Home What We
Believe		 Our
Purpose		 Contact
Us		 Pages By
Topic		 Pages By
Title

EARNESTLY CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH:
 SANCTIFICATION AND HOLINESS
BE YE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH.
THAT IS WHY HE IS GOD

Do you know for a fact that if you were to
die today that you would not go to hell?
If you do not know, click here.


Sanctification And Holiness
 BE YE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.
Live in holiness and live in peace, power, and victory.  Live in sin and worldliness and live in fear, weakness, and defeat.  Live in holiness and you will have what the power of God can do. Live in sin and worldliness and you will have what the power of your flesh can do against God and what you do to hinder your church and its worship. Believe it or not, if you are saved, you are at war with your flesh (See Romans chapter 7)

Sanctification and Christian Growth
Biblical Separation
Moral Separation
We Are To Have a Limited Fellowship
Christian Dress And Appearance
Christian Music
Television, Movies and the Internet
The Importance of Separation
More Specifics of the Doctrine of Moral Separtion
Doctrinal Separation
Practical Separation or Church Discipline

What follows is an extended, detailed discussion of sanctification and holiness presented from a Bible believing perspective.  Though the study is long, it will be well worth the time to read it.  In this Laodicean church age, a biblical presentation of sanctification and holiness is attacked as being the product of legalists or Pharisees.   The Lord Jesus Christ never rebuked the Pharisees for being obedient to the word of God.  In fact, he rebuked them for making void the commandments and word of God through their traditions (see Matthew 15:1-9 and Mark 7:1-13).  In this age of the apostate church it has become a tradition of men to make void the commandments and word of God through unholy living and mocking anyone who would make a stand for holy living and holy standards that line up with the word of God.  What we are talking about is Biblical separation.
Holiness has GOD as its absolute standard.  God reveals his standards for holiness to us through his word.  That is why the battle for the King James Bible is so important.  The written word of God has been under constant attack since the Living Word ascended to heaven.  Holiness is not relative to the society around us.  Holiness is relative to GOD and his word.  God and his word are a holy, unchanging, and eternal standard.  God says in Malachi 3:6: "For I am the Lord I change not".  Holiness is not relative to your brother or sister in Christ.  Nor is holiness relative to the church down the street. You will not find holiness in your self.  Holiness can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Holiness is not a work of the flesh.  Holiness is a work of the indwelling Holy Ghost of God.  Holiness is yielding to the work of the Holy Ghost in your life and allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to shine through you.  "Let your life so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven".  The holiness of God is that light.

SANCTIFICATION AND CHRISTIAN GROWTH

The Bible says in Romans 12:1-2:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are going to talk about sanctification, holiness, and separation. Holiness, sanctification, and separation are all about keeping Biblical standards.  God has set standards of conduct and appearance in the Bible.  Christians are to be separated from worldliness, false teaching, and non-repentant disobedient Christians.  There are least four reasons why separation is required.  First, separation maintains the purity of the local church (Ephesians 5:24-27, 1 Corinthians 5 and 11).  Second, separation is good for the spiritual well being of non-repentant brothers and sisters in Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:6).  Third, separation is also required for those who desire a full reward (2 John 8). Fourth, separation is essential to protect against apostasy.
Many times when we teach or preach on separation and holiness we are accused of practicing legalism or of being legalistic.  Legalism is adding works to the gospel of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Legalism is not holy living.  Legalism is not asking women to wear modest feminine apparel.  Legalism is not asking men to maintain a neat, masculine appearance.  Legalism is not preaching and teaching against the wickedness of Hollywood movies, television, and most of the internet.  Legalism is not asking that Christians listen to Godly music that uplifts, honors, and glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is difficult to discuss the topics of sanctification, holiness, and separation individually since you cannot have one without the other.  The words that relate to personal holiness, the holiness of God, and holy places occupy a prominent place in Scripture.  Words that relate to these three are used in the Bible a minimum of 1,076 times in 996 verses.  Hence, God places a great deal of importance on holiness because He is holy.  Holiness is the magnet that draws the power of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. With as much weight as is on holiness in the Bible,  it is truly a strange thing that we do not stress the importance of holiness  in our personal lives and in our modern day churches in our teaching and preaching.  That is why most of our modern day churches are dead as door nails.  Holiness is an outward indication, or manifestation, of the indwelling and infilling of the Holy Ghost.  Without this presence of the Holy Ghost there can be no heart felt worshiping and praising of God.  Without holiness there is no presence of the sweet Spirit of God.  A lack of holiness hinders our worship.  The Bible says in 1 Chronicles 16:29: “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness”.   The Bible also says in Psalm 29:2: “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness”. Further, the Bible says in Psalm 96:9: “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth”.  You cannot give the glory due unto the name of the Lord, or worship the Lord, if you do not do it in the beauty of holiness.  If we are to worship the Lord, we must worship Him in truth and in Spirit.   Worship is abiding in, joying in, and rejoicing in God because He is worthy of our undivided attention and praise!!  Without the presence of the Spirit of God we cannot worship God.  It is the sweet Spirit of God that gives us the joy of our (His) salvation. Holiness is all about obedience to the Word of God.  The Bible says in 1 Samuel 15:22: “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams”. For the Spirit filled Christian, it is not grievous, but is rather a joy to live a holy life. The Bible says in 1 John 5:2-3:“2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous”.   If we love God, it will not be a burden (grievous) to keep His commandments, but rather a joy.  The Bible says in John 15:10-11: “10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full”.   Are you miserable today or are you full of joy?  Are you Holy Spirit filled?  Are you Holy Spirit led?
Many times, we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ghost), but we do not have the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is that permanent presence of the Spirit that comes immediately upon salvation.  There is only one indwelling of the Spirit.  There are many infillings of the Spirit.  The infillings of the Spirit are to give us the power to live a victorious Christian life. God empowers us through the Spirit to exercise our gifts in a manner that brings honor and glory to Him; in a manner that achieves His purpose for our lives.
Being filled with the Spirit is not evidenced by rolling in the aisles, “holy” laughter, or falling out  (slain in the Spirit).  Being filled with the Spirit is not some emotional “experience” that expresses itself in some confused or irrational form.  We know that God is not the author of confusion from 1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints”.  So, if it seems to be confused, then it is not of God, but is instead of Satan.  It is well put in Ephesians 5:18: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”  I am afraid that Charismatics are filled more with wine than with the Spirit of God. 
We cannot be effective soul winners without the power of the Holy Spirit. Though we can grieve and quench the Spirit, many times we are not filled with the Spirit simply because we do not ask to be.  Pray for it!


Luke 11:13
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Once we have a fresh infilling of the Spirit, we must yield to it.  From the Landmarks of Baptist Doctrine I quote: “Remember - the question is not How much do I have of Him?, but how much does He have of me?.”  It is all about commitment.  Am I committed to Him?
                                       

Sanctification comes to the Christian in three different stages.  These stages are past sanctification, future sanctification, and present sanctification. 

Past sanctification is that which took place at the cross when Christ died for our sins.  At the cross the believer was set apart from the unbeliever.  The believer claims for themselves past sanctification when they are saved by God.  Past sanctification says that we are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2, 1:30 and 6:11).  Past sanctification deals more with the relationship, or position of the believer, rather than with fellowship between the believer and God .

Future sanctification is that everlasting sanctification that the believer will be able to claim after the resurrection (Revelation 21:27).   There will exist a state of sinless perfection after the resurrection.

Present sanctification is the process of being set apart whereas  holiness is the state of being set apart.  Sanctification provides the path to holiness.  Holiness is not a state of sinless perfection .  We will never reach a state of sinless perfection as long as we are in these fleshly bodies. Present sanctification is a never ending battle for the Christian.  This battle is very vividly described by Paul in Romans 7:14-25:

Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

 
So, you thought you had a tough battle with Satan.  If you are not having a battle with Satan, I would get real worried.   As we grow in the grace of God through sanctification, one would think that we are less tempted by Satan, but that is not the case.  Most, if not all, church leaders from the pastor on down experience frontal and rearguard attacks from Satan and his demons following particularly successful revivals, mission conferences, and an influx of newly regenerated members.  If Satan cannot get to us directly he attacks us through our loved ones or even through our brothers and sisters in Christ.  He also seeks to hinder us through attacks on our loved ones and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sanctification is a process of growth for the Christian.  Paul saw it as a turning from a life that is controlled by the lusts of the flesh to one that is controlled by holiness in Romans 6:19-22:

Romans 6:19-22
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.


Paul tells us that we should seek to possess our bodies in sanctification and honor in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-4:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-4
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.   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: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;


The believer is commanded to take control of their lusts and to be holy in 1 Peter 1:13-16:

1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  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.


Sanctification is also the means whereby we maintain fellowship with God.  As it is written by the prophet in Isaiah 59:1-2:

Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 


Happiness and peace of mind is having continuing fellowship with the Lord.  Our relationship with the Lord (salvation) is based upon the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Our fellowship with the Lord is based totally upon our actions, or lack thereof.  Through the process of sanctification we learn to be more and more frequently in obedience to the commandments of the Lord.  Through obedience to the commandments of the Lord we receive a two fold blessing of joy.  The Lord Jesus Christ said in John 15:10-11:

John 15:10-11
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

   
If you want to restore the joy of His salvation, which is fellowship with the Lord,  you must repent  of your sin and confess it to God.  King David understood the necessity of repentance in restoring fellowship with the Lord for he said in Psalm 51:1-17:

Psalm 51:1-17
1  Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.  6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.  14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.  15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.  17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.


A necessary part of sanctification (Christian growth) is a willingness to say, “Yes, Lord I have done wrong and am willing to do whatever it takes to make it right between me and Thee”.  This simply means to repent.  Repentance brings joy.  As an aside - time to run a rabbit - to the Scriptures in John 15, notice that Christ did not say that the sinner would lose their salvation if they did not keep His commandments.  Rather, He said they would lose the joy of their salvation.  The fact that the believer is convicted of their sin shows them a need for repentance.  Repentance restores joy.  David understood this connection.  He still referred to what he had as salvation, but he knew that he had lost the joy of it because of his sin.  He had lost fellowship.

BIBLICAL SEPARATION

“Biblical separation is the state of being separated from sin and error unto truth and righteousness” (Way Of Life Encyclopedia).  John Cereghin, Dean of Men, Maryland Baptist Bible College defines separation as the withdrawal from doctrinal and practical error, motivated by a love for the holiness of God. Personal separation is the believer's avoidance of sin in his life. Ecclesiastical separation is to withdraw from theological systems, organizations or individuals who hold incorrect doctrine or religious practice. Many will not take a stand for Biblical separation because they are afraid of being accused of being unloving, of being judgmental, or of being a Pharisee.  Many are afraid of contention, but you must contend for the faith whether you want to or not.  It is a bible commandment.  Our Bible says in Jude 3: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”.   Many will not take a stand for separation, or will compromise doctrine, because they think that to do so will enable them to build bridges to the lost. The philosophy is: “Compromise doctrines and standards that we might be able to draw a crowd”. Now, that’s depending on the Holy Ghost and exercising faith!  John Cereghin also said: “We must never compromise a Biblical position so we may `build bridges.' God will bomb our bridges if love toward `the brethren' is more important to us than our love toward God”.
We are to be separated from this world in our minds, our fellowship, our dress and appearance, our music, our television viewing, our movie going, our internet activities, and our entertainment activities. We are not to be friends with the world.  James 4:4 says: “know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”.  There are three different types of separation.  These are moral, doctrinal, and practical.  Moral separation is separating from sin and worldliness.  Doctrinal separation (Romans 16:16-17, Revelation 18:4) is separating from false teaching and practices that are contrary to the Bible.  Practical separation (Matthew 18:15-18, 1 Corinthians 5:11) is the breaking of fellowship with those brothers or sisters who are involved in open sin that they will not repent of. 
MORAL SEPARATION

Moral separation is separating from sin and worldliness unto godliness. We are to be separated from this world in our minds, our fellowship, our dress and appearance, our music, our television viewing, our movie going, our internet activities.
The battle for holiness takes place in our minds. If we are Christians we have the upper hand because we have the mind of Christ.  1 Corinthians 2:16 says: “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ”.  If we have the mind of Christ, then why do we not act like it. Our problem is that we let our flesh dictate to our minds who we will serve. The Bible says in Romans 8:5-7:

Romans 8:5-7
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.


It is our carnal habit to walk in the flesh from birth.  Most of the time we are so focused on earthly things that we are no heavenly good.  We must make a conscious, disciplined effort to walk after the spirit in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Bible says in Galatians 5:16-17:

Galatians 5:16-17
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.


The reason that we walk in the flesh rather than the spirit is that we are not willing to crucify our flesh.  It is not unreasonable that God would ask us to live holy lives.  Again, God says in Romans 12:1-2:

Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.


Are you having trouble determining what the perfect will of God is for your life?  Think on that. God says that we are to be renewed in our minds.  The only way that can happen is that we first of all be permanently indwelt by the Holy Ghost through salvation.  Then we must yield to the leading of the Holy Ghost.  We should ask for a daily infilling of the Holy Ghost.  If we will allow the Holy Ghost to renew our minds on a daily basis, then we will not walk after the vain ways of those dead in their trespasses and sins. When we walk after the flesh in our minds we lose our spiritual discernment because our understanding is darkened.  The Bible says in Ephesians 4:17-24:

Ephesians 4:17-24
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


As Christians, we will never have peace of mind if we do not turn our minds over to the Holy Spirit that He might make us holy.  If we will discipline our minds to be stayed upon Christ, God will give us perfect peace.  Our Bible says in Isaiah 26:3: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee”.   Are you stayed upon Jehovah?

WE ARE TO HAVE A LIMITED FELLOWSHIP

When we become Christians we should have a limited fellowship.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15:

2 Corinthians 6:14-15
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?


Therefore, there will be some old friends that we will have to part company with.  That also means that we cannot marry unbelievers. That is not to say that we cannot witness to our lost loved ones, lost friends and lost acquaintances, but that the focus of our fellowship is to be brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible also says in Ephesians 5:11: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them”.  Our salvation many times will put us at variance and/or separate us from our own family members.  Christ said in Luke 12:51-53:

Luke 12:51-53
51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.


Christ also stated in Matthew 10:34-36:

Matthew 10:34-36
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.


Your lost friends will lead you astray by putting temptation before you.  You will hear some things that will offend the Spirit that dwells within you.  If you do not choose Christian friends after you are saved you will vex your righteous soul with the deeds of the wicked.  If you do not break fellowship with your lost friends after you are saved you will vex your righteous soul with the deeds of the wicked.  The Bible says in 2 Peter 2:7-9:

2 Peter 2:7-9
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:


You cannot choose your family, but you can choose your spouse and friends.  Pick your friends and spouse with a godly desire.

CHRISTIAN DRESS AND APPEARANCE

What I am about to say is not very popular in “Christian” circles, but it is Godly and Biblical.  Christian appearance and dress are some of the most important outward signs of an inward Holy Spirit filled salvation and holiness.  It matters how God’s people dress.  We are not to dress like the world.  We are to look like Christians.  We are not to dress in a manner that is “flashy fleshy”.  We are not to dress in a manner that is sexually revealing.  Neither should men and women look like they have been poured into their clothes.  Men should not dress like gigolos.  Women should not dress like harlots.  Men are not to wear women’s clothes.  Neither are women to wear men’s clothes. The world should be able to look at Christians and tell from their dress that they are Christian.  Men should not have long hair.  Women should not have short hair.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 22:5: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God”. If you are a woman and you choose to wear pants then you are choosing to be an abomination unto the Lord.  Ah, but you say that the pants are designed for the women.  Not so.  Until the unisex revolution of the 1960s, all women in all cultures, even the pagan cultures, did not wear pants.  Pastor David Stone had this to say:

Until the last few years women wore robes or dresses that covered all of their legs. This was true of the Egyptians, Ethiopians, Syrians, Hebrews, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Scythians and Parthians, Grecians, Romans, Early Christians, Medieval Period, English Renaissance, and Puritans. Only in the last generation has this been changed.


For Christian women who would buck up to God over the issue of pants I have two questions.  What would you say or think if someone told you that I being a man showed up for work in a dress?  What would you do if  a man showed up to teach a Sunday School class in a dress?   If you are a man and you choose to wear a dress, then you are choosing to be an abomination unto the Lord.  The question always comes up: “Should Christian men and women wear shorts”?  The answer is no.  The Bible says in :

Isaiah 47:1-3
1 Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. 2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. 3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.


We see that the uncovering of the thigh was nakedness that brought shame.  Women should not wear anything that exposes any flesh above the bottom of the kneecap. For women, the wearing of split dresses and split skirts that expose the thigh is also inappropriate.  The slits are designed to pull the man’s eyes toward the exposed thigh. Women should be dressed modestly according to 1 Timothy 2:9-10:

1 Timothy 2:9-10
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;  10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.


Likewise for women the admonition of 1 Peter 3:1-5 applies where we see:

1 Peter 3:1-5
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:


Anything that exposes any of the breast of a man or woman should not be worn.  It is nakedness.

Now, what say we about the dress of a man? The other side of the issue for men is seen in Exodus 28:42-43:

Exodus 28:42-43
42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:   43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.


Men should not wear clothing that exposes the thighs.  Men should also wear shirts at all times when they are in public.  Their nakedness should not be displayed.  We know that all men who expose their chests are he-men.  I will give you something else to think about.  Within the family setting inside the home, if it is okay for the man to come to the dining table without a shirt, is also alright for his wife to come to the table the same way?
Finally, Christian men and women do not belong on the beaches or at public swimming pools and swimming holes where men and women are not properly dressed.  Remember what the Bible says in Psalm 101:3: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me”. The Bible also says in 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from all appearance of evil”.

The Christian standards for hair are set forth in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15 where we read:

1 Corinthians 11:14-15
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 


Men should have short hair.  The only case in the Bible where men were allowed to have long hair was in the case of the Nazarite vow in Numbers chapter 6.  At the completion of the Nazarite vow, the hair had to be shaved.  There is NO New Testament example concerning hair length other than the prohibition in 1 Corinthians 11:14.  The only other mention of long hair in the Bible was Absalom.  Absalom’s long hair was a symbol of rebellion just as it has been in our times.  The Lord Jesus Christ did not have long hair.  It was Jewish custom that men’s hair had to be cut every 30 days.  Pastor E. L. Bynum in quoting Phillip Vollmer had this to say about Christ and long hair:

“Many pictures drawn by artists in recent times, picture Jesus with long hair. In this they are wrong. The following is taken from the Book, "The Modern Student's Life of Christ," by Philip Vollmer, published some years ago by Fleming H. Revell Company.

Archaeologists object to the conventional pictures of Christ because they are not true to History. A German painter, L. Fahrenkrog, says: 'Christ certainly never wore a beard and his hair was beyond a doubt closely cut. For this we have historical proof. The oldest representations, going back to the first Christian centuries, and found chiefly in the catacombs of Rome, all pictured him without a beard. All the Christ pictures down to the beginning of the fourth century at least, and even later, are of this kind'."

Even from Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo we have pictures of Christ in the Final Judgment according to this older type.

The June, 1971 issue of "Tomorrow's World" carried an article entitled - DID JESUS WEAR LONG HAIR? The article was illustrated with authentic busts from the ancient world of the Roman Empire leaders proving that short hair was the accepted mode in Roman-occupied Judea.

The busts of General Pompey, Julius Caesar, Caesar Augustus, Emperor Trajan, and King Herod Agrippa - all showed that short hair was the style. The article stated: "For example, on pages 126-127 of Avi-Yonah's work (A History of the Holy Land) are found busts of Pompey, Augustus, and one believed to be Herod - all with short hair. All statues and carvings of legionnaires show them with closely cropped hair. A Roman with long hair was an oddity as is - used to be the case for men in our society. In fact, all Roman Emperors before, during, and after the time of Christ, from Julius Caesar to Trajan, wore short hair. And the emperor was the individual who set the pattern in style and mode of dress for the whole empire.”

A WORD OF WARNING IS IN ORDER HERE. IF YOU ARE A PREACHER AND A TEACHER, DO NOT BE SO QUICK AS TO PREACH AGAINST FACIAL HAIR FOR MEN. IF YOU DO IT, YOUR PREACHING IS NOT OF THE HOLY GHOST BECAUSE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HAD A BEARD.


So, out go those pictures of the Lord Jesus Christ with long hair.  Our Saviour did not have long hair.  When considering pictures of the Lord Jesus Christ and movies about the Lord Jesus Christ in light of the Scriptures we ought to consider Exodus 20:4 and Acts 17:29 where God says:

Exodus 20:4
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
   
Acts 17:29
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.


I realize that might offend our Catholic and Eastern Orthodox friends who are obsessed by images and icons.
Women should not have short hair according to 1 Corinthians 11:15.  Short, bobbed  hair for women is a symbol of rebellion and in many cases is a mark of lesbianism.  I had a friend tell me last week of a woman he knew who had short hair and dressed like a man who had to grow her hair back out and change her clothing because she was being constantly “hit on” by numerous lesbians.  That is a very telling illustration.  The question always comes up as to what is to long for a man and what is to short for a woman.  The answer to this question is quite simple.  When looking upon a man or woman, there should be no question as to what their gender is because of the length of their hair.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC

WARNING: THIS IS A VERY EXPLOSIVE ISSUE! I JUST LEFT A CHURCH WHERE I HAVE FACED THE GREATEST SPIRITUAL BATTLE OF MY CHRISTIAN LIFE OVER THE ISSUE OF THE RIGHT MUSIC IN THE CHURCH. I HAVE LEFT TWO CHURCHES OVER THE ISSUE OF COMPROMISE ON THE KING JAMES BIBLE, BUT NEVER HAVE I FACED AN ATTACK AS VICIOUS AND AS VILE AS THIS ONE OVER MUSIC. I HAVE FOR YEARS STATED THAT IF THE DEVIL CAN STEAL THE GODLY CHRISTIAN MUSIC FROM A CHURCH, THEN THE NEXT THING HE WILL STEAL IS THE KING JAMES BIBLE.

Another very important area of Biblical separation is that of music.  The music that Christians listen to should not sound like the worlds music.  If the music sounds like it came out of a rock concert, then it did.  If the music sounds like it came out of a country and western bar, then it did.  Rock and music and Christian music are two mutually exclusive terms.  Rap music and Christian music are two mutually exclusive terms.  Heavy metal music cannot be Christian.  A lot of Southern gospel music is not fit to listen to either because it sounds like it came out of a bar room.  Practically all Contemporary Christian is unfit for Christians to listen to.  Other than the doctrinal issues contained in the lyrics (words) of most “Christian” music produced today, there is the issue of the music (the instruments) itself.  Contrary to what most folks think music is not neutral.  Many times the music (instruments) present a much stronger message than the lyrics (words).  You cannot take Christian lyrics and set them to any type of music and expect the message to remain the same.  The music must match the message.  The problem with most Christian music today is that the emphasis is on rhythm rather than melody and harmony.  Rhythm speaks to the flesh.  Melody and harmony speak to the soul and spirit.  The Bible gives the requirements for Christian music in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 which read:

Ephesians 5:19
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
   
Colossians 3:16
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


Using the qualifications of melody and harmony we could throw out most of the music that is sung in the churches of apostate Christianity.  Most of the music in apostate Christianity is written to work up the flesh through rhythm, the pounding of drums, and the praise of men. Drums do not belong in Christian music; especially music sung in a worship service.  It is hard to play carnal rhythms and sing spiritually. All Christian music ought to honor and glorify God and uplift and exalt our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  In our music, we want to play and sing the songs that the Lord Jesus wants to hear.  After all, it is the Lord Jesus Christ that we are suppose to be worshipping and not man. Does the music you listen to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ?? Of the 56 times the word “sing” is used in the Psalms, 51 of them are direct references to singing unto the Lord.  The Bible speaks of the mountains, rivers, hills and trees singing unto the Lord.  Please note the following Scriptures from our King James Bibles:

1 Chronicles 16:9,33
9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.
   
Psalm 30:4
4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 
   
Psalm 33:2-3
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
   
Psalm 95:2
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 
   
Psalm 105:2
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
   
Isaiah 44:23
23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
   
Isaiah 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

1 Corinthians 14:15
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
   
Ephesians 5:19
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

James 5:13
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
   
Hebrews 2:12
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.


In closing this topic, I present some quotes from some musicians and composers.  If you think music is neutral, ponder these statements prayerfully.  You will find that it is not just the message that matters, but it is also the music that matters.  Many times the music has a much stronger message than the words themselves.  Consider this.  I can hear a song played, anticipate the next note, hum the melody and not even remember most of the words.  Selah!

Tim Fisher in his book “The Battle For Christian Music” says:"Can you imagine Mozart being played in a bar? Not very likely--because the music of Mozart isn't compatible with such an atmosphere. Can you imagine singing the Doxology to the tune of 'Stars and Stripes Forever'? Would you receive a blessing by singing the words of 'The Old Rugged Cross' to the Beatles' tune 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand/" These are ridiculous illustrations because the music is obviously incompatible with the message." (p. 102)

Reach the young people with their own music?
Then there are those who use "Christian rock" music. They say, "I believe we can reach the young people if we just play their kind of music." I don’’t buy that, because before I was ever saved I went to hear a rock and roll group singing dirty rock and roll songs and telling me about the Lord Jesus in the songs. You know what I said? As a rock and roll musician I said, "What are they doing playing my music? They are Christians." I had better sense than to believe that they were doing any good. Yes, I went to the concert, but I did not like it. And they all had long greasy hair. There was one fellow, a big, tall fellow, who stood up with a Bible at the end of the concert and preached. His hair was cut above his ears, and you know what? I listened to him. Afterwards I didn’t want to talk to the grubby band members. I felt they were worse off than I was. I just looked at them and thought, "I don’’t want to be like that." I talked to the tall fellow; and though I did not get saved that night, I was impressed somewhat and I went home that night and told my mother about it. It was only a year or two later that I got saved.

I don’t buy that idea that we have to look like and play our music like the world in order to reach them. If you are trying to bring somebody to Christ, you have to show them that the Lord is different than the world; and He is. He is holy, and this world is unholy. Christian rock music does not paint a proper picture of the Savior. Even that fellow, by his short hair and dress, painted a more proper picture of the Lord; and I was willing, at least, to talk with him.

Then you have music that is sung and played by supposed Christians, but it is not Christian music. Amy Grant has done some of that. They call it "cross over" music. She sang a song with one of the singers from the rock group Chicago.

Then you've got your regular country western, and rock and roll, and big band music, and boogie woogie, and rag time, and all the rest. It gets worse and worse and worse, and finally it’’s heavy metal music; and, lo and behold, all the sudden we are worshipping the devil. Nobody got over there with one hop. No, it is a progression. The devil wants us to plug in anywhere along that line, and the flow always moves away from God and holiness.

Richard M. Taylor, 1973 - “We cannot change the basic effect of certain kinds of rhythm and beat simply by attaching to them a few religious or semi-religious words. The beat will still get through to the blood of the participants and the listeners. Words are timid things. Decibels and beat are bold things, which can so easily bury the words under an avalanche of sound. …… There are music forms, whether secular or sacred, which create moods of pensiveness, of idealism, of awareness of beauty, of aspiration, and of holy joyousness. There are other forms of music which create moods of recklessness and sensual excitement. Surely it doesn’t take much judgment to know which forms are most appropriate for religious functions” (Dr. Richard M. Taylor, The Disciplined Lifestyle, 1973, pp. 86, 87).

Steven Halpern, 1978 - “Words are incidental at best, or monotonous and moronic as usual. But the points is, that they don’t matter. What you dance to is the beat, the bass and drums. And with this mix and volume, not only is the beat sensed, but literally felt, as this aspect of the rhythm section takes precedence over melody and harmony” (Dr. Steven Halpern, Tuning the Human Instrument, 1978, p. 14).

Leonard Seidel, 1980 - “There is a certain type of music around which demons feel very uncomfortable. Check the other side of the coin. There is a type of music under which evil spirits find it quite easy to progress with their work and influence” (Leonard Seidel, concert pianist, lecturer, God’’s New Song, 1980, p. 9).

Tim Fisher, 1992 - “Music is not neutral. It has the capability of communicating imbalance and sensuality, and it can confuse the spiritual effectiveness of the message. Therefore, I as a Christian must draw a line. Any music that cannot appropriately communicate the message is unfit to use to worship the Lord”.

TELEVISION, MOVIES AND THE INTERNET

Now, what about television and movie viewing and the internet?  There is not one whit of anything coming out of Hollywood today that is fit for a Christian to watch.  Most of the programing that comes through the airwaves and cable to our televisions is unfit for Christian viewing.  The television and movie theaters are being used to destroy the testimony and spiritual power of Christians who feed themselves a constant diet of them.  The television and movie theaters are being used by the devil to spiritually dumb down Christians.  These dark devices are being used to destroy the spiritual discernment of Christians because they are being desensitized by a constant barrage of moral depravity including sexual perversion from the sodomites, violence, filthy language, fornication and adultery, abortion, murder, etc.  There is a never ending stream of God hating, Christian bashing, and Christ rejecting propaganda and lies spewing forth from these cesspools of iniquity. Even the so called  “news” shows take every opportunity they can to put nakedness, filth, and sodomy before our eyes.  God help us.  Most Christians would be better off if they tossed the television out the front door.  Perhaps the greatest evil of television and movies is that they take away from the time that belongs to God and family.  When Christians ought to be studying the Bible together, praying together, and working and worshiping together through the church of the living God, they are plopped down in front of a television or movie ingesting spiritual cyanide.  These things keep the Christian from redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16) One of the greatest evils for the American male is the television sports show.  One of the greatest evils for the American woman is the television soap opera.  The internet has run rampant with sodomy and pornography.  Marriages have been and continue to be destroyed through X rated chat rooms. The internet is being used to promote false religions and doctrine.  The Christian must be very careful what internet “Christian” sites they visit.  There are some very powerful tools on the internet for Christians, but the key to their use is spiritual discernment.  Most Christians would be much better off if they did not even have a computer.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEPARATION

The first indication of the importance of separation is given in Genesis 13 where we see the story of Lot and Abraham.  Abraham separated himself from Lot and from the temptations of Sodom where we see that Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom and Abraham built an altar unto the Lord in Hebron on the plain of Mamre.  Abraham’s action was one that honored God.  Lot’s action honored the world.  Lot payed a price for his involvement in the snares of this world.  We learn in 2 Peter 2:7-8:

2 Peter 2:7-8
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)


It is really surprising to learn in 2 Peter that Lot was a righteous man.  All information given in Genesis would lead most to believe that he was lost.  Lot is a type of the worldly believer. Just as Lot vexed his righteous soul, Christians that will not practice separation are not going to have any peace of mind as long as the Holy Spirit is in the ministry of conviction.  The source of all the misery of the nation of Israel was their failure to obey the commandment of the Lord not to mix with the heathen of the lands that they were going into.  This commandment and admonishment was often repeated.  We see it repeated in Exodus 34:10-17, Deuteronomy 12:29-32, and 2 Kings 17:9-23.   God’s children are to remain separated from this world.
We are told why we should remain separated as a people in 1 Peter 2:9-12:

1 Peter 2:9-12
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:  10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 


We are told not to be unequally yoked, or in association with, unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1:

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
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.  7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

MORE SPECIFICS ON THE DOCTRINE OF MORAL SEPARATION

Ephesians 4:17 through 5:21  present a very clear picture of the doctrine of moral separation of the Christian.  They contain all the dos and don’ts that relate to moral separation: that is the sins that a Christian should be separated from and also those that a Christian should be separated unto.  We are going to take a brief look at some Scripture in Ephesians 4 and 5:

Ephesians 4:17-32
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.


Verses 17-24 of Chapter 4 describe what the relationship should be between the believer and his former manner of living.  Those that have been renewed in spirit must put on a new man that does not walk after the old life style, but is instead seeking after the righteousness and true holiness that is created by God.  There should be a difference between the lifestyle of the Christian and the lost man.  Verses 25-31 are the things the Christian is to have no part of.  What an ugly list it is!  Verse 32 tells us to have a forgiving spirit just as our Lord had.

Ephesians 5:1-21
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 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. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.  14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;  21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.


In Ephesians 5 we see at least nine aspects of moral separation.   These are:

    1.      True Christian love is described in verses 1-2.
    2.      Sins are named and condemned in verses 3-6.
    3.      Christians are commanded in verses 7, 8, and 11: (a) not to be partakers, (b)to walk into the light out of darkness, ©) to have no fellowship with the evil deeds of the wicked.  Note that separation is demanded based upon the sin and not on the sinner.  Many times we must separate ourselves from the sinner because that is the only way to avoid being a partaker of, or being in fellowship, with the sin.    That means that there are many places that Christians do not belong because to be in those places would place us in fellowship with the sin. This means that we are to avoid the sin, but not the sinner.
    4.    Christians are responsible to rebuke the sin.  We must remember this Scripture is written to the Christian.  We are talking about the rebuke of sin as it relates to church discipline.  As so aptly stated by David Cloud, “God even requires that the Christian “put his nose in other people’s business” and “reprove them” for their sinful ways.  This might very well be a major reason why so many refuse to practice Biblical separation!”
    5.    We are not only to separate from wickedness (vv 5-8) but we are to separate unto righteousness and truth (v 9).  In other words, we separate from sin unto holiness.
    6.    It is the will of the Lord that we be separated (vv 10, 17).
    7.    Separation is necessary for spiritual growth (redeeming the time) (vv 15-16).
    8.    The rebuke of wickedness and living a separated life is a light unto the world, or a witness to the lost.
    9.    Moral separation cannot be accomplished without yielding to the Holy Spirit.


Yielding to the Holy Spirit leads to holiness.  Holiness exists in a state of separation.  The following three paragraphs from the book Holiness by J. C. Ryle draw a contrast between holiness and unholiness:

“(a) Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God̓s judgment—hating what He hates—loving what He loves—and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word. He who most entirely agrees with God, he is the most holy man. Contrariwise, an unholy one judges all things according to his own mind; as the Scriptures often put it, he is ‘wise in his own conceits̓ (Ro. 12:16). The unholy one desires to do his own will, rather than putting God̓s will first—̓every way of man is right in his own eyes̓ (Pr. 21:2).”

“(b) A holy one will endeavor to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment. He will have a decided bent of mind toward God, a hearty desire to do His will—a greater fear of displeasing Him than of displeasing the world—and a love of all His ways. He will feel what Paul felt when he said, ‘I delight in the law of God after the inward man̓ (Ro. 7:22). An unholy one sees no reason for him to be transformed, nor to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus, but to the unholy one Christ is but a name which he can use as a tool to accomplish his own ends, and to establish his own glory among men.”

“(c) A holy one will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ. He will labor to have the mind that was in Him, and to be ‘conformed to His image̓—̓to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God̓ (Ro. 12:2). While holiness assures meekness, humility, charitableness, and spiritual-mindedness; unholiness regards these as mere pretenses, hypocritical acts which will deceive opposing parties while the unholy one is undermining their position. Unholiness is basically unbelief in all its forms. It encompasses deceit, both of self and of others; and it is often revealed in idolatry of self, and of external objects which will serve the interests of self.”


Did you notice the use of the word habit (bold face type mine) in paragraph a above?  I think that was a very good choice of words.  Holiness is all about developing good habits that please God.  It is the Holy Spirit that sets us apart as we yield to Him.  The more often we yield to the Holy Spirit the more of a habit it becomes.  The ultimate mark of Christian growth is holy habits.  I am not advocating Phariseeism.  Pharisees do not yield to the Holy Spirit.  They yield to church tradition, church liturgy, and church rules.
DOCTRINAL SEPARATION

Doctrinal separation is that separation that comes about based upon parting company with those that teach false doctrine.  Might I also say that which Bible version is used is the strongest doctrinal separation issue.  The King James Bible is the Bible that God has ordained for English speaking peoples. All other versions are perversions.  The Bible version issue is a topic unto itself that we will discuss later.  
The word “doctrine is mentioned 51 times in our Bible. The word “doctrines” is mentioned 5 times in our Bible. Doctrine is connected to Biblical unity in Ephesians 4:11-15 where we have:

Ephesians 4:11-15
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:   14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 


The basis of doctrinal separation must be the Bible and not church tradition. For the Christian who is obedient to the word of God, there is no unity in diversity.  True Biblical unity can only exist in Biblical truth.  Biblical truth defines and sets the boundaries of pure doctrine.  Biblical truth sets the bounds for fellowship and separation.  We, as Bible believing Baptists, cannot fellowship with, or conduct joint ventures with, Mormons, Reformed Churches, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, Pentecostals, Churches of Christ, Jehovah Witnesses, unitarians, Roman Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Episcopalians, Anglicans, Mennonites, Christian Churches, Holiness Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Christian Science, Masons, and etc. All these groups hold to false doctrines that are contrary to what the Bible teaches. 
A partial list of the false doctrines held by these groups would include: infant baptism, baptismal regeneration, baptism by sprinkling, transubstantiation (Catholics), consubstantiation (Lutherans and Anglicans), Calvinism, Arminianism (can lose salvation), universal salvation, soul sleep, investigative judgement, Sabbath keeping required, sinless perfection, tongues abuses, women preachers, prayers to and for the dead, purgatory, no eternally burning hell, prayers to the saints, prayers to Mary, Mary worship, Mary as co-redeemer and co-intercessor, the immaculate conception, the assumption of Mary, priesthood (celibate, non-celibate, Melchizedek, Aaronic), veneration of relics, use of icons (idols), sacramental salvation, Pope is Vicar of Christ, Holy Spirit is not God, Jesus is not God, Lucifer is the brother of the Lord Jesus Christ, ordaining of sodomites, salvation is by grace plus works, indulgences, penance, modern Bible perversions, holy laughter, holy ghost glue, blood of Christ cannot atone for certain sins, wives will be given and taken in heaven, all will be saved, etc., and etc.  All of these false doctrines are heresy.  Our King James Bible says in Titus 3:10-11: “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”.   Our Bible says in Ephesians 5:11-12: “11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret”.   Among all these apostate denominations are individuals who do not believe in the virgin birth, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the truth of the first five books of the Bible, the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, etc.
The sad fact is that the majority of “Baptist” churches are apostate.  They hold to doctrines that are blatantly opposed to sound Biblical doctrine.  Their teachers and preachers will not make a stand against sin and worldliness.  They will not preach repentance or hell.  Easy believeism has run amok. They are opposed to Biblical separation because it would not be “seeker friendly”.  Their music reeks of the filthiness of the flesh and the world.  Most Baptist churches hold to any Bible but the King James Bible. These “Baptists” are being spiritually dumbed down by their modern Bible perversions and their worldly music programs.  Folks, the selection of Bible versions and music applies to the doctrine of separation. Shorts, mini-skirts, women in pants, halter tops and other sexually revealing clothing is the order of the day.  “Baptist” churches are ordaining women pastors, women deacons, and sodomites.   Most Baptists are in severe need of an otologist to treat the sores that have come up on their ears because of itching ears. They will not endure sound doctrine.  Our Bible says in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: “3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”. The Baptist byword for today is COMPROMISE.  For example, I quote the following from the Friday Church News Notes (David Cloud):

“Speaking at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting in June 2004, SBC President Morris Chapman warned against "separatism." In his message "The Fundamentals of Cooperating Conservatives," he said: "There's a road wrongly taken by many on our left, the road of liberalism. But there is also a road wrongly taken by many others on our right side. It may not be as treacherous as the road of liberalism, but it is just as disabling to the Convention. What is this road? It is the road of separatism – an ecclesiastical methodology that devalues cooperation in favor of hyper independence. In the past, we have avoided this road as fervently as the road on the left. If Southern Baptists steer too sharply toward the right, we will end up on the road of separatism. Southern Baptists have never embraced the methodologies of separatism.” 


Here we have the leader of one of the largest denominational churches in America denying one of the major doctrines of the faith.  Separation is a Biblical commandment that is as old as God’s orders to Israel not to mix with the inhabitants of the Promised Land lest they should become a partaker of their idolatry and other wicked deeds.
M. H. Reynolds said:

Some of the disturbing changes which are taking place in the lives and ministries of many Christian leaders and organizations are (1) a changed attitude in work and worship, one of irreverence, lightness and frivolity; an increasing emphasis on "clowns" to amuse rather than "crowns" to be won: (2) a changed attitude toward the importance of sound doctrine where fellowship becomes paramount and correct doctrine takes a back seat; (3) a changed position in theological matters, one which may be described as "flexible" rather than "fixed" -- with such a flexible position, further changes come thick and fast; (4) a changed emphasis in ministry, one which endeavors to "build bridges" into the camp of the enemy rather than to "build walls" to protect the sheep from the wolves; (5) a changed scale of values which extols quantity rather than quality. Following this policy, some very impressive programs, lacking a solid, biblical foundation will inevitably be "blown about with every wind of doctrine," leaving the door open for even further and more drastic changes in the future.


Doctrinal separation by Biblical definition must  not be based on the persons of men (1 Corinthians 1:12-13), matters of Christian liberty (Romans 14:1-5), and human conflict (Philippians 4:2).

1 Corinthians 1:12-13
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided?  was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Romans 14:1-5
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.  2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another:  another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 

Philippians 4:2
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.


As the ecumenical movement pushes toward the “one world” church, we must not become ensnared in its clutches because they are as wicked as hell and in fact are straight out of the pits of hell.  The ecumenical movement is the child of Satan.  The word ecumenical means universal.  Does that ring a bell?  It should because Catholic also means universal!  We are instructed  in Romans 16:17,  2 John 8-11,  Revelation 2:2, and Revelation 17 to separate based upon doctrine.

Romans 16:17
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2 John 8-11
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: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Revelation 2:2
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:


We included Revelation 17 because it is about a religious Babylon at war with the Lamb Of God.  Many of those in the ecumenical movement will use Romans 16:17 to accuse any who would stand for doctrinal separation of causing division.  The problem is that they mark us for causing division.  However, they cannot mark us for offenses contrary to Biblical doctrine which is the qualification for marking .  We can only be marked for standing for Biblical truth which ultimately means that we must stand apart.  Thank you Lord!  Paul compares the final state of those who are marked according to sound doctrine and those who are marked according to false doctrine in Philippians 3:17-20:

Philippians 3:17-20
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 


This makes it very clear that we are to separate on the basis of doctrine especially when considered in light of Romans 16:17.  Both the false prophets and the brethren who walk according to sound doctrine are to be marked.  That is, they are to be separated.  David Cloud makes a very good point when he says many in the ecumenical movement say that we should only separate based on major doctrines.  Then he makes the following statement: “How do we know what is major anyway?”  Amen, brother!  Who are we to say what is major and what is minor?  God is the author.  Dare we edit his work!  David Cloud goes on to identify four areas as a starting point for the basis of doctrinal separation.  First, he identifies doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and salvation with the Scripture reference being 2 Corinthians 11:3-4:

2 Corinthians 11:3-4
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. 


Ponder this question for a few minutes: “What is more important; doctrine or salvation?”. The doctrine of salvation is the most frequently perverted Bible doctrine. 
Secondly, he identifies doctrine regarding prophecy and future things such as the resurrection and death of the saints referring to 2 Timothy 2:16-18:

2 Timothy 2:16-18
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.


Thirdly, he identifies doctrine regarding the church as a basis for separation identifying 1 Timothy 3:15, 6:13-14, and 6:20-21 as the Scripture supporting his conclusions.

1 Timothy 3:15
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 
   
1 Timothy 6:13-14
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;  14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
   
1 Timothy 6:20-21
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.


I think he was to easy on them.  We can take the 13 chapters in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus and rip apostate Christianity apart.  Women preachers are not allowed.  There goes every major denomination I can think of other than the Catholics.  This includes  Pentecostals,  Methodists,  Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and yes Southern Baptists.  Since the Catholics will not let their priests, bishops, cardinals, and popes marry they must be thrown out also because according to the Bible all ordained church leaders must be the husband of one wife (no celibates there).
Fourthly, he identifies the doctrine of holy living as another basis for doctrinal separation citing 1 Timothy 6:3-5:

Timothy 6:3-5
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. 


He closes this fourth doctrine by stating: “These references show that the true apostolic basis for separation is much broader than a few major doctrines”.  Amen! It is as broad as the Bible.   
PRACTICAL SEPARATION OR CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Our concluding topic in this study is the subject of practical separation.  Practical separation is the use of church discipline to separate ourselves from that Christian brother or sister who will not walk  according to the teachings of the Bible.  We are to put that Christian that is in open rebellion out of our congregation if they will not obey the plain teaching of the Bible.  This type of discipline is not to be used to punish a Christian who occasionally falls short. It is to be used to maintain the moral and doctrinal purity of the churches of the living God. The objectives of church discipline should always be restoration and reconcilliation.  Remember what the Bible says in Galatians 6:1: 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
The discipline that we refer to in practical separation is that described in 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, and 1 Timothy 6:3-5.

1 Corinthians 5:11-13
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.

2 Thessalonians 3:6
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

  1 Timothy 6:3-5
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. 


Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ prescribed the method for dealing with a brother that would not repent in Matthew 18:15-18:

Matthew 18:15-18
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.


That is the method for church discipline that should be followed in every New Testament church. 
It is my sincere prayer that this study has helped any who would read and study it to grow in the grace of God.  It was a real blessing to me to prepare it.  Once again, the teacher learns much more than he can teach in class.  Praise GOD!


 



Back To Top   Back To Home Page