By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

The concept of separation from evil is fundamental to God’s relationship with His people. According to the Bible separation involves two dimensions—one negative and the other positive:

a. Separating ourselves morally and spiritually from sin and from everything that is contrary to Jesus Christ, righteousness and God’s word.

b. Drawing near to God in a close and intimate fellowship through prayer, worship, the word and loving service. Separation in this twofold sense results in a relationship where God is our heavenly Father who lives with us and is our God, and we, in turn, are His sons and daughters (2Cor 6:16-18).

(5.3) How Do We Grow In Holiness? When We Gaze, God Invades.

“Because it is written, “be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Pt. 1:16).

“Be holy.” God is holy, and what is true of God must be true of His people. Holiness carries the thought of being separated from the ungodly ways of the world and set apart for love, for service and for worship of God (see Lev 11:44). Holiness is the goal and purpose of out election in Christy (Eph 1:4); it means being like God and being dedicated to Him (i.e., living to please Him; cf. Rom 12:1; Eph 1:4; 2:10; 1 John 3:2-3; see Heb 12:14). We are made holy by the sanctifying work of the Holy spirit (v.2), by the power of the cross in delivering us from sin (Rom 6), by being renewed in the image of Christ, and by an infusion of grace to obey God according to His Word (cf.Gal 5:16,22-23,25; Col 3:10; Tit 3:5; 2 Pet 1:9).

Lev 11:44 “you shall be holy.” The instructions concerning clean and unclean (i.e., proper and improper) food (ch.11) were given apparently for health reasons, but also as standards to help Israel remain a people separated from the ungodly society about them (cf.Deut 14:1-2). These dietary instructions are no longer binding upon NT believers, since Christ fulfilled their significance and purpose (cf.Mat 5:17; 15:1-20; Acts 10:14-15; Col 2:16; 1Tim 4:3).

However, the principles embodied in those instructions are still valid today.

1• Christians, today, must distinguish themselves from their surrounding society by eating drinking and dressing, so, as to glorify God with their bodies (cf.1Cor 6:20; 10:31), and by rejecting all unholy social customs of unbelievers. They must be “holy in all manner of conversation (behaviour),” (1Pet 1:15).

2. The detailed emphasis on ceremonial cleanliness highlighted the necessity of moral separation of God’s people in thought and deed from the surrounding world (Ex 19:6; 2Cor 7:1). All aspects of life must be regulated by the will of God (1Cor 10:31).
Read Psalm 11:1-7. Faith in the Lord’s Righteousness

“For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face,” (Ps 11:7).

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