6:172 Corinthians 6:17

God calls His people to come out from among unbelievers and the world, to be separate and to touch nothing unclean, with the conditional promise that He will receive the obedient and be a Father to them as His sons and daughters.STB 300.1–2+2 This rests on there being no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, believer and unbeliever, and God's temple and idols, because believers are the temple of the living God in whom God dwells and walks as their God and they as His people.Ms 104, 1901, par. 14+2 Coming out, being separate and touching not the unclean must come first before claiming the promises, not as momentary work or lip service but as the condition for being received, for heaven's help, and for blessing or curse.CTBH 182.3+2 Separation does not mean leaving the world but living in it without belonging to it, serving its idols or giving it allegiance, kept holy and pure through the Redeemer's strength while carrying light by word, deed and example to lead sinners to Christ.Lt 21, 1894, par. 3–4+4 It requires thorough heart-work and transformation shown in obedience, purity and self-denial, keeping the church and its institutions distinct from the world, refusing unequal yokes in marriage, business and secret associations, and standing apart in habits, dress and Sabbath-keeping as a peculiar holy people.RH Mar 16, 1916+4

The verse is God's call to come out from among unbelievers and the world, to be separate and to touch not what is unclean, with the conditional promise that the Lord will receive the obedient and be a Father to them as His sons and daughters.STB 300.1–2+4 Acceptance with God depends on practical separation lived together as His people on an elevated and advancing standard of reform, leaving the world, living distinct from it, refusing its standard, its dissipating amusements and its pernicious ways even at the cost of its contempt.RH Nov 11, 1909+2 Avoiding uncleanness includes bodily cleanliness, for purity of physical nature is connected with moral purity, filthy habits tend toward moral impurity, and cleanliness, health and purity of spirit come from the same source as priceless adornments of the Christian.CTBH 182.3

The call rests on having no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness, no communion between light and darkness, no concord between Christ and Belial, no part between believer and unbeliever or infidel, and no agreement between the temple of God and idols.Ms 104, 1901, par. 14+4 Believers are the temple of the living God in whom God dwells and walks, whose God He is and who are His people, and on the ground of the promises they are to cleanse themselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit and complete holiness in reverence for God.Ms 104, 1901, par. 14+2 This requires firmness in faith, much prayer, circumspect walking, constant vigilance lest Satan gain advantage, and refusal of worldly amusements and entertainments, foolish talking, loud laughing, love of amusement and light frivolous conduct.Ms 104, 1901, par. 14 It is the Lord's desire that every servant be under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit in this separation.20MR 129.4+1

The Lord Himself established a wall of separation between the things of the world and those He has chosen out of the world, called out, sanctified and refined to Himself and to His service.TBC1882b 3.1–4.1+2 That separation is part of the lasting requirements of God's righteous moral government, plainly declared and positively commanded in both Old and New Testaments, setting apart the godly with a peculiar calling, character and prospects distinguishing them from all other people.Lt 21, 1882, par. 8–12+3 The requirement never changes even when professed teachers break it down by precept and practice and destroy the difference between holy and profane, and disobedience leaves people condemned according to wrongdoing.Lt 21, 1882, par. 8–12+1 Christians are not permitted to seek friendship of the world or cooperate with wicked men to carry out unsanctified purposes, for joining with worldly men forfeits God's favor and blessing, though His people can afford to lose friendship of worldly men.TBC1882b 3.1–4.1+1

Coming out, being separate and touching not the unclean must come first before claiming the promises, for the promises are given on conditions spoken by the Lord God of heaven.CH 292.1+3 All heaven desires man's salvation and is ready to pour out generous blessings, but heaven's help is given only if he complies by coming out, living separate and refusing contact with what is unclean.CH 292.1 Acknowledgment as God's adopted children, reception as His sons and daughters, blessing, honor, exaltation and inheritance of His kingdom depend on this separation and obedience in affection and conduct.2T 43.2–44.2+2 Meeting the requirement is not the work of a moment or a day, not bowing at the family altar with lip service nor public exhortation and prayer, but lifelong consecration as a living principle interwoven with life, underlying all thoughts and springing every action in self-denial and self-sacrifice.Ms 1, 1869, par. 6–8

Israel was required to remain separate from surrounding nations so that exposure and familiarity with idolatry would not corrupt them or make sin seem less wicked.4T 109.3–4+1 Because sin harms the soul and human nature is weak, separation from those who live in sin is a safeguard, teaching moral independence and trust in the Lord to complete His work amid tests and Satan's deceptions.4T 109.3–4+1 Those who would belong to God's family must leave the world's ways, live as a distinct people, obey God's commands and serve Him, and the command remains as binding today as when given through Moses, including refusal to join politically with unbelievers who trample God's commandments, since such alliances weaken faith and foster division and strife.9MR 129.5–131.1+1

The eternal God draws a line of distinction between saints and sinners, between converted and unconverted, between those who serve God and those who serve Him not, between the obedient and disobedient.Ms 26, 1891, par. 10–14+2 The two classes do not blend imperceptibly like colors of the rainbow but are as distinct as midday and midnight, differing in aims, conduct and character.SPBC 149.2+1 Separation is a plain and distinct line of demarcation in spirit and principle, seen in a life governed by higher laws than those controlling lovers of the world, so clear it can be discerned by both men and angels, showing Christians belong to the heavenly King.Ms 26, 1891, par. 10–14+1 It requires entire consecration, self-denial and self-sacrifice, keeping to the self-denying side with unselfish principles and purposes, refusing self-indulgence, pride, self-importance, love of self-exaltation, seeking praise of men, selfishness, vanity, self-aggrandizement and carnal security, dealing justly and mercifully instead of accepting the world's ways.Ms 4a, 1885, par. 15–17+2 Thousands read the words but neither understand nor obey, following inclination rather than duty until conscience becomes unimpressible, resenting warning as too particular and too critical, disregarding God's specified requirement at peril of His righteous indignation and loss of the soul, for every soul will be judged by knowledge received and those taking their own way will reap as sown.Ms 4a, 1885, par. 15–17+1

The whole chapter of 2 Corinthians 6:1-18 from first verse to last is of great importance, its conditions are principles in no case to be neglected, and its teachings put into practice encourage and safeguard against errors warned about in the churches.Ms 130, 1901, par. 6–7+1 Christians deciding to take the name of Christian are under obligation to answer the character of excellence in humanity by revealing Christ's character in works as His appointed chosen representatives to an apostate world.Ms 130, 1901, par. 6–7 This includes not receiving the grace of God in vain, for now is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation, and now is ever the eternal now with no tomorrow belonging to us.Ms 130, 1901, par. 6–7

Contact with the unclean makes a person unclean, for it is impossible to unite with the corrupt and still remain pure.Ms 1, 1869, par. 6–8+1 Whoever unites with the corrupt will become corrupt, and whoever mingles with the world will share the fate of the world.Ms 1, 1869, par. 6–8 Refusing what would separate the affections from God, who has first and highest claim, severing earthly tendrils like a vine trailing on the ground entwining about roots and rubbish and setting affections on God and heavenly things, is the condition for being received, blessed, honored and exalted as His sons and daughters.Ms 1, 1869, par. 6–8+1

Christ's disciples are not of the world just as Christ is not of the world.MH 404.1 Those who love Christ obey His commands by coming out from the world and remaining separate, bringing heaven's principles into life so God's people are clearly distinguished from the world.Lt 253, 1903, par. 25

The verse exposes merely nominal Christians with no root in themselves, whose hearts are filled with pride, impurity, unholy ambition, self-importance and love of supremacy, who know theory of truth and can prove doctrine sound and scriptural yet hold truth in unrighteousness and by word, action and unchristlike deportment deny the faith because hearts are not sanctified through truth.Ms 7, 1885, par. 1–2 It requires the Spirit and principles that characterized Christ's life planted in the heart to control life, cleansing of the soul temple from defilement, purity of heart, earnest effort to meet God's Word, God's law written in the heart, truth illuminating the soul, and holiness, mercy, truth and love brought into life.Ms 7, 1885, par. 1–2 Without this none will be purified or fitted to be companions of the pure and holy or to wear the white linen which is righteousness of the saints, for character formed for earth without Christ's robe of righteousness cannot harmonize with heaven nor find joy there.Ms 7, 1885, par. 1–2+1 All who are really Christ's come out from the world and live separate as His disciples, His peculiar own, one with Christ, chosen, wedded to Him, redeemed, having His Spirit dwelling in them, willing to do whatever He tells them, continuing in devoted service in communion with Him, learning to do all to God's glory, made good and cultured by His grace as docile learners hearing and obeying truth.Lt 271, 1902, par. 4–5 Heeding His invitation to turn from love, admiration and glorification of self and from worldly habits and tastes, learning of Christ, taking His yoke, bearing His burdens and laboring with Him, educates character to be at home in heaven, to love and enjoy His presence, to harmonize with heaven and to appreciate the rest He purchased.Lt 63, 1896, par. 3–6

Obeying is individual work no one can do for another, requiring individual consecration of heart, mind and spirit to God and working out salvation with fear and trembling in harmony with God by knowing His will from His word.Ms 105, 1894, par. 19 Every soul must meet the condition to be saved in Christ's kingdom, leaving association with evil and living separate and clean, giving personal account and securing own salvation, for the crown of life comes only to conquerors.Ms 15, 1885, par. 11–12 No other's piety and obedience can save another or be counted as one's own, and delinquency and corrupt example of others, even leading men, excuses no one for following them, because Christ alone is the faultless pure uncorrupted Pattern, though God does not leave His people alone to fight world, flesh and devil.Ms 105, 1894, par. 19+1 The call applies with special force to proud self-confident men who through pride refuse the Holy Spirit and act as though their own light were divine.Ms 66, 1898, par. 27

The verse calls to leave rebellious company and live separate in uncompromising holiness after Christ, in whom the glory of God is seen in pure religion.ST Dec 5, 1911 The carnal mind is enmity against God and cannot submit to His law, so Christ's holy life stirs those in rebellion to follow their own inclinations as in antediluvian days, and men rebel against light because the separated path involves a cross.ST Dec 5, 1911 Separation means turning from estrangement from God and harmony with Satan to learn from Christ, share His divine nature, work righteousness and become complete in Him as the Holy Spirit gives life through Christ and His love and grace shape the heart firmly united with Him in conformity to His character before angels and people.Ms 200, 1898, par. 11 Christ's followers are separated from the world and its false teachings by power of divine truth, becoming a distinct holy people.ST Jul 19, 1883

Leaving the world means standing wholly on the Lord's side in true repentance forsaking sin, no longer uniting with His enemies nor lending influence to rebels against His government, giving whole life's service to Him.5T 438.2 It means looking to Calvary to see what Jesus suffered in humiliation, shame, reproach and cruel death of the cross to save from guilt and horror of despair and make unspeakably happy in His kingdom, resolving all one has and is too little to devote to Him who gave His whole divine self, and those so separating and pressing battle to the gates win glorious victories.5T 438.2 It describes receiving Christ as personal Saviour.Ms 112, 1898, par. 5–6 Coming out and being separate belongs to conversion and salvation, leaving the broad way leading to destruction to walk the narrow path through the strait gate into the city of God, following where Christ leads, for only those following Him can lead others in safe paths.Lt 219, 1905, par. 3–5

Separation does not require leaving the world, but living in it without belonging to it, without serving its idols including wealth, and without giving it allegiance or divided service.Lt 21, 1894, par. 3–4+3 Believers can live amid its evil and remain holy and pure through the Redeemer's strength without contamination, setting affections on things above rather than loving the world or the things in it.Ms 17, 1903, par. 10–11+1 The boundary between God's children and the world cannot be erased, and close affinity with the world imperils the soul, as shown by Solomon who though endowed with wonderful wisdom was drawn away from God.Lt 21, 1894, par. 3–4+2 God is fully able to keep His people in the world but not of the world, watching over His children with measureless, everlasting, unfailing care, while still calling them to come out, live separate, reject extravagant display and unholy ambition, follow the meek and lowly Christ, and touch not what is unclean.Lt 21, 1894, par. 3–4+1 Company of sinners is to be chosen only for opportunity to do them good, and those whose influence draws away from God are to be decisively avoided, with prayer not to be led into temptation meaning shunning temptation as far as possible.PP 458.2

Believers must break practical and spiritual ties with the world in response to God's invitation, leaving its ways, pride, standards and elements.LSEGW 292.3+3 This means putting away idols and anything dividing supreme love for God, expressed through obedience to His commandments and surrender to His will.SG4 235.3–4+1 It requires refusing to let the pride of the world come in or to make the world the standard, breaking the stony heart, refusing what is unclean, and traveling the thorny suffering path Jesus trod from the manger to the cross.LSEGW 292.3+1 Those who hope for the redeemed's future joy must resist foolishness, pride, vanity, habits and pursuits unfitting for heaven, overcoming through Christ's strength, with love as active principle guided by will and firm resolve to serve God even unto death.RH Feb 1, 1912+1

Believers must not conform to the world's influences, practices, standards, maxims, customs, spirit and fashions, but live in purity and moral independence faithful to God.RH Nov 11, 1909+3 Faith must govern daily conduct and not remain outward profession, with Christlike holiness, truth, compassion, love and self-denial shaping work and dealings, since conformity is a subtle constant danger.Lt 41, 1890, par. 19–20 Living by the Bible's standard rather than making the world the measure of right and wrong is required, because allowing worldly values to possess the heart makes what God disapproves seem right, obscures understanding of His word and will, and leads to mistaking disobedience for holiness.ST Nov 19, 1885+1 Obeying means not placing oneself in the great thoroughfare of the world nor living in harmony with its customs, since the world rejected and crucified Christ and chose Barabbas, human nature without faith cannot be trusted, and love of the world brings no peace.Lt 93, 1893, par. 20–22 Such separation places one most favorably for developing Christian character in connection with light from heaven, choosing Christ as Saviour, choosing companionship of those the Lord teaches and guides, refusing Satan's sifting, respecting the recompense of reward, and living as bought with Christ's blood in hope of His coming.Lt 93, 1893, par. 20–22

Separation must be clear and unmistakable, conforming wholly to God's will and holding firmly to principle despite pressure, contempt, opposition and loss.CH 51.1+2 It forbids assimilating to the world or staying as near like it as possible, for Satan wrestles for the soul by tempting with the passions of the world to blend with it, while overcoming by separation keeps the name from being blotted from the book of life.Ms 2, 1885, par. 17–18 Acceptance with God depends on practical separation requiring an elevated advancing standard of reform, refusing the world's standard, dissipating amusements and pernicious ways, and standing free in God rather than heeding counsel of friends and acquaintances.CH 51.1+1 When warfare against the spirit and influence of the world is given up, one fashion after another is taken up, peculiarity is lost, friendship with the world begins step by step, departure from God advances gradually into darkness and conformity, transforming influence of the Spirit is lost, and those still professing truth grow weaker until the Spirit is withdrawn and they become of the world without knowing it.Lt 16, 1861, par. 19–21

Those belonging to God must be kept separate so they may be the Lord's, belonging wholly to Him without divided loyalty to human approval.Lt 52, 1901, par. 16–19+1 No one can mix with the world and at the same time be united with Christ, so influence must be wholly on the Lord's side, serving fully through entrusted work, taking no honor to self, and remembering solemn covenant to serve the Lord alone.Ms 8, 1880, par. 1–3+3 Self-love, indulged inclination and compromised faith place one in Satan's service, a matter of eternal importance since Satan besets every pathway.Ms 8, 1880, par. 1–3+1 This requires coming out from friendship and customs of the world and from fellowship and affection with enemies of holiness, choosing God's favor over the world's friendship in a humble cross-bearing way, in which God sifts His people as corn in a sieve yet not the least true grain falls.Lt 9, 1861, par. 11

Separation guards both believers and those under their influence from spiritual danger, while choosing company they cannot lead from sin makes them one with them.Lt 18, 1899, par. 1–2+1 Those who belong to God are to be His distinct people while still making every effort to save the perishing.Lt 58, 1898, par. 20–23 Truth divides lovers of God from lovers of pleasure, so affections and conduct must reflect Christ rather than worldly attractions, and influences endangering purity and simplicity of faith and religious character must be left, lest the way be left open to temptations one has become unafraid to resist.TCBMP 50.1–51.1+1 This includes separating from the ungodly who dishonor God, especially when their influence leads believers to act as if they do not believe and to dishonor their profession.Lt 163, 1910, par. 7

Obeying requires not voluntarily placing oneself among those not under God's Spirit, but choosing surroundings with light and spiritual strength.Lt 95, 1895, par. 1–3 It means leaving unions and associations where unbelievers or worldly influences gain prevailing influence, and leaving those who associate with the disobedient and worldly-minded to live separate without contact with what is unclean.Lt 28, 1888, par. 19–20+1 One must not go where sin is nor place oneself on the enemy's ground, because giving temptation place in the mind perils the soul and puts one where angels do not preserve from evil influence.Ms 14, 1893, par. 5–7 Receiving God as Father and becoming His sons and daughters is conditional on separating from opposers of truth, avoiding close company and conversation that cannot glorify Jesus or reflect His spirit, avoiding pleasure-seeking associations, conformity to worldly practices, partnerships leading into temptation, and leaving behind worldly ambition and every besetting sin so the church can press onward.3T 245.2+2

Separation means remaining distinct in principles, character and pursuits by living in full consecration to God as His special, peculiar, holy people.Lt 317, 1907, par. 7+1 It requires freedom from worldly customs, habits, tastes, sentiments, maxims and practices, having no fellowship with the works of darkness, with spirit not mingling with the world's spirit and influence.ST Feb 19, 1880+1 Friendship with the world places one in opposition to God and dishonors Him, and separation is the only hope of salvation and condition for blessings freely given to the humble and obedient.2T 443.2 This is lived by keeping the heart continually turned toward God with the Holy Spirit abiding within, living by principles of righteousness, and keeping sacred things distinct from common standards rather than bringing them down to the world's level.RH Aug 19, 1909+1

God's people must come out and remain separate as pilgrims and strangers seeking a better heavenly country, with citizenship in heaven and hopes set there rather than on this world.Lt 95, 1899, par. 19–21+2 They are to have no connection with idolatry in any form, be distinct in practice from sin and sinners, live at a higher standard, and be molded by God to bear Christ's character and likeness.FE 480.2–481.1+3 This means not loving the world nor the things in it but setting affection on things above, keeping the cross ever in view as perpetual memorial of a nobler world, and leaving worldlings and their sensual customs and practices.Lt 9, 1891, par. 11 Dress, words and actions should show Christ formed within, living humbly, holy and harmless apart from sinners, for conforming to the world causes God's Spirit to depart.RH Jun 10, 1852

Mingling with the world causes people to view matters from the worldling's standpoint instead of seeing as God sees, because the world's condition and spirit calls evil good and truth falsehood, with truth fallen and equity unable to enter.SLP 236.1–2 Those who obey the call see as God sees, and the pure and good are honored and loved by those who are good.SLP 236.1–2 The verse requires separating from worldly customs when they oppose God, though attachment to the world can make this seem a terrible burden, while remaining bound leads to rejecting truth and dishonoring God by breaking His law.Lt 19a, 1874, par. 3–4 It also requires standing separate from conduct and practices God has warned against and shown to displease Him.Lt 51e, 1887, par. 7

Following Jesus requires coming out from the world and being separate from its spirit and influence by refusing worldly praise and exaltation rather than leading others astray, with the way back to life still open to those who heed.Lt 35, 1891, par. 53–54 Not mingling with the world but keeping separate preserves faith and enables living near God in sweet communion, while mingling surely causes loss of strength and puts faith in danger of failing.5MR 99.1 Following Christ requires coming out of the world and living separately from its ways, separating from worldly associations and defilement rather than merely professing faith while living unlike Christ, since separation and obedience are necessary to avoid perishing with the wicked and to represent truth faithfully.CT 330.1–2+1 Genuine conversion turns from unrighteousness to righteousness, gives up worldly pleasures, and puts Christ first.RH Jul 7, 1904

The verse forbids marriage between a Christian and an unbeliever, requiring believers to come out from among unbelievers, be separate, and touch not what is spiritually unclean, with the promise that God will receive the obedient and be a Father to them as His sons and daughters.RH Mar 16, 1916+3 It is the New Testament counterpart to the command to ancient Israel not to intermarry with idolatrous nations, forbidding a believer to marry one not controlled by Christ's Spirit and not accepting present truth even if otherwise worthy.RH Mar 16, 1916+1 The command supports keeping young Christians separate from harmful choices in marriage and seeking God's guidance and wise counsel before a lifelong commitment rather than joining to an unsuitable companion.PP 175.3+1

Such a union puts the believer's heart and affections at risk of being drawn away from God.Lt 1, 1887, par. 5–7+2 An unwise, hasty marriage can become a burden, destroy happiness in this life, and endanger hope of the life to come, so the young are to be taught to be pure and to seek the company of people who love truth, purity, and goodness.PP 175.3+2 Genuine Christians are to separate themselves from worldly flirtation, courtship, and marriage-centered socializing rather than follow the world's example.11MR 154.2–3+1 They will not make being in one another's society, paying attention to each other, flirting, courting, marrying and giving in marriage the main engrossment, since those ways encourage sensual indulgence and require spiritual discernment to bar and guard every point lest iniquity be practiced.11MR 154.2–3+2

In the sanitarium, college, offices of publication and every mission this separation calls for enforcing the strictest rules of prudence and watchful reserve in association of young men and young women instead of giving them freedom to go and come as they will in each other's company.Ms 4a, 1885, par. 67–69 Parents must protect their children from corrupting influences and educate them to recognize and escape the world's corruption, keeping them separate from the world so they may be the Lord's with lives right and pleasing in His sight.6T 195.2+1 This means giving their hearts' best affections to God, praying much and seeking strength from Him against Satan's leading, and giving thorough education in Bible truth in separate school facilities apart from corruption found among many children in public schools.Ms 67, 1906, par. 5–8+1

Believers must themselves come out from among the ungodly and draw their children away from association with the ungodly, showing by separation that they are on the Lord's side.5T 541.1 Restraining children in this way is not an injury but necessary protection, because without watchfulness Satan will take possession of them, and the false idea that restraint harms them is ruining thousands.5T 541.1 This applies to parents keeping children away from places where they would mingle with many unbelievers and face strong influences toward error and temptation, faithfully educating and disciplining them to obey God and keep His commandments.Lt 244, 1903, par. 8+1

Young men and young women must keep as far as possible from corrupted and corrupting elements, and must not be set to work among abandoned classes or in visiting houses of prostitution where they meet every form of impurity.Lt 162, 1900, par. 12–13+2 That contact brings terrible temptation to lust which Satan uses to ruin them so that more purity is lost than souls are saved, and exposes them to irreligious surroundings, sinful sights, sounds and environments that lead astray.Lt 162, 1900, par. 12–13+2 Medical missionary workers must therefore be cleansed, refined, purified and elevated, standing on the platform of eternal truth where the sacred is distinguished from the common.Lt 162, 1900, par. 12–13 Inexperienced youth especially must not be encouraged to choose the society of the pleasure-loving, worldly and impenitent who have no love for truth and are not worked by the Spirit of God, because such association paralyzes spiritual perception and lets Satan ensnare those who do not continually realize they are the Lord's property.Ms 30, 1904, par. 29–30

Young followers must separate from associations that shape character for evil, especially concerts and gatherings with those whose love is only for sport, folly, levity and cheapness, since entering into such things makes solidity of character impossible.Ms 48, 1894, par. 9–10 Placing oneself where the enemy's temptations work through association affects the soul, and seeking amusement and society of unbelievers to please and glorify self is forbidden even when music or entertainment appears innocent, because the enemy lays a snare and net there to give a forbidden experience.Ms 48, 1894, par. 9–10 Believers may be with unbelievers only to do them good with the heart filled with love, and must keep themselves in the love of God and walk closely with God.Ms 48, 1894, par. 9–10 Those who would be received must separate from corrupting companions and avoid intimate associations that weaken purity, morals and love for truth, leaving associations that hinder faith, separating from those who do not love God and truth, and drawing near to God and His people.2T 47.2+2

This requires special carefulness in forming friendships and choosing companions, using caution and heeding warning because dangers thicken around every youth, and indiscretion opens the door of temptation, gives Satan entrance and advantage, and imperils highest interests for present and eternal life.Lt 17, 1893, par. 9–12 It means refusing to mix light with darkness, Christ with Belial, purity with impurity, and good with evil because that union is impossible, giving God undivided affection, whole heart, entire being, time, talents, health, intellect and prosperity instead of living to please inclination.Lt 17, 1893, par. 9–12 It applies to young people who associate with those disregarding sacred truths they profess, becoming like them and settling for enough religion to please everyone and avoid criticism, calling for whole sacrifice; for young men it means changing companions and choosing people who love truth and purity.3T 125.1–126.1+1 Close company with the ungodly exposes Christians to temptation so they gradually take on the world's character, words and actions, become blinded to harm, grow less repelled by sin, and have faith weakened, destroyed and poisoned in spiritual life.4SP 327.3+2

Safety lies in separating from those walking in spiritual darkness and refusing close ties exposing faith to unbelief, worldly influence and sin, including refusing degrading pleasures and company weakening moral and spiritual life.ST Dec 30, 1886+1 Coming out in affections, enjoyment and chosen society means those whose hearts are set on God and heavenly things find no pleasure in company of those without love of God and truth as living principle, whose conversation and conduct offend God and who neither fear nor love Him.4MR 194.2–4 To surround oneself with such society forfeits the companionship and keeping power of Jesus, because if they are not lifted up their influence corrupts and taints faith and spirituality; unbelieving acquaintances are to be treated kindly, and association to win them to Jesus is right, but to love and choose their society and breathe the atmosphere surrounding their souls is forbidden.4MR 194.2–4 This separation is illustrated by refusing to accompany daughters to the theater, joining refusal of what is unclean with the Lord's promise to receive the obedient and be Father to them as sons and daughters.11MR 334.1–2+1

God in wisdom brings His people into a position separate from the world in spirit and practice so their children will not readily be led into idolatry and tainted with prevailing corruptions, making believing parents and children living representatives of Christ and candidates for everlasting life.CH 627.2 Parents must at any cost, whatever the sacrifice or consequences, keep the home and its company pure and clean, allowing in the dwelling only those clean and holy whose influence saves and putting out those not loving God because their influence is deathly.Lt 1, 1857, par. 6 The salvation of children depends on this decided course, for God can come into a dwelling kept this way and bless efforts to save them, while as long as unsaving company is suffered there it is impossible to save them.Lt 1, 1857, par. 6 For Christian mothers this separation is a condition of belonging to God's heavenly family, requiring coming out, living separately and avoiding the unclean rather than living to please the world or gratify self, cultivating Christian character and seeking inward adorning that honors God.CE 179.1+1

Not being unequally yoked forbids far more than marriage of a Christian with the ungodly, for it forbids every alliance bringing parties into intimate association where harmony in spirit and action is required, including close friendships, relations of confidence and copartnership, business partnerships, and cooperation in church institutions and other work for God with those who have no love for God, no part in His cause, and no sympathy with its truth.STMW6 10.1+4 Such union is a snare because there is no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, believer and infidel, and the temple of God and idols, since God dwells in His people as their God; attempts to influence the ungodly by close friendship, business partnership, or marriage instead lead believers to sacrifice principle, become contaminated by their spirit and workings, and become separated from God.SG4 226.1+3 Those who come out, remain separate, touch not the unclean, cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God in the strength of Jesus are received by God as His sons and daughters with His promises fulfilled.STMW6 10.1+4

Linking with unbelievers in business to gain strength or influence dishonors God, and entanglements that place believers under human control, under counselors and policies that disregard His law, draw them away from His direction and must be refused.Lt 51, 1900, par. 28–29+3 Like Solomon, whose alliances with unbelievers brought wealth and gold and silver but led to ruin by ensnaring faith, those seeking to advance God's work by joining with unbelievers or enemies of the truth may yield step by step until separated from God.FE 501.2+2 Even in ordinary business, connection with those not loyal to God is forbidden because Christian and ungodly principles are diverse and opposed, so union brings either sacrifice of principle or frequent painful conflict and hinders spiritual growth.Ms 3, 1885, par. 4–5+2 For Sabbathkeepers this specifically forbids partnership with Sabbathbreaking associates, where the unbelieving partner and hired laborers carry on business on the Sabbath, the Sabbathkeeper lets business thoughts intrude and shares in settling accounts, receiving or paying money, and sharing profits of Sabbath labor, so that while professing to keep the Sabbath he breaks it, is counted a transgressor, and has gifts and sacrifices God will not accept; to violate principle in the slightest places a person on the enemy's ground and separates him from God.Ms 3, 1885, par. 4–5+2

Coming out means having nothing to do with the organizations in which the wicked are being bound together, such as trusts, unions, and confederacies, and refusing binding agreements and documents prepared for men to sign that rule other men and demand much of them, as seen in this age and as in Noah's day before the Flood.Ms 71, 1903, par. 19–20+3 Joining with the world and letting worldly policy and ideas govern dealings makes believers like the world so they cannot stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth; instead every yoke must be broken, human kingly controlling power over mind and service in any branch of God's cause rejected, binding up with God alone, looking to God and not to men, with justice, mercy, love of God, and truth as it is in Jesus prevailing.Ms 71, 1903, par. 19–20+2 Those who separate will be received by God as Father and acknowledged as His sons and daughters now and when He comes.Ms 71, 1903, par. 19–20+2 This distinctness forbids joining organizations of worldly character even for charitable work, for the church can care for the sick, clothe the naked, and help the needy through agencies God has appointed without coming under worldly influence or giving worldly groups prevailing influence and advantage.8MR 107.2–108.3+1

The call commands coming out and staying separate from the Freemason lodge, every secret organization, and worldly and literary societies, having no part with them because connection is unsafe, unclean, and incompatible with standing under Christ, who is not divided and with whom none can serve God and mammon.Lt 21, 1893, par. 1–2+4 It requires leaving their feasts, councils, gatherings, ceremonies, pledges, oaths, customs, spirit, practices, riotous mirth, wine-drinking, and tobacco idolatry, and refusing to touch what is unclean or bind soul, body, and spirit in the same bundle with all kinds of characters.Lt 113, 1893, par. 23–28+3 Staying assimilates a person to unbelief and infidelity, weakens faith, unfits for Scripture study, devotion, and service, while Christ stands present as Witness seeing and hearing every ceremony, pledge, and oath; remaining ends in being burned with the bundles of tares in the last day, and keeping connection after light has come keeps a person from the seal of the living God.Lt 21, 1893, par. 1–2+2 Coming out therefore means breaking bonds to secret societies as a great spiritual hindrance, refusing to return despite determined efforts to win back, keeping the Sabbath as the sign of obedience, and building on the sure foundation, the Rock Christ Jesus; then God receives the separated one as His son and daughter, draws nigh as the person draws nigh, and strengthens every step to advance in righteousness and do God's work.20MR 286.5+4

Those whose citizenship and inheritance are heavenly must not engage in political strife, alliances, movements, gatherings, or contests identifying them with unbelievers who trample God's commandments, for such alliances weaken faith, foster division, strife, contention, disorder, and variance in church or school, oppose God's distinct work, and defile.Lt 4, 1898, par. 27–29+4 Separation is shown by willing obedience to God's commandments, a life devoted to good works, faith working by love purifying the soul, representing Christ's attractive character with joy, and seeking guidance from heaven rather than worldly practices.Lt 95, 1899, par. 28–29+3 Those who separate are received as God's chosen heritage, royal family, and children of the heavenly King, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to immortal life, eternal glory, and the unfading crown of life.Lt 4, 1898, par. 27–29+3 Spending time talking politics or acting politics gives the enemy occasion to cause variance and discord, standing as a politician is work God has not given high or low among His people, ministers desiring to stand as politicians should have credentials taken, and professed commandment-keepers taking part in political gatherings show unfaithfulness to Jesus as King and lost discernment; instead they enlist under Jesus' banner as Christ's army for aggressive warfare against sin with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.GW 395.1+1

The unclean includes making worldly lawyers the right arm, carrying out Satan-instigated schemes, cultivating commercial interests, adopting a worldly spirit of commerce, and relying on worldly lawyers, methods, and unsanctified counsel about church matters, which testifies the Lord has not been made leader, forsakes the true God, makes people one with the world, and cannot prosper; God turns away in disgust and is dishonored.Lt 320, 1905, par. 21–24+3 His people must now come out from lawyers' schemes and every unjust legal action, refusing harmony with them and standing for truth and righteousness in the time to proclaim the third angel's message of the commandments of God and faith of Jesus.Lt 320, 1905, par. 21–24+1 This keeps the baptismal vow pledged before Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be dead to whatever interferes with spiritual and eternal interest, with the Bible alone as reformer; no substitute or reasoning evades it, whatever is inconsistent with Christ's righteousness violates it, and voluntarily linking with agents of unrighteousness forfeits the promised reformatory power to save a lost world.Lt 367, 1905, par. 6–10 Coming out also forbids life insurance as commerce with the world God does not approve and union with the world, departing from gospel simplicity and purity, weakening faith and spirituality, distrusting God's providence and special care, and wrongly investing means belonging to God entrusted for His cause by placing them in the enemy's ranks.1T 549.2–550.2

Separation applies to Christian institutions as well as individuals in refusing dishonest business practices even when custom or financial pressure makes them seem necessary for livelihood, and in separating from those persisting in dishonest conduct without reform by refusing to share their sins while remaining firm in doing right; God owns as sons and daughters those maintaining integrity.7T 163.3–4+2 It requires rejecting worldly bids, attractions, proposals, direction, and baits that would control the work, refusing patronage, fame, influence, knowledge, popularity, or usefulness when gaining them would betray sacred interests into unbelievers' hands, taint God's work, break unity with Christ and brethren, or sanction unclean practices to obtain money; God's work must stand untainted with clean hands, pure heart, and contrite humble spirit, and with even few such workers He will work, prevail, and revive.Lt 16e, 1892, par. 34–37+3 Church festivities joining Christians and worldlings are sinful unions to be refused, and uniting them in money-raising feasts, gluttonous feasts, lotteries, tableaux, and theatrical performances is not justified by God's Word but is Satan's studied plan to clothe sin with light to hide its deformity and make it attractive, contrary to walking humbly and circumspectly when plain commands are discarded for philosophy, false creeds, pride, and popularity; obedience brings reception as sons and daughters with God as Father.LC1 173.2–174.1+1 This means separating from the world's spirit and influence rather than joining worldly interests to sacred work and choosing Christ even at reproach and loss of esteem, honor, applause, and profit rather than seeking worldly approval while claiming to serve Him, keeping the soul in His love.2T 149.2+1 It is shown by remaining distinct from worldly policies and alliances with those not discerning or honoring God's claims, as a people keeping the seventh-day Sabbath and witnessing to God and Christ's soon return, and by keeping separate from people, societies, and evil agencies disregarding God's law, remaining pure in principle, belonging to God and Christ, and obeying every requirement of His Word regardless of consequences.Ms 132, 1903, par. 16–17+1

Coming out and being separate means thorough heart-work and transformation from the world, not surface work that will not stand in the judgment, shown in a well-ordered life, godly conversation, humility, meekness, self-sacrifice, prayer, growth and perseverance to perfect holiness, with God helping, angels aiding and strength through Christ for those who do their part to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit.Ms 132, 1903, par. 12–13+2 It is settled between God and the soul rather than leaned on the judgment and experience of others, requiring dying to pride, denying self, making truth the whole interest, no longer mingling, acting and dressing like worldly associates, with sobriety, watchfulness and prayer while angels watch character development and weigh moral worth and all words and acts pass in review before God.1T 242.2+1 It belongs to genuine conversion and eternal life, where half conversion leaves divided service and leads others into the same divided way, while true conversion brings transformation of character and marked change, with manners and deportment then taking the elevated noble character of true followers through effort and moral courage in uphill work.Ms 173, 1903, par. 19+1

It calls for full obedience and complete separation, not halfway work trying to serve God and mammon, loving and fearing God with whole heart, soul, strength and mind, loyal to His law rather than disregarding it, coming nearer through repentance and confession, ending rebellion and returning to allegiance.CH 295.1+3 This is separation in thought, purpose, pleasure and practice, which takes earnest striving because right thoughts and pure holy purposes do not come naturally, requiring standing firm as a rock like Daniel against Satan's agents who induce to sin, guarding the soul against Satan, passion and selfish thoughts while faithfully doing duties and watching for opportunities to do good.CH 295.1+2 Those who so separate become heroic ministers of righteousness, loyal to God's claims, jealous for their Captain's honor, ministering with willing, earnest, hearty, unselfish zeal to blood-bought souls, meeting the conditions of eternal life, and God promises to receive them and be Father to them as His sons and daughters.ST Sep 15, 1887+2

Meeting the requirement is not the work of a moment or day, not bowing at the family altar with lip service nor public exhortation and prayer, but lifelong consecration as a living principle interwoven with life, underlying all thoughts and springing every action in self-denial and self-sacrifice, elevating above the world and separating from its polluting influence.Ms 1, 1869, par. 6–8 It applies to those like a vine trailing on the ground entwining tendrils about roots and rubbish, whose earthly tendrils must be severed with affections set on God and heavenly things who has first and highest claim, refusing to touch what would separate affections from Him.Ms 1, 1869, par. 6–8 It is conquering work through faith that works by love and purifies the soul, part of reformation and preparation for heaven in surrendering will to be shaped by God, regaining the moral standard and developing desired character, dying daily to self and becoming as clay in the Potter's hands to be molded into God's chosen character to please heaven and be fitted for His kingdom, in which God and angels do their part.Lt 136a, 1898, par. 13–17+2

The unclean thing includes selfishness and self-love, unsanctified ambition, pride in appearance and extravagant use of God's entrustments, and a self-centered course where self is whole center and circumference drawing in everything and grasping every advantage, a spiritually deceived condition of heart, spirit, soul, flesh and bones imperiling other souls.Lt 68, 1899, par. 13–14+1 Opening the soul to worldly habits and customs hides Jesus and hinders growth in grace and knowledge, and obedience means putting away evil, overcoming self, refusing to cherish sin, refusing to unite with pleasure lovers and worldly customs to flatter and court approval, doing the known will of God rather than merely professing it, a duty resting especially on men in trust.Lt 68, 1899, par. 13–14+1 Professors must deny self for Christ's sake, bind about wants, refuse worldly self-gratification and selfish indulgence and acknowledge themselves Christ's property, for murmuring at sacrifice, disputing conscience and the Word, and holding intemperate self-pleasing puts salvation in jeopardy, while rejecting the call lets iniquity abound, hardens the heart, makes conscience unimpressionable and ruin more sure than ignorance, leaving the heart temple to idols and self-indulgence proof against warnings, terrors, pity, compassion, entreaties and Christ's richest promises who left royal courts and became poor to enrich the poor.Ms 7, 1885, par. 3–4+1 Genuine sanctification requires this complete renunciation of sinful pursuits and gratifications, and the broken are to fall on the Rock, humble the heart, surrender whole heart, soul, strength and mind without delay to undo wrong, be broken for shaming the Saviour, and receive His offered blessing with hope remaining.Lt 256, 1904, par. 4+1

Separation means cleansing the soul temple of all worldliness, self-love, pride, love of the world and seeking this life's pleasures, because these leave no room for Jesus, His abiding presence and Christ's peace, requiring the mind filled with thoughts of God and heaven rather than engrossed with transitory things that make heaven forgotten.Ms 9, 1885, par. 3–4 It draws a clear demarcation between God's children and worldlings and brings God's blessing with His promise to receive and be Father to sons and daughters.Ms 9, 1885, par. 3–4 It means turning from every evil way and separating from sin and sinners, no longer making them confidence, with character transformed, all exaggeration, misstatement, untruth and secret works put away, standing open as day and living as seeing the Invisible, worshiping in spirit and truth in beauty of holiness and walking in light without stumbling, for refusal brings growing darkness until one does what once seemed impossible.Lt 17a, 1891, par. 27–28+2

Avoiding uncleanness includes bodily cleanliness, for purity of physical nature connects with moral purity and filthy habits tend toward moral impurity, and cleanliness, health and purity of spirit come from the same source among the Christian's priceless adornments, offered on condition with reception and standing as God's children.CTBH 182.3 In this application separation from defiling practices includes adopting clean pure habits of practical hygiene as preparation to meet Christ, including seeking pure air and water, keeping homes and cattle stables clean and well aired, and avoiding compressing the waist that damages health.CTBH 250.2–251.1+1

The unclean includes the excesses of the age, so receiving God as Father and becoming sons and daughters requires coming out from popular pollutions and pursuing physical as well as moral cleanliness and holiness in God's fear.CTBH 213.1–2 It means cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and perfecting holiness in God's fear, keeping body and mind from defilement as the temple of the living God and God's dwelling place, laboring together with God to keep the body undefiled, loving God with all heart, mind, soul and strength.4MR 365.4–366.3+2 If truth is comprehended and practiced licentiousness will not destroy physical and mental powers, while improper social relations can defile the body and must be avoided by those God will receive.4MR 365.4–366.3+2

God's remedy for one held by strong craving for strong drink or tobacco or any harmful thing destroying brainpower and polluting the body is complete separation and Christian temperance, never using alcoholic liquor at all, not tasting or handling spirituous liquor, which protects moral and physical health.Ms 38a, 1905, par. 11–13+1 Obedience requires doing all possible by self-denial and self-sacrifice to control appetite, then holding firm in God's strength, acting wisely with full self-control like army commanders to be victorious over the enemy and be fitted to labor tenderly and patiently for the weak and erring by example and influence.Ms 38a, 1905, par. 11–13 Each must himself discard tobacco, an unclean defiling idol enslaving user to habit and pipe, injuring mental and physical powers, beclouding the mind so sacred things cannot be discerned, standing between soul and duty to God, opposing the Spirit's convictions and keeping from full recognition as church member, a work no other can do, resting wholly on the individual to overcome in faith by what God has given and will give, with moral power of a man in Christ only in overcoming.Lt 56, 1893, par. 5–7

Coming out from popular customs requires refusing tobacco which perverts appetite toward stronger stimulants even when clergy in high influential positions practice it and by indifference or disguised opposition hinder temperance, moved by charity and sympathy for tempted souls for whom Christ died.ST Oct 17, 1878 It requires refusing parties, dances, card-playing, novels, balls, theaters, billiard halls and pleasure gatherings that ensnare the soul, weaken conscience and lead toward ruin, refusing to go where people leave God's path and communicate with evil angels under the black banner of darkness instead of under God's angels and Prince Emmanuel's blood-stained banner lest evil angels fasten lasting impressions.5MR 125.1–126.1+2 Tenderness of conscience here is not narrowness but living principle turning desires from sinful pleasures to holiness, with faith showing in spirit, words and actions to make God known and draw others, through daily watching and praying lest entering temptation, bearing warfare and cross as certain as victory, with God as refuge giving grace for grace to the separated and loss of Spirit and blessing to refusers.RH Feb 20, 1866+2

Obedience leads followers to leave picnics, donations, shows and other gatherings for pleasure and live distinct even at sacrifice, proving and testing genuineness of faith, because Jesus is not found there and they give no influence making heavenly-minded or increasing growth in grace.STB 841.2+2 Those waiting for Christ's return avoid worldly pleasure gatherings held merely for amusement, and in testing time those aligned with the world must either be wholly converted and sanctified by obeying truth or remain with the world, for seekers and admirers of worldly things show they are not devoted lovers of the cross and spiritual worshipers of a crucified Jesus.Ms 4, 1898, par. 6+2

God's people must come out and be separate in heart, dress, language, conduct and every respect as a peculiar holy people, refusing gay, costly, expensive apparel and worldly fashions such as hoops as touching the unclean, refusing conformity in eating, drinking, dressing and binding up with the world, refusing to spend God's money for worldly appearance, choosing modesty and self-denial so resources relieve need.SPBC 190.4+2 Distinctiveness does not come from clothing alone but whole life must show belonging to God, for conformity divides the heart, contaminates experience and obscures discipleship in Christ's self-denial and cross-bearing discernible by world and heaven, and desire to imitate fashions unsubdued marks allegiance to the world rather than recognition as God's children, leaving many blindfolded with vague ideas, no intelligent hope and great risk while supposing heaven-bound.STE 89.1–2+3 Taking up worldly styles with unnecessary adornment contradicts separation and reveals pride and love of display.4T 638.1–3

That separation is shown in elevated sincere courteous conduct and neat modest orderly clothing free from display, with special care to honor Sabbath worship, making plain the difference wrought by sanctifying truth.RH Jan 30, 1900 It does not mean neglecting cleanliness, decency or order, and those treating slovenliness as nonconformity misapply the principle, for appearance at worship should show respect and reverence.RH Jan 30, 1900 Dress reform is simple and humbling, requiring the cross, and many reject it having departed from God's simplicity and considering themselves above it; duty made known leaves hearers responsible to receive or reject before God, with no human urging or condemning, God knowing His humble willing obedient children and rewarding faithful performance, while forgetful hearers not doers run their own risk.1T 523.2

Keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is part of separation, for the world's practice and faith even by majority and good great men is no evidence of right and no excuse for disobedience and never safe as rule, requiring standing separate though few, weak and unknown as the world knew not Christ.Lt 35a, 1877, par. 7–8 It is separation to share honor of repairing the breach made by trampling the fourth commandment and receive God's approval, holding His one standard by keeping the seventh day as memorial of creation when He worked six days and rested the seventh, whose shift to another day destroys its reminder of creative work seen in shrub and flower, standing God's test in allegiance even in minority because sin's penalty is death.Lt 6, 1877, par. 9–11+1 It includes full obedience to unchanging law, keeping Sabbaths as lasting sign, loving not the world, setting affections above, representing Christ in character while awaiting perfection to represent Him fully, standing in bold relief in purity and holiness to beseech reconciliation, without belittling the Sabbath to link with unbelievers, conform to the world, or heed any man counter to God's separation, while still bearing decided warning as Noah did.HMW 16.4+2

Accepting the cross and keeping the seventh-day Sabbath links with God, joins a people in harmony with Him believing His Word, serving with undivided affections, keeping commandments and living, being singular and different even when former friends call foolish, unafraid and unashamed to be known obedient, with God's assurance of reception enough against reproach.Ms 116, 1902, par. 21–27 It helps see worldly pursuits inferior and directs God-given talents to bring others along.Lt 194, 1899, par. 10 Accepting creation Sabbath involves coming out and being separate, with holy Sabbath-keeping as evidence of genuine conversion and receiving God's sign of government, whose claims sanctify the whole person when obeyed.Ms 68, 1899, par. 13–14

Eating and drinking habits reveal whether one belongs to the world or is among those separated by truth.HL 75.2 Those serving God in sincerity and truth are peculiar, unlike and separate from the world, including in eating and drinking, with food prepared not to encourage gluttony or gratify perverted taste but to secure greatest physical strength and consequently best mental conditions.CH 50.2

The call requires complete break with powers of darkness, destroying magical books and every object sustaining such connection, with separation from uncleanness joined to reverence for God.Ms 1, 1890, par. 33 It means coming up to His standard by living under His law governing minds for happiness, with love leading to obedience, impurity known by the law whose first four commandments point duty to God and last six allow no selfishness to fellow men, and on seeing failure fleeing to Christ the Stronghold, the sin-pardoning Saviour who kept His Father's commandments and pardons sins of ignorance, with doers of commandments entering in.Ms 27, 1891, par. 25–26 It requires resisting worldly conformity in appetite and dress, sanctifying self and seeking strength from God to stand firm in Christ when moral evil presses.4T 582.3

It requires standing apart in heart, dress, language and every respect as a peculiar holy people whose inward consecration removes likeness to the world, patterned by John the Baptist led by the Spirit into wilderness away from city contamination and from rabbis, their maxims, traditions and teachings, so the Lord could impress mind and heart with pure mould of truth to prepare the Lord's way.SPBC 190.2–3 It requires leaving worldly eating, drinking and dressing that conform to the world and divide the heart in serving God and hinder growth, for mere church membership is insufficient without learning self-denial, bearing the cross and showing Christlikeness as discipleship's mark.Ms 8a, 1894, par. 4 Gaining eternal life requires coming out with no drifting with the world's current, for none drifts and gains it and none acts like worldlings without being carried down, and none is borne upward without stern persevering effort, fighting each his own battle, holding fast to Christ, not looking back, eye ever upward, mounting by the Mediator, making no provision for fleshly lusts, entering not through indulgence, folly, amusement and selfishness but by constant watchfulness, unceasing prayer, cutting loose from world, follies and enchantments, and spiritual cooperation with heavenly intelligences in believing, working, praying, watching and waiting, with vigilance as safety's price not swerving a single inch to Satan.Lt 47, 1893, par. 31–33

Coming fully out means being wholly the Lord's, leaving religion of outward forms and display marked by pleasure-loving, dancing, card-playing, gambling and every selfish indulgence even among clergy, for that is not Bible religion, seeking instead heart work and experimental knowledge, since Christ's religion has no relation to outward display.Ms 21, 1885, par. 3 It means lifting the cross in obeying God's commandments and leaving a life for pleasure-loving, dancing and amusement, which takes faith and confidence in God, and those convinced and understanding all yet lacking that faith fail to come out and separate.5MR 159.2–3

The call is addressed to the whole church as the temple of the living God, commanding separation from the proud and world-loving and from unsound timbers in character, touching nothing unclean in order to stand where God can supply grace for character building, with the promise of reception and indwelling fulfilled to those who comply by building with the material God provides, and a church of such separated members meets the divine requirements.Ms 18, 1905, par. 17–21+2 Truth must remain sacred, pure and unadulterated, especially when obedient and disobedient might be joined together, and the promise of welcome is joined to God being a Father to His sons and daughters.Lt 13, 1900, par. 2–3 The church must not be shaped by the world which seeks to win it over.Ms 150, 1898, par. 17

The church must keep a holy peculiar character distinct from the world instead of confederating with it in confidence and becoming assimilated to it.Ms 81, 1903, par. 2–7+2 Failure to live this is why church and world unite, why professed followers feel no more burden for souls than worldlings, and why lust of the eye, pride of life, love of display and love of ease separate professed Christians from God and extinguish the missionary spirit.Ms 116, 1894, par. 10–11 Obeying makes God's people peculiar, conspicuous, detached and standing apart, so separation attracts attention, causes inquiry into the things of God, and lets them shine as lights amid moral darkness to save perishing souls.Ms 116, 1894, par. 10–11 Conduct and institutions should bear God's signature rather than the world's, with principles not shaped by the world.Ms 81, 1903, par. 2–7 The controlling spirit of the world to be rejected is self-love, independence from God, irreverence for His name and disobedience to His commandments, along with half-and-half work professing to serve God while serving mammon, and true separation is being joined to Christ in deed and truth with His Spirit and mind, denying self, taking up the cross and following Him.Ms 116, 1894, par. 12–13

The suggestion that uniting with the world will augment influence and popularity and enable a larger work is the deceiver's lie by which the command has largely lost effect, and in the last days the undeluded must pray as never before to be kept from his bewitching snares for unwary souls.Ms 116, 1894, par. 12–13 As anciently commanded to Israel, God's people now must come out and remain distinct, separate, holy, peculiar and commandment-keeping, forbidding mingling, patterning after the world, following unsanctified hearts and eyes, and sharing idolatrous practices.1T 524.1–2 As the ribbon of blue distinguished Israel and reminded of obedience, visible distinction is required now, including reform dress both to mark God's people and because reform in dress is essential to physical and mental health, and losing peculiarity by becoming like the world displeases God and shows departure from Him.1T 524.1–2 Merely reckoning among God's chosen peculiar people is worthless without that separation and manifestations of God's power to save to the uttermost, and the command applies to children as well as adults, forbidding efforts to lessen the distance between children and the world and destroy their peculiarity, since lessening that distance does not win the world but widens distance between the unseparated family and God.Lt 9, 1861, par. 8 The warning guards against the great danger of the church becoming like the world and being converted to its practices, for without separation love of display and fashion will weaken the church, and the separation called for means true conversion instead of form of godliness, respecting and practicing sanctifying truth, denying self and following Christ instead of bringing religion down to respectable materialism.Ms 168, 1901, par. 17

For God's institutions, publishing houses, colleges and sanitariums, pure and holy principles must take root under the Bible standard, standing peculiar and governed and controlled by it, not patterning after worldly institutions, not coming into harmony with worldly principles to gain patronage, and not moved from the straight line of duty by any motive.CH 295.1+4 The call demands full obedience, not halfway work trying to serve God and mammon, but being separate in thought, purpose, pleasure and practice, which takes earnest striving because right thoughts and pure holy purposes do not come naturally.CH 295.1 Those under the Spirit's control do not seek own pleasure or amusement, and when Christ presides in hearts church members answer this call.CH 295.1+1 It requires touching not the unclean by in no way partaking of sin, standing under Christ's high pure noble elevated standard reformatory in teaching and practice, not copying other institutions in practice or moral standing, with pleasure and amusement not enticing from justice and worldly practices, ways and manners having no attraction to draw from duty.Ms 4a, 1885, par. 9–10 Barriers preserving vital holiness in churches and institutions must be kept, forbidding breaking down distinction between world and followers of righteousness by conforming, lowering holiness, and calling strict rules too strict, and keeping separate means correcting nominal morality, presenting the living Saviour in college, publishing house and sanitarium, and building a barrier against wickedness so character comes out spotless in saints' righteousness with white linen to stand before God's throne.Ms 2, 1885, par. 6–10

Christian institutions as well as individuals must not adopt worldly principles or partner with worldlings to gain money or favor but remain governed by the Bible with undivided allegiance, and Solomon's alliances with unbelievers show how such ties draw away from God and bring ruin.FE 501.3+1 The church and God's appointed agencies for health, education and publishing must not sign a truce with unbelievers or come down to worldly ideas, opinions and suggestions.Ms 39, 1891, par. 16–17 The unclean thing not to be touched is the suggestions, evil workings, spirit and influence of the children of disobedience, and to come out and be separate is to refuse contamination by that spirit, to fear uniting and binding with those having no part with God and no sympathy for truth, and to fear committing the Lord's work to them, with those so separating received as sons and daughters.Ms 39, 1891, par. 16–17 Consecration to the Lord's service means refusing affiliation with the world and separating from worldly schemes and practices that pollute the soul and keep the church under the enemy's influence.8T 45.1–2+3 All institutions and workers must keep vice from being mixed with virtue and have no contact with the unholy, and the call to leave sinful associations and remain distinct must be given plainly without weakening even while missionary work proceeds, because Satan daily sows evil among good and corrupts efforts to save and restore, and remaining separate from the unholy is the condition for God to receive His people and for truth to be honored in His instrumentalities.Lt 189, 1900, par. 7–9

God's people must withdraw from worldly principles, policy and institutions and stand forth separate and distinct as a people denominated by the Lord as His own.Lt 113, 1903, par. 5–6+3 This forbids compromising with the world, placing God's institutions on a level with worldly ones, calling them undenominational, and seeking unity on the low level of conformity to worldly policy and union with popular churches, since truth and error cannot co-partner and no effort to serve both God and Baal will be sanctioned.Lt 113, 1903, par. 5–6 Misrepresenting God's work before worldlings, destroying its sacredness in unbelievers' minds, and humiliating His people by making them one with worldlings offends God, will surely be punished, and calls for repentance at any cost, and until His people take the assigned separate position and recover from that humiliation He cannot be glorified in them and receive them.Lt 113, 1903, par. 5–6 The truth that made Seventh-day Adventists is what brings them out, and to link with the world and live as if no distinction should exist denies the faith and refuses that chosen standing, leaving those choosing this course to its result.Lt 90, 1906, par. 3 In planning study this leads away from worldly requirements so the world will not recognize them as standing with it, uniting with the world only in points without misleading influence while availing of certain rights, but making no sacrifice endangering principle, and rather than confuse medical work by compromise to gain standing it is better to stand aloof and labor with advantages God's people themselves can offer.Ms 72, 1909, par. 21 Separation means refusing to take the world's side in temporal and religious methods, because harmonizing with the world divorces from Christ, and whether one stands on vantage or false ground is decided by personal course showing love for Christ by keeping His commandments, with only the obedient entering the narrow road for the ransomed and receiving the indwelling Spirit of Truth and Christ's presence.Lt 405, 1904, par. 14–15

Workers in schools and sanitariums and students must not get in line with the world, study what the world studies, or become familiar with what the world becomes familiar with, and trying to do so is among the greatest mistakes bringing grave mistakes unless special attention is given to searching the Word.RH Nov 11, 1909+1 Higher education is contained in the principles of 2 Corinthians 6, with no education higher than that given the early disciples and now given through the Word and God's chosen messengers, and nothing in worldly education so exalted.Lt 84, 1909, par. 4–5 Students must study diligently to comprehend this, advance only as far as the Word takes them, work intelligently for this higher education, and let righteousness be the sign of understanding God's will committed through His messengers, with the Holy Spirit impressing this truth on the mind.RH Nov 11, 1909+1

Teachers who are ministers of righteousness must keep their pathway free from hindrance and teach students to obey this word by disconnecting from worldly influences and associations and not touching the unclean, with the promise of reception and fatherhood giving great honor and exaltation to humanity, so the school becomes a city of refuge to be obeyed with grateful hearts.8MR 283.2 God's people must not depend on those disregarding His commandments for education or influence, for God Himself is educator and source of strength, righteousness and influence and can give advantages beyond worldly institutions.LLWP 3.5–4.3 Every truly converted soul must come out in speech and action and maintain separate holy character to be received into the Lord's family, especially ministers and teachers who must sense responsibility as God's messengers, never lose sight of mission, be Christ's representatives in example after the Christlike pattern, and constantly learn and teach the most solemn message ever given.Ms 61, 1896, par. 5–7 Separation means living under discipline to Jesus Christ, refusing lax familiarity and light trifling course among students, young men, middle-aged men and women, because Satan watches for points of advantage, requiring watching and prayer to stay guarded and putting on Christ's garments of holiness and purity.Ms 61, 1896, par. 5–7

Believers are not to be placed in close association and mingling with unbelievers and worldlings in one large institution, because that brings great temptation to youth, greatly retards genuine soul-saving work that could be done were fewer unbelievers gathered together, helps the enemy spoil faith, and tends to destroy identity as the Lord's peculiar people.STB 56.2–3+1 Sanitarium workers especially must show firm decided influence against amusement and folly, refusing worldly amusements and entertainments, foolish talking, loud laughing, love of amusement and light frivolous conduct, with firmness in faith, much prayer, circumspect walking and constant vigilance lest Satan gain advantage.Ms 104, 1901, par. 14 There is no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness, no communion between light and darkness, no concord between Christ and Belial, no part between belief and unbelief, and no agreement between God's temple and idols, because believers are the temple of the living God in whom He dwells and walks and whose God He is.Ms 104, 1901, par. 14 Superficial character misrepresents righteousness, injures the institution's reputation and disgusts patients, counteracting serious impressions.Ms 104, 1901, par. 14

In treating the sick, reformation must begin by removing workers not rooted and grounded in truth whatever their position and education, and by securing a proper religious element to educate and give treatment, because an unconverted element leavens the institution with evil.Lt 56, 1891, par. 6–7 Experienced Christians working alongside any remaining unbelief must be guarded, watchful and circumspect.Lt 56, 1891, par. 6–7 Some leading medical workers are called to a second conversion that comes out and separates from men trying to guide the medical ship into harbor, cutting and breaking away from Satan-prepared influence through leaders God is not leading, with reviving of the testimonies given.Ms 21, 1906, par. 17–18+1 Unless there is this separation those workers will never reach rest and souls will perish in delusion accepting fallacy after fallacy and keeping disunion, while obedience brings simplicity of education and work in true godliness with less connection to misleading men so more is accomplished and God can work through angels to change hearts.Ms 21, 1906, par. 17–18 Workers in health institutions adopting worldly practices must make decisive change by leaving worldly ways and living separately, shown by clear change and lives of genuine faith and spirituality, choosing whether on the Lord's side, and not letting medical missionary work displace the special warning messages calling God's people out.Ms 128a, 1903, par. 32+1

All claiming present truth must break fellowship with Dr. Kellogg and associates he has leavened, refusing to justify wrongs and frame deceits, because staying joined continues ruin of souls.Ms 21, 1906, par. 20+2 This means taking the right side, refusing to cover truth with scientific problems, making decided changes, removing stumbling blocks from before God's people, putting on gospel shoes, and standing in prayer and work on the foundation Christ laid in giving His life for the world.Ms 21, 1906, par. 20 The warning stands clear of his plans which do not bear heaven's approval, remaining firm in principle with the promise God will receive the separated.Lt 169, 1903, par. 14–16+1 Separation is from people whose influence leads away from Christ and from those guiding medical work in wrong direction under Satan's influence, so workers can stand on the right platform and serve in true godliness.STB 406.3+1

God's people still in Babylon are called to come out in the last days when churches ally with the world and depart from truth, for those fearing and honoring God can no longer remain connected with them.4SP 239.2 The call separates from false religion and what is unclean as part of the message to proclaim, exposing false religions so truth may triumph and urging opposers to acknowledge truth as in Jesus.RH Jul 2, 1901 It requires leaving corrupt religious associations, remaining separate from unrighteousness and idolatry and avoiding the unclean, with God receiving and claiming the obedient as children.4SP 239.2 God leads His people away from rejecters of the second-coming message so they will not be defiled, and those obeying separate, stand united and turn from worldly interests while waiting for Christ.EW 211.2 Those accepting the soon-return message left scorning brethren, renounced worldly attachments and earthly interests, and stood united looking to heaven for the Deliverer.SG1 155.2

Those hearing truth are called to separate from false religion and idolatry, reject the unclean and surrender hearts to God, with God's promise to receive and be Father, and this call is to be kept before people as they are invited not only to accept truth but to help in God's work.Lt 109, 1900, par. 16–17 This means separating from those persisting in sin, turning from idols and refusing the unclean, putting Christ's service before every other allegiance.Lt 142, 1903, par. 25 It leads people to leave spiritually dark opposing groups, break binding ties and join the company already free, refusing to stay joined to teachings and traditions that must be given up to turn wholly to God and His word.EW 204.3+1 It is applied to people leaving churches and taking position on eternal truth's platform.Lt 127, 1895, par. 2

Believers must separate from those teaching error and not encourage their assemblies by attending, since listening weakens and darkens the mind, contaminates truth's light and leaves exposed to the enemy, but instead stand firm in God-given freedom on present truth and Scripture.SCEV 45.2–46.1 After every possible effort to free deceived erring minds has failed, they must withdraw and remain separate from those persisting in Satan's snares, false theories and fables turned from warning into channels seducing others, to preserve the church's purification.Ms 106, 1905, par. 31–34 This means complete separation from tramplers of God's laws and righteousness who lie, continue in evil and work against truth, with no willing association, connection, patronage or support strengthening their hands.Ms 25, 1891, par. 5–8 Joining them makes one share and serve with their sins, become accountable partaker of evil doings, displease the Lord and grieve His Spirit, and the Lord will not keep those siding with opposers, while separation with refusal of the unclean brings fatherly reception as sons and daughters.Ms 25, 1891, par. 5–8 Approaching such a person is permitted only with God-given burden of love to recover a soul from Satan's snare when God gives grace to keep from danger, requiring caution and discernment because evil workers catch others with their spirit and can appear as angels of light to deceive even the elect.Ms 25, 1891, par. 5–8 It means cutting ties with those withdrawn from the church delighting to fight truth, while recognizing a few honest may be rescued, since rejection of correction and retention of corrupt ways show love and practice of falsehood.2T 111.1 It requires separating from constant underminers of faith in God's messages, coming into light and leading others to Christ the Way, Truth and Life, with Spirit-led believers seeing dangers and making decided moves, and such underminers should not be supported or given influence.RH Jul 23, 1908+1

Those in the church bearing corrupt fruit and not working for unity, elevation and purity must come out, be separate and touch not the unclean to be saved and received, and earnest effort must show them this duty rather than at once erasing names from books.Lt 14, 1885, par. 7–11 Decided efforts must show the unchristian their wrongs and give opportunity to correct, and if they do not reform they must be separated from the precious and holy so God may have a clean pure people in whom He delights, since linking clean with unclean dishonors Him.SG4 163.2+1 Refusal to come out, continued walking contrary to Bible rules, and refusal to repent and humble before God after earnest labor by faithful shepherds requires suspension and separation from fellowship so the unrepentant do not become stumbling blocks to sinners.15MR 167.1+1 God's people must take elevated course leaving the world's folly, vice and lovers to themselves, breaking off unbeneficial visiting and intercourse, refusing conduct dishonoring truth, giving unbelievers occasion to blaspheme, laying stumbling blocks, and failing to abstain from appearance of evil, and one refusing entire change in keeping with truth should leave Sabbathkeepers' ranks rather than remain without discipline and reproof.Lt 21, 1862, par. 13

Ministers and people must come out to a higher platform with elevated standard and higher mold, fulfilled by bringing much more of Jesus — His meekness, lowliness, humility, self-denial, purity, true goodness and nobility — into experience and character of all taking part in sacred work, instead of following worldly opinions and customs.Lt 33, 1882, par. 9–10+1 This commands entire separation for present and eternal good and welfare, bearing aloft God's commandments and Jesus' faith and exerting strong right-side influence rebuking transgression, which halfhearted confession can never do.Lt 44, 1903, par. 34–35 It requires thorough conversion especially in positions of trust molding God's work, forbidding double game influencing both sides, and calls watchmen to urge laying aside every weight and besetting sin and remaining clean in service, leaving worldly ambition so the church presses onward faithfully.Lt 44, 1903, par. 34–35+2 It is applied to setting things in order in the office, serving God with whole heart and undivided affections, and making decisive changes.Ms 2, 1879, par. 9

Baptism publicly marks renunciation of the world and Satan's service, separating from them and not touching the unclean, joined to God's promise to receive responders.6T 91.3+2 Coming into the church by baptism pledges the soul to remain dead to the world and no longer follow worldly methods and practices.Ms 26, 1902, par. 47–49 God's invitation is publicly accepted at Christian life's entrance by baptism in the threefold name of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, meaning coming out, making worldly considerations secondary to the new relation, no longer living in pride and self-indulgence, and touching not the unclean.Ms 27a, 1900, par. 7–9 It binds by solemn covenant to live to the Lord, use all entrusted capabilities and gifts to His glory, never losing realization of bearing God's Sabbath sign of obedience as Christ's kingdom subjects and partakers of divine nature in full surrender, and to the obedient the Lord places His signature and imprint receiving them as sons and daughters.Ms 27a, 1900, par. 7–9 Those baptized are to come right out and live distinct, no longer obeying the world, following its fashions or being corrupted by its society, belonging to those dead to sin, buried with Christ and risen to changed life, with heaven's three highest powers pledged never failing and reliable when downcast, giving reason to rejoice in fatherly reception.Ms 191, 1905, par. 17–20 The baptismal vow upon accepting Christ pledges to serve God by leaving worldly company, living distinct and avoiding impurity, with reciprocal pledge of Father, Christ and Holy Spirit that every facility for growth will be given to those carrying out separation and acceptance to those true to vows.Ms 85, 1901, par. 4 When accepting Christ one is in a sense cut away, dead to ambitions and greed for advantage over brethren and neighbors, and touching not the unclean means turning from all preventing pure sacred principles of truth, entering no intrigue and doing no sharp practice with believers or unbelievers, which offends God and joins the doer to sin's author, while those coming out in spirit and practice may regard themselves as God's sons and daughters.ST Jun 19, 1901

Baptismal candidates must be tested by willingness to come out, leave worldly customs, fashions and sentiments and take the Lord's side, showing they understand and live discipleship rather than following the world.5MR 329.1–330.2+2 This means more than taking the name Seventh-day Adventist, requiring understanding of position, and those unwilling to change course should not be accepted or retained as members, since the name alone is insufficient.5MR 329.1–330.2+2 The publishing office must be conducted on God's principles as a missionary training school rather than like ordinary houses, leaving worldly customs and practices.Lt 5, 1892, par. 7–11 Applied to Sabbathkeeping communities, remaining separate from unbelievers means making provision to live and work distinctly rather than becoming dependent on neighbors who could harass, restrict or inconvenience activities.STB 734.3–735.1+1

God's people must stay separate from unbelievers and not bind up with them in God's work.19MR 52.2–6+1 Joining with those having no faith in present truth and giving transgressors of God's law place as counselors directing institutions established to proclaim the last mercy message divorces from the Lord God of heaven.Lt 110, 1902, par. 14–15 Faithfulness refuses such unions and refuses to let ambitious human projects take the throne.Lt 110, 1902, par. 14–15 Those rejecting and refusing truth should not belong to faculty or share counsel and management even if wealthy.19MR 52.2–6 The Lord desires every servant under the Holy Spirit's sanctification by coming out from unbelievers and idolaters, having no concord with Belial and no agreement with idols, being separate and touching not the unclean, with promise that God will dwell in, receive and father them as sons and daughters.20MR 129.4+1

Separation from falsehood and idolatry is necessary when remaining united would require disobedience, since peace and unity must not be bought by compromising truth and righteousness, and faithfulness may require accepting division and conflict.GC 45.3 Separation means keeping sacred things distinct from common standards rather than bringing them down to the world's level, coming out from worldly theories and practices to live by righteousness.Ms 195, 1903, par. 14–19 It requires coming out from men whose erratic confusing counsel is not vivified by the Holy Spirit and being separate from their influence, refusing their ideas and voicing their sentiments, because following them confuses mind, injures God's cause and offers no safety, while separation gives safety and better position to advance work.14MR 50.1–2+1 This means leaving men not walking in light nor educated by the Spirit whose influence is unsanctifying, to stand by assigned work and walk with God instead of uncertain paths, with such counselors needing reform.Lt 68, 1901, par. 1–5 It means staying separate from men discarding indwelling co-working Divinity and resting on human inventions, plans, philosophizing and hard theories, whose unclean spiritual atmosphere beclouds discernment, bewilders senses and drags down associates unless lifted into pure holy atmosphere, requiring cautious guarded refusal to rely on propositions, to trust men or make flesh an arm, to let human minds work the mind or blind men lead God's work, sharply rebuking unholy principles woven into His work, living in realization of God's presence and agency with full dependence, and crying for the Comforter and living God so others thirst for Him.Lt 80, 1896, par. 12–14

Coming out, remaining separate and refusing the unclean are baptismal promises violated by mixing corrupt commercial practices with sacred work, defiling the institution meant to serve God.Ms 12, 1903, par. 6–7 Separation from those unable to discern God's will is needed as work nears its close and the end approaches, while the warning must still be given amid stronger deception.STB 163.1 Those joined to God's work must bear fruit by coming out rather than remaining worldly, selfish and conformed to business show, since burying talents, bearing imperfect fruit and mere form of godliness mistaken for spirit and power do not satisfy the command or God's measurement.TBC1868 4.2–7.1 Claiming to keep the Sabbath does not fulfill the calling unless lives are molded by the message of truth that called them out.Ms 57, 1912, par. 14 Becoming a Christian requires converting change leaving the world and living separate, with purifying cleansing fitting for angels' society and dwelling with a pure holy God.Ms 17, 1868, par. 1–2 It requires discerning sacred things, not leveling the high sacred holy with common things nor treating religion as common, which parents must impress and children learn and see as necessary, for without it children endanger heaven and can have no part with the redeemed in God's kingdom.Ms 17, 1868, par. 1–2

Complete separation from God's enemies and firmness for truth means refusing guidance from long-knowing but unyielding opposers of present truth and refusing conformity to gain influence with worldlings, because only such separation forms character making one God's fellow laborer worthy of commendation, with the church built on Christ as only true foundation kept free from worthless trial-failing material.14MR 150.3–151.1 Coming out draws distinction plainly in Christ's army under Christ as head against Satan, with special divine help for battle and a world to save as laborers together with God.Ms 16, 1893, par. 17 It means being emptied of envy and filled with Christ's grace, becoming praying parents in families where angels can minister, educating children for God and teaching His love and power, and working earnestly zealously for the unconverted.Ms 16, 1893, par. 17 The holy character of God's work requires separation from worldly interests, so holding worldly offices and pursuing private business drawing toward the world, dividing devotion and bringing corrupting influence requires separating from the work unless wholly given to it.TBC1868 14.1–3 Professed children must not act as the world or follow its moves but come out keeping the high standard lifted, living soberly prayerfully watchfully, sighing and crying for abominations in the land, and exerting right influence to keep youth from iniquity, and those thus separate are sealed with the living God's seal.Ms 2, 1885, par. 14

God's people must maintain pure associations and not disclose to unbelievers what they have no right to know, since such disclosures corrupt faith and dishonor God.Lt 341, 1905, par. 11–12 This means coming out from every jot of evil work communicating unbelief, bitterness, hatred, evil surmising and jealousy and carrying out the enemy's devisings, showing no fellowship or unity with the unreformed refuser and those converted to his unjust thinking and proceedings unless they repent, because sustaining them brings guilt and the Lord accepts no excuses for linking with worldly-method men caring nothing for God or truth after light, while wholehearted humble seeking and repentance for law transgression opens the way for truth's triumph and trust, urgent because God's day is upon us.Lt 341, 1905, par. 11–12 The separation commanded is from the world, not from one another, requiring truth believers to live in unity together, united with one another and Christ as closely as Christ and the Father, not keeping separate and distinct from one another nor hanging helpless souls on human beings.Ms 29, 1906, par. 9–11 It calls for coming out without delay in Jesus Christ's name by leaving the accuser's ground, closing lips against helping Satan as brethren's accuser, refusing scorn and vanity toward fellow men even when weak, sinful, poor or degraded, and placing oneself under God's control to be a church blessing.Lt 98, 1896, par. 61–64 Such separation honors Christ's estimate of man shown in assuming humanity, giving Himself to ransom men, and in incarnation, death and resurrection, and is how one makes calling and election sure by honoring God with true service.Lt 98, 1896, par. 61–64

Separation does not mean ignoring neighbors or keeping faith to oneself, for the very condition of a neighbor buried in the world is reason to have something to say to him.Ms 1, 1869, par. 18+1 It does not mean hiding given light under a bushel for self alone, but letting it shine before men through words and deeds, living out belief and imitating Christ.Ms 1, 1869, par. 18+1 Understanding that the seventh day is the Sabbath and that the Lord will soon return does a neighbor no good unless belief is carried into daily life.RH Jan 9, 1900 Talking of being a follower of Christ and making a profession as high as heaven saves neither self nor fellow men unless the life is Christlike, while good works and a Christian example make faith a witness that can lead sinners to Christ and bring glory to God, and a pure example does more to enlighten the world than all profession.Ms 1, 1869, par. 18+1 This separation does not mean withdrawing from the world when connection would identify with unbelief, wrongdoing, or work opposed to God, for believers must not join such people in their plans or work yet should do good to unbelievers and engage with them as Christ did with publicans and sinners to reach them with matters of eternal importance.FE 482.2

The verse forbids no union with the world in the sense of reclusive lives, for believers are still to do worldlings all possible good, mingling with them as Christ mingled with publicans and sinners in order to reach them, while on every occasion bringing things of eternal interest before their minds and letting light shine in good works that glorify God.GW 394.1–2+1 This separation means clinging to Christ the Saviour and letting the outward life honor God as part of preparing for His coming, staying distinct from corruption while keeping perishing souls in view rather than shutting the eyes to them.Ms 117, 1906, par. 8 It does not mean leaving the world, for believers can live amid its evil while remaining holy and pure through the Redeemer's strength without being contaminated by it.Ms 17, 1903, par. 10–11 It calls for separation from sin, not withdrawal from people, using social relationships to carry Jesus to others and do good, without joining worldly folly for pleasure or giving approval to sin by words, actions, silence, or presence.MYP 403.2 It does not forbid friendly association, for ministers and physicians may visit and associate with unbelievers while discerning opposition, without confederating with them or giving them preference over fellow believers.Lt 107b, 1900, par. 1

Christians must work among unbelievers without appearing like worldlings, remaining unspotted like oil not mixing with water, for they cannot touch what is unclean and remain unpolluted.ST Dec 17, 1896 Truth as it is in Jesus must sanctify the soul, with its deep living principles ruling thought and word and action.ST Dec 17, 1896 They must reprove dishonesty in business dealings, and if those responsible show no evidence of reform, separate from them.FE 482.2 This coming out and separating itself witnesses to the truth, showing how believers become a light to the world while living in the world and yet not of the world, manifesting the power of true godliness by denying self, taking up the cross, and following Christ.Ms 145, 1904, par. 6+1 Following the Lord and showing faith in Christ should be visible in a life shaped by Christ's character, with worldly amusements and entertainments having no place in Christian life, so that others are drawn to God.STB 871.1–2

Separation is shown by faithful witness to the truth, modest dress, Christlike words and actions, and the pilgrim's spirit, which mark them as God's children and lead them to make a good confession.Lt 123, 1900, par. 8–11+1 It includes separating from worldly practices and alliances, including worldly amusements, fashions, and secret societies bound by oaths and penalties, and avoiding what is unclean, while living in the world without belonging to it and witnessing faithfully, showing relationship to Him through modest dress, words, actions, and a pilgrim spirit, with promise to receive those who answer and to be their Father.Lt 123, 1900, par. 8–11 It is shown in elevated, sincere, courteous conduct and in clothing that is neat, modest, orderly, and free from display, with special care to honor the Sabbath and worship of God, for a life changed and sanctified by truth makes the difference between believers and the world plain.RH Jan 30, 1900 It is shown by receiving the truth so that it sanctifies character and transforms life, and by living with Christian cheerfulness, kindness, forbearance, and love as a witness to unbelievers, reflecting the light of truth in a transformed and sanctified life.ST Oct 1, 1885+2

Standing apart and above the world in character representing Christ in a holy separate life gives power of influence to show a better life and need of saving grace, while conformity to the customs and practices of the world will not enlighten unbelievers or impress them.TBC1882b 3.1–4.1 Christians are not permitted to seek the friendship of the world or to cooperate with wicked men, but must keep the wall of separation the Lord Himself established between the things of the world and those He has chosen out of the world and sanctified to Himself, a requirement that never changes under God's righteous moral government and is enjoined in both Old and New Testaments even when professed teachers break it down by precept and practice and destroy the difference between holy and profane.TBC1882b 3.1–4.1 Separation from the friendship and spirit of the world is needful to be united to the Lord and abide in Him, for there can be no union between light and darkness, and strength and prosperity consist in being connected with the Lord as chosen and accepted by Him.ST Oct 29, 1894 God's people are to be a peculiar people, separate from the world and living examples of holiness, so that the world may be enlightened, convicted, or condemned according as it treats the light given it, and truth brought before the understanding and light shining upon the soul will judge and condemn if neglected or turned from.ST Oct 29, 1894 Their distinct character allows God to work powerfully through them and makes them a praise throughout the earth when they separate from the world and submit to His leading.TBC1868 1.1–3.1+1

Those who belong to God must separate from worldly conformity and avoid what is unclean, and God distinguishes His people by placing His seal upon them and receives those who separate as His sons and daughters, with separation shown in daily life by representing Christ and setting a right example before unbelievers.Ms 172, 1899, par. 16–19 Obeying makes sinners co-workers with Christ joined to heaven's Majesty, requiring cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and perfecting holiness in fear of God by keeping unspotted from the world in order to share heaven's joy and an inheritance lasting as long as God's life, since those who take this world's honor cannot expect heaven's honor, so firm hold on God's throne is needed.Ms 40, 1886, par. 12–13 Coming out from among them and being separate and touching not the unclean is the condition for being received and acknowledged as sons and daughters of God, calling the church to humiliation, confession, and genuine repentance for assimilating to the world.TBC1882b 3.1–4.1

Those who respond take a decisive open public stand as Christ's witnesses, not hidden, giving courage to others by coming out from the world and being separate.Lt 128, 1895, par. 7–12+1 They choose obedience rather than transgression and stand with Christ, leaving the world's side and refusing what is unclean, and are received by God as His sons and daughters.Ms 16, 1894, par. 13–16 They follow the Lord's requirements and live in a way that honors heavenly citizenship before angels and people.Lt 58a, 1898, par. 24–25 They must come out even if friends and acquaintances do not follow, taking a decided stand after coming to Jesus for forgiveness and righteousness.Lt 128, 1895, par. 7–12 They leave the disobedient majority and refuse to trample God's law because everyone else does, taking position on Christ's side in obedience and drawing a clear line between commandment-keepers and others, with heaven's acceptance in obedience elevating and refining into membership in the royal heavenly family fit to enter the city's gate.Ms 48, 1886, par. 7 They must not bind themselves to those who reject truth seen, but open hearts to Christ and welcome the heavenly Guest rather than following disobedient paths of family, friends, or neighbors.Lt 119, 1895, par. 5–9

Obedience is to be maintained even at cost of social position, worldly honor, or earthly wealth, while trusting in the Lord, walking humbly before Him, and moving forward by faith in His Word.STB 645.1 Physicians especially are to study God's Word with earnestness and diligence and stay apart from what is defiling, holding by faith to His Word in order to go forward.CH 635.1+1 For the Christian physician this means refusing to shape conduct to win favor or patronage of the ungodly, with genuine Christianity governing daily work and practice, not remaining mere profession.1MR 204.1–2

Leaving worldly attachments and separating from what is unclean, including loyalties and affections that draw away from serving Him, can require self-denial and standing apart from friends or family who reject truth's claims.RH Apr 19, 1870 Embracing truth does not degrade but sanctifies, refines, ennobles, advances Christian life, refines taste, sanctifies judgment, and fits for heaven's company, with promise to receive the compliant and be Father to them as sons and daughters and members of the royal family.RH Apr 19, 1870+1 Believers must come out from pleasure-lovers and be separate in worldly associations even when separating affections from relatives and touching not the unclean, a double crucifixion painful both to the believer who leaves and to associates left behind, requiring choosing Christ and heaven as portion in this life, making every sacrifice to join the heavenly family above, refusing the world that crucified Jesus, and choosing Jesus instead of Barabbas.Lt 93, 1893, par. 18–19

Separating from the world in obedience brings difficulties on every hand, yet those who do so are already God's sons now and have comfort that when Christ appears they will be like Him because they will see Him as He is.Ms 28, 1886, par. 3–4+1 Choosing conformity to God's will means obeying His commandments and abiding in His love, which necessarily puts one out of harmony with the world.Ms 105, 1894, par. 26–27 Refusing separation to keep friendship and association with neighbors to please self places person and children outside divine influence in an atmosphere not in harmony with truth and righteousness, walking the path the world travels and registered in heaven as one with the world, while obeying brings reception by the Lord and the light of life in following Jesus.Ms 105, 1894, par. 26–27+1 Staying linked with unbelieving neighbors to serve selfish interests, please neighbors and avoid dissension and inconvenience is refusing to follow Christ as the world's Light and choosing darkness, for the verse means leaving associations, atmosphere and influences that absorb the mind and draw attention away from truth and righteousness, and placing self and children away from them instead of walking the same path away from God.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 42–44

When God's people separate from the world and remain in His love, God gives special blessings and makes His light shine around them, so their influence can benefit every part of gospel work.2T 483.1 If they keep themselves in His love and separate, He will receive them, cause special blessings to rest upon the humble and obedient, cause light to shine round about them, and give influence for good felt in every branch of work in every part of the gospel field.Ms 104, 1894, par. 12–13 If they disregard His will, their example brings harm and may leave them accountable for lost souls.2T 483.1 Remaining in bondage to the world and in friendship with the world dishonors the Lord, reproaches His cause, and makes His professed people His enemies, for separation is the condition laid down in His word and the only hope of salvation.Ms 104, 1894, par. 12–13

Separation may mean withdrawing even without speaking, since silence and continued company with evildoers can make a person share in their wrongdoing, and God's people must separate from those pursuing wrong principles and not take part in what His Word condemns.Ms 121, 1898, par. 33–35 Those truly God's children come out from the world and are separate as a peculiar and distinguished people, the light of the world, always few in number, humble and Christlike, distinct and separate from sin and sinners because unlike them.Lt 14, 1885, par. 4–6 Though separate, they still live in the world and labor industriously in business with faithful honest work to obtain means to advance God's cause.Lt 14, 1885, par. 4–6

Those who obey the command to come out from the world, remain separate and distinct, and touch nothing unclean are received by God and made His sons and daughters.Ms 104, 1894, par. 5–6+2 This reception is conditional upon refusing to follow the world's practices, conform to it in course of action, mingle with worldlings and partake of their spirit, and remaining separate in affections and free from contamination and the corruption through lust.Ms 104, 1894, par. 5–6+2 The separated become members of the heavenly King's royal family, children of the heavenly King and of the Lord Almighty, adopted into His family as an affectionate Father receives them.Ms 104, 1894, par. 5–6+2 They are made heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance, receiving in place of the world the kingdom under the whole heavens, an eternal weight of glory, eternal glory itself, the unfading crown of life and the crown of life, and a life as enduring as eternity.Ms 104, 1894, par. 5–6+3 Their calling as a people set apart is to serve Him fully and wholeheartedly, giving Him honor and serving Him alone, representing Christ's attractive character with faith working by love that purifies the soul from spiritual defilement, refusing political strife because citizenship is above, and being cleansed from all filthiness of flesh and spirit to perfect holiness.9T 17.2–18.1+3

To be thus received as sons and daughters in close relationship as children of the King of heaven is the greatest honor that can be conferred on mortal man, greater than being noticed by any earthly monarch.Ms 10, 1885, par. 7+2 It is given to those who love and serve Him and choose Him above any earthly treasure by following Jesus in obedience in meekness and lowliness, leaving strife, contention, sin and uncleanness to be like Him and growing step by step in acquaintance with the Saviour.Ms 10, 1885, par. 7+2 Present comfort comes in His grace now, with help from Jesus who knows human weakness, attendance of angels, love for one another, and inward adornment with a meek and quiet spirit precious in God's sight rather than outward display.Ms 10, 1885, par. 7+2 Obeying as doing and living the Word means entering into His life by partaking of His purity and standing on the highest level of sanctification and holiness, being beautified with holiness as the light of the Sun of Righteousness shines, putting away all sin and letting Christ rule in the heart to have heaven below as fitness for heaven above.Ms 144, 1906, par. 11–14+3 At last the obedient will see Him as He is, with a place in the city of God and in His city, dwelling with Jesus around His throne forever, entrance into the heavenly family and choir, a life that measures with the life of God of highest dignity with no pain and no sorrow, eternal life without sorrow obtained only through obedience to God's moral standard.Ms 10, 1885, par. 7+3

When men and women come just as they are, helpless, hopeless and full of imperfections, He cleanses them from their sins and makes them His sons and daughters.Ms 80, 1903, par. 17+2 Renouncing self, leaving what is unclean, opening the door of the heart to welcome Jesus when He knocks, turning to Him and casting oneself on the mercy of the Saviour brings pardon and justification through Christ's merits, adoption as sons and daughters, membership in God's family and royal family, and preciousness to Him.Ms 24, 1885, par. 13–17+3 He takes away the stain of sin, blots out transgressions, gives His own righteousness, and gives comfort, encouragement and hope, because He came to save sinners and not destroy them.Lt 171, 1904, par. 10+1 His life becomes their life, bringing the light and liberty of a child of God, a conscience purged from sin, a treasure of infinite value, and obedience to the law of God as the life of the soul bringing health and peace and assurance and rest to those laying burdens at His feet instead of rushing to human agencies.Ms 80, 1903, par. 17+2

Coming out from the world and drawing near to God are necessary for adoption into the family of Heaven as children of the great King, for God tests fidelity by making separation the condition for being received and acknowledged as His sons and daughters.5T 12.4+2 This means renouncing the world and those things which delude, fascinate and ensnare, in opposition to self-love, desire for approval and thirst for popularity that blind professed servants and make them darkness rather than light, refusing to follow popular ways in order to walk with God.5T 12.4+1 Thoroughly believing the conditional promises leads to cleansing from all filthiness of the flesh and perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Ms 2, 1885, par. 4–5 That cleansing is personal work and warfare for everyone, requiring putting on the whole armor of God and fighting the good fight of faith amid temptation and abounding iniquity, with firm hold from above, sufficient grace in every emergency, living connection with God lifting above what is common, earthly and sensual, joined with strong, living, working faith and moral changes through Christ's grace to be fitted for heaven and work together with God, while knowing Satan tracks with intense activity and hidden snares so that corresponding power of righteousness must build a barrier around soul and church to keep wickedness from flooding in.5T 535.2+1

Those separating from uncleanness are promised reception and closer connection with Christ the Light of the World with each step of faith and obedience, in wrestling for immortality unto the eternal weight of glory to every overcomer.ST Apr 19, 1910+1 Gaining eternal life requires coming out, being separate and refusing what is unclean rather than drifting with the world's current downward, leaving the world and living separate to gain everlasting life and salvation of the soul through self-denial, sacrifice, close study, sobriety, watchfulness and prayer while angels watch character development and weigh moral worth and all words and acts pass in review before God.6T 147.3–148.1+1 Separation from defilement, including corrupting influence of gold and silver hindering spiritual growth, is the condition for being received by the infinite Creator, becoming sons and daughters and children of the heavenly King, connecting with heaven, receiving strength from the Lord's arm to overcome, cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and perfecting holiness, and walking at last the streets of the holy city to enter with its streets of gold, partake of the tree of life, hear a voice sweeter than earthly music, and stand as victors each wearing a crown of immortal glory.Ms 230, 1902, par. 39–40+2 Believers sleeping in Jesus will come forth in the morning of the resurrection to reunion in that royal family and to sing heavenly songs in the kingdom of glory.Ms 230, 1902, par. 39–40

The call is a word of warning for youth living in special peril when the end of the world is soon to come, for Satan knows the end is near and presses young men and women into his service by many specious deceptions to lead them astray.8T 223.3–4 They must heed the call to leave the company of unbelievers and live separate untouched by what is unclean, and the cry now sounds to the honest in heart to leave sinful associations and stand apart when the glory of the Lord is to fill the earth and the whole earth is lightened with His glory.8T 223.3–4+1 God's chosen peculiar people in the last days must be separate and not conformed, fleeing idolatry, not mingling in spirit, dress, talk and action, keeping distinction between him that serves God and him that serves Him not.1T 276.2–277.2 Every child of God must inquire wherein he is separate, move independent of worldly inventions and fashions, discard indecent fashions such as hoops and give them no countenance, make practice a living rebuke to followers of them, and suffer inconvenience and bear the cross to be safe rather than plead convenience, necessity or others' example, because conformity shows sleep, lessens distance from the world and widens distance from Christ.1T 276.2–277.2

God's loyal people in the last days live separate as Enoch did, withdrawing from unrighteous practices, refusing to conform to the spirit and customs of unbelievers, seeking purity of thought and holy conformity to God's will until His divine image is reflected, spending much time in prayer and communion, condemning the world by holy conversation and godly example while endeavoring to instruct and warn it.ST Feb 20, 1879+2 They do not expect special favors from the world but consent to be poor and despised among men with neither home nor treasure here until warfare is finished and victory won, imitating Christ and walking as He walked, denying self and taking up the cross rather than being guided by opinions and wisdom of men which lead away from the cross.SG4 233.1+2 Their strength and power consists in being chosen and accepted of God, and only because the Lord reigns are they permitted to dwell in peace and safety among enemies.SG4 233.1+2 This separation amid dreadful unrighteousness, corrupt imagination, deceptive philosophy and rebellion against Heaven, with strong living faith and human effort joined with divine influence as laborers together with God meeting conditions and making moral changes through grace to be fit for mansions above, fits them for translation as Enoch's translation just before the Flood foreshadows translation of all living righteous before destruction by fire, when saints will be glorified in presence of haters for loyal obedience.ST Feb 20, 1879+2

The same call requires coming out from the large cities and living separate miles away in rural places, not establishing institutions or schools in cities but where agriculture and other industries can be carried on, because the very atmosphere of the city is polluted.Lt 158, 1906, par. 2–3+1 The condition of San Francisco shows the necessity of leaving the cities, and sanitariums must not be established in any city but kept away from ungodly city places, while Seventh-day Adventists living in the world must not participate in amusements and alluring schemes nor adopt worldly policies yet labor with all ability to save souls.21MR 90.3+1 Physical separation must come before sudden visitation, for in an hour not expected fire and brimstone will be rained from heaven upon cities proportionate to sins, and when a city is destroyed God's people must not treat it lightly nor build homes again there.Lt 158, 1906, par. 2–3

It is the same voice that warned Lot to leave Sodom, now commanding separation from uncleanness by getting away from cities to save children and find refuge.Lt 141, 1900, par. 14–15+2 Families must leave corrupt surroundings promptly to protect children, for delayed obedience can bring loss while those who heed are safe, and the call warns against remaining with corruption beyond hope of recovery as in the judgment on the old world and Sodom.Lt 141, 1900, par. 14–15+1 Obedience must be prompt and determined with no loitering and no lingering spirit like Lot, whose slow unwilling steps left him exposed until his wife became a pillar of salt on the plain.RH Dec 11, 1900 Every man must be wide awake for himself, gird for the work, try to save his family, and God will reveal from point to point what to do next.RH Dec 11, 1900

Coming out means separating from maxims, habits and practices of the world, whereupon Jesus works with His people and pours out His Spirit so the world knows the Father loves them.Ms 32, 1890, par. 4–5 It requires withdrawing from Battle Creek and from unbelievers mingled there endangering souls and joining Sabbath-breaking leading to renouncing the Sabbath, not letting youth or older ones be drawn there for medical missionary education.Ms 151, 1905, par. 9–10+1 God is opening other ways to educate in medical missionary lines without endangering souls, even where preparations are incomplete and students cannot at first go out as fully accredited physicians, for working with the Lord Jesus and real personal worth give standing and success, and His people must place themselves fully on the Lord's side after the pattern of Israel in Exodus to be considered in the last days.Ms 151, 1905, par. 9–10+1

Applied to the house of worship, the call requires setting the tabernacle apart decidedly to those true and loyal.10MR 62.3–4+1 Those who placed themselves in decided opposition to truth for the last days, denied the faith and would tear down what they once built, have no lot nor part in the faith holding God's people in unity and must be refused place and privilege to hold forth, with every underhand effort to get possession guarded against and held off.10MR 62.3–4+1

The call is a battle call in the final conflict between the army of the world and the army of Prince Emmanuel, to come into line, leave the enemy's ranks, and take decided position with the commandment-keeping people loyal to God's commandments and Christ's testimony.CET 228.1–3+2 It is a call to active service to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty and join the conflict for Christ, leaving the opposing company and avoiding what is unclean.Ms 134, 1903, par. 1–3+2 Those who answer and take their place among God's loyal people are received as His people and His sons and daughters with God as Father, equipped against foes and at last sharing glorious triumph when the kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness without sin or death is established.Lt 239, 1903, par. 10–12+2

Binding oneself to the world brings the judgment shared by the world, and to escape that end one must come out and be separate.Lt 307, 1903, par. 3 God calls all to decided stand by turning from conformity, worldly ambition and selfish indulgence to work opposite while His Spirit strives and the Saviour still invites sinners for rest, peace and light.Lt 119, 1904, par. 18–22 Refusing the condition of reception into His kingdom — denying self, refusing self-pleasing words and actions like unbelievers, obeying commandments in probationary time to form character for eternal life — is choosing other associates, despising entreaties, wasting opportunity and refusing love to Christ who died and saves to the uttermost, with result of heavier condemnation for those with present truth yet conformed, perishing with the wicked in bitter lament that harvest is past and soul not saved, having portion with unbelievers, unreceived and shut out of the kingdom, while those making Christ refuge have Him as defense and conqueror with rest, peace, light now and reward according to works at His coming.Lt 119, 1904, par. 18–22+1

The time has now come for faultfinders, the unthankful and unholy to make final decision, and if saved at last they must now be converted by coming out, being separate and not touching what is unclean, and then they will be received.Ms 59, 1902, par. 30 God wills to save those consenting in His appointed way with no plan of their own, by leaving conformity and uncleanness, humbling before God in submission, and making decided determined effort at any cost to follow Christ as soldier of the cross.Lt 33, 1868, par. 2 Delay is dangerous because every neglected ray of light leaves a person bound by Satan in chains of darkness and unbelief until effort seems impossible, and humiliation and mourning over sin are not enough if people return to former careless self-serving life, for separation must be shown in living with eternity in view, requiring transformation by renewing of mind to prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God since human power cannot save and unrenewed nature cannot dwell in heaven.Lt 33, 1868, par. 2+1

The call does not promise safety from bodily harm, for God's servants separating and remaining faithful even under scorn or persecution may be imprisoned or killed, but enemies cannot take away hope or eternal life.Ms 16, 1895, par. 18 God calls and chooses people as representatives and receives them as children by spiritual adoption as sons and daughters to live consecrated lives conformed to His will, representing Him in life and character, practicing precious truth unto perfection, owning the Word as touchstone for heart and conscience, looking to Christ the perfect example for grace to overcome every fault, dwelling in love and unity here to dwell together hereafter, and carrying Christ's perfect principles daily to get ready for the great day of God.Lt 48, 1903, par. 14 Those who comply have God as Father with privilege and blessing of being co-workers with Christ and connected with heaven's Majesty, and this coming out and being separate is part of preparing for immortal life and fulfilling God's requirements.3MR 73.3–4+1