2nd Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The verses in 2nd Corinthians 6:17-18 encapsulate a profound promise from God, one that calls for separation from impurity and promises divine adoption as God’s sons and daughters. This passage highlights the essential nature of holiness and the intimate relationship believers are called to have with God.
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, addresses various challenges faced by the early Christian community in Corinth. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians are marked by his deep concern for their spiritual welfare and his desire to guide them towards a life of purity and devotion to God.
In 2nd Corinthians 6:14, Paul urges the believers to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers, emphasizing the need for a clear distinction between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness.
2nd Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
It is within this broader admonition that verses 17-18 present a divine call and promise.
In this message, we will explore the implications of these verses, the context within which they were written, and the relevance they still hold for followers of Christ today!
The Divine Call to Separation, Holiness, and Adoption
2nd Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
This call to separation is a directive from God, urging believers to distance themselves from practices, associations, and influences that are contrary to His will. The phrase “come out from among them” signifies a deliberate act of leaving behind the values and behaviors that do not align with God’s holiness.
God has many characteristics attributed to His nature. He is known for His mercy, His love, and His forgiveness. But, only one attribute of God is so core to His being that it is repeated, and that is God’s holiness.
Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
They do not say “love, love, love” nor “mercy, mercy, mercy” though these are great attributes of God. But, they do say “holy, holy, holy”. The holiness of God is not out of reach, it just takes a made up mind to be more like God.
When someone is ready to increase in their level of Godly holiness, remember it is God who gives the increase (1st Corinthians 3:7).
Separation is not merely physical but also spiritual and moral. It involves a conscious decision to pursue purity and to renounce anything that defiles the body, mind, or spirit. This call reflects the Old Testament principle of holiness, where God’s people were repeatedly instructed to remain distinct and untainted by surrounding nations’ idolatry and immorality.
God even told Abraham in Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. This same principle is repeated in the New Testament, as referenced by the Lord in Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The Assurance of Acceptance
“And I will receive you,”
God’s promise to receive those who heed His call to salvation and separation is a profound assurance of acceptance and welcome! This reception is not based on human merit but on God’s grace and the believer’s willingness to obey His command. It underscores the idea that holiness is the pathway to a closer relationship with God.
In the context of the Corinthian church, this assurance would have been particularly comforting. The early Christians faced significant pressures from the prevailing pagan culture and the temptation to conform to societal norms. Paul’s message reinforces that adherence to God’s standards results in divine approval and fellowship.
Divine Adoption
“And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
The promise of divine adoption is the culmination of the call to holiness. God’s declaration that He will be a Father and believers will be His sons and daughters speaks to the intimate and personal relationship He desires with His people.
This adoption is not a mere formality; it signifies a profound transformation in identity and status. As sons and daughters of the Almighty, believers are granted the privileges and responsibilities that come with being part of God’s family. This includes access to His presence, the assurance of His love, and the inheritance of eternal life.
The fact that God reveals Himself as Father to the saved also conveys His care, protection, and provision. It is a reminder that believers are not alone in their journey of faith. They are under the watchful eye of a loving Father who guides, corrects, and nurtures them.
This Promise is Relevant Today
The promise in 2nd Corinthians 6:17-18 is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time. Christians today are similarly called to live lives of holiness, distinct from the prevailing cultural and moral norms that contradict God’s standards. This call to separation is a challenge to maintain spiritual integrity in a world that often promotes compromise.
Moreover, the assurance of being received by God and the promise of divine adoption offer profound encouragement! In a society where identity and belonging are often sought in transient and superficial things, the promise of being God’s sons and daughters provides a stable and enduring foundation for self-worth and purpose.
Conclusion
2nd Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
These verses present a compelling call to holiness that is rewarded with the promise of divine adoption. It underscores the necessity of separating from impurity and the assurance of being received into an intimate relationship with God.
For followers of Jesus today, these verses offer a timeless reminder of the importance of living in accordance with God’s standards and the profound privilege of being His children. As we heed this call to holiness, we can rest in the assurance of God’s acceptance and the transformative power of being adopted into His divine family!
Pastor Fulmer's Blog 