by[1] “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 (NIV)
The subject of holiness and righteousness seem confusing to many. Some people say Christians are righteous and holy, while others debunk Christians being holy. Well, yes, no scripture says a child of God is not righteous. Even in 2 Corinthians 5:21, God’s Word says that we (believers in Christ) are the righteousness of God. But what about holiness? In Hebrews 10:10 (NIV), the Bible says,
“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
From this verse, it is pretty clear that holiness in Christ is not a thing to be worked for. It has been attained by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus on the cross. However, there is another thing to consider regarding this ‘holiness’ doctrine. That is, how to perfect holiness out of reverence to God. Did you ever know it’s in the Bible? If not, I’m glad to tell you it is, in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
The Bible says that even though God has made you holy, you have work to do to perfect it. That comes with the purification of yourself from everything that contaminates your body and spirit. But you may ask, what are some of these things? For your body, it’s evil things of this world. I’m talking about the sinful works of the physical flesh, and a host of them are enlisted in Galatians 5:19-21. But what of spirit contamination? That has to do with spiritual things that grieve the Holy Spirit in you and also grant demons access to manipulate your life. One of them is sexual immorality. Anytime you have sex with someone who’s not your marital partner, you contaminate your spirit because of the filthy intimate connection you form with that sexual partner. That is why the Bible says the one who sleeps with a harlot is one with her (see 1 Corinthians 6:16).
Don’t profess yourself as a Christian and hide in your sins in the name of “God has made me holy.” No! That is not good or will ever be. Do not practice or seek for divination. Neither should you intentionally engage your life with worldly things. Guard your eyes and heart from seeing and consuming obscene things, primarily online. Put aside anything that dampens your spirit and be conscious of living to please God.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making me holy. Help me to perfect it by purifying my body and spirit out of reverence for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 008
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