Solomon Asch was curious. Most people like to think of themselves as independent-minded and courageous. But, when push comes to shove, how many people truly have the courage to stand on their convictions? Asch was determined to find out.
He conducted a series of experiments through which he could test the power of conformity. He put the person he was testing in with a larger “control” group and asked a series of questions. At first, everyone answered correctly. After awhile, however, the group (who had been coached by Asch on how to answer) began answering some of the questions incorrectly. The person being tested did not know that the other people had been told to answer incorrectly. Nearly 75% of the individuals thus tested went along with the majority group at least one time.
They knew the correct answer. It was a simple “vision test” they could see with their own eyes! But they answered incorrectly when confronted with the uncomfortable position of being the only one insisting on that answer.
No one likes to stand alone – especially when everyone else is insisting that you are wrong. It is not pleasant. It does not feel comfortable. Self-doubt comes in and the person standing alone can begin to question his own convictions. Everyone likes to have a “support group” of like-minded individuals agreeing with one’s own beliefs.
Asch discovered that if even one other person in the control group answered differently from the majority, the test subject would stand firm on his convictions and not waver. This worked even when the other person disagreeing with the majority gave an answer different from the person being tested! There is comfort in being surrounded by people who believe the way you do – or at least, people who are willing to be different, too.
Scripture singles out a special group of people who receive great honors in heaven: “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” (Revelation 14:4) The catch is, although they are a highly honored group in heaven, while on earth they had to stand alone. The Saviour warned of the cost of following wherever He leads:
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. (Matthew 1:37, 38, NKJV)
This is the test facing the final generation. Do you love your Saviour more than your job? Do you love your Saviour more than your house or your social standing? Do you love your Saviour more than your spouse . . . do you love Him more than yourchildren? All who obey the call to leave Babylon will answer yes to each of these questions.
When a person first heeds the warning to flee Babylon, his or her first reaction will often be: “What church do I attend now? Is there anyone else near me that believes this way? Can we get together to worship?” A person who has spent years worshipping with like-minded believers can feel adrift at the thought of worshipping entirely alone. It simply does not feel right. Sometimes he or she will continue to attend church, even on a wrong day, just for the sake of fellowship.
Such a reaction against worshipping alone is normal. Everyone feels that way at first. However, it is not Biblical. There are 80 times the word “church” is used in the Bible, and 35 uses of the word “churches.” All 115 times are in the New Testament. Unfortunately, “church” is a misleading translation of the original word. The dictionary definition of “church” states:
[A]n edifice consecrated for public worship . . . the collective body of Christians, composed of three great branches, the Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Eastern. . . . a particular body of Christians united under one . . . creed, and using the same ritual and ceremonies . . . any group of worshipers; any organized body of Christiansoccupying the same edifice for religious worship.[1]
Notice the emphasis on groups. By definition, a “church” is a group of people joining together on the basis of shared beliefs. This is the exact opposite of the word that is used in the New Testament. The actual word isĕkklēsia and it means “a calling out . . . Ekklesia, from ek, ‘out of,’ and klesis, ‘a calling’ . . . .”[2]
Ekklesia is the word used throughout the New Testament and it refers to the Called Out Ones. The word church, which emphasizes a group, is an incorrect translation and should never have been used. Christians are, literally, the Called Out Ones. When the call to flee Babylon has been heard, none are to again return to Babylonian fellowship and Babylonian forms of worship simply because it is uncomfortable standing alone.
You do not save people from Babylon by re-entering Babylon. Rather, by example you show them a better way and call them to join you outside of Babylon! There are many sincere people still in Babylon, longing for greater light. However, this does not excuse any who have that light to show support for Babylon by worshipping together in Babylon!
When the Israelites apostatized at Baal-Peor, it was not at first an open rebellion. The women of Moab first befriended the women of Israel. Sharing recipès and chatting about childcare and husbands, was not a sin. However, this friendship laid a foundation that did lead to sin. When the Moabites enticed Israel into sin, they simply invited them to a party! “Welcome, neighbors! Let’s celebrate.” What began as the innocent acceptance of friendship, led the Israelites straight into apostasy.
This mingling of truth and error, believers worshipping with unbelievers (or even the ignorant) was strictly forbidden in Scripture.
If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods,” which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers, of the gods of the people which are all around you, near to you or far off from you . . . you shall not consent to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him; but you shall stone him with stones until he dies, because he sought to entice you away from . . . [Yahuwah your Eloah] . . . . (Deuteronomy 13:6-10, NKJV)
Most of the idolaters surrounding Israel worshipped false gods from ignorance. However, this did not give Israel permission to join with them in worship “for the sake of fellowship.”
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure . . . those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. . . . For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of . . . [our Eloah and Saviour, Yahushua] they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:18, 20-22, KJV)
Once you have seen the truth, that “Babylon the Great” who made “all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication”[3] is Satan’s entire infrastructure of lies, delusions and worldly allurements, once you have seen that Babylon includes all organized religions and denominations that worship on a wrong day calculated by a counterfeit calendar, you are not to return and join with Babylon for the mere sake of “fellowship” or even to witness.
This is a huge change. It takes time to adjust. Only when, by faith, you make the commitment to obey, and actually do obey, will your feelings change and beingcalled out will begin to feel more comfortable. Eventually, separation will feel more natural than immersion in Babylon and you will not want to go back!
Stand strong in the strength of the One who is mighty to save. He will never leave you alone. The warning to flee Babylon is coupled with an invitation: an invitation to join a unique and distinct fellowship. The fellowship of the Called Out Ones. This is a very high calling and a sacred privilege. It is to this fellowship that Yahuwah is inviting those of the final generation who will honor Him and step free of Babylon to worship on His set apart day.
Scripture calls this special fellowship of Called Out Ones: the Sons of Zadok.
When the Israelites rebelled at the golden calf, one tribe alone stood faithful and strong in opposition to the prevailing (and violent) apostasy. For its courage and loyalty, the tribe of Levi was distinguished by Yahuwah in being given the role of priests. This was an immense honor. Of all the tribes, they stood closest to Yahuwah and were the first to learn of His will which, in turn, they related to the people.
Over the next few generations, however, hardness of heart crept into even the high priestly line. Matters reached a crisis when High Priest Eli refused to remove his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, from the priestly office, despite gross dishonor to Heaven.
Eli was an indulgent father. Loving peace and ease, he did not exercise his authority to correct the evil habits and passions of his children. . . . [Consequently] though wholly unfit for the office, they were placed as priests in the sanctuary to minister before . . . [Yahuwah].
. . . These unfaithful priests also transgressed . . . [Yahuwah's] law and dishonored their sacred office by their vile and degrading practices; yet they continued to pollute by their presence the tabernacle of . . . [Yahuwah]. Many of the people, filled with indignation at the corrupt course of Hophni and Phinehas, ceased to come up to the appointed place of worship. Thus the service which . . . [Yahuwah] had ordained was despised and neglected because associated with the sins of wicked men, while those whose hearts were inclined to evil were emboldened in sin. Ungodliness, profligacy, and even idolatry prevailed to a fearful extent.[4]
Because of Eli’s negligence in raising his sons to love, honor and obey Yahuwah, the message from Heaven was:
Yahuwah, Eloah of Israel says: “I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever [and be My priests].” But now Yahuwah says: “Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days are coming that I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. . . . Now this shall be a sign to you that will come upon your two sons, on Hophni and Phineahas: in one day they shall die, both of them. Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind . . . he shall walk before My anointed forever.” (See 1 Samuel 2:27-36.)
In one day, the sons of Eli with their aged father, died. Yahuwah offered the privilege of walking before Him to another. The interesting thing, though, is that the priestly line of Eli continued. There were two priestly lines! The sons of Eli became a symbol of a corrupt religious system, lacking the spirit and power of Yahuwah.
Zadok, a priest who stood for Yahuwah’s anointed during a time of grave national peril,[5] became symbolic of a different spiritual heritage that comes only with a pure, intimate relationship with Yahuwah.
The Sons of Eli and the Sons of Zadok have two separate and distinct functions. The sons of Eli minister to the people.
And the Levites who went far from Me, when Israel went astray, who strayed away from Me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, as gatekeepers of the house and ministers of the house; they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them.
Because they ministered to them before their idols and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity, therefore I have lifted My hand in an oath against them . . . that they shall bear their iniquity. And they shall not come near Me to minister to Me as priest, nor come near any of My holy things, nor into the Most Holy Place; . . . Nevertheless I will make them keep charge of the temple, for all its work, and for all that has to be done in it. (Ezekiel 44:10-14, NKJV)
The Sons of Eli are retained to minister, but they minister unto the people only. Not only are their corrupt hearts perfectly attuned to a people of hardened hearts, but the people want them.
Who is going to bury the dead, marry the young, dedicate babies, visit the sick, counsel the troubled, care for the homeless, and sponsor church suppers? Who is going to preach on Sunday or Saturday or whatever day chosen as holy? Who is going to decide what buildings are to be built and programs to be followed? Who is going to keep the church bulletin filled with information? Who will make the decision as to which “off-staff” minister will visit to offer the congregation a fresh face and some other new program? . . . Who will be responsible for men’s gatherings and fish dinners? Let the compromised sons of Eli handle these matters . . . .[6]
As with the priest, so with the people. People with stony hearts are ministered to by priests of stony hearts. The Sons of Eli minister to the people, but they do not minister unto Yahuwah. Only those with pure hearts can minister to a pure Eloah and the Sons of Eli do not qualify. This high honor is reserved strictly for the Sons of Zadok.
The Eli system is a prop-up program. It can only be maintained as long as there is someone willing to prop it up. . . . [Yahuwah's] message is that the Sons of Zadok, under His authority, will be brought to the forefront, and the prop will fall. . . . [Yahuwah] will generate events in the course of History that will demand their rise. The Sons of Zadok will challenge every sorry detail of the Eli system.[7]
The Sons of Zadok have a living connection with their Creator. They thrive on constant contact with Yahuwah. They reach the point where it is impossible to tell where He begins and they end. Yahuwah and the Sons of Zadok are one. “What the Sons bring in prayer, intercession, or concern has His attention. What He feels, wants, desires becomes their greatest concentration.”[8] It is such people alone that minister unto Yahuwah.
But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood . . . They shall enter My sanctuary, and they shall come near My table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge.
. . . In controversy they shall stand as judges, and judge it according to My judgments. They shall keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed meetings, and they shall hallow My Sabbaths. (Ezekiel 44:15, 16, 24, NKJV)
The Sons of Zadok have a very high calling.
Only the Sons of Zadok (Righteousness) could come before . . . [Yahuwah] and minister unto Him. Those who walk in holiness, compromising no aspect of Word or walk, and who teach the people to be holy qualify. To minister to . . . [Yahuwah] begins with clean hands and pure heart. Its rewards are different; instead of accolades [praise] from men, the Sons of Zadok find accolade from . . . [Yahuwah]. His presence insures that peace reigns and “every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs” (Ezekiel 44:29). Peace will rest upon the congregants’ houses as they minister to them holiness and the way of . . . [Yahuwah].[9]
Only the Sons of Zadok may minister to Yahuwah. And because of their faithfulness, because of their loyalty and love for Him, a very special reward, a heavenly reward is given them:
It shall be, in regard to their inheritance, that I am their inheritance. You shall give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession. (Ezekiel 44:28, NKJV)
Yahuwah is the inheritance of the Sons of Zadok! What an immense spiritual heritage is theirs!
The Sons of Zadok do not need external trappings. They do not need the clerical collar, the fancy church edifice, the expensive car or the advanced degrees. They learn in the School of Heaven and every area of their life is affected.
Ritual was not observed by the Sons of Zadok; they entered in to the presence of . . . [Yahuwah] doing their duties. (Standing in the presence of the Most High changes one’s methods and approaches to ministry.) They taught the people the difference between the holy and the profane. They did not wear their holy garments used in services as they walked in the streets. They did not need notoriety [fame and attention] as priests before the people. The people observed their different behavior. They were holy men doing holy things, and . . . [Yahuwah] blessed them. They walked differently, they talked differently; their lives reflected the holiness of . . . [Yahuwah]. They took seriously, “Be ye holy as I am holy (1 Peter 1:16).” They took opportunity to teach the people to “discern between the unclean and the clean (Ezekiel 44:23).” . . . The people could see that the Sons of Zadok were different.[10]
It is not those alone who have been “ordained to the ministry” that are called to be ministers to Yahuwah. It is not men alone, or adults only that are being called to this high destiny. Heaven is looking for all who will put Yahuwah first and foremost in their lives to be Sons and Daughters of Zadok.
Such people, are people of distinction. Others will observe the Sons and Daughters of Zadok and, seeing Yahuwah in them, will take “knowledge of them, that they . . . [have] been with Yahushua.” (Acts 4:13, KJV)
Where will we find someone, some group, some truly Godly men and women who will rise up and live the Zadok life? Only . . . [Yahuwah] can cause this to happen. . . . [Yahushua] is raising up such a group now. This group understands the System and has rejected it from its foundation to its outward flagrancies. The Sons of Zadok are on the scene, and they are aware of the cost associated with rejecting the “System.” Those who call themselves “saints” will rise and defend to the death this old order; Israel did and the church will. Those in leadership will preach that the Sons of Zadok are not genuine, are false prophets, are unreliable mystics, and are to be shunned on every opportunity. Some will begin to persecute them. Others will call for the [insane] asylum while the more moderates, only Christian counseling. The System does not die without a fight, but it will perish along with every straw structure of man built upon the sands of history.[11]
Yahuwah does not call you out of the bondage of Babylon without offering you something far greater, far more precious. Heaven is raising up an entire generation of priests, Sons and Daughters of Zadok, who will walk in righteousness before Him.
These people cherish Him. They long to know ever more of His will and once they know His will, they render instant obedience to that will. There is no self-interest corrupting their service of Love. They have seen the glory of Divinity and long for nothing greater than to serve Him whom they love. With David, they would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of Yahuwah, then dwell in rich palaces of sin. (Psalm 84:10)
The worldly System of the Sons of Eli holds no attraction for the Sons and Daughters of Zadok. Ministering unto Yahuwah is reward enough for the price of standing alone, be the cost what it may. He is their inheritance, and they want nothing else.
Which ministry do you choose? Do you want to be ministered unto by System Sons of Eli? You can worship in a beautiful church, listen to thrilling music sung by good choirs, enjoy potluck dinners and fellowship suppers. You can be a respected leader in your local church, sitting on the board and having a say in how the offerings will be spent. You may even make a career of it, where higher education will propel onward to higher degrees and still greater respect. You can minister to people and be ministered unto by other people, focusing on everyone’s “felt needs.” You can receive the praise and appreciation of men . . . BUT you may not minister unto Yahuwah.
Or, are you willing to be called out of Babylon? Are you willing to leave behind all human organizations, all human structures and support systems and step out, independent and alone, and be a minister unto Yahuwah? You may face persecution. You will certainly face opposition. There can be no compromise with worldliness. You must be willing to sacrifice anything that comes between you and your Maker. Ministering to Yahuwah begins with clean hands and a pure heart, for only people who are in agreement with Elohim can minister unto Him.
The rewards are very different. Instead of the approval and adoration of men, you will be beloved of Heaven. You will have direct access at all times to the throne of omnipotence as your prayers ascend, perfectly attuned to the will of the Heavenly Father. Angels will cooperate with you as you stand as a spokesperson for Heaven. Peace which no external circumstances can destroy will fill your heart. You will be surrounded with a heavenly atmosphere that is breathed in by all with whom you come in contact and, despite the opposition and persecution, you will be a blessing everywhere you go. You will be Yahuwah’s voice, His hands, His heart to reach others as there is no separation between your will and His will.
Which ministry will you choose to be a part of? What are you willing to sacrifice for Yahuwah to be your inheritance?
Choose ye this day:
Will you be a minister to the people only?
Or will you minister unto Yahuwah?
The rewards for coming out of Babylon are well worth the price paid!
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[1] ”Church,” Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, emphasis supplied.
[2] Ěkklēsia , #1577, The New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary of Bible Words.
[3] See Revelation 14:8 and 18:1-3.
[4] E. G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 575-577.
[5] See 2 Samuel 15.
[6] C. R. Oliver, The Sons of Zadok, p. 78.
[7] Oliver, The Sons of Zadok, p. 55.
[8] Oliver, The Sons of Zadok, p. 218.
[9] Oliver, The Sons of Zadok, p. 20-21.
[10] Oliver, The Sons of Zadok, p. 19-20.
[11] Oliver, The Sons of Zadok, p. 99, emphasis supplied.
