ROUGH DRAFT ON SEPARATION AND DISCPLINE STUDY was already working.
was already working. It was right for Piedmontese to separate from the communion that
Ezekiel1 described the church as a river. From early ages it has grown and deepened.
Originating in the “east country” of Palestine, the home of Abraham, Moses and later
Jesus, it later descended into the “desert.” There, wandering for twelve hundred and
sixty years, it was protected until it could make its way on to the ocean where the
“abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come
to thee.” Isaiah 60:5.2
As the family of faith, the church of God has ever been the object of His supreme regard.
Faithful souls from the time of Abel to the time of Joseph Bates have formed one body,
though they have been viewed as many bodies by historians.
John also viewed the church of all ages as a unit. Not a succession of women
representing Jews and Christians and Adventists, but one woman, giving birth to her
Savior, then hiding for ages, is finally represented as the commandment-keeping remnant.
Paul described that ethereal body as a vine with branches added and branches removed.
Not as a second planting, but as an engrafted section, the Christian Gentiles were added
to the body just as the unbelieving Jews were cut off. And the new congregations, lest
they feel too secure in their engrafted state, are warned that they too may be “cut off” if
they do not continue to partake of the Vine’s goodness. See Romans 11.
The church is God's fortress. His city of refuge, which He
holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery
to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-
begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted
the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen,
who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which
they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning; and
when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the
work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with
Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven.
He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the
gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people.3
These pictures of the woman and the river, while lifting us to the perspective of heaven,
draw us at the same time far away from how the church appeared on earth. Just after
Solomon, the twelve tribes gave place to the two only by a separation that led to the
eventual destruction of the idolatrous ten. Remnants of the two tribes, found among those
that had been taken into captivity, were regathered into a commandment-honoring body
shortly before the advent of Christ. As the iniquity in their cup reached the brim, they
were removed from position of responsibility. The gospel was given to the newly
organized Christian church.
The Christian body was devastated by a schism that left only a minority with the Living
Word. This had been threatened and the threat was not idle. To the early Christian church
Jesus warned “Remember therefor from whence you are fallen, and repent and do the
first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of
his place.” Revelation 2:5.
Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard,
and a union was formed between Christianity and paganism. . .
.There were some, however, who were not misled by these
delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of
truth and worshiped God alone.—GC p. 43.
Both the compromising majority and the faithful minority claimed to be established on
the foundation of apostles and prophets. Numerous sects arose in the fourteen centuries
after Christ, each claiming to have “the truth.” But the calling out of the 16th century
formed a stronger body, the Protestants. This movement, fracturing innumerable times,
has left little that looks like a “vine.” The Advent Movement sprang from a regathering
of part of these fragments, and then gave birth to its own various movements. Several of
these are Sabbatarian. And new ones promise to arise in the future.
Yet there has ever been one woman. One river. One vine. “There is one body, and one
Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one
baptism.” Ephesians 4:4-5.
If history were our only guide, we would have reason for perplexity. It was wrong for
Moses to separate from the Israelites, but right for them to separate from the mixed
multitude. David was called to replace Saul, not to start a new nation. But God ordained
a division in the generation following him. It was right for Jesus to separate from the
Jews, but wrong for Paul to separate from that body in which the “mystery of iniquity”
1
See chapter 47. This vision is referred to in Acts of the Apostles, p. 13; Publishing
Ministry, p. 157; Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 171.
2 passage can not be justly limited in application to worshippers of idols. Paul
In the vision of Ezekiel, the “river” comes to the sea “and everything that liveth, which
moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come shall live.” One may wonder why the word
river of the previous verses suddenly becomes plural. The Hebrew is more particular. It
says in this place “the two rivers.” Perhaps in the future events will so shape our
understanding that this will make perfect sense.
3 vessels of the LORD. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by
Acts of the Apostles, p. 11
was oppressing the world church. Luther condemned the Hussites for being schismatic,
then removed his condemnation when he realized that he was on the same road. It was
right for James White to call others away from the Protestant body, yet wrong for a series
of men that followed him to call others out of the growing Advent movement. Will it
always be wrong for men to do that?
Thoughts like these seemed to have gripped Ellen White after her experience in
Minneapolis. Regarding that experience she wrote in 1889—
I was confirmed in all I had stated in Minneapolis, that a
reformation must go through the churches. Reforms must be
made, for spiritual weakness and blindness were upon the people
who had been blessed with great light and precious opportunities
and privileges. As reformers they had come out of the
denominational churches, but they now act a part similar to that
which the churches acted. We hoped that there would not be the
necessity for another coming out. While we will endeavor to
keep the "unity of the Spirit" in the bonds of peace, we will not
with pen or voice cease to protest against bigotry.—1888
Materials, pp. 356-357. (Ms. 30, 1889).
This statement, unique in several ways, is perhaps a fitting introduction to this study.
How may a corrupt church be reformed? How may a straying one be led back to the way
of life? How many members or leaders must be indifferent before the church is found
wanting? Why was there not a calling out in the 1850’s? Was there a calling out in the
1920’s? These are the questions that we here explore the Bible in an endeavor to answer
them aright.—Eugene Prewitt, January 24, 2002
How the Study is Organized
(Explain here the order of the Study)
Coming Out (Righteous Separation)
Not Yoked with Unbelievers
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? 2
Corinthians 6:14
Are we yoked with an infidel when we hire him to paint our house? When we work
together to paint his house? Families and other corporate bodies that act in concert are
judged as units. They have their own cups of iniquity. We are not to join ourselves to
societies or organizations whose principles run contrary to our own. The thought added
here is that if these organizations are not intrinsically belieiving, then their very unbelief
makes them militant against our faith. Not the group that chants “down with God! God is
dead!” but the business partner that feels that it is just plain foolish to think that God is so
particular about His law, will tie us down.
A believer is not granted permission to bind his interests in contract with an unbeliever.
Our principles are at war with his, and a commitment to a joint venture runs the risk of
our principles being misrepresented. Our mutual customers and associates will likely not
see past their dealings with my organization when dealing with me personally. My
witness will be weakened by their poor treatment by a partner that had not Jesus in his
heart. Starting a business with a man who cares not to pay tithe, to keep the strictest
honesty, or to respect the Sabbath day places us where we are sure to be tempted. If God
will dwell in us, He must have full-control.
Come Out From Among Them
Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what
agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them,
and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my
people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I
will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall
be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The right application of this text is exactly what we are seeking for in this
study, and to make it now would be nearly begging the question. But we
should observe some principles before we go on.
Who is the “Them”? They are “unbelievers.” In the context, they are
idolatrous infidels. In what sense were the Christians to “come out” from
them? They were to separate from intended marriages, though not from
consummated ones. They were to avoid binding business agreements. But the
drew it from the fountain of Isaiah’s pen. The fuller passage reads:
Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean
thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the
 flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel
will be your rereward. Isaiah 52:11-12.
Here the passage describes a pre-meditated and deliberate separation from the
fellowship of a body of men, a religious body if the pronoun “her” is
understood to refer to a woman. Those that depart bear God’s holy vessels of
truth.
As found in the second letter to the Corinthians, the command to “come out”
is united with promises that can not be excelled.4 The reward for leaving the
fellowship of the unbelievers is fellowship with Jesus and the Fatherhood of
God. Our sacrifice of our dearest friends brings the reward of deepest
intimacy with our God. “I will receive you,” He bekons. The “Lord
Almighty”, our Father, says “You will be my sons and daughters.”
But our continued fellowship with unbelievers prevents that closest
companionship with God. It must be surrendered. “Know ye not that
friendship with the world is enmity with Christ? Whosoever would be a friend
of the world is the enemy of Christ.”
Here it is appropriate to write a word about reading extended arguments. If
you will always be reading into what is written, you will not be reading well.
Read to gather little treasures of truth, not big conclusions. This method will
do more than guide you safely. If your opinions today are right, it will build a
more solid foundation for your well-placed but ill-founded beliefs. And if
your opinions are mistaken, it will be the only way that you will be able
gather enough arguments at one time to outweigh the mass of faulty logic you
have gathered over your life-time.
Imagine that a man has a large balancing scale. On the ground, to one side he
has three stones, and in another pile eight others of various sizes, some larger,
some smaller than the three. He places the three stones on one side of the
scale, and then reaches for the largest rock in the second pile. With this on the
scale, he watches. It leans immediately towards the three. So he takes the
larger rock and puts it behind him. Then he picks up two other stones from
the second pile and weighs them against the third. These also a raised into the
air by the heavier three. So these two are placed behind him. Next he tries the
four smallest rocks. The balance seems indecisive for just a moment before
coming down once more on the side of the three. He can tell without placing
the eight rock on the scale that it is lighter than the three, so it is placed
behind him without so much as a trial. If you were to ask the gentlemen
which pile was more weighty, you might imagine him answering, “I had the
same question. I have weighed them again and again. This pile of three has
been heavier every time.”
That is how truth is often rejected. Sixty arguments in its favor are weighed,
one by one, against the five arguments that appear to favor a falsehood. The
five are kept together and the sixty are rejected one at a time so that the poor
judge never feels that he is doing wrong. Sixty times he balances one text next
to five others that seem to contradict it. Each time he takes the testimony of
the five as better than the one. His reasoning may well help him find a good
buy as he is checking prices between stores, but it will not lead him through
the fogs of his misconceptions of Bible truth. A student must postpone
judgement until the evidence is in. When more evidence comes in, the case
4
A most beautiful invitation to sinners is found in a Review and Herald article entitled
“Practical Remarks” and bearing the date April 19, 1870. Part of it follows: -
It is the strength of the entire being that God requires. He requires of you a separation
from the world and the things of the world. "Love not the world, neither the things that
are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." It is
separation from the love of the world that is required; and what is given you in its place?
"I will be a father unto you." Do you have to separate in your affections from friends?
Does the truth require you to stand alone in your position to serve God, because others
around you are not willing to yield to the claims that Christ has upon them? Does it
require a separation in feeling from them? Yes; and this is the cross which you must bear,
which leads many to say, I cannot yield to the claims of the truth. But says Christ, If any
man love father, or mother, or brother, or sister, more than me, he is not worthy of me.
Whosoever will come after me, and will be my disciple, let him take up his cross and
follow me. Here is the cross of self-denial and sacrifice; to separate in your affections
here from those who will not yield to the claims of truth. Is this too great a sacrifice to
make for him who sacrificed all for you? Here are the conditions specified by God. If we
comply, he says to us, I will be a father unto you, and will receive you, and ye shall be
sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, members of the royal family, children of the
heavenly King, and heirs of an immortal inheritance that is incorruptible, and that fadeth
not away, reserved in Heaven for you. What a relationship is this? . . . . Do you call this a
great sacrifice, to become members of the royal family and children of the heavenly
King, elevated by the truths of God, fitted up for the society of heavenly
angels in the kingdom of glory? What is this, in truth? It is true exaltation. It is that
which will ennoble every time. The truth of God is ennobling, it is elevating, it is
refining, it is sanctifying. Tell me not of any exaltation out of Jesus Christ.
may require reopening.
Causes of Separation
Paul, following the example of Jesus, often began his work in a new city in a local Jewish
synagogue. When two months of this had passed at Corinth, there came a time when the
apostle chose to separate his followers from the synagogue. For two years longer they
met in a local school. What triggered the withdrawal from the local congregation of
Jews?
Body Hardened against Truth by Cherished Unbelief
Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not . . .
he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing
daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
This was not after two meetings or a week-end seminar. Paul had been laboring for
months and a natural separation was occurring among the hearers. Some were softening
and putting forth tender buds. Others were withering under the influence of their own
unbelief. Like weeds in the garden, these hardening ones were sure to have a pernicious
influence on the warmer ones. Paul made the separation here, not by asking the false-
hearted to leave, but by taking the true-hearted with himself. By that expedient he
escaped a power struggle and made the transition as easy as possible.
Body Speaking Evil of Truth to the “Multitude”
Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and . . . spake evil of
that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and
separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one
Tyrannus.
It is the same story, but with a different feature highlighted. In all likelihood the offending
crowd had manifested unbelief from near the beginning. But as time went on their
opposition moved from one step to another. First they fought against the truth in their
own mind. Then they whispered their concerns to each other. To that point the meetings
were yet conducted in the synagogue. But then the adversaries began to make public
accusations. Their opposition threatened to discourage would-be converts, and that was
the sign for removal.
Schisms from God and Schisms from Men
But that righteous schism orchestrated by God’s happened at about the same time as
several less noble. Jude wrote of men who had “crept in” to the young Christian
churches, while it was yet immature and unaware. They “despised” dominion and were
not afraid to speak evil of “dignities.” They brought an unholy influence to the
communion service, apparently unconcerned about the judgements that threatened those
eating “unworthily.” But they did not remain in the fellowship of the church. “These be
they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” Jude 4, 8, 12, 19 and I
Corinthians 11:29, 30.
If we are to identify false schisms on a Bible basis, this passage requires us to evaluate
the spirit of the those creating a new faction. They had no just fear of breaking the ninth
commandment.5
John says about this class. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they
had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” I John 2:19-20. See Acts 15:24.
“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made
manifest among you.” I Cor. 11:19. The false hearted are manifests, in the end, by their
exodus, the true hearted by their stiff standing for truth.
False Teachers “Among You”
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as
5
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” Statues in the Old Testament
and church policies in the New Testament were created to guard the sanctity of this part
of God’s law. The reader may be familiar with the idea of guarding the edges of the
Sabbath. There is a period of time when the Sabbath is dawning that the observer,
whether for clouds or trees or hills, may not be certain whether or not he is in Holy time.
If he is most anxious to keep every minute holy, he will begin his holy rest before the
questionable time comes. So with the law against bearing false witness. If we fear to
break it, we will never indulge the spirit of “speaking evil of dignities.” We will fear to
spread reports for fear that they may have grown and may not be entirely factual. Rather
than break God’s law, we will let stories of wrong die in our own breasts. We will not
pretend to read hearts. Consider a few texts. “For the terrible one is brought to nought,
and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off, that make a man
an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside
the just for a thing of nought.” Isaiah 29:21-22. “For I heard the defaming of many, fear
on every side. ‘Report’ say they, ‘and we will report it.’” Jeremiah 20:10. Mark this fact,
Paul was the subject of slander, and that slander was confirmed by eye witnesses, yet it
was slander still. Romans 3:8. The fact that a story has two witnesses no more makes it a
truth than the fact that Jesus was accused by two witnesses made His crucifixion just.
True commandment keepers will always be afraid “to speak evil of dignities” in the
church, and even of their more humble brethren.
 there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people
damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all
bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow the signs which I have shewed among them?. I will smite them
their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a
be evil spoken of. 2 Peter 2:1-2. greater nation and mightier than they. Numbers 14:11-12

Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. consume them in a moment. Numbers 16:21

The false prophets of the old dispensation have their parallel in the false teachers of the God saw that the children of Israel, especially the mixed
new. Their work is represented as beginning secretly and as prospering. Their disciples multitude, were continually disposed to rebel, and, by their works,
“draw away” from the body, but this does not prevent the church from feeling the ill provoke him to destroy them. He knew that they would murmur
effects of their work. The world looking on judges that the church producing such against Moses, when in difficulty, and grieve him by their
offspring must herself be lacking. By them the “way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” continual rebellion. He proposed to Moses to consume them, and
From the passage in Acts we gather that the leaders in this predicted falling away would make of him a great nation. Here the Lord proved Moses. He
be leaders, for when Paul says “of your own selves” he is giving a charge to the elders. knew that it was a laborious and soul-trying work to lead that
This great “falling away” was predicted again in 2 Thessalonians 2. rebellious people through to the promised land. He would test the
Undoubtedly, if you were to ask the leaders of these mistaken schisms, you would find perseverance, faithfulness and love of Moses, for such an erring
them to be earnest and religious men. They came out thinking that they were doing God and ungrateful people. But Moses would not consent to have
service by separating from falsehood. One might say that Moses was tempted to do the Israel destroyed. He showed by his intercessions with God that he
same, but the Bible testifies that God tempts no man. His invitation by Jehovah to leave valued the prosperity of God's chosen people more highly than a
the Israelites to their sins was a test. great name, or to be called the father of a greater nation than was
Israel. – Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 245
Call to Separation may be Test of Affection for Erring Body
The Exodus was written as a story that was to be a symbol of the end of time. I Cor.
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against 10:11. The repeated experience of Moses is a prophetic hint that calls to “come out” and
them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a to “stand apart” in the history of the end-time church may be a similar test. Further
great nation. Exodus 32:10 confirmation of this may be found in the nature of the intercessory prayer that proceeds
the pouring out of the Latter Rain in Joel 2. See verse 17.

--++- Self Discipline Conditional Warnings by Letter in Regard to The Purpose or Just Causes of Church
The Church of God is organized for s ervice and was not intended to be a parent to members largely unconcerned for their own spiritual well-being. The energi es of the church are to be lavished on the needs of those that are walking “after the fl esh. ” Then from where ought those efforts to ari se that keep the members of the church from
straying left or right? That burden is placed on the members. Paul wrote “I beseech you therefore,brethren, to present your bodi es a living s acrifi ce.” The s elf-discipline needed to present the s acrifi ce warrant ed an illustration fromthe Olympic games. See I Cor. 9:24.
Threatened Church Membership Discipline
Blasphemy
FL 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you b efore,and foretellyou, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them whi ch heretofore have sinn ed, and to all oth er, that, if Icom e again, I will not spare:

Authority
Shunning as Form of Church Discipline?
Education
The authority grant ed to the church by J esus dwarfs that of the world’s boasting generals. I have presented the is sues of authority, both in the church and in the stat e, in another paper and the reader is referredto that paper for a thorough treatment of the subject. A few point s p arti cul arly forceful in their appli cation to church discipline and order
must be presented here noneth el ess.

FS 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord J esus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walk eth disorderly, and not afterthe tradition which he received of us.

Schism
Breaking Traditions of Orderly Church “Greatly Withstanding” Inspired Church
Government Cause for Church Discipline Leadership
perhaps, to them when they wrote of “certain whi ch went out from us” troubling the other churches. Act s 15:24.

The Fellowship of Dining Together Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his work s: Of whom b e thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our word s. 2 Tim. 4:14-15. See 1 Tim 1:20

Church Body Responsible to Execute

Judgements from the Apostle Overthrowing Faith off “Some” with False
Dining is, in many cultures, a symbol of truest fellowship. Symbols, while they may not refl ect reality (as when an unregenerate person is baptized), are forms of communication. And just as we are not to let an idle word slip, we ought to gu ard ourselves from sa ying by our representativ e actions things we ought not. J esu s recognized, in His
mess age to Laodicea, the s ymbolic meaning of dining. And Paul wrote “But I s ay, that the things whi ch the Gentiles sa crifice, they s acrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devil s. ” I Cor. 10:20. He is sp eaking h ere of eating the foods so s acrificed. We are not to appear to have friendly
communi cation with spirits.

Other Symbols and the Seriousness of Doctrines

Effective Church Discipline no Excuse for
Making the Right Statements And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetu s; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, sa ying that the resurrection is past already; and ov erthrow the faith of some. 2 Tim. 2:17-18. See 1 Tim. 1:20.

Coldness
B eing cut off from God’s peopl e, whether by stoning or banishment, carried dreadful consequences. One might expect that su ch a judgement would follow the conviction of a murdereror a rapist. But far less er crimes, as they are estimat ed by mod ern morality, brought this se vere s entence. In fact, the puni shment for going into the templ e
afterbeing ceremonially defiled, s ay by interring your child, would exceed that of the man that had stolen your oxen. The man that ass aulted and bloodi ed his neighbor would su fferless from his punishm ent than the man that “compounded” an anointing oil for common purposes after the formul a giv en for the holy oil. (Numbers 19:13, 20;
Exodus 30:33.) To eat leavened bread was generally commendable, but when it was forbidden, the prohibition was on pain of banishm ent. (Exodus 12:15, 19). The lazy man and the vengefulmother faced, in this life, les s retribution than the male whose parents neglected to h ave
For the Warning of other Church Members
Our Duty to Fellowship the Cast Out
The Relation of Obedience to Discipline
P Acts 5:5 And Ananias hearing these word s fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these thing s. . . Acts 5:9 Then Peter s aid unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them whi ch have buri ed thy hu sband are at the door, and s hall carry thee out.

Christ Prepared Temple for Fellowship with Separation To have Presence of Jesus
2 Corinthians 2:7; 10:4-7 God by Casting Out Money Changers P Hebrews 7:26 For suc h an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, und efil ed, se parat e from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

U Luk e 19:45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

The Church’s Authority to Forgive and to To Alleviate the Curse

Hold Accountable Membership and Discipline in the Invisible P Numb ers 25:6 ¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

The now-infamous man of Corinth that had lived wi ckedly with his step-mother must have read Paul’s se cond letter to his former church with astonishment. The first letter had singled him out, condemn ed him, rebuked the church for continuing his fellowship, and had “delivered him to Satan” to su fferin the world a portion of his just des erts.

Church of God
Presumption Sin of Leadership
The s econd lett er did not negat e the first. There was no reversal of policy. Yet the character of the epistle, and indeed of the faithful church members that read it, s eemed to be of an entirely different order. In cons equence of the fir st, heart work, if we from our “heart s forgive not every on e his brother their trespas ses. ”

Moral Causes of Separation from the Some things Doable by Post, some Better in
P Numb ers 25:6 ¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Children of Israel Person Habit of Scorning and Reproaching

P Prov erbs 22:10 Ca st out the s corner, and cont ention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
But intervening between these two monument al event s the church had been commanded to keep its elf pure. B efore ht e cross and the abolition of the theocracy, the moral sins that were to lead to su ch an issu e were few and grave. They are list ed here.

CHURCH ORDER
Resolving Doctrinal Conflict To End Contention and Strife
Acts 15:1 ¶ And certain men whi ch came down from J udaea taught the brethren, and s aid, Except ye be circumci sed afterthe manner of Mo ses, ye cannot be sa ved. Acts 15:2 When thereforePaul and B arnabas had no small dis sension and disput ation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain oth er of them, should
go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. Act s 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subv erting your soul s, s aying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we g ave no su ch commandm ent:
Regarding Ordinances of Communion P Prov erbs 22:10 Ca st out the s corner, and cont ention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Discipline for Neglecting to Hear the Elders

O 1Co 11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye com e not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Refusing to Abjure Heresy after Two

DS Ezra 10:8 And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his subst ance should be forfeit ed, and himself s eparated from the congregation of thos e that had been carried away. (see Matthew 18:19)
Regarding Exercise of Gifts and Behavior in Admonitions
Church P Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition rej ect;

Discipline after a Probationary Time

DS Ezra 10:8 And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his subst ance should be forfeit ed, and himself s eparated from the congregation of thos e that had been carried away.
O 1Co 14: 29 Let the proph et s spe ak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitt eth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For y e may all proph esy one by on e, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the proph et s are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of
confusion, but of p eace, as in all churches of the s aint s. . .34 ¶ Let your women keep sil ence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to spe ak; but they are commanded to be under ob edi ence, as also s aith the law. . .35 And if they will learn any thing, let them as k their hu sbands at home: for it is a s hame for women to sp eak in the
church.. . .39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to proph esy, and forbid not to sp eak with tongu es. 40 Let all things be don e decently and in order.
2 Corinthians 10
Regarding Control of Doctrine’s Presented How to Pursue Proper Discipline
Difference between Members and Non-
members O 1Ti 1:3 3 As I b esought thee to abid e still at Ephesus, when I went into Ma cedoni a, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other do ctrine,

Beseech with Meekness and Gentleness

DSL 1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Thereforeput aw ay from among yourselves that wicked person.
Regarding Ordination and Accusations
against the Ordained
PF 2 Corinthians 10:1 ¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and g entlenes s of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

No Regard for Standing or Persons

O 1Ti 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witn esses. 20 Them that sin rebuk e b efore all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord J esus Chri st, and the elect angels, that thou obs erve these things without preferring on e before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay h ands
sudd enly on no man, neith er be partaker ofoth er men’s sin s: keep thy self pure.
Not till you can be Confident
DSL Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that whi ch we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9 As we s aid before, so s ay I now again, If any man preach any other go spel unto you than that y e h ave received, let him be accursed.

O Tit 1:5 ¶ For this caus e left I thee in Crete, that thou s houldest s et in ord er the thing s that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 ¶ If any be blameless, the hu sband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blam eless, as the st eward ofGod; not s elfwill ed, not 2 Corinthians 10:2 But I bes eech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not giv en to filthy lucre; 8 But a lov er of hospitality, a lov er of good men, sober, just, holy, temperat e; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may b e abl e by sound doctrin e both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Doctrinal Purity an Object of Church

Discipline Regarding the Work of the Ordained Pastor Not till you are Spirit-filled Overcomer
2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the fl esh, we do not war afterthe flesh: 2 Corinthi ans 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong hold s;) 2 Corinthians 10:5 C asting down imagination s, and every high thing that exalt eth its elf against the knowledge of God, and bringing
O 2Ti 4:1 ¶ I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord J esus Chri st, who s hall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; b e instant in se ason, out of s eason; reprove, rebuk e, exhort with all long suffering and doctrin e. 3 For the time will com e when they will not endure sound doctrin e; but after into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthi ans 10:6 And having in a readin ess to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfill ed. (See Matt. 7:1-2)
DSL Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that whi ch we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9 As we s aid before, so s ay I now again, If any man preach any other go spel unto you than that y e h ave received, let him be accursed. their own lusts sh all they heap to them selves teachers, having itching ears;

Curses, Individual and Corporate, a Reason Regarding the Duty to Restore Erring Discourage Shallow Thinking
for Church Discipline Members 2 Corinthians 10:7 ¶ Do ye look on things afterthe outward appearance? If any man trust to hims elf that he is Christ’s, let him of hims elf think this again, that, as h e is Christ’s, even so are we Chri st’s.

DSW Jo shua 7:12 Therefore the children of Israel could not st and before ht eir enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, exc ept ye destroy the accursed fromamong you. O Galatian s 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, y e which are spiritu al, restore su ch an on e in the s pirit of meekness; considering thy self, lest thou also be tempt ed. See 2 Cor. 2:5-11

Use Authority for “Edification, and not for…

Shared Faith and Practice, A Condition of Regarding Delegated Authority in the Destruction.”
Truest Fellowship Church 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I s hould boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord h ath given us for edifi cation, and not for your destruction, I s hould not be as hamed: 2 Corinthians 10:9

F 1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son J esus Christ. O Heb. 13:4 M arriage is honorable in all, and the bed und efil ed: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judg e. . .7 Remember them which h ave the rule over you, who have s poken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. . . 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit
yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

By Strong Letters if Necessary Due to

Separation Ordained by Providence for our Regarding the Reflection of Family Order in Absence
Good Church Government (Gender Roles) That I may not s eem as if I would terrify you by letters. 2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, s ay they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his spe ech contemptible. 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let su ch an on e think this, that, such as we are in word by lett ers when we are abs ent, such will we b e also in deed when we
are present.

With Consistency
Deuteronomy 33:16 And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and [for] the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let [the blessing] come upon the head of Jo seph, and upon the top of the head of him [that was] separat ed fromhis brethren. (see Gen 44:26)
O I Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all s ubj ection. 12 But I su ffernot a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority ov er the man, but to be in sil ence.

Time and Test a Prerequisite to Fellowship 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let su ch an on e think this, that, such as we are in word by lett ers when we are abs ent, such will we b e also in deed when we are present.

with the Organized Body

F Galatians 2:9 And when J ames, C ephas, and John, who s eemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and B arnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Making and Enforcing a Covenant of Body Speaking Evil of Truth to the
Repentance, Ezra 9-10 “Multitude”
Leadership Ashamed and Saddened by
PS Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and beli eved not, but sp ake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed fromthem, and s eparated the dis ciples, disputing daily in the s chool of one Tyrannus.

Body’s Accumulated Guilt (see also Ez. 9) Not Repenting of Past Licentious Sins
PSF 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repent ed of the uncleannes s and fornication and lasciviousn ess which they have committed.
PFWC Ezra 9:6 And s aid, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespas s is grown up unto the heavens. . . . Ezra 10:6 ¶ Then Ezra ros e up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither,
he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carri ed away.

Leader’s Repentance Followed by that of What Repenting Sinners Look Like

Many People
Relation of Knowledge and Understanding
to Separation
Ezra 10:1 ¶ Now when Ezra had prayed, and when h e h ad confess ed, we eping and casting himself down before the house of God, there ass embled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.

Power of Hope that Something can be Done

Persecution of the Righteous by
the Church
Ezra 10:2 And Shechaniah the son of J ehiel, on e of the sons of Elam, ans wered and s aid unto Ezra, We have trespass ed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the peopl e of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

Urged Covenant to, Painfully, Restore Body

to Narrow Way Against Ministers of God
R 2 Chronicles 13:9 Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the son s of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner ofthe nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and se ven rams, the s ame may be a priest of them that are no gods.
Ezra 10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and su ch as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of thos e that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

Counsel Taken from them that “Tremble at Not Effective in Heaven’s Sight
Commandment of our God.” R Romans 8:35 Who sh all se parat e us from the love of Christ? sh all tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, sh all be able to se parat e us from the lov e of God, which is in Christ Je su s our Lord.

Against those that “Tremble” at Word

Ezra 10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and su ch as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of thos e that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

Church and Civil Order Maintained During R Isai ah 66:5 ¶ He ar the word of the LORD, ye that trembl e at his word; Your brethren that hat ed you, that cast you out for my name’s s ake, s aid, Let the LORD be glorifi ed: but he sh all appear to your joy, and they sh all be as hamed. Contrast Ezra 10:3

Process
They Believe they are Doing Right, Even in
Murder
Ezra 10:3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and su ch as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of thos e that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

Work “Belongs” to One with Executive R John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time com eth, that whosoev er killeth you will think that he doeth God s ervi ce.

Authority
Predetermined as Cause of “Fear of Man”
Ezra 10:4 Aris e; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: b e of good courage, and do it.

Executive Authority Encouraged By Strong Angered When Unwillingly Taught

Support R John 9:34 They answered and s aid unto him, Thou wast altogeth er born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Ezra 10:4 Aris e; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: b e of good courage, and do it.

Question for Those “Cast out”, “Dost Thou

Leaders and all Ministers Required to Believe?”
Conform to Covenant R John 9:34 They answered and s aid unto him, Thou wast altogeth er born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. J ohn 9:35 ¶ J esu s heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he s aid unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

Ezra 10:5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chi ef priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to s wear that they s hould do according to this word. And they sware.

Such Persecution Brings a Blessing

Coming Out (Righteous Separation) R Luke 6:22 Bles s ed are ye, when men sh all hate you, and when they sh all se parat e you fromtheir company, and s hall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sa ke.

PHU 2 Corinthi ans 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye s eparate, s aith the Lord, and touch not the uncl ean thing; and I will receive you, (* add cont ext)

Separation of Believers for Persecuting State

Curses and Causes, Deuteronomy 29 R Ps alms 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellow ship with thee, which fram eth mischi ef by a law? See v. 21.

False Security Cause of Name Blotted out of Fear of Man Should not Motivate Us
Book of Life RF Isaiah 51:12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou should est be afraid of a man that s hall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

PM Deut eronomy 29:9 And it come to pas s, when he heareth the words of this curse, that h e bless hims elf in his heart, sa ying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagin ation of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: 20 The LORD will not sp are him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy sh all smoke against that man,
and all the curses that are written in this book sh all lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from und er heaven.
When Unwarranted Separation Warrants
Public Exposure
Separation Caused on Earth as Well
RFU Galatian s 2:11 ¶ But when Peter was com e to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, becaus e he was to be blam ed. Galatians 2:12 For before ht at certain came fromJam es, he did eat with the Gentil es: but when they were come, he withdrew and s eparated hims elf, fearing them which were of the circumcision. Galatians 2:13 And the

And the LORD shall s eparate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:

Wicked Man Persecuting Righteous Members of

Infamy for Benefit of Future Generations True Church
22 So that the generation to com e of your children that shall rise up afteryou, and the stranger that sh all come from a far land, shall s ay, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sickn ess es whi ch the LORD hath laid upon it; 23 And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and s alt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor
any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: 24 Even all nations shall s ay, Wherefore haththe LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? 25 Then men sh all sa y, B ecause they have forsaken the
covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:
Purposes or Causes of Separation
Just Causes for These Judgements Immoral Unions Should Be Separated
26 For they went and serv ed oth er god s, and worshipped them, god s whom they knew not, and whom he had not giv en unto them: 27 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book: 28 And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great
indign ation, and cast them into anoth er land, as it is this day. The s ecret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things whi ch are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
S Galatians 4:30 Neverthel ess what saith the scripture? C ast out the bondwoman and her s on: for the son of the bondwoman sh all not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Scandalous Behavior, I Corinthians 5 Incorrigible Heretics Should be Rejected and

PML* 1 Corinthians 5:1 ¶ It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and su ch fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. 1 Corinthians 5:2 Incorrigible Babylon, as False Teacher, will
be Judged.
Pride Prevents Body from Feeling Their
Guilt from Association
S Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition rej ect;

And y e are puffed up, and h ave no rath er mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. Call to Separation may be Test of Affection
for Erring Body
Discipline to be Administered by a Meeting
of the Body
Numbers 16:21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. [Append not es on evidence to identify true call from true test]

1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord J esu s Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord J esu s Christ, 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver s uch an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be s aved in the day of the Lord J esu s. Church Held Accountable for Allowing
(Suffering) Corrupting Education
Redemptive Purpose in Discipline SFMH R evelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, becaus e thou su fferest that woman J ezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to s educe my s ervants to commit fornication, and to eat things sa crificed unto idols.

1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliv er su ch an on e unto Satan for the destruction of the fl esh, that the spirit may be sa ved in the day of the Lord J esus.

Heavenly Casting Out of Satan Followed

Disorderly Conduct and Disobedience Cause Event that Made his Character Apparent
for Discipline
PO 2Th 3:6,14,15 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord J esus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us... And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ash amed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a broth er"
Church Trials (Add Primary Texts!*)
Disorderly Conduct and Disobedience not
SH Rev elation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which s ay they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Cause for Animosity Just Trial by Just Men Requisite for

And if any man ob ey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and h ave no company with him, that he may be ash amed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" 2Th 3:14-15.
Judgment (Is this valid gathering from the
passage? Or No Discipline Preferable to
Facings Losses by Obedient Separation 2 Faulty Discipline?)
Chronicles 25 SLD J ohn 8:4 They s ay unto him, Ma ster, this woman was taken in adult ery, in the very act. 5 Now Mo ses in the law commanded us, that suc h s hould be stoned: but what s ayest thou? 6 This they s aid, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But J esu s stoop ed down, and with his fingerwrote on the ground, as though he
heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and s aid unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convi ct ed by their own cons cience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, eve n
unto the last: and Jes us was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Je s us had lifted up himself, and s aw none but the woman, he s aid unto her, Woman, where are those thine accus ers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And J esus s aid unto her, Neith er do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

God’s Help or godless Help, not Both

Separated Joseph the Subject of Prevailing
PS 2 Chronicles 25:7 But there came a man of God to him, s aying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. 8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God sh all make thee fall before ht e enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

Blessing
Financial Loss Braved
Purpose for Having Organized Body on
Earth
9 And Amaziah s aid to the man of God, But what s hall we do for the hundred talents which I h ave given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. 10 Then Amaziah separat ed them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger
was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger. 11 And Amaziah strengthened hims elf, and led forth his peopl e, and went to the valley of s alt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand. 12 And other ten thous and left aliv e did the children of J udah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock,
and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

Nation not Protected from Results of their Organized Body Separated Within
Faithful Separation Organized Body (for Ministry)
13 But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Jud ah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smot e three thous and of them, and took much spoil.

Why not Protected? Perhaps Because of

Amaziah’s Heart
14 ¶ Now it came to pas s, after that Am aziah was com e fromthe sl aughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and s et them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

Causes of Separation
Body Hardened against Truth by Cherished
Unbelief
PS Acts 19:9 But when div ers were hardened, and beli eved not, but sp ake evil of that way before the multitude, h e d eparted fromthem, and s eparated the dis ciples, disputing daily in the s chool of one Tyrannus.