What does "perfecting holiness" mean in 2 Corinthians 7:1? Text of 2 Corinthians 7:1 “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.” Immediate Literary Context Paul has just quoted a chain of covenant promises (6:16–18) in which God pledges to dwell among His people and be their Father. On that basis—the “therefore”—believers are called to separate from pagan idolatry and moral compromise (6:14–17). The command to “perfect holiness” is the practical outworking of those divine promises. Theological Framework of Holiness Scripture presents holiness in three tenses: 1. Positional—believers are already “sanctified” in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2). 2. Progressive—the Spirit incrementally transforms character (1 Thessalonians 4:3). 3. Glorification—the final, sinless state at Christ’s return (1 John 3:2). “Perfecting holiness” refers to the progressive phase, grounded in our positional status and anticipating final glorification. Old Testament Roots and Covenant Echoes The call echoes Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy, because I am holy,” and the tabernacle injunction to keep camp undefiled (Numbers 5:2–4). The Septuagint uses ἁγιωσύνη in Exodus 15:11 and 1 Chronicles 16:29 to describe God’s own holiness, underscoring that the believer’s holiness is a participation in God’s character. Holiness and the Indwelling God Because God now “walks among” His people (2 Corinthians 6:16; cf. Ezekiel 37:27), the community becomes His living temple. Temple language always entails purity regulations (2 Chronicles 29:5–6). Thus moral and spiritual cleansing are not legalistic self-help but temple maintenance in honor of the resident Deity. Body and Spirit: Comprehensive Purity Paul deliberately includes σαρκός (“body”) and πνεύματος (“spirit”) to negate any dualism. Physical practices—sexual ethics, stewardship of the body—matter as much as internal attitudes. Corinth’s culture, dominated by the Temple of Aphrodite and its cult prostitution (confirmed by Pausanias and archaeological remains atop Acrocorinth), made this admonition urgent. Fear of God as Motivating Dynamic “Fear” (φόβου) is reverent awe, not cringing terror. It recognizes God’s majesty and coming judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10–11). Proverbs 1:7 ties such fear to wisdom; here it fuels disciplined pursuit, anchoring holiness in worship rather than self-righteousness. Means of Perfecting Holiness Scripture names several Spirit-empowered means: • The Word (John 17:17; Psalm 119:9). Regular intake rewires thought patterns (modern neuroplasticity studies illustrate how disciplined meditation reshapes neural pathways, aligning with Romans 12:2). • Prayer and confession (James 5:16). • Corporate fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Sacramental remembrance—baptism signifies death to sin; the Lord’s Table renews covenant loyalty (1 Corinthians 11:28). • Active mortification and vivification (Colossians 3:5–14)—putting off old behaviors, putting on Christlike virtues. Corporate Dimension The verbs are plural. A church tolerating open sin impedes communal holiness (1 Corinthians 5). Discipline, instruction, and mutual edification perfect holiness together, displaying God’s character to a watching world (Deuteronomy 4:6-8; Matthew 5:16). Eschatological Perspective Perfecting holiness is motivated by the impending consummation: “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come” (Revelation 19:7). Present discipline anticipates that day when “holiness to the LORD” will be inscribed even on common items (Zechariah 14:20). Holiness and Missional Impact A consecrated life corroborates the gospel before skeptics (1 Peter 2:12). Sociological studies (e.g., Baylor Religion Surveys) show that communities marked by integrity and self-giving service exert measurable positive influence on social health, aligning with Titus 2:10, “so that in every way they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Common Objections Answered • “Holiness is impossible.” 2 Peter 1:3 counters: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.” • “Grace makes effort unnecessary.” Paul insists the opposite (1 Corinthians 15:10); grace empowers effort. • “Only inner motives matter.” Scripture links holiness to external conduct (1 Thessalonians 4:4) and internal purity (Matthew 5:8). Concise Definition To “perfect holiness” in 2 Corinthians 7:1 is to pursue, by God-given means and in reverent awe, the continuous, comprehensive completion of our consecration—body and spirit—so that God’s indwelling presence is honored, His promises are embraced, and His character is displayed until the day we stand flawless before Him. |
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