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Babylon, Popery, and Your Church—A Call to Come Out

Babylon, Popery, and Your Church—A Call to Come Out

In the book of Revelation, Jesus reveals the future to John the apostle. In chapter 18, John sees that before Christ returns, a message comes from heaven to God’s people on Earth:

“Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”

Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues” (vv. 2–4 NIV84, emphasis mine).

The call to come out of Babylon is not a call to leave a geographic area or to come out of one denomination and join another—it is a call to come out of a way of thinking and acting. It is a call to leave behind Satan’s version of God and God’s law and return to worshiping the Creator whose laws are design laws.

In Scripture, Babylon symbolizes those systems that claim a belief in God but use the imperial methods of this world to enforce matters of conscience—in place of using God’s methods of truth given in love. They replace God’s design laws with imposed human laws while claiming to advance the kingdom of God.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way” (Daniel 3:28, 29 NIV84, emphasis mine).

Nebuchadnezzar praised God and then immediately used the power of the state to enact laws to punish those who spoke negatively about God. And of all the nations that interacted with Israel during Bible times, Babylon was the first to make a legal code, the Code of Hammurabi, and, thus, Babylon accurately represents the worldly systems of made-up laws and legal enforcement.

To leave Babylon does not require one to leave one’s denominational church—it does require one to change one’s understanding of who God is, how His law and government functions, and to leave the practices, methods, principles, and motives of Babylon and to live out the methods and principles of God’s kingdom of love.

Daniel and his three friends did not leave Babylon physically, but they were not part of Babylon spiritually. They did not accept Babylon’s fantasy version of reality, Babylon’s gods, or the methods, principles, and practices of Babylon. Even while living in the physical city of Babylon, they walked free in their love, devotion, loyalty, and commitment to the true God—they lived out in their lives the kingdom of God. They were in Babylon but not of Babylon.

Likewise, we are to be in the world but not of the world. We are not to have our minds, hearts, characters, methods, motives, and actions shaped, formed, and directed by the world—as Jesus prayed:

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it (John 17:15, 16 NIV84).

In Scripture, Babylon not only represents a nation, a human government, but it also represents churches/religions that believe Satan’s lie that God’s law functions like human law and teach a god that functions like a creature rather than the Creator; it represents organizations that use a creature’s methods, principles, and governing type of rules, coercion, and force—even if the doctrine being advanced is right, like Nebuchadnezzar rightly proclaiming Daniel’s God is God but then using coercive force to advance it. The use of imposed law (made-up rules that creatures make) with coercive enforcement on matters of conscience is the sign, method, motive, principle of the world—what Revelation describes as the beast.

 

God, Satan, and Reality

God is the Creator; He builds reality. His laws are the design protocols for life, the laws of physics, health, and the moral laws. Life operates only when it is in harmony with God’s design laws for life.

Created beings cannot build reality, so we make up rules that we call “laws” and then use external power to enforce those rules through punishment. This is Satan’s form of government.

Therefore, as Satan gets Christians to believe that God’s law functions like human law, he replaces God with himself in hearts and minds as the one being worshiped. Another way to say this is that when we worship a god who functions like a human governor, someone who externally enforces law, we are worshiping a creature rather than the Creator. The apostle Paul warned of this:

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. … Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:1–4 NIV84, emphasis mine).

By denying God’s design laws and replacing them with imposed laws, Satan is lawless—outside the law of God—and as he gets people to believe God’s law functions like human law, they automatically believe in a god who is the source of inflicted pain and death as “just” punishment for sin. Thus, Satan successfully replaces the Creator God with a creature in the hearts of people, in the Spirit temple, as the one being worshiped.

This is why God, through John in Revelation, calls people at the end of time back to the worship of the Creator, to worship Him who made the heavens, earth, sea, and fountains of water (14:7). This is a call to reject the Roman view of God’s law, to reject the idea that God’s law functions no differently than human law, and to recognize God’s laws as design laws, the protocols upon which life is designed to operate.

 

Babylon and the Church

We set aside divine law when we teach that God’s government functions like human governments with made-up rules that require judicial and legal oversight and external enforcement. Such religious systems, with their legal accounting, legal adjustment, and required legal payments and punishments, are Babylon.

All religions, including Christianity, that teach that God’s law functions like human law and that God is the source of inflicted pain, suffering, and death as punishment for sin are teaching people to worship a creature in place of the Creator and are, therefore, a part of Babylon.

Understand this clearly: One can be of Babylon and part of the fallen system while holding membership in any denominational church if one embraces in one’s heart the lie that God’s law functions like human law, requiring coercive enforcement, and practices the methods of the beast on others.

This is what the Roman church did to Christianity. It replaced design law with the lie that God’s law functions like Roman law and then went about using the power of force, of arms, of coercion to advance its version of Christianity—the Crusades, Inquisition, burning people at the stake, etc. While the Protestant Reformation rejected many doctrines of the Dark Ages church, her own churches have never rejected the lie that God’s law functions like human law. And this idea, which results in external force and coercion of conscience, is what popery is. One of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church wrote the following:

Here the great crisis is coming upon the world. The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the fires of persecution will be rekindled through the time-serving concessions of the so-called Protestant world. In this time of peril we can stand only as we have the truth and the power of God. Men can know the truth only by being themselves partakers of the divine nature. We have need now for more than human wisdom in reading and searching the Scriptures; and if we come to God’s Word with humble hearts, He will raise up a standard for us against the lawless element (2 Selected Messages, p. 367).

What does the author mean by “popery”? Some read this as referring to a denominational system—the Roman Catholic Church, or perhaps to its doctrines, ceremonies, or services. But that is not its intended meaning. Popery here refers to the methods of authoritarianism, of having rulers lord over and dictate orthodoxy and then enforcing their beliefs by the coercion of conscience. To practice popery does not mean to join the Roman church or believe in any of its doctrines; it means to practice the methods of authoritarianism, the coercion of consciences.

We will now examine two more quotes from the same author—the first to discover what she meant by Protestantism, and the second to see how she contrasts Protestantism with popery–to demonstrate that popery is not about denomination or doctrines; rather, it is about methods and principles.

Among the Christian exiles who first fled to America and sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance were many who determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty. Their views found place in the Declaration of Independence, which sets forth the great truth that “all men are created equal” and endowed with the inalienable right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And the Constitution guarantees to the people the right of self-government, providing that representatives elected by the popular vote shall enact and administer the laws. Freedom of religious faith was also granted, every man being permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. Republicanism [civil liberty] and Protestantism [religious liberty] became the fundamental principles of the nation. These principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. The oppressed and downtrodden throughout Christendom have turned to this land with interest and hope. Millions have sought its shores, and the United States has risen to a place among the most powerful nations of the earth (The Great Controversy, p. 441, emphasis mine).

Consider how the same author used the term popery here (my comments in red):

We are to carry out the principles of Protestantism. [This does not say the “doctrines” of Protestantism, but the principles that are truth presented in love, while leaving others free—for love only grows when people are free.] Popery is represented all around us, and unless every eye is singled to the glory of God, this enormous system of popery will be interwoven with our faith and practice. [Interweaving popery here does not mean accepting its doctrines; it means using the methods of authoritarian force and coercion, undermining liberty of conscience.] Just as far as any of its deluded principles and practices shall insinuate themselves into our religious management and organizations, we are disabled and weakened, and hindered from doing our first work in personal reformation of character; for the principles of the papacy are directly opposed to religious freedom, and wherever they are cherished, an effort is made to control the conscience (14LtMs, Ms 25, 1899, par. 5, emphasis mine).

During COVID, we saw the principles of popery in action strongly among many elements within Christianity around the globe when various churches used authoritarianism to coerce their own employees, students, and members to violate their consciences.

 

The Last Days and Babylon

Popery, the system of religious intolerance and coercion of conscience, will gain its lost supremacy not by the Roman church gaining control of secular governments but by the methods of authoritarianism being incorporated into our church institutions and practices.

Every organization that would coerce the consciences of people is part of Babylon, whether they are nations or churches, whether Roman or Protestant. And we are called by God to cut out of our hearts those Roman methods, principles, and practices and to be like Daniel—in the world, in Babylon, in systems that coerce, but never be a part of them, always standing separate, always living out God’s methods, always witnessing the truth of God’s kingdom in how we govern ourselves, treat others, and what we teach about God.

We can successfully do this only when we reject the imposed-law view of God and His government, reject the penal/legal lies about salvation, and return to worshiping the Creator whose laws are design laws.

I invite you to “come out of her [Babylon], my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4 NIV84) and, instead, “worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water” (Revelation 14:7)!

 

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Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.