# Of Separation.

Date not assigned · Historical source

Source: Martyrs’ Mirror. Original heading: OF SEPARATION.



Separation, or the putting away from the church,
is a decree or sentence of the same, by virtue and
authority of the word of God, against a member, or
members, of the church, who, through open sins, a
scandalous life, heresy, or stubbornness, have separated
themselves from God and the fellowship of
Jesus Christ, and no longer belong into Christ’s
kingdom, or to his church; therefore, their brotherhood,
or sisterhood, is renounced, by virtue of the
word of God, in the name of the whole church.
1 Cor. 5:3; Matt. 18:18; 1 Cor. 5:1; Rom. 16:17;
Tit. 3; Matt. 18:17; Is. 59; Tit. 1:16; 1 Cor. 6:9;
Gal. 5:21; 1 Cor. 5:12; 2 Cor. 2:8.

The reasons for which this is done, and to which
the church must have respect in the separation, are
principally these: 1. To show that her doctrine does
by no means permit such sins, but is wholly opposed
to them: that, by so doing, the doctrine may be preserved
pure, and the name of God glorified. 1 Tim.
1:20; Tit. 1:13; 2 Tim. 4:15,23; 2. Through
separation to prove in fact that she is the enemy of
sin, and will in no wise tolerate it, in order that all
causes for reproach to the church may be averted.
1 Cor. 5:1,2; Tit. 2:8; 3. That not, by constant
intercourse and fellowship with the evil, the good
become leavened or corrupted. 1 Cor. 5:7; 2 Tim.
2:17; 4. That the sinner, through excommunication
and withdrawal may be convicted in his conscience,
and moved to shame and reformation, that
he may be saved. 2 Thess. 3; 1 Cor. 5:5, and
5. That others, by hearing and seeing this, may be
admonished, so that they will fear to follow such evil.

But when the separated sinner shows genuine fruits
of repentance, we must at all times be ready to
receive him again in peace to the Christian communion
of the church, if he earnestly requests it.
2 Cor. 2.





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Page: http://history.truechristian.church/stories/mm-of-separation/

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