“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
Based on the promises that God would receive them with favor (6:17) and provide for and protect them as a father does his children (6:18), Paul exhorted the Corinthians to purify themselves from all filthiness. The phrase “contaminates body and spirit” means that sins of thought, word, and deed contaminate body and soul. They were to wash away all dirt from both flesh and spirit, meaning those actions and attitudes that came from having the false teachers in their midst. Though a Christian is declared clean by Christ’s righteous sacrifice, repentance and forgiveness remain daily activities of a Christian life.
Our faith calls us to break from those things that would compromise our life with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus is intimate because we, as believers, are “the temple of the living God”. The good news is that God’s promises are sure even when we are unfaithful, since God calls us to claim the promises of His gracious presence again and again through repentance and forgiveness. Let’s dedicate ourselves anew each day to Christ and living righteously.
God’s blessings on your day…