Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17–18 (NIV)
What did Paul mean when he said, “Come out from them and be separate?” This statement is in the context of not being yoked together with unbelievers. We would expect that there would be no argument that Christians should not marry unbelievers, but what constitutes a partnership? How does it impact business or social connections?
Let us start by looking at what Paul didn’t mean. Throughout the history of the church there are those that have advocated for a withdrawal from society. Monasteries were built to foster isolation from the world. But previously Paul said: I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexual immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world. 1 Corinthians 5:9–10 (CSB)
In the course of our daily lives, we interact with the world, and worldly people. This is good because how else could we fulfill the mandate to make disciples? Jesus prayed: My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:15 (NIV)
Separation then must mean that spiritually we should not get entangled with or allow the things of this world to govern our thoughts and actions. (Romans 12:2). This is a challenge because the world loves darkness, and Jesus called us to be lights.
Special People
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
When we say that someone is special, it is not always a complement. It is sometimes a backhanded way of saying that someone is weird. When Paul said, “Come out and be separate,” he was not telling us to be weird.
We don’t need to dress differently, or talk in our own special language, or do things that draw attention to ourselves. It is not about having our own uniform, or hairstyle, but about letting our light shine for the world to see.
The call to be separate does not mean that we should shun contact with the world and shut ourselves away in solitude. With few exceptions, withdrawal from the world has not resulted in more holiness and purity.
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.” Likewise, you can take the sinner out of the world, but only God can take the world out of the sinner.
The impulse to withdraw from society is understandable. The peer pressure and temptations are great. There has been great debate and discussion down through the centuries regarding the proper way for the church, and Christians in particular, to live and interact with this world. Spiritual separation yet being living sacrifices seem daunting. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (NLT)
In the World
They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:16–18 (NLT)
The concept that Christ-followers are to be “In the world, but not of the world,” is derived from Jesus’ prayer here in John 17. We understand this to be the unique position of living physically in this world but being spiritually separated from the world’s values and corruption.
It is best if we remember that we are on a mission. We have been commissioned to preach the good news of the kingdom and make disciples. Just as the Father sent Jesus into the world, we have the assignment of being ambassadors from God.
In the natural world, people put on protective equipment when they go into hazardous situations. To avoid contamination by poisons or radiation, it is necessary to be properly outfitted.
Likewise, to remain separated from the spiritual hazards of the world, the Christ-follower must be equipped with the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). The Holy Spirit enabled hazmat equipment may not be visible to the naked eye, but it is perfectly suited for our assignment.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave the command: And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.” Luke 24:49 (CSB). Jesus knew that the only way for his disciples to survive and thrive in this world required the power and protection of the Holy Spirit.
Come and Go Freely
Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. John 10:9 (NLT)
Jesus gave us an interesting statement in John 10:9. We have an understanding what Jesus meant when he said he is the gate. Gates provide protection and security. We can rest and recuperate, and we can learn and be equipped in safety and isolation. But our assignment in this world requires us to go beyond the gate.
Jesus said, I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. John 10:16 (NLT).
To understand what is meant by “come out from among them,” it is vital to realize that we are being prepared to go back in among them to let them know that there is a God in heaven who loves them, and a Savior who died to save them from their sins.
Steve Ekeroth