“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” ―Revelation 18:44And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4).
THE great world-religious system may seem very lofty and imposing for a time, and may appear to be impregnable and beyond all possibility of destruction, But its end is sure, for God has predicted its utter ruin, and “He will not call back His words.” Meantime He would have His own blood-redeemed people separated from everything unholy and walking apart from that which is soon to be devoted to judgment. Hence, the call, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partaker of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues,” We are called upon to walk in separation from evil, refusing all fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Unspiritual people may judge as narrow and bigoted one who seeks to be obedient to God in this matter, but when the hour of retribution strikes, who will not be thankful that he has obeyed the call to separate from every unholy alliance. Separation is not, however, to be merely negative Jest it become Phariseeism. We are to be separate from iniquity, but set apart to Christ. So we shall be preserved from all defilement, and kept for His glory.
“Without a murmur I dismiss
My former dreams of earthly bliss,
My joy, my recompense, be this.
Each hour to cling to Thee!
What though the world deceitful prove,
And earthly friends and joys remove,
With patient, uncomplaining love,
Still would I cling to Thee!”
— Charlotte Elliott.