Day by day the challenge of discipleship is to become what we are – sons and daughters of God (v 18). And we are a new creation in Christ in which our old life of self-reliance is a past and fading memory (2 Corinthians 5:17). Paul lists a number of chalk-and-cheese scenarios (vs 14–16) which mark the newness of our life in Christ. 

So, it makes no sense to keep reverting to the way of life we have left behind. Instead, we should be offering a lasting alternative to the secular dream world that so many inhabit. We are to be separated from all that opposes God’s will and be set apart for God’s service (v 17). We are to be holy before God, not holier-than-thou before other people (v 1). As we come closer to God, so we are also drawn deeper into the world he died to redeem.

These verses conclude the section of the letter that began at 2:14: ‘Thanks be to God…’ It’s been a humbling but triumphant journey as God has led Paul, and us, into closer fellowship with his Son, and deeper communion with the world he died to reconcile. Thank you for joining me on the ride!

‘Although the whole world is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’¹

When we compare 6:13 with 7:2, the intervening parts of today’s passage appear to interrupt Paul’s appeal for reconciliation. It is widely thought, therefore, that this is an inserted fragment of another letter, possibly from an earlier one Paul wrote, now lost.² This is plausible (although only a theory), in that the theme has to do with separation and Paul thinks he may have been misunderstood.

Certainly these verses are about separating from evil practices and persons. The emphasis is binary: there is nothing in common between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial (a word for ‘worthlessness’, possibly meaning the devil), the Temple of God and idols (vs 14–16). The logic and the outcome are clear: Don’t go there! We are called to be holy, to keep in step with God and to be God’s alone (v 16). In certain areas there can be no compromise between good and evil. ‘Cut it out’ is the appropriate response. This can be misunderstood, however. Although some Christians are too quick to compromise, their example has led others to go too far the other way, to drastic forms of separation and the refusal to participate in aspects of social life that are in themselves wholesome or morally neutral, activities where Christians might be salt and light.³ This may be the significance of 1 Corinthians 5:9–13, where Paul clarifies what he did or did not mean by his advice. Withdrawal from society was not on his agenda.

For most of us this is not the problem. Rather, we might succumb to the subtle pressures that society and commerce impose upon us. ‘Purity’ (see 6:6) is not a popular word in our world, seen as old-fashioned, to say the least. Perhaps it is time to reinstate it.

‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me … I will teach … so that sinners will turn back to you.’⁴

¹ Exod 19:5,6  ² 1 Cor 5:9  ³ Matt 5:13–16  ⁴ Ps 51:10,13