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The doctrine of holiness is deeply embedded in the fabric of Christian life. It is both a command and a promise. As the song "Called to Holiness (v2)" draws heavily on 2 Corinthians 7:1, Isaiah 52:11, and 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, we are propelled into the divine call to purify ourselves. The central scripture, 2 Corinthians 7:1, reads, "Since we have these promises, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." Now, let us look at what the Word of God says and understand the gravity of this call to holiness.
We find ourselves in the heart of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. Paul is entreating the church, a community planted in a city steeped in idolatry and moral decay, to heed the promises of God through a call to holiness. The apostle addresses the believers with his deep pastoral concern, urging them to be distinct from the surrounding culture. His words are not merely advisory; they come with apostolic authority and urgency.
Paul is speaking in the continuum of a biblical narrative that calls God's people to be separate. The foundation of this call was laid in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 52:11 where the prophet speaks to the exiles in Babylon, "Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the Lord’s house." The apostle applies this Old Testament truth to New Testament believers, emphasizing that separation from the world's contamination is not merely geographical but spiritual and moral.
A term of critical importance in 2 Corinthians 7:1 is "contaminates" (Greek: "molunō"). This term means to stain or defile, often used in the sense of making something impure through contact. In the biblical context, it refers to moral or spiritual impurity. Understanding this term deepens our comprehension of the urgent need to cleanse every defilement. The moral and spiritual purity grounded in this understanding is far more profound than mere physical cleanliness. It demands an abandonment of actions and thoughts that draw us away from God.
In Isaiah 52:11, the Hebrew word for "unclean" is "ṭāmē," which implies both physical and spiritual impurity. This overlap intensifies the Old Testament call for separation, asking the people of God to distance themselves from every form of impurity, comprehensively covering both outward actions and internal attitudes.
The lyrics of the song draw us into a tapestry of promises and commands. The essence of God's call to His people is separation from that which defiles. Through the chorus—“Come out from them and be separate”—we hear echoes of an eternal principle articulated throughout Scripture. In Hebrews 12:14, it is written, "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Our call is to be distinct, to live in contrast to the world's moral bankruptcy out of reverence for the almighty.
By cross-referencing 1 Peter 1:15-16 which states, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy,'" it becomes apparent that this call to holiness reflects God's own nature. Holiness is not merely a matter of personal or communal piety but aligns us with the very character of God.
Furthermore, the call of separation that Paul emphasizes is not to isolate us but to position us to receive the fullness of God's promises. In 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, the relationship between separateness and reception is underlined: “...and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” The promise of intimacy with God, which is both personal and collective, is contingent upon our purifying action.
First, we must acknowledge the promises of God. As believers, we must actively internalize the truth that God’s promises are contingent upon our responsiveness. We must meditate on scriptural promises, allowing them to inspire genuine transformation.
Second, we must identify and renounce that which contaminates. We should engage in honest self-examination, with the Holy Spirit's help, to reveal areas in our lives that are stained by sin. This involves a spiritual audit of our thoughts, actions, and associations.
Third, we should commit to a lifestyle of holiness. Embrace a daily decision-making process whereby our choices clearly reflect biblical standards. This involves setting boundaries that reflect our commitment to God's Word.
Fourth, we must maintain a reverence for God, which is the foundation of holiness. Reverence inspires obedience and a deeper relationship with the Father, motivating us to live set-apart lives.
Let us declare together: "In the mighty name of Jesus, I receive the promises of God. I separate myself from every unclean influence and declare that I am a child of God, called to holiness and consecration. I choose to purify myself out of reverence for my Father. Amen."
Let us pray: "Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your unfailing promises. I choose this day to heed Your call to holiness. Empower me by Your Spirit to live a life that is pure and pleasing to You. Separate me unto Yourself, that I may be an instrument for Your glory. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen."
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