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Chapter 3 – A Disturbing History
Those who are “followers” of Christ or Christians must be Christlike. A disciple must be as his Master (Lk 6:40, Jn 13:13).
A Brief and Selected View of History (Generalized)
The Orthodox church was held in check (much warfare) due to the rise of the Mohammadines (Muslims) and found comfort and control within Russia. They aligned with the state (Russian Csars) and ruled the people with an iron fist thus becoming the state religion. Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic church had completed a longstanding Crusade (great war and slaughter) in the Holy Land. The Catholic church was also focused upon its Great Inquisition (to determine loyalty) whereby all those who did not believe and submit to the doctrines, dictates and authority of the Roman Catholic church were imprisoned, tortured (sanctioned by the Pope) and killed (murdered, most becoming martyrs). The Romish also developed an index of forbidden books among which was the Bible, which they said couldn’t be understood by the common man without a priest’s interpretation to tell them what the Romish religion wants them to think. This inquisition was established by the papacy and was enforced by the state (which beareth the sword). Those found guilty were dubbed heretics and enemies of the state and were put to death in this time known as the Dark Ages. Groups of believers known as the Albigensians and Waldenses were the first victims. The “Martyrs Mirror (Thieleman J. Van Braght)” is an excellent book for those who want to know the plight and sufferings of true believers. Paul had once said: Galatians 5:15, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” The adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour and so do those who follow him (1 Pt 5:8). Those who walk in Christ’s love do not bite, devour or consume one another.
Eventually, the Catholic controlled countries (church-state) set their sights on the New World. They had a tremendous lust for gold, silver, spices and all manner of riches (coveted, Ex 20:17, Deut 5:21, Rm 7:7). In other words, they sought riches and delicacies (that which delights or pleases). Revelation 18:9, “And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her…” Christ warned us: Luke 12:15, “And he (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Having arrived in the New Word in the name of God, they set out to slaughter and rob the indigenous natives (heathens) and treated them worse than animals. Mark 16:15, “And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” God’s purposes were never to kill and maime, seek the lusts of the flesh and convert at the edge of a sword, yet this is what happened. This was clearly the nature of Satan manifested. The Lord works with those who are His and confirms His Word (Mk 16:20). Christ does not convert at the end of a sword after the heathen has been robbed of all that is valuable. The riches from the New World profited the Catholic church tremendously (not the poor of the world, Mt 19:21, Mk 10:21, Lk 14:13, Gal 2:10).
The New Word became the object of man’s desires. England (Protestant), France (Catholic), Portugal (Catholic) and Spain (Catholic) fought each other considerably – on land and sea. Those who professed to follow Christ killed those who professed to follow Christ – one against the other. Brother delivering brother up unto death (Mt 10:21) – perfect hatred! All of this was done in the name of God and country. Babylon preys on her own, for there is no love of one another (opposite of Christ’s gospel). These great conquering churches blessed all of this and profited greatly in the fruits thy soul lusted after (in riches and the souls of men, Rev 18:12-14). Spain and Portugal mostly explored and settled South America, Central America and Mexico. The Roman Catholic Pope eventually set the line of demarcation to divide South American between Spain and Portugal (the Catholic church had tremendous influence with the nations). The Catholic church ruled this area and was the greatest influence on what took place.
The Christian(?) Countries of Europe (Dutch, France, England, Spain, Portugese) claimed various islands and set up plantations. Black slaves were brought from Africa under the most vile conditions to provide forced labor. These black men were treated as animals by the wealthy Christian land owners. In most cases, they were not allowed to hear Christ’s gospel.
England and France explored and settled in North America (US and Canada). There were many wars on land and on sea between those who professed to follow Christ. They frequently killed and hated one another! Jesus said: John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” It does not take much wisdom and understanding to see that Christ’s Word was not being followed. These great religious organizations (Catholic/Protestant) opposed the teachings of Christ through their actions, yet they claimed to represent Him! All the “religious” individuals who claimed to “know” God were clearly not Christ’s disciples – they did not love!!! Can one Christian kill another Christian because his church-state wants to control (lusts after) certain territories? Can you see the great hypocrisy and confusion? What makes one a Christian is for one to be Christ-like. In other words, one must actually follow Christ’s example and teachings.
France and England fought each other (also pitting native indians against each other, French Indian war) to determine who would control North America. Both of these countries were deeply religious and claimed to serve the same God. The mostly Protestant English triumphed over the mostly Catholic France after much brutality and bloodshed. After the French and Indian wars, the once impressive French empire in America was reduced down to a handful of sugar plantations in the West Indies and a couple of rocky islands off the coast of Newfoundland. England solidly controlled North America. France avenged such humiliation by later funding (financial and military aid) the American rebels in the revolutionary war.
England and its North American colonies were mostly Protestant. Soon the Protestant American colonies rebelled (sedition) against the Protestant English government (Church of England). Rebellion is the nature of corrupt man. This led to the American revolutionary war. Those who professed Christ killed those who professed Christ. Brother against brother. Catholic France supported the Protestant Christians killing of one another by aiding the rebels. To hate is to sacrifice others (Christian brothers?) for the benefit of self (or country?). Lust, control, rebellion, hatred, and killing are all of the nature of Satan. There were true and sincere believers in America (i.e. Anabaptist) and they were more victims of all of this and certainly not participants. Even so, remember that Mystery Babylon intoxicates (makes drunk) all the peoples with her fornication (draws them unto her – possibly through circumstance, caught up in, Rev 17:2).
Some may argue that this is an overgeneralization because there were so many factors and considerations. Not true – it all boils down to actions and those who profess Christ who kill those who profess Christ only reveal that they (the participants – individuals and the religious organizations behind them) never knew Him. Remember, Jesus was first falsely accused and then unjustly killed. Even so, Jesus totally submitted to the will of the Father. Matthew 15:8, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” If you truly take Christ’s Words to heart then you will lay your life down to adhere to them. He who will not forsake all and take up his cross is not worthy of Christ (Lk 14:26-27, 33).
Jesus said: Matthew 7:12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Everything the law and the prophets revealed was pointing us to love our neighbours as ourselves (Lev 19:18, Mt 5:43,19:19, 22:37-40, Mk 12:31, 33, Lk 10:27, Rm 13:9-10, Gal 5:14, Js 2:8). Warfare and killing transgresses everything the law, prophets and Christ have said. We do not want others to kill us or our children, so we must not kill others. If our nation tells us to fight and kill, we must refuse. If the church condones such by allowing its members to participate in warfare, then we must see its fruit. In all the Protestant churches the author has ever attended, he has never once heard them speak against joining the military or fighting this nation’s wars. Quite the opposite, there is a great patriotic reverence, honor and respect for those who do such things. Doesn’t the military even employ (hirlings) religious leaders (chaplains) to comfort those who fight?
The revolutionary war was followed by the war of 1812. England and France were at war and America’s trade was suffering (her trading ships were being affected). The United States suffered serious financial losses during these years of European warfare. The merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies (Rev 18:3). So, America went to war with Britian. Once again professing Christians in America were fighting professing Christians from England – brethren killing brethren. The woman rides the beast so this false church must do the bidding of the secular government to which it rides (has aligned with). We must understand that Christ’s purposes are to have His people unified and likeminded in love and God’s truth. John 17:21, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” The Holy Spirit works to accomplish “that they may all be one.” It is Satan who pits one against the other in hatred and fosters strife and confusion. The devil leads men into the darkness. The darkness is found in the lusts and desires of the flesh. Those who seek their lusts will sacrifice others to obtain (individuals or countries). Satan’s purposes are to disrupt any sincere worship and obedience to the Lord by encouraging (nurturing, promoting) disunity, strife, envy, pride, hatred, self righteousness, superiority and disagreement between brethren. The devil would have us living in malice and hating one another (the opposite of loving one another, Ti 3:3). In Christ - Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” The prevailing message of the gospel and God’s will is LOVE.
How dishonoring do you suppose that it is to God when those who profess His name kill one another in direct contradiction to His Word? Would this not be a great victory for Satan to flaunt before God? Hasn’t the devil blinded the minds of most of the world concerning warfare? The truth is that Christ’s genuine church follows His Word – they obey. All of these others are a great mystery and are not of the Lord’s flock. They are Babylon – confusion with regards to the truth. Its all in the fruit – that which is produced. You cannot follow Jesus and produce bitterness, hatred, strife, violence, and killing. Warfare is not a fruit of Christ’s gospel. These are children and products of the devil’s nature. The Lord is calling out of such darkness. Who will see the light (truth) and respond? Scripture reveals that the foolish, disobedient and deceived serve divers lusts and pleasures (self), living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another (Ti 3:3).
The scriptures reveal: James 3:16, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work (also 1 Tim 6:4).” Envy is jealousy, resentment and spite. Strife is conflict, discord, fighting, rivalry, dissenssion and contention. These are works of the flesh and those who do such shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21, Rm 1:29-32). James 1:20, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” God’s righteousness works by love and wrath brings about hatred. Envy and strife are earthly, sensual, devilish and we must not walk in such a way (Js 3:14-15, Rm 13:13). Those who do such things preach Christ even of envy and strife (Php 1:15). The religious Jews offered up Jesus for envy (Mt 27:18, Mk 15:10). Religious man has historically offered up the true followers of Christ for envy (i.e. Acts 13:45, 17:5). In other words, the woman is drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (Rev 17:6).
To walk in envy and strife is to be found in the darkness – to be confused (not see clearly). This is Babylon! These are not found in the Spirit, but the flesh, and bring forth fruits unto death (Rm 7:5-6). Those that walk in darkness do not see where they are going. This is to lack direction and not “know” God. Romans 8:6-8, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Those who practice war do not subject themselves to Christ’s law of love. Envy and strife breed bitterness and hatred. Their actions clearly reveal that they are not Spirit led or found in Christ (by their fruits ye shall know them, Mt 7:20). Romans 8:5, 9, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Followers of Christ are told: Philippians 2:3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” We are further told: Colossians 3:12-13, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” We are to be humble and walk in love whereby we sacrifice self for the benefit of others. Romans 8:13-14, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” The Spirit leads us to be unified (in faith and the Spirit, Eph 4:3, 13), likeminded (of one accord and one mind, Php 2:2), loving one another, and full of joy in the Holy Ghost (Acts 13:52, Rm 14:17, 15:13, 1 Thess 1:6). This is a path of righteousness and true holiness (Ps 23:3, Pv 8:20, Lk 1:75, Rm 6:19, 22, Eph 4:24, 1 Thess 4:7). 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Judgment is correctly discerning right from wrong and following that right course of action. We are to hate the evil, love the good and establish judgment (Amos 5:15, also Zeph 2:3). Therefore, a true believer is told: Hebrews 12:14-15, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” How can those who are killing one another follow peace or holiness? How can they see God?
The war of 1812 was followed by the Mexican war (remember the Alamo, Catholics and Protestants killing one another). The Mexican war forced Mexico to relinquish all claims to about half of its national territory to the land hungry (lustful) United States. This was the territory that became Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, as well as portions of the states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming (an increase of 66% land area). The results of this war allowed the United States to become the predominant power in North America. This war also militarily trained many men who would become the leaders of the American Civil War.
Both before and after the Revolutionary and Mexican wars, American pioneers were exploring, laying claim and settling the new land. The native American populations suffered tremendously at the hands of professed Christian pioneers (and nation) who had a lust and drive to obtain lands and resources (gold, animal skins, etc.). Whole native populations were exterminated or dislocated (removed from their lands/territories) to barren reservations set up by the American government. They were despised and looked down upon – treated worse than animals. Jesus said: Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Remember that Christ commanded us to love one another (Jn 15:17). The heathen Indian nations did not exactly learn to observe the things Christ commanded from those who claimed to “know” Him. The Indian populations were rather given a taste of Satan’s gospel of hatred, killing, lusts & desire, lying, drunkenness and all manner of evil. You must walk in love to teach love. Lessons are most effectively taught by example.
The Mexican war was followed by the Civil War. This war not only required those who professed Christ to fight against each other, but also those of the same nation. The nation of America was conceived in rebellion (against England) and now another rebellion threatened to split America in half. Priests and pastors (Catholic and Protestant) on both sides of the conflict blessed and prayed for their side’s troops to prevail against the other side’s. Where was the gospel of Christ to be found in all this killing and religious confusion? The whole nation was pulled into this conflict and suffered greatly, yet we are talking about a nation that largely professed Jesus Christ. Was love, unity and likemindedness only to be found with those brethren on your side of the war? This was a brutal and bloody war. Protestants fought Protestants. Catholics fought Catholics. Protestants fought Catholics. Which side do you suppose Jesus was on?
It should be noted that the Lord does direct the affairs of men (the course of this world, Rm 13:1) and certainly works within the hearts of individuals in the midst of all these wars and the destruction and misery they cause. It would be a mistake to believe that God approves of these conflicts. Jesus said: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth (Lk 11:17-18).” A divided kingdom cannot stand! Christians fighting against Christians in any circumstance is a divided kingdom. Jesus is not the head of a divided kingdom. The Holy Spirit does not lead in disunity and strife. Any group that professes Jesus cannot fight against any other group that professes Jesus (or anyone else) if they are truly following Christ. This applies to any combination that one can conceive such as the ones just discussed. Jesus made God’s will very clear and walked it by example for us to follow.
Individuals do turn to the Lord in the midst of these catastropic conflicts and God responds with plenteous of mercy just as He has stated that He will. Psalms 86:5, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” AND Psalms 86:15, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” AND Psalms 103:8, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (also Ex 34:6).” No doubt, many a man or groups of men throughout history have sincerely turned to God in such dire circumstances as war brings. The Lord only responds when we forsake our evil and genuinely turn to Him. Isaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” This verse is a perfect picture of repentance and forgiveness. Never justify or improve, but rather forsake and change directions (turn). Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (also Ps 32:5, 51:3).” Forsake strife and embrace love in total (complete) surrender to God – no restrictions placed by self in yielding to the Lord.
The Civil War was followed by the American-Spanish war. This was a brief war with Spain mostly due to American imperialism which was fought in Cuba and the Philippines. Imperialism is where one nation extends its authority over other nations by acquisition of territory or through economic/military means. Again, professed Christians fought professed Christians under the banners of their prospective nations. The United States went on to fight World Wars I and II. Professed Christians from France, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, the United States, etc. killed one another for the goals of their prospective nations. The woman continued to ride the beast (church-state) as countless individuals suffered. The wars and conflicts have continued even to this very day. (side note: the United States has been a very warring nation since its rebellious inception, of course so has its mother, England).
England and the United States have been very imperialistic and have exerted their influences all over the globe. Everywhere the beast went, so did the woman who rides it. Mystery Babylon has thus exerted her influence all over the globe – peoples, nations, tongues and kings (Rev 10:11, 17:15). Even so, the Lord’s light does shine in a dark world and God’s purposes are accomplished. Despite the woman and the beast, the Lord still calls and redeems His people out of the darkness. Blessed are those who look to His light.
So many wars! So many who profess Christ killing others who profess Christ. Jesus said: John 17:21-23, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” For those of you who justify war, please consider how Jesus’ statement is to be accomplished under such circumstances. War, violence, hatred, bitterness and killing are unjustifiable. There is no such thing as a nice war conducted in love. War never unifies, but completely divides.
The problem is that most who profess Christ in the United States look to the government as the “Defender of the Faith.” They should be looking to the author and finisher of the faith, Christ Jesus (Heb 12:12). These diverse religious organizations support the government and are protected by law and are even given special tax exempt status. What would happen if all of those individuals/groups within the United States who professed Christ began to walk in Christ’s love and refused to support or participate in this country’s wars? Would they become the persecuted/hated that Jesus talked about (Mt 10:22, 25, 24:9, Mk 13:13, Lk 6:22, 21:17, Jn 15:18, 17:14)? Jesus said: John 15:18-20, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. The world wars and kills, but Christ’s disciples do not – they are called out of this world into the kingdom of Christ. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” Those who do the world’s bidding are loved by the world. Babylon seeks acceptance and popularity in the world. However, to be loved and accepted by the world, you must reject the ways of Christ. Followers follow!!!
Many who profess Christ have laid down roots in this world (residence) and are seeking their hopes and dreams in this life (1 Jn 2:15-17). They look to things seen (the here and now) rather than being pilgrims and sojourners trusting in God’s promises (yet to be fully realized – unseen). 1 Chronicles 29:15, “For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.” 2 Corinthians 4:18, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Those who love the corruptness of this world are not seeking that which is to come. Many who profess Christ consider themselves as belonging to earthly kingdoms, but what of the kingdom of heaven….? Those who confess that they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth declare plainly that they seek a country (Heb 11:13-14, 16, Ps 37:9). Those in the kingdom of heaven do not entangleth themselves in the affairs of this life (2 Tim 2:4, also Lk 10:40-42, cares of this world - Mt 13:22, Lk 21:34-35). The earth is corrupt and temporal in its present state and we must not set our hope in it. 2 Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (also v. 12).” The world may tolerate you until you refuse to embrace its dictates. Those who follow Christ are not of the world and this sets up great conflict…
Chapter 4 - Kingdoms
Christ’s Kingdom is not of this World
The whole world lieth in wickedness (1 Jn 5:19). Most men do not abide in God’s love nor do they obey His commandments. There must be a restraining force for man’s corrupt nature. Otherwise, the proud would quickly overcome and destroy the humble and this world would become totally wicked as before the flood. At the tower of Babel, man came together as one to do evil once again. The Lord God (who rules over His creation) instituted nations/kingdoms to separate and control evil. These nations/kingdoms would bear the sword and restrain the corrupt nature of man through law and order (Rm 13:1-7, 1 Tim 2:1-3). This is not to say that all laws are just and righteous or rulers for that matter. For instance, God used Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to bring judgment upon Israel - For His purposes. Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon were evil and God dealt with this king greatly humbling him and showing him who ruled the heavens and the earth (Dan 4:17, 25, 34-37). The Lord later judged Babylon for their wickedness (Jer 51:47). So kingdoms do not bear the sword in vain - God uses them to maintain order in a corrupt and fallen world. Even so, this is not God's plan for His people.
The Lord’s people are “called” to a much higher standard. The Lord tells us (an enduring truth): “…After the doings of the land of Egypt (worldly kingdom in which you now sojourn), wherein ye dwelt (or currently dwell), shall ye not do…(Lev 18:3) – rather, you shall walk as per Christ’s living example; In God’s truth by His Spirit (Rm 4:12, 6:4, 8:1, 4, 14, 2 Cor 5:7, 6:16, Gal 5:16, 25, Eph 2:10, 4:17, 5:2, 8, Col 1:10, 2:6, 1 Thess 2:12, 4:1, 1 Pt 2:21, 1 Jn 1:7, 2:6, 2 Jn 1:6, 3 Jn 1:4). The Lord says: Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest (Ex 34:12-15, Deut 7:2-5). The Lord says: Leviticus 20:26, “And ye shall be holy unto me (a peculiar people): for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people (called you out of darkness), that ye should be mine.” You are called out of worldly kingdoms into God’s kingdom. When Jesus came He constantly spoke of the kingdom of God.
The easiest way to illustrate a believer’s relationship with the world is as follows. Suppose you are a citizen of the United States and you go to sojourn in the country of France. While living in France you are expected to obey the laws of France. If you do not obey their laws then you will be punished accordingly. However, if France passes a law which would cause you to betray or violate loyalty or devotion to the United States, then you must refuse to obey it if you ever want to return to the United States in good favor. While in France you want to seek peace and are a good example of a citizen of the United States - respecting their ways and authorities. Similarly, when one is born into the kingdom of God, they renounce their earthly ties and become of citizen of God’s kingdom. For now they are still sojourning in an earthly kingdom and must seek its peace, obey its laws, respect its authorities, pay taxes (Mt 22:21, Mk 12:17, Lk 20:25, Rm 13:7), etc. However, their primary allegiance and devotion is to the kingdom of God. If an earthly kingdom passes an unjust law which would require one to violate one of God’s laws, then you must obey the higher law of the kingdom which you are a citizen of. Some might say: “where is the kingdom of God?” Luke 17:21, “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Throughout Europe (in past ages), Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism intoxicated kings with their doctrines and had them pass laws which favored such. In doing so, these laws violated God’s higher laws (i.e. laws concerning: infant baptism, transubstantiation type of Lord’s Supper, religious affiliations, banned books, thought control, compulsory attendance, etc.). What was a true believer to do? The answer is that they continued to obey God’s laws (and thus violated earthly laws) and then submitted themselves (nonviolently) into the hands of earthly authorities for the stipulated punishment. They placed the matter in God’s hands and now await justice. They didn’t try and change the laws. They didn't rebel against the laws (taking up the sword). The simply willingly laid their lives down for imprisonment, torture and death and placed the matter into God’s hands. They suffered injustice upon the earth, but appealed to the Judgment Throne of God. These wait under the altar for justice. Revelation 6:9-10, “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” You see, there are things that are more important than life itself - they loved not their lives unto death.
A true believer will always obey God’s laws (commandments) over anything else. True believers do not rebel against established authority or take up the sword in self defense, but rather meekly bear the injustice of man in order to serve the Lord. Judgment is not in our hands. If a king/nation passes an unjust law, then we must appeal to God with our very lives if necessary. We are citizens of the kingdom of God and must obey the King's (Christ’s) laws above all else. If you do not then you reveal that your greater love is for earthly things and authorities. Jesus was rejected, demonized, belittled, falsely accused, tortured, and killed. Jesus’ disciples follow Him.
The kingdoms of this world are presently under the influence and control of Satan (Jn 14:30) – who is referred to as the prince of this world (Jn 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, Eph 2:2). Luke 4:5-7, “And the devil, taking him (Jesus) up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (also Mt 4:8-9).” The devil had offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. Jesus refused and stated that He would worship God and only serve Him (Lk 4:8). Christ knew that the Father would give them to Him: Revelation 11:15, “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
Now, consider strongly the fact (historically proven) that the false church has indeed accepted the offer from Satan that Jesus refused. The woman rides the beast and has combined with the nations of the earth (and seeks their power and glory) in worship of Satan. This is revealed by the nature that this harlot reflects – hatred, killing, false doctrine, envy, strife, rebellion, lying, control, etc. The false church rules the peoples through the “power” of the state or kingdoms of this world – yet these are delivered unto Satan and their authority comes from the dragon (Lk 4:5-6, Rev 13:1-3). Please open your eyes and see this – the fruit is evident. Matthew 13:15, “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Note: beginning with Constantine, nations have offered the false church protection and most favored status as well as influence and tax exemptions – in some cases stipends and buildings. During periods of history, the false churches (children of the whore) have controlled kingdoms.
The Lord once destroyed the peoples from the earth with a great flood. Why? Genesis 6:11, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Man’s every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Gen 6:5). Seeking after self (doing what is right in your own eyes) and violence are pillars of the darkness. Shortly after the flood, the peoples of the earth came together to do a very wicked thing. Genesis 11:1-4, “And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” The people came together with the intent to proudly exalt “self” and oppose God. The Lord had flooded an evil world and man now responded by building a tower (preserve self and rise above any future flood). Genesis 11:8-9, “So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” The roots of Mystery Babylon began at the tower of Babel. However, the Spirit behind it goes back to creation.
Babel or Babylon means confusion! James 3:16, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” So, Babylon is known by envying and strife. Strife is contention in anger or enmity; contest; struggle for victory; quarrel or war. Those who seek self always conflict with the will of another who is seeking self. Babylon will be recognized by pride, hatred, bitterness, violence and war. The false church combined with the secular nations is Mystery, Babylon the great (the harlot riding the beast). Christ’s two great commandments are found in love. Satan’s great commandments are found in strife (hatred, bitterness, violence, killing, war). These are opposites as is Satan’s lie from God’s truth. One day Christ will put an end to all of this evil: Isaiah 2:4, “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more (also Micah 4:3).” This verse clearly reveals the will of God. Those who “learn war” are not learning what the Holy Spirit is teaching (which is Christ’s commandments) and are deserving rebuke!
Babylon is fractured for now into many nations each with a religious component (Deut 32:8). In other words, just as the nations of the world are divided, so is the religion of the world. The Lord’s portion is in Jacob or Israel (includes all the children of promise who walk in faith, the children of Abraham, Deut 32:9) and they are blessed (Num 23:9-10, 19-24, 24:5-9, Deut 33:29, blessed with faithful Abraham - Gal 3:9). These nations of the world fight endlessly. Nation rises against nation, and kingdom against kingdom and they all believe that God is own their side (Mt 24:6-7, Mk 13:8, Lk 21:10). The nations of the world hate God’s true people and always have (Mt 10:22, Mk 13:13, Lk 21:17). Matthew 24:9, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake (also Mk 13:9).”
One day all of these nations will again unite (in a sense) under a wicked leader (son of perdition, abomination of desolation, little horn, the beast, 2 Thess 2:3, Dan 7:8, 8:9, 11:31-33, Mt 24:15, Mk 13:14, Rev chap 13) and will kill God’s people and make war with Christ! Revelation 13:7, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” AND Revelation 17:14, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” In other words, they will come together again to proudly exalt self and oppose God’s will. Revelation 19:19, “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.” This leader shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods - for he shall magnify himself above all. (Dan 11:36-37). He will be just like his father the devil. Notice the nature of Satan: to exalt self (pride) and do according to self-will, thus magnifying self above God’s will.
The religions of the world will also unite under a false prophet. This false prophet will be very convincing: shall shew great signs and wonders: Revelation 13:13-14, “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast (secular world leader), which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” AND 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” This religious leader and his minnions (false prophets and teachers) will be very effective insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (Mt 24:24). Those that walk in Satan’s nature can only unite under threat or compulsion because everyone is exalting and seeking self. Therefore: Revelation 13:15-17, “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
This beast and false prophet (state and false church combination, Rev chap 13, Mt 24:24, Mk 13:22) make war with Christ’s saints (Rev 13:7, Dan 7:25)! Revelation 18:24, “And in her (Mystery Babylon) was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” AND Revelation 12:17, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Recall that the false church does not keep the commandments of God. Babylon is all about war!!! The true church actually keeps the commandments of God. The Lord’s people do not resist and are overcome. However, in doing so, they have victory over the beast. They walk in God’s nature of love (keep His commandments) and love not their lives unto death (sacrifice self for God’s will). Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” They lay their lives down just as their Lord Jesus did. They refused to bow down to the dictates of the beast and thus obtained victory over him (Rev 15:2). The beast is the persecutor and God’s people are the persecuted!
A Peculiar People
The Lord God formed His own nation out of faithful Abraham – he was called out of the nations of the world (Gen 12:1, Deut 7:6, 10:15). The Lord told Abraham: Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” The nations of the earth would be blessed because Jesus would later come from Abraham’s seed (Gen 28:14). God made a covenant with this nation and gave them His laws. They were told: Deuteronomy 14:2, “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth (also Deut 7:6).” AND Deuteronomy 26:18-19, “And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken (also Deut 14:2, Ps 135:4).” AND Exodus 19:5-6, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. So, God’s peculiar people keep His commandments and are thus placed high above the nations as a holy people (Deut 26:18-19, 28:9-10). So the Lord told them: Leviticus 20:26, “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.”
Jesus came from the seed of Abraham (Heb 2:16). All those who “follow” Christ in faith are now accounted as the seed of Abraham and are God’s peculiar people (when compared with the nations of the earth). Galatians 3:7, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham (also Rm 2:29, 4:13, 16, Gal 3:9, 28-29).” Romans 9:8, “That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Galatians 3:29, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Jesus calls us out of the darkness (kingdoms of this world). 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Christ gave Himself to make it so: Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Therefore, those who heed God’s call and obey His commands become citizens of Christ’s kingdom: Colossians 1:13, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” To be delivered from the power of darkness means to be delivered from the lusts and desires of the flesh (Jn 12:46, Gal 5:16, 24, 1 Jn 2:16). This is a kingdom set apart and high above the nations – its people are holy unto God (Deut 28:9-10).
Notice (above) that all the earth is the Lord’s, and His people have clearly been called to a higher standard. Jesus severs (to separate as distinct) His people from the world (darkness) to be holy unto Him (1 Pt 1:15-16). This higher standard is to walk in the commandments of God. The kingdoms of the world do not regard this standard. The peoples of the kingdoms of this world walk in the ways of the corrupt nature of man seeking their lusts and desires. The Lord calls and redeems His people from such iniquity to walk in Christ who is “The Way” (Jn 14:6).
The Kingdom of God
The nation of Israel was to be a holy and peculiar people unto the Lord thy God. The followers of Christ were to be a chosen, holy and peculiar people. They were both bound by covenants to obey God and walk in His ways. God said of Israel: “And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God (Ex 6:7).” Scripture reveal of those chosen and peculiar people who follow Christ: 1 Peter 2:10, “Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” The Lord redeemed Israel from Pharaoh (i.e. Satan) and Egypt (i.e. the world, Ex 15:13, Deut 7:8, 9:26, 13:5, 15:15). Jesus redeemed His followers from Satan and the world (Lk 1:68, 4:18, Acts 26:18, Heb 2:14, 1 Jn 3:8, Rev 5:9). Romans 4:9, “Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision (Israel) only, or upon the uncircumcision (followers of Christ) also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.” Romans 3:30, “Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision (Israel) by faith, and uncircumcision (followers of Christ) through faith.” Galatians 3:9, “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” Galatians 3:7, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” What all this is saying is that the children of faith are the children or citizens of the kingdom of God. Jesus is the King and His followers are His holy nation. God’s kingdom is high above all the kingdoms of the earth. Faith (loving surrender and obedience to the will of God, loyalty, devotion, trust) is the mark of citizenship. God has one people and they are the people of faith (Heb 11:6, Rm 1:17, 3:28). Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace (the Holy Spirit working God’s will in you) wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
The Lord God took the children of Israel out of Egypt to be His own people (Deut 5:6). Deuteronomy 4:20, “But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.” AND Deuteronomy 6:21, “Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand (also Deut 7:8-9).” Egypt represented the world and Pharaoh represented the devil. This is analogous to Christ calling His people out of the world and destroying the works of Satan which has had them bound (1 Jn 3:8). These works are the foundation of Satan’s lie which are to seek self (lusts and desires) over God (and over others). Galatians 5:24, “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Those who are Christ’s sojourn in the nations of this world (have temporary residence, pilgims), but are citizens of another kingdom altogether. The distinguishing factor is that they obey God and walk in His ways (love, Deut 5:33, 8:6, 11:22, 26:17, 28:9, 30:16, Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6). Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel (those of Abraham), what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” None of this has changed under the covenant of Christ. Consider who Jesus regards as His family: Mark 3:33-35, “And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”
Those who enter the kingdom of God must be born into the kingdom of God. They must die to (forsake) what they were (completely renounce the darkness they walked in) and embrace (surrender to, obey, walk in) God’s will and thus be “born again” (Jn 3:3, 7, Rm 6:3-13) We forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before (Php 3:13). This begins with sincere godly sorrow and repentance (complete change of direction, Acts 26:20, 2 Cor 7:10, 2 Pt 3:9). One can only be “born again” of God (Jn 3:5, 1 Cor 6:11) – for as many as the Lord shall call (Acts 2:39, 47). John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” They become a new man! Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Colossians 3:10, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (by the Spirit of God, 2 Cor 3:18).” This means that God writes His laws in your heart and mind (Heb 8:10, 10:16, 2 Cor 3:3, Eph 4:23, Php 2:5). The Lord circumcises your heart to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul (Deut 30:6). This is a circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ (Col 2:11). Those circumcised in the heart worship God in the spirit and have no confidence in the flesh (Php 3:3). 1 John 2:29, “If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” The righteousness which is of God is by faith (Php 3:9). The actions/deeds of those born of God tend toward righteousness and holiness!
You once were physically born into the kingdoms of this world (became a citizen of the country you were born). Now you must renounce your worldly citizenship (all allegiances to state/religion of this world) and be “born again” into the kingdom of God; giving the Lord your full allegiance (devotion, loyalty, obedience) – you cannot serve two masters (Mt 6:24, Lk 16:13). You become the citizen of another kingdom altogether. No one comes to the Father but through Jesus Christ and your “born again” citizenship MUST be written/noted in the Lamb’s book of life (Jn 14:6, Rev 20:12, 15, 21:27, 19). Therefore: John 3:6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” One is of the kingdoms of the world and the other is in the kingdom of God. Those who are of the kingdoms of this world, walk in the ways of this world (war, killing, violence, pride, etc.). Those who are of the kingdom of heaven, walk in the ways of the kingdom of heaven (love, goodness, kindness, self control, humbleness, etc.).
Jesus was accused of being an enemy of Rome and of speaking against Caesar (Lk 23:2, Jn 19:12, 15). The Roman governor (Pilate) questioned Jesus concerning this and asked Him if he were the king of the Jews (Jn 18:33). John 18:36-37, “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” Having heard this Pilate proclaimed, “I find in him no fault at all” (Lk 23:4, 14-15, Jn 18:38). Jesus did not concern Himself with the kingdoms of this world and neither will His followers. Christ has a kingdom (of heaven) that is not of this world and every one that is of the truth will follow Him there. Jesus did not resist the worldly authorities (fight back) and neither will His followers. We sojourn in the kingdoms of this world and seek peace, but our loyalty and devotion is to our King – Jesus Christ.
You must separate from the peoples of the land and not do after their abominations (Ezra 9:1). It doesn’t take long for a sincere believer to realize that the peoples of the world have little regard for God’s commandments, but high regard for the desires of the flesh. We must be separate (be sanctified) unto our God, yet a bright light for those in darkness to see. We cannot join with the world for they do not serve the Lord and will lead in paths contrary to God’s will. The narrow way (Mt 7:13-14) is contrary and conflicting with everything the world holds dear. The ways of this world must be abandoned to walk God’s way.
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