2 Corinthians 7:1

2 Corinthians 7:1. Having therefore these promises Literally, promises such as these (soche promeses, Tyndale and Cranmer), i.e. those that have just been mentioned.

let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness Rather, defilement (see last note but two), sin taking the place of -the unclean thing" under the law. For what is meant by defilement in the case of a Christian, see Matthew 15:18-20; Mark 7:20-23, where, however, the word translated -defile" means to make common, i.e. to reduce to the same condition as the rest of mankind. Here it is the stainof sin which is the predominant idea.

of the flesh and spirit i.e. inward as well as outward. See 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 12:34-35. The outward defilement is caused by sins of the flesh, or bodily part of man, the inward by those of the spirit, such as pride, unbelief, and the like.

perfecting holiness in the fear of God Perfection, and nothing less, is to be the aim of the Christian. Cf. Matthew 5:48; Romans 12:2; Colossians 1:22; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 4:12. With this view he is to cleanse himself daily by sincere repentance from every defilement of sin, and to watch that he offend not in like kind again. Cf. also 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 3:15. The fear of offending God (cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 5:11) is a very necessary element in the process of sanctification. "We cannot do without awe: there is no depth of character without it. Tender motives are not enough to restrain from sin." Robertson.