A Call To Separation # 2

A Call To Separation # 2

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies first to our religious connections. How many Christians are members of so-called "churches," where much is going on which they know is at direct variance with the Word of God - either the teaching from the pulpit, the worldly attractions used to draw the ungodly, and the worldly methods employed to finance it or the constant receiving into its membership of those who give no evidence of having been born again. Believers in Christ who remain in such "churches" (?) are dishonoring their Lord. Should they answer: "Practically all the churches are the same, and were we to resign, what could we do? We must go somewhere on Sundays," such language would show they are putting their own interests before the glory of Christ. Better stay at home and read God's Word - than fellowship with that which His Word condemns!

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to membership in Secret Orders. A "yoke" is that which unites. Those who belong to a "lodge" are united in solemn oath and covenant with their "brother" members. Many of their fellow-members give no evidence of being born again. They may believe in a "Supreme Being," but what love have they for God's Word? What is their relation to God's Son? "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3). Can those who owe their all to Christ, both for time and eternity, have fellowship with those who "despise and reject" Him? Let any Christian reader who is thus unequally yoked - get from under it without delay.

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to marriage. There are but two families in this world: the children of God, and the children of the devil. (1 John 3:10). If then, a daughter of God marries a son of the devil, she becomes a daughter-in-law to satan! If a son of God marries a daughter of satan, he becomes a son-in-law to the devil! By such an infamous step an affinity is formed between one belonging to the Most High God - and one belonging to His archenemy. "Strong language!" Yes - but not too strong. And oh the bitter reaping from such a sowing! In every case it is the poor Christian who suffers. Read the inspired histories of Samson, Solomon, and Ahab - and see what followed their unholy alliances in wedlock. As well might an athlete, who attached to himself a heavy weight, expect to win a race, as a Christian to progress spiritually by marrying a worldling! Oh what watchfulness in prayer, is needed in the regulation of our affections!

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to business partnerships. Disobedience at this point, has wrecked many a Christian's testimony and pierced him through with many sorrows. Whatever may be gained of this world, by seeking its avenues to wealth and social prestige - will but poorly compensate for the loss of fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Read Proverbs 1:10-14. The path which the disciple of Christ is called to tread, is a narrow one, and if he leaves it for a wider road - it will mean severe chastenings, heartbreaking losses, and perhaps the forfeiting of the Saviour's "Well done!" at the end of the journey.

We are to hate even the "garment" - a figure of habits and ways - spotted by the flesh (Jude 23), and are to keep ourselves "unspotted from the world." (James 1:27). What a searching and sweeping word is that in 2 Corinthians 7:1, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." If any occupation or association is found to hinder our communion with God, or our enjoyment of spiritual things - then it must be abandoned. Beware of "leprosy" in the garment. (Lev. 13:47). Anything in my habits or ways which mars happy fellowship with the brethren or robs me of power in service, is to be unsparingly judged and made an end of, "burned". (Lev. 13:52). Whatever I cannot do for God's glory - must be avoided.

"For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and the devil? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What union can there be between God's temple and idols? How explicit and emphatic are the terms used there! No excuse whatever is there, for failing to understand the terms of this exhortation, and the reason with which it is supported. This command is so plain - that it requires no interpreter. All unions, alliances, partnerships, entanglements, with unbelievers are expressly forbidden to the Christian. It is impossible to find within the whole range of Holy Scripture, plainer language on any subject than we have here. Righteousness - and wickedness; light - and darkness; Christ - and the devil; God's temple - and idols. What do they have in common? What bond is there between them?

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 3)