DOCTRINE
OF SEPARATION
I.
Preliminary considerations:
A.
The doctrine of Separation i.e., to stay aloof from certain types, is
clearly advocated by the WOG. Psa.1;
Pro.14:16; 16:17; 23:17-21, 26-28; 24:1,2
B.
It pictures judgment in time of the A/C separating –V from +V including
separation within believers. Joh.3:19-21
C.
The Bible is saturated with this principle from Genesis to Revelation.
D.
The very nature of BD is divisive, “The
Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword…” Heb.4:12 cp.Rev.1:16
E.
Doctrine in the soul gives the believer the discernment to separate
from reversionists. Pro.2; 4:10-27;
5:1-14
F.
Failure to separate denies the realities governing the A/C as seen in
the five rhetorical questions of 2Cor.6:14,16a.
G.
Failure to separate drags the believer down to the level of the
reversionist he/she associates with.
Pro.22:24-25; 1Cor.15:33
II.
A.
When they separated from pagan culture, religion and practices, they
were blessed (Deu.28:1-14), but when they did not separate, they brought cursing
upon themselves (Deu.28:15-68).
B.
The doctrine was taught in the ceremonial code of the Mosaic Law that
physical association with designated items rendered one ceremonially unclean and
shadowed spiritual defilement. Lev.15:31
C.
Under the spiritual code (ritual), they had the law of the clean versus
the unclean that further taught the need to separate. Lev.20:24-26
D.
Capital punishment was used to separate certain types of reversionists
from the nation. Lev.20 – human
sacrifice, sexual perversion, and occult practices.
E.
They were prohibited from marrying -V.
Ezr.10:11
F.
Ultimately, failure to separate led to expulsion (separation) from the
land of promise. Lev.20:22,23; 26:27-30;
Deu.28:63-68; 29:22-28; 31:15-22; cp. Deu.32, a song of
III.
A.
Biblical prophecy projects a Zionist state in the
B.
Following the rapture of the Church, many Jews will convert to
Christianity, and the restoration process already in progress, will take on a
new impetus/driving force and complexion.
C.
Jews (and Gentiles) left behind after the rapture will receive
evangelization by an angel (Rev.14:6,7), the 144,000 (Rev.7) and the two
witnesses (Rev.11).
D.
Jews that make the SAJG are to migrate to
E.
So wherever Jews are, it is God’s will for them to separate from their
geographical environs. Zech.2:6,7
F.
Messiah at the 2nd Advent will forcibly separate Jews (and Gentiles)
who fail to make the SAJG in the Tribulation, from the earth. Mat.25:1-13 cp. Rev.14:14-20
IV.
The first step in application of separation is for the believer to
separate their thinking and actions from that of the world. 1Joh.2:15-17
A.
John’s warning in these verses is set contextually against a background
of infiltration of false teaching (Gnosticism and Doceticism) into the churches
of
B.
Further, the near context places these verses under the umbrella of the
maturity adjustment to the justice of God.
1Joh.1:3-4
C.
Their designed impact contextually is two-fold:
1.
To serve as a prescription against the infiltration of false teachers. 2Joh.7,10
2.
To teach the necessity of applying this doctrine early on in the
Christian growth and maintained to the end.
D.
The commandment is to “Stop
loving the world, nor the things in it”.
1Joh.2:15a
E.
John employs the agape family of words to express the love in view that
emphasizes the attributes of the one expressing their love. See
Doctrine of Love
F.
The commandment is not to assume the attributes of the cosmos and its
appeal to the STA as one’s approach to life.
G.
Therefore, one must separate their thinking and actions from cosmic to
the Divine viewpoint thinking and application.
1Joh.2:4-5
H.
To embrace the cosmos for fellowship (the theme of 1st John;
1:3) is tantamount of assuming the attributes of –V under darkness. 1Joh.1:6; 2:9
I.
This approach to the world is incompatible with the believer’s approach
to God. 1Joh.2:15b
J.
The cosmic system of darkness is to lead with their STA’s emulating–V
resulting in self-gratification and pride.
2:16
K.
The principle behind separation is that the cosmic system is temporal
and evil (2:17a), but BD is eternal and therefore that spiritual reality is to
be manifested in our own lives (2:17b).
V.
Separation begins with unbelievers.
2Cor.6:14-18
A.
Whenever a believer is unequally yoked with an unbeliever, he/she
violates the fundamental issues of the A/C as seen in the 5 rhetorical
questions of 2Cor.6:14-16a all expecting a negative answer.
1.
Vs.14b “for what partnership have
righteousness and lawlessness?" – None!
a.
Believers are commanded to live under the principles of righteousness
that lead to Ph2 sanctification.
Rom.6:19
b.
Sin is lawlessness. 1Joh.3:4
c.
Unbelievers are constantly under the rulership of the STA, and with
absent faith in Christ are perpetually –V; it is impossible for them to be
otherwise.
d.
There is to be no yoking together with unbelievers void of God’s +R and
perpetually spiritually antinomian.
2.
Vs.14c “or what fellowship has
light with darkness?” – None!.
a.
Just as light and darkness are opposites, so are believers and
unbelievers opposites.
b.
Jesus Christ delivered us from Satan’s domain of darkness. Col.1:13
c.
Jesus Christ came so that all that believe will not remain in
darkness. Joh.12:46
d.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world; nevertheless, the bulk of the
human race refuses to believe in Him because they deliberately choose to align
themselves with darkness. Joh.3:16-19
e.
As believers, we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood. 1Pet.2:9
f.
As unbelievers we were darkness; now that we are light, we are
commanded to live our lives as children of light. Eph.5:8
g.
We must not continue to have “fellowship” with those that choose to
remain in Satan’s kingdom of darkness.
3.
Vs.15a “Or what harmony has
Christ with Belial?” - None!
a.
Belial (meaning “worthlessness”) is a cryptic/ambiguous title for
Satan.
b.
There is absolutely no harmony between Christ and Satan.
c.
Unbelievers are of their father the devil. Joh.8:44
d.
Since One greater than us has no ground of harmony with Satan, we are
not to harmonize with those that choose to remain in Satan’s camp.
4.
Vs.15b “or what has a believer in
common with an unbeliever?” – Nothing!
a.
Unbelievers are under the principle of lawlessness; believers the
principle of righteousness.
b.
Unbelievers are darkness; believers are light. Phil.2:15
c.
Unbelievers are of their father the devil; believers are of God the
Father.
d.
Christ has no harmony with Satan; we don’t follow the tune of belonging
to Satan.
e.
We have had the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and are
regenerate; unbelievers remain in unrighteousness and are unregenerate. 2Cor.5:21 cp. Joh.3:3
f.
We have the indwelling of God the H.S.; unbelievers do not have the
H.S.
g.
We will spend eternity separated from unbelievers.
h.
Because believers and unbelievers have nothing in common in the plan of
God Ph3, association with them in time/Ph2 violates
principles of righteous judgment governing our conduct in the Angelic
Conflict. Joh.3:19
5.
Vs.16a “Or what agreement/union
has the
a.
The body of the believer is the temple of God the H.S. 1Cor.6:19
b.
Behind every idol stands a demon.
1Cor.10:19,20
c.
The unbeliever has voluntarily rejected the free gift of
salvation. Eph.2:8,9; Joh.3:16
d.
–V unbelievers manifest they love the darkness and hate the light. Joh.3:19,20
e.
Their –V has allowed Satan to blind them to the truth of the
gospel. 2Cor.4:4
f.
They have of their own free will, chosen to remain in the domain of
darkness of Satan, the chief of demons.
g.
To intimately associate with unbelievers leads to a compromise of one’s
own “temple” by associating it with idols.
h.
All the unbeliever can do for you is to bring you into contact with
those represented by idols.
B.
Conditions of being “unequally yoked/bound” together are evident in:
1.
Regular social life with unbelievers.
2.
Business partnerships, but not working for or employing unbelievers.
3.
Membership in clubs, societies, etc., where either the goals or the
activity compromise Bible doctrine.
C.
Separation from unbelievers does not involve absolute disassociation
since:
1.
To do so, you would have to die and go to heaven. 1Cor.5:9-10
2.
To do so, you would cease to be a fragrant aroma to them and an
effective ambassador for Christ.
2Cor.2:14-17
D.
Conclusions on separation and the unbeliever.
1.
When considering if a given situation constitutes being “unequally
yoked”, first ask yourself if you have to compromise doctrine in order to
maintain the association.
2.
Secondly, pray about the matter, seeking god’s will and He will bless
your desire to please Him.
3.
While it is necessary for us to have contact with unbelievers for the
purpose of doing business, school or witnessing, we must avoid situations that
constitute partnership (marrying an unbeliever, business, organizational
memberships, etc.), fellowship (vacations, regular socializing, etc.), harmony
(association where compromising truth is required to maintain it), and agreement
(a union based on “turning a blind eye/disregard/remaining silent” thus
implying “sanction/support” towards the state of their unbelief).
4.
Christ the perfect standard, while on earth was undefiled and separate
from sinners, but yet in contact with them for the purpose of their
salvation. Heb.7:26
5.
It is permissible for believers even to eat with unbelievers for the
purpose of presenting the gospel.
1Cor.10:27
6.
If the unbeliever manifests antagonism to the plan of God or rejects Bible doctrine, the believer should
apply Mar.6:11 so not to fall under “casting pearls before swine”. Mat.7:6
7.
No one,
who otherwise would believe, will die and go to hell. Joh.10:29
8.
Recognize you will suffer ridicule when you separate from them. 2Tim.3:12; 1Pet.4:4 “And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into
the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you.”
9.
Just as the –V of the world hated Christ, so will they hate you if you
stand for His thinking. Joh.15:18-20
10.
Chalk your suffering up to undeserved suffering in the cause of Christ
and rejoice. Mat.5:10-12
VI.
+V believers are regarded as a separate category from -V believers
(Joh.3:20,21). Separation in time reflects the separating distinctions of the
Bema rewards (2Cor.8:9 cp.1Cor.3:12-15).
A.
A distinction between –V and +V believers is
obvious as seen in their habitual application of the truth and that
their life shows a dedication to attendance in Bible Class/MPR versus their
lack of these characteristics.
Joh.3:20-21
B.
This separation occurs automatically based on
what the individual believer in time chooses to do with God and His plan for
their life.
C.
Because +V aligns with BD, this places them at
odds and in conflict with believers that don’t.
D.
The principle of separation is relative to the
degree that the believer falls into the opposing categories as stipulated in
point A. above.
E.
The principle of separating believers
categorically in time is further substantiated and defined in Rev.3:14-18:
1.
Vs.14 “And
to the messenger of the church in
a.
The words that follow are directed towards the
Church/Christianity/believers during the period of the latter days of the
Church age.
b.
Jesus Christ Himself expresses the judgement that
follows.
2.
Vs.15 “ ‘I
know your deeds/works, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were
cold or hot.’ ”
a.
Christ as God is omniscient and knows every
minute detail of men and the things they do.
b.
He ties their works to their spiritual condition.
c.
Their works do not reflect a lack of works (cold)
or Divine good production (hot).
d.
They are neither cold nor hot spiritually.
e.
This sets the parameters of volition between maximum
–V believers that reject BD Ph2 entirely (cold) and maximum +V
embracing the entire counsel (hot).
3.
Vs.16 “‘So
because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit/vomit you out
of My mouth.’ ”
a.
This verse targets all believers in between those
who totally reject Divine viewpoint and those who are engaged in seeking “pure
truth” cp.vs.18.
b.
It is their works that God is aware of and
reflects their propensity for human viewpoint good (- Divine good).
c.
Their Ph2 is superficial, emotional
and STA driven.
d.
Christ declares these believers spiritually
lukewarm and anthropomorphically makes Him want to puke.
e.
The fact that these types of believers do not
settle well with God prompts a separation from His person.
f.
These believers are church going, Christian
affiliated, Bible “talking” saints which may or may not be enjoined with an
adjusted ministries.
g.
They can be hearers only refusing to apply
BD. Jam.2:22-25 cp.2:17
h.
This includes fundies, unrelenting tapers and
other religious types.
i.
This section of Revelation characterizes the
Church Universal in the last days.
j.
The irony is that “cold” believers not part of
the “Christian scene” stands in a better position before God than the lukewarm
crowd. Vs.15…”I would/wish that you were
cold or hot.”
k.
However, this does not merit association with
believers otherwise staying away from Bible class.
4.
Vs.17 “
‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of
nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and
blind and naked,’ ”
a.
This verse summarizes the cause in the thinking
(attitude) of these negative believers.
b.
They equate the acquisition of material things (FSH)
as relating directly to their relationship with God.
c.
The very opposite is true.
d.
The lukewarm crowd is self-deceived.
e.
Their acquisitions under the FSH mitigate against
their religious activities as biblical rhetoric being worthless under the
category of human good.
5.
Vs.18 “I
advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire (pure/sound Bible doctrine), that you may become rich (spiritually
through divine good production), and
white garments (acts of righteousness/ph2 sanctification), that you may clothe yourself, (the
correction needed through sound truth),
and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed (ultimate
separation of eternal niches at the Bema Seat when works are judged); and eyesalve to anoint your eyes, that you
may see (the prescription necessary is spiritual insight with regard to
Bible doctrine).”
a.
This verse indicates that there are those who are
+V and exist outside the lukewarm crowd.
b.
They are viewed as separated from the camp of the
lukewarm.
c.
They are truly +V and the exceptions in the last
days.
d.
These will have eternal wealth while the lukewarm
and cold will be “poor”. 2Cor.8:9 cp.
1Cor.3:12-15
e.
It is through adjusted ministries that God has
established the method of “advising” these negative believers as to alternative
for eternal wealth. 1Tim.3:15
VII.
Separation commanded from –V believers.
A.
Positive believers are commanded to separate from believers that are
carnal reversionists i.e., believers that practice status quo carnality in one
or more areas. 1Cor.5:9-13:
1.
This discourse is directed to the local church at
2.
Paul repeats instructions previously given the Corinthians. Vs.9
3.
The Greek word translated immoral/po,rnoj literally means a
fornicator and refers to sexual immorality.
Vs.9
4.
The background behind the instruction contextually is how the
Corinthian church is to deal with a case of incest. 1Cor.5:1-5
5.
In the context to follow, Paul broadens the scope of behavior by believers
that are immoral and therefore not fit companions for positive believers. Vs.11
6.
The Greek word translated associate/sunanami,gnumi (vs.9,11) means to mix
together with, and therefore an intimate social friendship (cp.vs.11).
7.
The intent of vs.10 is not that it is OK to associate with the
unbelieving cosmos since this would be in direct conflict with his exhortation
of 2Cor.6:14
8.
Rather, it is designed to correct two distortions the Corinthian’s had
with regard to his instruction.
a.
They took his command regarding immorality as referring only to
unbelievers.
b.
They thought he had forbidden all contact with unbelievers.
9.
The correction of their thinking is to orient to their immediate
associations within the local church.
Vs.11
10.
The term “a so-called brother” in the NAS is literally “anyone designated/named/ovnoma,zw a brother” and refers to
any believer in the church engaged in the immoral behavior listed.
11.
The instructions are clear: as
positive believers, we are not to maintain a social life with any believer in
status quo carnality (reversionism) such as:
a.
Immoral – phallic or sexual reversionism: Includes adultery, fornication,
homosexuality, incest, bestiality, sensuality, etc.
b.
Covetous – monetary or materialism reversionism: Includes those who operate under greed and is
not content with what he/she has (Luk.3:14; 1Tim.6:7,8 cp. Phil.4:11). Lack of contentment is evident in those who
love money, therefore our character is to be free from the love of money
(Heb.13:5). Greed is a form of idolatry
(Col.3:5). It could include those who
engage in dishonest financial dealings.
c.
Idolatry – religious reversionism:
Those involved in the idolatrous type of worship such as Catholicism or
any other of the numerous religious counterfeits available.
d.
Reviler – verbal reversionism:
Slandering, gossiping, maligning and refers to those who attacks others
with abusive language. Ti.2:3; 3:1,2;
2Cor.12:20; Rom.1:29; 1Tim.3:11; 2Tiim.3:1-3
e.
Drunkard – alcohol reversionism:
Drunkenness knocks out SG3.
Gal.5:21
f.
Swindler – monetary dishonesty reversionism: Those that engage in unethical business
practices, steals, robs, etc.
12.
Paul is not dealing with incidental sinning since we all stumble in
many ways. Jam.3:2; Ecc.7:20.
13.
Vss.12 and 13 make it clear that these types are cause not only for
personal separation, but also for expulsion from the local body.
14.
These verses make it clear that there is righteous judgment that
believers are to make towards one another based on their conduct.
15.
Obviously it is pure logic that if positive volition were to apply
separation within their own assembly, they would apply it towards any believer
anywhere under these circumstances.
B.
Positive believers are commanded to separate socially from all
believers that do not adhere to sound BD.
2The.3:6-15
1.
In context, the unruly refer to believers out of step with the marching
orders of BD.
2.
The term “keep aloof/ste,llw” with the middle voice has the nuance of
maintaining “arms distance” from said believers.
3.
Paul then provides one
example of someone that is “out of step” and can be applied obviously to other
areas of non-obedience to doctrine.
4.
His command to separate in vs.14 is the same as the Corinthian passage
as the word “associate/sunanami,gnumi” is identical.
5.
The separation is thus again within the context of “socializing”.
6.
In verse 14 he makes it clear that this separation forbids a social
life with those that are negative to the application of doctrine.
7.
However, the degree of separation is lessened since there is no command
for “expulsion” from the church.
8.
Hence, only the arms distance in a social setting.
9.
The adjusted believer is to provide verbal admonishment with regard to
their doctrinal failure (vs.15) as opportunity affords.
10.
Again, this is not dealing with isolated sin in the life, but
unrelenting disregard for application.
11.
This separation is on a personal level.
12.
This separation would not exclude association in Bible class or other
formal settings.
C.
Believers are to be wary and avoid verbal dissenters. Rom.16:17-18
1.
One example would be believers that promote factions or cliques.
2.
Another example is those that contradict the teaching of the pulpit.
3.
Their targets often are weak or immature believers.
4.
Factious individuals are to be given two warnings by the P-T; after
this they are to be rejected. Tit.3:10,11
D.
Believers are to separate from false teachers that proliferate the last
days. 2Tim.3:5-7
E.
The local church is to separate from any member that brings public
reproach on the local body of Christ such as the incestuous Corinthian. 1Cor.5:1ff
F.
Separation is designed by God to produce sorrow in the reversionist.
1.
The example is seen in the reversion recovery of the incestuous
Corinthian. 2Cor.2:6
2.
It was based on godly sorrow/luph that in turn produced the
repentance of the phallic reversionist.
2Cor.2:1-5, 7
3.
When you fail to separate, you negate this important principle.
G.
Separation is an example of agape or Divine love in action:
1.
Agape love is manifested through the application of BD in FHS.
2.
Agape always has as its goal the best spiritual interests of the
one toward whom it is directed.
3.
The best spiritual interests of one who is maladjusted to sound
doctrine are served by withdrawal of fellowship in an attempt to get the
believer’s attention so that he/she will change their mind.
4.
This again is the impact of sorrow produced in +V who are astray in
that it leads to repentance. 2Cor.7:10
H.
If there is any contact with the reversionist during the period of
separation, you should warn him.
2Thess.3:14
I.
Those that respond and make the appropriate adjustments are to be
forgiven and accepted back in full with comfort and encouragement. 2Cor.2:7
J.
Beware of close friends that violate Heb.10:25.
K.
Do not
separate from believers just for incidental sin.
VIII.
+V believers are commanded to separate even from family members that
are –V (compatible with other doctrinal constraints).
A.
Jesus Himself taught this in Mat.10:34-39.
1.
His work on the cross, made salvation and peace with God potential for
all men.
2.
But He did not come to this planet to bring mankind a system of
thinking upon which all will agree and live in harmony.
3.
The word “sword/mavcaira” (vs.34) is figurative for BD. Cp.Heb.4:12
4.
Just as a literal sword separates or divides, so the WOG separates and
polarizes (reveals – and + volition).
5.
Luk.12:51-53 makes clear that the sword figure pictures separation or
division.
6.
The requirement for separation extends even to the closest members of
one’s own family. Vss.35-36
7.
The exceptions of physical separation in addition to those already
noted in this doctrine would include:
a.
Separation/divorce of a negative spouse (1Pet.3:1), if the negative
spouse “consents/agrees” to live with the partner under their “flag” of +V
(1Cor.7:10-17). Children separating from
parents until legally free to do so and vice versa.
b.
This doctrine does not negate the principles of “honor” parents
or applying agape love towards relatives in the form of financial help,
physical assistance, etc.
8.
The positive believer can expect antagonism and hostility from negative
family members. Vs.36
9.
The one refusing to separate shows their love for –V family is more
than for Christ and is unworthy of Him.
Vs.37
10.
Taking up one’s “cross” is symbolic of the suffering +V undergoes in
separating from –V. Vs.38
11.
When the believer regards their family members as more important than the
dictates of Bible doctrine, they are producing human good and will lose
reward. Vs.39
12.
Christ Himself, applied this principle.
Mar.3:31-35; Luk.8:19-21
B.
Abraham is an example of a believer that separated from his –V family. His
Ph2 blessings were awesome.
His Ph3 blessings will be of the ultimate. Gen.12:1-3
IX.
Marriage and separation.
A.
Under the principle that forbids unequal yoking, believers are not to
marry unbelievers. 2Cor.6:14-18
B.
Since +V believers are required to separate from -V believers, there
are no grounds to seek a lifelong association on this level.
C.
With respect to RM/RW, believers should wait upon the Lord’s timing and
provision.
D.
If you are waiting on the Lord in this regard, remember:
1.
Pro.11:22 “As a ring of gold in a
swine’s snout, So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion/the ability to
discern what is beautiful; i.e., BD.”
2.
Pro.21:9 “It is better to live in
a corner of a roof, Than in a house shared with a
contentious/argumentative/quarrelsome woman.”
3.
Pro.21:19 “It is better to live in
a desert land, Than with a contentious and
vexing/annoying/nit-picking/hen-pecking woman.”
4.
Pro.27:15 “A constant dripping on
a day of steady rain And a contentious woman are alike.”
5.
Pro.19:14 “House and wealth are
an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent/sensible/discerning BD wife is from
the Lord.”
6.
Pro.16:13 “Righteous lips are the
delight of kings, And he who speaks right/truth of doctrine is loved.”
E.
If you are married to a spouse that is negative and permits your +V to
fulfill the POG for your life, you are to stay married and together. 1Cor.7:10-15
F.
But, if the negative party makes it impossible to fulfill MPR/Heb.10:25
and/or the MAJG/2Pet.3:18, then you are free to separate and not incur guilt
before the Lord.
G.
Placing God, BD, and spiritual maturity first, is an application of the
higher spiritual principle.
X.
Concluding observations.
A.
Reasons to separate.
1.
To protect yourself from bad influences. 1Cor.15:33
2.
To create lupe/sorrow in those maladjusted to Divine viewpoint and the POG. Cp.2Cor.2:7
3.
To fulfill the commandment of the WOG and fall in line with the
directive will of God to win the race.
1Cor.9:24-26
B.
Some objections to this doctrine.
1.
Objection: Separation is only
from unbelievers.
2.
Answer: Abraham was required to
(and finally did) separate from
3.
Objection: Separation is
required only if the association hurts you.
4.
Answer: Abraham and lot indicate
otherwise. 1Cor.15:33 states that this
thinking is human viewpoint and you are deceived.
5.
Objection: We should not
separate over doctrinal differences.
6.
Answer: Rom.16:17 and
2Thess.3:14
C.
Failure to separate neutralizes your ambassadorship and the witness of
the life.
D.
Separation sometimes entails geographical relocation in order to get
with sound face-to-face teaching.
E.
Avoid all associations that compromise Bible doctrine.
F.
In questionable situations, pursue God’s will through prayer and divine
guidance. He will bless your mental
attitude to please Him.
G.
When separating, remember Pro.24:19,20
H.
Finally, remember Jam.4:4.
1.
Failure to separate is spiritual unfaithfulness to BD.
2.
Friendship with –V is hostility toward God.
3.
Believers that ultimately will not cut ties with -V appoint themselves
as a Ph2 enemy of God.
4.
+V will adhere to this doctrine taking it seriously in the POG.