2 Corinthians 7:1
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Notice how Paul doesn't just say "let's be holy." He urges us to actively cleanse ourselves from every defilement, a process that's ongoing until holiness is finished or perfected. This means our spiritual journey isn't about reaching a static state, but a continuous, active pursuit of God's character in everything we do.
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up a section where he's passionately defended his apostleship and urged the Corinthians to embrace the reconciliation God offers through Christ. He's just spoken about the incredible promises of being God's children, and now he's calling them to live out that new identity by actively pursuing purity and holiness, living in a way that honors God. This isn't just a gentle suggestion; it's a direct exhortation flowing from the amazing grace they've received.
Paul starts this verse by reminding the Corinthians about 'these promises.' What promises are we talking about, and how do they fuel our desire to be holy?
The Power of the Promise
The incredible promises of God found in the preceding chapter (2 Corinthians 6:16-18) are the bedrock of this exhortation. God declared, 'I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,' and 'I will be their God, and they shall be my people.'
These aren't just distant statements; they are profound invitations into intimacy with the Creator of the universe. Because God has promised to dwell with us, to walk with us, and to be our God, we are powerfully motivated to live lives worthy of that relationship. Our cleansing isn't born out of obligation, but out of a deep, joyful response to God's amazing faithfulness and the incredible privilege of His presence.
Paul calls us to 'cleanse ourselves' and 'bringing holiness to completion.' What does it mean to actively pursue holiness in both our bodies and our spirits?
The Active Pursuit of Purity
This isn't a passive waiting game! Paul uses active verbs: 'let us cleanse' and 'bringing... to completion.'
Body and Spirit
Ask a follow-up
Completing Holiness
Holiness isn't a one-time event; it's a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. We are already 'made holy' in Christ, but Paul urges us to complete that process. This means consistently choosing God's way, actively resisting temptation, and growing in Christ-likeness day by day, moment by moment.
The verse concludes with 'in the fear of God.' Is this about being terrified, or something deeper? How does this 'fear' guide our pursuit of holiness?
Reverent Awe as a Guide
The 'fear of God' here isn't about cowering in terror. It's a profound reverence, a deep awe, and a healthy respect for God's holiness, His power, and His love. It’s recognizing who He is and our position before Him.
Why it Matters
This reverent awe is the engine driving our desire to please Him and avoid offending Him. When we truly grasp the majesty of God and His loving pursuit of us, we naturally want to live in a way that honors Him. This 'fear' keeps our pursuit of holiness grounded. It prevents us from becoming self-righteous or arrogant, reminding us that our cleansing and completeness are gifts empowered by Him, done in submission to His sovereign will.
Understand the original words
epaggelia · Greek Noun
Refers to the assurances God has given to His people, typically concerning His presence, salvation, provision, and covenant faithfulness. They are the grounds upon which believers are called to live holy lives.
agapetos · Greek Adjective
A term of endearment used by believers to address one another, highlighting their shared identity as those loved by God and consequently called to love one another.
katharizo · Greek Verb
The process of removing moral or ritual impurity. It signifies the ongoing work of sanctification where a believer seeks to be set apart from sin to be fit for God’s service.
molysmos · Greek Noun
Refers to moral impurity or pollution that corrupts one’s character or standing before God. It implies something that stains or desecrates the soul or body.
hagiosyne · Greek Noun
The state of being set apart for God's use. It involves the progressive process of being made more like Christ in character and conduct.
phobos · Greek Noun
The reverential awe, respect, and submission toward God. It is the appropriate response of a creature to the Creator, acknowledging His power, holiness, and sovereignty.
This passage echoes Paul's call for holiness by directly quoting Leviticus, emphasizing that because God is holy, His people must also be holy in all their conduct.
Romans 6:12-13Here, Paul urges believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies, but rather to present their bodies as instruments of righteousness, aligning with the idea of cleansing from defilement.
Ephesians 5:25-27This passage describes Christ cleansing the church, presenting it blameless and holy, which provides the ultimate theological foundation for why we can and should cleanse ourselves.
1 John 1:9This verse offers the practical means for cleansing, stating that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, enabling our pursuit of holiness.
Notice how Paul doesn't just say "let's be holy." He urges us to actively cleanse ourselves from every defilement, a process that's ongoing until holiness is finished or perfected. This means our spiritual journey isn't about reaching a static state, but a continuous, active pursuit of God's character in everything we do.
Paul is wrapping up a section where he's passionately defended his apostleship and urged the Corinthians to embrace the reconciliation God offers through Christ. He's just spoken about the incredible promises of being God's children, and now he's calling them to live out that new identity by actively pursuing purity and holiness, living in a way that honors God. This isn't just a gentle suggestion; it's a direct exhortation flowing from the amazing grace they've received.
Paul is wrapping up a section where he's passionately defended his apostleship and urged the Corinthians to embrace the reconciliation God offers through Christ. He's just spoken about the incredible promises of being God's children, and now he's calling them to live out that new identity by actively pursuing purity and holiness, living in a way that honors God. This isn't just a gentle suggestion; it's a direct exhortation flowing from the amazing grace they've received.
"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." — Notice how Paul doesn't just say "let's be holy." He urges us to actively cleanse ourselves from every defilement, a process that's ongoing until holiness is finished or perfected. This means o…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
