The Church of the Great God marks 22 years since its secession from the Worldwide Church of God, a spiritual and physical separation driven by the apostasy that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During that time, the leadership of the Worldwide Church of God pushed the church into false doctrines, rendering the physical organization untrustworthy for spiritual guidance. When the majority of a church organization's members become corrupted by false teachings or improper behavior, the spiritual church can no longer rely on its leaders, necessitating separation. Doctrine remains the primary reason for such distrust, and secession becomes the only recourse for converted members when false doctrine is taught. This separation extends beyond organizational ties to a broader ideological secession from the Babylonian system of government, founded and sustained by satan. Revelation 18:4 calls God's people to come out of Babylon, not merely as a physical departure but as a rejection of its philosophy, character, and outlook. Christians are urged to separate themselves ideologically and, if necessary, physically from all forms of Babylon, characterized by idolatry, immorality, self-glorification, and reliance on luxury and wealth. Failure to secede from this system risks sharing in its sins and divine judgments. Secession also parallels a spiritual transformation, as seen in Romans 12:2, which urges believers not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The church must secede from the world's way of life, both ideologically and physically when required, to maintain loyalty to Jesus Christ. This separation is evident in the call of Acts 2:40 to save oneself from a perverse generation, emphasizing a change of outlook and conduct through repentance and baptism. Such secession is not merely a withdrawal but a joining to the spiritual family of God, distinguishing believers from the world. In a personal sense, secession can be likened to a positive divorce from the world, aligning oneself with the church, as opposed to the negative connotation of marital divorce which God hates. Christians are also called to maintain spiritual, moral, and social separation from professing believers who persist in flagrant sin, as instructed in I Corinthians 5:11 and II Thessalonians 3:14-15, ensuring no intimate fellowship with such individuals while still admonishing them as brothers. Ultimately, secession reflects a profound change, as Christ Himself declared in Matthew 10:34 that He came not to bring peace but a sword, dividing even the closest earthly relationships for the sake of loyalty to Him. This separation, though disruptive, is essential for believers to be translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God, a process that will culminate in the Millennium when separation and secession will no longer be necessary due to unified worship and righteousness. Until then, the call to secede from the world remains a vital aspect of Christian life, driven by faith and the pursuit of God's truth.

In the current sociopolitical climate of America, the subject of state separation and independence, or secession, is becoming increasingly serious with each passing month. Since 2008, the threat of secession has evolved from mere contemplation to real considerations and full-blown threats, driven by a silent but not-so-peaceful shift in governance that has led to irreconcilable differences with many citizens. Secession is defined as the act of withdrawing from an organization, union, or political entity, and it inherently involves separation, as people cannot secede without parting from one another. The possibility of secession movements coming to fruition remains uncertain, but attempts to carve up nations globally are already evident, particularly in regions like the Middle East, with Iraq being divided into multiple territories. Historically, secession has been a common occurrence, with examples such as Norway's peaceful separation from Sweden in 1905, which resulted in close, brotherly relations between the two nations. Similarly, the Velvet Divorce of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993 was amicable and peaceful. In contrast, the American South's attempt at separation during the Civil War in 1861 and the 13 American colonies' separation from Great Britain in 1776 highlight both violent and significant historical shifts. Recent movements include Venice, Italy, pushing for secession in 2012, inspired by Catalonia's autonomy issues in Spain, and Quebec's ongoing sovereignty movement in Canada since 1957, driven by tensions between Francophone and Anglophone populations. In the United States, post-2012 election petitions for secession emerged from every state, with Texas standing out as a historically independent entity, supported by figures like Ron Paul who view secession as a deeply American principle. Reports indicate Texas officials are preparing for potential independence, emphasizing self-sufficiency in energy and resources. In Colorado, counties like Weld and Moffat have voted to consider breaking away from the state, reflecting voter frustration with government representation. Similar sentiments are seen in Northern California and Southern Oregon with proposals for a new State of Jefferson, as well as ongoing discussions in Illinois and South Carolina about separation due to regional disparities and historical mentalities. These examples illustrate a widespread longing for freedom and security, often emotionally charged and difficult to halt once initiated. While God retains ultimate control over whether secessions occur, allowing or preventing them as He sees fit, the instability of human boundaries remains a constant in history, as seen in the shifting borders of Europe after major wars and the dissolution of states like the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. The human tendency toward separation due to sin and conflict contrasts with the divine order, yet God has historically permitted or orchestrated separations, setting temporary boundaries while maintaining sovereignty over permanent ones.

Robert E. Lee's perspective on secession was one of profound opposition, as expressed in his own words. He believed the South had been aggrieved by the North and felt the aggression, willing to take proper steps for redress. As an American citizen, he took great pride in his country, her prosperity, and institutions, and would defend any state if her rights were invaded. However, he anticipated no greater calamity for the country than a dissolution of the Union, viewing it as an accumulation of all the evils they complained of. He was willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation and hoped that all constitutional means would be exhausted before resorting to force. In his view, secession was nothing but revolution. Despite his personal stance against secession, Lee could not bring himself to fight against his home state of Virginia, leading him to resign from the U.S. Army and take up command of the Virginia state forces.