2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Having {G2192} therefore {G3767} these {G5025} promises {G1860}, dearly beloved {G27}, let us cleanse {G2511} ourselves {G1438} from {G575} all {G3956} filthiness {G3436} of the flesh {G4561} and {G2532} spirit {G4151}, perfecting {G2005} holiness {G42} in {G1722} the fear {G5401} of God {G2316}.

Therefore, my dear friends, since we have these promises, let us purify ourselves from everything that can defile either body or spirit, and strive to be completely holy, out of reverence for God.

Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 is a powerful call to believers to live out the implications of God's covenant promises, urging them towards a life of increasing purity and devotion. Paul, addressing the Corinthian believers as "dearly beloved," emphasizes that God's incredible grace demands a corresponding response of holiness from His people.

Context

This verse serves as the conclusion to Paul's extensive exhortation in 2 Corinthians 6. In the preceding verses, Paul passionately pleads with the Corinthian believers to separate themselves from idolatry and unholy alliances, asking, "what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). The phrase "these promises" refers directly to the glorious assurances given by God in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18: that God will dwell in them, walk among them, be their God, and they shall be His sons and daughters. Having received such magnificent pledges from the Lord, Paul argues, believers are called to respond with a life reflecting His holiness and character.

Key Themes

  • Divine Promises as Motivation: The foundation for Christian living is not legalism but the incredible grace and promises of God. Our response to His faithfulness should be a sincere desire for purity, acknowledging the privilege of being His children.
  • Holistic Purity: Paul emphasizes cleansing from "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." This highlights that sin is not only about outward actions (fleshly defilement like immorality, idolatry, or worldly practices) but also inner attitudes, thoughts, and motivations (spiritual defilement like pride, envy, bitterness, or ungodly thinking). True sanctification encompasses both the external and internal aspects of a person.
  • Progressive Holiness: The phrase "perfecting holiness" indicates an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It's a continuous journey of growth, maturity, and dedication to God, driven by the Holy Spirit and personal discipline. It signifies moving towards spiritual completeness and Christlikeness throughout a believer's life.
  • The Fear of God: This refers to a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's character, power, and holiness. It is not a slavish fear but a loving, obedient awe that motivates believers to live in a way that honors Him and avoids displeasing Him. As Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

Linguistic Insights

The word "filthiness" (Greek: molysmos) denotes defilement or pollution, indicating that sin makes one unclean in God's sight, whether through physical acts or internal corruption. The term "perfecting" (Greek: epitelountes) suggests bringing to completion or carrying through to the end. It implies a continuous effort and progression towards a goal, emphasizing the active role believers play in their sanctification journey, empowered by God's grace.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers today to a radical commitment to purity in every area of life. It challenges us to examine both our visible actions and our hidden thoughts and intentions. Are there areas of our lives—whether in our habits, media consumption, relationships, or thought patterns—that defile us or hinder our spiritual growth and intimacy with God? Understanding God's immense love and His desire for intimate fellowship with us (as expressed in His promises) should be the driving force behind our pursuit of holiness, not a burdensome duty. Living in the "fear of God" means acknowledging His sovereignty and majesty, leading to a joyful obedience and a desire to please Him above all else, thereby growing in Christian purity and dedication.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:7

    For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

  • 1 Peter 2:11

    Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

  • Proverbs 8:13

    The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

  • James 4:8

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

  • Psalms 51:10

    Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

  • 1 John 3:3

    And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

  • Ezekiel 36:25

    ¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
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