Why does Paul tell believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit in 2 Corinthians 7:1?
Paul grounds the call in God's promises: because believers, by saving grace, separate from the ungodly world, God becomes their Father and calls them sons and daughters. Having these promises as members of Christ's Body, they should cleanse themselves from flesh and spirit filthiness, growing in maturity and holiness in the fear of God.
Les explains that Paul’s appeal flows directly from the promises just stated in chapter 6. If, by God’s saving grace, believers separate themselves from the ungodly world around them, God will be a Father to them and call them sons and daughters. As members of the Body of Christ, having those promises, they are to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting or growing in maturity in holiness in the fear of God. The surrounding letter reflects Paul’s response to reports from Corinth and his defense against accusations, but the cleansing call itself is grounded in the believer’s promised relationship with God and the resulting pursuit of holiness.
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.
More Questions
What does "perfecting holiness" mean in 2 Corinthians 7:1?
The word "perfecting" in 2 Corinthians 7:1 means growing in maturity, so the verse is about cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and growing in holiness in the fear of God.
What promises is Paul talking about in 2 Corinthians 7:1 when he says 'having therefore these promises'?
The promises Paul refers to in 2 Corinthians 7:1 are the ones he just stated at the end of chapter 6: that if we have the wherewithal, as a result of God's saving grace, to separate ourselves from the ungodly world around us, then God will be a Father unto us.