Biblical Separation

Scriptures: (Romans 16:17,18) Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. (V. 18) For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (I Peter 1:14-17) ..as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

Generations of children across this United States of America, were taught by their parent to stay away from a particular crowd or individual whose ways were of a different persuasion or rearing. There were worldly practices parents would not tolerate. For the most part, those children conformed to their parent’s teachings.  However, there is biblical doctrine on separation based on God’s Word and holiness. Throughout scripture are separations. God is serious about sins and the conduct of His Children. We are either children of righteousness or children of wrath.
   
 As believers, we are called unto fellowship with God -- who is light (I John 1:4-10). There is no darkness in Him. We who follow Him, who is light, desires to know and to do His will.  We are also called to be holy (set apart) in all manner of conduct toward all people, friends, and enemies -- in all our interactions and business dealings. In doing so, we still should maintain the highest degree of holiness.  “Be holy; for I am holy” (I Peter 1:15-16).  Imitate Him who is holy. It is a command (Lev.11:44,45; 19:2; and 20:26). For the Lord had separated the Israelites from the people and uncleanness to Himself to be His own special people. God called the Israelites to be His peculiar people, a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation, a   chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people (I Pet. 2:9-10). This people “may proclaim the  praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Pet. 2:9).
    
Complete holiness ought to be the desire and duty of every believer today. We have God’s Word so that we know what is permissible as well as what is not permissible. Believers are to carefully consider what the Bible teaches on separation and pattern ones walk accordingly (Eph. 5:1-11). God will give you the power to obey the Word through the sanctifying of the Spirit (I Pet. 1:2).  We who are now children of obedience having once been called the children of disobedience whereas we then lived in ignorance. We differ considerably now in that we seek to be obedient to God. We are His (the called/elect) and must strive to be holy, separated from all that is impure and consecrated to His service.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have clearly shown us that a true believer who walks in the light cannot at the same time have fellowship with darkness. We are either children of righteousness or children of wrath. Fellowship in darkness was the sinners’ past. We have been saved from that life of dark and unclean deeds to a new life in Christ Jesus who wrought my salvation on the cross at Calvary. In Jesus. Amen.

(by Novella D. Carpenter)