The Bible does not explicitly use the terms “secular” and “sacred” to differentiate between two distinct realms. However, a close examination of Scripture reveals that God does make a distinction between that which is holy and set apart for Him, and that which pertains to common human life and culture. Though the Bible does not promote a strict separation between sacred and secular, it does present a framework for how believers are to live and operate within both realms.
God’s Realm Versus Man’s Realm
The Bible presents two overarching realms – the kingdom of God and the kingdom of man. The kingdom of God refers to God’s rule and reign, where He is honored as supreme. The kingdom of man refers to human society and culture, with all its accompanying philosophies and value systems that are often opposed to God’s ways. Though these two kingdoms intersect and believers in Jesus live within both, Scripture instructs Christ-followers to prioritize and serve God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
The Old Testament law made distinctions between the common (or profane) and the holy. Things associated directly with God were considered holy – the temple, the altar, the priests, the offerings, etc. Common things pertained to normal human life and culture – agriculture, building, cooking, clothes, etc. So there was a separation and distinction made between the common and the holy under the Old Covenant (Leviticus 10:10).
New Testament Fulfillment in Christ
When Jesus came, He inaugurated the New Covenant which fulfilled the types and shadows of the Old Testament law. Through Christ, believers now have direct access to God’s presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, all believers are considered holy priests set apart for God’s service (1 Peter 2:5). The distinction between holy people, places, days, and actions is removed because Christ followers are sanctified through Him.
However, though the ceremonial distinctions have been fulfilled in Christ, the New Testament still instructs believers to live differently than the world and to pursue holiness (Romans 12:2, Hebrews 12:14). So there remains a divide between how Christians are called to live under God’s lordship, and how unbelievers operate according to the principles of the world.
Living in Both Realms as Believers
Followers of Jesus have dual citizenship – they belong to God’s kingdom but also dwell in the kingdom of man. Jesus prayed not to take believers out of the world, but to protect them from the evil one as they carry out His mission in the world (John 17:15-18). So Christians have a responsibility to live in such a way that glorifies God before a watching world. This requires being in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-16).
The apostle Paul describes believers as “living as sojourners and exiles” as they reside in the kingdom of man (1 Peter 2:11). Just as the Israelites sojourned in a foreign land, believers are to consider their primary allegiance to God while temporarily dwelling on the earth. They live as citizens of heaven, ambassadors for Christ though situated in earthly cultures (Philippians 3:20, 2 Corinthians 5:20).
Therefore, believers must be discerning about things pertaining to the kingdom of man. They are called to avoid partnership with worldly systems that defy God’s ways (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). They must resist cultural values and activities that indulge the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16-21). At the same time, not everything in human culture is sinful in and of itself. Paul teaches that believers are free to participate in the common things of human society without sinning, as long as God is glorified in the process (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Guiding Principles for Engaging the Secular Realm
Though the Bible does not use the term “secular,” it does provide principles for how believers are to engage the common realms of human culture as they simultaneously operate in God’s kingdom.
- Be set apart. Do not adopt the sinful values and practices of the world (Romans 12:2).
- Let your light shine. Live distinctly so that God is glorified (Matthew 5:16).
- Go and make disciples. Engage culture strategically for the mission of God (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Be Christ’s ambassador. Represent Jesus and His kingdom rightly (2 Corinthians 5:20).
- Guard your heart. Be aware of how cultural systems and values can shape you (Proverbs 4:23).
- Take every thought captive. Evaluate everything through the lens of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- Have all things in common. Be discerning; not everything in culture is wrong in and of itself (1 Corinthians 10:23).
- Do everything for God’s glory. Make your motive bringing glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Maintaining Distinction Without Separation
Theologian Abraham Kuyper stated that “there is not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry out: ‘Mine!'” God cares about every aspect of human life and culture, and believers have a duty to operate within those spheres in ways that honor Him.
However, Christians must maintain ethical and moral distinction from the sinful ways of the world. Scripture calls believers to holy separation in their identity, allegiance, character, conduct, and partnerships. But this separation should not prevent gospel witness. Just as Jesus ate with sinners, and Paul engaged pagan cultures for evangelism, Christians must pursue intentional gospel presence within their spheres of influence without compromising biblical values.
Living Sacred Lives in a Secular World
Believers live in a constant tension of being in the world but not of it. Though all aspects of a Christian’s life is to be lived out under the lordship of Jesus Christ, he or she will inevitably face situations that require discernment. A firefighter may have to enter a burning nightclub to rescue someone. A doctor may have to treat patients struggling with drug addiction. A food scientist may have to research ingredients being used for questionable means by a hiring company. Even serving within a government position may require legislating laws for an unrighteous nation.
In these situations, whether a believer can participate to some extent without compromising biblical commands and conscience requires wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Christians must always prioritize representing Christ over personal interest or worldly gain. But God can use believers in any realm when they operate according to His values with the right heart motivation. As salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), Christians must bring God’s flavor and brightness into every dimension of human culture.
Key Points
- The Bible presents two realms – God’s kingdom and man’s kingdom.
- Old Testament ceremonial laws distinguished between the common (profane) and the holy.
- In the New Covenant, these ceremonial distinctions are removed but call to moral holiness remains.
- Believers have dual citizenship and dwell in both kingdoms.
- Christians must remain morally and ethically separate from the sinful ways of the world.
- Believers can engage the dimensions of human culture in ways that glorify God.
- Wisdom and discernment are needed to maintain distinction without separation.
The Bible makes a clear distinction between operating according to heavenly kingdom principles versus earthly human values. Followers of Christ are to live as sojourners on the earth, maintaining their holy and set apart identity as God’s people. At the same time, believers are called to strategic gospel influence within every sphere of human culture, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. With discernment and wisdom, Christians can be the aroma of Christ in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14-16), advancing God’s kingdom on earth until Christ returns.