View source for The 'separated' life

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<p>"Let us go forth therefore unto Him, <strong>outside the camp</strong>." Hebrews 13:13 <br>
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  Jesus, bearing His cross, went forth to suffer outside the gate. The Christian's reason for leaving the camp of the world's <strong>sin </strong>and the world's<strong>religion</strong>—is not because he loves to be singular—but because Jesus did so—and the disciple must <em>follow </em>his Master. <br><br>Christ was "not of the world," His life and His testimony were a constant protest against conformity with the world. Never was there such overflowing affection for men as you find in Him—but still He was "separate from sinners." <br>
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  In like manner, Christ's people must "go forth unto Him." They must take their position "outside the camp," as witness-bearers for the truth. They must be prepared to tread the straight and narrow path. They must have bold, unflinching, lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and His truth next—above all the world. <br><br>
  Jesus would have His people "go forth outside the camp" for their own sanctification. You cannot grow in grace to any high degree—while you are conformed to the world. <strong>The separated life</strong> may be a path of <em>sorrow</em>—but it is the highway of <em>safety</em>; and though the separated life may cost you many pangs, and make every day a battle—yet it is a <em>happy </em>life after all.<br><br> No joy can excel that of the soldier of Christ; Jesus reveals Himself so graciously, and gives such sweet refreshment, that the Christian warrior feels more calm and peace in his daily strife—than others in their hours of rest! <br><br>The <em>highway of holiness</em> is the highway of <em>communion </em>with Jesus. It is thus, that we shall hope to win the crown—if we are enabled by divine grace faithfully to follow Christ "outside the camp." The <em>crown of glory</em>—will follow the <em>cross of separation</em>. A moment's shame—will be well recompensed by eternal honour, when we are "forever with the Lord!"
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