“Let us cleanse ourselves from all 1defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corin. 7:1) 1molusmos: Defilement is the corruption of morals, principles or character; impurity; pollution by sin.
Cleansing ourselves is not something we do by mere washing, but we must perfect holiness by being cleansed by the blood of Jesus… “…if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light… the BLOOD OF JESUS His Son CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN.” (1 John 1:7)
In the old testament the blood of sacrificed animals was used for ceremonial cleansing: “How much more, then, will THE BLOOD OF CHRIST…cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Heb. 9:14)
The blood of Jesus Christ not only redeems us, it justifies us. Being justified means more than being forgiven. We can say, “I forgive you,” but we can’t justify one another. God not only forgives the past, He clothes us in righteousness as though we had never committed a sin. Yet it cost the blood of His Son on the cross. This is how we perfect holiness in our lives…
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.” (John 16:33)
DO NOT CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF THIS WORLD BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. (Rom. 12:2)
-Bill Stockham