Some cry “legalism” at the very mention of living a life separated from sin. But what do the Scriptures say? Here are three Bible reasons that every Christian should strive to live a separated life.
Convictions.
Standards. Sanctification. Holy Living.
The concept goes by different names among different groups. Whatever name you choose to describe it, the honest Christian must admit that God does not want His people living in sin.
Why would God allow His Son to die such a horrible death on the Cross if sin didn’t matter to Him?
Much of American Christianity has adopted an “anything goes” mentality when it comes to life. With an unbalanced focus on the doctrines grace, mercy, and love, too many modern preachers neglect the complementary doctrines of holiness, righteousness, and judgement.
In some circles, any mention of righteous living is met with accusations of “legalism” or references to “performance-based Christianity.”
It seems they would have you believe that if Jesus walked the Earth in 2021, He would sport a trendy hair cut with dyed hair, multiple body piercings, several tattoos (with uplifting messages, of course), and wear skinny jeans.
Others cry “Compromise!” at any innovation or any one that doesn’t do it exactly like they do.
We must take a hard look at what the Bible says about how we should live in these days of confusion and compromise. We are called to be in the world, but not of it.
Regardless of what you think that phrase means, you should be open to searching the Scriptures to learn God’s Truth. Satan has a tactical advantage in our deception. Our flesh is bent towards compromise. It accepts any excuse to do less or be less. We must subdue the flesh to live in the Spirit. The Bible is our guide.
Do you really want to please God?
The carnal Christian asks questions such as: “What is the least I have to do?” “Why do I have to do it?” “Why can’t I (fill in this blank with sin) ?”
The surrendered Christian asks questions like: “What more can I do to please the Lord?” “Is there anything that I am doing that I should stop?” “Is there anything that I’m not doing that I should start?” “Lord, help me to live a life that pleases you.”
Since Christ died to save our souls from eternal hell-fire, there is nothing too great that He can ask of us. We are called to be living sacrifices. (Romans 12:1-2)
Like Moses, we must reject the temporary pleasures of sin willing rather to suffer the reproach of Christ. Are you willing?
Consider the following Bible reasons to live a separated life.
1. Sin Separates from God.
Isaiah 59:1–2 “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Sin separates a lost world from a Holy God. Jesus died on the cross to pay for sin to bring us back into fellowship with God. With our sins forgiven through faith in Christ, we are born again into the family of God.
Sin had to be removed before we could go to Heaven.
Salvation removes the eternal penalty for sin, but sin is still harmful. Unrepentant sin separates the believer from fellowship with his Heavenly Father. He is still saved through Christ’s finished work on the Cross, but his relationship with his Father changes when unconfessed sin remains. We see this concept daily.
“You will live separated from sin’s pleasure or separated from God’s blessings.”
Imagine a child that disrespects and disobeys his parents. Perhaps he continually does what he knows his father or mother doesn’t want him to do. Maybe the rebellious child even makes statements like “It’s my life. I’ll do what I want.” or “I don’t care what Dad says.”
Now imagine the same parents have a child that sincerely wants to obey. This obedient child is more concerned about pleasing Daddy than getting what He wants. He is kind and respectful, even going the extra mile to make sure he does right.
Which of these two children will have a close, loving relationship with Dad and Mom? Which child will be rewarded with extra blessings and opportunities?
In contrast, which child will be at odds with his parents continually being disciplined and losing opportunities? The answers are obvious.
Which child more closely resembles your relationship with God? Sin separates us from our Heavenly Father. We must strive to live a separated life to live closely to God!
2. God commands us to live separately from sin.
1 Peter 1:14–16 “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
2 Corinthians 6:14–17 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? =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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”
God is holy. There is no sin in Him! He hates sin and can’t look upon it without judgement. (Habakkuk 1:13)
The Almighty must judge sin, but He wants to be with you. He made a way to separate us from our sin positionally through the Cross. Through faith in Christ, we can go to Heaven. Praise God!
Now, God wants to separate us practically from sin so we can have an intimate relationship with Him on Earth.
The Scripture above reminds us that God has nothing in common with
sin. He is separate from sin. So, if we want to be close to God, we must be separated from sin as well. We can’t be like Jesus while living like the Devil!
3. A separated life allows us to enjoy all the rights and privileges of being God’s child.
2 Corinthians 6:18 “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
The Scripture says that if we “come out from among them” and “be ye separate” and “touch not the unclean thing,” that God will receive us and be a Father to us.
Wait a minute! I thought that God became my Father and received me into His family when I got saved. How do we reconcile these verses?
The balancing of these concepts is simple. God is your Father through faith in the Gospel. (John 1:12) But the Christian who chooses to live in sin doesn’t have as close of a relationship with their Heavenly Father as they could if they strove to live a holy life. These unseparated believers are like the rebellious child we discussed earlier.
Those that live at odds with the Father are in constant need of correction. Sin separates us from God. God must chastise His children if they are rebellious! (Hebrews 12:6-9)
In contrast, those children who agree with God about sin and strive to live separated from it will have a closer and more fruitful relationship with their Heavenly Father. He will receive them (closeness) and be a Father unto them (privileges)!
The sincerely separated Christian enjoys all the rights and privileges of being God’s child.
2 Corinthians 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.”
God says this acceptance and closeness through separation are promises. These promises should motivate us to cleanse our lives from any sins of the flesh and spirit. Search us, O God! Help us to be holy!
Do you feel far away from God? Do your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling? Is God silent when you read the Bible? That is a terrible way for a Christian to live! God doesn’t want you to continue that way.
Is there a sin in your life that you have refused to give up? Have you been rebellious against the Lord? Ask God to reveal what is between you and Him. Be willing to obey Him when He shows you.
You will live separated from sin’s pleasure, or you will live separated from God’s blessings. No sinful pleasure is worth that terrible price.
Run to your Heavenly Father today. Confess your sin. Surrender your desires. Separate from sin. Begin to enjoy all the rights and privileges of a child of God today!