Chapter 3

The Mystery Of Iniquity

What Is Seen

According to the Biblical picture of The Church we see first, the individual in whom Christ dwells through His Holy Spirit. Secondly, we see two (2) or three (3) or any number of these gathered together - this being a particular church; and finally, we see The Church, The Body of Christ; that universal entity that is composed of all them that are Christ’s.

In the world today, to what extent is this Biblical picture of The Church reflected? Numerous little groups, sects and denominations issue their claim that they are The True Church, and hence, claiming also that any genuine acceptance of salvation necessarily leads to some level of belonging to, or association with them.

In light of the Biblical picture of The Church, wherever then did this idea originate that The Church - The True Church, Gods’s Church is some little organization that a group of individuals come together and establish, for which they lay down their own little rules and regulations, and admit to its membership such as they choose to admit and cast out whom they will? Wherever did that idea originate?

This phenomenon is the working of the “mystery of iniquity.” We will see exactly how it began and the progression of its development.

Early Manifestation

From as early as the days of the apostle Paul, the “mystery of iniquity” had started to work, as is said in 2 Thess. 2:7, that “the mystery of iniquity doth already work.” Individuals like Diotrephes who is spoken of by the apostle John (3 John verses 9,10) had already started to take upon themselves authority and power which would exalt them to be seen by fellow believers as dignitaries to be obeyed in matters of faith. Consider the words of John:

“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” 3 John 9,10.

From as early as the days of the apostles, individuals like Diotrephes had started to introduce a principle that was totally contrary to the faith of Christ. Not only did Diotrephes refuse to accept John the beloved  disciple and other believers, but he took it upon himself to cast out of the church those that did.

Do you remember how it was shown from the Scriptures the work of the Holy Spirit, dwelling in each individual and the guidance that is offered to each? The question is: with Christ dwelling in each individual, what need is there for persons like Diotrephes, to determine whom one should accept, so much so, that he casts out of the church whom he will, because they accept certain believers, like John the beloved disciple?

The Falling Away

This whole principle manifested itself and eventually culminated in the falling away - falling away from the true faith of Jesus that the apostle Paul spoke about in 1 Thess. 2:3. Writing to the Thessalonian believers who had started to become anxious about the seeming delay in the return of Christ, the apostle said:

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work.”

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” 2 Thess. 2:3,4,7,8.

The apostle Paul was saying (in the first (1st) century A.D. ) that a principle, which he referred to as “the mystery of iniquity” had already started to work and would result in a falling away from the faith held by the apostles. In this apostasy a leading or dominant figure whom he characterized as “that man of sin,” “the son of perdition” and “that Wicked” (verses 3,8) would emerge and remain until the second coming of Christ, when he would be destroyed.

Notice the earmarks of this power. He “opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped.” Further, he takes unto himself prerogatives of God, sitting “in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

Does this description bear any resemblance to that attitude which had already started to manifest itself through Diotrephes? Follow the progression carefully: Diotrephes loved “to have the preeminence among them.” John, the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 21:20-24), through whom the Word of God as recorded in the Gospel according to St. John, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Epistles of John and the book of Revelation was declared, was himself and his writings not received by Diotrephes. He “forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” To be in the church, rejecting both messenger and messages from God and at the same time dictating that all in the church do the same on pain of excommunication is nothing else but exalting oneself above God, sitting “in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

Indeed, the “mystery of iniquity” had already started to work, and it continued to work and will yet continue to work until an end is put to it at the second coming of Christ.

Thus, according to the Scriptures, a religious principle, one that is a counterfeit of the true principle of God’s Church had already started to work before the decease of the apostles. This counterfeit would intensify into direct apostasy, a “falling away from the faith that was held by the apostles and it would continue until the second coming of Christ.

Is it any wonder that Jesus when asked by His disciples on the mount of Olives “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, rather than addressing first of all the specific question asked, He started by saying: “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many”? Matt. 24:3-5. He further stated “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matt. 24:24.

Thanks be to God that Jesus said “if it were possible”, which means that the elect will not be deceived, even though the deception will be almost overmastering. Indeed, the elect will not be deceived because they are aware as was the apostle Paul that there exist “false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness.” 2 Cor. 11:13-15.

The Man Of Sin

But let us establish more precisely who or what is this “man of sin” who would exalt himself above God, and how his activities have affected The Church of God and the perception of it.

The same “mystery of iniquity” that Paul said had already started to work and would continue after his day until an end is put to it at the second coming of Christ, is described in Revelation 13 under the symbol of a leopard-like beast that has seven heads and ten horns. Consider the description that is given of his activities:

“And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Rev.13:6-8.

Notice the very same type of activity as was said by Paul of the “man of sin.”

 1. He “opened his mouth in blasphemy against God.”

2. He blasphemed God’s tabernacle.

3. He will be worshipped.

4. He will oppose God by making war with His people.

Finally, he will be destroyed only at the second coming of Christ, as is said in Rev.19:20:

“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Rev. 19:20.

Cosmic Conflict

The line of prophecy that introduces this leopard-like beast begins in Revelation 12 with the dragon that tried to destroy Christ at his birth. The story is as follows:

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast then to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” Rev. 12:l-6.

The “man child” that was “brought forth” “who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron” and “was caught up unto God, and to his throne” is Jesus. Jesus is the one spoken of in Revelation 19:13-16 of whom it is said that “out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod if iron,” “and he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS,” “and his name is called The Word of God.” Rev.19:13-16 (see John 1:1,14)

The dragon is Satan according to Rev.12:9: “the great dragon... that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan.” Satan was the one who motivated Herod to attempt to put Jesus to death at His birth.

The Woman

One of the prominent characters portrayed in the scenario presented is a woman. Now, who is this woman?

It should be quite clear that the woman portrayed is not the literal mother (the virgin Mary) that gave birth to Christ. Indeed, there was no literal red dragon that stood before Mary when she was about to give birth. Neither was she standing on the moon, nor did she have the sun as her clothing, and there is no record that she had to flee into any wilderness. Therefore, we are sure that this woman portrayed is used to symbolize something.

We are looking at a prophecy that is highly symbolic (certain things are used to represent other things). We cannot hope to arrive at the correct interpretation of a symbol if we simply go by our personal opinion of what we think a particular symbol might represent. We must first investigate whether or not the interpretation is given in the passage itself. If the interpretation is not to be found in the passage itself, then we must consider other Scripture passages to see whether or not the particular symbol is used elsewhere. If the symbol has been used elsewhere, then we can consider the circumstances and context of its usage to see whether it is appropriate for the same interpretation to be applied in the particular case that we are concerned with.

Now, there is no direct statement in the passage that says what the woman represents. Hence, we must consider other passages that make reference to a symbolic woman. There are many other cases in the Bible where a woman is used as a symbol. In these cases, consistently, a woman is used to represent the very same thing. Consistently in Scripture, a woman is used to represent a church.

Throughout the Bible, the symbol of a pure and virtuous woman is always used to represent God’s people. An impure woman or a harlot is used to represent a backslidden or apostate church. An example of this symbolism is seen in the following words of the apostle Paul, addressed to the believers at Corinth.

“I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:2.

In contrast, Israel’s sin in departing from God resulted in their being classified as a harlot.

“And thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee,  saith the Lord God. But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown.” Eze. 16:13-15 (see also verses 28-39)

“Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, 0 house of Israel, saith the Lord. Jer. 3:20.

The Church In The Wilderness

So, at the birth of Christ, Satan tried desperately to destroy Him, working through the imperial authority of the Roman Empire, which eventually ordered His crucifixion in league with the spurious accusations brought against Him, by the Jews. While the dragon primarily represents Satan, it is in a secondary sense a symbol of the Roman power through which Satan actively tried to destroy Christ. Despite Satan’s using the Roman soldiers to crucify Christ and also to guard His tomb, He was gloriously resurrected and “was caught up unto God, and to His throne.”

But the battle was not over. Satan having failed to destroy Christ turned his venomous wrath against the true followers of Christ.

“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” Rev. 12:13,14.

Because of the intense persecution that was levelled against it, The True Church - “that nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” had to dwell in seclusion and obscurity as symbolized by the woman fleeing into the wilderness, in order that it might “worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” This experience of persecution has always been the fate of God’s True Church as is indicated in Paul’s words: “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim. 3:12.

Satan would continue his warfare against Christ and His people down through the ages unto the very end of time when the last set of followers or remnant shall exist.

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17.

The Beast

But according to the Divine description Satan would then continue his activity through a masterpiece of evil based on a counterfeit religion, “the mystery of iniquity” which the Divine account symbolizes as the leopard-like beast that has seven heads and ten horns. The description of the war continues in Rev.13:1 with the emergence of this power.

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Rev. 13:l-3.

So, this “mystery of iniquity” which had already started to work from Paul’s day eventually gave rise to the full emergence of this monstrous power which would continue its warfare against God’s true church, though doing so under a religious guise and claiming Divine authority. The power, seat and authority of Satan which was centered in the emperors of Rome was given to this power which would continue where pagan Rome had ended.

Insight From John’s Experience

Valuable insight can be gained from the particular circumstances that were experienced by John (the writer of the book of Revelation), as to a possible reason why all this information is given in symbolic language. John wrote these symbolic prophecies while he was on a rocky deserted island (Patmos) where he had been banished from the rest of the world because of his preaching about Christ.

While on the Isle of Patmos, John received a number of visions from God which he was commanded to write and share with others. However, the information, like the words that he preached were considered subversive, from the standpoint of the civil authorities that had banished him. It was hence, very appropriate that the prophetic information be coded so that those who were antagonistic to such information might not understand it, while the true followers of Christ, by comparing Scripture with Scripture would understand.

It was a similar case with Jesus speaking in parables. Consider Jesus’ words to His disciples:

“Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” Luke 8:10.

The same is true today, of prophetic truth. The true followers of Christ can understand and will understand since they have the Holy Spirit in them, whose pleasure it is to guide them into all truth. But for those who  are not prepared to weigh honestly the evidence that is presented to them and change their opinions and lifestyles according as they are convicted by the truth, they will be left in darkness, without the capacity to understand.

Characteristics Of The Beast

Let us note once again the characteristics of this power.

1. The principle upon which this power operates had already started to work from Paul’s day (2 Thess. 2:7).

2. The emergence of this power would be linked with a falling away from the true faith (2 Thess. 2:3).

3. It is a religious power that claims prerogatives of God (2 Thess. 2:4: Rev. 13:6-8).

4. It is a power that opposes God (2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13 :6-8).

5. It is a power that exercises authority of worldwide extent (Rev. 13:7).

6.  It is a power that persecutes the followers of Christ (Rev. 13:7).

7.  It received the power, seat and authority that was centered in the emperors of Rome. (Rev. 13:2).

8.  It will be revered and admired by almost the entire world. Rev. 13:3,8).

9.  It will not cease to exist until the second coming of Christ. (2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 19:20).

Mystery, Babylon The Great

Based on the specifications thus far, many may have already settled in their minds the identity of this power, because indeed there is but one power that satisfies all the above specifications. However, in order to make the identity more certain we will consider just one other passage of Scripture that fills in some additional details about this power. The passage is Revelation 17. In this chapter the very same power represented by the leopard-like beast of Revelation 13 is brought to focus, but this time, the hand that guides the beast is also brought into the picture, namely a woman called BABYLON. Here is then description:

“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not and yet is.” Rev. 17:l-8.

Let us first establish that it is the same beast that is brought to view. The characteristics that indicate this are as follows:

1. The beast has seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 17:3) -compare Rev. 13:l

2. The beast is full of names of blasphemy (Rev. 17:3) -compare Rev. 13:l

3. The beast was and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit (Rev. 17:8) - consider that the beast in Rev. 13 received a deadly wound and the deadly wound was healed (Rev. 13:3)

4. Those whose names are not written in the book of life shall wonder when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is (Rev. 17:8) - consider that the beast in Rev. 13 was greatly wondered at, when his deadly wound was healed (Rev. 13:3) and will be worshipped by those whose names are not written in the book of life (Rev. 13:8).

With these specifications it should be clear that it is the same beast that is being referred to. The beast is now seen ridden by a woman who is described as a harlot and the mother of harlots. This means that this monstrous system is steered and directed by a church (remember that woman represents church - 2 Cor. 11:2; Eze. 16:13-15, 28-39) - a backslidden apostate church which is the mother of all such churches. This woman “sitteth upon many waters”. John the Revelator was told what the waters represent:

“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Rev. 17:15.

The woman is also described as being a great city:

“And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” Verse 18.

The seven heads which the beast has are declared to be seven mountains on which the woman sits.

“And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” Verse 9.

Fitting The Pieces Together

We now have a number of pieces which, together should give us a clear picture of this counterfeit religious system through which Satan has effectively carried out his warfare against Christ in the past, and through which he will continue to operate until it is destroyed at the second coming of Christ. We shall now list the characteristics of this woman which sits at the helm of this counterfeit system.

1. It is a church - a backslidden apostate church (Rev. 17:1,2; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eze. 16:13-15, 28-39).

2. It is the mother of all such churches (Rev. 17:5).

3. It is a church that has persecuted the followers of Christ she was drunk “with the blood of the saints” (Rev. 17:6).

4. This church is also a city that sits on seven mountains (Rev. 17:9,18).

5. This church bears dominion over many multitudes and nations (Rev. 17:1,15).

6. This church reigns over the governments of the world (Rev. 17:18).

7. This church possesses great wealth and carries a display or awesome grandeur (Rev. 17:4; 18:16,17).

The reader is invited to look at the seven identifying marks for just one moment. It does not require even much thought to realize that there is only one (1) entity on the face of the earth that satisfies these specifications - THE VATICAN. The Vatican city exactly fits every detail. The Vatican is located in Rome which is built on seven hills. (See Encyclopedia Americana, International Edition, 1975, Vol. 23, p. 659.) It is the only church that is a city which sits on seven mountains. Indeed it is a mother church which reigns over the governments of the world. In recent times it has been reported through the news media that the collapse of a number of communist governments in eastern Europe was largely the work of the Papacy (see TIME, Dec. 4, 1989, p. 74; also LIFE, Dec., 1989). And these are but few instances out of many that give some idea of the far-reaching influence that the Vatican authority exercises over world governments.

As to its activities in persecuting the followers of Christ, the pages of history are stained with the record of so-called heretics that have been tortured, maimed and put to death in the most gruesome manner by the Vatican authority during medieval times (see - J.A. Wylie, The History of Protestantism; also J.H. Merle D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century). The subjects of the Vatican power are scattered all over the world and are quite accurately referred to in Scripture as multitudes and nations (Rev. 17:1,15). In terms of wealth and grandeur, one needs only to take a look at the Vatican city itself with its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.

It is quite interesting that even the Vatican has represented itself as a woman with a cup in her hand, and bearing dominion over the world. Says Alexander Hislop in his book “The Two Babylons”:

“In 1825, on the occasion of the jubilee, Pope Leo XII, struck a medal, bearing on the one side his own image, and on the other, that of the Church of Rome symbolized as a ‘Woman’, holding in her left hand a cross, and in her right a cup, with the legend around her, ‘Sedet super universum’, ‘The whole world is her seat. ‘“ -- The Two Babylons, page 6.

The identification of the Vatican with the mystery woman BABYLON is like a nail in a sure place. It leaves absolutely no room for equivocation. Indeed it is to the credit of God’s Word - the sure word of prophecy that words written so many centuries in advance could so accurately depict a power whose existence was yet future.

Unveiling The Mystery Of Iniquity

The woman being THE VATICAN, it follows that the beast, that counterfeit religious system through which Satan operates to wage his relentless war against Christ and His people is the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH which is steered and directed by the Vatican. Indeed, a number of the specifications that identify the woman are also identifying marks of the beast. The beast is said to be a religious power (Rev. 13:6-8); it persecutes the followers of Christ (Rev. 13:7); it exercises authority of worldwide extent.

But let us consider some of the other specifications that will further identify the Roman Catholic Church.

1. The principle of its operation had already started to work from Paul’s day (1st Century A.D.). Indeed, the Roman Catholic Church claims to have had its beginning from as early as Paul’s day.

2. The emergence of the system would be linked with a falling away from the faith held by the apostles. The Roman Catholic Church herself acknowledges that the images, relics, holy days and rituals that are so central to her religious activity were largely adopted from pagan customs which related to the worship of pagan deities and were in principle contrary to the faith of Christ. Consider the words of Cardinal Newman:

“Confiding then in the power of Christianity to resist the infection of evil and to transmute the very instruments and appendages of demon worship to an evangelical use - we are told by Eusebius, that Constantine, in order to recommend the new religion to the heathen, transferred into it the outward ornaments, to which they had been accustomed in their own....... The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occasions with branches of trees, incense, lamps and candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water, asylums; holy days and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the field, sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure (shaving of the head), the ring in marriage, turning to the east, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the church.”  - Cardinal Newman, Development of Christian Doctrine, pages 272, 273.

Of course, they fail to acknowledge such an activity of adopting pagan customs as falling away from the faith, but consider what God instructed Israel in regards to the heathen customs that were practiced by the surrounding nations:

“Learn not the way of the heathen.” Jer. 10: 2.

“Enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? Even so will I do likewise.” “Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God.” “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Deut. 12: 30, 31, 32.

Furthermore, they have chosen to build their structure on the wrong foundation - Peter, instead of Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic Church claims to have been built on Peter as the foundation rock, despite the clear Scriptural declaration that “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:11. Peter himself pointed to Christ as the Rock on whom God’s spiritual house is built (see 1 Pet. 2:3-8).

3. The power, seat and authority that was centered in the emperors of Rome was transferred to the system represented. This Biblical idea most accurately depicts the legacy that was bequeathed to the Roman Catholic Church by the Roman Empire. In fact, one can view today, in the Vatican a large painting which shows Pope Sylvester I receiving a figurine of a warrior from Emperor Constantine as the Emperor was preparing to leave Rome for the newly established capital of Constantinople. Under the picture are the words “Donation of Rome from Constantine to the Pope.” The Roman Emperor actually gave the “seat” or government centre - Rome, to the Pope and shifted his location to Constantinople. But it was not only the seat of power that was transferred; great power and authority was also given to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church.

It is therefore not surprising that the Roman imperial title, which had lapsed in the 5th Century was revived in the year 800 by Pope Leo III and conferred on Charlemagne, king of the Franks (The New Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th ed., Micropedia Part V p. 99}.

Neither should it be surprising that Pope Boniface VIII in the year 1303 recognized King Albert I of Habsburg as the Holy Roman Emperor and hence supreme over all other kingdoms. Indeed, in the previous year (1302) this same pope (Boniface VIII) in his papal bull UNAM SANCTAM (“One Holy”) had declared all kingdoms in the world to be subordinate to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. (The new Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th ed., Micropedia Part II p. 146)

4. It is a power that exalts itself above God and tries to stand in the place of God. This specification is ever so true of the Roman Catholic Church. To give evidence of this fact we will consider a few of the claims that they have made.

(a) Titles and authority which belong only to God are attributed to the Pope. Considered their own words:

“We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty”
                  - Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical letter of June 20, 1894.

“Our Lord God the Pope”

- See a gloss on the Extravagantes of Pope John XXII, title 14, ch. 4, “Declaramus.” (In an Antwerp edition of the Extravagantes dated 1584 the words “Dominum Deum nostrum Papam” (“our Lord God the Pope”) occur in column 153; in a Paris edition dated 1612 they occur in column 140).

“The pope is of great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man but as it were God, and the vicar of God.

“The pope is called most holy because he is rightfully presumed to be such.

“Hence the pope is crowned with a Triple Crown, as king of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions.

“So that if it were possible that the angels might err in the faith, or might think contrary to the faith, they could be judged and excommunicated by the pope.” - Prompta Bibliotheca Canonica, Vol. VI pgs. 438, 442, article “Pope” (The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913 edition, Vol. VI, p. 48, speaks of this book as “a veritable encyclopedia of religious knowledge”).

(b) The Roman Catholic Church claims the authority to forgive sins.

“It is theirs to judge offences against the laws, to impose and to remit penalties. This judicial authority will even include the power to pardon sin. - The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. XXI, art. “Pope”, page 265.

Even quite recently this claim was reaffirmed, as reported in the media:

“Pope John Paul II... told Roman Catholics to seek forgiveness through the church and not directly from God. - The Associated Press, Dec. 11, 1984.

(c) The Roman Catholic Church claims infallibility.

“All dogmatic decrees of the Pope, made with or without his general council, are infallible Once made, no pope or council can reverse them This is the Catholic principle, that the Church cannot err in faith.” - The Catholic World, June 1871 pages 422, 423.

(d) They claim the authority to change God’s Word as recorded in the Scriptures.

“The Pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even divine laws.” - Ferraris’ Ecclesiastical Dictionary, article “Pope.”

(e) The power of being able to create the Creator is attributed to the priests in their performance of the mass.

“With regard to the power of priests over the real body of Jesus Christ, it is of faith that when they pronounce the words of consecration, the Incarnate Word has obliged himself to obey and to come into their hands under the sacramental species

Thus the priest may in a certain manner, be called the creator of his Creator, since by saying the words of consecration, he creates, as it were, Jesus in the sacrament, by giving him a sacramental existence, and produces him as a victim to be offered to the eternal Father. As in creating the world it was sufficient for God to have said, Let it be made, and it was created, - He spoke and they were made, - so it is sufficient for the priest to say, ‘Hoc est corpus meum~ ‘ and behold, the bread is no longer bread, but the body of Jesus Christ.” - Dignity and Duties of the Priest; Selva, St. Alphonsus Ligouri (R.C.) pages 26-34, New York: Benziger Brothers, 1889.

(f) The mass is considered in some ways to be more important than Calvary.

“So far as the practical effects produced upon the soul are concerned, the Holy Mass has in some sense the advantage over Calvary.” - Herbert Vaughan, The People’s Manual - The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass ([St. Louis]: P. Fox 1881), pages 42, 43.

Through its own words and activities the Roman Catholic Church has identified itself unequivocally as that masterpiece of deception through which Satan tramples the truth of God under foot and wages its relentless war against God and His people.

Two Very Important Points

I must break the thought at this moment to make two very important points.

1. The system is a counterfeit and operates under the direction of Satan to fulfill his bidding, but this does not mean that all persons associated with the system are insincere and have bad intentions. Many - probably most are genuinely misled. To such persons, the Word of God declares “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Acts 17:30.

The choice is yours, whether you will accept the plain words of Scripture or you will allow popular sentiments and tradition to cause you to reject God. It is never an easy thing to give up a cherished belief especially when it relates to something that has become an indelible part, if not the main focus of ones life. It is very painful, but the Lord has promised to grant you both strength and courage to serve him, as well as the Comforter - His Holy Spirit to soothe your pain.

Now, there are those who will readily oppose and despise the words written here, classifying it as spreading hate. Well, I dare anyone who claims to have a sincere conscience to justify any such claim. My dear friend, I stand entirely on the Word of God, and I believe the Bible has made itself abundantly clear on the identification of this false system. Also, historical facts have amply verified it and the truth of this identification has been attested to, even from the very words that have been recorded by that system.

Each individual must decide for himself/herself what is of prime importance in his/her life, whether to worship the Father in spirit and in truth or to set truth aside and follow our own pet preferences. One thing is certain and it is this: each individual will have 40 give an account to God of himself, and only those who have served the Lord in sincerity and have striven diligently to know the truth and to live in accordance with it will be deemed worthy to share eternity with a Holy God. Because, as certain as the earth exists (and even more certain) are the words of Christ: “behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12.