BIBLICAL SEPARATION (A much needed message in our apostate time.) By Cooper Abrams Abstain from every appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). This verse too is dealing with biblical separation from evil and sin in any form. It is the broadest of all the verses and plainly states to “abstain” from all appearance of evil. To “abstain” means to “hold one’s self off from” or to “refrain from.” False doctrine is evil. God clearly throughout His word over and over again condemns sin and false and idolatrous teachers. Is standing beside them, and working with those in doctrinal error “refraining” evil? The answer is obviously no. Obey not their word and have no company with them. (2 Thess. 3:13-15) ”But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 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. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thess. 3:13-15) It is no fun to be criticized for obeying the Lord and seeking to please Him. Yet, the biblical separationists often finds himself the object of disdain from the ecumenicalists who with open arms accepts all who profess to be Christians with no effort to “try the spirits” or “examine their fruit.” But God says to separate from false teachers and sin. Verse 15 explains an important truth that the biblical separationist understands....the goal and purpose of biblical separation is not to treat a brother as an enemy but rather to rebuke his sin and error and turn him to the truth. As the Lord says in James, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins”( James 5:20). False doctrine is not God’s word and thereby cannot save a soul nor give sound instruction to the believer. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” We are to worship God in “spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) Only the word of God can save and mature a believer in Christ. Thus, the biblical separationist is seeking biblical restoration with an erring brother and a position of receiving the benefits of believing and living by God’s truth. There is no pride in true biblical separation, only true “agape” love for one’s brother. As Paul stated in Galatians 4:16 “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” Withdraw from those who will not follow Pauls teaching. (2 Thess. 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. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you” (2 Thess. 3:6). The New Testament very matter-of-factly commands, not suggests or recommends, but commands Christians to withdraw from the brother who walks disorderly. The word “disorderly” refers to one who is out of ranks or deviates from the teachings of the Apostle Paul (biblical traditions). This would include personal sin and Paul’s doctrine. The Bible does not support the idea that we are to embrace everyone regardless of his sin or doctrinal error. Once again God says we are to stand for His word and to be separate. This of course in our modern time is not popular and will bring the one who practices biblical separation much scorn. The unseparated professing Christian is offended at those who hold uncompromisingly to the biblical standard.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:02:40 +0000
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