OUT OF CONTEXT

The Word of God is often taken out of context by carnal believers, religious legalists, and those who deny the Lord altogether. In doing so, they distort the good news of Jesus Christ and pervert the message of the cross.

For example, the following passage has been used incorrectly in two distinct ways ... either to condone ungodly behavior or to heap legalism upon a believer. 

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:15-16

The liberal-minded carnal believer loves to quote 'to the pure all things are pure' in an effort to condone ungodly behavior. Although they profess to know the Lord, their actions and attitudes deny Him. They believe grace covers it all and that obedience is a 'null and void' concept that's no longer needed. 

Paul emphasizes that this theology is wrong ...

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:1-2 

Legalists, on the other hand, seek to place Christians under manufactured, self-imposed legal tenets ... seeking to create the aforementioned 'purity' through human effort (dietary laws, Jewish traditions, or more recent ... denominational demands). 

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9

Though we are positionally made pure by faith in Christ, we still wrestle against the fallen nature. The flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh.

Spurgeon - There are none pure but those who are made so by a second creation. They must feel the power of the purifying Spirit of God creating them anew before they can be called pure at all. 

If you are reborn and Christ abides in you ... you are of the 'pure'. 

Unbelievers and religious reprobates who distort the gospel are defiled. Their mind has been corrupted and their conscience ... seared. But we who have been saved by grace through faith are set free to live in HIS purity. 

The righteousness of Jesus Christ has been applied to your account, pilgrim. Walk therein.