Haven't read the entire thread and this may have been mentioned, so, if it has, then here it is again....
To advocate "separation from the world" this verse is most usually used;
2Cr 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,
But just what does it mean to be separate? Do we fashion ourselves "communes" where only the "holy and righteous" live? Well no. The disciples seems to have tried this just after Pentecost. It was a short lived experiement. We have to work, go to school and be a part of "the world". Thats unavoidable. So the separation can't be a "pysical" thing. It has to be a "spiritual thing" Strongs defines "separate" as follows:
1) to mark off from others by boundaries, to limit, to separate
a) in a bad sense: to exclude as disreputable
b) in a good sense: to appoint, set apart for some purpose
Look at No. 1. We separate ourselves from the world by "setting boundaries" as to what we will and will not do. What we will, or will not say. Where we will, and will not go. And so on. Theres just some things Christians will not say and do and places they will not go, because the Holy Spirit constrains their actions. I have to work, go to the store etc, but there are places I choose not to go. Things I choose not to say, because the Holy Spirit has set boundaries and limits as to what I can say, what I can do, or where I can go.We can't physically separate ourselves from the world, but we can do so "spiritually". And, those "limits and boundaries:" are not "church" set, they are set by the Holy Spirit. And they are not "one size fits all" boundaries either. Everyone works out their own salvation and must be "fully persuaded in the own minds" as to what his or her boundaries are.
Foe example: I have this thing about "debating". I won't do it. Personally, I think it is wrong and unproductive for me to debate the Scriptures. (
Romans 1:29, et al). So is it wrong to debate? For me it is wrong, but its not my place to declare it is a sin to debate.
The Bible makes it clear that we should be modest in the way we dress. But, the question is, "What is modest?". To which I say, "I don't know. What is modest.... for you and God?". Afterall, the Lord and the individual is all that really matters, right?
I've said it here before: Holiness cannot be legislated. Holiness is a "spiritual" condition rather than physical. A list of "holiness rules" doesn't make holiness people. All it makes is rule keepers. And rule breakers.
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