this topic.
November 21, 2021
Very good, doesn’t punch as hard as Owens mortification, would recommend reading both
January 21, 2022
Wow, at first I wasn’t too sure what to think of this book but it was amazing. I will be asking myself “how radical will I get for God?” In my personal walk with him and in purity. Highly recommend.
May 4, 2023
Required reading for class. It was helpful and practical guidelines for those struggling, but it misses the heart of the problem and focuses on changing behaviors rather than the heart.
January 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! He’s straight to the point and says it as it is! Some don’t like that, but sometimes that’s what we need to hear! Highly recommend!
April 15, 2024
A bit dated but the message still stands. Good book and good reminder to keep this part of my life rooted in God.
Read
April 21, 2024“Many people are searching for Gods will- but many of those same people don’t bother to live by what scripture says is gods will. What’s the point of seeking Gods will in less important things if you’re ignoring what he’s already told you.”
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil (proverbs 8:13). When we’re being entertained by evil, how can we hate it?”
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil (proverbs 8:13). When we’re being entertained by evil, how can we hate it?”
April 2, 2025
Great book! Anyone struggling with sexual sin should read this. If you aren't still read it so that you can disciple others in this area of life.
May 25, 2023
Review coming soon ...
November 11, 2020
El libro es pequeño, pero matón. 😃 Lo recomiendo a cualquier cristiano ya que todos, en algún momento de nuestra vida, batallaremos con la pureza sexual.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews