"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
-Luke 12:51

In conversations with churchgoers, I have found that many have been surprised to hear this verse, not knowing that it even existed; they did not know that Christ said He came to bring division. Sadly, this is because many self-proclaimed pastors and evangelists do not understand it; therefore, they rarely teach these verses, or if they do, they often teach them in error. It is my desire to help Christians understand the great importance that Christ put on sanctification, the Biblical meaning of it, and what we are instructed to do in Scripture.

sanctify (v): to separate, set apart or appoint to a holy, sacred or religious use; to cleanse, to purify
(See 'sanctify', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved June 22, 2018, [webstersdictionary1828.com])

In general, sanctification means to set apart unto cleanness, and this is a very simple concept that we all understand. We cannot clean ourselves while standing in a mud pit; we have to sanctify ourselves, meaning to set ourselves apart to a non-dirty area, like a bath that is divided away from the filth, to be fully clean, but if we go back to the mud pit, we'll be dirty again. If we put a bath in the middle of a mud pit, it doesn't matter how much we wash and scrub, we will never be clean.


One of the great deceptions in the modern-day church buildings is that the words 'peace' and 'unity' mean the same thing, or that in order to have peace, we have to be unified. This lie from the ecumenical (one-world) movement is one of the major reasons that the understanding of sanctification is mostly lost on this generation.

peace (n): a state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind
unity (n): the state of being one; oneness; agreement
(See 'peace' & 'unity', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved June 22, 2018, [webstersdictionary1828.com])

The word 'peace' can also be used in context of "living in harmony," or "freedom from quarrels," which would be in line with a definition of unity, and therefore, the specific 'peace' that Christ was referring to in Luke 12:51 was that of harmony/unity because he said "nay, rather," which indicates the opposite. So to summarize, Jesus said He did not come to bring harmony/unity, but rather, division, through sanctification, which means to be set apart according to the truth of His Word.

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
-John 17:14-19

The Lord Jesus Christ was praying to God the Father that we would be sanctified, set apart, through the truth of His Word. Therefore, it is vital that we understand what sanctification really means in the Bible.

True peace, which is the state of tranquility, is only achieved through one of two things; it's either through the truth or division. Every other method of keeping the "peace" is a false peace, like when God was punishing the nation of Israel, while their false prophets declared that nothing was wrong.

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
-Jeremiah 8:11

Peace only comes through truth or division. There is no other peace.

Debates are always ended when the truth comes out, but if one side of the debate refuses to accept the truth, then there must be division to maintain peace. For example, if two cats hate each other, and you force them into a room, it is very likely that one of them will end up heavily injured or dead, but if you separate the cats into two rooms with a wall between each other, the house becomes peaceful. Thus, if peace cannot be made by the acknowledgment of the truth, then a dividing line must be made by both parties to be separated from one another.

It is also important to note that, without repentance, which is grief and sorrow, the truth cannot be acknowledged. In terms of the truth of God's Word, the grief and godly sorrow of wrongdoing must be given to men, or they will never acknowledge the truth, and the Bible tells us that the humility of repentance is a gift from God.
(Read "Is Repentance Part of Salvation?" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
-2 Timothy 2:25

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
-2 Corinthians 7:9-10

The Lord Jesus Christ desires that we would all be at peace, to be tranquil and tempered in our minds and hearts:

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
-Luke 24:36

But when the people refuse to acknowledge the truth, being lifted up in the pride of their hearts, there will be no peace without division. This very concept is being played out right now in the Middle East with debates about borders because when people don't acknowledge the truth (e.g. that Muslims are pagans and the lands of the Israelites were stolen by the Muslims), then there has to be division, and sometimes, it has to be enforced by governments.
(Read "Islam: Religion of Terror - Two Major Lies Christians Need to Understand" here at creationliberty.com for more details about Palestine; it is NOT a nation of Arab refugees like the mainstream media has led people to believe.)

The reason churchgoers speak of Jesus Christ and peace at the same time is because our Lord offers His peace through His saving grace, but the problem is that the ecumenical movement, and false converts in the church buildings, tend to associate the worldly desire of unconditional unity, and claim that is the same as the peace of Christ. In other words, when churchgoers say "peace" and born again Christians say "peace," we're using the same word, but with two different definitions.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
-John 14:27

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
-John 16:33

It's the world that teaches us phrases like, "Can't we all just get along?" And other phrases like "blood runs thicker than water," which is commonly used in our society to imply that blood relations are the strongest bond. These are all contradictions against the doctrines of Christ, and that Christ does NOT support the type of false "peace" the world teaches, as we can continue to read in Luke 12:

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
-Luke 12:51-53

Jesus did not tell us that everything was going to be wonderful after we have been born again in His truth, but that sanctification (which ought to follow those born again in Christ) would cause us suffering because we would be hated and betrayed by the very people we are typically told should be loving to us (i.e. family and friends). This is why we Christians are warned not to be deceived by the philosophies, traditions, and teachings of men that we learn early on in our lives:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy [way of thinking] and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [first teachings] of the world, and not after Christ.
-Colossians 2:8

It's for these reasons that the Lord God teaches us to be "unleavened," and in the spiritual context of Scripture, to be "leavened" means to be tainted, either with the traditions of the world or the false doctrines of men. We are commanded to purge (i.e. to cleanse or purify) out the leaven from the church, that we, the body of Christ, would be unleavened:

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.
-1 Corinthians 5:6-7

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be... I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
-Galatians 5:9-12

To give an analogy, apples can get bruises on them; these can be caused by insects, impact, or just a flaw in the outer skin of the fruit, which causes the fruit itself to oxidize and go rotten. If left alone, over time, that bruise will cover the entire apple and become completely rotten, and at that point, the apple is completely thrown out, and this goes not just for the fruit, but for the tree also; meaning that if the tree is not producing good fruit, it's completely thrown out.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
-Matthew 3:10

However, while the apple still has a lot of good fruit in it, we can cut out the bruises, and the fruit is still good for consumption. Even in nature, squirrels will do this when they find a bruised apple; they'll bite out the bruised part, spit it out of their mouths, and then continue to eat the good fruit. The apple does not become worse because you cut out the bad parts, but rather, the opposite is true; once the bad parts are divided from the good, the apple is better, and likewise, when the leaven is cut out of the lump, the whole church is better.

Certainly, with salvation comes the tranquility and quietness of the spirit, which is the peace of Christ. We who make this type of peace are called the children of God:

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
-Matthew 5:9

However, the Bible does not tell us to withhold the truth from people just so everyone can get along. That's not peace; that's the fear of men.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
-Proverbs 29:25

When we tell men the truth, even in the tranquility of peace, the Bible says that most of them will hate us, and this includes blood-relatives and so-called "friends." I, and other Christians in our church, have commonly experienced this; family and friends have not only turned their backs on us, but even persecuted us after simply telling them the truth about their sin and calling them to the grief and godly sorrow of repentance unto the saving grace of Christ. (2Co 7:10) They have cursed at us, threatened us, lied about us, and said all manner of evil things against us, but we rejoice in that division, knowing that not only are we serving the Lord Jesus Christ, but that our reward in heaven will be great because we have spoken His truth:

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
-Matthew 5:10-12

Our American society is jam-packed full of church buildings with pastors and churchgoers who have never once suffered any of these things. The fact is that they won't be persecuted if they're not speaking the truth of Christ's doctrine.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
-John 15:20

If we never sanctified ourselves, if we never set ourselves apart of wickedness and false doctrines, then we would be yoked (or united) together with the world. Thus, people who do not sanctify themselves almost never suffer persecution, and that's what Jesus was talking about in the parable of the sower, when He taught us about the seed that fell among the stones; the false convert who feared upsetting anyone with the truth.
(Read "False Converts vs Eternal Security" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
-Matthew 13:20-21

The Lord Jesus Christ taught us that these people had no root in themselves, and that's why they won't sanctify themselves. Don't misunderstand; there are Christians who have been deceived by false teachers, and may not know some things they need to sanctify themselves from, but when the basics of the Word of God are ignored, and when they hear, reject the doctrine, and refuse to sanctify themselves, their desire to live on in darkness shows us that they do not care about the Lord Jesus Christ.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
-John 3:19

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
-Luke 6:46-49

If we who are born again in Christ teach what's right, then most people in this world will hate us.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
-John 15:19

Thus, we can rejoice when the world hates us. We love them enough to warn them of God's wrath against sin, and preach the truth against the traditions and false doctrines of men that they might be saved and set at liberty in Christ.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
-2 Corinthians 3:17

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
-Galatians 5:1

Yet, the very people who remain in the yoke of bondage preach liberty, and we commonly see those who do not sanctify themselves preach "peace." Typically, the word 'peace' is abused by many churchgoers because they use the word 'peace' the way the world uses it, but then take great pains to convince everyone that they stand on the Word of God in their speech and beliefs.

This is actually a logical fallacy that is called "equivocation," or it is sometimes called a "linguistic boobytrap." Equivocation is when a man uses a word in which its meaning is not fully understood, so no one can tell exactly what he's saying, and this is a VERY common tactic that many people use without ever stopping to consider what they're saying.

For example, the word 'target' can mean a point that is aimed at, or it can mean an American department store. Let's suppose someone said, "People shoot targets; therefore, if someone shops at Target, they run the risk of being shot." This is the equivocation fallacy, meaning that they're using the different meanings of the word "target" in the same context, and it causes confusion.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
-1 Corinthians 14:33

For example, the pagan, corrupt Catholic Church has a "World Day of Peace," in which they get together with all sorts of other pagan religions to "pray for peace." The problem with this is that what they're really praying for is unity, since the Catholic Church is the heart of the demonic ecumenical (i.e. one-world) religious movement, in which they desire to unite everyone under Rome's Papal leadership, and though there may be many people out there praying for a peace opposite of war, what the Catholic Church and Papal dictators actually desire is unity, and we have already read Christ's teaching that He did not come to bring unity with the world.
(See United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, "World Day of Peace," retrieved June 30, 2018, [usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/world-day-of-peace.cfm]; Read "Corruptions of Christianity: Catholicism" & "Pope Francis's Deceptive John 17 Movement" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

Therefore, there are many who say the word 'peace' to sound good and friendly on the outside, but inwardly, they have no understanding of what real peace means. True peace is only achieved through the truth, and there is only one truth; that being the Word of God.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
-John 17:17

There are many who deceive by saying 'peace' in terms of safety, but they only bring about a false peace under false pretenses, and the Bible says that when they start saying these things in the latter days, destruction will come upon them.

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
-1 Thessalonians 5:3

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
-Psalm 12:2

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
-Matthew 15:8

There is a doctrine Christ taught that is often taken only for the surface meaning, and not understood in fullness by most churchgoers:

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
-Mark 9:42

There were little children that came to Christ, and while He was with them, He said that; however, the little ones being referred to here are those who are born again in Christ. The Lord God is warning people not to sin against those who are born again in the church. Those of us who are the children of God have come with the humility of repentance as a child, which is why Christ said in the next chapter:

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
-Mark 10:15

With the understanding of this context, continuing in Mark 9, Jesus said:

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [See Isa 66:24] And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
-Mark 9:43-48

Though there is a surface meaning that we ought to repent (i.e. have grief and godly sorrow) of our sin, and turn from it, rather than cut off the member of our body that is causing us to sin, the full meaning of this are those who are in the church.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
-Romans 12:4-5

But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
-1 Corinthians 12:20-21

The point Jesus was making is that, although we may have friends and family in the church, if they commit sin, especially against the children of God in the church, and there is no repentance in them, then they should be cut off. Again, the reason it is dangerous to keep them in the church is because a little leaven will affect the entire church, and so we cut out that which is evil to keep the church cleansed for the sake of Christ. We may have need of them for some reason; they may be special to us either in relationship or in specific skillsets they have which have been very useful to the church, but we cut them off anyway, even though it hurts, because we serve the Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost, and we ought to trust in Him that He will help us in our time of need.

Most churchgoers today hate this message I'm teaching; namely that they use peace under false pretenses and refuse to sanctify themselves from wickedness and false doctrines, loving and following first the popular traditions of men, so they won't have to suffer any grief and affliction of being cast aside and despised.

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
-Hebrews 11:25

One day soon, Jesus Himself will divide them, whether they like it or not:

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left... Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
-Matthew 25:32-41

This doctrine of sanctification, which is division and separation unto God, is ignored in most church buildings today because that message is too burdensome to the average churchgoer. If any division takes place in the church buildings, it is typically considered "evil" or "wrong," rather than being taught as a good and holy practice that honors the commandments of God.

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. [i.e. do not unite with them] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
-Matthew 10:13-14

This Jewish tradition of "shaking dust off the feet" is a concept that is not commonly understood by most churchgoers today. What it means is that those who would not hear the Word of God, and rejected the repentance (i.e. grief and sorrow of wrongdoing) that God would give to them, even the dust they stood on was considered to be corrupt, and so dusting off the feet was an outward sign of sanctification, to cleanse and separate unto holiness, which is in Christ alone, and that is a testimony against them.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
-Mark 6:11

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
-Luke 10:10-12

The reason the Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples to do this was because those who are not of Christ follow after the sinful lusts of the Devil:

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not... He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
-John 8:43-47

If we do not sanctify ourselves from those who are not of God, who will not hear the Word of God, then we will become leavened. If we don't shake the dirt off our feet, then one day, we'll be wallowing in the mud.


There are many commandments to us in the New Testament to divide ourselves away from the evil traditions and false doctrines.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
-Romans 16:17-18

There is a division and offense that is according to the Word of God, as God has told us that we will be hated by men for teaching the truth; however, there is also a division and offense that is contrary (or opposite) to the Word of God, and we are to AVOID such people, not turn to them and be buddies with them. These types of people deceive others by their positive-sounding words and attractive speeches that scratch the itching ears of their listeners.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
-2 Timothy 4:3-4

There are many things that classify as leaven in the church, but as I've already stated, it's anything that involves wickedness/sin and false doctrine (which is a result of sin). For example, those church buildings and church leaders who get incorporated with the government sign over the authority of Christ to a man-made entity, and they do so because they are already leavened; it is an outward sign of the leaven within, and Christians ought to keep themselves away from them.
(Read "501c3: The Devil's Church" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

When pastors get up in front of their pulpits and preach the storehouse tithing sermons, which are completely unbiblical in the New Testament, they are teaching false doctrine, and they are therefore leavened. When they get up and preach every year that pagan witchcraft traditions, like Christmas and Easter, are "all about Jesus," they are lying in their willful ignorance, and they are therefore leavened; we Christians need to sanctify ourselves from such people.
(Read "Is Tithe a Christian Requirement?," "Christmas: The Rejection of Jesus" and "Easter: Christians Celebrating Abomination" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

These are just a few of the many examples one could give of leavened doctrine. If people teach works over grace, if they promote new-age fiction books, if they fill their minds with new-age "Christian" rock music, or if they reject the doctrines of repentance (i.e. grief and godly sorrow of wrongdoing) unto salvation—we need to be constantly aware and on guard against such people so that we can be set apart and clean unto the use of our Lord Jesus Christ, earnestly contending for the faith.
(Read "Fantasy Novels: Invitations to Hell," "What's Wrong With Christian Rock?" and "Is Repentance Part of Salvation?" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

There are so many topics we could cover on this subject, many outward signs of leaven that most churchgoers are blissfully ignorant of, but with the Spirit of God and study, Christians will learn these things over time because they will seek out the truth. Please keep in mind, sanctification is not only to protect the church, but also to protect ourselves individually, that we would not be blinded.

I've listened to numerous Christians tell me stories about how they didn't sanctify themselves for a time, but once they did sanctify themselves away from people and church buildings who do and teach the things I listed above, their eyes were opened to Scripture that they never understood before. The Lord God was blessing them in the steps they took to be sanctified, and I can also testify that this has happened to me; the more I sanctify myself, the more the Lord God gives me understanding, and blesses our family for it. (This is to say that if you are born again in Christ and sanctify yourself, the Lord God will bless you as well.)

Don't misunderstand; it's not that we don't talk with fornicators, idolaters, drunkards, railers, and extortioners, because if that were the case, we could not interact with them, then we would have to literally leave the planet. However, if a man calls himself a "Christian," meaning that he claims to be born again, and he does such wicked things and teaches false doctrines without repentance, then we are commanded not even to sit down and have a meal with them, and they are to be kicked out of the church.

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
-1 Corinthians 5:9-13

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
-John 7:24

We are supposed to judge those within the church; analyzing what they say and do, and comparing it with the Word of God. That's called "judging righteous judgment." If they do wickedness, and do not have a heart of repentance (grief and sorrow of wrongdoing), then there is a method Jesus gives us for removing them from the church.
(Read "Unbiblical Cop-outs: Don't Judge Me!" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, [#1] go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, [#2] then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, [#3] tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, [#4] let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
-Matthew 18:15-17

In summary, here are the four steps if someone commits sin or teaches false doctrines in the church:

Go to the offender and explain the situation. Make sure to listen to the response and double check yourself to see if there is any misunderstanding or error on your own part. If he/she won't listen, take two or three Christians with you and try again, so there are eye witnesses to the discussion. Those Christians can then judge both sides objectively to discern the truth. If he/she won't listen, have the whole church listen to the matter together. If he/she won't listen, remove him/her from the church, and treat him/her as a heathen, which means we give him/her the Gospel just like we would with any other unbeliever.

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
-Philippians 2:2

In my experience thus far, I've not yet seen a church (outside of our own) that operates this way, and follows this commandment of Christ. This is not to say that no other churches do this, but I'm simply pointing out how rare they are to find, and most often, the church does not ever get involved in such matters, nor are there typically any eye witnesses; a pastor, abusing his authority as if he a king, makes sole decisions and most everyone in the church building blindly follows him.
(Read "Is the One-Pastor Church System Biblical?" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
-Matthew 20:25-28

Every Christian is supposed to be involved in sanctifying themselves, and the church as a whole, but as anyone can see by looking at most modern day church buildings, almost no one cares about sanctification. They sing about it in songs all the time, just about every week, but after all the church buildings I've been in and all the churchgoers I've met over the past few decades, very few of them actually care about what Christ has told us.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
-Luke 6:46

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body... That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
-Ephesians 5:23-27

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-1 Thessalonians 5:23

Sanctification cleanses the church and makes the body of Christ better as a whole, but it requires that we confront those doctrines and traditions which are not of Christ, most specifically confront those who teach and practice those false doctrines and traditions of men, and that's what most churchgoers try to avoid. Most of them want "peace" without division, and are unwilling to give up or let go of anything because the price is too high for them. (i.e. They don't love the Lord Jesus Christ as much as they claim.)

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
-John 14:15

The family unit, between a father, mother, and the children, are considered to be the strongest relationship ties on the earth, which is why the Lord Jesus Christ gave this example:

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
-Luke 12:51-53

Don't misunderstand; this not a justification for wicked children to rebel against their parents, because we have other Scripture to address that topic, but rather, Christ gave us this explanation to show us that, when we are born again in Christ, we are born into an eternal family, with the Lord God being the Father, and that even though we show honor to our parents, we ought to value our relationships in the family of God infinitely more than we value our earthly relationships. If we love the Lord Jesus Christ, and we have been given a love of the truth by His Holy Spirit (2Th 2:10), then family will divide over that truth, and there will be a need for sanctification.

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
-Matthew 10:37-39

I have sanctified myself from family and friends to do what was right by the Lord Jesus Christ. Most of them still hate me to this day, and I've been threatened and persecuted by some of them, but Christ promised:

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
-Mark 10:29-30

The average churchgoer remains blissfully ignorant that Christ not only saved us with His own blood, but also sanctified His church with his own blood:

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
-Hebrews 13:12

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
-1 Corinthians 7:23

Yet, the fluffy, new-age, feel-good message of unconditional unity still reigns throughout most church buildings in America. Sadly, it seems that wicked Hollywood (Hell-ywood) filmmakers have had more discernment on this matter than the pastors and churchgoers.

There is a "Buddy Jesus" concept that was made into a statue and placed in a very wicked movie made back in 1999 by a director who was a former Catholic turned agnostic. In the movie, they mostly mock everything concerning Christianity, although the references are in terms of Catholicism, which is not Christian. Though this portrayal of "Jesus" does not in any way reflect what the Bible teaches, it does reflect the new-age doctrines that God is only love (heart in the middle of his robe), and that you're alright with Jesus because you're supposed to "come as you are."

The Lord Jesus Christ never said "come as you are," and that's not a phrase that's found in Scripture. The problem with this concept is that "come as you are" is taken to mean "there is no change required," but that is a false doctrine.

For example, the doctrine of repentance, being taught in error by almost every ministry I've seen online (teaching that repent means "to turn," when it NEVER means "to turn" in Scripture; repentance means grief and godly sorrow of wrongdoing), will imply to listeners that they just "come to Christ as they are," rather than, "come to Christ in repentance." Thus, what happens is a flood of false converts that enter the church on the concept of belief in Christ, but there was never a humble heart of repentance in grief and sorrow of their sin, and God has already told us in His word that there is no grace without that humility.
(Read "Is Repentance Part of Salvation?" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
-James 4:6

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
-Luke 18:13-14

Furthermore, Christ changes us when we are born again. However, the church buildings typically just teach to "come as you are," "stay as you are," and "bring your wallet for tithe."
(Read "Is Tithe a Christian Requirement?" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

For example, false preacher Michael Houdmann of the leavened "ministry" Got Questions, who teaches forgiveness without repentance, says that "come as you are" is a Biblical doctrine:
"While the concept of 'come as you are,' if understood correctly, is biblical, the precise phrase 'come as you are' is not found in Scripture."
-Michael Houdmann, "Does the Bible say 'come as you are'?" Got Questions, retrieved July 3, 2018, [gotquestions.org/come-as-you-are.html]

This is just one of many examples that could be given, because it's common for preachers to teach "come as you are," since it helps make them more money. Certainly, Christ does not care about your outward appearance, which is irrelevant concerning salvation, but Christ does care about your INWARD state; meaning that if there is no humility in a man's heart, he will not receive God's grace.

Thus, the "Buddy Jesus" symbol accurately represents the new-age false "jesus" of the average modern church building, who hide behind a false definition of "love," and churchgoers continue to spread this false message and false "christ" in their willful ignorance.
(Read "False Doctrine: Learn to Love Yourself" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word... He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
-John 8:43-47

Most people want to believe in a "god" that accepts their sin and lets them do whatever they want. Though we Christians have liberty in Christ, we ought not to use our liberty for an occasion to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
-1 Peter 2:16

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
-Galatians 5:13

For example, I received a letter from someone I'd never spoken to before, and though he called himself a "Christian," by his words, he provided all the evidence I needed to see that he was not of Christ. For example, after reading our article exposing the wickedness and false doctrines taught in the new-age "Christian" rock music, this man called me shameful, thick, biased, cherry-picker, illogical, ridiculous, tripe, liar, traditionalist, condemner of guiltless, ignorant of Scripture, Pharisee, contemptible, blind, ignorant of joy of the Lord, ignorant of grace, looking down on others, coward, self-righteous, and much more, and that was only in his first letter. This is what the Bible calls a "railer."

railer (n): one who scoffs, insults, censures or reproaches with opprobrious [contemptuous/abusive] language
(See 'railer', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved July 3, 2018, [webstersdictionary1828.com])

I'll repeat this Scripture again for emphasis:

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat... Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
-1 Corinthians 5:11-13

As I investigated this man more, it turns out he made his living off new-age fiction novels (which we rebuke in our ministry), and he had a lot of background in heavy metal rock music from his early teenage years. Thus, his attack on me was in defense of his lusts. He claimed to be delivered by Jesus, so that he could do whatever he wanted to do; using liberty as a cloak of maliciousness and occasion to the flesh, being willingly ignorant that the Jews in the Old Testament said the exact same thing:

Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?
-Jeremiah 7:9-10

What the Bible explains to us is that such men are hypocrites, and they are not of Christ; therefore, we need to sanctify ourselves away from them. The Bible didn't say he was a born again brother in Christ in 1 Corinthians 5; it says he is a wicked person that has no business being in the church, and that means we divide ourselves away from such wicked people.

Nor should we respond to them in the way they have spoken to us, meaning that we don't return their railing to them:

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
-1 Peter 3:9

They will suffer the consequences of their sin in due time.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
-Galatians 6:7

We have to ask ourselves, if we don't sanctify ourselves (i.e. set ourselves apart) from the world, how is the world going to be able to tell the difference between themselves and the children of God? How can we be a testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ if we act and speak exactly like the unbelievers of this world?

yoke (v): to couple; to join with another
(See 'yoke', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved July 3, 2018, [webstersdictionary1828.com])

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
-2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
-Isaiah 58:9

When the Bible says "unequally yoked," it means that we who are born again in Christ are not equal with those who are unbelievers. Don't misunderstand, this is not to say we are superior to the unbelievers, but rather, because our sins have been washed clean by the blood of Christ, we are not equal with them, and therefore we should not join together with them in any philosophical, religious, or political unity. Therefore, we should not fellowship with their sinful nature to be tarnished by it.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
-Ephesians 5:11

This doesn't mean you can't talk with them, but fellowship has a particular meaning:

fellowship (n): companionship; society; consort; mutual association of persons on equal and friendly terms
(See 'fellowship', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved July 4, 2018, [webstersdictionary1828.com])

I have to admit, even among those who I believe are born again brethren in Christ, I've seen a lot of them who still fellowship with worldly people; having many "friends" among unbelievers. If Christians are telling their worldly so-called "friends" the truth, they'll quickly find out how little friendship exists, and often the reason they've got so many unbelieving or false-convert "friends" or "family" that are willing to fellowship with them is because they are not willing to convince their "friends" or "family" of their sin. These Christians know if they tell unbelieving friends/family the truth, they will have to suffer loss, and that division is too great of a price for them to pay for the sake of Christ.

Certainly, mankind will hate us when we rebuke their sin, but sometimes we don't even have to sanctify ourselves, and those of you who have taught to truth to those around you without fear, you know what I'm talking about because you've experienced it. Our following the commandments of Christ will be so repulsive to them, they'll separate themselves from our company, but again, this division is good, and Jesus told us that we are blessed for it.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
-Luke 6:22

Even when Christ preached, there was division:

So there was a division among the people because of him.
-John 7:43

Because we who are born again in Christ suffer affliction (i.e. grief and pain), rather than enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season like the world does (Heb 11:25), we often experience loneliness, because our home is not of this world (Mat 6:21), which causes us grief and pain because we are designed for social interaction. However, we who are the children of God should never sacrifice the truth for the sake of unity; or it should be said that we should never sacrifice the truth for anything, since God's Word is truth, and we should fear God above all things.

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
-Psalm 86:11

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
-Psalm 111:10

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
-Proverbs 1:29

If we want friends, then we should go to the church that was instituted by our Greatest Friend, the Lord Jesus Christ, and there, finding like-minded individuals, who are also of Christ, we have eternal friends that will never fade. If we want family, then we turn to the church, and more to the point of this teaching, if we want unity, then we turn to the church; we ought to seek after the things of the Spirit of God, rather than the things of the world.

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
-Ephesians 4:3

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
-Ephesians 4:13

We are called unto the fellowship of God with sanctification away from the false doctrines and wickedness of the world.

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
-1 Corinthians 1:9

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
-Philippians 2:1-2

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
-1 John 1:6-7

Without being born again in Christ and the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us, there will only be a false peace; that is, a "peace" that is built on a lie. The world hates the truth, and so when we speak the truth, the world will hate us too; thus, if there are those in the world who love and think highly of you, then that should be a warning that you're doing something wrong because the world doesn't love and think highly of God's Word.

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
-Matthew 12:30

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
-Joshua 24:15

I can personally testify that, for my household, we have been blessed with peace and understanding from the Lord God the more we have sanctified ourselves, and now that we understand this, we value sanctification much more than we ever did before. My wife and I now realize importance of it, and how yoking together with the world, with churchgoers who teach false doctrines and practice the traditions of men, and with family members who lie against the truth will corrupt and blind us.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy [way of thinking] and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [first teachings] of the world, and not after Christ.
-Colossians 2:8

Folks, the Word of God is not a game, and Christ did not give us commandments unto sanctification for no reason. There is unknown spiritual damage Christians do to themselves because they won't divide themselves away from the leaven. Walk boldly in Christ, speak the truth, and even though the people who claim to love you will turn on you, stand strong in the faith in Christ, be content, covet not the unity or friendship with the world, and He will NEVER leave or forsake you.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
-Hebrews 13:5

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8:35-39

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
-Psalm 119:89

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