Separation is a ‘must’
14 Do not enter a mismatch with unbelievers;This does not refer only to marriage, as the explanation that follows makes clear. for what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common? And what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 And what agreement is there between Christ and Belial? Or what portion can a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 Further, what agreement can a temple of God have with idols? Because youInstead of "you", perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘we’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. are a temple of the living God, just as God said:
"I will dwell in them and walk among them;
I will be their God and they will by my people."See Leviticus 26:12 and Ezekiel 37:27.
17 Therefore,
"Come out from among them and be separate," says the Lord,
"Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."See Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34.