Separation required?

[Nicodema]

Here are some relevant passages from Desire of Ages, penned by our own dear Ellen White, about what relationship we are to have with "sinners":

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from Desire of Ages, chapter 15

The ministry of Christ was

in marked contrast to that of the Jewish elders.

Their regard for tradition and formalism had destroyed all real freedom of thought or action.

They lived in continual dread of defilement. To avoid contact with the "unclean," they kept aloof, not only from the Gentiles, but

from the majority of their own people, seeking neither to benefit them nor to win their friendship

.

[:"red"]

By dwelling constantly on these matters

, they had

dwarfed their minds

and narrowed the orbit of their lives.

Their example encouraged egotism and intolerance among all classes of the people.

[/]

Jesus began the work of reformation by

coming into close sympathy with humanity.

While He showed the greatest reverence for the law of God, He rebuked the pretentious piety of the Pharisees, and tried to free the people from the senseless rules that bound them.

He was seeking to break down the barriers which separated the different classes of society, that He might bring men together as children of one family.

His attendance at the marriage feast was designed to be a step toward effecting this.

God had directed John the Baptist to dwell in the wilderness, that he might be shielded from the influence of the priests and rabbis, and be prepared for a special mission.

But the austerity and isolation of his life were not an example for the people.

John himself had not directed his hearers to forsake their former duties. He bade them give evidence of their repentance by faithfulness to God in the place where He had called them.

Jesus reproved self-indulgence in all its forms, yet

He was social in His nature. He accepted the hospitality of all classes, visiting the homes of the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant,

and seeking to elevate their thoughts from questions of commonplace life to those things that are spiritual and eternal. He gave no license to dissipation, and no shadow of worldly levity marred His conduct; yet He found pleasure in scenes of innocent happiness, and

by His presence sanctioned the social gathering.

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There is far more in this chapter (chapter 15) ... read on ...

[Nicodema]

More from Desire of Ages, chapter 15:

Quote:

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Jesus saw

in every soul

one to whom

must be given the call to His kingdom.

He reached the hearts of the people

by going among them

as one who desired their good.

He sought them

in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and

manifested an interest in their secular affairs

. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts. He often repaired to the mountains for solitary prayer, but

this was a preparation for His labor among men

in active life. From these seasons He

came forth to relieve the sick, to instruct the ignorant, and to break the chains from the captives of Satan.

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Doesn't sound like He was much into separation from sinners in the attempt to keep himself from becoming defiled, eh? Matter of fact, wasn't Jesus the one who said that by His power, if we drank any harmful thing it would not hurt us? Anyway ... read on ...

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The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of humanity

should be followed by all who preach His word, and by all who have received the gospel of His grace.

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We are not to renounce social communion. We should not seclude ourselves from others.

[/] In order to reach all classes,

we must meet them where they are.

They will seldom seek us of their own accord.

Not alone from the pulpit are the hearts of men touched by divine truth. There is another field of labor, humbler, it may be, but fully as promising. It is found in the home of the lowly, and in the mansion of the great; at the hospitable board, and

in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment.

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Now then, here is the distinction which I believe the Lord would have us make when it comes to mingling with others. It is a distinction of intention and purpose rather than a distinction of which persons. Read carefully:

Quote:

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As disciples of Christ we shall

not

mingle with the world

from a mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations can result only in harm.

We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour.

But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good.

[:"red"]

Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world.

[/] Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life.

We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sanctified by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour.

Let the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desire others to share our blessings and privileges.

Let them see that our religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting.

Let all who profess to have found Christ, minister as He did for the benefit of men.

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[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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Nicodema said:

More from

Desire of Ages

, chapter 15:

Quote:

---

Jesus saw

in every soul

one to whom

must be given the call to His kingdom.

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And just to show how well that ministry works:

(hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug hug)

That's a big group hug

[jasd]

The priest and the Levite both “and passed by on the other side” (Lu 10:31,32) whereas the Samaritan “had compassion” (Lu 10:33).

"Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him…?” --Jesus the Christ

And he said, “He that shewed mercy on him.” --a certain lawyer whose initial query was, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Go, and do thou likewise.” --Jesus the Christ

Several things…

One/ who is your neighbour? Is it any two-legged goofer or is it the one who does good Xtian works of grace?

Two/ “Go, and do thou likewise.”

Three/ Did Jesus, herein the parable, provide a positive example for drawing one’s skirts to ‘separate’ on the other side?

I can find approbation for neither the priest nor the Levite (the chosen remnant) who “passed by on the other side”; rather, I see Jesus suggesting we become more like the children of the world... in so suggesting, Jesus even selected 'a dog' as protagonist (which to emulate) in his parable.

How much more emphatic could Jesus have been?