Seattle, April 13, 2005.
42. A POWERFUL CALL. A stipulation established pertaining to the Temple of the Lord. A heavenly order fixed as a requisite for His Temple or His Bride. As always, His way is contrary to the ways of men. He calls for separation from the unholy elements of this life. It is a message requiring a complete disunion from every form of idolatry and all that may be called an idol in this world. This would involve objects of worship made by the hands of men. Also prized possessions. Most assuredly the acclaim, the worship by people of popular or outstanding individuals. Many of whom are made to be human objects of worship. Jesus said, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. Mt. 4:10.
WHEREFOR COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM. The call for total separation from the life style of this world has never changed. The standards of the church have changed but not always for the good. Paul stipulated three actions that were to be followed. The first, come out. Realize that in Christ, we are new creatures who are no longer to be a part of the life of sin from which we have departed. Immediately on being born of the Spirit there are some things which leave us, there are other worldly desires which may hang on for a while. To have a part in a perfect bride, all the works of the flesh must be overcome and left behind. Secondly, be ye separate.Set aside and severed from the pattern of a sinful life. Knowing that there are boundaries and there is no passing over them. Thirdly, touch not the unclean. Having nothing to do with the acts of unrighteousness performed habitually by the unsaved. 2 Cor. 6:17 Jude even went so far as to say that the Christian is to hate even the garment that is spotted by the flesh. Jude 23 Sin must become totally repulsive to the child of the Lord. There is no room for it in our lives.
I WILL RECEIVE YOU. Everyone wants to be accepted as part of a group or gathering. Here is an opportunity to be received by the person who counts the most, the Lord Jesus. Accepted for time and eternity. So many times at the funeral of a departed loved one or friend it is expressed that they are with the Lord. A statement that frequently is said of people who had no time for the Lord and paid no attention to Him during their life time. How pathetic, to expect to be received by one who was ignored. If we obey Him now, He has said that He would be a Father to us. That we would be His sons and daughters. 2 Cor. 6:17-18 That makes for real assurance. We are in Fathers house. All the privileges and blessings of His house are ours. The assurance of eternal life is already ours and we know, that as Paul said, when we are absent from this body we are present, at home with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8 What is expected of us is not a burden or grievous but there is a blessedness that can only be received when the requests of the Lord have been met. What greater thrill is there in life than that of knowing that all is right between our soul and the Lord,
Seattle, April 14, 2005.