14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)
Thoughts: The phrase "Come out from them and be separate" is one of the few verses used from scripture by those who try to justify schism or division in the church.
The problem with using this passage, is that this phrase is taken out of context. The command is not about one believer separating from another believer over doctrine. It is about believers not recognizing the difference belief makes. Idolatry and the worship of the true God should not be syncretized as if there is no difference between the worship of a piece of wood and the worship of the Lord.
Good theology is in part recognizing nuances, contexts, and not exaggerating a perspective. This passage is not about leaving believers, but leaving idolaters. Most who have left the PCUSA, though they disagree with the direction and decisions of the church would not say the PCUSA is worshiping idols.
It is important to use scripture as our standard. But this is not a command to divide the church over issues, perspectives, or pride. Once we think we are righteous and the other side is evil, there is no end to dividing. The Reformation has lost its power not just because the churches who were reformed have strayed away from the idea of (sola scriptura) scripture alone as out standard, but also because we have divided so much to our shame. We show lack of ability to be patient, to be humble, to hold together. While one side is overly idealistic, the other side is too quick to take their marbles and go home.
The problem with using this passage, is that this phrase is taken out of context. The command is not about one believer separating from another believer over doctrine. It is about believers not recognizing the difference belief makes. Idolatry and the worship of the true God should not be syncretized as if there is no difference between the worship of a piece of wood and the worship of the Lord.
Good theology is in part recognizing nuances, contexts, and not exaggerating a perspective. This passage is not about leaving believers, but leaving idolaters. Most who have left the PCUSA, though they disagree with the direction and decisions of the church would not say the PCUSA is worshiping idols.
It is important to use scripture as our standard. But this is not a command to divide the church over issues, perspectives, or pride. Once we think we are righteous and the other side is evil, there is no end to dividing. The Reformation has lost its power not just because the churches who were reformed have strayed away from the idea of (sola scriptura) scripture alone as out standard, but also because we have divided so much to our shame. We show lack of ability to be patient, to be humble, to hold together. While one side is overly idealistic, the other side is too quick to take their marbles and go home.
Prayer: Lord, help me to value unity with my fellow believers.
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