The importance of Chirstian Separation

There are countless verses in the Bible about why God’s people should separate themselves from sin and in some cases from those who commit them. It would be impossible to cover all of them in this article but it is important for us to understand why the Lord told us these things. We are to be in the world but not of the world.

2 Corinthians 6:17, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

The Christian is a sinner saved by the Grace of God and has been delivered from his former life. It does not mean the Christian will never make a mistake but it does mean we are to guard our life and be careful of what we do.

Should someone who is a recovering alcoholic visit the bar and his old drinking buddies if he wanted to remain sober? You would certainly say no. It is no different for the Christian who once lived in sin. We battle against the old nature that still exists within us and should never give it an advantage in the battle.

Ephesians 5:11-13, And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Separation from those who would draw us back into what we once were is necessary but we should remember to pray that the Lord would reach them also. However, we should accept that there are some people who may never be reached. In Romans chapter 1, we are told plainly that there are reprobates in this world that God has given over.

If protecting your children offended someone, would you still do it? Of course you would. Why should we expect anything less from our HeavenlyFather?

It is hard to hear things like this, especially when the majority of what is said about the Lord is that He is love. It is true that He is love but He also told us that there are His children and there are children of the devil. And as a Father, He will protect His children. God is love and He has demonstrated His love for us at the Cross but He is Holy and will judge sin.

The Lord Jesus Christ made it clear that there comes a time of separation when someone refuses to hear the truth and turn from the lifestyle of sin.

Matthew 18:16-17. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

It is clear that we should try to reach them but there may be a time that we are better off separating from them but continue to pray the Lord gives them repentance.