Why God Hates Babylon: The Infiltration of the Church
Orientation
Many believers are unaware that practices presented as Christian can be infiltrations of pagan mystery religion, leading to idolatry while appearing to serve God.
- Satanic agents infiltrate the church, seducing believers into idolatry and spiritual fornication.
- This infiltration often involves syncretism—mixing pagan and Christian practices under Christian names.
- The result is believers unwittingly advancing Satan's kingdom while believing they are worshipping Christ.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (Revelation 2:20)
— Revelation 2:20
Clarification
This infiltration does not mean all who participate are knowingly evil; many are deceived, but Jesus searches hearts and distinguishes between the ensnared and the resistant.
- Some, like Jezebel, are deliberate agents teaching 'the depths of Satan.'
- Many others are simply ignorant, having been denied access to Scripture and taught syncretistic practices as truth.
- Jesus gives space for repentance and judges each according to their works, not blanket condemnation.
And all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works... But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. (Revelation 2:23-24)
— Revelation 2:23-24
Structure
The biblical pattern shows Satan's strategy is to corrupt worship from within by disguising pagan mystery religion as Christian practice, a deception historically exposed by Scripture's accessibility.
- The figure of Jezebel symbolizes the infiltration of Babylonian mystery religion into the church.
- This pattern was historically realized through the Roman system's syncretism and suppression of the Bible.
- God's counter-action was to make Scripture accessible, exposing the deception and preserving true worship.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)
— 2 Corinthians 11:13-14
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core assertion is that Satan infiltrates the church through mystery religions disguised as Christian practice. This is not a minor error but a fundamental corruption of worship, replacing justification by faith with idolatrous ritual. The Pauline category of ‘another gospel’ (Galatians 1:6-9) finds expression here: a false system that obscures the finished work of Christ and leads believers into a counterfeit sonship. The historical agent identified is the Roman Catholic Church, particularly through the Pope’s role as Pontifex Maximus, stewarding Babylonian mystery religion and presenting the worship of Tammuz as the worship of Christ. This syncretism was maintained by locking away the Bible. The positive theological move is that God used the translation of Scripture and the rise of literacy to expose this deception, fulfilling His purpose to preserve a people for Himself. Jesus’ judgment in Revelation 2 is according to works to distinguish those who hold to this false doctrine from those who do not, but for the true believer who lacks this Satanic doctrine, Jesus puts no additional burden.
Integration
Your assurance rests on Christ alone, not on your ability to spot every historical deception. The same Jesus who searches the hearts in Thyatira knows your heart now. His judgment distinguishes, but for those who are His, there is no burden, only the settled peace of His finished work. The exposure of error throughout history serves to confirm the truth, not to create anxiety. Your standing is secure in the gospel—that Christ died for your sins and rose again. The accessibility of Scripture is a gift of grace, anchoring you in Him, not a source of pressure to attain hidden knowledge. Rest in the fact that you are known, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.