Page 46 - BV7

Oh, but it is! Notice, verse 5, she is a mother church! Her daughters are also churches who
have come out of her, in protest, calling themselves Protestant -- but they are fundamentally of her
family in pagan doctrines and practices! They, too, make themselves a part of this world, taking
active part in its politics -- the very act which made a "harlot" out of their mother!

The entire apostate family -- mother, and more than 400 daughter denominations, all di-
vided against each other and in confusion of doctrines, yet all united in the chief pagan doctrines
and festivals -- has a family name! They call themselves "Christian," but God calls them something
else -- "Mystery, Babylon the Great"!

"Babylon" means confusion! God always names people and things by calling them what
they are! And here are the identical ancient Babylonian Mysteries now wrapped in the false cloak
labeled "Christianity" -- but in fact it is the same old "Babylonian Mystery System."

But where, then, was the true Church?

TRUE Church Small -- Scattered

Did the true Church of God, of which Jesus Christ is the living, directing Head, become
perverted -- did it merely apostatize into the system described above?

No! The gates of hell have never prevailed against the true Church of God, and never will!
The true Church has never fallen! It has never ceased!

But the true Church of God is pictured in prophecy as the "little flock"! The New Testament
describes this Church as continually persecuted, despised by the large popular churches because it
is not OF this world or its politics, but has kept itself unspotted from the world! It has always kept
the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Rev. 12:17). It has kept God's Festivals, not the
pagan holidays. It has been empowered with the Spirit of God!

That Church never became the great popular church at Rome, as the Protestant world sup-
poses! That Church has always existed, and it exists today!

Then where did it go? Where was it during the Middle Ages? Where is it today?

First, remember this Church was never large, never politically powerful, or a world-
known organization of men. It is a spiritual organism, not a political organization. It is composed
of all whose hearts and lives have been changed by the Spirit of God, whether visibly together, or
individually scattered.

Under the lash of continual persecution and opposition from the organized forces of this
world, it is difficult for such a people to remain united and organized together.

Daniel prophesied the true people of God would be scattered (Dan. 12:7). Ezekiel foretold
it (Ezek. 34:5-12). Jeremiah, too (Jer. 23:1-2). Jesus foretold it (Matt. 26:31). The apostolic
Church was soon scattered by persecution (Acts 8:1).

46