Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

This verse alone makes a strong case for personal holiness. What are these promises? That He will be our God and He will be a father to us (2 Corinthians 6:17 and 18).

So what are these things that corrupt body and spirit? It is far too easy to become contaminated by the sin in the world. We all know it. Quite probably, Paul was referring to the sin of being unequally yoked as shown in the previous verses. This dabbling in sin has many applications in life.

Cleansing ourselves is the work of God by His grace alone. When we sin, our relationship with God suffers. Our challenge then – and has always been – to limit the influence others and the society has on us while still moving about in the world and influencing it.

This is one of those verses that it would be great to commit to memory because of its daily reach into our lives.

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1