2 Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Having received Jesus Christ by faith that brings about salvation where we experienced regeneration, and redemption, and justification, and adoption, our salvation now calls for sanctification. With the penalty of sin taken care of, we need to realize the power of sin is broken and we are to no longer obey any temptation. Our new pursuit is a life of holiness. To be sanctified is to be set apart from sin to live holy, righteous lives.
Our verse calls for us to cleanse ourselves. We don’t clean up to get saved, we clean up because we are saved.
Our new relationship brings about a new reverence for God. He has set standards for us. From Colossians 3 we are to put to death certain actions as well as put off certain behaviors. But not just put off things, we are to put on a whole new set of behaviors. And by walking in the Spirit we make changes.
We must not miss the “Let us” of this verse. We have a responsibility to cooperate with the Spirit of God to clean up our lives.
A tip for spiritual cleaning: Start with Psalm 139:23-24 asking God to examine you and see if there is any wicked ways (filthiness) in you. As He points the sins out confess them (I John 1:9).
Continue Strong in Pursuit Holiness,
And remember to DATE the Word