by Dennis Costella
©Fundamental Evangelistic Association
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Roman 16:17).
THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF SEPARATION is based on one of God's essential attributes- His holiness. He never looks upon sin with the least degree of tolerance, and this necessarily extends to His will concerning the conduct of His children. As believers, we are called unto fellowship with God who ". . . is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 Jn. 1:5, 6). Therefore, there is an absolute necessity for separation from whatever is "darkness;" that is, whatever is in direct opposition to His very nature. The perfect will of God for the saint is always the same: ". . . be ye HOLY in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye HOLY; for I am HOLY" (1 Pet. 1:15, 16).
The notion that it is not important to God whether or not His children distance themselves from what His Word declares to be evil is terribly foolish and also very dangerous. God has given His Word so that we can know what fellowships are permissible, as well as which ones are not. Separation from error and the errant is for the believer's spiritual well-being and usefulness in service.
Most who name the Name of Christ agree that the Bible teaches the principle of separation, but comparatively few seem concerned about the need for its personal application. This is especially true when our fellowships and associations are examined. All too often, the things we feel are most loving, expedient or non-divisive determine what we consider to be God's will in any given situation. But this is a grievous error if the result of such reasoning is contrary to the plain teaching of the Word of God. We would do well to carefully consider what the Bible teaches about "separation," and then direct our walk accordingly.
The believer's separation from evil and every false way is always God's order. We were called to be separated unto Christ and declared positionally sanctified "in Him" the moment we believed and were saved. In our Christian lives we are admonished to walk in a sanctified, separated manner which is worthy of our "...high calling of God in Christ Jesus." And when our Lord comes back again and catches away His Bride, we will be partakers of that great, final separation! Yes, indeed, separation is a precious Biblical truth-past, present and future.
The Practice of Biblical Separation
Although the doctrine of separation is a dominant theme throughout the Scriptures, the difficulty comes, as mentioned before, in its application.
for more read: http://www.fundamentalbiblechurch.org/T ... csepr1.htm
©Fundamental Evangelistic Association
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Roman 16:17).
THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF SEPARATION is based on one of God's essential attributes- His holiness. He never looks upon sin with the least degree of tolerance, and this necessarily extends to His will concerning the conduct of His children. As believers, we are called unto fellowship with God who ". . . is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 Jn. 1:5, 6). Therefore, there is an absolute necessity for separation from whatever is "darkness;" that is, whatever is in direct opposition to His very nature. The perfect will of God for the saint is always the same: ". . . be ye HOLY in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye HOLY; for I am HOLY" (1 Pet. 1:15, 16).
The notion that it is not important to God whether or not His children distance themselves from what His Word declares to be evil is terribly foolish and also very dangerous. God has given His Word so that we can know what fellowships are permissible, as well as which ones are not. Separation from error and the errant is for the believer's spiritual well-being and usefulness in service.
Most who name the Name of Christ agree that the Bible teaches the principle of separation, but comparatively few seem concerned about the need for its personal application. This is especially true when our fellowships and associations are examined. All too often, the things we feel are most loving, expedient or non-divisive determine what we consider to be God's will in any given situation. But this is a grievous error if the result of such reasoning is contrary to the plain teaching of the Word of God. We would do well to carefully consider what the Bible teaches about "separation," and then direct our walk accordingly.
The believer's separation from evil and every false way is always God's order. We were called to be separated unto Christ and declared positionally sanctified "in Him" the moment we believed and were saved. In our Christian lives we are admonished to walk in a sanctified, separated manner which is worthy of our "...high calling of God in Christ Jesus." And when our Lord comes back again and catches away His Bride, we will be partakers of that great, final separation! Yes, indeed, separation is a precious Biblical truth-past, present and future.
The Practice of Biblical Separation
Although the doctrine of separation is a dominant theme throughout the Scriptures, the difficulty comes, as mentioned before, in its application.
for more read: http://www.fundamentalbiblechurch.org/T ... csepr1.htm