MAN of SIN

A FUTURE FUEHRER IN JERUSALEM o r

ROMAN CATHOLIC APOSTASY

The

A Biblical and Historical Study of 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

RON ABEL

THE MAN OF SIN

Typeset and Printed by STALLARD & POTTER 2 Jervois Street, Torrensville for the CHRISTADELPHIAN SCRIPTURE STUDY SERVICE 17 Braemar Road, Torrens Park, 5062 South Australia MARCH 1984

THE MAN OF SIN

FOREWORD
Although prepared originally for a Toronto Study Day, these notes have a much wider value and for this reason the Scripture Study Service is pleased to present this new edition. The Apostle Paul wanted his brethren in Thessalonica to be informed that Christ would not come until the prophetic forecasts had been fulfilled. A pompous, powerful, blasphemous and deceitful system would arise to lure the shallow minds of men. This religious system would exalt itself to God's authority and although beginning to form even in Paul's day, it would yet prevail right through the centuries until destroyed at the return of Christ. A system of such immense importance is obviously the same as Daniel's ''little horn that speaks great things and wears out the saints for 1260 years". Could there be any chance that the Revelation is speaking of some entirely different system? Paul had spent time with the Thessalonians to ensure they had these matters very clear. The apostle John also had spoken of the Antichrist that 'it should come' and he also affirms that 'even now already is it in the world' (1 John 4:3). Paul and John are in precise accord and the reason for this is that 'the Spirit was speaking expressly' concerning the Great Apostasy to come (1 Tim. 4:1). Who should be deceived as to the true identity of this Man of Sin? Only those who should perish; "because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved" (v.10). The issues are very serious. We are very grateful to Bro. Abel for the many hours of research which he has put into this valuable book. May every reader feel the joy and value of the Truth of God and be stirred to defend it and to preach it. "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God, even our Father, who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). The Committee

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Bible Prophecy.. ^ New Religious Appeal

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THE VCMCE OF PROPHECY NEWS - SyDONF. NEUFELD, Associate Editor ^ Review and Herald Jesus Christ is returning to this earth to judge men and na-1 tions. So declared the scholars assembled at the Jerusalem Conference on Biblical Prophecy some time ago. -. ^i; The historical school is the older in Protestantism. It is the school to which the reformers belonged who, m contrast to futurism (defined above) and preterism (the view that the prophecies of Revelation have largely been fulfilled in the past in the Roman Empire), believed the prophecies of Revelation were meeting fulfillment in the Christian Era. In other words, cording to the reformers and subsequent historicists, the revelator predicted future history from his day to the end. So strongly did this view become entrenched in Protestantism that it became known as the standard Protestant position. By contra?1 f'jturism had its origin

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a commentary on Revelation in which he endeavored to deflect the accusing finger of prophecy from the papacy, toward which tn~e~reformers had pointed it. The antichrist is not the papacy, he declared, but a single evil person yet to come. ': Modern evangelical scholars are aware of futurism's singular origin. One of them warned a few years ago: "It will probably come as a shock to many modern futurists to be told that the first scholar in relatively modern times who returned to the patristic futuristic interpretation was a Spanish Jesuit named r Ribe a ' George Eil^r Ladd. The Biesoco nupe vibJu/

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THE MAN OF SIN

PREFACE
There was a time, perhaps, when it was easier in the Toronto area to be a 'specialist" in areas of Bible Study. But this is no longer possible to the same extent. The brother who restricts himself to the delightful work of first principle instruction today finds that prophecy can no longer be left to the rather exclusive domain of the ''experts". In fact, the very effectiveness of first principle instruction might relate directly to knowledgeability about prophetical themes. In recent years many interested friends have had their initial interest in Bible Study whetted through attractive prophetical appeals of the "Plain Truth" magazine, Evangelical and Pentecostal tracts and paperbacks, and films on Israel, Russia, Egypt and the Arab lands. The clippings from the religious section of the "Toronto Daily Star" (see opp. page) indicate the diversity of the prophetical appeal.
4

As a result of the public exposure to prophecies in Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation, many of the questions asked in first principle classes relate specifically to the events of the time of the end. Perhaps one of the most widely accepted prophetical interpretations is set out in the best-seller "The Late Great Planet Earth" (2,000,000 printed). In this paperback the reader is presented with the following interpretations: "The time is ripe and getting riper for the Great Dictator, the one we call the Tuture Fuehrer'. This is the one who is predicted in the Scriptures very clearly and called the 'Antichrist'." 1 "The Antichrist will deify himself just like the Caesars did. He will proclaim himself to be God. He will demand that he be worshipped and establish himself in the Temple of God (II Thessalonians 2:4). There is only one place where this temple of God can be and that is on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem".2 "The Antichrist, who is called by many names in the Bible, but in II Thessalonians is called the 'lawless one', will come in on a wave of anarchy. This is why the world will be ready to receive him." 3 "This period of time will make the regimes of Hitler, Mao and Stalin look like Girl Scouts weaving a daisy chain by comparison. The Antichrist is going to be given absolute authority to act with the power of Satan." 4 Similarly, David Wilkerson in "Jesus Christ: Solid Rock" writes: "The Jew is to rebuild the temple again in old Jerusalem. He has to. In II Thess. 2 Paul speaks of the great world dictator . . . an electrifying leader: I call him the future Fuehrer; some call him the Antichrist. There is a great deal given in the Scriptures about this person . . . Paul speaks of this man taking a seat in the temple of God and declaring himself to be God. The temple of God can only be the temple in old Jerusalem . . . Documents discovered last year, after the repossession of the temple area, gave the exact methodology of cutting the stones for the temple. They had been buried for

THE MAN OF SIN

centuries near the Wailing Wall. Now the temple can be prefabricated in about six months." 5 It is the purpose of these notes to evaluate this interpretation through a Biblical and historical examination. It is the conclusion of this study that the strong delusion which has encompassed the Roman Apostasy is now sweeping the Pentecostal-Evangelical communions. This conclusion, if supported, is in itself a remarkable sign in the religious sphere which might otherwise have gone unnoticed. "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev. 19:10). May these notes serve to assist the Christadelphian teacher to be better equipped to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, and to be a more effective angler in the sea of men. Ron Abel Toronto, June, 1974

1 Hal Lindsey with C.C. Carlson, The Late Great Planet Earth, (New York: Bantam Books, 1973), p.92. 2 Ibid., p. 98 3 Ibid., p. 98 4 Ibid., p. 99 5 David Wilkerson, Jesus Christ: Solid Rock, (Dallas, Texas: Jesus Restoration Movement, 1973), p. 5,6,8.

THE MAN OF SIN

TABLE OF CONTENTS
page Foreword Bible Prophecy the new religious appeal Preface An old Jesuit interpretation of a new guise Prophecy Schools The histories of the two prophetical interpretations Protestant minorities protest Why the "about turn" by Protestants? Interpreting prophecy establishing the criteria The man of sin prophecy an amplified paraphrase..... The man of sin: his identifying characteristics A closer examination of the clues Antiquity not a proof of authenticity The apostasy began in the 1st century and continues today The Roman Catholic apostasy the historical development Sources for historical documentation A verse by verse exposition of 2 Thessalonians 2 Reasons for the "man of sin" prophecy Quotations worthy of reflection The Christadelphian witness Guide questions on 2 Thessalonians 2 Appendix: The tragedy of recent Christadelphian confusion Bibliography 3 4 5 9 10 11 14 17 19 20 22 23 25 26 27 30 31 32 89 92 93 97 100

neumon wiw nome Ecumenical Festival of Faith long-term aim at CNE grandstand

of united Church
GUELPH (CP-Special) The United Church of Canada resolved yesterday to "begin the long journey toward reunion w i t h t h e Church of Rome." The move came without debate, on a show of hands, during a session of t h e

church's 26th general council. The United Church now is looking into union with the Anglican Church of Canada, but the resolution was the first indication of a move toward the Roman Catholic Church.

Jesus People
KUGS are out, Jesus is in. That was the watchword early in 1971 as the Jesus People movement swept out pf California and triggered a religious "youth explosion" destined to reverberate in every major city around the world. The leader of the House of Emmaus, a former Jesus People commune of about a dozen persons, told The Star that his followers have become " a n evangelical, Roman Catholic lay community." Robert Vellick, 42, said his group became Catholics because "you can't completely cut yourself off from the history and tradition of the church." An intellectual himself, he said his main problem while part of the street movement was that he "had Ho roots." He explained that while musical group from the house on Keele St. and some of the others Hill engage in street evangelism, the main concern is 1 develop a truly Christian community.

The program is being planned by representatives of Anglican, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic Churches, the Salvation Army and United Church of Canada The Car dinals drum and bugle corps of Precious Blood Church will lead the procession to the stage. The prelude will be provided by the Salvation Army Jesus Folk orchestra and chorus. The folk group from St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic church also will perform.

This attitude can be seen in both England and the United States in the recent publication of the Common Bible. This is the first Englishlanguage Bible text that has been m u t u a l l y s a n c t i o n e d by R o m a n Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Churches.

In Metro, there were Jesus rallil In the parks, baptisms in the chill waters of Lake Ontario, and eage Street evangelists everywhere. rnuncs sprang up like mushrooms After rain, while church members and outsiders slike looked on in ftaggered disbelief.

Protestantism caught in the Ecumenical Embrace of Roman Catholicism

Eastern churches may help elect Pope

VATICAN CITY (Reuter) - Pope Paul has decided to expand the conclave which will elect his successor to mliKte patriarchs of t h e tern rite churches, Vatir an sources say. The Pope hae completed work on a document setting o u t his proposals, which also gives representatives of bishops membership in the conclave. He is expected to publish it within the next few weeks, the sources added.

The PLAIN TRUTH September, 1968 The Roman Catholic Church repeatedly speaks of herself as the "Mother" of the Protestant movement.
"The MOTHER CHURCH of Christen-

Dr. Ramsey has been foremost among Protestants in seeking to bring about religious unity. He has tried to bring the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches closer together. In early 1966, the Archbishop of Canterbury went to Rome to meet Pope Paul Vl in order to further the cause of Christian unity. At that historic meeting with the Pope, he said "I have come [to Rome] with, the longing in my heart. . . May

dom lovingly invites the descendants of all the CHILDREN torn from her bosom by irrelevant issues to return to the practice of their forebears [meaning the Roman Catholic Church] . . ." (90 Common Questions About the Catholic Faith, by John O'Brien, p. 11).

the grace of God enable us to serve His divine purpose by our meeting and enable Christians everywhere to feel the pain of their DIVISIONS and seek UNITY and truth and holiness." In replying to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Pope responded: "You rebuild a bridge, which for centuries has lain fallen between the Church of Rome and tfie [Anglican] Church of

THE MAN OF SIN

AN OLD JESUIT INTERPRETATION IN A NEW GUISE

It is apparent from the history of futurism that the Future Fuehrer ideas of Hal Lindsey did not begin with him. 'The Late Great Planet Earth" is a recent presentation of the teaching of the Jesuits Ribera and Lacunza which dates back to the 1500's. The ironical part is that evangelicals Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist (in denomination) have left the continuous historical position of their founding fathers who identified the Man of Sin with the Papacy, and have rather adopted the Roman Catholic interpretation set out by the Jesuits. The lapwing design of Lacunza's 'The Coming of the Messiah in Glory and Majesty" has successfully diverted Protestant attention away from the real Man of Sin the Roman Catholic apostasy. The Counter Reformation mounted by the Roman Church infiltrated the Church of England in the U.K. through Maitland, Newman and the Oxford Movement, and from them throughout Christendom generally. The position of present-day Christendom is summarized pictorially by a Protestant of the Continuous-Historical school:

THE BIG NOISE TODAY IN FUNDAMENTALISM THE FABULOUS FUTURE ANTICHRIST

1973 NIGHTMARE!

FUTWRZ AAJT/CHRIST

THE MAN OF SIN

PROPHECY SCHOOLS In regard to the "Little Horn" prophecy of Daniel 7; the Man of Sin (2 Thess. 2) and the Harlot Figure of Rev. 17, 18, it is generally recognized that there are 1 three schools of prophetical interpretation: a) Past (Preterist School) In this view, prophecies in Daniel and Revelation are regarded as largely fulfilled in the events of 70 A.D. when the Roman armies of Vespasian and Titus destroyed the nation of Irael. The Roman Catholic Apostasy is not the subject of prophecy in this interpretation, since it did not exist in 70 A.D. Rather, a Jewish application is often given to these passages of Scripture. b) Future (Futurist School) This is the most popular position in Christendom. The Antichrist and Man of Sin prophecies are considered to relate to a future (and usually unknown) personage. There is a widespread consensus among Protestant and Roman Catholic writers that the Jesuit, Ribera, founded this school of thought. Futurism has a similarity with the Preterist or Past school of interpretation, insofar as the Roman Church is not the fulfillment of these prophecies. c) Continuous (Historical School) This was once a popular Protestant view at the time of the Reformation, but with the growth of ecumenicalism, it is seldom taught today. In this view of prophecy, 2 Thess. 2 and Rev. 17, 18 relate to the historical development of the apostasy from the first century to its culmination in Romanism. Bro. John Thomas' Eureka is an example of the continuous historical interpretation.

1 For the purposes of this study, the examination of 2 Thess. 2 is almost entirely confined to an analysis of this chapter. It has not been assumed that the "little h o r n " of Daniel 7 is the Papacy or that the harlot of Rev. 17 is the same system. To use these passages as the keys to unlock 2 Thess. 2 would be to use symbolic Scriptures to explain the non-symbolic. Rather, the interpretaion, the Man of Sin = the Roman apostasy, is set out from the passage itself. If the identity of the Man of Sin can be proven from this passage, it provides a valuable key to unlock Dan. 7 and Revelation 17 and 18.

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11

THE HISTORIES OF TWO PROPHETICAL INTERPRETATIONS

CONTINUOUSHISTORICAL (Man of Sin = a line of Roman Catholic apostates) Waldenses in the "Noble Lessons" (1120) declared the Antichrist to be the Papacy Joachim Abbas the harlot city reigning over the kings of the earth undoubtedly meant Rome "Commentary on the Apocalypse" Wycliff the Papacy is the Antichrist of Scripture John Huss 1100 FUTURIST (Man of Sin = a future unknown personage yet to arise)

1183

1380

1415 REFORMATION

Martin Luther Zwingli John Calvin Melancthon William Tyndale John Knox

1522 1524 1536 1543 1550 1558 1576 Bellarmine Roman Catholic expositor 1580 Ribera, Jesuit, founds Futurist school

John Foxe

1586 1614 Alcazar

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THE MAN OF SIN

Thomas Brightman1 opposes Jesuit Ribera's futurism Isaac Newton

1644 1691 1701 Lacunza, Jesuit

published book (4 vols.) "Coming of the Messiah in Glory and Majesty" using Ben Ezra, a converted Jew as a false author. Had a great influence on Protestants

Jonathan Edwards

1773
PROTESTANTS BEGIN TO ACCEPT FUTURISM

1826 Samuel Maitland

Protestant librarian to the Archbishop of Canterbury influenced from Dublin, Ireland began tractarian movement publicizing futurism

1830 Edward Irving

Scottish Presbyterian minister discovers false authorship of Lacunza's work and translates it from Spanish to English

1831 Darby (Dublin, Ireland)

reads Irving's translation of Lacunza's work, founds Plymouth Brethren and introduces futurism to America

1838 Dr. James Todd

gives credit for his views to Maitland
1 "But mine anger and indignation brast out against the Jesuite . . . [Ribera] . . . They [Papists] dare proclaim to the world that any other thing rather is pointed at in it than their Pope of Rome? . . . Ribera, the Jesuite being privy to his bad cause . . . like an old crafty lapwing, keeps a pitiful noise, in any place rather, than where the nest is, so that he might call men away from the nest, I know not wither. But understand [O Ribera] that the seven hills [of Rev. 17] belong to Rome, and that these seven kings belong to the same . . .", "The Revelation of St. John", pp. 4, 187.

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13

1840 John Henry Newman

leaves C. of Eng. becomes a cardinal in Roman Church. Influenced by Todd and Maitland publishes book "The Protestant idea of Antichrist" and gives his weight to tractarian movement directed to Protestants E.B. Elliott publishes "Horae Apocalypticae" a monumental work similar in some expositional sections to "Eureka'' John Thomas "Eureka'' Dr. Grattan Guinness "The Approaching End of the Age"2 Albert Close "Antichrist and his Ten Kingdoms" Baron Porcelli F. Walker et al. "Watchman! What of the Night?" E.M. Richards Prophecy magazine of Seventh Day Adventists Eric Peters Old Fashioned Prophecy Magazine Barnes Commentary: Notes on the New Testament

1851

1861 1877 E.W. Bullinger Companion Bible 1894 1917 1927 1941 Douay Version 1942
1975 Scofield Bible Oral Roberts (Pentecostal) Tulsa, Oklahoma Billy Graham evangelist Back to the BibleWinnipeg, Manitoba Carl Mclntire Radio preacher Herbert Armstrong Plain Truth; T.V.; radio De Haan"Lutheran Hour"radio Oliver Green preacher radio Beirnes' brothers (Florida) "The Midnight Cry" magazine Howard Estep (California) Prophetic Newsletter E.M. Ward Pentecostal Hal Lindsey "The Late Great Planet Earth"

2 " . . . the Jesuit, Ribera, who, moved like Alcazar, to relieve the Papacy from the terrible stigma cast upon it by the Protestant interpretation, tried to do so by referring these prophecies to the distant future . . .", p.95.

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THE MAN OF SIN

ARE YOU SUKE THIS AIN'T YOU?

ZITJLY BIRD'. THINKS TKAT\ I AT ANTICHRIST. BUT I Al! OI;LY A nRAGE. TEE: /

Guess anyone you want, Judas, Mussolini or Sinbad the Sailor, but NEVER say "POPE"! ROMAN CATHOLIC MERRY-GO-ROUND *
U D A S

NERO RUSSIAN COMMIE

MUSSOLINI NAPOLEON Fundamentalist Future Antichrist "Detective" JESUIT

Cartoons taken from "Old Fashioned Prophecy Magazine"

THE MAN OF SIN

15

In the Soup!

"IT BE YORE FAULT, SCOFIE!"

A CANDID EXAMINATION OF THE SCOFIELD BIBLE This 24 page booklet in 8 point is one of the valuable messages of this century. In it you learn a lesson about this man that you should never forget; how he encased error between the covers of a Bible; the truth of the stopped clock of prophecy, etc. This man is known as Scofield who wrote a "Bible" and gave a tottering Protestantism its final shove into a Roman Abyss. Price 65 cents including mailing costs.

The Protest of vtestant Minorities

16

THE MAN OF SIN

PROTESTANT MINORITIES PROTEST

Not all Evangelicals within Christendom have accepted the "about turn" of Protestant writers and preachers. The following extracts from a nonChristadelphian publication illustrate their concern.' Today's Protestant leadership can be divided into at least 6 groups in this consideration of Faulty Prophecy Exegesis as an important contributing factor in the demise of Protestant Power in the world. I. The ones directly in the employ of Rome (could be undercover Romanists; Jesuits, etc.). Supervisors to keep the Futurist Kettle boiling. II. The ones so much in love with the Roman Church that they need but a nudge to drop into the Pope's lap (ecumenists and related "ists"). They're already lost to Protestantism. Let them go! III. The ones not publicly rooting for Rome, but are, nevertheless, Romanist allies through the Romanist Future Antichrist Fable, the greatest single contributing factor towards wrecking Protestantism by pointing people to the wrong enemy. IV. The fence-sitters who have nothing to do with Prophecy pro or con. V. The Microscopic Minority who, like Luther, Knox and other early Protestants, are faithful witnesses to the truth that the Papacy is the Antichrist, but are so feeble their protests are no louder than a whisper in a whirlwind. VI. So-called Champions of Protestantism presenting their sides of the manyfaceted Anti-Romanist Jewel for your consideration and approval, but with the "Pope is Antichrist" facet strangely ignored by one and all. From India to Ireland, across the ocean to Canada, U.S.A., and across the Pacific to Australia and S. Africa. This is true with possibly three exceptions, THE ROCK NEWSPAPER in New South Wales, Old Fashioned Prophecy in New Jersey, U.S.A What did these watchmen do to keep faith with the Message of Warning delivered them to warn their followers that Rome was Babylon and to beware of its mayor, his "holiness", the Pope, as the Man of Sin predicted? THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING! But, not only that, they leaned over backwards to teach views about Antichrist that Antichrist, himself, concocted (talk about Red Riding Hood believing that the wolf was grandmother!!!). Thus these pseudo-watchmen effectually ruined the warning of our Lord Jesus Christ in Rev. 1:1 and made it of no effect whatsoever. And thus GOD'S REVELATION AS TO THE CHARACTER AND IDENTITY OF THIS PAPAL PERSONAGE WENT FOR NOUGHT. Consequently millions of weak, milkdrinking "saints" (Heb. 12:14) have been sucked into the Romanist Whirlpool in this active, massive endeavour of the Jesuit-controlled Romanist Counter Refor1 Taken from a reprinted copy of Nicholas O'Demus, "Unprofitable Servants", pp. 20, 21, 28, 29

THE MAN OF SIN

17

mation which began as a retaliatory effort of Catholic Action, less than 20 years after the Reformation began. (Encyc. Brit., 11th Vol. XXIII, p. 489c). That is how fast the Romanists got into the picture to retaliate! Which is a sad picture for the Protestant Gospel Endeavour. For, while Protestant Evangelists are working might and main to garner a few souls for the Master, the Protestant "Prophets" are tossing freshly won souls down the Romanist Chute. In our brief career in this work we have received countless sharp letters decrying our views for lacking "Christian Love" and making charges couched in bitterness and hate, etc. But, brother, sister, it is not "hate" when you are day-dreaming in your comfortable rocker on your front porch, that causes your neighbour to dash up yelling like a Comanche and to slap you on the face and to drag you out of that nice chair when, back of you YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE!

W H Y THE "ABOUT TURN" BY PROTESTANTS?

Why have the non-Romanist churches of Christendom abandoned the continuous historical view of passages which had previously identified the Papacy with the Man of Sin? The following are set forth as reasons: (1) Reductionism Since the Protestantism Reformation there has been a reduction in the number of doctrines required to be believed to qualify as a "Christian". Doctrines such as penance, absolution, auricular confession and indulgences were rightly opposed as non-Biblical and then discarded. Today reductionism has become full-blown. The test of a Christian is simply that he believes "Jesus is Lord", "is born again" or "has had a personal experience with his Lord". There has been a de-emphasis on doctrines to be believed and an accompanying emphasis on an "experience" as the test of genuineness. (2) Futurism The acceptance of a view of prophecy which interprets the Antichrist as future removes the possibility of the application to the Roman Church. It also introduces an anonymity about the Man of Sin which removes any personal stigma and is therefore more in keeping with contemporary rules of etiquette. The effect of such a belief is to make the Protestant churches (however unwittingly) more susceptible to the ecumenical overtures of the Roman Church. Joint action against poverty, atheism, racism and pollution is quite in keeping with the exterior posture of the Roman Church as world-wide peacemaker, defender of the poor, and Mother of Christianity and the Bible. Unity with Rome is now the subject of consideration by Protestant churches like the United Church of Canada indicative of the way in which churches are now caught within the ecumenical embrance of Romanism.

THE RAPTURE THE DISASTROUS ERROR

The Rapture is the belief, widely held by Evangelicals, that prior to the return of Christ "saved Christians" will be taken to be with Christ in heaven. They will escape a 7-year tribulation during which the Antichrist reigns supreme. Lindsey's

.18

THE MAN OF SIN

book, "The Late Great Planet Earth" puts it this way: "God's Word tells us that there will be one generation of believers who will never know death. These believers will be removed from the earth before the Great Tribulation . . ," 1 "Someday, a day that God only knows, Jesus Christ is coming to take away all those who believe in Him. He is coming to meet all true believers in the air . . . It will be the living end. The ultimate trip . . . The big question is will you be here during the seven year countdown? Will you be here during the time of Tribulation when the Antichrist and the False Prophet are in charge for a time?" 2 A rapturous experience is imagined! "It was the last quarter of the championship game and the other side was ahead. Our boys had the ball. We made a touchdown and tied it up. The crowd went crazy. Only one minute to go and they fumbled our quarterback recovered he was about a yard from the goal when zap no more quarterback completely gone, just like that!" 3 It requires little foresight to see that when Christ returns to the Mount of Olives to "rule the nations with a rod of iron" (Rev. 2:27) and to "break in pieces and destroy all other kingdoms" (Dan. 2:44) that he will be rejected by millions who now profess to follow him. The very activities prophesied of Christ are attributed by the Protestant and Evangelical churches to the Antichrist. Furthermore, when the rapture does not occur (since it is not taught in the Bible) those awaiting the ultimate trip before the return of Christ to the earth will reject him as an imposter. It is ironical that the Evangelicals and Pentecostals who now put forth their personal experiences "with their Lord" as the ultimate test of genuineness of belief, will, in the future, reject the personal return of Christ as the Antichrist. Those who refuse to believe the Truth are ultimately the victims of a strong delusion to believe a lie.

THE REAL ENEMY OF THE GOSPEL IS DISGUISED

Jesus forewarned: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matt. 7:15). Similarly, the Apostle Paul spoke of "grievous wolves" which would enter among the believers "not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29). If wolves were always recognizable as such, perhaps fewer Bible readers would fall for the guise of sheep's clothing. If it can be shown that the Roman Catholic Church, despite her elaborate attempts to claim the contrary, is the embodiment of the apostasy prophesied in 2 Thess. 2, then it must be recognized as a system to be destroyed by Christ. Men like Hal Lindsey who publicize the futurist view of an unknown personage who is to be the Antichrist, are ignoring the real enemy of the Truth who is already here,
1 Lindsey, p. 127. 2 Lindsey, p. 126. 3 Lindsey, p. 128.

THE MAN OF SIN

19

and has been for centuries. The Futurist theory can only be regarded as a straw man of the Papacy. If the Almighty can say of Babylon the Great, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partaker of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues'' (Rev. 18:4) then now is no time for benediction. As the churches drink from the intoxicating wine cup of their Mother, now is the time to "cry aloud and spare not"; perchance some may be rescued from perishing.

INTERPRETING PROPHECY ESTABLISHING THE CRITERIA

Religious fundamentalists have always had a flourishing interest in prophecy. Many of these have been non-Biblical, highly subjective, resting on personal visions and "gifts", and have related to the end of the world, earthquakes or doom from comets. The prophecies have been falsified with the passing of time, but there always seem to be new enthusiasts in the making who appear to profit little from the mistakes of their forebears. It seems reasonable to suggest that an interpretation of prophecy is more likely to be the right one if all the clues given in the prophecy can be explained. On the other hand, interpretations which ignore details which are inconsistent with the view being set forth, or which leave details unexplained must be regarded with less confidence. It is for this reason that a comprehensive analysis of this chapter has been undertaken with the relevant section of 2 Thess. 2 set out verse by verse. Finding the clues Mystery books once made popular reading. The clues were set out in the early chapters and by the time the last chapter had been read, the villain was clearly identified. A careful reader might identify the villain in the first few chapters. Everyone, however could identify him by the time the end of the book was reached; and in retrospect all the early clues "fitted". 2 Thess. 2 reads like a mystery story. The following paraphrase updates the language of the A.V. translation (e.g. 'letteth' = 'restrains') and consistently renders a Greek word each time it occurs by an English equivalent. How many identifying clues can you find?

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THE MAN OF SIN

THE MAN OF SIN PROPHECY (An Amplified Paraphrase)

2:1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him we intreat you brethren 2:2 Not to be quickly agitated in mind or continually troubled neither by a spirit [a claimant to Spirit-gifts] nor by a word of mouth report nor by a spurious letter said to be sent by me, Paul to the effect that the day of the Lord is now here. Let no-one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the apostasy comes first and the man of sin [lawlessness] is revealed, the son of perdition and destruction 2:4 Who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship so that he takes his seat in the temple of God proclaiming himself that he himself is God. Do you not remember, that when I was still with you, I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now (from being revealed at this time) so that he might be revealed in his time [appointed]. For the mystery (what is known only by revelation) of iniquity [lawlessness, sin] is already at work. It will be restrained only until the restraint is removed [a person? or personification?] And then the man of sin, the lawless one, will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him [consume, bring to nothing], by the breath of his mouth and destroy him [to make him of none effect], by the appearing or brightness of his coming [parousia]. The coming of the lawless one is like the activity of Satan attended with all power, signs [miracles]

2:3

2:5 2:6

2:7

2:8

2:9

THE MAN OF SIN

21

2:10

2:11

2:12

and lying wonders [wicked deceptions, delusive marvels], for those who are to perish because they refused to love, or welcome the Truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion [a misleading influence] to make them believe what is false so that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the Truth but who took pleasure in unrighteousness. Identifying clue

Now list your clues: Verse

22

THE MAN OF SIN

THE MAN OF SIN: HIS IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

How does your list of clues compare with this one? A) Movement 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Apostate (2:3) Lawless (sinful) (2:3) Existed in 1st Century (2:7) Was Restrained (2:6) Later Revealed (2:8)

B) Focalized in a Man 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Lawless (2:3) Opposes the Truth (2:4) Exalts Self (2:4) Has a Seat (2:4) "In the Temple of God" (2:4) Proclaims Himself "God" (2:4)

C) Converts Seduced by: 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. D) The End 19. 20. 21. "Son of Perdition" (2:3) Destroyed by Christ (2:8) Followers Condemned (2:12) Satanic Activity (2:9) Power (2:9) Pretended Signs (2:9, R.S.V.) Wonders (2:9) Belief of Lies (2:11) Pleasure in Unrighteousness (2:12) A Strong Delusion from God (2:11)

THE MAN OF SIN

23

A CLOSER EXAMINATION OF THE CLUES

It is important to note the reason for the heading, "A Movement", in the list of clues. 1. "The Man of Sin" A person or succession of persons? The "Man of Sin" is both a person and succession of persons. This is proven from the following: a) A succession- The "mystery of iniquity" or secret lawlessness was at work at the time the Apostle Paul penned his epistle to the Thessalonians (2 Thess. 2:7). Since the "Man of Sin" is to continue until the "day of the Lord" a span of 1900 years when he will be destroyed by Christ (2 Thess. 2:8), he cannot be only one man. The "Man of Sin" therefore, must be a line of wicked ones, the last of which is personally destroyed by Christ.1. b) A personThe "Man of Sin" has a "seat in the temple of God" (2 Thess. 2:4) and is to be consumed by the spirit of Christ's mouth (2 Thess. 2:8). This language requires the "Man of Sin" to be a person. The succession of men of the same stamp is called the "Man of Sin".

The Roman pontiff heads the apostasy. The line of popes is a line of men of sin the "Man of Sin" being the one reigning at any given point in history. When Christ returns the "Man of Sin" will be the pontiff then reigning. 2. An Apostate Movement The apostasy had its beginning in the first century ecclesia, otherwise it could not be a "falling away". The apostasy has continued to the present day and will continue until the return of the Lord when it will be destroyed (2:8). It is important to note that the apostasy goes back to the first century when the "mystery of iniquity" already worked (2:7). It is the claim of the Roman Church to have originated from an unbroken succession back to Jesus. The following are typical examples: "Here we have . . . one of the most striking and unmistakeable proofs of the divine origin of the Catholic Church in the cold historical fact that for more than fourteen centuries after the death of Christ there was no Christian church in existence save the Catholic Church. The heretical sects that arose during that time for the most part, withered and died away, while the Catholic Church alone existed throughout all Christendom. Of the many various sects that exist today, none of them can trace its origin back more than a few centuries at most. Hence, it must be evident to all that they cannot have Christ for their Founder, since they did not exist at that time, nor for more than fourteen hundred years after his death." 2

24

THE MAN OF SIN

The Voice of History shows at a glance that the Catholic Church is the only Church in the world today which traces her origin back to Christ."3 Several observations follow from these excerpts: a) In spite of the evil lives of some of these popes, the Roman Church has survived. Is its survival proof of its claim to be divine? On the basis of this argument, Judaism and sun worship would be even more divine than Romanism because they have survived longer. b) There are only two alternatives. The claims of the Roman Church are either true or false. It is either the genuine Church founded by Christ or it is the apostasy. Nor is it surprising that the apostate would claim genuineness since a strong delusion would be given it (2:11, 12). c) The fact that the Roman Church claims a continuity "an unbroken line" back to the first century makes it a prime candidate for the apostasy since the word "apostasy" in itself describes a system which originally held truth, but apostasized with the passage of time ("falling away" of V.3 in Greek APOSTASIA).

1 Similarly, the harlot of Rev. 17:4 who rides the scarlet coloured beast is not one woman, but a line of fornicators. Also the head of gold on Nebuchadnezzar's image was identified to be Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:38), but before the bronze kingdom of the Medo-Persians commenced to rule, kings other than Nebuchadnezzar reigned over Babylon. He was only one in a dynasty or line of kings. 2 John A. O'Brien The Faith of Millions: The Credentials of the Catholic Religion, (Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor Inc., 1963), Nihil Obstat: James J. O'Connor Censor Librorum. Imprimatur: Leo A. Pursley, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, p.20. 3 Ibid., p. 46.

THE MAN OF SIN

25

ANTIQUITY NOT A PROOF OF AUTHENTICITY BUT RATHER AN ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE APOSTASY
The following pictures and quotations are taken from a popular Roman Catholic publication intended for widespread circulation as a tool for the conversion of non-Catholics. It is ironical that the chief point of appeal is the "unbroken" continuity of the Roman pontiffs with the first century ecclesia. It is this very fact which makes the Roman Church the prime candidate for the apostasy.
Chart III CHRIST OR LUTHER?

33 JESUS CHRIST founds Catholic Church-Jerusalem

I Roman Catholics 431.42S.009

WHO IS RIGHT ?
More than 300 Protestant sarii . 1S24 i f f Martin Luther starts Protestantism-Germany 135,000,193

Copyright, 1 9 4 9 , by John A . O'Brien ' 500A.D. 1000 1500

"That's the point to note . . . the divine origin of the Catholic Church and the human origins of all the Protestant sects. Catholicism is God-made. Protestantism is man-made." "Yes . . . to appreciate the difference, contrast the unbroken continuity and the marvellous growth of the Catholic Church through 1900 years with the lateness of the arrival of the Protestant sects upon the state of Christendom, and the divisions which have gone steadily on within their own ranks . . . As the branch of a tree that is cut from the trunk speedily withers and dies, so the sects which have cut themselves off from the Mother Church are deprived of the life-giving graces flowing through her sacramental veins to all members of her organic body, and are without the divine protection which alone can preserve their unity and vitality."1
1 Quoted from John A. O'Brien, What's the Truth about Catholics?, (Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor, 1950), p.61.

Chert 1

THE VOICE OF HISTORY

Chart VII _ I I I

THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCHES IN U. S. A. I I I I I I I I I

I Am With You All Days'

Christ's Promise Fulfilled

WHY THE AMAZING GROWTH AND CONTINUITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

Untauns ConpetataHists Bapusts(15 sects) Urevercausts Methwjsts(17 sects) D k of Orel Itanws S?Jv;ln Array Ctirislisi S Foar Svjn o^ol Qua

0 500 Copyright 1949, by John A. O'Brien

1000
It I** ! IM-

THE APOSTASY BEGAN IN FIRST CENTURY AND CONTINUES TODAY

" I see . . . t h a t is w h y t h e title deeds o f all t h e n o n - C a t h o l i c denominations a r e invalid . . . worthless . . . for n o n e g o b a c k b e y o n d t h e sixteenth century . . . N o n e c o m e even close t o Christ . . . t h e original o w n e r . . . t h e f o u n d e r . H o w u n f o r t u n a t e . . . h o w tragic . . . t h a t non-Catholics never stop t o examine their title d e e d s . " 4 O n l y t o find t h e m worthless? T h a t isn't a pleasant discovery . . . a n d people fight s h y o f u n p l e a s a n t facts . . . " 4 'But s o m e d a y there m u s t b e a reckoning . . . o n e c a n ' t remain in a fool's paradise indefinitely . . . s o m e d a y t h e b o t t o m will fall o u t . . . a n d there will b e a r u d e a w a k e n i n g . . . Better m a k e t h e title valid . . . b y going b a c k t o t h e original o w n e r . . . t o Christ . . . a n d t o H i s C h u r c h . " 1
1 Quoted from John A. O'Brien, What's the Truth about Catholics?, (Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor, 1950), p.69.

THE TITLE DEED OF THE CATHOUC CHURCH Unbroken List of Pontiffs from Peter to Today
Christ to Peter: "Thou art Peter;'and upon this rock I will build Church,'and the oate of hell hall not prevail against i t . " MAT. : my

Table II

St. St.

st
St

s s s s

1 0* s 1 1. s 12. s 13. .s 1 4 . st 15. s g

17.

19. s 20. s 21. 22. s 23. St 24. 25. s 26. s 27. s 28. 29. s 30. s 31 s 32. s 33. s 34. s 35. s 36. s 37. s 38. s . Felix I I . . . . . 3 9 . s . D a m a s u s I. . . . 40. s 41. s '. "Anastasliis I." ! 42. s . I n n o c e n t I. . . . 43. s .. Z o z l m u s 4 4 . s t. B o n i f a c e I. . . . 4 5 . s t. C e l e s t l n e I. . . 4 6 . s . Slxt..* I I I . . . . 4 7 . s . Leo I 4 8 . s . Hilary 4 9 . s . Simpllclus . . . . 5 0 . s t, F e l i x I I I 51. s . G e l a s i u s I. . . . 52. s .. A n n s t a s l u s I I . . 53. . Symtviachu . . . 5 4 . s t. H o r r a | s d a s . . . . 5 5 . s t. J o h n I 5 6 . s . F e l i x IV 57. 58. J *hn II. . . . . . . 1 !

Peter. Linus, M . . . . . Cletus. M. . . . . Clement I.. M . . . Anacletue. M. . . Evarlstus. M. . . Alexander I . , M . S l x t u s I.. M. . . . . Telesphorua. M. . Hyclnus. M. . . . P l u s I.. M. . . . t. Anlcetus, M. . . Soterus, M. . . . . . Soterus. M. . . . . Eleutherlus, M. . Victor I.. M. . . ZoDhyrlnns, M. . Calllstus I.. M. . . Urban I., M. . Pontlan. M. . . . . Anicrus, M. . . . . Kablan, M. . . . . Cornelius. M. . . . Lucius I.. M. . . . Stephen I., M. . S i x t u s I I . . M. . , Dlonyslus . F e l i x I., M. . . . 1 .itychlan. M. . . Calue. . Marcclllnus. M. . . Marcellus I.. M. . Kusebius . Melchtades . . . . . Sylvester I . . Mark . Julius I . Llberlns .

Nm

Cfocted Oied
33 67 78 9O 100 112 121
154 158 167

132 142 175 175 221 227 2 33 238 253 255

257 260 261 272 275 283 239 182 193 203

67 78 90 100 112 121 32 42 54 58 67 175 82 93 203 221

238

60. 67. 68. 69. 7O. 71, 72. 73. 74. 75. 70. 77. 78. 79. 80.

81 . 83'.

22 7 2 33

296 304 300 311 314 33? 352 363 367 399 402 432 440 461 468 483
402 496 498 514 417 418 423 384 341

253 255 257 200 261 272 275 283 200

. .

. . .

311 313 337 340 352 306 365 384 398 402 417 418 423 432 440 401 468 483 492 496 498 514 526

304 309

100. 101.
02. 03. 04. 05.

84. 85. 80. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 06. 97. 98. 99.

106. 108. 109. 110. 1 1. 112.

13. 14. 16. 17. 18. 21. 07.

Name Elected Died St. Gregory I . 590 6 0 4 Sablnlan 604 600 Boniface III 607 67 608 615 St. Boniface IV. . . 615 619 St. Deusdedlt I. . . 619 025 Boniface V 623 638 Honorius I 0 3 9 G4O Serverlnus John IV 042 0-10 Theodore I 042 04 0 6 4 9 St. Martin I.. M. . 65 5 St. Eugene I 65 5 6">7 657 672 St. Vatallin 6 7 2 0 70 Adeodatus II 670 078 Donus I 678 682 St. Agatho 6 8 2 0 83 St. Leo II 684 685 St. Benedict II. . . 085 680 John V 6 8 Conon OS 7 687 71 St. Sertrius I 701 705 John VI 75 John VII 7117 708 7OH Sislnnius 708 Constantino 7 I5 St. Grepory II. . 715 73 1 731 St. Gregory III. . . 74 1 741 St. Zachary 752 Stephen l i t 752 757 St. Stephen III. . . 767 St. Paul I 7 57 768 Stephen IV 77 1 771 795 Adrian I 816 St. Leo III 79 5 St. Stephen V. 810 81 7 817 St. Paschal I 82 4 824 827 Fupene II 827 Valentine 82 7 827 844 Gregory IV Serpius II 844 847 St. Leo IV 847 855 Benedict III 8 5 5 8 58 K7 St. Nicolas I 8 58 867 Adrian II 872 8H2 John VIII 882 8H4 Marinus I 8*5 St. Adrian III. . . . 88 I 885 Stephen VI 89 1 Theodore II John IX Benedict IV Leo V Christopher Scrclus III Anat-taalus III. . . Landus John X Leo VI Stephen VIII. . . . John XI Loo VII Steuhen IX Marinus IT
801 806 897 898 896 897 8<)H 9OO <>(".:*

N a m e 1 1 1 1 3 3 . J o h n X I I 3 4 . B e n e d i c t V . ., 3 5 . J o h n X I U 3 . B e n e d i c t V I 37. P o n u s I I 38. B e n e d i c t V I I 39. J o h n X I V 4O. J o h n X V 4 1 . G r e g o r y V 42. S y l v e s t e r I I 43. J o h n X V I . o rX V I 4 4 . J o h n X V I I . o rX V I 15. S n r r l u s I V 40. B e n e d i c t V I I I . . 47. J o h n X V I I I . o r o r X X 48. B e n e d i c t I X 4'.. G r e g o r y V I 50. C l e m e n t I I 5 1 . D a m a s u f . I I S t . L e o T X 5 3 . V i c t o r I I S t e p h e n X N i c h o l a s 1 1 5 0 . A l e x a n d e r 11. 57. f.t. G r e g o r y V I I . B . V i c t o r III B . U r b a n 1 1 00. P a s c h a l I I 01. G o l a s i u s I I 02. C a l l i s t u s I I O3. H o n o r i u s I I 01. I n n o c n t I I 07. 08. 09. 70. 7 1 . 72. 73. 7 4 . 17.'). 70. 1 7 7 . 1 7 H . 1 7 9 . 1 8<).

C l ected

Died 197. 198. 199. 200. 21. 202.. 203. .204. 2OO! 207.

I . . I I . . . . X I X .

956 964 964 96 5 065 972 72 973 9 7 3 973 O 7 5 084 984 985 985 990 0 < J 6 99! 999 003 1003 OO3 1 0 0 3 J 009 009 012 ] 012 1024

Clement

. . .

OO:

L u c i u s

II.

. ' . . . ' . . . ' .

II. KiiRone I I I A n a s t a s i u s IV Adrian IV Alexander III Lucius Ifl Urban III Gregory VIII Clemont III Co'ostino III Hunorlus III

057 050 061 0 7 3 H87 088 099 1 1 8 119 I 1 2 4 1 1 3 0 143 144 145 153 154 159 181

'208. 209. 210. 024 033 211. 33 04 4 2 1 2 . 44 104 0 2 1 3 . O4 1047 2 14. 48 118 49 05 4 2 10. 0 5 5 217. 1 00 t 1073 101-'. 5
087 58

219.' 22.
2 ' .

111s 1119
1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 2 4 1 3 0 1 4 3 1 4 4 1 4 5 1 5 : } 1 5 4 [ 1 5 9

' 1 8 7
1 1 9 1 1 1 9 S 1 2 1 122

187 1 8 7 1 1 9 1 1 1 9 H 12 1

2 2 5. 2 2 0. 227. 228. 229. 2 30. 231 . 232. 233. 2 34. 2 35. 2 30. 2 37. 238. 2 39. 2.

1 5. Stephen VII. . . '. . . .

18) . A l e x a n d e r IV
1 M2. Urban IV. 8 3 .
84.
B. f . r c K O ' y ' x . ' : : : :

59. 00. 61. 65.

e5! 64.

s t. Airapltus t. Sllverlu^.-M. V glllus elaplus I John III Benedict I

526 53 532

52

f.23 5 3
532 535

1 10. 120. 122. 12 3. 126. 127. 28. 1 29. 3'. 131.

9OO 93 94

80S

90:i
94 913

. .

530 538 555 seo 574

535

536 538 65S 56

573 578

IV.

91 1 9 13 9 15 92H 929 93<i 93 94 2

9 11 9 14 92 S '"Ml

1 6. 187. O.

B . I n n o c e n t V A d r i a n V J 0 K 1 M X . o rX V . o N i c h o l a s I I I
H O I K . r u . , I V

124 1 24 3 1 2 . ' . 1254 - 1201 2 5 27 1 127

277

I 2 7 -, 1 2 7 0

22. '2 1 4 . Innocen. 2 4". .MO. Inn'o'-'iH C \ 7. Hcne.iict CiOii.Pt 21:<! 2 5 1.

Nam* Elected Died Benedict XI. or XII 334 1 3 4 2 VI. . . . 34 2 1 3 5 2 Innocent VI. . . 352 1 3 6 2 B. Urban V. . . . 32 ] 3 7 Gregory XI. - . . 37 1 3 7 8 378 1 3 8 9 Urban ,VI 380 ] 4 0 4 Boniface IX. . . . Innocent VII . . 404 1 4 0 6 Gregory X I I . $ - , . 4 0 0 1 4 09 Alexander, V. 409 1 4 1 0 John XXlf. or XX iii or XXIV.* . . 410 1 4 1 5 Martin I I I . or V. 417 1 4 3 1 Eugcno IV 431 1 4 4 7 Nicholas V. . . 4 4 7 . 4 55 Callistus I I I . . . 455 1 4 5 8 Pius II 458 1 4 6 4 Paul II 464 1 4 7 1 .Slxtus IV 471 1 4 8 4 484 492 Innocent VIII. . 492 503 Alexander VI. . . 53 503 Pi"s II' 503 1 5 1 3 Julius II 513 521 Loo X Adrian VT * 2 2 1 523 Clemont VII. . . 5 2 3 3 534 Paul III 5 34 1 5 4 9 Julius III 55 1 55 5 555 555 Maree'Hio II. . . 555 559 Paul IV 559 565 Plus IV 506 572 St. Pius V Gregory XIII. . . 5 72 58A Slxtus V 590 Urban VII 59 1 Gregory x i y . . . 501 605 592 Clement VIII.' '. '. 005 60S Leo XI 0O5 631 Paul V 621 623 Cropory XV. . . . 023 644 Urban VIII. . . . 644 655 C55 67 Alexander VIlV '. OO 7 669 Cl.-ment IX. . . . O/O 676 Clemen;. X Alexander VIU. eot

l%\

If?

XU. ' .' .' vui. '\ XIII. . MI. . .

o:io

'.M't 0 4 2 946

94!
1'.">.

N i c h o l a s I V S t . <c l c t l n e V t . . B o n i r a c c V I T I IT B e n e d i c t X .o r X I . C l e m e n t V J o h n X X . o rX X I . o r X X I I

128 1 2 >< 1 2R8 I 2 9 2 1294 1 2 9 4 2 9 4 133 33

JOj [314

1 2 HO 12 5

1316

Phis W. ' ! . . . . j.'ii! 1 .< > >:n ^ r.r.oiv'xvi. :: 2 5 7 '. I!!* IV 2. H. Leo M i l Plus X Bcnodti t XV. . . Plus XT

076 GDI 7OO 1 7 2 1 1 7 2 4 7 3 0 7 J O 75* I'. 0 0 7 7 . 1 SOO .2. IV. 0

70(1
72

72 1

17C9
774 7f<l

740 75*

831

922 930
fcilntly

914

830 8V f, 1903 1914 1930

922

Pope during

exile of Ltberlus.

t Died before his consecration.

t R e s i g n e d .
Fleshed; and 3 3 w e r e martyred . . . a distlnjrulbhed l i s t of holy and C a t h o l i c Church, . . . t h e o n o t r u e C h u r c h o f J o u C h r U t o n e a r t h . men

Of t h e 2 6 2 P o p e s f r o m S t . P e t e r t o P l u s X I I , 8 3 a r e h o n o r e d * s S a i n t s ; 7 a s . , . linking t h e Church w i t h C h r U t . . . and constituting the title d e e d of the

28

THE MAN OF SIN

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC APOSTASY1

Immortality of the soul (approx.) Pre-human existence of Christ Substitutionary sacrifice Sprinkling instead of immersion Greek word "trias" used for the trinity The term "priest" applied to church officials Millennial reign of Christ regarded as an allegory Platonic philosophy introduced by Origen Perpetual virginity of Mary Primacy of Peter Apostolic succession Infant baptism Monasticism founded Prayers for the dead (approx.) Making the sign of the cross (approx.) Emperor Constantine makes apostate Christianity the state religion wholesale inclusion of Christianized pagans Wax candles Jesus a person within the Godhead (Council of Nicaeafrom which came the Nicene Creed) Veneration of dead "saints" and angels Use of images The "Holy Ghost" a person within the Godhead (Council of Constantinople) Emperor Theodosius makes apostate Christianity compulsory "Pontifex Maximus" (formerly title of Caesar and high priest of heathen religion) taken as title of Bishop of Rome Date 124 124 124 150 180 200 200 200 250 250 250 250 270 300 300 312 320 325 375 375 381 395 395

ROMAN EMPIRE DIVIDESCONSTANTINOPLE THE CAPITAL IN THE EAST AND ROME IN THE WEST
Jerome's translation of the Biblethe Latin "Vulgate" Innocent I calls himself "Ruler of the Church of God" Doctrine of purgatory Original sin Holy Spirit the exclusive agent in regeneration Exaltation of Mary "the Mother of God" Leo I takes the title of "pope" the title is conferred on all previous bishops of Rome posthumously 400 402 430 430 430 431 451

ROME FALLS TO THE BARBARIANS

476

Indulgences for the dead 476 Priests begin to dress differently to laymen 500 Extreme Unction 526 Latin language used in prayer and worship established by Gregory I 600 Prayers directed to Mary, dead saints and angels 600 Decree of Phocas gives pope temporal power 610 Rival claimants to Papal throne Honorius II and Leo II 682 Kissing of pope's foot begins with Constantine 709 Feat of the assumption of the virgin Mary 819 "Holy water" mixed with a pinch of salt and blessed by a priest 850 Wearing of the papal crownNicolas I (approx.) 858 Pseudo-Isidorian Decretalsforged documents used by Nicolas I to establish his claims to temporal powers. . 859 Western and Eastern Churches (Rome and Constantinople) mutually excommunicate each other 869 Canonization of dead "saints" John XV 995 Celibacy of the priesthood decreed by Gregory VII , 1079 The Rosary, mechanical praying with beads, originated by Peter the Hermit 1090

2THESSALONIANS

29

Plenary indulgences granted to all who took part in the Crusades Payment for Masses introduced The Inquisition instituted by the Council of Verona Indulgences soldmoney used to repair St. Peter's Basilica in Rome Reading of the Bible in the common vernacular condemned Extermination of the Albigenses ordered by Innocent III Auricular confession to a priest instead of to God instituted by Innocent III Adoration of the wafer (host) decreed by Honorius III Bible forbidden to laymen, and placed on the Index of Forbidden Books by the Council of Valencia Limbo originated for the dead unbaptized infants Thomas Aquinas published "Summa Theologica" The scapular (a shoulder strap connected by two strings) invented by Simon Stock The House of Mary was purportedly detached from its foundations in Nazareth and transported by angels first to Dalmatia and then to Loretto, Italy Plenary indulgences granted by Boniface VIII to all who visit Rome Priests refuse to pay taxes Treasury of meritsmerits can be transferred Three rival claimants to papal chairJohn XXIII, Gregory XII, Benedict XIII Huss the reformer promised safe passage to Rome and then betrayed and burned to death The cup forbidden to the people at communion Seven sacraments and purgatory made articles of faith Innocent VIII orders extermination of the Waldenses Indulgences sold for the living and the dead Luther's 95 theses Ignatius Loyola founded the Jesuits Copernicus excommunicated for his heliocentric theory of the solar system Tradition given equal authority with the Scriptures Council of Trent affirms: LATINlanguage of the mass use of Scripture without permission forbidden only Roman Catholic translations allowed absolute power of the pope over the whole earth Solemn mass celebrated for St. Bartholomew's Day massacre when 60,000 Huguenots exterminated Galileo condemned by Paul V and Urban VIII Bulls issued by Pius VI against Bible Societies Newman and Manning, leaders of the Oxford Movement, converted to Roman Catholicism Doctrine of Immaculate Conception proclaimed by Pius IX Virgin Mary supposedly appears to Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes in France Papal infallibility decreed by 1st VaticanCouncil Virgin Mary supposedly appears to three children in Fatima, Portugal Life of mother and fetus equally sacred, proclaimed by Pius XI Lateran accordMussolini restored Pope's temporal power in Vatican City Liguori (canonized saint) in "The Glories of Mary" declares Mary as a "mediatrix"she obtains favours not granted by God and quicker than Jesus Papal Concordat signed with Nazi Germany Pope remains silent over Germany's extermination of 6,000,000 Jews Pius XII creates 32 new cardinals robes of each cost $10,000 Assumption of body of Mary to heaven made an article of faith Queenship of Mary proclaimed "Queen of heaven" Ecumenical movement towards eastern Orthodox Vatican II Ecumenical movement further attempted pope addresses U.N. prays for peace with Protestants Pope addresses "World Council of Churches" and opened his arms to welcome Protestants home Pope maintains that Jerusalem should be an international city although diplomatic relations exist with many Arab countries, none with Israel Pope Paul re-affirms belief in the Devil

1094 1100 1184 1190 1198 1200 1215 1220 1229 1245 1250 1251 1291 1294 1296 1342 1409 1414 1414 1439 1484 1513 1517 1534 1534 1546

1546 1572 1616 1775 1845 1854 1858 1870 1917 1922 1929 1931 1933 1943 1946 1950 1954 1962 1962 1965 1973 1973

'May the reader of these notes, sensitive to the Scriptural use of terms like "saint" and "Father" pardon the use of these terms when they refer to Romanists within the apostasy. These arrogated titles are used only for the purposes of identification. It is with regret that they have to appear with such unholy associations.

30

THE MAN OF SIN

SOURCES FOR HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Loraine Boettner, Roman Catholicism, (London: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1966). Henry Halley, Bible Handbook, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1959). Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers, Trans, by Maxwell Staniforth, (Aylesbury: Penguin Books, 1968). Earle E. Cairns, Christianity through the Centuries, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1964). F. Walker et al., Watchman! What of the Night? (Bristol: F. Walker, 1942). F.C.H. Dreyer et al., Roman Catholicism in the Light of Scripture, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1960). John A. O'Brien, The Faith of Millions: The Credentials of the Catholic Religion, (Huntington, Ind.: Our Sunday Visitor Inc., 1963). Nihil Obstat: James J. O'Connor, Censor Librorum. Imprimatur: Leo A. Pursley, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

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A verse by verse exposition of 2 Thessalonians 2

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Why was the "Man of Sin" prophecy given to the Thessalonians?

The language of 2 Thess. 2 is almost surprising to the student of Scripture. It reads more like Daniel and Revelation than Romans or Galatians. Two reasons can be inferred from the epistle to the Thessalonians as to why the "Man of Sin" prophecy was given: a) Premature expectations of Christ's return The Laodiceans considered themselves to be rich, increased with goods and had need of nothing (Rev. 3:17). Such was not the case at Thessalonica. The believers had experienced a severe test of affliction and extreme poverty (2 Cor. 8:1, 2, R.S.V.). They suffered at the hands of their own countrymen and received the word in much affliction (1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14; 3:3-4). Understandably, in such circumstances, a premature expectation of the day of Christ could arise with serious consequences.1 It was needful, therefore, that the Thessalonian believers receive inspired information from the Apostle as to what events had to transpire before Christ's return could be expected. b) A warning against errorists Evidently spurious information was circulating at Thessalonica to the effect that the day of Christ had already come. Brethren of doubtful standing were circulating among the ecclesias teaching erroneous doctrines (e.g. Acts 15:24; Gal. 2:4-5; 2 Cor. 3:1; cf. 11:12-15). As a counter-measure, the Apostle wrote advising believers: "not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us to the effect that the day of the Lord has come." (2 Thess. 2:2, R.S.V.) In chapter one of this second epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul showed that the events connected with the return of the Lord were so momentous that it was impossible for the day of Christ to have already come. In chapter two, Paul shows that a great apostasy must develop before that day would arrive.

1 Is this why the Apostle Paul admonished those "who walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies" (2 Thess. 3:11)? Had they stopped working because they thought that the day of Christ had already come?

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2:1

Now we beseech you brethren The intreaty of the Apostle introduces his readers to a matter of the greatest importance to them. by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ "Coming", Gk: "parousia", "a being alongside, presence" (Young). "Parousia" does not mean an invisible presence as Jehovah's Witnesses teach. It means a literal, visible presence as the following examples indicate: 2 Cor. 7:6 The coming of Titus 1 Cor. 16:17 The coming of visitors to Paul Phil. 1:26 Paul's coming to the Philippians. and by our gathering together unto him "Gathering", Gk: "episunagoge", ('sun' = together; 'ago' = to bring), "to lead together" (Young); "collection" (Strong); "assembling", R.S.V. This word occurs as a noun only in Heb. 10:25 where it is used of coming together for the memorial service. It might, therefore, be inferred that the "meeting" or "assembling" to which Paul refers is not simply a meeting, but rather is the joyous union of the bride with the groom, the ecclesia with her Lord. The resurrection of the dead and the judgment of the responsible are not here set out. The Apostle does this in other epistles (e.g. 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 2 Cor. 5:10).

2:2

That ye be not soon ['quickly', R.S. V.J shaken in mind or be troubled "shaken", Gk: "saleuo", "to shake, agitate, toss" (Yg.); "primarily of the action of strong winds, waves" (Vine). "Troubled", Gk: "throeomai", "to be tumultuous" (Yg.); "to make an outcry" (Vine). The implication here is that the believers were liable to be shaken as a tumultuous storm by rumours as soon as they heard them. There was a great urgency for stability that they "stand firm in the faith". To believe that Christ's return had already taken place would give rise to many erroneous speculations relating to the resurrection and judgment. neither by spirit [Gk: 'pneuma'] Probably a "revelation" purporting to come from a Spirit-gifted believer. "Spirit" is used by the figure of speech called "metonymy" for the person. See 1 John 4:1: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world". Weymouth's translation catches the sense of the passage: "either by any pretended spiritual revelation". In the first century the Spirit-gift of "discerning of spirits" (1 Cor. 12:10) would serve to distinguish the counterfeit claimants from the genuine. Peter was able to do this with Ananias and Sapphira seeing through their veneer of pretence (Acts 5:1-11).

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On the other hand the Thessalonians must not over-react. They were to "quench not the Spirit" nor "despise prophesyings", but rather "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thess. 5:19-21). nor by word [Gk: 'logos'] i.e. a word of mouth report, said to come from the Apostle Paul, but in fact, spurious. nor by letter as from us Judaisers had resorted to producing letters of commendation before the Corinthian believers (cf. 2 Cor. 3). The problem was acknowledged at the Jerusalem Conference: "Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandments." (Acts 15:24) In order to positively prove the authorship of his inspired writings, Paul sent his letters by the hand of accredited representatives (e.g. Titus, 2 Cor. 2:3, 4, 13; 7:6-8) who were known to the ecclesias (e.g. 2 Cor. 8:16-24). Furthermore, Paul signed his letters "The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write" (2 Thess. 3:17) See also Col. 4:18; 1 Cor. 16:21. Occasionally he wrote the whole epistle himself as in the Galatian letter. "Ye see how large a letter [i.e., the characters, the letters of the alphabet, not the length of the epistle] I have written unto you with my own hand." (Gal. 6:11) 05 that the day of Christ "Christ" = "Lord" in most recent translations. "Day", Gk: "hemera". "The day of the Lord" encompasses more than the return of Christ, although this event is of paramount importance. For example, it involves the resurrection, judgment and immortalization of the faithful and retribution on evildoers (e.g. Isa. 2:11, 12). Similarly, "day of the Lord" is not simply a 24 hour period. The expression varies as follows: the day of Christ (Phil. 1:10; 2:16) the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6) the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14) the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:8). "The day of the Lord" is often used in the Old Testament, e.g. Isa. 2:12; Joel 2:3; Mai. 4:5. In these passages the expression relates to God's judgments on His enemies.

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is at hand "At hand" = "has come", R.S.V., "is come", Nestle; "is now here", Weymouth. It was not erroneous to teach "the Lord is at hand" Paul did this (Phil. 4:5 cf. Rom. 13:12). The A.V. translation is misleading. The errorists taught that the day of Christ had come, not that it was prematurely imminent (as the A.V. implies).2 In 1 Thess. 4:16 the Apostle explained that the return of Christ would be evidenced by: the Lord's descent from heaven a shout the voice of an archangel the trump of God.

The error at Thessalonica must have related to the events of the day of the Lord, but not specifically the events of 1 Thess. 4:15. Had the errorist taught that these events had already commenced and the return of Christ to gather the faithful was imminent? 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means "Deceive", Gk: "exapateo", "to greatly deceive" (Yg.); "to beguile thoroughly, to deceive wholly" (Vine). "By any means" = "in any way", R.S.V. i.e., by claiming Spirit-gift powers, by a word of mouth report, or by letter purporting to be from the Apostle (cf. v.2). Jesus similarly warned the believers against misinformation as to the time of his appearing (Matt. 24:5). Many things had to transpire: wars, famines, pestilence, widespread earthquakes, widespread persecutions of believers, and the growth of false Messiahs and prophets showing "great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:3, 24). for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first "That day shall not come" is italicized in the A.V. indicating that this clause is supplied to give the sense of the verse, but does not have an exact word for word parallel with the Greek text. "Falling away", Gk: "apostasia", "a defection, revolt, apostasy".3 The definite article occurs in the Greek. Hence the apostasy, not "a falling away" as in the A.V.

2 Vine comments: "In 2 Thess. 2:2, A.V., the verb 'enistemi', 'to be present', ("en", " i n " , "histemi", "to cause to stand"), is wrongly translated "is at hand", the R.V. correctly renders it, 'is (now) present'.", p.191. The expression is very strong in the Greek expressing suddenness or imminence, 3 "Apostasy" is used in Acts 21:21 where it is translated "forsake". The verb form of the word occurs in 1 Tim. 4:1 "Some shall depart [Gk: 'apostasontai'] from the faith".

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This verse shows the impossibility of an earlier Roman Catholic interpretation 4 of the "Man of Sin" which made the apostasy refer to Roman paganism. . This is not possible because Paul spoke of the apostasy. To become apostate one must at some time have held the Truth. This was never the case with paganism. Paganism consisted of Gentiles who "knew not God". The Gentiles "walked in the vanity of their minds, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart." (Eph. 4:17, 18). The Apostle Paul wrote of the apostasy elsewhere in his epistles: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Tim. 4:3, 4) To the Ephesians he said: "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:29, 30). Jesus, similarly, implied that an apostasy would precede his return: "And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18: 7, 8). and that man of sin "The man of sin", the Greek manuscripts vary: some have "hamartia" = "sin"; others have "anomia" = "lawlessness.5 However, there is little difference between the two translations, since "sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4, R.S.V.).

4 With the work of Ribera and Lacunza in the Counter Reformation the unknown personage in the future called Antichrist is said to be the Apostate. The Douay Version puts it this way in its footnote to 2 Thess. 2:3-4: "Ver. 3. A revolt. This revolt, or falling off, is generally understood, by the ancient fathers, of a revolt from the Roman Empire, which was first to be destroyed, before the coming of Antichrist. It may, perhaps, be understood also of a revolt of many nations from the Catholic Church; which has, in part, happened already, by the means of Mahomet, Luther, and others, and it may be supposed, will be more general in the days of Antichrist. The man of sin. Here must be meant some particular man, as is evident from the frequent repetition of the Greek article " o " the man of sin, the son of perdition, the adversary or opposer It agrees to the wicked and great Antichrist who will come before the end of the world. Ver. 4. In the temple. Either that of Jerusalem which some think he will rebuild; onin some Christian church, which he will pervert to his own worship: as Mahomet has done by the churches of the East."

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The "Man of Sin" is an appropriate description of the succession of Roman apostates as the following proves: a )The papacy claims to be above law: i ii ' The pope is the supreme judge, even of civil laws, and is incapable of being under any true obligation to them." 6 ". . . when the Pope speaks we have no business to examine. We have only to obey. We have no right to criticize his decisions or discuss his commands." 7 "He [the pope] can change justice into righteousness; he can correct the laws of states, and alter them altogether and by the plenitude of his power, he can, since he is above all law, dispense from every law." Pope Nicholas I (858) In "Privilegum Fori" (the privilege of the court) according to which all courts of the law in the world are forbidden to try officials of the hierarchy without the consent of the pope, or to try any ordinary priest without the permission of the local bishop.8.

iii

iv

b) Wicked Lives of Popes While claiming to be the "true successors" to the Apostles and the bastions against immorality and wickedness, the lives of the popes with few exceptions, have been a succession of wickedness of the grossest character. "Pope Vagilius waded to the pontifical throne through the blood of his predecessor. Pope Joan the Roman Catholic writers tell us a female in disguise, was elected and confirmed pope, as John VIII. Platina says, that 'she became with child by some of those that were round about her; that she miscarried, and died on her way from the Later an to the temple'. Pope Marcellinus sacrificed to idols. Concerning Pope Honorius, the council of Constantinople decreed, 'We have caused Honorius, the late pope of Old Rome, to be accursed; for that in all things he followed the mind of Sergius the heretic, and confirmed his wicked doctrines.' The council of Basil thus condemned pope Eugenius: 'We condemn and depose pope Eugenius, a despiser of the holy canons; a disturber of the peace and
5 Tischendorf's eighth edition (1865-1872) and Tregelles (1857-1872) give "anomias" = "lawlessness" in the texts published by them. Some translations, therefore, give "man of lawlessness" as does the R.S.V.; New World Translation. 6 "Civilta Cattolica", quoted in Loraine Boettner, Roman Catholicism, (London: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1966), p. 481. 7 Pope Pius X when Archbishop of Venice. See the "Catholique Nationale", July 13, 1895, and quoted in F. Walker et al., Watchmen! What of the Night?, (Bristol: F. Walker, The Dawn, 1942), pp. 60-61. 8 See Emmett McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church, (New York: Lyle Stuart, 1962), p. 91.

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unity of the church of God; a notorious offender of the whole universal church; a Simonist; a perjurer; a man incorrigible; a schismatic; a man fallen from the faith, and a wilful heretic' Pope John II was publicly charged at Rome with incest. Pope John XIII usurped the pontificate, spent his time in hunting, in lasciviousness, and monstrous forms of vice; he fled from the trial to which he was summoned, and was stabbed, being taken in the act of adultery. Pope Sixtus IV licensed brothels at Rome. Pope Alexander VI was, as a Roman Catholic historian says, 'one of the greatest and most horrible monsters in nature that could scandalize the holy chair. His beastly morals, his immense ambition, his insatiable avarice, his detestable cruelty, his furious lusts, and monstrous incest with his daughter Lucretia, are, at large, described by Guicciardini Ciaconius, and other authentic papal historians.' Of the popes, Platina, a Roman Catholic, says: The chair of Saint Peter was usurped, rather than possessed, by monsters of wickedness, ambition and bribery. They left no wickedness unpractised.' " 9 In spite of her protestations that she is the only divinely founded church, that she is holy, the Roman Catholic church has failed in the past to hold aloft the banner of morality. An ex-priest put it this way: "I have been shocked at the revelation of its real history, written not by scandalmongers and anti-Catholics but by sound, careful, erudite, accepted scholars. All favourable features of the Church are grossly exaggerated. All facts that might discredit the Church are suppressed as much as possible. This is the reason for its vast system of censorship."10
c) Wicked teaching and practices

The Papacy purports to be the Mother of Christianity and the Bible, protector and defender of the Faith, "the God-made Church" through which "the lifegiving graces flow". It is rather a God-dishonouring system, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. It has imposed on men burdens not made binding by God. One has only to think of the following: celibacy,11 penance, indulgences, absolution and extreme unction. On the other hand, the Papacy has allowed or encouraged what God forbids: image and relic veneration, political involvement and use of force against enemies, exaltation of the clergy, clergy-laity distinctions. Ex-priest McLoughlin comments: "Just as the Church's grasping for power begot confession, and confession begot purgatory, so purgatory begot indulgences, and indulgences begot a

9 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament, edited by Ingram Cobbin, (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1972), p. 1113. 10 Emmett McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church, (New York: Lyle Stuart, 1962), p. 31.

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priestly traffic in souls for ready money and this begot the revolt of Protestantism. They [indulgences] could and still can be gained' by any means specified by the pope certain prayers, good works, pilgrimages, the veneration of relics of the saints, the use of blessed objects, or especially in the Middle Ages, by giving money to the pope. From the Vatican's viewpoint the principal purpose of indulgences was to raise money. The medieval records are filled with ingenious devices with accompanying fees of granting indulgences for every conceivable 'charitable and worthy cause' promoting the Crusades, building St. Peter's in Rome (which deeply influenced Luther and the Reformation), building bridges, or getting the papal tiara out of hock, which actually happened when Pope Innocent VIII mortgaged his papal headdress for 100,000 ducats in 1487."12 d) Followers of the Man of Sin The disciple of Jesus is commanded, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God . . . whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" (Rom. 13:1, 2); "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of men for the Lord's sake" (1 Pet. 2:13). Studies however have indicated that Roman Catholics are imprisoned more often than non-Roman Catholics (atheists, agnostics and all the sects of Protestantism combined) in relation to the general population. The studies were conducted by three Franciscan priests in 1936. Similar findings were supported by the figures supplied by the Bureau of Prisons of the U.S. Department of Justice (1951) 26.4% of all federal prisoners were Roman Catholics, but less than 19% of the population claimed to be Roman Catholics.13. Similarly in 1943 it was reported that three fifths of all juveniles arrested in the city of New York were Roman Catholics, but only one fifth of the population was Roman Catholic. Even allowing for what appears to be a heavily inflated figure claimed by the R.C. hierarchy to be the proportion of its followers to the general population, the percentage of Catholics to non-Catholics charged with crimes runs counter to the Church's claim that it is the means to holiness.

11 These are always defended in such a manner as to enhance the position of the Roman Church as defender of the faith. Pope Paul's defence of celibacy is typical: * 'Priestly celibacy has been guarded by the church for centuries as a brilliant jewel, and retains its value undiminished even in our time . . . Hence we consider that the present law of celibacy should today continue to be firmly linked to the ecclesiastical ministry." Papal encyclical "Sacerdotalis Celebatus" issued by Pope Paul VI in 1967 and quoted in the New York "Times", June 24, 1967. 12 Emmett McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church, pp. 237-239.

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Colombia, a country in South America, has been a staunchly Roman Catholic country for years. According to the "National Catholic Almanac", Catholicism was introduced into Colombia in 1538, and the nation is 97% Roman Catholic (1958). Yet with a population of 13,824,000 in 1958 it had 11,058 murders and assassinations 3,000 more than in the U.S.A. which has thirteen times the population. Similarly, Peru is said to be 95.4% Roman Catholic (according to the 'National Catholic Almanac') after 430 years of Catholic influence, yet official statistics indicate that in a 4 year period there have been nearly as many illegitimate as legitimate births in the two cities of Lima and Balnearios (the percentage of illegitimate births is reputed to be much higher in the rural areas 70-80%). The Roman Church portrays itself as the bastion of morality antidivorce, anti-abortion, anti-birth-control (except for methods approved by the Church) and yet where Catholicism has had generations of time to teach morality its codes appear to be disregarded and ignored by its own adherents. The "Man of Sin" has succeeded in reproducing his like offspring. The tree is known by its fruits. be revealed Gk: "apokalupto", "to uncover, unveil" (Yg.). Although the apostasy existed when the Apostle Paul wrote (the mystery of iniquity already worked, 2:7), it did not become full-blown until much later when the apostasy became a political force. This occurred about the time of Constantine when apostate Christianity became the state religion. the son of perdition "Perdition", Gk: "apoleia", "loss, destruction" (Yg.). Although "the man of sin" is the incarnation of lawlessness in his disregard and usurpation of divine law, his end is sealed; he is a son of destruction. His destiny has been fixed from his beginning. Like produces like. If perdition could be a father the man of sin would be his son. Scripture is employing the figure of personification. "Perdition", (destruction) is personified as a "father" and its "son" is the Man of Sin. Similarly, Judas is called "a son of perdition" (John 17:12),15 and the beast which carried the harlot of Rev. 17 is a beast which goes "into perdition" (Rev. 17:8).

13 See Emmett McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church, pp. 31-37. 15 A contemporary religionist, DeHaan has mistakenly misinterpreted "son of perdition" to mean that Judas would be raised from the dead to become the antichrist.

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THE MAN OF SIN'S FOLLOWERS A Comparison of Crime and Immorality between Catholics and non-Catholics
Table 1. Percentage of Catholic Prisoners Compared to Percentage of Catholics in Total Population
CATHOLIC CATHOLIC IN STATE IN PRISON

Table IV. Religious Affiliation and Criminal Population in New Zealand 1910
POPULATION CRIMINALS

Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Florida Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

33.16% 53.26% 3.14 1.21 16.83 43.61 10.91 37.42 38.88 50.63 0.74 2.76 18.51 4.19 32.35 19.04 14.47 9.67 21.90 11.80 10.94 7.05 16.22 27.88 21.36 16.11 37.92 53.29 17.33 18.73 18.23 38.65 0.58 1.65 13.06 22.03 23.03 10.66 30.74 56.88 26.82 47.66 43.32 66.67 56.46 26.73 16.39 24.03 1.76 2.15 18.96 5.95 21.48 38.41 0.59 1.00 1.99 1.01 12.20 9.10 32.79 2.30 40.28 21.50 29.43 6.35 4.35 7.75 43.52 23.79 32.18 7.13

Church of England 40.27% 41.47% 14.07 32.95 Catholics 22.78 17.15 Presbyterians 10.44 3.00 Wesleyans 12.44 5.43 Others Table VI. Murders per 100,000 Population, for the Combined years 1957, 1958, and 1959. Scotland Switzerland Norway New Zealand Ireland Luxembourg England and Wales Denmark Spain Sweden West Germany Austria Netherlands Australia Canada Italy Finland United States Yugoslavia France Philippines Colombia ().54P 0.67P 0.68P 0.68P 0.88C 1.00C 1.01P 1.27P ]1.50C 1.92P ]1.93P and C 2.11C 2.22P 2.30P 2.77P and C 3.31C 3.68P 4.72P and C 6.69C 8.69C 30.20C 56.50C

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Table VII. Murders per 100,000 Population, for the Combined Years 1885, 1886 and 1887. Scotland England Germany Ireland Italy 0.94 1.08 1.14 1.93 12.67 France Belgium Austria Spain 2.13 2.52 3.11 8.59

Table V. Birth Statistics, Lima and Balnearios

NUMBER PERCENTAGE OF BIRTHS OF TOTAL BIRTHS

1955 Legitimate Births Illegitimate Births 1956 Legitimate Births Illegitimate Births 1957 Legitimate Births Illegitimate Births 1958 Legitimate Births Illegitimate Births

22,630 20,842 24,026 21,384 26,931 22,205 28,326 21,741

52.1 47.9 52.9 47.1 54.8 45.2 56.6 43.4

Table III. Homicides in Seven European Countries. 1880.

MURDERS TOTAL POPULATION P/CENT AGE OF CATHOLICS

Italy Spain

2,720 1,265

27,000,000 17,000,000 16,000,000 37,000,000 5,000,000 25,000,000 45,000,000

90 90 60 80 95 3 33

ustro-Hungary 1,180 France 582 96 Ireland England & Wales Germany '48 602

Using the rate per 100,000, which is the modern international method of comparing nations, the 1880 scale of murders shapes up as follows: England and Wales Germany France Ireland ustro-Hungary Spain Italy 1.20 per 1.30 per 2.30 per 2.40 per 3.00 per 7.20 per 10.10 per 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000

All tables reproduced from official records and reported in Emmett McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church, (New York: Lyle Suart, 1962).

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In 1534 Ignatius Loyola founded the Jesuit organization the Society of Jesus. It was conditionally sanctioned by the bull of Pope Paul HI (1540), unconditionally approved by him in 1543. Missionaries were sent out and colleges established in Spain (1546); Japan (1549); Abyssinia (1557); England (1580); China (1584), and in America and Asia before 1556. The crimes, intrigues and conspiracies committed and perpetrated by these Jesuits in the countries they entered resulted in their expulsion even from predominantly Roman Catholic countries. Note the following expulsions: Sargossa LaPalinterre Vienna Avignon Antwerp, Portugal, &c England England again England again England again Japan Hungary and Transylvania Bordeaux The whole of France Holland Touron and Berne England again England again Denmark, Venice, &c Venice again Amura, Japan Bohemia Moravia Naples and Netherlands China and India Turkey Abyssinia Malta Russia Savoy Paraguay Portugal Sp. 3rd Prohibited in France France again Spain, colonies and Sicilies' and Naples Parma and Malta 1555 1558 1566 1570 1578 1579 1581 1584 1586 1587 1588 1589 1594 1596 1597 1602 1604 .. 1606 1612 1613 1618 1619 1622 1623 1628 1632 1634 1723 1724 1733 1759 1762 1764 1767 1768 All Christendom, by Bull of Clement XIV, July 21 1773 Russia 1776 France again 1804 Canton Grisson 1804 Naples again 1810 France again 1816 Moscow, St. Petersburg and Canton Soleure 1816 Belgium 1818 Brest (by the people) 1819 Russia again 1820 Spain again 1820 Rouen Cathedral, by people . . . . 1825 Belgium schools 1826 France 8 colleges closed 1828 Great Britain and Ireland 1820 France again 1831 From entering Saxony .1831 Portugal 1834 Spain again 1835 Rheims (by the people) 1838 From entering Lucerne 1842 Lucerne again 1845 France again 1845 Switzerland 1847 Bavaria and Genoa 1848 Papal States by Pius IX. Sardinia, Vienna, Austria . . . . 1848 Several Italian States 1859 Sicily again I860 Spain again 1868 Guatemala 1871 Switzerland 1871 German Empire 1872 France again 1880

14 Taken from "Old Fashioned Prophecy Magazine", (May-June, 1960), pp. 3-4.

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2:4 who opposeth "Oppose", Gk: "antikeimai", literally, "to lie opposite to, to be set over against (Vine). The following illustrates the way in which the Roman Catholic system has opposed God's laws and God's people. 1. An exclusive claim to be God's chosen "church" "The Catholic Church is the only organization authorized by God to teach religious truth and to conduct public religious worship."16 "The eternal salvation of any out of the true church of Christ is not even to be hoped for."17 "It is necessary even in the present day that the Catholic religion shall be held as the only religion of the State, to the exclusion of all other forms of worship."17 2. Extermination of "infidels" and "heretics" a) The Roman Church made Spanish king, Ferdinand III of Castile, a saint in 1671 and in the Breviary (book of daily readings for the priests) praised him in these words: "He permitted no heretics to dwell in his kingdom, and with his own hands brought wood to the stake for their burning." 18 b) "[If] anyone infected with heresy . . . could be set forth and manifest to all, that the moment a man is convicted or held in grave suspicion of heresy he must not be favoured with honours or wealth but be put down from these benefits. And if a few examples could be made, punishing a few with the penalty of their lives or with the loss of property and exile, so that there could be no mistake about the seriousness of the business of religion."19. (Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits). c) "Though heretics must not be tolerated because they deserve it, we must bear with them, till, by a second admonition, they may be brought back to the faith of the church. But those who after a second admonition, remain obstinate in their errors, must not only be excommunicated, but they must be delivered to the secular power to be exterminated."20

16 Francis J. Connell, (with the Imprimatur by Cardinal Spellman), quoted in Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p. 501. 17 Pope Pius IX, 1864, from the "Syllabus of Errors" issued by him, and quoted in Boettner, Roman Catholicism, pp.40-41. 18 Cardinal Lepicier, The Stability and Progress of Dogma, (1910), p.202, and quoted in Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p.504. 19 Obras Completas de San Ignacio de Loyola, edicion Biblioteca de Autores Cristianos. Trans, by Dwight Cristoanos, (Madrid, 1952), quoted in Boettner, Roman Catholicism p. 506.

2THESSALONIANS2

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d )Massacres of Waldenses and Huguenots In St. Bartholomew's Massacre, 70,000 protesters against Romish doctrine and practice perished in a bloody war of extermination in Southern France. Pope Innocent III (!) issued a papal bull celebrating the victory. His instructions to his exterminators were issued in a papal bull. The heretics were "to be crushed like venomous snakes". All participants were absolved "from all ecclesiastical pains and penalties . . . and promised remission of all their sins."
20 Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, vol. 4, p.90, quoted in Charles Chiniquy, Fifty Years in the Church of Rome, (New York: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1886), p. 676. This quotation is of great importance since Pope Leo XIII (1878) ordered that the theology of Thomas Aquinas should be taught in all the colleges, seminaries and universities of the church of Rome throughout the whole world. Priests, once a year, under threat of eternal damnation, are required to say that these words of Thomas Aquinas in the breviariums (official prayer books) are "so good and holy, that every word of it has been inspired by the Holy Ghost to Thomas Aquinas".

THE MASSACRE OF ST. BATHOLOMEW, A.D. 1572.

The words NOTORUM STRAGES

mean Slaughter of the Huguenots.

The St. Bartholomew Medal struck by Pope Gregory XIII, in 1572 to commemorate the massacre of the French Huguenots. Note:The blooddrunken slayer holds the Crucifix in one hand and the drawn sword in the other.

Translation :
' HERESIES EXTINGUISHED."

MEDALS STRUCK IN FRANCE, 1685 A.D.

Translation:
RELIGION CONQUERED. THE TEMPLE OF CALVIN OVERTHROWN

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Papal Piedmontese hurling Waldensians into flaming lime-kilns near Pignerolo, A.D. 1655. By Leger, who witnessed the massacre.

Shown also in Sir Samuel Morland's Waldensian Massacre, 1655 A.D., British Museum Library. Taken from Watchman! What of the Night?, pp. 84, 105; Old Fashioned Prophecy Magazine.

3. The Inquisition: Torture

Torquemada (1420-98) a Dominican monk, burned 10,200 victims, condemned to perpetual imprisonment 97,000.21. The first inquisitor and others of the judges have been canonized by the Roman Church.

21 Henry Halley, Bible Handbook, p.898. The Spanish Inquisition was abolished by Queen Maria Christina in 1834, 350 years after its inception. The Jews suffered greatly under it 30,000 were burned at the stake. Many Jewish settlements in England were founded by refugees from Spain in the 17th century. The Inquisition was described in the Jesuit publication "Civilta Cattolica" (1885, Vol. I, p.55) as "a sublime spectacle of social perfection"! Quoted in Baron Alfred Porcelli, The Antichrist, (London: The Protestant Truth Society, 1962), reprinted by "Old Fashioned Prophecy Magazine", 1971, p.44.

POPE STEPHEN II. SOLICITS PEPIN S AID.

TORTURE WITH THE RACK AND CANDLE Constitutio criminalis Theresiana. The victim, A, of eighteenthcentury justice is here stretched on the rack, which is being tightened by the executioner's assistant, G. An added refinement consists in the application of the candle flame to the area marked, L. The area L is further carefully located by the inserted figure in front and side view.

" Stephen implored Pepin to defend him against the Lombards. In this he only acted upon the invariable policy of his Church. When Rome has dared, she has been insolent and defiant; when she has been firmly opposed, she has ever been crouching and servile. She has been the slave, the rebel, and the usurper by turns; licking the dust beneath the feet of kings, or plunging the dagger into their hearts."Life and Times of Charlemagne.

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Dress of the "heretic" in which he is burnt at the stake.

Dress of one condemned to be strangled.

Dress of a penitent whose life is saved.

THE SANBENITO
The term "Sanbenito" is from St. Benedict. It is a penitential garment a tunic of yellow cloth going down to the knees. Painted on it is the picture of the person wearing it, burning in flames with figures of dragons and devils in the act of fanning the flames. The costume indicates that the wearer is regarded by the Roman Catholic Church as an incorrigible heretic to be burned alive. If the heretic is converted just before being led out of prison to be burned, then the "sanbenito" is painted with flames downward and he is "mercifully" strangled before the fire is applied to the pile. The pasteboard cap 3 feet high is called a "coroza", and on it are painted crosses, flames and devils. Some of the victims were gagged on their way from prison to the burning site lest they should reveal secrets or revile the tribunal. Papal kings and queens of Spain witnessed the burnings from a magnificent stage and canopy erected for the purpose. It was considered meritorious by the Jesuits for the king to supply a faggot for the pile to be burned. King Charles II supplied a faggot, the sticks of which were gilded, adorned by flowers and tied up with ribands. It was honoured by being the first faggot placed upon the pile. When the "heretics" arrived at the site of burning a sermon was given praising the Inquisition. They were burned on days called "Auto-da-fe" act of faith a "sabbath" day when large numbers of them were brought forth from gloomy dungeons and prison cells with wax candles in hand.

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^^,,*

BETTMANN ARCHIVE Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) issues a bull against heretics. In this, 4 'heretics" such as the Waldenses were "to be crushed like venomous snakes". In a crusade against them all participants were "absolved from all ecclesiastical pains and penalties . . . and promised remission of all their sins . . . "

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TORTURES OF THE INQUISITION

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INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE (From the Tower of London) 2. Block and Axe. 3. Scavenger's Daughter. 4. Leg-irons. 5. Necklace. 6. Thumb-screws

A powerful and opposing system

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Below is the rack, one of the favourite torture instruments of the Inquisition.

THE THUMBSCREW OF MARIA THERESA This figure is taken from the legal code prepared for Maria Theresa of Austria in 1768. In order that her judges, some of whom were illiterate, might carry out the approved methods of torture, the procedures were represented pictorially. In using the thumbscrew, the tips of the victim's thumbs were inserted in the space marked D; the nuts F and F were then adjusted to hold the pointed studs across the base of the thumb nail; and finally the executioner turned the lever K.

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4. Public burning of Bibles and Translators William Tyndale's translation of the Bible was publicly burned at St. Paul's Cross (about 1526). Tyndale himself was strangled and burned at the stake after being imprisoned in a Belgian dungeon.22 Much of the A.V. translation owes its origin to the work of Tyndale.

LATIMER AND RIDLEY AT THE STAKE.

" Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."

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WILLIAM FLOWER April 1555, Westminster The Burning of Tyndale ". . . eye-witnesses of such events have left accounts and the general procedure varied little. Tyndale was spared much of the pain suffered by Frith, for he was not burned alive. He was led to the centre of an enclosure in which, projecting through a small platform, was a massive wooden cross. An iron chain secured him by the neck and feet to the stake and round his throat was placed a more loosely fitting rope. Round the base of this structure, and extending fairly high, was piled the brushwood. The stoutest heart would surely quail at the sight of such a place of execution and one marvels at the courage of those who endured the terrible ordeal by fire. Mercifully the little reformer was not called upon to suffer this. For after he had been made fast to the centre post, and on a signal from the procurer, the executioner tightened the rope about Tyndale's neck and he died by strangulation. The flames that rose a little later about him only consumed a body . . ." 22

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exalteth himself Gk: "huperairo", "to lift above" (Yg); "exalting oneself exceedingly" (Vine). 1. The Roman system claims absolute religious supremacy. This fact is borne out by papal statements: "The Lord our God no longer reigns; He has resigned all power to the Pope." 23 "The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself hidden under the veil of the flesh. Does the Pope speak? It is Jesus Christ who speaks . . ." 24 "So that when the Pope speaks we have no business to examine. We have only to obey. We have no right to criticize his decisions or discuss his commands." 24 (Pope Pius X) 2. Not only does the papacy claim absolute religious prerogatives, but exalts itself even in the political sphere: "The Roman pontiff has the right, independently of any civil power, to send legates25 to any part of the world, either with or without ecclesiastical jurisdiction."26 The Church, once the pillar of the old social order [in South America] is now "becoming a battering ram to topple it". 27

22 See Charles Gulston, No Greater Heritage, (London: The Paternoster Press, 1960), p.210. Picture of William Flower taken from F.G. Llewellin, The Tudor Sovereigns and the Reformation, (London: The Protestant Truth Society, 1938), p.88. Picture of Latimer and Ridley taken from Watchman! What of the Night?, p. 112. 23 Tetzel, who sold indulgences to obtain money for the repair of "St." Peter's Basilica. The History of Protestantism, Vol. I, pp.255-260. 24 Pope Pius X when Archbishop of Venice. See the "Catholique Nationale", July 13, 1895, and quoted in F. Walker et al., Watchman! What of the Night?, pp. 50, 60-61. 25 A legate is usually a cardinal appointed by the pope to represent him at specific functions. 26 The Handbook of Catholic Practices, p. 130.

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Special to The Star ROME Whatever the uncertainties of the Holy Year as a religious occasion, it is sure that it will bring floods of money to Rome, although the Vatican claims it lo>t heavily over the 1950 Holy Year It Is estimated thai the sanctuary at Lourdes. which annually draws one-quarter of the pilgrims exported in Rome during 1975, brings $80 million to the Church of France" and $320 million to local merchants. Returns in Rome during 1975 should quadruple these figures. Part cf the gains to ihe Vatican during the Holy Year will come through its travel agencies, the Quo Vadis and San Paolo. The Holy Year jump in land values will be welcome to bodies such as the Jesuits, who are said to own 4,000 acres in Rome, and the Vatican's Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples, whose holdings stand at 3,800 acres, according to a ! radical Catholic group in Rome 1 which has investigated church holdings. There are 2,468 sanctuaries in Ita; ly which do a thriving business with I millions making their way yearly to ; Assisi, Loreto, Pompei, Padua and Cascia. The Holy Year is also expected to boost the trade in papal henedictions which cost $7 if on simple paper, $20 on leather, $40 on parchment and $50 on leather with embossed miniatures. The large sheet is inscribed "Holy Father, as a pilgrim in Rome I humbly request from Your Holiness a special Apostolic Benediction for . . ." and here the name is to be inserted.

) L VI raises his arms in benediction as be appears at a window I *.e Vtticnn high above t t a people gathered in St. Peter's Square.;

Money flows in with the pilgrimt

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Roman Catholics under the leading role of Don Sergio Mendez Arceo of Cuernavaca, Mexico, declared that the time has come for "a strategic alliance of revolutionary Christians and Marxists in the process of liberating the continent [of South America]".28 The majority of the 400 self-proclaimed ' 'Christians for Socialism" were Roman Catholic priests. above all that is called God, or that is worshipped i.e., against every so-called god or object of worship. ''Worshipped'', Gk: "Sebasma", "an object of veneration" (Yg); "something adored" (Stg). e.g., shrines, images, relics. The following are the titles of the pope: the Pope (from the Italian 'papa', a child-like name for 'father'. This title is contrary to Jesus' instructions in Matt. 23:9) His Holiness the Holy Father 29 the Bishop of Rome Vicar of Jesus Christ Successor of St. Peter the Prince of the Apostles Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church Patriarch of the West Primate of Italy Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province Sovereign of the temporal dominions of the Holy Roman Church Sovereign of Vatican City30. In addition to these exalted papal titles, note the following claims: a) - Boniface VIII, 1294 declared in the decree, "Unam Sanctam" that "it was essential to the salvation of every human being that he be subject to the Roman Pontiff . . . " T o this were added the words of Scripture: "whoever obeys not . . . let him die the death". 31 b) - Council of Trent, concerning the pope: "He hath all power on earth . . . All temporal power is his; the dominion, jurisdiction and government of the whole earth is his by divine right. All rulers of the earth are his subjects and must submit to him." 32
27 Former Bolivian president, Luis Adolfo Siles-Salinas as reported in "Time" magazine, June 5, 1972, p.56. 28 "Time" magazine, Sept. 3, 1973, p.35. 29 Handbook, p. 145. 30 Handbook, p. 121. Similarly the Archbishops are called: "Most Reverend"; "Your Excellency"; "Your Grace".

Pope Leo X. at his Coronation, April, 1512, A.D. mpersonating Christ as Ruler of Earth, Sea and Heaven

Pope Leo X. at his coronation, April, 1512 A.D. impersonating Christ as the King of Glory and as The Light of the World.

00

OS

Inscription placed at foot of this painting: " In thy hand I behold the Empire of Earth, and Sea, and Heaven." (Read Rev. x. 2, 5).

Inscription placed at foot of this painting: " The world hath unveiled to Light. The King of Glory has come Forth." (Read Rev. x. 1).

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ANTICHRIST SITTING IN "THE TEMPLE OF GOD" IN ROME, PRETENDING HE IS GOD

St. Peter's Church is professedly Christ's Seat in the Visible Church, but Antichrist sits in His place. Picart, a Roman Catholic authority on Roman Ceremonial, describing the scene at the adoration of the Pope in St. Peter's, says, " He (the Pope) presides in THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD."
Albert Close, in " The Divine Programme of the World's History."

Pope Pius Xth, when Archbishop of Venice said, ** The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself hidden under the veil of the flesh. Does the Pope speak ? It is Jesus
Christ w h o speaks."The Cttholique National. July 13th, 1895

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THE MAN OF SIN

c) - Pope Pius XII: " [The pope in Rome] is the only one authorized to act and teach for God." 33 d) - Roman Catholic induction ceremonies require the convert to pledge: "With a sincere heart therefore, and with unfeigned faith, I detest and abjure every error, heresy and sect opposed to the said Holy Catholic and Apostolic Roman Church." 34 The coronation of a new pope is one occasion when the "Man of Lawlessness" exhibits his exaltation: "At the sound of silver trumpets, the sovereign pontiff appears, preceded by his escort of soldiers, priests, bishops, and cardinals. He makes his solemn entrance on the "sedes gestatoria" a portable chair, carried shoulder-high by attendants dressed in red. This chair is surmounted by a canopy and flanked on either side by the famous "flabella" or ostrich fans, which are placed against the sides of the papal throne during the sacred function over which the pope presides. After the new pope [receives] the acclaim of the waiting thousands . . . " "When the new pope is crowned with the "tiara", the following words accompany the act: 'Receive this tiara, ornamented with three crowns, and know that thou art the Father of Princes and Kings, Ruler of the world, and Vicar of Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom be honour and glory world without end' " 35

THE

TIARA.

31 See Watchman! p.63; Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p.480. 32 Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p.478. 33 Radio Broadcast to America, ibid., p.480. 34 Ibid., p.497. 35 Handbook, p. 124.

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PORTRAIT OF ANTICHRIST With the Triple Crown, claiming to have power over Heaven, Earth, and Purgatory. "The Flavelli are the well-known great fans carried on either side of the Pope. According to Macri the eyes of the peacock's feathers are typical of the vigilance and circumspection of the Pontiff." ("Last Winter in Rome", by Weld, p.495. Compare Daniel vii. 8, "Eyes of a man.") "The Three Crowns (or Tiara) are decorated with 32 rubies, 19 emeralds, 11 sapphires, 529 diamonds, and 252 pearls." ("Sede Vacante", a Diary written in 1903 during the Pope's "enthronement", by a Papal Chamberlain.) The Three Crowns, or Tiara, indicate that the wearer is "Father of Princes and Kings, Ruler of the World, Vicar of our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Catholic Dictionary, 1884, p.796).

Pictures taken from Baron A. Porcelli, The Antichrist.

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THE MAN OF SIN

Kissing of the pope 36

A special indulgence of 500 days is granted to Romanists who kiss the gold ring of the Roman pontiff. When the pope gives the Agnus Dei (a disk of wax imprinted on one side with the image of a lamb, and on the other side with the name and arms of the reigning pope) the following takes place: cardinals kiss the pope's hand bishops kiss the pope's right knee the prothonotaries prostrate themselves and kiss the cross on the pope's slipper.

The long, costly procedures of canonization have begun for Pope John XXIII, who died in 1963.

36 Bishops also wear a ring of gold with a precious stone surrounded by brilliants. An indulgence of 50 days may be gained by all who "with a contrite heart, kiss the episcopal ring." The indulgence for kissing a cardinal's ring is 100 days. See Handbook, p. 128-9.

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Tol 1 1 1 WA THE tTstJRPING T I C E - C H R 1 S T S ' a s s e r t e d ~ over t h e world, of t h e livmo Man-created object of worship. . Supremacy over Kin66 (Martin.V. A I).1417.) (Calixtus THAI) 1456)

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From Elliot, Horae Apocalypticae.

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THE MAN OF SIN

so that he as God These words are not in the Greek text and are deleted by the R.S.V. sitteth in the temple of God "Sitteth", Gk: "kathizo", "to sit or put down" (Yg). Vine comments: " 'he sitteth', aorist tense, i.e., he takes his seat". "Temple", 37 Gk: "naos", "dwelling place, inner sanctuary"(Yg). What is meant by the "temple of God"? Two interpretations have been suggested: a) temple of God = spiritual temple of believers since the Greek word "naos" rather than "hieron" occurs, it is argued that the "Man of Sin" takes his seat in the community of believers. ('Naos' is used figuratively of believers in the epistles of Paul e.g. 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21). Against this interpretation are the following: (i) (ii) "Naos" is not used exclusively for "the spiritual temple of believers" (see Matt. 23:16 where it is used for the literal temple in Jerusalem). It is difficult to see how the papal head could sit in the community of believers. For nineteen centuries the Roman Church has been apostate. Believers have been separated from the Roman apostasy by the call of Scripture: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." (Rev. 18:4, 5).

b) temple of God = St. Peter's Church in Rome Note the evidence for this interpretation: (i) St. Peter's Basilica is regarded by 659 million Roman Catholics as the temple of God as Christ's seat in the "visible Church". Picart, regarded as an authority on Roman Catholic ceremony, described the adoration of the pope with the following statement: "He [the Pope] presides in the temple of the Lord." 38 (ii) There is great significance to the words "sitteth in the temple of God". The pope takes his seat in the temple of God, when gorgeously arrayed, he is carried on the shoulders of his cardinals to the papal chair. It is from this chair only, in this temple only, that ex cathedra "infallible" pronouncements are made by a pope.

37 700 French Catholic workers, technicians, teachers and priests noted in a recent letter to the pope: "St. Peter's Basilica is the symbol of ecclesiastical pride. It reminds us of the shameful sale of indulgences and how the popes concerned themselves about building monuments while the members of the Church were tearing each other to pieces. We do not know when that temple will be destroyed, but however beautiful it may be, we will shed no tears, for it has brought us much pain.", "Le Monde", Dec. 6th, 1968. 38 See "The Divine Programme of the World's History" quoted in F. Walker et al., Watchman!
What of the Night?, p.51.

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(iii)

Note the following facts regarding St. Peter's Church: it cost more to build than any other church (300 million dollars!)39 it covers 48,000 sq. yds. enough for six football fields it is the largest church in the world 666 feet long, 408 feet high, 284 feet wide just to make the point of its size, bronze lines with Latin explanations are set out in the marble-studded nave floor to show how much shorter some other churches are than St. Peter's.39 This phrase must be considered in its context. St. Peter's Church in Rome is no more the real temple of God than that its Pope is truly God. They are both false claims that have convinced great numbers of mankind. The Pope asserts that he is in God's stead and hence the Papacy sees St. Peter's Church as the 'temple of God'.

(iv)

ST. PETER'S AND THE VATICAN

39 See Gordon Gaskill, "St. Peter's: Greatest Church on Earth", Reader's Digest (Nov. 1972), p.198.

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shewing himself ['proclaiming himsef, R.S. V.J that he is God "Shewing", Gk: "apodeiknumi", "approve, set forth" (Yg); "to show off, exhibit" (Stg). The following are Romanist claims: a) the Pope: The Pope is called "Our Lord God the Pope". 40 "Into this fold of Jesus Christ no one can enter if not under the guidance of the Sovereign Pontiff; and men can securely reach salvation only when they are united with him, since the Roman Pontiff is the Vicar of Christ and represents His person on this earth." 41 (Pope John XXIII, 1958) "The Pope is of so great a dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the Vicar of God . . . The Pope is as it were God on earth . . . Chief king of kings having plenitude of power."42 b) the priests: "The priest is the man of God, the minister of God . . . He that despiseth the priest despiseth God; he that hears him, hears God. The priest remits sins as God . . . It is clear that their function is such that none greater can be conceived. Wherefore they are justly called not only angels, but also God, holding as they do among us the power and authority of the immortal God."43

2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? "I told you" = "I used to tell you", Nestle. Had the Apostle explained the future significance of the "little horn" speaking great things in Dan. 7? The apostasy concerned the Apostle as it did other New Testament writers (cf. Jude 4). The considerable importance which Paul gave to this subject may be inferred from the relatively short time he spent at Thessalonica. 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth "Withholdeth", Gk: "katecho", "to hold down or fast", (Yg); "restraineth", R.S.V. The restraining power was known to the Thessalonians. It was the paganism of the Roman Empire which prevented the political development of the Roman Catholic apostasy. The restraining power is in the neuter gender in this verse, but becomes a "he" in verse 7.
40 Canon Law, Extravagans, quoted in F. Walker et al., Watchman! What of the Night?, p.51. 41 Coronation address quoted in Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p.480. 42 F. Lucii Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca Canonica Juridica Moralis Theologica, quoted in Seventh Day Adventist mimeo. handout "The Beast of Revelation 13". 43 The Council of Trent (whose decrees must be accepted by all Roman Catholics under pain of mortal sin or excommunication). Quoted in Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p.73.

2 THESSALONIANS 2

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that he might be revealed in his time "Revealed", Gk: "apokalupto", "to uncover, unveil" (Yg). "Revealed in his time" suggests that the God who "has appointed a day in which to judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31) also knows the events which must transpire before that time arrives. There was a set time "in his season" for the open manifestation of the apostasy. 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work "Mystery", Gk: "musterion", "what is known only to the initiated" (Yg). Ample proof of the existence of lawlessness is indicated in the epistles. For example, at Corinth the following problems existed: immorality (1 Cor. 5) lawsuits (1 Cor. 6) women speaking in the ecclesia (1 Cor. 14:34-37) no resurrection of the body (1 Cor. 15:12) spurious writings (2 Cor. 3) unequal yoking with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14) false apostles (2 Cor. 11:13) deceitful workers parading as ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:15). "Iniquity", Gk: "anomia", "lawlessness" (Yg). Hence "the mystery of lawlessness" R.S.V. The work of iniquity was a secret44 because only those who were enlightened by the truth would recognize the error as error in fact. This discernment was supernaturally revealed in the first century through Spirit-gifted men. Paul lamented that "all Asia" had "turned aside" from him (2 Tim. 1:15). Later Jesus revealed to John that the survival of the ecclesias of Asia Minor was in jeopardy through widespread error (Rev. 2 and 3). only he who now letteth will let This is a difficult section of the chapter because of the repetition of "he". It is not clear what noun the pronoun "he" stands for. Alternative translations help: "only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed", R.S. V. "only when the present detainer may be coming to be out of the midst, then will be unveiled the lawless one", Concordant Version. "secret only for the present until the Restrainer disappears from the scene", N.E.B.
44 "Mystery", a secret known only by revelation is used this way in 1 Tim. 3:9, "the mystery of faith", and 1 Tim. 3:16, "the mystery of godliness".

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"For the secret of lawlessness is already working, till only the one restraining for the present shall be out of the way", Diaglott. The "what is restraining him" (neuter, v.6) has become a "he" (masculine) in verse 7. Why the change in gender? The restrainer was the paganism of the Roman Empire, and the "he", the emperor whose removal was required for the apostasy to become full blown. After the fall of Romulus Augustulus, the last of the Caesars in 476, influence was exercised from Constantinople. This was especially evident with the "Decretal Letter" of the Emperor Justinian (533) in which the Pope was recognized as the head of all churches. This was followed by the decree of Phocas (608) which likewise acknowledged the papal See, and allowed the Pantheon to be used by the papacy. Gibbon, the historian, comments as follows: "Like Thebes, or Babylon, or Carthage, the name of Rome might have been erased from the earth, if the city had not been animated by a vital principle, which again restored her to honour and dominion . . . The temporal power [of the popes] insensibly arose from the calamities of the times; and the Roman bishops, who have [since] deluged Europe and Asia with blood, were compelled to reign as the ministers of charity and peace . . . The misfortunes of Rome involved the apostolical pastor in the business of peace and war." 45 Similarly, "The foundation of Constantinople marks one of the great periods of change in the annals of the world. The removal of the seat of the empire from Rome, . . . and the absence of a secular competition, allowed the Papal authority to grow up, and develop its secret strength. By the side of the imperial power . . . constantly repressed in its slow but steady advancement to supremacy . . . The Pope . . . in any other city would in vain have asserted his descent from St. Peter." 46 "The Imperial power, or Roman Empire, availed for keeping back the power of the Papacy." 47 until he be taken out of the way Paganism was taken out of the way by Constantine (312-324). Developing almost simultaneously with the decay of the Empire was the growth in power of the Papal apostasy. Once the papacy was rid of the pagan emperors, it could develop its political ambitions. It was then in a position of power to ruthlessly crush its opposition.

45 Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. iii, ch.xlv, (New York: The Heritage Press, 1946), pp.1505, 1508-9. 46 Dean Milman, History of Latin Christianity, Bk. iii, ch.iii, quoted in Baron A. Porcelli, The Antichrist, p.50.

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2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed "Wicked", Gk: "anomos", "lawless, without law" (Yg). "Be revealed", Gk: "apokalupto", signifies to uncover, unveil (Yg). whom the Lord ['Jesus', most manuscripts] shall consume "Consume", Gk: "katangesei", "slay", R.S.V.; "bring to nothing", Nestle. with the spirit ['breath', R.S. V.J of his mouth "The LORD spoke and it was done" (Psa. 33:9). "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth" (Psa. 33:6). and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming [Gk: 'parousia'J "Destroy", Gk: "katargeo", "to make of none effect", (Yg). "Brightness", Gk: "epiphaneia",48 "manifestation" (Yg); "outshining", Nestle; "appearing", R.S.V. This verse is an obvious allusion to Isa. 11:4: " . . . and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked." It is a parallel to the words of Rev. 19:15: "Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword that with it he should smite the nations." The mere resplendence, the brightness of the appearing of the Lord Yahweh's Lion of the Tribe of Judah, is sufficient to utterly destroy the papal head. 2:9 Even him This expression is not in the Greek text. whose coming [Gk: (parousia'] is after the working of Satan "Working", Gk: "energia", "activity", R.S.V.; "operation", Nestle. This passage is better rendered: "The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan", R.S.V. What is the "working of Satan"? It is the work of an adversary. 2 Cor. 10:12-15 employs the same language: adversaries to the Apostle Paul assumed apostolic powers. They were, however, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as servants of righteousness. "To come by the activity of Satan", therefore, is to disguise one's true character.
47 Cardinal Newman, "Development, the Papacy", p.151, quoted in Baron Porcelli, The Antichrist, p.52. 48 This word refers to Christ's second coming, four out of the five times it occurs in the N.T.

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The Roman Church claims to be the spouse of Christ manifesting his character, showing his love, reclaiming the sinner, glorifying God this is the guise. There are many wicked deceptions taught by the Roman Church, the following serve as examples: AFTER THE WORKING OF SATAN: WICKED DECEPTIONS TAUGHT BY THE ROMAN CHURCH (1) Pure in doctrine ". . . [the Roman Church] opposes every heresy, as Christ obliges her to do." 49 "Her doctrinal code today is that of the Apostolic church of the first century. This identity of doctrine and practice places . . . " "Because He [Jesus] has remained with her through the ages, protecting her from error, the Church remains today as she has been throughout the past 1900 years, the one true church of Jesus Christ on earth." (2) Lamb-like in disposition ". . .the Catholic Church is . . . the most reasonable institution in the world. As an organization reflecting the mind of Christ and perpetuating His teaching, she would be bound to be the last word in kindliness and reasonableness."49 (3) Holy and saintly leadership "The Church has suffered from kings and emperors, from the days of Nero to those of communist terrorism and persecution in our own; in every land her children have suffered martyrdom for the faith."50 "Of the 261 popes from St. Peter to John XXIII, 78 are honoured as saints and 8 are blessed. They constitute a distinguished list of holy and saintly men,51 linking the Church with Christ and constituting the title

49 O'Brien, The Faith of Millions, p.35. 50 Ibid., p.45. 51 This conclusion is in conflict with the records of Catholic historians and the information which exists regarding the church councils. For Example: "In 836 the council of Aix-la-Chapelle complained that many nunneries were brothels rather than houses of God, and it decreed that fornication was so prevalent among nuns that all nunneries built should have 'no dark corners in which scandals may be perpetrated out of view'." "During the famous council of Trent, August Baumgartner told the assembled cardinals and bishops that ninety-six per cent of all priests were either married or had concubines." "Pope Gregory X, in dismissing the second council of Lyons, told the cardinals and bishops that because of their immorality they were the ruin of the world." McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church, pp.119, 124, 122.

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deed of the Catholic Church the one true Church of Jesus Christ on earth." 52 (4) Divine in authority ". . . an ecclesiastical hierarchy formed of bishops, priests and ministers is divinely constituted."53 (5) Her Church tradition equal in authority to the Bible ". . . sacred tradition is a true source of divine revelation."53 (6) The Church, not the Bible is the source of authority "If she [the Roman Church] had not declared the books comprising the New to be the inspired word of God, we would not know it. The only authority which non-Catholics have for the inspiration of the Scriptures is the authority of the Catholic Church." 54 "She is not the child of the Bible, as many non-Catholics imagine, but its mother." 54 "If all the books of the Bible and all the copies thereof were blotted out, she would still be in possession of all the truths of Christ and could still continue to preach them as she did before a single word of the New Testament was written . . ,"54 (7) Encourages Bible reading55 "Is it not a fact, however, that the Catholic Church today discourages her members from reading the Bible for themselves? On the contrary, she encourages them to read the Bible frequently, even daily."56

52 O'Brien, The Faith of Millions, p.55. 53 Ibid., p.26 54 Ibid., p.129-130. 55 To the contrary: a) b) c) d) e) f) Innocent III forbade reading of the Bible in the common tongue. Gregory IX forbade laymen possessing the Bible. Translations among the Albigenses and Waldenses were burned and people burned for having them. Paul IV prohibited the possession of translations without the permission of the Inquisition. The Jesuits induced Clement XI to condemn the reading of the Bible by the laity. Leo XII, Pius VIII, Gregory XVI and Pius IX all condemned Bible Societies.

Henry Halley, Bible Handbook, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1959), p.890. 56 O'Brien, The Faith of Millions, p.133.

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2:9 with all power Note the Roman claims and pronouncements: (1) An appeal for the priesthood: Tour hands will break Christ . . . [referring to the doctrine of transubstantiation] you will have the power of God on earth". (2) Pope Innocent III: "The pontifical authority so much exceedeth the royal power as the sun doth the moon". (3) Pope Innocent III applied the words of Jeremiah to himself: "See, I have set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy and to throw down." (4) Pope Pius IX (1864): "The Church has the power to define dogmatically the religion of the Catholic Church to be the only true religion."57 "The Church has the power to employ force and (to exercise) direct and indirect temporal power."57 (5) The power of the Roman Catholic hierarchy is well illustrated in these quotations on seminary instruction from an ex-priest: "Subconsciously we were living, not in the age of presidents and politicians, of labor unions and capitalists, but in the age of masters and slaves, of kings and serfs, of Popes, representing God, and the faithful, who meekly acquiesced in their decisions as coming from the throne of God Himself". "The vow of obedience is the most important of the three [obedience, poverty and chastity]. It identifies all ecclesiastical superiors with the Church, and it identifies the Roman Catholic Church with God. Every command by the Superior of a religious community or by a church pastor, no matter how petulant, how ill-advised, or how unjust, must be considered as a command from God Himself and must be obeyed as such under the penalty of sin."58
57 Pope Pius IX, in "Syllabus of Errors" issued in 1864 and quoted in Boettner, Roman Catholicism, pp.40-41. It is ironical that Pius IX had his infallibility proclaimed so that the sun, reflected by mirrors would shed a halo of glory round his head as he sat on St. Peter's throne arrayed in his jewels. However, a storm broke over Rome, smashing the window of the apse to which the throne of the Pope was attached. As a result papal infallibility was declared by candlelight. See Watchman! What of the Night?, p.60. 58 "The robe of every Franciscan monk is girded with a rope. One strand hangs from his side. It has three knots on it symbolizing the three vows . . . and (the bottom know) obedience. The young Franciscan is trained that when the Provincial Superior greets him he must kneel on one knee and kiss the lowest knot on the Superior's cord, and then his hand. It is the token of complete, abject, unreasoning obedience." See Emmett McLoughlin, People's Padre, (Boston: Beacon Press, 1962), pp. 13-15.
4

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signs and lying wonders ['pretended signs and wonders', R.S. V.J "Signs", Gk: "Semeion", "a sign, mark, signal". "Lying", Gk4 "pseudos", "a lie, falsehood" (Yg). "Wonders", Gk: "teras", "a prodigy, wonder" (Yg). Pretended signs and wonders, wicked deceptions and false miracles checker the history of Catholicism. As an identifying mark of the apostasy, papal history affords so many examples that the following are only representative examples:
(1) Alleged Miraculous59 cures

These are regarded by the Roman Church to be the mark Church. a) St. Rosalia

60

of the true

The delusion which pervades Catholicism is so strong that belief in relics often survives exposure. For example, the bones of "St. Rosalia" in Palermo, Sicily, were for many centuries effective cures, but when examined by an anatomist turned out to be the bones of a goat. Nevertheless the cures continued, a source of income to the Church!61 b) Bro. Andre the "miracle worker" Until recently "Bro. Andre's" heart was preserved by the Roman Church in an urn filled with formalin solution. The urn was located in St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal upon Mt. Royal, the city's largest hill. "Bro. Andre" was a semi-literate French-Canadian who invoked the favours of St. Joseph, his patron "saint" and handed out bottles of burned sacramental olive oil. When he died in 1937 at the age of 91 he was put up for sainthood, since it was claimed he had effected 15,000 cures of crippled, blind, and dying pilgrims.62 Recently, thieves picked the three locks, opened a steel door and an iron grille, and then chiselled the urn off its marble pedestal. The church enjoys an active business however, selling bottles of "St. Joseph's oil" and a booklet about "Bro. Andre" to the 3,000,000 pilgrims a year which file past his marble tomb. 63
59 Romanist miracles tend to attest particular things, e.g., authenticate a relic, some place of pilgrimage, or to support a doctrine such as purgatory. 60 The Roman Catholic Church claims that there have been stigmatics among her followers. A stigmatic has wounds resembling those of Jesus at his crucifixion and occur in the body as a result of supernatural influence. Three notable claimants are: St. Francis of Assisi; St. Teresa of Avile and St. Catherine of Siena. 61 Bertrand Russell, Religion and Science, (New York: A Galaxy Book, 1961), p.83. 62 See Time, May 21, 1973, p.54. 63 Since the preparation of these notes a newspaper report indicates that the heart has been recovered.

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c) St. Takla Today villagers still dip their hands in a fountain at the Convent of St. Takla, built into the rock face in belief that the water has miraculous properties. Takla is alleged to have been a follower of the apostle Paul, who, pursued by evil-intentioned soldiers, prayed to the Virgin Mary, which resulted in the mountains splitting and providing a narrow passage for her escape.64 d) Lourdes in France The comparatively recent vision of Mary at Fatima in Portugal has attracted hierarchy and laity with their money and inspired a conducted tour by a statue of 'Our Lady of Fatima" throughout the U.S. The French rallied and appealed in 1953 to American Catholics with a new favour from Mary a rosary with beads filled with the miraculous water of the fountain of Lourdes. Catholic newspapers, such as Our Sunday Visitor and the Register, printed full-page and three-quarter-page advertisements offering money-back spiritual satisfaction: 'IMAGINE PRAYING TO OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND ACTUALLY TOUCHING BEADS CONTAINING WATER FROM THE MIRACULOUS SPRING GIVEN BY HOLY MARY! Imagine actually holding in your hand, touching with your fingers, beads containing water from the Miraculous Fountain at Lourdes, France the exact place where St. Bernadette saw the Vision of Our Blessed Mother . . . Now YOU can say this special Rosary, with three beads filled with Lourdes water, to help you gain special favours, graces, blessings, to deepen your understanding of the Rosary and bring you closer to OUR BLESSED MOTHER . . . NEVER NEVER BEFORE A ROSARY LIKE THIS! The special water filled beads are made of clear, transparent, polystyrene plastic, so that you not only FEEL the beads but actually SEE the water inside . . . You must see, feel, examine, OWN this magnificent "Lourdes" Rosary. Only a limited supply of precious Lourdes water is available so we urge you to act quickly. Send no money now. Simply mail the coupon, stating colour of beads you desire. On arrival, pay only $4.98 for each Rosary, plus small C.O.D. and handling charges. Or, to save delivery charges send remittance with coupon. You must be completely delighted or return it within 10 days for full refund.' " 65
64 Time, Dec. 25, 1972, p.40. 65 McLoughlin, People's Padre, p. 193.
4

2THESSALONIANS2 (2) Miraculous Appearances and Revelations Person Jesus To whom St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a nun of the Visitation Monastery Place Date Message The Sacred Heart of Jesus was to be singled out for special worship. Jesus is reported to have said: behold this heart which has loved men so much and which receives in return for the most part, nothing but ingratitude, contempt, irreverence, and sacrilege. I ask you therefore to have the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi set apart as a special feast in honour of My Heart." 66 Roman Catholics celebrate this during the month of June. The Act of Consecration to the "Sacred Heart" was issued with the encyclical letter of Pope Leo, May 25, 1899. The feast has since been elevated in 1928 by Pius XI. Among the 12 promises made by Jesus are the following: "I will bless the houses in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured". "I will give to priests the power of moving the most hardened hearts." "I promise thee in the excess of the mercy of My Heart that all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Communion on the first Friday of every month for nine consecutive months, the grace of final perseverance, and that they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving the Sacraments, and My Heart shall be their secure refuge at that last hour." 67

75

Parayle- 1673 Monial, and France. 1675

66 "Sister" M. Catherine Frederic, O.S.F., The Handbook of Catholic Practices, (New York: Hawthorne Books, 1964) and bearing the Nihil Obstat, James F. Rigney, S.T.D., Censor Librorum, and Imprimatur Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York. p.201. 67 Ibid., p.22, 23. 68 Ibid., p. 192.

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Person

To whom St. Gregory the Great

Place

Date

Message ''Today the pope washes the feet of thirteen poor men [on Maundy Thursday]. Thirteen are taken for the ceremony because it is related that St. Gregory the Great was accustomed to feed twelve poor men in honor of the Apostles. Once Christ Himself was supposed to have joined them in the form of an angel and thereafter St. Gregory fed thirteen each day, and washed the feet of thirteen poor men on Holy Thursday." 68

Virgin Mary

St. Dominic

13th C.

Gave him the Rosary "as a means of checking the devastating influence of the Albigenses, when he was preaching to them in France." 69 A feast has been instituted in memory of the "Most Holy Rosary" Oct. 7th.

Virgin Mary

6 visits to 3 children

Fatima, World Portugal War I 60 miles from Lisbon

Part of the Message was: " O my Jesus, forgive us our trespasses, save us from the fires of hell and bring all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of your mercy." "I promise to help at the hour of death, with the graces needed for salvation, whoever on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, shall confess and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for 15 minutes, while meditating on the 15 mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to Me." 70

69 Ibid., p.27. 70 Ibid., p.30. 71 Ibid., p.35. 72 Ibid., p.181.

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Person Virgin Mary

To whom St. Catherine Laboure, "sister" of the "Daughters of Charity" of St. Vincent de Paul

Place

Date

Message The Virgin Mary ordered that a medal be struck of herself surrounded by the words in gold letters: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee" "The vision reversed and revealed . . . the letter 'M' surmounted by a cross with a crossbar beneath it, and under all, the 'Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary', the first surrounded by a crown of thorns and the second transpierced by a sword. Many graces were promised to all who would wear such a medal." 71 It is now celebrated as the feast of the "Miraculous Medal" Nov. 27.

Virgin Bernadette Mary Soubirous (appeared 18 times)72

a grotto Feb. 11 to in Lourdes, July 16 France 1858

18 apparitions. The Virgin Mary proclaimed: "I am the Immaculate Conception". She requested a church to be built there. The shrine has been the scene of many pilgrimages and cures said to have been effected. Romanists celebrate the apparitions in a feast Feb. 11.

Virgin Mary

"Two little shepherds"

A moun- 1846 tain in the French Alps, near La Salette, France

"A fountain,which until then had flowed only at rare intervals, has been flowing unceasingly on the holy mountain since her visit there." 73 "Countless favours, both spiritual and temporal, have been obtained by the confident invocation of Our Lady of La Salette and by the use of the water from the fountain." 74 An archconfraternity of "Our Lady Reconciler of La Salette" was established ,by Pope Pius IX (Sept. 12, 1852).

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(3) Wonder Workers "Holy Helpers" There are in all "Fourteen Holy Helpers". These are all "saints" said to have special powers of invoking help from God in times of sickness, want or peril.75 St. Anne intercedes to effect cures of bodily ailments. St. Jude "the advocate of the impossible, in times of great affliction, or when one seems to be deprived of all visible help." St.Anthony finder of lost articles, a wonder-worker who "worked many miracles during his life-time."76 St. Francis "all who would earnestly ask his intercession with God for 9 Xavier days in honour of his canonization would infallibly experience the effects of his great power in heaven, and would realize whatever they asked that would contribute to their salvation."77 St. Blaise "He is said to have miraculously cured a boy who was choking on a fishbone. On his feast, Feb. 3, the faithful may have their throats touched with two blessed candles, while the priest invokes the intercession of St. Blaise on their behalf against diseases of the throat and also against all other evils."78 St. Joseph (Step-father of Jesus) "In 1870 Pope Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church. Tradition says that Jesus and Mary comforted Joseph in his last hours, and he is therefore invoked as the patron of a happy death. He is also invoked as the model of working men because of his trade." 79 St. Phil- One of the most revered saints, who was venerated for 150 omena years. When the saint was dropped in 1951 Cardinal Cushing, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Boston, had just distributed nearly 800 small statuettes of Philomena to parishioners and was about to dedicate the St. Philomena church. He said, "It is a difficult job" explaining to these Roman Catholics that there never was a Philomena. A nun who had devoted 45 years to St. Philomena's cause and wrote a book about her ('St. Philomena, Powerful with
75 Once canonized, a person is regarded as a saint irrevocably, but to be canonized is a long procedure and often expensive costing as much as $100,000 borne by the sponsors of the person. 76 The Handbook of Catholic Practices, p.38. 77 Ibid., p.38. 78 Ibid., p. 181. 79 IBID, p.182.

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God') and raised $10,000 to build a shrine to the saint, only to learn that her favourite saint might never have existed. Despite these facts, Romanists still say prayers to Philomena and her medals and statues are still sold. In addition to this is the Roman Catholic belief in *'bilocation" the personal presence of the same saint in more than one location at the same time. The Roman Church has dropped more than 200 from the list of saints whose feast days are celebrated by the whole church. As a result shock waves rocked the Catholic world. In Latin America a "saint's" day is often observed rather than a birthday. Suspicion has been aroused that many of the 2,500 venerated persons through the church's history may be mythical! This information made headline news in the New York "Times", May 10, 1969.

(4) Exorcism of Demons The Jesuits of Vienna in 1583 cast out 12,652 devils.80 When mild methods of exorcism failed, patients were scourged and tortured. Prevention of sleep and beatings were recognized methods. For centuries innumerable helpless lunatics suffered the cruelties of superstitious religionists. Belief of demons provided the theology for trepanning the skull to free the demons. 14th century anatomy texts contain instructions for similar operations. These operations were not often helpful to the patient. Many humans were permanently disabled.

80 Witchcraft Bulls were published against witches, the commonest charge at one time being bad weather. Pope Innocent VIII in 1484 appointed two inquisitors to punish it. Women especially were suspect, it being believed that witchcraft is more natural to women than to men. Suspects were often tortured on the rack until they gave the desired answers. It is estimated that in Germany alone between 1450 and 1550 a hundred thousand witches were put to death, mostly by burning. See Russell, Religion and Science, p.95.

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WOODCUT OF 16th CENTURY TREPHINING FREEING THE DEMONS

(5) Relic Veneration

The power by which some of the saints effected miraculous cures is supposed to persist and emanate from their relics and articles which they had consecrated. Normally, indulgences are "attached" to the relics and can be gained by anyone possessing them, venerating them, or kissing them. Note the following: a) The blood of St. Januarius is supposed to liquefy three times every year.

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Two phials of blood are preserved in a casket. Normally the blood is in the form of a fine powder, but three times a year it is said to liquefy. It is carried through the streets in a procession led by a cardinal. Those who worship the relic are promised deliverance from all calamities. No scientist has yet been permitted to examine the phials or their contents. Everything has to be taken on trust. b) A picture of a Madonna (Mary and child) in Poland (1949) wept tears of blood for the sufferings of the church in that land. A priest, it is said, wiped away the tears, but others came thousands came to pray before it and offer their gifts. c) Romanists claim to possess the following: Jesus relics of the crib81 his outer and inner garments. Jesus wore a seamless robe, but today there are three robes 82 the shroud in which he was buried "the Holy Shroud of Turin" Linen cloth 14' 3' thorns from his crown the board on which the superscription was written the head of the soldier's spear which was thrust in his side four different spears! many tons of wood from the cross83 14 nails from which he hung the soldier's sop his tears the blood of Jesus parts of the table from the upper room (Basilica of St. John Lateran) 2 heads, one at Rome and the other at Amien part of the tables of the law given to Moses rods of Moses and Aaron the tables at which Jesus and his disciples sat84

John the Baptist Others

81 The Church of St. Mary Major in Rome. 82 Romanists believe that the seamless garment worn by Jesus was woven by Mary. It is said to have been brought to Treves by St. Helene in the 4th century. Handbook, p.276. 83 The "original 'cross' was miraculously recovered by the Empress Helena", later seized by King Chosroes of Persia, recaptured by Heraclius, emperor of the Greeks, given to St. Louis, king of France and placed in a chapel which he had built. Handbook, p.206. 84 Basilica of St. John Lateran.

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skulls of the three wise men85 finger and feather of the "Holy Ghost"86 parings from the toenails of Peter feathers from the wings of angels87 dirt left over from the fashioning of Adam87 milk from the Virgin Mary87 2:10 deceivableness of unrighteousness ['wicked deception', R.S. V.J "Deceivableness", Gk: "apate", "deceit" (Yg). "Unrighteousness", Gk: "adikia", "injustice, unrighteousness" (Yg). A representative sample of wicked deceptions of the Roman Church is set out as follows: (1) Falsehoods perpetrated to support Roman Catholic teaching: a) The Pseudo-Isidorian Decretals88 forged documents purportedly written by ancient Bishops attributing primacy to the Bishop of Rome. b) "The Donation of Constantine" a forgery in which the Emperor Constantine was represented as granting the city of Rome and all the Western Empire to the Pope.89

85 Cathedral in Cologne. 86 Monastery in Jerusalem. 87 McLoughlin, Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church, p.246. 88 Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p.319. See also Popery in its Social Aspects, p.46. 89 Popery in its Social Aspects, p.45.

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SYDNEY, Today: A crippled girl,= who was blessed in Sydney by the Pope, is walking again.
She is Dianne Brennan, 8, of Villawood, who was held up for the Pope's blessing by her weeping; father in a dramatic scene out side the Children's Hospital last December. Mr. Leo Brennan, a council worker, had carried his daughter from her makeshift pram to the Papal motorcade. The Pope ordered his driver to stop and prayed for the child, his hands held out over her plaster - encased body. Only a month earlier doctors had told Dianne she could spend two years in plaster because of a fall from a bicycle which damaged her spine and hips. Illllllllllliltllllllllllllllttlllllllllllllllllllll Yet a month after tb* Pope's visit the same doctors found one leg was completely healed. Although Dianne still uses crutches, her home-made wheelchair and her plaster lie discarded at home. "I know it's a miracle." Dianne said today. "I nas told 1 wouldn't be able to walk for two years, but here I am walking to school and back every day. Dianne's parents agree with their daughter that her recovery is a miracle.

_. = = = =f = = = =

I I | '

"As soon as the Pope blessed me I knew I = would be all right. "I have written to = him alreadyI have so = much to thank him for." =

BLESSED BY

POPE

Pretended Signs and Wonders

Seven-year-old Paolo Tecchia brain-damaged at birth, completely dependent on others and uny * * J * J able to walk miraculously W a S 3110

The Miracle Boy of Lourdes

took his fust steps at Lourdes Helpless - Then He Walked

Away From His Wheelchair

The doctor examined the boy a few days after Paolo returned from the famous shrine in France, that draws the sick and the crippled from all over the world. There they bathe in the healing waters of a sacred spring, where miracle cures have been reported ever since 1858, when peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous had a vision of the Virgin Mary. Pediatrician Antonio Tamburrini, Paolo's doctor, said: "It hardly seems possible he is the same boy. He can stand, walk, reason a little and basically communicate using gestures all of which he couldn't do before."

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(2) Mistranslations of the Bible: e.g. the Bordeaux Testament (a New Testament published in 1686)90 Bordeaux Translation "Now, as they offered unto the Lord the Sacrifice of the Mass" (Acts 13:2) "But he shall be saved as to himself; yet so as by the fire of purgatory". (1 Cor. 3:15) "Join not yourselves by the sacrament of marriage" (2 Cor. 6:14) "But they who are joined by the sacrament of marriage" (1 Cor. 7:10) "Now the Spirit distinctly says, in the latter times, some shall depart from the Roman faith" (1 Tim. 4:1) "There is a sin that is not mortal, but venial" (1 John 5:17) "And not only that, but was also appointed by the Churches the companion of our pilgrimage" (2 Cor. 8:19) Authorized King James Translation "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted" (Acts 13:2) "But he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1 Cor. 3:15) "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Cor. 6:14) "And unto the married I command" (1 Cor.7:10) "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith" (1 Tim. 4:1) "There is a sin not unto death" (1 John 5:17) "And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us" (2 Cor. 8:19)

(3) Distortion of the Ten Commandments to accommodate image veneration The second commandment reads: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them." (Exod. 20:4,5). In Catechisms intended for Roman Catholic countries this commandment was deleted, and in order to make ten, the last commandment was divided into two91. in them that perish "Perish", Gk: "apollumi", "to loose, to loose away, to destroy"(Yg). because they received not the love of the truth "Received" implies a welcome. The love of the truth, however, comes from
90 Cited from Popery in its Social Aspects, p.,49-50. 91 Ibid., p.55-58. See also "National Catholic Almanac", 1963, p.240 referred to in The Road to Babylon, 3rd edition, (The Simeon Society, 1953), p.5.

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the word of God which is able to work effectually in those who believe (1 Thess. 2:13). "Love of the truth" is an expression which only occurs here in the N.T. and is placed in an emphatic location. While insisting on infallibility in matters of faith and morals the Roman Catholic Church has opposed many scientific discoveries on Biblical grounds. Not only did such erroneous interpretations cast aspersions on the Bible itself, but the "about turn" taken by the Church with the passage of time must be regarded as a slander on the Author of the Bible and an open evidence of the falsity of infallibility claims. Note the following: a) Resisted anatomy on the basis that there is in the human body one indestructible bone which is the nucleus of the resurrected body. b) Resisted the use of anaesthetics to reduce pain in childbirth. c) Resisted smallpox inoculations because it was an attempt "to baffle a divine judgment". This was especially the position of the Church in 1885 in Montreal. The Oblate Fathers, whose church was situated in the very heart of the infected district resorted to ordering a solemn procession to the Virgin. The use of the rosary was also carefully specified. d) Resisted lightning conductors since lightning was viewed as a special act of God. e) Resisted the study of astronomy Pope Urban VIII (1632) summoned Galileo before the Inquisition at which was invoked the "most holy name of our Lord Jesus Christ and His most glorious Virgin Mother Mary". Although Galileo was an old and ailing man, he was forbidden to see his family or friends.92 Rather than Biblical in its orientation, the Apostasy which claims to be a defender of the Faith has little to offer other than organized ignorance. that they might be saved "Saved" in two senses: a) from the vengeance to be inflicted on those who do not know God (2 Thess. 1:8). b) from eternal destruction in the grave (2 Thess 1:9). "God desires that all men would be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim.2:4). It is for this reason that the urgent appeal of Scripture is "Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues".

92 Russell, Religion and Science, p. 100-103.

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2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion ['operation of error \ Nestle] "Strong", Gk: "energeia", "energy, inworking" (Yg). "Delusion", Gk: "plane", "wandering, error" (Yg). Therefore, "God sends", R.S.V. not "shall send", A.V. No longer would there be only an indifference to truth, but a real influence of error upon their hearts. One of the great delusions of the Roman Church and her Protestant daughters is the belief that the Antichrist is a person who is to be revealed in the future. The attention is thereby directed away from the current existence of the Antichrist which characterizes the very doctrines which are held by them. that they should believe a lie There is a remarkable sequence through this chapter. The apostate perish because: a) they loved not the truth b) they believed not the truth c) they received a strong deception to believe a lie The lie what is it? "Holy Mother Church teaches that the Bible was entrusted to her by her Founder, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost dwells in her, protecting her from error; and that she is the divinely appointed guardian of the Bible, as well as its only authorized interpreter. Many passages in the Bible are obscure, and require notes of explanation. Therefore, it is not permissible for Catholics to read in any language any Bible which does not contain notes explaining such passages, and which does not bear the approval of the Church."93 "Is it not a fact, however, that the Catholic Church today discourages her members from reading the Bible for themselves? On the contrary, she encourages them to read the Bible frequently, even daily."94 "It must be abundantly clear that the Bible alone is not a safe and competent guide because it is not now and has never been accessible to all, and because it does not contain all the truths of the Christian religion. The simple fact is that the Bible, like all dead letters, calls for a living interpreter . . . She [the Church] has been the preserver and custodian of the Bible through the centuries, and she interprets it for us in the name and with the authority of Jesus Christ."95

93 Handbook, p. 112. 94 O'Brien, Faith of Millions, p.133. 95 Ibid., p.139-140.

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"We belonged to what we firmly believed to be the only enduring organization in the world the Roman Catholic Church and through it we belonged to God. The teachings of Catholic theology and Catholic philosophy, presented with all the finality of authoritarianism, seemed logical and proven. Interpretations of the scripture were right because the Church said so. The Church was right because God said so. After all, had not God granted infallibility to the Church and to the Pope? The scripture said so. It all became an easy, simple form of logic. It was so simple, direct, and apparently true that there was no need to disturb one's mind arguing against it." 96 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth "Damned", Gk: "krino", "to judge" (Yg); "condemned", R.S.V. The adherents of the great apostasy are condemned because of their rejection of the truth. Persons who relinquish their own rights to inquire into truth and follow the Romanist teaching cannot be "sanctified in the truth". On the other hand, the believers are sanctified by belief of the truth (2:13; John 17:17). This condemnation for living rejectors of the truth when Christ returns is prophesied in 2 Thess. 1:8, 9: " . . . in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." but had pleasure in unrighteousness "Pleasure" Gk: "eudokeo", "to think well" (Yg). "Unrighteousness", Gk: "adikia", "injustice, unrighteousness". Not only have the doctrines of the Roman Church been in error, but the effect of the falsehoods has been that the adherents find pleasure in unrighteousness. This is illustrated in the fund-raising activities of the Roman Church:
MICHAEL J. NALLY

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96 McLoughlin, People's Padre, p.30.

THE MAN OF SIN

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Quotations worthy of reflection . . .

"Christadelphianism is essentially militant in character: it is set for the defence of the Gospel and wars unceasing warfare against the Apostasy which has changed the truth of God into a lie. There can be no truce between the true Christadelphian and the exponents of clerical theology."97 "With larger numbers in the ecclesias there is undoubtedly a tendency towards the development of a considerable body of 'non-workers' who leave the proclamation of the Truth and other features of the Truth's warfare too exclusively to the duly appointed serving brethren. This development of a considerable proportion of 'non-combatants' renders the ecclesias more susceptible to influences antagonistic to spiritual and doctrinal well-being. There are many amongst who are unmindful of the enormous labours required of Dr. Thomas to rescue the Truth from the mountains of ecclesiastical rubbish under which it had been laid for centuries, and who had no knowledge of the bitter attacks made by clerical antagonists of the days of Brother Robert Roberts. These seek to tone down the uncompromising language of these Christadelphian pioneers, forgetting that the Holy Spirit brands apostate Christendom as The Mother of Harlots' and the 'Mystery of Iniquity'." 98 "I have never heard a man yet, thoroughly imbued with the Truth and the love of it, cry out against a hearty and uncompromising castigation of error, as bitter and too severe. Where men's faith is weak, and their minds are full of uncertainty, and they are conscious that their own deeds will not bear the light, you will find them full of 'charity', and sensitively fearful of the Truth being too plainly spoken. All their sympathies are with the feeling of the corrupters and transgressors of the Word.They don't want their feelings hurt lest it should do harm! The fact is they don't want the Truth too plainly demonstrated, lest it should make them unpopular; or they should be themselves obliged to defend that of which they were not fully assured."99 "I order that being dead I myself be not deposited in so-called 'consecrated ground' but in some portion of our common mother undefiled by the Episcopal or Presbyterial mummery of the Harlot Daughters of Rome on either side of the Tweed nor is any person popish priest or non-conformist minister ordained or unordained (all of them dealers in the merchandise of the Apostasy and traders inthe 'bodies and souls of men') to be permitted to read pray preach or in any way officiate in committing me myself (not a fraction or part of me) to my temporary resting or sleeping in the ground."100 "OPPOSITION TO THE DOGMAS OF PAPAL AND PROTESTANT CHRISTENDOM" We much regret, as do other Christadelphians, that these words do not now appear every month on the outside front page, where every reader, friend or foe, could see the attitude of a real Christadelphian. It simply appears once a year on an inside page, to be bound up and put away on a bookshelf."101

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"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds); casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Cor. 10:3, 6. Such a warfare seems strangely absent today. No one would say we are contending with principalities and the powers of darkness in the forceful way described by Paul. Our strength and courage generated by faith, are at a low ebb. Attacking an enemy with the sword of the spirit has little approval. It was different with our brethren of a previous generation. In the last century the brethren were willing to show their hostility to the institutions of the world around us, as the early literature of the Christadelphians shows. This is illustrated by two early pamphlets that were in print up to the 2nd world war: 'Who are the Christadelphians?' and The sect everywhere spoken against'. The first half of 'Who are the Christadelphians?' is a reprint of a letter of Bro. Thomas to a bi-weekly paper The Rock, and the second half is a dialogue headed 'Contending for the Faith, Jude 3'. The introductory note reads: 'The following is a sample of the arguments by which Christadelphians have been converted, and by which, in turn, they seek to convert others from the "error of their ways". It is the substance of a correspondence that actually took place. ' is a well-meaning adversary compare Paul's case, Acts 22:19, 20, 1 Tim. 1:13 and ' C is the Christadelphian writer.' An extract from page 2 of this dialogue is as follows: A. The peculiar views of the Christadelphians on which they lay so much stress, they are of course at liberty to believe; but why do they question everyone's faith who does not see eye to eye with them? In all their printed documents there is an intolerable tone of hostility and uncharitableness towards those of a different faith from their own. C. You mistake the tone of the printed documents. It is a tone of hostility, doubtless, but not in a personal sense. It is hostility to unscriptural doctrines and principles as we conceive. We naive no enmity to persons, but great enmity to principles and systems which we believe to be subversive of the truth which God has revealed to man for his salvation. Surely you would not object to this, if that belief is well founded? Such boldness is disapproved by many today. But if we check ourselves against the pattern of the Master, and the other illustrations we have given, it is apparent which of the two attitudes is the correct one. It would be better for us if it could be said of us, as of our Master, that we are hated. But people will not hate us through our keeping silence." 102 "All the property in trust of 'Elpis Israel', 'Eureka' and any other meritorious works in harmony with their exposition of 'The Word' the profits of which publications shall augment the fund which shall become the nucleus in the hands of my executors as manager and treasurer of a publication society to be styled THE CHRISTADELPHIAN SOCIETY in the organisation and constitution of

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which they may add to their two selves as many known tried and earnest Christadelphians as they may deem advantageous to the enterprise the object of which is the promotion of the Truth as preached by the Apostles and the emancipation of Society from the unhallowed and demoralising and God-dishonouring traditions of the Romish and Protestant Apostasy ministered by its 'priests', 'clergymen' and 'ministers'."103

2 THESSALONIANS 1 THE APOCALYPSIS {revealing) Son of God 1. REVEALED from HEAVEN (1:7) 2. Glory of his might (1:9) 3. mighty angels (1:7) 4. in flaming fire (1:7) 5. inflicting vengeance upon those who a) do not know God b) do not obey the gospel c) refuse to love the truth (1:8) 6. to be glorified in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe (1:10) Man of Sin REVEALED in APOSTASY power (2:9); wicked deception (2:9) activity of Satan (2:9) pretended signs and wonders (2:9); pleasure in unrighteousness (2:12) opposes, exalts self (2:4) pretends to be god, "taking his seat in the temple of God" (2:4) to be slain by Christ's appearing and coming with the "breath of his mouth" (2:8)

97 F. Jannaway, Christadelphian Answers, (Birmingham: C.C. Walker, 1920), p.iii. 98 Ibid., p.iv. 99 Dr. J. Thomas quoted in F. Jannaway, Christadelphian Facts, (London: F.G. 1921,), p.24-25. 100 "Dr. Thomas's Last Will and Testament", cited in F. Jannaway, ibid., p.31-32. 101 F. Jannaway, ibid., p.42. 102 Graham Pearce, Preaching Today, (Northampton, England: Graham Pearce, 1974), p. 17, 18. 103 The remainder of Dr. Thomas's will, quoted in Jannaway, Christadelphian Facts, p.32.

CHRISTADELPHIAN HALL COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS Assess your stand by Bible Teaching "The teachings and practice of the Papacy exposed . . . by the Bible"
Sunday, February 21 , "THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE AND THE COMMON MARKET"

"Ike/ Papal
II
"The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" "taking vengeance on them . . . that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess 5: 2; 2 Thess. 1:8.

jnday, February 14 "WILL CATHOLICISM OR COMMUNISM TRIUMPH?"

The CHRISTADELPHIAN witness to those about to suffer the vengeance of the Almighty God

"The fall of the Papacy and the salvation of the World"

Sunday, February 28 "PROTESTANTS NO LONGER PROTEST

An Appeal to Bible Students . . .

"Come out of her my people and be not partakers of her sins ..." Rev. 18: 4

CHRISTADELPHIAN HALL
HAMILTON, ONTARIO

FALSE CHRISTIANITY today involves both ROMAN CATHOLICISM and her PROTESTANT DAUGHTERS

A Monumental message contained in the SCRIPTURES OF TRUTH . . . THE BIBLE . . . recording the unfolding development of the PAPAL SYSTEM, by the might of men . . . until . . . it's final moment of DESTRUCTION . . . by the Power of God.

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2 THESSALONIANS 2
The following guide questions have been prepared for discussion and personal reflection. They are intended to focus attention on important detail and issues in this chapter. 2:1 by the coming The Greek word "parousia" translated "coming" is interpreted by Jehovah's Witnesses to mean an invisible presence. Can you show from the use of this word in Scripture that such an interpretation is not supported? our gathering together Look up this expression in a concordance. Is there any significance implied as to the reason for the gathering together? 2:2 soon shaken in mind What is the meaning of this clause? neither by spirit Does this refer to a ghost? Can you prove your answer from Scripture? neither by letter as from us Who would have anything to gain by sending a counterfeit letter to the Thessalonians? Are there any other examples of spurious letters referred to in the N.T.? the day of Christ Is there any difference between the "day of Christ" and "Christ's return"? is at hand "has come", R.S.V. Is there any difference between these translations? Which one conveys the sense better? Why would the Thessalonians imagine "the Lord is now here" when there was no evidence of the clouds and "all his holy angels" (Matt. 24:31)? Do you think young people are likely to have a premature expectation of Christ's return? Or is the opposite the case that deep down there is a hope that he will not return until school is finished? marriage plans realized? or until we have "put ourselves right with God"? 2:3 deceive you Did you notice that this is emphasized in the Greek text (exapateo = fully deceive)? Can you locate any other occurrence of this word which might serve to illustrate its meaning? for that day shall not come Why are these words italicized in the A.V.? What factors might account for the premature expectation of the day of the Lord among the Thessalonians? a falling away first The R.S.V. gives "the" rather than " a " falling away. Which is the better translation? Is there any difference between the two? falling away (Greek, 'apostasia') This is a very important word in the understanding of this chapter. What meanings are associated with "apostasia"? Would the apostasy be political or religious? When would the apostasy begin and end? Is there any historical proof that such an apostasy did set in and still exists? How many false doctrines can you name which were introduced by the time the Emperor Constantine made nominal "Christiani-

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ty" the state religion in the 3rd century? Are there any other predictions of the apostasy in the N.T.? How would you counter an argument which stated that the apostasy refers to paganism and emperor worship which existed in the first century? the man of sin Is there support for the R.S.V. translation ' 'lawlessness"? Why is the personage referred to, spoken of as the "man of sin"? Is only one man of sin referred to in this chapter? or is he the head of a movement? Tabulate your evidence. be revealed This language suggests that the manifest character of the "man of sin" would only become manifest with the passing of time. Do you agree? the son of perdition What figure of speech is used here? How can perdition be a father and the "man of sin" his son? What other occurrences of perdition are found in Scripture? What association is there with perdition? The remainder of these questions assume that you agree with us that the apostasy referred to can only be the one which ultimately became the Roman Catholic apostasy. 2:4 opposes What examples of "opposing" can be found in the Roman Church? exalteth List the titles of the pope! Are there any other examples of self exaltation within papal history? sitteth in the temple of God Is there any special significance given by Roman Catholics to a "seat"? Is the "temple of God" to be understood literally or figuratively? There are two words for "temple" in the Greek language, which one occurs here? Could "St. Peter's Basilica" be termed the "temple of God"? shewing himself to be God In what ways has this been done? 2:5 when I was yet with you, I told you these things How long did the Apostle Paul spend at Thessalonica? Would the probable duration suggest anything about the importance of this subject? 2:6 ye know what withholdeth Can you give a synonym for "withholdeth"? If the withholding or restraining power was known to the Thessalonians, what might it have been? Do you know the answer suggested by John Thomas in 'Elpis Israel' and 'Eureka'? What is the evidence for and against his interpretation? that he might be revealed in his time If the withholding power was known to the Thessalonians what is meant by its revealing "in his time"? Did God have a set time for the identity of the restraining power to become manifest? 2:7 for the mystery What other words in English can convey the idea of the Greek word "musterion"? of iniquity Check this word in a concordance. Did you notice that this word has occurred earlier in the chapter?

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doth already work Is there any evidence from the epistles and Acts of the Apostles that the apostasy had already set it? How many examples of lawlessness can you find? only he who now letteth These words have puzzled many Bible readers "What withholdeth" of vs.6 has become "he who letteth" ('letteth' is better rendered 'restrains'). Is the restraining influence a person or a power? until he be taken out of the way When was or when will this be? 2:7 that Wicked be revealed What is the Greek word for "wicked"? Is there any special significance attached to it? When would the wicked be revealed? At the time when the restraining power is removed? or when the man of sin is destroyed by Christ? spirit of his mouth Do you think this expression is parallel to the "brightness of his coming"? Is this the N.T. example of O.T. parallelism? What passages in the O.T. and the N.T. are similar to this one in 2 Thess.? brightness of his coming Is there significance to the fact that the "man of sin" is destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming? 2:9 whose coming is . . . The passage really presents a series of contrasts between the coming and revealing of the man of sin and the coming and revealing of the Son of God. How many points of contrast can you find in this chapter? the working of Satan What is the working of Satan? How would you answer someone who argued that this statement implies that Satan is really a personal being? with all power What examples of power does the Roman Catholic apostasy afford? signs and lying wonders What are these? How significant are these phenomena within the Roman Church today? 2:10 with all deceivableness What does this description imply about the Roman system? How many deceptions can you list? in them that perish What is the meaning of perish? In view of this description what should the Christadelphian attitude be toward this apostate system? Can you prove your case Biblically? because they received not the love of the truth What is the meaning of "love"? What ideas would you associate with "receive"? What outward characteristics would you expect to see in those who love the truth? What inner characteristics? 2:11 God shall send them a strong delusion How would this be accomplished by God working supernaturally by His Holy Spirit or angels? that they should believe a lie Do you think that this refers to one specific lie? Or many lies incorporated within one lie? How would this description fit

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the Roman Church? Has God already sent His strong delusion, or is this to happen in the future? 2:12 That they might all be damned How would this take place? had pleasure in unrighteousness This is an important identifying characteristic of the apostasy. Can you document this clue historically?

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APPENDIX THE TRAGEDY OF RECENT CHRISTADELPHIAN CONFUSION

The two pictures accompanying this section were prepared by fundamentalist Protestants, not by Christadelphians. Yet they are of great interest to us. They depict the sinister progress of the futurist and Preterist views of "The Man of Sin" since their first launchings in 1585 and 1603 respectively. The stream of interpretation of the Apocalypse had been pure (in the cartoonist's eyes) and throughout the Reformation the Protestants had taught that the Papacy was the subject of Daniel 7; 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 17 and 18. Then in the late 18th Century the German rationalists began to teach the original futurism and praeterism of the Jesuits, Ribera and Lacunza. This influence became predominant until no rational-minded theological teacher or student would risk his reputation by standing up for the old (and basically correct) interpretation of the Man of Sin! Today the original voice of Protestantism is hardly heard; the Jesuits through deceit, cunning and lies have blind-folded their opponents who now rush headlong to re-unite with the Romish harlot. The Jesuits have prosecuted their cause very well! The Protestant cause has collapsed and Rome, that butchered their fathers and burnt their Bibles, is now warmly greeted in the smiling face of Pope John Paul II. The Christadelphians need to have a long look at the significance of these things. Could the Protestant churches be interested in union with Rome if they held to the interpretation of "the Man of Sin" that their fathers taught? If they still knew that the Papacy was "the Mother of harlots" would they be seeking to invite her to their counsels? The great warnings of Jesus have lost their significance to them and the inevitable relapse into the Mother's arms has occurred. Let us all sincerely appreciate the significance of these things for us. Let the reader examine again the copious evidence provided in these notes as to the identity of "the Man of Sin". The Lord Jesus Christ did not provide these prophecies without purpose but that we, who have a love for the Truth, might not be deceived by the Apostasy (ii Thess. 2:10-13). The ultimate tragedy must surely be to see Christadelphian writers bending down and offering their new and untried interpretations into the confused stream of Apocalyptic interpretation. Some of these views are, essentially, those of the Jesuits Ribera and Alcasar. That must be the ultimate victory for the Jesuits! Let sober exposition abound and may every brother and sister be careful before they put away the treasured expositions of our pioneering brethren and swallow down the flimsy arguments of recent years. Will Christadelphia repeat the compromise of the Protestant churches? That would be the ultimate tragedy.

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THE MAN OF SIN

BIBLIOGRAPHY Barnes, Albert: Notes on the New Testament, edited by Ingram Cobbin; Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids; 1972. Boettner, Loraine: Roman Catholicism; The Banner of Tjuth Trust, London; 1966. Brightman, Thomas: "The Revelation of St. John" Cairns, Earl E.: Christianity through the Centuries; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids; 1964. Chiniquy, Charles: Fifty Years in the Church of Rome; Fleming H. Revell Co., New York; 1886. Compass Magazine, Jan-Feb. 1975; published by J. Farrar (ed.) under the auspices of the West Avenue, Hamilton, Christadelphian Ecclesia. "Commentary on Antichrist", reproduced by E. Farrar, West Avenue, Hamilton, Christadelphian Ecclesia. Dreyer, F.C.H., et.al.: Roman Catholicism in the Light of Scripture; The Moody Press, Chicago; 1960. Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers, translated by Maxwell Staniforth; Penguin Books, Aylesbury; 1968. Elliott, Horae Apocalypticae. Frederic, M. Catherine, O.S.F.: The Handbook of Catholic Practices; Hawthorne Books, New York; 1964. Gaskill, Gordon: "St. Peter's Greatest Church on Earth", Reader's Digest; Nov. 1972. Gibbon, E.: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; The Heritage Press, New York; 1946 Guinness, H. Grattan: "The Approaching End of the Age". Gulston, Charles: No Greater Heritage; The Paternoster Press, London; 1960. Halley, Henry: Bible Handbook; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids; 1959. Jannaway, F.G.: Christadelphian Answers; C.C. Walker, Birmingham; 1920. Jannaway, F.G.: Christadelphian Facts F.G. Jannaway, London; 1921. Lindsey, Hal with C.C. Carlson: The Late Great Planet Earth; Bantam Books, New York; 1973. Llewellin, F.G.: The Tudor Sovereigns and the Reformation; The Protestant Truth Society, London; 1938. McLoughlin, Emmett: Crime and Immorality in the Catholic Church; Lyle Stuart, New York; 1962. McLoughlin, Emmett: People's Padre; The Beacon Press, Boston; 1962. O'Brien, John .: The Faith of Millions: The Credentials of the Catholic Religion, Our Sunday Visitor Inc., Huntington, Indiana; 1963. O'Brien, John .: What's the Truth about Catholics?; Our Sunday Visitor Inc., Huntington, Indiana; 1950.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

O'Demus, Nicholas: "Unprofitable Servants". Papal ecyclical: "Sacerdotalis Celebatus", 1967. Pearce, Graham: Preaching Today; Graham Pearce, Northampton, England; 1974. Peters, Eric C : "Old Fashioned Prophecy Magazine". Popery in its Social Aspects. Porcelli, Baron Alfred: The Antichrist; The Protestant Truth Society, London; 1962; reprinted by "Old Fashioned Prophecy Magazine", 1971. Russell, Bertrand: Religion and Science; Galaxy Books, New York, 1961. "The Beast of Revelation 13", Seventh Day Adventist mimeo. handout. "The Road to Babylon", 3rd ed.; The Simeon Society; 1953. Walker, F. et. al.: Watchman! What of the Night?; F. Walker, Bristol; 1942. Wilkerson, David: "Jesus Christ: Solid Rock"; The Jesus Restoration Movement, Dallas, Texas; 1973. Wylie, J.: The History of Protestantism, Vol. I-III.

These notes are interesting, logical and well illustrated. The evidence for the case they present is abundant, even overwhelming. It is more than an interpretation of fact that comes to us from this work. The heart is stirred to action. Centuries of inquisition, torture and the stake have been perpetrated by the Man of Sin. Let us not forget the Apostolic appeal, 'Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle'' 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

Christadelphian Scripture Study Service