What is the Institutional Church?
The dictionary defines institution as:
An establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated.
The Institutional Church is the collection of people who profess to be Christians, who have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God (2 Tim 3:5). These Christians mistakenly believe that they have faith in God, that they serve God, and are going to Heaven. The Institutional Church is an organization that promotes false doctrines, the upholding to religious traditions and rituals of men rather than simply following the word of God. The Institution is a mindset and not necessarily a church building structure, although, emphasis on building attendance is apart of the ways of the Institution.
The Institutional Church is often called the “IC” for short, the “False Church” and the “Babylon/Harlot Church”. This church looks like the real Church but promotes another gospel, another Jesus and another spirit. This kind of church is what Paul feared would come and deceive many Christians:
1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Cor 11:1-4)
It is the rejection and rebellion of God
The Institution consists of some who have “fallen away” from God – people who, at one point knew and followed God, but now choose to reject him to follow their own rules. Due to these rebellious, fallen away Christians, they’ve altered the message of God and created many “false converts”. So the institution is also full of people who’ve never known God. Those who were genuinely converted by the Gospel, and were brought out of the world, and now attend institutionalized assemblies will find that the things of the world fills the Institution.
It is the corruption of a Christian
Corruption means:
Marked by immorality and perversion; depraved. Venal; dishonest, containing errors or alterations, as a text. To change the original form of (a text, for example).
When some Christians, who have been given the power to abstain from sin and live in holiness, yet engage in immorality, perversions, depravity, dishonesty and become indifferent toward these sins – it is clear they have been corrupted. When they make excuses for their sin instead of confessing, repenting and being cleansed in the Blood of Jesus – they’ve been corrupted. When teachers twist scripture to justify and minimize sin, it is a clear sign of the corruption. When they see other fellow Christians in sin and do not care, nor rebuke or give loving correction (according to the scriptures) – it is a clear sign of corruption.
It is a religion of liberalism and legalism
Religion is man’s way to God. Jesus Christ is God’s way to God. The Institution’s religion falls into two categories:
Legalism
Legalism is the set of doctrines that teach a person that they must work their way into Heaven. It’s all about what you do for God. God allows them into Heaven based off their amount of works. As long as the believer stays busy, “working for God” they will go to Heaven. learn more »
Liberalism
Liberalism is the set of false doctrines that give the believer the freedom to do what they want for God, and a license to sin without eternal consequences, although this is never overtly preached. The believer is secure for all eternity once they make a declaration of faith in Jesus, or pray a prayer or something similar. learn more »
Institutional Religion always includes:
- the promotion of works over displaying the character of Christ
- praising God rather than obeying God first
- following yourself over following God
- unknowingly giving into demonic bondage over the freedom in Christ
It is being deceived and delusional.
Delusional
Delusional Christians started out deceived, were made aware of the truth, but rejected the truth. So God keeps them blinded because they hated the truth (2 Thess 2:9-12). They actually begin to believe their own lies and no one can get the truth through their “thick skulls”. They actually believe they are faithful followers of God, but in fact, they’re in danger of going to hell.
Deceived
Those deceived, are people who may be young in the faith, just started, haven’t tested the preacher’s sermons against scripture, and believed the lies of faulty teachers and so on. These people can get free, but only if they want to know the truth and they crave truth. We’ve all been deceived, but like a good shepherd, God will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). But if they learn the truth and reject it, God may allow the devil to keep them deceived, therefore, they will become delusional – which is scary.
It is a crafty, cunning, killing trap
The Institute draws you in with the hopes of family, fulfillment, healing, salvation and a relationship with God – only to rob you of your gifts, suck you dry of your zeal, sexually or spiritually abuse you, kill your confidence, make Jesus look like a genie rather than a lord, and keep you distracted just long enough that you become worn out, complacent and comfortable. Then, when the truth comes, you’re too “fat” and lazy to get up and do anything about it.
It is highly deceptive because it’s associated with the true God – not some random false god. The most deceptive lies are the ones mixed with truth. It is the devil’s web for all those who don’t love God, the truth, or his ways, but still want to fill the spiritual holes in their souls with a god, but a false god that works on their terms.
It is a test for God’s children
The Institute was set up by Satan to resemble the real church and God allows it. It’s a test to see if born-again, children of God really want the true Jesus or not. If a person stays in the Institute, it’s evident that they want the world and its iniquity rather than the righteousness and holiness of the true Jesus Christ.
It is not just a building
The Institute can be a group of people, an external ministry, a house church, or an assemble of people in a building. If you are apart of the Institutional Church, get out before it’s too late. I pray that God doesn’t put you under a strong delusion because you rejected the warnings and the truth.
Here’s an even better explanation of the harlot church, check out:
More about “Mystery Babylon, Mother of Harlots”
Praise God Neal. This is the truth and is very well written. Thank you for sharing it with me. We all need to remember our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spirits that bring this deception and fake Christianity. Love our neighbors by telling them the truth about God.
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Great article!
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Thank you for this article. I’d like to read what you suggest instead institutional church…
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Jesus Christ — that’s what I suggest. Lots of people are coming out of the IC only to find that it’s difficult to find another church home. I believe God wants us first to detox from the filth put in our souls from the IC and then learn to follow him according to his standards. As you do that, I’d suggest gathering with others who’ve left the IC and be the church as God intended it to be outlined in his word.
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As a pastor, I found this information to be extremely helpful in teaching my congregation. I appreciate this greatly. God Bless!
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