Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 2 Corinthians 7:1-4

 As we continue Pauls theme about being the Temple of God and being Born Again, notice Paul’s instructions here “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit”. Now if Paul taught this in most “Churches” today, he would be thrown out. The question is How do we cleanse ourselves of our sins? And why do we cleanse ourselves of our sins?

The Bible says “The Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding” (Proverbs 9:10) The problem with most of the world is there is no fear of God, people live in sin with no remorse, people curse the name of our Lord with no regard, however one day everyone will stand face to face with Jesus Christ and give an account for their life, are you ready? Jesus said “Don’t fear the one who can kill the body, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in Hell” (Matthew 10:28)

Notice what the Apostle Paul says “Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God” If we love God, why wouldn’t we strive to please him? Many people will justify their sin by saying “Jesus loves me”, and yes Christ does love us, however the real question is “Do you Love Jesus”? Do you have any fear or reverence for The Lord? As Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) 

So back to the original question “How do we cleanse ourselves from our sins”? The Bible says “The blood of Jesus Christ  His Son cleanses us from all our sins” (1 John 1:7) It’s only by the blood of Jesus we can be cleansed, so we need to be Born Again in Christ to be saved!  As Paul goes on to say “Receive Us, we have wronged no man” As Christians we are to strive to live a Holy life filled with the Holy Spirit, the idea of a carnal Church is a fake Church with no fear of God

Can Paul say this about your Church? “Great is my boldness or confidence of speech towards you” Paul was confident that the Church of Corinth at this point was living for Jesus Christ as their Lord led by the Holy Spirit. Can others say the same about you? Do you have the fear of God in your life?  Amen!