Practical Separation

In our times there are attitudes of tremendous dislike within the church towards those who believe in biblical separation. Many believe that to separated predisposes one to intolerance and contempt of other believers. Others denounce biblical separation because they say it precludes the unity that Jesus spoke of in the seventeenth chapter of John. Whatever the reason, the truth regarding biblical separation in the church today goes unheeded by the vast majority of those who profess to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Scripture is not silent, however, as our text clearly brings out. Turn to 2 Timothy chapter two in order to ascertain what God’s will is in this matter for every believer and every ministry. In just a few verses we are exhorted to shun (v. 16); to depart (v. 19); to purge (v. 21); to flee (v. 22); to avoid (v. 23); and to turn away (2 Tim. 3:5). With such godly admonition to practice biblical separation one has to wonder why there is such an outcry against it. Is it not God’s Word? Are we not accountable to it? Does it not have supreme authority over us? Should we not humbly submit to it?

    When we look further into these words we readily see the warning they carry. Shun means to avoid and keep clear, not to mix or associate with. Depart means to move away from something, that is, forsake it. Purge means to cleanse or purify by separating from that which is impure. Flee means to run away from danger, separating yourself from it. Avoid means to remain at a distance from danger. Turning away means to move in the opposite direction. Also we quickly discover that there are reasons for applying Bible based separation. Ungodliness increases when vain babblings are not shunned; not departing from iniquity brings a believer to dishonor; purging oneself from error (moral and spiritual iniquity) makes one prepared for the Master’s use; avoiding foolish questions prevents strife and prepares God’s servant to rescue those in error (vv. 23-26). Lastly, practical separation brings a godly believer into fellowship with others who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (v. 22).

Mark Huss

from and old issue of Foundation magazine