TRUE VS. FALSE CHURCH
Satan’s main goal is to deceive the whole world and lead all to eternal death to be lost forever. Based on what has been studied so far, Satan will use ministers who are connected to a false Christian church organization to deceive many people. Satan has cleverly set up churches who have rejected Bible Truth to teach others to also reject it. Satan’s “religious” ministers claim to be ministers of light and righteousness, but do not keep ALL of God commandments including the seventh-day Sabbath. Nevertheless, God has true ministers in His true church that keep all His commandments. Remember, for everything that God has that is genuine, Satan has counterfeits that closely resemble the genuine. Christ only has one true church. Satan has multiple professors of truth with different opposing views, but all claiming to be a part of Christ’s one true church. Again, the Bible is your only detector of who is a part of Christ’s one and only true church or not in these last days - period.
You need to be aware of Satan’s counterfeits, if you are not you will be a victim of his deceptions. In this study, his false church system and those who follow it will be exposed by the Bible. Also, the mark of the beast crisis will be revealed and what you need to do in order not to receive it. Before that is done let’s first look at the one true church of Christ and its standards so you can know the difference between God’s true church and Satan’s counterfeits.
How does the Bible clearly reveal true worship versus false worship, God’s true church versus Satan’s false church, the “mark” of God versus the mark of the beast?
This answer can be found in the prophetic book of Revelation. This is not a book to fear, but to embrace and study. Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” This is what Revelation is all about. The name “Revelation” means to “be revealed.” It reveals the truth of Jesus Christ and exposes the lies and character of Satan. It reveals God’s true church and exposes Satan’s false church. Revelation 1:1 begins with these powerful and comforting words, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The entire theme of the book centers around Jesus Christ. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, all of God’s prophecies from Genesis to Revelation are “given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Peter 1:20, 21 says, 20“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
In Revelation 14:6-13, God divinely inspired the prophet John, a disciple of Christ, to write down an urgent prophetic message known as the Three Angels’ Message that clearly contrasts the difference between true worship and false worship, God’s true church and Satan’s false church, the mark of God and the mark of the beast. The three angels’ message will be used as the foundation of this study as we explore and learn more about the mark of the beast crisis. The mark of the beast crisis is ONLY clearly understood by doing a complete study of these powerful messages. Please pray for clear understanding as you continue your study in God’s prophetic Word. The Holy Spirit promises that He will lead you to ALL truth.
What is the message of the first angel and how is God’s true church revealed?
Revelation 14:6, 7
6 “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”
The First Angel’s Message in Revelation 14:6, 7 reveals true worship that is connected to God’s true church. In this context, “angel” in the Greek is referring to the messengers of God bringing tidings. In verse 6, the messengers of God preach the everlasting gospel of the purpose, work, ministry, example, and promises of Jesus Christ that must go to all the world. Then verse 7 clearly reveals that we must worship the Creator God, the One who made heaven and earth and the sea, in order to abide in God’s truth. Remember that keeping God’s holy seventh-day Sabbath, truly connects us to our Creator. It is a major part of true worship.
Also, verse 7 reveals that we are to fear God which means to reverence God and that we are living in the time of judgment. Remember, the standard in which we are judged is the Ten Commandments. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Are you ready to stand before the judgment seat of Christ? This does not mean that you will literally stand before Christ as you are being judged. It means that your name will come up before Christ in the judgment that is going on now. Do you think you are ready?
Before we continue to go to the second angel’s message let’s get more details of Christ’s one true church. Pay close attention to this part of the study because it is extremely important.
What was the main theme of Christ’s last prayer for His people before He went to the cross of Calvary?
John 17:1-4, 17-21
1 “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify