Separated Unto Before Separated From
Scripture says that Jesus was separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26). It also says that He was a friend of publicans and sinners (Luke 7:34). Both are true at once, and anyone who wants to understand biblical separation has to hold both.
The believer's call to belong wholly to God, which means turning from the world's sinful ways (personal separation) and declining spiritual partnership with unbelief and persistent disobedience (ecclesiastical separation), always in love and for the sake of the Gospel.
Separation starts with what God has set us apart to. The Greek word aphorizo means to mark off or set apart. The Holy Spirit used it when He said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them (Acts 13:2). Paul used it of himself, separated unto the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). The same word stands behind the command, be ye separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). God sets His people apart to Himself and to His Gospel before He turns them from anything.
So separation is positive before it is negative. A bride who says yes to one man says no to every other, and no one calls her narrow. She is in love. Separation that begins anywhere else turns into a list of things we are against.
Baptists usually speak of two kinds. Personal separation concerns how a believer lives. Ecclesiastical separation concerns whom a church partners with in spiritual work. Both are commanded, and both are easy to get wrong.
How can a Christian be separate from sin and error without becoming proud, harsh, or cut off from the lost people Jesus came to save?
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For Deeper Study
- Biblical Separation: The Struggle for a Pure ChurchAmazon Ernest D. PickeringA Baptist history and theology of separation from the second century to modern times, with practical guidance; revised in 2008.
- In Pursuit of Purity: American Fundamentalism Since 1850Amazon David O. BealeAn insider's history of the fundamentalist movement, including many independent Baptist churches. Out of print, but worth finding.
- Just As I AmAmazon Billy GrahamHis autobiography, including his own account of the 1957 New York Crusade and the break with fundamentalists. We differ with his cooperative approach. Read it to hear him fairly.
- Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who DifferAmazon Andrew David Naselli and J. D. CrowleyA careful, practical study of the New Testament passages on conscience, and a good guard against turning preferences into tests.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
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The Gospel, the Whole Counsel, and Liberty
No biblical doctrine is unimportant. Scripture distinguishes the Gospel that must be believed to be saved, the whole counsel of God that disciples must believe and obey, and the matters where God grants liberty.
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