Today, each and every individual is living either under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus or they are ruled by the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:2 We will deal with the negative first for it is that which rules all until they come to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior. Very simply, the statement of the scripture is, that the soul which sins, will die. Those who are righteous and work works of righteousness will receive a just reward. Contrariwise, those who sin will receive the compensation of the unrighteous. Eze. 18:20
Because of the sin of Adam, sin became a part of life on earth. Consequently, with his downfall the sentence of death was passed upon all of mankind, for in Adam all die. 1 Cor. 15:22 Death is an appointment which all are destined to keep. David proclaimed that he was born in sin and conceive in iniquity. Ps. 51:5 There is no escaping the fact that the whole of humanity are concluded, by the Lord, to be in one category, that is a sinner. The beauty of the Gospel is that there is a way whereby we may break away from the force and domination of sin in our lives. That is, when we believe on the Lord Jesus, He liberates us. Gal. 3:22
It is recorded twice in His ministry that Jesus, after having forgiven sin warned the persons to go and sin no more. Was He making an impossible request of them or could they actually fulfill His command? Having forgiven the woman taken in adultery, He assured her that he did not condemn her but to sin no more. John 8:11 Also, in the case of the man whom He commanded to take up his bed and walk. Later when they met again in the temple, Jesus not only warned him to sin no more but also told him of the consequences if he returned to sin. In doing so, he would open up the possibility of yet a worse sickness afflicting him. John 5:14 Would the Lord Jesus required of them that they follow a pattern of life which was impossible, or could they actually live without sinning.
21
Even though Moses had immediately interceded for the people
(Num. 16:22) he called for them to separate themselves from Korah, Dathan and Abiram for he knew that their judgment was eminent and that those who sided with them would also be judged. Num. 16:26 We are looking at an historic event which is full of the law of retribution. Moses was a man called and appointed by the Lord and in their foolishness these men sought to usurp his God given authority. Their rebellion effected not only themselves but their immediate families and all others who chose to stand with them. Num. 16:27 The determination of a person to fully follow the Lord may result in them having to separate themselves from former associates, even families are divided at times, in order to fully follow the Lord. Over the ages of time the call of the Spirit is still, come out from among them, separate yourself from the old style of life and be received of the Lord. 2 Cor. 6:17-18
Moses, exercising both, a word of knowledge and prophesying their immediate judgment declared their demise. It is very apparent that the Lord had become exceedingly angry at the murmuring, complaining and rebellion of the escapees from Egypt. There was also a segment of those who came up out of Egypt who are called the mixed multitude. These were trouble makers, they were not true Israelites but for whatever reason took advantage of the moment and went with them. This bunch are still around and are to be found in every assembly. They were the root of the dissatisfaction of the people. Num. 11:4 When they later were released from Babylon they had the same problem and dealt with it in a drastic manner by separating the mixed multitude. I guess we could say; they put them in their place. Neh. 13:3
The new thing. We often hear it said that the Lord will do a new thing. This is taken from Isa. 43:19 and is used by referring to it as the last day revival.
No problem. However, in the time of Moses the Lord did a new thing and it was radical. It was most definitely an act of separation and cleansing from an ungodly influence which had sprung up among the people. If the Lord is going to have a glorious church in the end of the age, and He will. Eph. 5:27 Then there is going to be the same sort of a separation accomplished in the cleansing and purification of the body of Christ. It is not necessary that the earth swallow these last day individuals who pollute the true church and lead it in the wrong direction. There is a list of the dealings of the Lord with those who are rebels, basically Judeís whole letter amply describes them. Jude, the entire twenty-five verses.