What Does “Come Out From Among Them and Be Separate Mean? 2 Corinthians 6:17

The Scripture seems quite clear. It is in the practice of Christianity that the meaning of the verse below is lost. For most Christians the idea of having nothing to do with the unsaved world is almost non-existent. It is a difficult thing to do. Especially with unsaved family members. Most Christians work jobs with unsaved people. Our participation in commerce is with unsaved people, or at best with people who believe they are Christians, but are not. The whole concept of living without associations with unsaved people is technically quite difficult.

On a somewhat unrelated note, saying, “have a blessed day” is admirable, it is not the words that are routinely spoken that necessarily define a person as a Christian. It is their actions, which in most instances we don’t get to see. And as the difficult task of Christians, in general, to not associate with the unsaved is disregarded, it should make one consider what affect saying, “have a blessed day,” or saying to people that you are a Christian makes, if the Scripture below on its face is not followed.

“Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, and touch nothing that is unclean (in a moral sense: unclean in thought and life), and I will receive you.”  —2 Corinthians 6:17 (GFS)

Below are two more Scriptures that address the separation of Christians from the world.

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (correct) them, for it shameful to even speak of the things which are done by them in secret. —Ephesians 5:11-12 (GFS)

This final Scripture below, in one sense, seems to provide some degree of latitude with regard to associations with unsaved people. It is in the words, “unequally yoked.” While those two words may imply some discretion for associating with unsaved people, the likely explantation of those two words means that being with unsaved people makes you “unequally yoked.”

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion does light have with darkness. —2 Corinthians 6:14(GFS)