Today, we’ll be looking at 2 Corinthians 7:1. It’s just one verse, and here’s why you should pay attention to it: this is a command from our Commander.
Some Scripture passages are really theological and are more about what to believe than how to act. But this one isn’t like that. It gives us something very clear to do.
The Motivation: God’s Promises
Before getting into what we’re supposed to do, we need to know the motivation. This comes from the first part of 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Since we have these promises, beloved …
What promises is the apostle Paul talking about? God promised to dwell among us, walk with us, be our God, welcome us and be our Father (2 Corinthians 6:16-18). In other words, we as Christians are one day going to live together with God as His children and people.
These promises are as sure as fact. But sometimes they just seem remote and difficult to connect with.
If that’s the case, imagine someone important is coming over to your house in 15 minutes. What would you do right now to prepare? You’d probably start cleaning up. You’d clean the house, take out the trash and make sure you’re presentable.
It’s the same with these promises from God. He is going to be with us, and He wants us to act on that fact right now.
The Action: Cleanse Yourself
What are we supposed to do in light of God’s promises? Verse 1b:
… let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit …
If someone was coming over to your house, you’d clean up the appearance of things. With God’s promises, though, He wants us to clean up the essence of things. He wants us to have clean bodies and spirits.
How do we do this? How do we clean ourselves to get ready for God to dwell with us? Here’s the answer from 1 John 1:9:
If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
It’s pretty simple. If you’re a Christian, ask God to search your heart and convict you of sin. Then confess that sin to Him and those you wronged, asking for forgiveness. And in Christ, we are promised to be cleansed and made right.
The entire Christian life is based on repentance. We’re constantly being cleansed so that we can be ready to dwell with God. It’s an everyday activity, “bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (v. 1c).
When you first receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are made holy (positional sanctification). But practically, you still have to undergo a lifetime process of being cleansed of sin (progressive sanctification).
To wrap things up . . .
If you’re a Christian and feeling convicted of sin, don’t just go on to something else after reading this. Don’t try to put off this conviction. And don’t try to justify it.
God loves you like a father loves his child. He wants to cleanse you. Confess your sin to Him and He will forgive you and help you change.
Devotional streamed on Facebook Live – Thursday, Apr. 16 @ 3:00 PM
