God calls His people to come out from the world and walk in holiness.
The doctrine of separation and holiness teaches that believers are called to live distinct, pure lives that reflect the character of God. This separation is not isolation but consecration — setting ourselves apart from sin, false doctrine, and worldly influence, while living unto God in obedience and righteousness.
This page complements our Statement of Faith and connects closely with The Doctrine of the Church.
1 Peter 1:15–16
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1. Separation Is Commanded by God
Separation is not a suggestion — it is a command. God has always required His people to be distinct from the world in belief, behavior, and fellowship.
2 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.
Romans 12:1–2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The doctrine of separation and holiness affirms that conformity to the world is disobedience to God. Holiness begins with obedience and ends with Christlikeness.
2. Separation Protects from Corruption
Sin spreads like leaven. The Bible warns that friendship with the world corrupts holiness and quenches the Spirit.
James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Holiness is not legalism — it is loyalty to God. The doctrine of separation and holiness calls believers to guard their hearts and lives from every appearance of evil.
3. Separation Applies to Doctrine and Fellowship
God commands His church to separate not only from sin but from false teachers and apostate churches. The believer’s unity must be in truth, not compromise.
2 John 9–11
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
The doctrine of separation and holiness safeguards the purity of the church by protecting it from error and compromise.
4. Holiness Is the Result of Walking in the Spirit
True holiness cannot be achieved by human effort alone. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in a surrendered life.
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Romans 6:22
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
The doctrine of separation and holiness reminds believers that holiness is not outward performance but inward transformation through the Spirit of God.
5. Separation and Holiness Bring Fellowship with God
Holiness restores fellowship with the Father and empowers our witness to the world. Those who live pure lives shine as lights in the midst of darkness.
Matthew 5:14–16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The doctrine of separation and holiness is not isolation from people, but identification with God.
When the church is holy, the world sees Christ clearly.
Application and Affirmation
Holiness is not perfection — it is direction. It means choosing purity over pollution, obedience over opinion, and truth over tolerance.
Separation without love becomes pride, but love without separation becomes compromise.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Affirmation:
- The doctrine of separation and holiness commands believers to live pure and distinct lives.
- God’s people must separate from sin, false doctrine, and worldly influence.
- Holiness is produced by walking in the Spirit, not by legalism.
- Separation preserves the purity and power of the church.
