Are you a true bondservant of Jesus Christ or a corrupted servant of Jesus Christ (corrupted by the spirit of Babylon)?

Who and what is a bondservant?

The word “bondservant” is the translation of the Greek word “doulos” which means one who is subservient to, and entirely at the disposal of his master (a slave and servant).

In Roman times, the term “bondservant” or “slave” would refer to someone who voluntarily served others. But it usually referred to one who was held in a permanent position of servitude. Under Roman law, a bondservant was considered the owner’s personal property and slaves essentially had no rights and could even be killed with impunity by their owners.

Paul, Timothy, John, James, Peter Jude, Epaphras were all bondservants of Jesus Christ in accordance to the following scriptures:

Romans 1:1 declares
Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative), set apart for preaching the gospel of God-the good news of salvation.

Philippians 1:1 declares
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed).

James 1:1 declares
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:1 declares
Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:1 declares
Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James writes this letter.

Colossians 4:12 declares
Epaphras, who is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always striving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, pleading that you may as people of character and courage stand firm, spiritually mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

Believers today should also consider themselves bondservants or slaves of Christ and slaves of righteousness in accordance to the following scriptures:

1 Corinthians 7:22 declares
For he who was a slave when he was called in the Lord is a freedman of the Lord, likewise he who was free when he was called is a slave of Christ.

Romans 6:16-20 also declares
Do you not know that when you continually offer yourselves to someone to do his will, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either slaves of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness (right standing with God)? But thank God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed. And having been set free from sin, you have become the slaves of righteousness [of conformity to God’s will and purpose]. I am speaking in familiar human terms because of your natural limitations, your spiritual immaturity. For just as you presented your bodily members as slaves to impurity and to moral lawlessness, leading to further lawlessness, so now offer your members [your abilities, your talents] as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification that is, being set apart for God’s purpose.

Ephesians 6:6 also declares
Not in the way of eye-service [working only when someone is watching you and only] to please men, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

What are the traits that the true bondservants of Jesus Christ possess? How do we recognize these true bondservants of God?

As the Church of God, we must look for the following traits or fruits to recognize, fellowship and support these true bondservants of God:

• Bondservants of God receive true revelations and interpretations of the written word from God (messages that glorify and reveal Jesus Christ and his ways alone; Not the ways of the self or sin/sinful nature).

Revelation 1:1 declares
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ [His unveiling of the divine mysteries], which God the Father gave to Him to show to His bond-servants (believers) the things which must soon take place in their entirety ;and He sent and communicated it by His angel (divine messenger) to His bond-servant John.

Revelation 22:6 also declares
Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel as a representative to show His bond-servants the things that must soon take place.

• Bondservants are pleasers of God not man (seeking only the approval and recognition of God alone people or the world)

Galatians 1:10 declares
Am I (Apostle Paul) now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

• Bondservants declare the gospel of salvation with great clarity and confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:29 declares
And now, Lord, observe their threats [take them into account] and grant that Your bond-servants may declare Your message of salvation with great confidence.

• Bondservants follow the example of Jesus Christ (character and nature)-their master who is the perfect example of a bond servant before the father in heaven.

Matthew 10:24 declares
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a bond-servant above his master.

Philippians 2:7 also declares
Jesus Christ was the perfect bond-servant to the father in heaven but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men, He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man.

Matthew 16:24 declares
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me as My disciple or bondservant he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me, believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me.

• Bondservants are faithful to one master-God alone (renouncing other masters such as money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord).

God alone is our Lord, and our allegiance is due to Him alone. As bondservants, we renounce other masters and give ourselves totally to Him in accordance to the following verses:

Mathew 7:24 declares
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

Being a bondservant of Christ is not drudgery. His “burden is light” in accordance to the following scripture:

Matthew 11:30 declares
For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

• Bondservants are focused on the eternal rewards and prevailages of being willing slaves/bond servants of God; And not always focused on money, paychecks, profits, fame or selfish earthly gains.

Romans 6:22 declares
But now since you have been set free from sin and have become willing slaves to God, you have your benefit, resulting in sanctification [being made holy and set apart for God’s purpose], and the outcome [of this] is eternal life.

• Bondservants are full of the Holy Spirit (promoting the lifestyle, baptism and dependence of God’s Spirit in our lives)

Acts 2:18 declares
Even on My bond-servants, both men and women, I will in those days pour out My Spirit And they shall prophesy.

• Bondservants preach Jesus Christ alone promoting his life and ways:

2 Corinthians 4:5 declares
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.

Revelation 19:10 also declares
Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he stopped me and said to me, “You must not do that; I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who have and hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God alone. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy-His life and teaching are the heart of prophecy.”

1 Corinthians 1:23 declares
But we preach Christ crucified, a message which is to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense],

• Bondservants don’t misuse their freedom in Jesus Christ but use their freedom to be willing/dedicated servants and slaves of God.

1 Peter 2:16 declares
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but use it and live as bond-servants of God.

• Bondservants will hold on faithfully to Jesus Christ following his example and teaching even unto death.

John 12:26 declares
If anyone serves Me, he must continue to faithfully follow Me without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me;and wherever I am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Revelation 2:10 also declares
Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. Be aware that the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested in your faith, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful to the point of death [if you must die for your faith], and I will give you the crown consisting of life.

Satan the god of this world hates these true bondservants of God and seeks violently to corrupt and mislead them so that they will mislead the church and preach an another false gospel promoting himself ( his ways and doctrine) through the world-lust of eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life, sin and the sinful nature.

Revelation 2:20 declares
But I have this charge against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess [claiming to be inspired], and she teaches and misleads My bond-servants so that they commit acts of sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols.

Revelation 17:5 declares
And on her forehead a name was written, a mystery: “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES (false religions, heresies) AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints (God’s people), and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus [who were martyred]. When I saw her, I wondered in amazement.

Revelation 18:7 declares
I (the great Babylon and prostitute) sit as a queen on a throne and I am not a widow, and will never, ever see mourning or experience grief.’

Revelation 18:2 declares
Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a dungeon haunted by every unclean spirit, and a prison for every unclean and loathsome bird.

Why is this spirit of Babylon referred to as the great prostitute?

Babylon over here is referred to as a queen (a position of authority and influence) just like queen Jezebul was during the early times of Israel. Jezebul corrupted God’s nation (Israel) and led them astray by introducing forbidden false gods, idols and promoting false prophets of Baal and other sinful practices. We also today as the church of God are not our own but belong to Jesus Christ. We are also referred to as the “bride” or “wife” of Jesus Christ-God’s own possession and holy people/nation just like Israel was back then. Satan in the scriptures is also referred to as our enemy, thief and destroyer. He is the great prostitute because he lures us all away from our “first love” or “husband” Jesus Christ. This is clear to us from the following scriptures:

Isaiah 54:5 declares
“For your husband is your Maker, The Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of the whole earth.

Revelation 19:6-9 declares
Then I heard something like the shout of a vast multitude, and like the boom of many pounding waves, and like the roar of mighty peals of thunder, saying,”Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all] reigns. Let us rejoice and shout for joy! Let us give Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb has come [at last] and His bride (the redeemed) has prepared herself.” She has been permitted to dress in fine linen, dazzling white and clean—for the fine linen signifies the righteous acts of the saints [the ethical conduct, personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character of believers]. Then the angel said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me [further], “These are the true and exact words of God.”

2 Corinthians 11:1-3 declares
I wish you would bear with me while I indulge in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me as you read this. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy because I have promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.But I am afraid that, even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted and led away from the simplicity of your sincere and pure devotion to Christ

How does this spirit of Babylon (prostitute) corrupt the bondservants of God?

Through intoxicating wine-symbolic reference to strong influences that paralyze or put to death our moral values and relationship with God including wine, drugs, lust, addictions, sensuality (the enjoyment, expression, or pursuit of physical especially sexual pleasure), luxurious living, greed, selfishness (a form of idolatry), lust for money, lust for gold, precious stones, ripe fruits and delicacies of your soul’s diverse desires, love for the wages of wickedness, love for pleasure, sexual immorality, pride, heresies, false doctrine promoting sin and sinful nature etc

Revelation 18:3 declares
For all the nations have drunk from the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings and political leaders of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth and economic power of her sensuous luxury.”

Revelation 18:7 declares
To the degree that she glorified herself and reveled and gloated in her sensuality [living deliciously and luxuriously], to that same degree impose on her torment and anguish, and mourning and grief; for in her heart she boasts, ‘I sit as a queen on a throne and I am not a widow, and will never, ever see mourning or experience grief.’

Revelation 18:11-13 declares
“And merchants of the earth will weep and grieve over her, because no one buys their cargo (goods, merchandise) anymore— cargoes of gold and silver and precious stones and pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet; all kinds of citron (scented) wood and every article of ivory and every article of very costly and lavish wood and bronze and iron and marble; and cinnamon and spices and incense and perfume and frankincense and wine and olive oil and fine flour and wheat; of cattle and sheep, and cargoes of horses and chariots and carriages; and of slaves and human lives.

Revelation 18:14 declares
The ripe fruits and delicacies of your soul’s desire have gone from you, and all things that were luxurious and extravagant are lost to you, never again to be found.

Revelation 18:19 declares
And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, for the great city, where all who had ships at sea grew rich from her great wealth, because in one hour she has been laid waste!’

2 Peter 2:15 declares
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.

2 Timothy 3:4 declares
Traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God.

Revelations 2:14 declares
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.

God who is holy calls us all out today from the influence of this evil Babylon in Revelation 18:4-5

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not be a partner in her sins and receive her plagues;for her sins (crimes, transgressions) have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her wickedness and crimes for judgment.

God also finally passes judgment on this great prostitute (spirit of Babylon and the corrupt system of the present day church controlled by Satan) that persecutes and kill the true bondservants, and prophets of God-suffocating their message.

Revelation 19:2 declares
Because His judgments are true and righteous. He has judged [convicted and pronounced sentence on] the great prostitute (idolatress) who was corrupting and ruining and poisoning the earth with her adultery (idolatry), and He has imposed the penalty for the blood of His bond-servants on her.

Revelation 18:24 also declares
And in Babylon was found the blood of prophets and of saints (God’s people) and of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth

The Lord will finally restore the work and ministry of these true bondservants or prophets who were killed in persecution and hated and rejected by this world in the eternal kingdom of God in accordance to the following scripture:

Revelation 22:3 declares
There will no longer exist anything that is cursed because sin and illness and death are gone; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him with great awe and joy and loving devotion.

-Evg.Samuel Meesala