What does it mean to go outside the camp?

The organization known as the "Iglesia Ni Cristo" is very large, consisting of many members. Upon discovering the true gospel, many of these members are eager to leave the INC and join a church that is more faithful to scripture, but they worry about the rejection they will face from their family and friends.

However, these people may find encouragement from Hebrews 13, where the author of the book instructs those in a similar situation to "go outside the camp".

Hebrews 13:11-13 (ESV) - 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.

Hebrews was written to Jews who were afraid to leave Judaism.

Just like INC members who are afraid to leave the INC, Hebrews was written to Jews who were afraid to leave Judaism. Because all their friends and family were also Jews, they would face much rejection and persecution if they left.

The Old Testament sacrifices were made outside of the camp.

In the Old Testament, the sacrifices were made outside of the camp because they could not have the blood be inside the camp (Leviticus 16:27-28). Additionally, going outside the camp represented rejection (Leviticus 24:14).

Jesus was crucified outside the camp.

The author of Hebrews points out that Jesus was crucified outside of Jerusalem, showing that he is like the Old Testament sacrifices. He was despised and rejected, which is why he went outside of the camp.

We should be willing to suffer rejection.

If we are followers of Christ, we should be willing to suffer rejection as Christ did. We should be willing to go out of the camp where we are no longer accepted.

For INC members, their camp is not Judaism, but the INC. Anyone who truly wishes to follow Christ must be willing to leave the INC and be rejected by their friends and family. Christ was willing to suffer the same rejection.

Conclusion

To go outside the camp is to leave the false religion where one is accepted and suffer rejection for the sake of Jesus. To go outside of the camp is to suffer what Jesus suffered for his sake. To go outside of the camp is something every Christian must do.

If you are a member of the INC who is aware of the true gospel and realizes that the INC is a false church, than look to Christ for your encouragement. Go outside the camp as he did. Find a church that believes and teaches the truth of the Bible.