2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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WHAT IS BIBLICAL SEPARATION?
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
“Be ye not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers …”
WHAT IS BIBLICAL SEPARATION?
Biblical separation is God’s mandate for Christians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14-7:1), and to have no association with all that is sinful, wicked and false. This doctrine finds its basis in the holiness of God, as well as the purpose of the church. As Christians we separate from all sin and unbelief because it is God’s nature to do so. And as an assembly that has been called out from the world (ekklesia), and having been afforded the title of saints (literally: holy ones), it is therefore also our duty to remain unspotted by the world. Biblical separation involves two aspects:
1. Personal separation. This refers to the believer’s willing removal of oneself from all sin and uncleanness. He will make good effort to abstain from all evil, even appearances of evil (1 Thess 5:22), and not love the things of the world (1 John 2:15-17). Positively speaking, he will seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). His mind will be on things above and not on things of the earth (Col 3:1-2).
2. Corporate Separation.
a. In the Old Testament, God commanded the nation of Israel to be separate from all idolatry, and from the rest of the heathen nations (Deut 7:1-11). They were to be a national spiritual witness for Jehovah to the nations around them. “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Exod 19:6a).
b. This could involve a disciplinary measure of a Christian or a church against another professing believer. See 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 14-15; 1 Corinthians 5.
This could involve a dissociation of a Christian or a church from another church. For example: a church may dissociate herself from other churches that are involved in the ecumenical movement.
THOUGHT: Biblical separation is a command, not an option.
PRAYER: Father, keep me unspotted from the world.