Christ has informed us as to who the real enemy of the Truth is. It is a message which only Christ’s true servants can hear and receive (Rev 1:1-3). In Revelation 13 we have depicted the rise of a system of blasphemy which makes war against the saints. So powerful was this system that “all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (v8). Here is a clear declaration. If anyone supported this system they would not receive eternal life. “If any man have an ear” added the Lord, “let him hear” (v9).
This powerful enemy of the Truth is further described in Revelation 17–18. It sits astride the same beast outlined in chapter 13 but this time it is depicted as a harlot sitting upon seven hills. Upon its head is emblazoned its characteristics: “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth” (17:1-5). The chaste virgin of the first century (2 Cor 11:2) has become a degraded harlot in the latter days. It is none other than the system of Christendom in all of its hideous manifestations, led by the mother church in Rome.
Does the Lord condone open fellowship and association with the mother or the daughters of Christendom? The answer is absolutely not! This system will resist the Lord when he returns and fight against him (Rev 17:14). It will be destroyed along with its supporters. How tragic it would be if we were fellowshipping a system that Christ has utterly condemned.
Furthermore in Revelation 18:4-5 an appeal is made to those who are contemplating mixing with this apostate woman to separate themselves from her influence: “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities”. This is not an invitation to fellowship – it is a command to come out and leave her completely alone.
Christ’s assessment is clear. Christendom is the apostate enemy of the Truth. Beneath the smooth words of Christendom lies iniquity that reaches unto heaven. Her true colours will be seen when she resists Christ’s reign as king. Instead of embracing her in fellowship, Christ’s servants will delight in her demise. As 18:20 states, “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her”. With this in mind, we ought to have nothing to do with the doctrines, practices and beliefs of the churches around us.