More Identity Changes

2 Corinthians 6:1,2 (NLT)
As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it.

For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.

- This paragraph seems like a closing thought to the preceding topic in chapter 5. (The chapter divisions and verse numbering system in our bibles was added to the ancient texts at some later date.)

- Paul seems to be saying that it is possible to "be saved," - to have accepted God's gift, - but then continue on living as if nothing has changed. The quote about today being the day of salvation is less clear to me. Perhaps Paul is emhasizing the urgency for converts to get busy working out their new relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT)
Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.

- I think this passage is often misunderstood, leading to some Christians drawing lines between themselves and the very people God is reaching out to, in an attempt to preserve a misguided sense of holiness and purity.

Somewhere else Jesus mentions his disciples being in the world but not of the world. When Christ lives in us he will change who we are. But he will make us more loving and compassionate, not less.