Biblical Separation Commanded by God
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Most of today’s professing Christians are outraged by the mere mention of the term
“Biblical Separation”. These people are generally the more ecumenical. They generally
believe that we are not to cause any kind of division between believers and we are to just
get along with each other as the end justifies the means, just love each other. Those who
would practice “Biblical Separation” as the Bible commands are generally persecuted by
being labeled as overly legalistic, marked as a threat to the unity of Christians, and those
who would not even extend fellowship to another believer is heretical.
The so-called believers that condemn the practice of “Biblical Separation” are doing so
out of a worldly and non-Biblical view.
The following definition was found at: http://www.logosresourcepages.org/separation.htm:
The Definition of Biblical Separation
According to the American Dictionary of the English Language published by
Noah Webster in 1828 the general definition of separate is, "To disunite; to
divide; to sever; to part; to disconnect; to withdraw from each other; being parted
from each other." He goes on to define a separatist as "one that withdraws from
a church, or rather from and established church, to which he has belonged; a
dissenter…" (Noah Webster; American Dictionary of the English Language 1828
Edition reprint; p. 68).
While these definitions are certainly true as far as they go, they do not
adequately define the Biblical Separatist or Biblical Separation.
1. A Biblical Separatist will not cooperate and withdraws from organizations,
groups and individual unbelievers and their ungodly philosophies and
practices.
2. A Biblical Separatist will not cooperate and withdraws from churches, parachurch organizations and individuals that are apostate and that propagate
apostate teachings and practices.
3. A Biblical Separatist will not cooperate and withdraws from churches, parachurch organizations and individual believers that Aid and sanction apostates
by their alignment & cooperation with them.
4. A Biblical Separatist will not cooperate and withdraws from churches, parachurch organizations and individuals that profess to be Christian but disobey
& compromise clear Bible Teachings and will not repent.
Graft together Noah Webster's definition of a separatist to the above marks of a
biblical separatist and you will have a good definition of a Biblical Separatist.
A Biblical Separatist is a Christian who withdraws or will not cooperate
with an established church (organization or individual) that 1) includes
unbelievers and advocates godless philosophies and practices, and/or 2) is
apostate and propagates apostate teachings and practices, or 3) those
believers that aid and sanction apostates by their alignment and
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cooperation with them, and/or 4) individual believers that profess to be
Christians but disobey and compromise clear Bible teachings and will not
repent.
This definition raises the ire of many of today's Christians who have adopted the
contemporary (not biblical) view of grace. They protest that even to suggest that
you should not fellowship with another born-again believer is anathema. They
shout second degree separation as if it were not biblical (but it is) and assert we
are living under Grace! Yet, they discount what the New Testament says about
grace and what grace teaches. For a brief look, turn to Titus 2:11-12 For the grace
of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world;
Let us look at how God commands us to separate:
1. We are to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them” and “Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”
Ephesians 5: 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor
covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of
God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the
wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with
them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as
children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with
the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
As we are in this world and we are not to be of this world, neither are we to be partakers
of the sins of this world, but we are to be a separate and a holy people unto God.
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all
manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if
ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's
work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Merriam Webster’ definition of holy:
1 a : set apart and dedicated to the service or worship of God
Set apart, also means separate.
So, to be holy is to be set apart or separate from the others of “this world” and to be
dedicated in service and worship to the only God.
Isaiah 45:5 ¶I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded
thee, though thou hast not known me:
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2. We are to sharply rebuke the unruly, vain talkers, deceivers, and especially those
who are teachers of the faith, such as pastors.
Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of
the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses,
teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 12 One of themselves, even
a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the
faith;
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is
transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also
be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their
works. (Satan is not an angel.)
3. Beware false prophets and try the spirits.
Matthew 7:15 ¶Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.
1 John 4:1 ¶Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of
God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And
every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and
this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now
already is it in the world.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from
all appearance of evil.
4. We are not to allow deceivers into our house that bring not the doctrine of Christ.
2 John 1:7 ¶For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves,
that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He
that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 ¶If there
come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house,
neither bid him God speed:
5. We are to turn away from them that have a form of godliness but deny the power
thereof.
2 Timothy 3:1 ¶This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers,
false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady,
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highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness,
but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which
creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers
lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (Church?)
6. Let him be accursed who would pervert the gospel of Christ and in so doing bring
another gospel; this is a counterfeit or look-alike gospel. We are to be separate
from these perversions and bear up against them with the Holy Scriptures.
Galatians 1:6 ¶I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the
grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that
trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let
him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other
gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through
his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye
receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not
accepted, ye might well bear with him.
The word bear in the above scripture means to come up against, not to put up with!
7. We are to be separate and unbound from unbelievers.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light
with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for
ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I
will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
1 Corinthians 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I
then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he,
shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee
fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth
fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the
temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your
own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your
spirit, which are God's.
1 Thessalonians 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from
fornication:
This is both fornication of the flesh and primarily spiritual fornication.
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8. We are to reject any man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition.
Titus 3:9 ¶But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings
about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the
first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and
sinneth, being condemned of himself.
9. We are to mark, withdraw, admonish, and have no company with these who call
themselves brothers.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 ¶Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not
after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow
us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man's
bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not
be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an
ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded
you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are
some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now
them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness
they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company
with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him
as a brother.
10. Separate yourselves from them that cause divisions CONTRARY to the doctrine
of Christ, have no fellowship with them, be not partakers with them, and reprove
them.
Romans 16:17 ¶Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they
that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words
and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even
the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof
cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt
minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw
thyself.
This is one of the primary reasons to separate: “them which cause divisions and offences
contrary to the doctrine” from such withdraw thyself.
Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore
partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the
Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and
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righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
11. We are to separate ourselves from the wicked ones that call themselves a brother
but not altogether from the wicked ones of this world, as we are here to witness
unto them.
1 Corinthians 5:9 ¶I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or
extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I
have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner;
with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are
without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God
judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
12. A clean (holy) thing cannot make an unclean (unholy) thing clean and an unclean
thing can make a clean thing unclean.
Haggai 2:11 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law,
saying, 12 If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch
bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered
and said, No. 13 Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of
these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.
14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me,
saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is
unclean.
If we choose not to separate ourselves we remain or become unclean and unholy before
the Lord. Remember he who loves the Lord will obey the Lord.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth
me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will
manifest myself to him.
1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema
Maranatha. (Maranatha - The Lord is coming.)
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not
God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If a person claims to know the Lord, to be a believer, a follower and seeker of Jesus
Christ, then this person when confronted with the truth will turn from their sins in
repentance, to follow after the truth and they will find themselves in obedience to the
word of God. The opposite is also true.
The Bible tell us how to know if we know the Lord:
1 John 2:3 ¶And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
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4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth
is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also
so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And
hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
We know we know Him if we keep His commandments and one of His commandments
is clearly to: “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” We are to be separate unto God.
God commands us to be holy or set apart in our conversation, communion, fellowship,
prayer, and our behavior. This is the physical act in obedience that separates us from
ungodliness, heresy, error, and worldliness. This makes us different from all the others
that walk on the face of this planet or from “the world.”
Most of the so-called Christians are so caught up in the things of “this world” that they
don’t have time for the things of God. If the Christians are doing all the things of the
world and participating in all of the pagan holidays, such as “Samhain” or “The Mass of
Christ,” where do they really differ from the world?
Being holy, set apart, is one of the most difficult things a believer can do, it is the narrow
way in obedience to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ which leadeth unto life and few
there be that find it. If it were easy, then many there would be that would find it and go in
thereat.
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is
the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
We have all been deceived. I have been deceived in many areas and it is only by the
grace of god that I have come out from as much deception as I have.
Some of the best ways to start getting out of deception are to:
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from
all appearance of evil.
1 John 4:1 ¶Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of
God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
In other words take everything in your life and sift through it according to the word of
God. The things, which are acceptable unto God, keep as a part of your life and the things
that God commands us to be separate from, get rid of and in the case of people or
organizations, practice “Biblical Separation” and witness to the rest with our lives.
Our purpose here is to also be a witness “unto the principalities and powers in heavenly
places” by the manifold wisdom of God through “the church” (us), which is not the manmade churches we see all around us here today.
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from
the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be
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known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose
which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
In conclusion, we are to admonish and rebuke them that walk contrary to the clear
teaching of the word of God then if they continue in their own way and remain an heretic
after the second admonition, we are to turn away from them, that they may be ashamed,
repent and return to abide in the doctrine of Christ.
We are to separate from any individual, church, or organization that includes unbelievers,
allows ungodly behavior, teaches contrary to the Scripture, refuses to support justice and
judgment as commanded by Scriptures, and who sanctions or aligns themselves with
groups or individuals that God condemns.
It is in fact, doctrine, which is to be our dividing factor and we are to be Biblically holy
and set apart as God has commanded.
In contrast, a great many or most all of the so-called preachers of today say: “doctrine
divides,” as though it is to be avoided and an evil thing. Yes, doctrine divides! That is
what doctrine is for! The pastors of today are moving in the ecumenical realm or circles
and would not have the so-called church divided in any way, but unite all churches. They
say we just need to all get along and love each other and our differences are just a matter
of semantics. They say it is the same god that we all worship, no matter what name we
may call him, what a lie they teach as the world draws closer to a one-world religion.
All of these pastors seem to be compromised in varying degrees of ecumenicalism.
If we love God then we will obey Him and if we obey Him we know that we know Him.
Why were the many so-called Christians rejected before the Lord and sentenced to the
second death? The Lord never knew them:
Matthew 7:21 ¶Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in
thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him
unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: The rock is the very “Word of God.”
Psalms 1:1 ¶Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is
in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall
be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his
leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 ¶The ungodly are
not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall
not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the
LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return
unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing
whereto I sent it.
Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall
endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
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