2 Corinthians 7:1
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Notice how Paul doesn't just tell us to stop doing bad things, but to actively cleanse ourselves and bring holiness to completion. It's a dynamic, ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, fueled by our amazing promises from God and lived out in deep respect for Him.
Paul has just reminded the Corinthians of all the incredible promises God has made to believers, like being God's own children and receiving His indwelling presence. Because of these amazing truths, he urges them to live in a way that reflects their new identity, actively purifying themselves from anything that separates them from God and striving for complete holiness out of reverence for Him. This call to action is a direct result of the hope and security they find in Christ.
Paul just laid out some incredible, life-changing promises in the previous chapter. How do those promises relate to our daily choices to live holy lives?
The Power of the 'Because'
Paul kicks this verse off with a powerful little word: 'Since'. This isn't just a casual transition; it's theological dynamite!
Paul calls us to 'completion' in holiness. Does this mean perfection is required before we can truly be holy?
The Journey to Fullness
The call to 'completion' or 'perfection' in holiness might sound intimidating, but it points to a process, not an instant achievement.
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
This passage echoes the call to cleansing, emphasizing that confession and faithfulness lead to purification, tying directly into the promises believers have in Christ.
Romans 12:1-2Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and not conform to the world, which connects to the idea of cleansing from defilement and presenting ourselves holy to God.
Philippians 2:12-13This passage speaks about working out our salvation with fear and trembling, highlighting God's active role in empowering us to live out our faith, mirroring the concept of bringing holiness to completion.
Hebrews 12:14The call to 'strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord' directly reinforces the imperative to pursue holiness mentioned in 2 Corinthians.
Notice how Paul doesn't just tell us to stop doing bad things, but to actively cleanse ourselves and bring holiness to completion. It's a dynamic, ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, fueled by our amazing promises from God and lived out in deep respect for Him.
Paul has just reminded the Corinthians of all the incredible promises God has made to believers, like being God's own children and receiving His indwelling presence. Because of these amazing truths, he urges them to live in a way that reflects their new identity, actively purifying themselves from anything that separates them from God and striving for complete holiness out of reverence for Him. This call to action is a direct result of the hope and security they find in Christ.
Paul has just reminded the Corinthians of all the incredible promises God has made to believers, like being God's own children and receiving His indwelling presence. Because of these amazing truths, he urges them to live in a way that reflects their new identity, actively purifying themselves from anything that separates them from God and striving for complete holiness out of reverence for Him. This call to action is a direct result of the hope and security they find in Christ.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Corinthians 7:1 is available in the Sola app.
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.
"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 tell us to stop doing bad things, but to actively cleanse ourselves and bring holiness to completion. It's a dynamic, ongoing process of becoming more like Christ,…
