2 Corinthians 7:1

These promises. That is, the promises of chapter 6:17, 18 (cf. 2 Peter 1:4). 2 Corinthians 7:1 concludes the sequence of thought begun in chapter 6:14. Because of these great promises the Corinthians should strive for perfection of character. These glorious privileges are forfeited when unholiness and impurity are permitted to enter the life, for such things disqualify men from being sons of God. To enter into such an intimate relationship with God, believers must experience both the continual cleansing power of God and continual growth in Christian character. Fellowship with the world belongs only to those who are estranged from God.

Dearly beloved. Men are to reflect the loving character of God in relations with other children of the household of faith. True religion always stimulates tenderness of heart.

Cleanse ourselves. Men are unable to cleanse themselves, for there is no power inherent in man to put away sin (Romans 7:22-24). The believer can be made holy only by letting God work in and through him (Philippians 2:12, 13; cf. 1 Peter 1:22). The Christian must make use of God’s appointed means for cleansing. God awakens the will in order that men may use it. The armor of Christ is available for all Christians, but theirs is the responsibility for putting it on (Ephesians 6:10, 11). God’s power and grace are ineffective in one who has an altogether passive mind and will. God is with the one who fights “the good fight of faith,” and will bring him victory (1 Timothy 6:12; see on Romans 8:37).

Filthiness. Or, “pollution,” “contamination,” “defilement.” As this admonition applies to the flesh, it refers to all those kinds of sin that require the various avenues of the flesh for their commission. As it applies to the spirit, it refers to sins of the mind, such as evil thinking, pride, and ambition. See on Mark 7:15, 23; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.

Perfecting. Greek epiteled, “to bring to a consummation,” “to bring to a goal.” Paul here speaks of present growth, which will eventually reach its goal.

Holiness. See on Matthew 5:48; 2 Peter 3:18. Sanctification is a lifetime work, something not accomplished by any single act or at any point of time in this life. Two stages of the Christian life are indicated. The first is justification, or the cleansing and putting on of the new man “created in … holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). The second is sanctification, or the continued development of the new man to the point of perfection. The first, God alone can bring about, with man’s consent, repentance, and acceptance. With the second, God and man cooperate together throughout the lifetime of the believer (Philippians 3:12-14).

Justification is the gateway to holiness. It includes the remission of sin, reconciliation, and regeneration. A man must be set right before he can go right. In justification the primary requirement of the believer is faith (Romans 3:20, 28). This experience occurs at the very threshold of the Christian life, and must be repeated in case of backsliding. The moment a man becomes a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and spiritual life is implanted within him (Romans 6:4), he is obligated to work in active cooperation with God. The Christian is to cooperate with God by availing himself of the divine resources of grace and power — Bible study and meditation, personal and private prayer, private and public worship, and spiritual exercise through the medium of service for others. The body is linked with the spirit in the work of sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:8; Colossians 1:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). See on Romans 3:28; 4:3, 8.

Cooperation with God in the work of sanctification requires unquestioned acceptance of God’s standard of holiness. The original standard is the nature and character of God (Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15; Revelation 4:8). That man may understand something of His holy character, God has given us His holy law, which is a transcript of His character (Psalm 19:7-10; Romans 7:12) and delineates the kind of character He would have us develop. As the life is measured day by day by this divine standard, the grace and power of God transform the character of man to resemble His perfect character (see on 2 Corinthians 3:18). Thus the image of the Creator, lost when man sinned, is to be restored (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The achievement of a Christlike character is a lifelong pursuit. Only when probation closes will the Christian who has conscientiously and consistently aspired to holiness “be holy still” (Revelation 22:11, 12). Many professed Christians come far short of holiness and true sanctification because they ignore or lightly esteem God’s standard of holiness. They are satisfied with a mediocre and halfhearted obedience, and aspire only to the form of godliness, without its power (see on Matthew 7:21-27; 2 Timothy 3:5).

The holiness of which Paul speaks comes only through vital, spiritual contact with God. This contact takes place through communion with God and a study of His Word (John 17:17; 1 Peter 1:22), and by the mediation of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

The fear of God. See on Psalm 19:9. True sanctification takes place in the life of the believer who is ever conscious of being in the presence of God. A holy reverence for God is essential to the perfection of holiness. A consciousness of the divine presence leads to true reverence. As the eye of faith beholds God there is cultivated in the soul an intense hatred of sin and an earnest desire for righteousness. To fear the Lord means to live every moment under the paternal eye of a holy God. The fear of the Lord is the basis of worship, obedience, and holy service.