Religion Of The People - Part One

---

Pastor Longinus Ekeh, March 1, 2015

(If you have not read the article preceding this it would be beneficial to read it first, click on this link Will Islam Conquer the World? Part Two).

“...And he shouted with a mighty voice, She is fallen! Mighty Babylon is fallen! She has become a resort and dwelling place for demons, a dungeon haunted by every loathsome spirit, an abode for every filthy and detestable bird.…” Rev.18:2. What does this describe - a city? A nation? No, the end time Church!

Prophetic teachers tell us that this chapter (Rev.18) describes the commercial aspect of Babylon, and I also share that view. But looking closely, we can see that it goes beyond Commercial Babylon. Verse 4 contains a command from God, saying, “… Come out of her My people …” Here is an indication that the children of God are hedged in a system that is anti-God. It is not just one particular city, but a religious system that does not recognize the Saviour.

The Prophetic significance of current Islamic Revolution

Although the current statistics seem to indicate that Islam might conquer the West and the rest of the world, the reality is that, it is unlikely. The pressure of radical Islam is rather going to trigger landmark changes in both political and religious fronts. Yes, they are happening already!

The present Islamic revolution, aggression and persecution serve to fast track the fulfillment of certain end-time prophetic events. Apart from the fact that it would make the Governments of the world, especially in the West, to legitimately regulate people's lives by taking away some privacy rights, it would also incite all nations against Israel and facilitate the alignment of nations according to Ezekiel 38 & 39; perhaps the major significance to the Church is that, it facilitates the descent of the Church into the abyss of Apostasy. As Islam comes into prominence in all nations of the world, which this Arab Revolution has achieved, simultaneously gospel preachers would come under pressure to review the only Jesus saves message. Christian folks who are unsettled in the faith would begin to ponder about the possibility of another way. The unsaved world would seem to be in confusion about which way to follow. The interfaith religious movement comes into prominence. Both Christianity and Islam are in for drastic changes.

True Islam under persecution

The media has deliberately misrepresented Islam so as to distort the real view of a true Muslim. President Obama has said several times that these ‘violent extremists’ are not real Muslims. But that is a political statement! A statement which was critically analyzed in the Los Angeles Times!1 But the experts are are saying to him that ISIS are true Muslims.2

In all religions, the faithful followers are those who live according to whatever book they consider their holy book. Faithful Muslims are those who live according to the Quran. Although they have different patterns of interpretations which divide the Sunni and the Shia sects, there are however, common denominators, and that includes the Sharia. Today, ‘evangelical’ Islamic movements have been labeled terrorists, extremists, jihadists, etc. but these are Muslims who are in the vanguard of restoring what they deem to be true Islamic practice according to their holy book. Accurate interpretation of the Quran has been tagged, “extreme.” The favourites are those who, according to the interpretation of the Quran, should be deemed apostates.

Apostasy in Islam was described as follows, “A person is considered apostate if he or she converts from Islam to another religion. A person is an apostate even if he or she believes in most of Islam, but verbally or in writing denies of one or more principles or precepts of Islam. For example, a Muslim who doubts the existence of Allah, enters a church or temple, makes offerings to and worships a symbol of Christ, an idol or stupa or any image of God, celebrates festivals of non-Muslim religion, helps build a church or temple, confesses a belief in rebirth or reincarnation of God, disrespects Qur'an or Islam's Prophet, are all individually sufficient evidence of apostasy.” The Wikipedia.org.3

A faithful Muslim subscribes to the Sharia law and would do everything within his abilities to see Sharia law implemented; he deems it below his belt to associate with Christians, stand where Christian prayers are held, or even enter a Church. He sees non-Muslims as infidels who should either convert or be slain. It is evident therefore, that vast majority of Muslims in the West are apostates, going by the above definition. In other words, faithful Muslims are currently under persecution having been labeled terrorists and extremists.

True Christianity coming under persecution

It is not going to be hurrah for true Christians either! A true Christian believes in the authority of the Bible on every matter. He believes that the writers were inspired by God, and so their writing is the Word of God. A true Christian knows and believes that the Bible cannot be improved upon, modified or corrected. He believes that only Jesus saves; he believes in holy living, separation from sin and worldliness; does not get himself yoked together with unbelievers. He is evangelical both in lifestyle and in pursuits. Sooner or later, faithful Christians would be branded anti-social, and given negative characterizations in order to eliminate them.

Who rules eventually?

It is neither true Islam nor genuine Christianity! The Apostate Religion shall reign although temporarily!! Islamic aggression and persecution would cause to come into prominence a version of religion that accommodates all faiths, tolerates all forms of worship, supports government and persecutes the faithful saints. This is Babylon the Great! The Egyptian President is already canvassing for the reform of Islam.4 Several Pentecostal Church leaders, especially in the United States, have come to embrace joint fellowship with Muslims in the name of peace. Recently, Muslims were invited to the Washington National Cathedral for the first time, for prayers.5

At end-time Babylon the Great would be a fusion of all faiths, the convergence of both good and evil, and the controller of world government. Rev.18:2 says, "After all this I saw another angel come down from heaven with great authority, and the earth grew bright with his splendor. 2He gave a mighty shout: 'Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen! She has become a home for demons. She is a hideout for every foul spirit, a hideout for every foul vulture and every foul and dreadful animal.'" It is this religion that would rule the world; it is the Antichrist religion. In our next article we would survey the present signs which point to the eventual future dominance of the Antichrist religion.

Exhortation

Jesus Christ encouraged His disciples and said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." True believers are the real conquerors! Daniel saw the end of the age and said, “I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. 16 So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: 17 'These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. 18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.'” (Dan.7:15-18).

Beloved, this is the time to embrace Jesus Christ; submit to Him as your Lord and personal Saviour. This is the time to serve God as never before, because at the end of the age, the real conquerors would be the saints of the Most High God. Would you be one of them?

References

1. The Los Angeles Time.
2. ISIS are true Muslims.
3. The Wikipedia on apostate Islam
4. Egyptian President calls for reform of Islam.
5. Muslims pray at the Washington National Cathedral.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father..." (John 14:12).

---