Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp. -Hebrews 13:13

“Jesus, bearing His cross, went forth to suffer without the gate. The Christian’s reason for leaving the camp of the world’s sin and religion is not that he loves to be an individual, but because Jesus did so, and the disciple must follow his Master. Christ was “not of the world” (John 17:14). His life and His testimony were a constant protest against conformity with the world. Never did such overflowing affection for men exist as you find in Him, but still He was separate from sinners. Likewise, Christ’s people must “go forth… unto him.” They must take their position “without the camp,” as witness-bearers for the truth. They must be prepared to tread the straight and narrow path. They must have bold, unflinching, lionlike hearts, loving Christ first, and His truth next, and Christ and His truth above all the world. Jesus would have His people “go forth…without the camp” for their own sanctification. You cannot grow in grace to any great degree while you are conformed to the world. The life of separation may be a path of sorrow, but it is the highway of safety. And though the separated life may cost you many pangs and make every day a battle, yet it is a happy life after all. No joy can excel that of the soldier of Christ. Jesus reveals Himself so graciously and gives such sweet refreshment that the warrior feels more calm and peace in his daily strife than others feel in their hours of rest. The highway of holiness is the highway of communion. It is thus that we will hope to win the crown if we are enabled by divine grace faithfully to follow Christ “without the camp.” The crown of glory will follow the cross of separation. A moment’s shame will be will recompensed by eternal honor; a little while of witness-bearing will seem nothing when we are forever “with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17).” -Charles Spurgeon.