2 Corinthians 7

The leper under the law, if he had touched the altar, the altar had not cleansed him, but he had defiled the altar. The Apostle calls sin [in non-Latin alphabet], filthiness of flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). Sin stamps the Devil's image on a man.

The dove is the emblem of purity; it loves the purest air; it feeds on pure grain: the raven fed on the carcass, but the dove feeds pure. Thus let us be as doves for sanctity, cleansing ourselves from all pollution both of flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). Christ's dove is p…

He has a perfect idea of wisdom in himself: He knows the fittest means to bring about his own designs; the angels light at his lamp. In particular, this is one branch of his wisdom, that he knows what is best for us: An earthly parent knows not in some intricate cases how to adv…

First the blade springs up, then the ear, then the ripe corn in the ear. Such as are already sanctified may be more sanctified (2 Corinthians 7:1). Justification does not admit of degrees; a believer cannot be more elected or justified than he is, but he may be more sanctified t…

If he had not used the lump of figs, he had been the cause of his own death. Thirdly, by immoderate grief (2 Corinthians 7:10), the sorrow of the world works death. When God takes away a dear relation, and one is swallowed up with sorrow.

3. It would make us strive after holiness, because none but such are admitted into this Kingdom, only the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5). Holiness is the language of Heaven, it is the only coin will pass current in Heaven; this considered would make us cleanse ourselves…

4. Sin is a polluting thing. Sin is not only a defection, but a pollution, 'tis as rust to gold, as a stain to beauty, 'tis called filthiness of flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). It makes the soul red with guilt, and black with filth, quanta saeditas vitiosae mentis! Cicero.

(5.) To prevent its trouble in the public hearing of things that may be otherwise healed and removed. Seventhly, In case these ends are obtained, either by the supposed offending persons clearing of themselves, and manifesting themselves innocent of the crimes charged on them, a…

And in this respect that name 'the accuser' is given this evil spirit in a direct and full opposition to that special name and office of the Holy Ghost, 'the Comforter' or pleader for us. Because as the Holy Ghost makes intercession in our own hearts to God for us, and upon true…

3. Thirdly, sacrifice is a broken and a contrite heart for his sins, and his daily failings he has committed against a crucified Jesus: when God pours upon his people the Spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12:10). The more the Spirit of Christ opens the eyes of their sp…

And this was that which became the goodness and greatness of his nature, the means whereby we are wrought to adhere to him in faith, hope, trust and obedience, until we come to the enjoyment of him. For that is the use of Promises to keep us in adherence to God, as the first ori…

There is nothing more dangerous to our spiritual state, than to pass by particular instances of sin, with the general duties of repentance. (2) The sin or sins of the family or church whereunto we are related, calls to us to give a solemnity to this Duty (2 Corinthians 7:11). Th…

I shall not give their reasons why it is so, because they are certainly mistaken in their observation. For both is the promise on the one hand mentioned with respect to them, as (Hebrews 11:39), and the promises frequently with respect to us (2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Peter 1:4). The…

And (Zechariah 12:10): They shall mourn, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness. (2 Corinthians 7:9): You sorrowed to repentance. 3. Another thing in this Repentance is shame, and abasement of soul for sin.

Lastly, if we confess and believe God to be the father of Christ, and in him our father also; then in regard of our conduct, we must not frame ourselves like the world: but the course of our lives must be in righteousness and true holiness. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to separa…

2 Corinthians 7. Chapter part of the 1. verse. Having therefore these promises, dearly Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves.

If we do not fear to offend him. God will be served with every affection; Love is of use in the spiritual life, and so is fear (2 Corinthians 7:1). Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Objection 7. 2 Corinthians 7:10: Paul sets down sundry fruits of repentance, whereof the last is revenge, whereby repentant persons punish themselves, thereby to satisfy God's justice for the temporal punishment of their sins. Answer: A repentant sinner must take revenge of hims…

When there are ominous signs in the heavens, on earth distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and waves roaring — then the hearts of men fail for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth (Luke 21:25-26). Even Paul himself may sometimes compla…

Fourthly, Then you may also conclude your sorrows to be excessive and sinful, when they so overload and oppress your bodies, as to endanger your lives, or render them useless and unfit for service. Worldly sorrow works death (2 Corinthians 7:10), that is, sorrow after the manner…

What peace can worldly things bestow upon a soul filled with impurity? In (2 Corinthians 7:1), sin is called filthiness — can it be well with them that have nasty souls? Is it well with them who are racked by pride, stung with cares, gnawed with envy, distracted by insatiable de…

And this mourning is the foundation of mortification. It is that godly sorrow which works repentance to salvation, not to be repented of (2 Corinthians 7:10). And mortification of sin is of the essence of repentance.

By feeling of the heart, we choose, love, desire, delight, are zealous in the good thing itself, that it may be done; to refuse, hate, abhor, and are zealous against the known evil (Amos 5:14; Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1). Among these, zeal is an earnest affection of th…

Or thirdly, it's some common work of the Spirit, such as was in Simon Magus, of whom it is said, he believed, and who could say, pray for me; for folks to conclude on this ground, that they are brought out of nature into a state of grace, is to build upon a sandy foundation. The…

And though the godly do steadfastly believe their salvation is in a castle, above losing; yet in reason, sin bringing broken bones, (Psalm 51:10), a sad cloud, the damming up of a spring of Christ's love spread abroad in the heart, a temporary hell in the soul, it must be sorrow…

Now we are not justified by repentance and mortification; we neither receive Christ, nor embrace the promises by repentance. The Apostle requires in repentance, sorrow, carefulness to eschew sin, clearing, indignation, fear, zeal, desire, revenge (2 Corinthians 7:10-11), but now…

2. Some fear they have nothing but an empty profession. Ans. Then the Scripture holds forth the promises to visible saints (2 Corinthians 7:1). Can you come in among the crowd of visible saints?

3 And in verse 13. there is a third benefit of them, To stir them up to do such things, which though they well knew should be done, yet they were dull, and slow of heart, and stood in need to be stirred up to them. 4 Another end of their writings was this, That sometimes they mi…

Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Faith strives against fear, and love strives against malice, and patience strives against frowardness, modesty against pride, and so [reconstructed: every grace] of God; wonder to see how it will by degrees either sweat them out, or els…

Do not spare the body to do God service (Acts 26:7). To which promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day and night hope to come, for which hope's sake, King Agrippa I am accused of the Jews (2 Corinthians 7:1). Having therefore these promises (dearly beloved) let us cle…

For the Galatians and others which were conversant with Paul, had seen him often in great anguish, terror and heaviness of spirit. Therefore the Apostles had not only bodily, but also spiritual temptations, which also he confesses in (2 Corinthians 7) with these words: Fightings…

And Cornelius (Acts 10:33). And Paul (2 Corinthians 7:17). The second: we must take knowledge of the will of God in all things, whether it be revealed in the word, or by any event.

Sometimes to faith, as (Galatians 5:6): Neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love. Sometimes to the new creature or sanctification, as in this place, and (2 Corinthians 7:29): Circumcision is nothing, etc. but the keeping of the comm…

The Prophet condemns not joy simply: for we see that Saint Paul himself exhorts the faithful to rejoice with a true joy; to wit, in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). But he here reproves that joy which is contrary to that sorrow which proceeds of repentance; whereof also the same Apos…

For the Lord would not be acknowledged faithful from a bare and naked imagination, but from experience itself; to wit, in the preservation and protection of his people, whom he has adopted. Hence therefore let us learn not to judge of God's promises by our present estate, but by…

For the Prophet not only requires this purity of the Jews when they shall be set free, but also during the time of their slavery and bondage, yes, though it were with the loss of their lives in the very place. Doubtless these advertisements also belong to us, who by Saint Paul a…

And yet I deny not but we may extend these things to the last day, because we cannot expect the perfect restoration of all things, until Christ, who is the life of the world, shall appear. But we must begin higher, namely, at this deliverance, by which Christ regenerates his, th…

So then, Judas conceived disgust and horror, not so as to turn to God, but rather that, being overwhelmed with despair, he might serve as an example of a man entirely shut out from the grace of God. Justly, indeed, does Paul say, that the sorrow which leads to repentance is salu…

The same Apostle is very often, in his Epistles, expressing the Affection of Joy, 2 Corinthians 1. 12. and Chapter 7. 7. and verse 9. and 16. Philippians 1. 4. and Chapter 2. 1. 2. and Chapter 3. 3. Colossians 1. 24. 1 Thessalonians 3. 9. He speaks of his rejoicing with great Jo…

O Jerusalem wash your Heart from wickedness that you mayest be saved, Jer. 4. 14. Having therefore these promises let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7. 1. Every man that has this hope in him p…

O happy Providences, how smart soever, that make the soul for ever araid of sin! surely such rods are well bestow'd. This gives God his end: and if ever we sorrowed after a godly sort, in the day of our troubles it will work this carefulness. 2 Corinthians 7:11 Behold this self…

The interrogation imports a vehement detestation of them, and indignation against them. 2 Corinthians 7:11 — the Apostle speaks there of repentance (the same with calling) when men come to have the work of grace in their hearts: and this is a branch of it: that godly sorrow caus…

Such a rejoicing as this, is the foundation of sorrow: this rejoicing (like the Prodigal) in a riotous course of living, is the foundation of sorrow, and will meet with you, when you are to die. Secondly, grant this should be true; yet consider, that this sorrow that godly peopl…

He is careful (I say) to free his heart from sin as much as may be, considering that though he cannot sin away his soul, he may sin away his comforts; though he cannot sin away his salvation, he may sin away his consolation. A man that has this assurance knows the worth of assur…

Matthew 21:19. And when he saw a fig-tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said to it, let no fruit grow on you hence forward for ever, &c. 2 Corinthians 7:1. Having therefore these promises (dearly beloved) let us cleanse ourselves from…

Let us then see what it is that is here ascribed to the Lord Christ. [in non-Latin alphabet], does most frequently denote real actual purification, either of outward defilements, by healing and cleansing, as (Mark 1:40), (chapter 7:19), (Luke 5:12), or spiritual defilements of s…

Neither is it to be omitted, that there is such a coincidence in many phrases, use of words and expressions between this Epistle, and the rest of Saint Paul's, as will not allow us to grant such a discrepancy in style, as some imagine. They have many of them been gathered by oth…

The soul is now wholly displeased with it self, and reflects upon it self with all affections of regret and trouble. So the apostle declares it to have been with the Corinthians when their godly sorrow was working in them, 2 Corinthians 7:11. among other things, it wrought in th…

It will give you freedom, liberty, delight, and chearfulness in all duties of gospel obedience. You will finde a constraining power in the love of Christ therein; a freedom from bondage, when the Son truely has made you free. faith and love will work genuinely and naturally in y…

This therefore a soul which is engaged into the paths of repentance will constantly apply itself to: and it is faith alone whereunto we are beholding for the views of these things in sin; in no other light will they be seen therein: their aspect in any other is horrid and terrif…