2nd. Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1 " Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath CHRIST with Belial or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of GOD with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD hath said, ' I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a FATHER unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the LORD ALMIGHTY.' 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. "
What has happened to the doctrine of biblical separation ? Our Holy GOD is completely separate from all that is sinful and defiled, so why is it so difficult for HIS children to understand why separation is important ? Why is the implementation of separation so inconsistent ? Today's text contains a series of rhetorical questions pertaining to false and true worship introduced by the clear-cut statement in verse fourteen - " Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." This is not something that is open to debate, discussion, or dialogue. It is unambiguous. A Christian and a non-Christian cannot work together in any relationship where spiritual things are the focus. This does not mean, however, that a Christian cannot be employed by an unbeliever, nor does it mean that a Christian should not have non-Christian friends. Rather, the context (6:17-7:1) is about doing the work of ministry.
The Apostle Paul's questions indicate that there are, in essence, two different religions in this world: one about and for man; the other about and for GOD. They are two mutually exclusive belief systems that cannot be combined or united in order to gain a better or more effective system of ministry or worship - thus, the call for separation.
Today, many are looking for ways to work together with people of different faiths. They seem to bend over backward for the opportunity to align themselves or work with religious systems that are opposed to biblical truths (Roman Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.). As GOD has received us (6:17) and we are now HIS "sons and daughters" (v.18), let us purpose to reflect that relationship by faithful obedience to HIS WORD. GDF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
I'm all for separation from evil. I avoid it like the plague. The question is: how do I keep it from showing up at my front door? Christians are expected to "turn the other cheek" and "resist not evil".Then Jesus told his Disciples to sell their garments and buy a sword. Luke 22:36.
ReplyDeleteIs it okay to defend one's self or not? How do you stand up to evil when you're called a racist and bigot? Should we let ourselves be led to the slaughter like sheep or not?
Barfy, Hi ! Let me ask you a question, it is totally out of love and concern. Are you Truly a Born Again Christian, blood bought, by GOD the SON, JESUS and not by any works of your own ?
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