“Therefore, beloved, having these promises, let us purify ourselves from all uncleanness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” 2 Corinthians 7:1.
This is a verse that calls us to be proactive in our fight against sin.
Paul exhorts us to cleanse ourselves, not only from all contamination of the flesh, but also from all uncleanness of the spirit, since we not only fight against the world and the evil one, but also with the very presence of sin in us, and against the arguments that are they rise up in our own hearts against the knowledge of God, just as the apostle Paul affirms in this same letter (2 Cor. 10:5).
The filth of the flesh and of the spirit affect us functionally and spiritually. It is a struggle of values and affections in our hearts, which cools our devotion and communion with God.
In the fear of God we cooperate with the Spirit, who is always at work in us, helping us to practice a self-discipline that He has promised will perfect and complete His work in us.
I think that until then we will all agree with this. However, we must not overlook a very important element, and that is that the apostle makes this call to us based on something else. The verse begins with an expression that connects us with everything he has been talking about before: “Therefore.”
It is true that we are called to live missionally in our communities, being instruments of reconciliation and restoration in the midst of brokenness, with grace and truth, in humility, serving our neighbor. However, chapter 6 reminds us that we must also do it aware that we are the temple of the living God, and in the tension of doing so and without having communion with darkness.
But additionally, the “Therefore” in 7:1 also connects us with the promises described in the previous chapter: “I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” ( 2 Cor 6:18).
This is the transforming truth that makes it possible to continue our battle with faith and joy, knowing the Father’s commitment and pleasure, regardless of our performance. And all thanks to the precious exchange of our guilt for the perfect justice of Jesus Christ, credited to our account. This promise is a fundamental truth of our life: that we are beloved children of God.
What great news for you and me! Thanks to the work of Christ on the cross of Calvary in our place, we can be sure of this work in our favor. We know that Jesus himself is the fulfilled promise of the Father, as expressed by the apostle Paul: “For as many as there are the promises of God, in Him they are all yes. Therefore also through Him, is our Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Cor. 1:20).
Think about this and find your joy and rest in Him.
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