Chapter one describes the relationship between "holiness" and "separation." Dr. Moritz says, "separation is not all there is to holiness, but it is a vital part of the concept" (page 9). A study of the major Hebrew and Greek words (also put in English form for those who don't know Hebrew or Greek!) shows that "to sanctify, to make holy" includes the idea, "to set apart" (pages 8,9,105–113). God's holiness is intrinsic (i.e. necessary to His nature) and is both negative (separate from evil) and positive (absolute purity). Also His holiness is both transcendent (higher and distinct from His creation) and immanent (able to fellowship with human beings through salvation and sanctification). God's holiness produces in us the response of repentance,
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God uses Scripture, His Spirit, and chastening to bring about this progressive holiness (pages 26–35).
A very helpful description of legalism is found in this chapter. The key to understanding this issue is one's heart attitude or motivation: if the motivation for following a standard is to gain favor with God, that person is a legalist. If the motivation, however, is to imitate God, to genuinely love Him, to be kind toward fellow believers and to look for Christ's return, then following a standard is not legalism (pages 36–42). Another gem in the end notes is found in note #10 on page 43 where "the fear of God" means reverence and trust rather than terror.
Chapters three and four deal with ecclesiastical (organizational) separation. In chapter three, separation from those who preach a different gospel is discussed, summarizing the biblical reasons for such separation. In chapter four, separation from a brother in Christ is explained, using key New Testament passages (including a valuable discussion of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15). Dr. Moritz recognizes the Bible does not solve every problem in this area and says each situation must be decided on its own merits, but in so doing, we must be sure not to violate principles Scripture does set forth (page
God uses Scripture, His Spirit, and chastening to bring about this progressive holiness (pages 26–35).
A very helpful description of legalism is found in this chapter. The key to understanding this issue is one's heart attitude or motivation: if the motivation for following a standard is to gain favor with God, that person is a legalist. If the motivation, however, is to imitate God, to genuinely love Him, to be kind toward fellow believers and to look for Christ's return, then following a standard is not legalism (pages 36–42). Another gem in the end notes is found in note #10 on page 43 where "the fear of God" means reverence and trust rather than terror.
Chapters three and four deal with ecclesiastical (organizational) separation. In chapter three, separation from those who preach a different gospel is discussed, summarizing the biblical reasons for such separation. In chapter four, separation from a brother in Christ is explained, using key New Testament passages (including a valuable discussion of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15). Dr. Moritz recognizes the Bible does not solve every problem in this area and says each situation must be decided on its own merits, but in so doing, we must be sure not to violate principles Scripture does set forth (page