Wednesday, September 3, 2008

We Are To Separate From Sin

Charles Spurgeon wrote these words:
"The Christian's reason for leaving the camp of the world's sin and religion is not because he loves to be singular, but because Jesus did so; and the disciple must follow his Master. Christ was "not of the world:" His life and His testimony were a constant protest against conformity with the world. Never was such overflowing affection for men as you find in Him; but still He was separate from sinners. In like manner Christ's people must "go forth unto Him." They must take their position "without the camp," as witness-bearers for the truth. They must be prepared to tread the straight and narrow path. They must have bold, unflinching, lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and His truth next, and Christ and His truth beyond all the world. Jesus would have His people "go forth without the camp" for their own sanctification. You cannot grow in grace to any high degree while you are conformed to the world. The life of separation may be a path of sorrow, but it is the highway of safety; and though the separated life may cost you many pangs, and make every day a battle, yet it is a happy life after all. No joy can excel that of the soldier of Christ: Jesus reveals Himself so graciously, and gives such sweet refreshment, that the warrior feels more calm and peace in his daily strife than others in their hours of rest. The highway of holiness is the highway of communion. It is thus we shall hope to win the crown if we are enabled by divine grace faithfully to follow Christ "without the camp." The crown of glory will follow the cross of separation.—Morning and Evening"

We must for the sake of the Gospel separate from sin and sinners. This does not require us to separate physically; however, it does require us to separate from the influence and presence of sin. This includes those that are unrepentant sinners as well as those that profess faith in Jesus Christ but live lives contrary to the Gospel. For example, those in the emergent church and "new age" Christianity are to be publicly rebuked and all fellowship broken. We are to pray for their souls but not sit at the table of fellowship with them. Also, those that profess faith in Jesus Christ but support those candidates that advocate abortion rights under any circumstances, are to be treated in the same manner. Again, there are no "pro-choice" Christians. If you or someone you know believe that it is acceptable to murder an innocent child, you are a child of Satan and have no part in the Kingdom of God. No matter what you say, the Spirit of God does not reside inside you. It is time to separate from all evil and that includes the evil inside the physical church.

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