Spiritual Separation for Believers

The concept of separation from all evil is fundamental to God's relationship with His people. According to the Bible, separation involves two dimensions, one negative and the other positive:
(a) Separating yourself morally and spiritually from sin and from everything that is contrary to Jesus Christ, righteousness, and the Word of God;
(b) Drawing near to God in a close and intimate fellowship through dedication, worship, and service unto Him. Seperation in this twofold sense results in a relationship where God is our heavenly Father who abides with us and is our God, and we in turn His sons and daughters.

In the Old Testament separation was continual requirement from God his people (Exodous 23:23-24). God warned the Isaraelites about their neighbors, whose beliefs and actions could turn them away from him. We also live with neighbors whose values may be completely different from ours. We are called to maintain a life-style that shows our faith. This can be a struggle, especially if our Christian life-style differs from the norm. Our lives should show that we put obeying God before doing what is praised and accepted by society.
1. One of the main reasons why God punished His people with the exile in Assyria and Babylon was their persistent desire to accommdate themselves to the idolatry and lifestyles of the nations around them (II. Kings 17:7-12).

In the New Testament God commanded seperation of the believer from the corrupt world system and unholy compromise (James 4:4). We are commanded to separate from those in the Church who refuse to repent (I. Corinthians 5:9-13); and separate from false teachers, churches, or cults who teach theologcial error and deny Biblical truths (Romans 16:17-18).

The purpose of separation is that we as God's People might persevere in salvation, faith, and holiness (I. Timothy 4:16). Our seperation will also help us convince the unbelieving world of the truth and blessings of the gospel (Philippians 2:15).

If we separate oursleves properly, God Himself rewards us by drawing near with His protection, blessing, fatherly care. He promises to be everything that a good Father should be. He will be our counselor and guide; He will love and cherish us as his own children (II Corithians 6:16-18).

5. The refusal of believers to separate themselves from evil, the false, and the unclean, will eventally result in the loss of their fellowship with God (II. Corinthians 6:6), of their acceptance by the Father (6:17), and of their prvileges of being children of God (6:18).