2 Corinthians 6:14-18
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”
Note this separation is from unbelievers. This principle would apply to marriage, business, lodges or secret societies.
In the following verses Paul enumerates several more areas of our lives in which separation must be practiced.
No fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness.
No communion between light and darkness.
No concord between Christ and Belial.
No part between believer and unbeliever.
No agreement between the temple of God and idols.
When we function as the temple of God—pure, clean, holy—then God dwells with us in His glory, majesty and power. He walks with us and walks in our midst. He reveals Himself to us as our God. V. 16.
v. 17-18—These verses are a further exhortation and revelation. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing.”
This separation here is from what is contrary to the mind of God, and unto God Himself.
There must be no compromise or complicity with evil.
This separation also includes separation from the evil world system. Separation from false teachers who are vessels of dishonor. The reward for such a separation is the enjoyment of the Fatherhood of God. This includes unhindered communion and worship and fruitful service. Conformity to the world and compromise with the world involves the loss of these.
Jeremiah 6:16—The Old Gate—“Thus saith the Lord, stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths where is the good way, and walk in it, and ye shall find rest to your souls.