How does 2 Corinthians 7:1 connect with Leviticus 11:44 on holiness? The Continuous Call to Holiness “Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” “For I am the LORD your God. Therefore consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves…” A Single, Unbroken Theme • God’s character is perfectly holy; His people are called to mirror that character in every era. • Leviticus issues the command; 2 Corinthians shows how believers live it out in Christ. • Old Covenant language of “do not defile” is echoed in Paul’s “cleanse ourselves from every defilement.” • Fear of God in 2 Corinthians equals reverent awe expressed through obedience, matching the “I am the LORD your God” motive of Leviticus. What Prompts Paul’s Exhortation? • 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 cites God’s promise to dwell among His people and be their Father. • Because God is present, purification becomes urgent—just as Israel purified itself for God’s presence in the camp (Leviticus 11-15). • The promises fuel the pursuit; holiness is not legalistic duty but grateful response. Holiness in Leviticus 11 • Context: dietary laws taught Israel daily separation from uncleanness. • Purpose: to showcase God’s distinctiveness among the nations (Leviticus 20:26). • Method: abstain from what defiles; actively consecrate oneself. • Motivation: “I am holy”—God’s nature is the standard. Holiness in 2 Corinthians 7 • Context: believers are God’s temple (6:16). • Purpose: display God’s purity in a pagan world (Philippians 2:15). • Method: – Ongoing cleansing (confession, repentance, avoidance of compromise). – Both “body and spirit”—external conduct and internal motives. • Motivation: “fear of God” joined to precious promises (6:17-18). One God, One Standard • 1 Peter 1:15-16 quotes Leviticus, affirming continuity: “Be holy, for I am holy.” • Hebrews 10:19-22 links cleansing by Christ’s blood with drawing near “with a sincere heart.” • Ephesians 1:4—God chose us “to be holy and blameless in His presence.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:7—“God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.” Practical Steps Toward “Perfecting Holiness” • Daily intake of Scripture renews the mind (Psalm 119:11). • Honest self-examination under the Spirit’s light (Psalm 139:23-24). • Swift repentance when defilement is uncovered (1 John 1:9). • Separation from partnerships that pull toward sin (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Active pursuit of Christlike virtues—love, purity, humility (Colossians 3:12-14). • Fellowship with believers who stir up holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement to Keep Going • Holiness is perfected “in” the fear of God—not by human grit alone but by reverent dependence on Him. • The same Lord who demanded holiness in Leviticus supplies grace through Christ to achieve it today (Titus 2:11-14). |
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