Verses 15 – 18: say, “Or what harmony has Christ with …, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the Temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the Living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out from their (unbelievers) midst and be separate (separate yourselves from them),” says the Lord. And do not touch anything unclean; and I will welcome you (receive you kindly with favor). And you will be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.” In these verses we have a direct Word from the Lord that separation from the worldly minded unbelievers who walk in darkness is prerequisite to His blessings, favor, and even Fatherhood in our lives. 2 Corinthians 7: 1: says, “Therefore having these promises, beloved let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
From earliest readings in the Word of God we see the Lord’s Hand separates for Himself those whom He chooses to draw near to Him, as in the following verses tell us. Psalm 4: 3: says, “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.” Leviticus 20: 23 + 26: says, “Moreover, you shall not follow the customs of the nation which I shall drive out before you, for they did all these things (deeds of darkness), and therefore I have abhorred them. Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the Lord am Holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.” Isaiah 42: 5 – 6: says, “Thus says God the Lord, Who created the Heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and its offspring, Who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it, I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the Hand and watch over you and I will appoint you as a Light to the nations.” Galatians 1: 15 – 16a: says, “But when He (God) Who had set me (Paul) apart, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through His Grace, was pleased to reveal His Son (Jesus) in me, that I might preach Him among the gentiles,”
Jesus tells us personally in John 15: 5 + 16: “I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me (separated from the world’s ways) and I in Him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My Name, He may give it to you.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so much for Your saving Grace, Your Keeping Power, and the Shield which You place upon those who draw near to You for Salvation and Sanctification. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and bring conviction to all who may not have heard of Your command of separation before. Fill us afresh with determination to remain trustworthy, steadfast, faithful, and pleasing in Your Sight. Glory to You alone!
