Steve Nearman A sinner saved by grace. Fredericksburg, VA

Being holy (set apart, dedicated to God), "You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. " (Lev. 11:44) is a consistent theme found in the scriptures for Israel and all children of God. There are things God wants together and things God wants apart (separate). God wants believers together and separation from the world. God's enemy, Satan, wants believers split apart and "enjoying" friendship with the world. Knowing the difference and making application to one's life can bring blessings, neglecting this principle can bring sorrow and heart ache. Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

Under the Jewish law system there were many instructions about keeping separate; don't mingle with the inhabitants of the land, don't yoke an ox and an ass together, don't mix different types of grapes in vineyards (Deut. 22:9-11), no marriage with non Jews, etc. All of this as reminders that they were a special people, set apart, dedicated to God.

Before the law system at creation, God separated the light from dark, night form day, the water and the land, fallen man from the garden.

Today believers are commanded to have no fellowship with the world. 

2Cor. 6:14-7:1 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them (religious sects) And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 

The mixing together of believers with infidels in marriage, business and man made religious sects is the same as yoking an ox with an ass. Each has different agendas, masters and value systems. An unholy, unequal yoke ends in disaster.

May 05 2015 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report