Topical Bible: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God: Unbecoming in Those Called Saints

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of forming alliances or maintaining social relations with the enemies of God is consistently portrayed as unbecoming and detrimental for those who are called to be saints. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against such associations, emphasizing the spiritual and moral dangers they pose.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament is replete with instances where the Israelites were explicitly warned against forming alliances with pagan nations. In Deuteronomy 7:2-4 , God commands the Israelites, "And when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods."

King Solomon's alliances through marriage with foreign women led to idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-4 : "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.' Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away."

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently admonished Israel for their alliances with foreign powers. Isaiah 31:1 warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD."

Similarly, Hosea 7:11 describes Ephraim as "a dove, easily deceived and senseless—now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria." These alliances were seen as acts of faithlessness, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's provision and protection.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to maintain spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 , Paul writes, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?"

James 4:4 further admonishes, "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God."

Spiritual Implications

The spiritual implications of forming alliances with the enemies of God are profound. Such associations can lead to a dilution of faith, moral compromise, and ultimately, a turning away from God. The call to holiness and separation is a recurring theme, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Conclusion

The biblical injunctions against alliances with the enemies of God serve as a timeless reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, avoiding entanglements that could lead them away from their divine calling. The call to be set apart, to be holy, and to trust solely in God's provision is a central tenet for those who are called saints.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 19:2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Should you help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath on you from before the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:15
That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the middle of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii.
... a curious glimpse into the condition of society in Greece ... the public to pardon a
low alliance which disgraced ... succeeded in repelling some of the enemies of the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xiii byzantine empresses theodora ii.htm

part ii
... of the soul or the ship of human society; and pray ... By whatever passions enemies may
attack you, endure it without ... by good, and, above all, pray to God for them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm