The Church Living Deliciously

(Rev 18:7-9 KJV) How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. {8} Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. {9} And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

A really ludicrous accusation which is presently being leveled at the organized church, within the belief that Revelation 17-18, and part of 19 is describing the organized church, is that for 1900 years the church has lived “deliciously.” The word “deliciously” in these two verses may be understood to mean “luxuriously, sensual, or rioting.” This accusation that the organized church has been living luxuriously is foolish. To make an accusation against the church like this is to completely ignore church history and the present persecution the church is under going worldwide.

When the communists were in control of Eastern Europe, they were cruel to Christians. The 14 year old son of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was executed right in front of him unless he would renounce Christianity. Romania was probably the worst country for Christians during the reign of Ceausescu. Christians were denied provisions, jobs and other necessities. Bibles were confiscated and church leaders were imprisoned and tortured for their faith. This does not sound like the church was living deliciously with the world.

What about the church in Communist China. Many pastors are thrown into prison for long periods of time. Many for 20 or 25 years, just for holding a church service. This does not sound like living deliciously with the world. What about the countries where Islam rules? Recently a church in Pakistan was attacked where about 25 were killed.

What about the other countries in South East Asia like Viet Nam who imprisons Pastors for preaching and teaching the gospel?

It is true, there are many churches who have given in to the world and the majority of them are in the west, where occidental influence has gained much ground. But to say that every church in the world is living in concert with the world is grounds for a competency hearing. Camping and his followers are totally ignorant of reality in church history. I have never seen a more biblically and historically famished group in my life. Since its inception, the church has been the most persecuted entity on earth and those who belong to churches, have always been ostracized in government or business. Those Christians who are members of churches all over the world, especially in hostile countries are by no means receiving preferential treatment, in fact, history teaches us that those who name the name of Christ are the most despised of all. When a dictator takes over the country, what is the first thing they do? They close all the churches! Churches were banned in Nazi Germany, Communist Russia, Viet Nam, Communist China, etc. The only ones allowed open were for window dressing so the West could see how open everything was in communist countries.

The idea that every church was living deliciously throughout history, is a total rejection of the truth of church history and is an affront to the blood of every martyr.