1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
perfecting holiness
“Holiness” is reverence toward God.
The idea of “perfecting” refers to maturity in the Christian life, or progressive sanctification that reaches a high level of spirituality. The root of “perfecting” carries the idea of to finish or conclude. The Christian life has the goal of maturity in Christ. The idea is to build an edification construct of the soul, which is when the believer reaches the stage of maturity in Christ.
in the fear [reverence] of God.
“Fear” carries the idea of awe, not fright. Awe of God is the fundamental way to grow in Christ. Note the word “in.” The idea is not “by” the fear of God. We grow as we possess reverence for God and His Word. Carnal Christians are devoid of reverence, respect for God’s Word. They care only about their selfish ends. Faith must act on belief. This will put God dynamically into our lives.
PRINCIPLE:
Every Christian must do an inventory of his or her life each day.
APPLICATION:
It is important that all Christians recognize when they step out of fellowship with God. The believer must cleanse wherever he or she has failed the Lord (1 Jn 1:9).
A major purpose for every Christian is to grow into Christlikeness (2 Co 3:18). We cannot grow in our salvation or regeneration. That is a complete action at the point we came to Christ. However, spiritual growth is progressive.
Christian maturity is more than the absence of sin. It is not a vacuum; something must fill the soul for it to grow and become stronger. The more we partake of the principles of Scripture and become more like Christ, the stronger we become as spiritual beings. Holiness is to become more and more separate from non-Christian values and to imbibe God’s. The more we have of the life of Christ the more holy we become.
