"Come Out From Among Them"    

2 Corinthians 6:17-18

 

     The word "church" means "called out." We have been called out of the world unto Christ and his people by God's irresistible, saving grace. We are not to be unequally yoked with those who do not know our God. Child of God, heed what I say. It will be for your own happiness, comfort, and spiritual well-being. YOU MUST AVOID ENTANGLING YOURSELF WITH UNBELIEVERS. I do not mean that we are to avoid contact with the world. But I do mean that we must avoid putting ourselves in the same yoke with those who walk in darkness.

     IN ALL DOCTRINAL, SPIRITUAL MATTERS, SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD IS ESSENTIAL. This is the primary meaning of Paul's admonition. We are to have no fellowship, or association, with false religion. We must separate ourselves from those who oppose the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ (Rom. 16:17; I Tim. 6:3-5; Tit. 3:10; II John 10-11). If we would have God as our Father, we must come out of and renounce the free-will, works religion of this world. There is no room in the house of God for Arminianism, free-willism, or legalism of any kind. We must persistently reject the evil influence of the world's religion. The best way for us to do so is to avoid association with men and women who hate our God and the gospel of his grace.

     However, Paul's admonition extends beyond doctrinal issues. IN ALL SOCIAL AFFAIRS WE MUST FORM OUR ALLIANCES AND ASSOCIATIONS ONLY WITH THE SAINTS OF GOD. The ox and the ass cannot plow together. Make whatever excuses you will, the fact still remains - "Evil communications corrupt good manners" (I Cor. 15:33). The plain English of that is, "Bad company corrupts good principles." Good principles never improve bad company! If you would live peacably in this world for the glory of God and the service of his kingdom...Make your circle of friends the family of God...Choose your husband or wife from the household of faith...And form your partnerships with the children of God. If you choose your friends, companions, and partners in business from among the people of this world, there is only one way for you to get along with them. You will have to compromise. They will not submit to your convictions. You will have to submit to their corruptions. The price is too high!

 

Don Fortner