What is the great and abominable church? Many people assume this phrase refers to a specific denomination. However, the scriptures present a different picture. Rather than identifying one religious organization, they contrast two spiritual paths: following God or following the adversary. Understanding this distinction helps us focus on our own relationship with Jesus Christ instead of judging others.
What Is the Great and Abominable Church?
The phrase “great and abominable church” appears in scripture to describe spiritual opposition to God. It is not presented as the name of a particular denomination. Instead, it represents all influences that lead people away from Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Although many churches exist throughout the world, scripture teaches that there are ultimately two spiritual groups: the church of God and the church of the devil. These are defined by whom we choose to follow rather than by the name on a church building.
The Two Spiritual Paths
Every person experiences two opposing influences. On one hand, the Holy Spirit invites us to follow God. On the other hand, the adversary tempts us to choose pride, selfishness, and sin.
Therefore, the question is not which denomination someone belongs to. Instead, the real question is:
Which voice am I choosing to follow?
The phrase “great and abominable church” encourages personal reflection rather than criticism of others.
What the Scriptures Teach
The scriptures describe the great and abominable church with several important characteristics:
- The devil is its founder.
- It seeks wealth, power, luxury, and corruption.
- It brings people into spiritual bondage.
- It opposes God’s work and His followers.
These descriptions focus on spiritual attitudes and actions rather than identifying a particular religious institution.
Historical Examples
History provides many examples of people making different spiritual choices within the same religious tradition.
For example, many Pharisees rejected Jesus Christ, while others accepted Him as the Messiah. Their different responses did not result from belonging to different religions. Instead, they reflected individual choices about whether to follow the Savior.
Likewise, events such as the Crusades demonstrate how religion can sometimes be misused to justify violence and conquest. Those actions reflected human choices rather than the teachings of Jesus Christ.
What Makes the Church of God Different?
The New Testament teaches that true disciples can be recognized by their spiritual fruit.
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
Jesus taught, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Therefore, those who follow Christ demonstrate humility, charity, truth, and obedience.
By contrast, the influences associated with the great and abominable church promote pride, greed, hatred, deception, and spiritual captivity.
A Common Misunderstanding
Many readers immediately ask whether the great and abominable church refers to a particular denomination. However, the scriptures direct our attention elsewhere.
Instead of encouraging accusations, they invite self-examination. Every individual must decide daily whether to follow the Savior or yield to temptation.
What This Means Today
Rather than asking which church is the great and abominable church, consider these questions:
- Am I following Jesus Christ?
- Do my choices reflect humility or pride?
- Am I listening to the Holy Spirit?
- Am I becoming more like the Savior?
These questions shift the focus from judging others to strengthening our own discipleship.
Conclusion
Understanding what the great and abominable church is begins with recognizing that scripture emphasizes spiritual allegiance, not denominational identity. The real issue is whether we choose to follow God or the adversary.
Each day offers another opportunity to choose faith, humility, and obedience. As we follow Jesus Christ, we draw closer to Him and experience the peace that comes from walking in His path.
If you enjoyed this study, you may also enjoy our article on The Trap of Interpretation, which explores how pride, assumptions, and certainty can prevent us from receiving greater truth.
