“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
II Corinthians 7:1 KJV
What promises is Paul referring to? Let’s look at the last three verses from the previous chapter (II Corinthians 6:16-18).
God promises to dwell in us, to walk in us, to be our God, and to make us His people. “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
If we receive Him into our hearts and lives then God requires us to separate ourselves from the ungodly and not to involve ourselves with anything sinful. Then He will receive us.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (II Corinthians 6:17)
If we obey God in that way, then He promises to be “a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (II Corinthians 6:18)
How wonderful is that – for God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, to choose you; to abide in your heart and life and to make you His child, precious and loved, bound for an eternity with Christ. Let’s separate ourselves from the things of the world and touch not the unclean thing.
To benefit from these promises, we need to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
What is the difference between sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit? Sins of the flesh consist mainly of ungodly actions, such as kidnapping, murder, assault, bullying, extra marital affairs, abuse, homosexuality, etc.; whereas sins of the spirit involve wrongful attitudes, such as pride, anger, a vengeful spirit, unthankfulness, bitterness, greed, or envy. Disobeying God in any way is filthiness in the eyes of our Savior.
With the promises that God has given us, He reminds us to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” For that is the only way that we can be holy. And God expects us to be holy.
He says in I Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”