𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗧

CHRISTMAS AND THE CALL TO COME OUT

A Dispensational Examination of Tradition, Truth, and Separation

INTRODUCTION

Many believers assume that sincerity equals acceptance, but Scripture teaches that God is honored by truth, not tradition. Throughout history, religious practices have often mixed pagan customs with biblical language, creating confusion among God’s people.

In the Dispensation of Grace, we are not commanded to observe holy days, feasts, or religious festivals—but we are commanded to walk wisely, separate from idolatry, and stand in truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

① THE PROBLEM OF PAGAN PRACTICES

Deuteronomy 12:29–31

A. Pagan Origins – Customs rooted in heathen worship. (Deut. 12:30)

B. Polluted Observances – God forbids copying nations. (v.31)

C. Provoking Offense – Pagan worship displeases God. (Lev. 18:3)

God never sanctifies pagan customs by renaming them.

② THE TRADITION OF MEN

Mark 7:7–9

A. Man-Made Religion – Commandments of men taught as doctrine. (Mark 7:7)

B. Misplaced Authority – Tradition elevated above Scripture.

C. Masked Disobedience – Worship rendered vain. (v.9)

Tradition replaces truth when Scripture is ignored.

③ THE DANGER OF IDOLATRY

Exodus 20:4–6

A. Forbidden Images – No carved or symbolic worship. (Ex. 20:4)

B. False Affection – Objects replace devotion to God. (Ex. 20:5)

C. Fatal Consequences – Idolatry provokes judgment. (1 Cor. 10:14)

Idolatry is not limited to statues—it includes symbols.

④ THE WORLDLINESS WARNING

1 John 2:15–16

A. Worldly Affections – Love of the world opposes God. (1 Jn 2:15)

B. Worldly Attractions – Lust, pride, and materialism. (v.16)

C. Worldly Association – Friendship with the world is enmity. (James 4:4)

God never commands believers to imitate the world.

⑤ THE FALSE REPRESENTATIONS

Deuteronomy 18:9–12

A. Fables Promoted – Myths and magical figures. (Deut. 18:10)

B. Fictional Figures – Lies presented to children. (Rev. 21:8)

C. Forbidden Practices – God condemns deception. (Lev. 19:31)

God is truth—He is never honored by fiction.

⑥ THE SCRIPTURAL SILENCE

Luke 2:8–12

A. No Command Given – No instruction to celebrate Christ’s birth.

B. No Date Declared – Scripture never specifies December 25.

C. No Festival Required – Birth never commanded as an observance.

Silence in Scripture is not permission.

⑦ THE SEPARATION COMMAND

2 Corinthians 6:14–18

A. Come Out – Separation commanded by God. (v.17)

B. Clean Living – Touch not the unclean thing. (v.17)

C. Covenant Fellowship – God dwells with the separated. (v.18)

Separation is obedience, not legalism.

⑧ THE PAULINE POSITION

Romans 14:5–6

A. No Holy Days Required – Days are not binding today. (Rom. 14:5)

B. No Religious Obligation – Liberty in grace. (Gal. 5:1)

C. No Spiritual Advantage – Christ alone is our standing. (Col. 2:16)

Grace frees us from religious calendars.

⑨ THE TRUE WAY TO HONOR CHRIST

1 Corinthians 15:1–4

A. Gospel Centered – Christ died for our sins. (v.3)

B. Grace Celebrated – Salvation by faith alone. (Eph. 2:8–9)

C. Glory Reserved – Christ exalted, not commercialized. (Col. 1:18)

Christ is honored through faith, not festivals.

CONCLUSION

God never asked His people to Christianize pagan customs.

He calls believers to truth, holiness, and separation.

The issue is not popularity—but obedience.

CALL TO ACTION

Search the Scriptures — Acts 17:11

Come Out and Be Separate — 2 Corinthians 6:17

Reject Tradition Over Truth — Mark 7:9

Honor Christ Biblically — John 4:24

Walk Wisely in This Age — Ephesians 5:15

FINAL THOUGHTS

God hates idolatry

Tradition is not truth

Paganism cannot glorify Christ

Separation is obedience

Grace frees us from rituals

Paul defines our doctrine

Christ needs no festival

Truth demands courage

Stand for Scripture, not custom