Securing God's Promises

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

...come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14)

And be not conformed to this world (Romans 12:2)

To have God's promises in Christ is to have them securely. Christians, though, must participate by obeying God's commands to set aside every disobedience "in the reverence of the Lord." The commandment to come out from among them and be separate ( is coupled with a promise: I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18). God is the one who sanctifies a believer, setting them apart as His own for His purposes. This transformation begins for all who approach Him in faith through Christ, as He initiates the process of renewing them in the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Dealing with our pride, legalism, self-focus, self-righteousness, bitterness, and hatred can be more challenging than addressing the more apparent sins of the flesh.

Our duty is not just to purify ourselves from physical impurities and eliminate worldly desires that disrespect our Lord, but to strive for holiness, as God is holy. We should aim to be righteous in our thoughts and speech, as well as in our actions and intentions. We must love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and we should love one another as Christ loved us, sacrificing Himself for us.