since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. [2 corinthians 7:1]
where ever there is a command in the scripture there is a truth that roots the glory, power, and motive in God and his work. otherwise, every command gets rooted in our glory, our power, and our work.
this is vital we learn to read the word from truth to commands. and, it is vital they are both united together.
commands without truth is legalism at its worse. it is working to make ourselves holy or self-righteousness through our work. it denies Christ is our only righteousness [2 cor 5:21] and it denies that we will forever need a savior who alone can make us holy by his work.
truth without commands is intellectual piety at its worse. [james 2:17] it makes our brain large and our heart small. it is learning to make ourselves holy or self-righteousness through our knowledge. it denies Christ is our only righteousness and it denies that knowing him only comes through his intimate knowledge and carrying of our sin to the cross.
truths of the scripture always embed us, anchor us into the redemptive work of God through Jesus. truths are true because of who God is and what he has accomplished in Christ.
for all the promises of God find their YES in him. that is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. [2 cor 1:20]
every promise of God finds their yes, their fulfillment, their coming to fruition in Jesus. (even the promises paul is referring to in 2 cor 7:1 – “since we have these promises”.) in the life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus every promise (every truth) God has ever uttered is made possible and fulfilled. every one!
“for truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” [matt 5:18]
so anchored into truth, the truth of Jesus’ work – we are called to live holy lives. from his work we live, we breath, we do. what does that mean for 2 corinthians 7:1. read it again … what are the truths?
since we have these promises – all the truths of God empowered by Jesus’ work.
in the fear of God – God is holy and alone worthy of worship as evidenced by Jesus’ work. who else could conquer death and hell – rising from the dead!
from these truths – we are commanded to cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit.
what thoughts or actions is God asking you to see as death – that only bring destruction to you and others – and defame his name?
what is God asking you to join him in “putting to death”?
what little god in your life is greater than holy God in your life right now?
how is God asking you to turn from this god and run to him?
today from the truth of Jesus’ work – that he lives in you, that he is empowering you, that he is transforming you, and that he alone is worthy to be GOD – pursue the holiness that God declares you already are!
for by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. [hebrews 10:14]
~ john ryan