Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I cannot over-emphasise the importance of discerning truth and the need to separate ourselves from false churches and teachings. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be vigilant in our faith, ensuring that we are rooted in the truth of the Gospel and not led astray by false doctrines or deceptive practices. In a world where many claim to speak for God, it is crucial that we exercise discernment & remain steadfast in our pursuit of the true teachings of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 18:4 calls us to come out of Babylon. As followers of Jesus, we must be vigilant in our faith, ensuring that we are not caught up in the sinful ways and traditions of the world, but remain steadfast in our pursuit of the truth of the Gospel. In a world full of temptations and distractions, it is crucial that we heed the call to separate ourselves from the corrupt systems and values that surround us, and stay focused on our walk with Christ.
Coming out of Babylon means rejecting the values and priorities of the world that are contrary to God's Word and His kingdom. It involves a conscious decision to resist the allure of worldly pleasures, wealth & power. To seek first the kingdom of God & His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
The Dangers of False Churches
The Bible consistently warns about the dangers of false teachers and false churches. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, expressing his concern that they were being led astray by false gospels: "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ" (Galatians 1:6-7).
Similarly, Jesus warned His followers about false prophets, saying, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (Matthew 7:15). These warnings remind us we must be on guard against those who claim to represent Christ but lead people away from the truth.
The Importance of Discernment
To avoid being deceived by false churches and teachings, we must develop the ability to discern truth from falsehood. This requires an intimate knowledge of the Scriptures, a close relationship with the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to prayer and spiritual growth.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Thessalonica to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This means that we must examine the teachings and practices of any church or spiritual leader, comparing them to the teachings of Scripture to determine their validity.
We must also rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who Jesus promised would "guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). By cultivating a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's promptings, we can discern whether a particular teaching or practice aligns with God's will and the truth of the Gospel.
The Call to Separate from False Churches
Once we have discerned that a church is promoting unbiblical teachings, it is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to separate ourselves from them. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).
This call to separation is not a call to self-righteousness or judgment, but a call to protect our faith and the truth of the Gospel. By refusing to take part in false teachings and practices, we show our allegiance to Christ and our commitment to upholding the truth of His Word.
It is important to remember that separating from a false church does not mean abandoning our fellow believers. We must continue to love and pray for those who may still be caught in deception, trusting that God will open their eyes to the truth and lead them to a place of spiritual freedom.
The Dangers of Remaining in Babylon
The warning that accompanies the call to come out of Babylon is clear: those who remain in Babylon will share in her sins and receive her plagues. This is a sobering reminder of the consequences of aligning ourselves with the world and its sinful ways. By choosing to remain in Babylon, we not only jeopardise our relationship with God, but we also put ourselves at risk of experiencing the judgment and wrath that will ultimately befall the corrupt systems of this world.
The danger of remaining in Babylon is not only a matter of physical or material consequences, but also a matter of spiritual peril. By choosing to remain entangled in the world's sinful ways, we risk becoming spiritually blind, hardened, and unable to discern the truth of the Gospel. As Jesus warned in Matthew 16:26, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, discerning truth and separating ourselves from false churches is a serious and necessary responsibility for every believer. As we navigate the complexities of the spiritual landscape in our world today, let us be vigilant in our pursuit of the truth, grounded in the Word of God, and guided by the Holy Spirit.
May we be bold in our stand against false teachings and practices, not out of a spirit of condemnation but out of love for the truth and a desire to see all people come to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Let us also remember to pray for those who may still be caught in the snare of Babylon, asking the Lord to open their eyes and lead them to the truth. As we continue to walk in the light of Christ, may our lives be a testimony to the power of the Gospel and unchanging truth of God's Word.