Peter writes, "For as long as I can remember, I have been addicted to pornography, self-gratification, and lusting after women. In the world, I thought nothing of it as it seemed to be the norm. But there came a time in my life when I experienced a life-threatening health issue, and I prayed for the first time in many years with my brother-in-law and experienced this overwhelming peace. God healed me, and I pursued a relationship with Him.
I became a faithful follower of Jesus for a few years, and it seemed my urges for impurity were tamed. But eventually, my walk weakened, as did my resolve not to live in immorality. It was not long after that I was right back in the mire of impurity.
By that point, I was in my 3rd marriage and headed for a 3rd divorce. Five years into my marriage, one week shy of my 57th birthday, I finally surrendered to Jesus as Lord of my life and was baptized. And yes, a great transformation took place in my heart as well as in my marriage.
However, I soon realized I had not surrendered everything to Jesus. For in just a few years after my baptism, I returned to my old wicked ways of watching pornography, self-gratifying and lusting after other women. I was disgusted with myself, ashamed, and full of guilt, but I realize now it was all just worldly sorrow for it had no lasting impact on my sinful behavior.
I took three successive purity courses which ultimately proved futile for I was still hiding my sin in the dark. Approximately six months after my last course, I was back in my sinful state. My wife caught me in it; she was crushed, angry, hurt, and betrayed. I confessed everything and went looking for help. I was led to join a new purity group which used Setting Captives Free's materials, and for the first time in my life of 68 years, I truly saw my Savior and all He did for me on the cross.
My journey through the Purity course has not been without stumbles, for it took time for me to experience the power of the cross fully. I had to learn to daily come to the foot of the cross and wash with the word of God so that I could experience the transformation of my heart and life that I needed and wanted.
Now, after 60 lessons, I yearn for my time with my Savior and the Father. My heart has been stirred far beyond expectation. I have witnessed the power of the cross in my battle with impurity. I have finally surrendered that which I previously thought could not be conquered.
I finally see and understand with my entire being what was done for me on Golgotha. All my sin, all my shame, all my guilt, all the accusations against me have been nailed to the cross and taken to the grave. I have been truly buried with Christ and have risen a new creation. I now know with not just my mind, but with my whole being, that the war has been won on the cross. Satan has been defeated, and death has been conquered.
I rejoice in being in union with my Redeemer. I rejoice because I am loved and forgiven, even though I am not worthy. I have been set free from the power of sexual sin.
When I dwell on the cross and my Savior, one of my favorite songs comes to mind "Living He loved me, dying He saved me, Buried, He carried my sins far away. Rising he justified, reigning forever. One day He's coming. Oh, glorious day." I am forever changed; I am forever grateful, and I am forever His.
This course is essential to those who are hopelessly ensnared in sexual impurity. I feel that this course excels at re-acquainting the hearer with the only source in which we can find hope: Christ Jesus, our only true hope, our Redeemer, our Savior."