Perfecting holiness, developing holiness, bringing holiness to full growth in the Christian life is an imperative instruction to believers (2 Corinthians 7:1). In the context of 2 Corinthians 6 and 7, the apostle Paul urged the church to separate from unbelievers and have nothing to do with things impure. If they would do this, God would be their God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Based on this promise, God’s Word requires Christians to “cleanse themselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit…” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Purity is clearly seen here as an aspect of holiness. “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 ESV).
Before we can put on as holy the good things, we must put to death evil and put off the “old man” of sin (Colossians 3:5-14). The urgency of cleansing self of all defilement is quite apparent. If Christians are to be holy, they must be clean and pure.
Consider the word “perfecting.” It is used in 2 Corinthians 7:1 to mean “take to its full potential.” We often think of perfect as something or someone that has no flaws or never makes a mistake. God does not expect perfection as we use the word. God expects us to work to develop holiness in our lives and see it through to the end. Perfecting is a process of accomplishing completely the development of holiness in our lives. We are to take holiness to full growth with reverential respect for God (2 Corinthians 7:1). We do this not so much in fear of His power to punish, but more with a desire to not displease our loving Heavenly Father.
Do some professing Christians fail to perfect holiness? Yes. Why do Christians neglect striving on unto perfection (Hebrews 6:1)? Why the seeming aversion to holy living? Can believers justify their failure in perfecting holiness? These are reasonable inquiries worthy of our consideration. Here are some possible reasons for our resistance to spiritual growth and the development of holy lives.
Sometimes teachers of the Gospel may not make it clear regarding the commitment and the requirements of being a Christian. Maybe some do not understand what God expects or that we are capable of perfecting holiness.
Could some believers simply be apathetic? Maybe. Ignorance of the Scripture is sometimes given as an excuse. That is not a just reason. Even new converts can know that God expects them to live godly lives. We turn from sin in obedience not to continue in sin.
Another possible explanation for failure to perfect holiness is that some are not willing to sacrifice – not willing to give up things contrary to holy living. It’s certainly not because we are too holy already! Holy and godly living does not appeal to the carnal minded. Could it be that some are still living after the flesh? Whatever the hindrance, we must put it aside and perfect holiness in our lives.
Though Christians are to work out their own salvation, it is God who, through His holy Word, works in each of us as we yield to His will (Philippians 2:13-14). Part of perfecting holiness is knowing God’s will and allowing His Word to direct our lives.
To perfect holiness is certainly a challenge. This may be because we do not take our sinning seriously. We allow for “little white lies.” We categorize sins. We look at sin as just a personal failure. Sin is more than that. Sin grieves the heart of God. Sin is against God (Genesis 39:9). To perfect holiness we must confess with David, “I have sinned against Jehovah” (2 Samuel 12:13).
To perfect holiness we must live by faith, trusting in God (2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 2:20).
