A Separate People – Kent Bailey

Kent Bailey

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 (2 Cor. 6:14-18)

The concept of Biblical separation of God’s people from the world is as old as fellowship and partnership with God. Paul aims this negative command at those Christians in Corinth who may still resist his call for the necessity of continued repentance following their obedience to the gospel of Christ. In noting the grammatical construction of the passage we note a negative particle plus the present imperative (Be not): the cessation of an action that is in progress (stop being unequally yoked) or the avoidance of the action (Do not become unequally yoked).

During the Old Testament God determined to raise up a people to be his own by that of covenant, separate from all other people, to preserve faith in the one true living God, to prepare a separated people, then in universal apostasy, for the coming of the promised Christ to become the redeemer of humanity.

Abraham was chosen of God to be the father of this chosen remnant, however, the idolatrous Ur of the Chaldees was not a land suitable from a spiritual perspective to encourage this type of people. Worldly influences were overwhelmingly against God’s divine plan. Therefore, the call of God came to Abram to abandon his nation and family in order to seek a dwelling in an unknown land. Such was a stern requirement indeed, but the absolute necessity is ascertained in the spiritual purpose of God to justify such a radical change.

The passage of time as well as providential circumstances brought the descendants of Abraham to settle in Egypt. There they grew into a mighty people. Their presence within this empire brought troublesome thinking to the Egyptian Pharaoh. As a safety measure the Hebrews were reduced to slavery. Upon the development of time they could not remain faithful to God in the nation of Egypt. The true religion of God was contrary to Egyptian customs and religion. Separation was essential, therefore God called them out of Egypt. The emancipation of Israel was accomplished by the mighty power of God. A particular nation was formed at Sinai, with a definite covenant, government, life and regulations. In keeping and maintaining this separation Israel was blessed by God; but when they departed changed their government, served false gods, and formed unauthorized alliances, they were rejected by God and subjugated by their enemies. Only after repentance and restoration did God grant them divine fellowship (Ezra 10:10-11).

The coming of Christ into the world followed by his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to the Father brought about the payment for the sins of humanity, the offer of Salvation, and establishment of the New Testament church. Such requires separation of those in covenant fellowship with God today. These have obeyed the gospel of Christ and constitute the church of the Lord (Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23).

Because the New Testament people of God sustain a covenant relationship with God today such also requires that of Biblical separation (1 Pet. 2:5-10). God has called the New Testament church, spiritual Israel, out of the world. To retain favor with God, the church must maintain a distinct separation.

The New Testament Church Must Be Separate From Denominationalism

Denominationalism is division separated from the whole. Protestant denominations, Roman Catholicism, and the Cults do not constitute the Lord’s church. Christ promised to build his own church (Matt. 16:18-19; Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23). Such is not a component of denominationalism.

The church of the Lord is non-denominational, un-denominational, and anti-denominational both in its universal nature and organizational independent local structure (Acts 20:28; Philp. 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:1-4).

The New Testament Church Must Be Separate In Doctrine

The church of Christ has no doctrine. New Testament doctrine is not ours; such belongs to Christ (John 8:32; 2 John 9-11). Such is the only standard and source of divine authority (Col. 3:17). This is the exclusive standard that teaches the exclusive truth regarding salvation from past alien sins as well as faithfulness (Rom. 6:17-18; Rev. 2:10).

The New Testament Church Must Be Separate In Speech

The church must hold fast the form of sound words (2 Tim. 1:13). The power of a united language is demonstrated in the Old Testament at the Tower of Babel. Such became the bond of an apostate union which God had to destroy in a confusion of languages. Such is also the case that that the unity and purity of speech will promote Biblical unity that is based upon divine truth (1 Pet. 4:11).

The New Testament Church Must Be Separate In Work And Worship

Both the work and worship of the church of Christ is limited to that of what the New Testament authorizes. The work of the local church is limited to that of evangelism (Col. 1:23), edification (Eph. 4:11-16), and qualified benevolence (Acts 11:27-30). In our worship unto God we are limited to that of preaching/teaching the truth, giving on the first day of the week, the weekly observance of the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week, prayers, and congregational singing without mechanical instrumental music (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16-17; Heb. 2:12; 13:15).

The New Testament Church Must Be Separate In Life

Christians both individually and collectively in the church must live pure lives. The Lord’s church is a royal priesthood and a holy nation (1 Pet. 2:9). We are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). At one time we were children of darkness, but now are light in the Lord. May we have the love of both God and truth to indeed be a separate people.

Author: yukon-001

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