The Concept of Biblical Separation

[Elihu]

If we are to be separate in the classic Oneness Pentecostal understanding of the word, why are we not in cloistered communities?

Have we really "come out from among them"? Why do we only measure separation in terms of dress? Aren't there other areas we should separate ourselves from as well?

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

If we are to be separate in the classic Oneness Pentecostal understanding of the word, why are we not in cloistered communities?

Have we really "come out from among them"? Why do we only measure separation in terms of dress? Aren't there other areas we should separate ourselves from as well?

The short answer is "YES!"

[Truly Blessed]

Do OPs never tire of this discussion of holiness standards? It is my opinion that the main reason for this preoccupation is the lack of security concerning their salvation. While some will argue that outward standards is not a salvation issue, the constant questioning of whether someone is "holy" and the constant judging of one another based on personal convictions indicates one doesn't understand the basis of their standing with God, thus the insecurity.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Truly Blessed

Do OPs never tire of this discussion of holiness standards? It is my opinion that the main reason for this preoccupation is the lack of security concerning their salvation. While some will argue that outward standards is not a salvation issue, the constant questioning of whether someone is "holy" and the constant judging of one another based on personal convictions indicates one doesn't understand the basis of their standing with God, thus the insecurity.

As one who adheres to the so-called 'standard', I have to wonder if you don't have a point...one which I tried to make not long ago.

It is constant and a bit worrisome to be honest, for while we debate the same questions, arriving at the same conclusions, there are those we could be encouraging to hang on in there.

Certainly, there may be new posters who have not gone 'round this same mountain, but it is not to them we are speaking. It seems to be the long-term posters who keep rehashing the same "are her sleeves long enough?!"

I am secure in what I believe and of my standing with Christ, not based on how I look, but the work that was accomplished on the cross.

All the rest that I mentioned on the other thread last night about conversation and modesty and the rest are byproducts of an inward holiness that abides.

I admit that this realization has been a long time coming, but thank God it has...

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

If we are to be separate in the classic Oneness Pentecostal understanding of the word, why are we not in cloistered communities?

Have we really "come out from among them"? Why do we only measure separation in terms of dress? Aren't there other areas we should separate ourselves from as well?

Sure.

We could come out of the sports bars, we could come out of the movie theaters, we could come out of the Infidelity Inn, we could come out of rudeness, resentment, judgment, pride, cussing, gossiping, instigating mischief, and dulling the all the points of the other kids' crayons.

Repent. Turn away.

If only some of you would smile once in a while somebody might notice something different about you . . . .

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by OP_Carl

Sure.

We could come out of the sports bars, we could come out of the movie theaters, we could come out of the Infidelity Inn, we could come out of rudeness, resentment, judgment, pride, cussing, gossiping, instigating mischief, and dulling the all the points of the other kids' crayons.

Repent. Turn away.

If only some of you would smile once in a while somebody might notice something different about you . . . .

[RandyWayne]

Actually, sports bars usually have the very best chicken wings..... My brother in law even got to eat at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo New York.

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by Truly Blessed

Do OPs never tire of this discussion of holiness standards?

Do blab-it-and-grab-its never tire of trying to pull down the standards so they can be conspicuously consumed of their jealousy of the things of the world without losing their standing in the church?

It is my opinion that the main reason for this preoccupation is the lack of security concerning their salvation.

And your opinion is WRONG. Well, for me, at least.

While some will argue that outward standards is not a salvation issue, the constant questioning of whether someone is "holy" and the constant judging of one another based on personal convictions indicates one doesn't understand the basis of their standing with God, thus the insecurity.

And some will argue that because they have run into a handful of Apostolic Pharisees in their life, that the entire population of people who lovingly surrender to God as much of their lives as they understand they ought to (people that adhere to standards for the right reasons) are a bunch of judgmental legalistic wingnuts.

Improper methods employed to attain a goal do not invalidate the goal.

The secular world never stops judging each other - they just use a man-made yardstick.

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Actually, sports bars usually have the very best chicken wings..... My brother in law even got to eat at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo New York.

But don't you think they overcharge for the beer?

[Elihu]

Bad discussion topic?

Sorry.