What Genuine Grace Leads Us All Towards: Perfecting Holiness In the Fear of the Lord

Article posted with permission from the author, Bradlee Dean.

“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.” -2 Corinthians 7:1

On Sunday, right before church, I woke up to 2 Corinthians 7:1.  What kept going through me was perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.  As I pondered this for a moment, I asked the Lord, “What is this about?  Why was this Scripture going through me?”

Suddenly, I was quickened to the word “gratitude” and how those who are forgiven much, love much (Luke 7:47). Of course, I understand this because I was numbered in this category for having been forgiven much of my offenses towards the Lord.

This makes perfect sense to those who look to Christ and to Him crucified, and what this meant (John 3:16).
For I see that it was my iniquity that He took upon Himself in my place, redeeming me through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).  Read Isaiah 53:3.  Therefore, by His Spirit, I live for Him who died for me (2 Corinthians 5:15).  In doing so, this is gratitude.

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1 Peter 2:24 says, “He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been healed.”

Then, 2 Timothy 2:21 came to me, which says, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

Taking it another responsive step in this process, gratitude is the mother of holiness.  This is with a whole heart on my part, by His grace, I depart from that which offends the LORD in perfecting me to bear much fruit for His glory (John 15:8; Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 16:6; Romans 1:4).

Christians must participate by obeying God’s commands to set aside every disobedience “in the fear of the Lord.” To be cleansed from spiritual and moral uncleanliness, believers must “perfect holiness” in reverent obedience to God.  As we obey God, we will be transformed more and more into the image of Christ.

This filial fear is about having a great respect for a holy and just God – Father.  It’s also about carrying an awareness that Christ will judge the works of every believer (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 21:8).

I also recognized that genuine grace was at work here by what I was led to do (Romans 8:14) by His quickening grace being edified towards (Ephesians 2:1) putting on Christ and growing up into the grace of God.

“…And in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” who perfects that which concerns me (Psalm 138:8).

Conclusion: Scripture says that “without holiness, no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).  Also, in Matthew 5:8, Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  This is all inspired by the same Holy Spirit who commanded “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”  This is what grace leads us all towards.  Read 1 Peter 1:16.

Article posted with permission from Sons of Liberty Media