The call of God part 3

     For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
     1 Thessalonians 4:7,8 NASB

   "Therefore,come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me," says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
     2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 NASB

     These two passages of scripture expand upon the first two aspects of God's call to us.
     1. We are called to be holy.
     2. We are called to adoption as children of God.

     The first passage makes it clear that holiness is not an option. God has not called us to remain in sin.
He has called us to be separate from sin, and to serve Him with all that we are. This passage contains a warning to those who think that holiness is not required by God. To reject holiness is to reject God.
     The verses in 2 Corinthians link holiness (separation) to adoption. The context of these verses deal with the Corinthian believers who were dabbling with immorality, selfishness, and idolatry. Paul tells them that there has to be a separation. Light and darkness do not mix. Righteousness and lawlessness do not mix. there is no harmony between Christ and the devil. Since Christians are the temple of the Living God, it stands to reason that they must come out of all unholy alliances, they must turn their backs on sin, and be separated unto God.
     This passage contains a promise. If they would come out of the sinful life they were dabbling in, if they would avoid immorality, God would be a father to them, and they would be sons and daughters to Him.
     God will not have His children unequally yoked. He will not have His children playing with sin. God calls each one of us to live lives that are dedicated to Him. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).