Who is the Great Whore of Babylon?

Rev 17:1-18 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.


I. The identity of Babylon lies in the Roman Empire
A. Babylon
1Pe 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
Most scholars admit that Peter is referring to Rome as Babylon. We notice that Peter refers to Mark the writer of the Gospel with the Latin accent “Marcus”.

B. Nebuchadnezzars dream
In Daniel 2 we see a clear prophecy through a vision given to Nebuchadnezer which Daniel interpretted. There is a direct connection between the four major empire’s dicussed.
Dan 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
Dan 2:38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.
Dan 2:39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.
Dan 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
Dan 2:41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
Dan 2:42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
Dan 2:43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

C. The fourth beast
Dan 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Dan 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
“The final and most terrible of the Beasts is not compared to any other animal in the biological kingdom. His great iron teeth suggest an immediate correlation between this beast and the iron legs of Nebuchadnezzar’s image in Ch.2. The ten horns of the beast also correspond to the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzars image and point to the final expression of the Roman Empire which this beast prefigures. The little horn (vrs. 8) which springs up displacing three of the horns is to be understood as the “man of sin” (cf. 2 Thess. 2:3-8, note), the “king”(cf. Dan. 11:36-45), the “beast” (cf. Rev. 13:4-10), or the Antichrist. This horn, which is a symbol of strength and sovereingty, is said to have eyes , an observation intended to identify the horn as intelligent and human. Verse 25 further defines the focus of the little horns attack. The assault is waged against the Most High God even to the changing of times and laws. Further, the saints of God become the object of intense persecution and oppression so that they are “worn out”.”
W.A. Criswell Criswell Study Bible
Dan 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Hear the antichrist claims great authority, may be even the claim of infallibility.
Dan 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

Dan 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
Dan 7:20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
Dan 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
Dan 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Dan 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
Dan 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
Dan 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Dan 7:26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
Dan 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

D. The Dragon
Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Here wee see that the Dragon was worshipped and has a religious element to it. This gives us a connection to the future whore.

Rev 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
This is in tune with the Fourth Beast in Daniel; the Roman Empire. The ten horns are symbolic of ten national authorities. The seven crowns are representative of seven administrations of the empire system of the dragon. These I would hypothesize are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome and the next Empire the Beast or the New World Order.

Rev 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Rev 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
The woman here is Israel. Satan through the Empire system has always been opposed to Israel.


Rev 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Given the context of the book, it seems obvious that this is referring to a time in the Great Tribulation. Where Israel shall flew the Persecution of the Anti-Christ.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
It is obvious here the Satan and his Empire religion has been a competitor for the saints otherwise why would Satan have any business in Heaven? Perhaps because he deceived the saints?
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The dragon though it is a political system is specifically a spiritual entity. The Spirit is specifically Satan.

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Satan has been defeat by the Saints because of their testimony of the true gospel. The Atonement of Christ on the cross has defeated Satan and his empire system.

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitors of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
During the Tribulation period, Satan and His Empire system will possess an earth actual form upon the Earth. While the Dragan which is a religious Roman Empire while now become a literal Empire which is the Beast.

Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Rev 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
Water being a symbol of humanity implies a persecution from all types of people. Israel will hide in the wilderness.

Rev 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Restored Israel will be super-naturally protected and God will defeat the world armies as mentioned elsewhere in Revelation and Bible prophecy.

II. Anti-Christ= Pope?
The term antichrist does not simply refer being against the Christ. It also means to replace Christ
“The Greek preposition anti signifies “in place of” rather than merely “against.” The word antichrist, then speaks of one who opposes Christ by posing as Him or usurping His place….” Alan Cairns Dictionary of Theological Terms “Antichrist”A common term in reference to the Pope is “Vicar of Christ”.
“For the Roman Pontiff by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire church has full, and supreme, and universal power over the whole church a power which he can always exercise unhindered.” Catechism of the Catholic Church 882 pg.254 Imprimi Potest Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Doubleday April 1995.
“Vicar [13] A vicar is etymologically a ‘substitute’ for or ‘representative’ for someone else: thus the pope is the ‘vicar’ of God on Earth, and the vicar of a parish was originally someone who stood in for the parson or rector. The word comes via the Old French vicaire from latin vicarious ‘substitute, deputy’ This was a noun use of the adjective vicarious ‘substituting’ (source of English vicarious [17], which more closely preserves the meaning of its latin original). And vicarius in turn was derived from vicis ‘change, turn, office,’ source also of English vicissitude [16] and the prefix vice-.” John Ayto Dictionary of Word Origins
Vicar means to replace in other words, the Pope is the representative replacement of Christ upon the earth.
1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Peter views his office almost perfectly different from the RCC. The RCC envisions the office of Peter as world power, which control’s Christ Church. Peter sees himself as a simple elder and argues that we (clergy) should not rule the church because it belongs to Christ. Instead we are simply to be role models and are to be humble.
Nottice also that Peter teaches that Christ is the Pastor over the flock not peter himself. Proving the papal throne is a replacement and ultimately antichrist.

Can Peter override Christ?
Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Mat 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
If Satan could overcome Peter, then wouldn’t it follow that other Popes could be possessed by the Devil? Even in the classic Dante’s Inferno, Dfante envisioned one of the Popes burning forever in Hell.
The devil comes as a angelic being in light. The pope dresses in white.
2Co 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
The antichrist conquers in Peace so does the Pope.
Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Hear we see the Anti-Christ receiving his crown peacefully and his bow having no arrows. By the way many times the popes have been seen with a bow with a crucifix slinking on top.

III. The mystery of iniquity/spirit of the antichrist
1. The already working nature
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
The same Spirit of the antichrist in the endtimes was already at work in Bible times. This spirit must last until the end-times because the Holy Spirit is not going to move out of the way in our current age of grace.

2. 1Jo 2:18-19 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
We see that the activity of minor antichrist has been to imitate Christianity without being born again. It is only likely that the major antichrist would claim Christianity.


3. 1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
This Spirit of the Anti-Christ denies that Christ has come in the flesh. Catholicism claims that Jesus was not born naturally but at the time of labor the physical baby passed through the womb of Mary spiritually.(Imaculate conception) They deny that Christ has brothers. They also claim that His body can be transformed by priest into Wafers and wine. They also make the claim that Jesus needs two mediators Mary and the Catholic church before he would mediate to the father. This renders the doctrine of the incarnation null and void. Because the point of the Incarnation is that Christ has come to have a personal relationship with mankind. Yet Catholicism is very careful not have their adherents draw that conclusion, leading us to this conclusion. That while the RCC claims faith in the humanity of Christ; they do not practice this doctrine. Much like the spirit of the Anti-Christ.
IV. Historic persecution
The Roman Catholic Church started it’s persecution under the title “the inquisition”. Over the period of a thousand years there were constant tortures as well as the murder of an estimated 68 million people worldwide. Starting with Jews, orthodox, heretics and then groups with parallel doctrines as the modern day protestants such as the Waldensees Albigensees, Lumbards, and Paulicans. This would include the followers of Wycliffe and Hus as well as all the Reformers. One way of proving that the ancient groups were just as orthodox as the protestants is that the protestant were given the same name as the ancient martyrs. They were all grouped into the label “Mannechean”. Even though an Ancient Waldensian confession reveals that they were monotheistic Trinitarians. Luther overcame this thanks to Guttenburgs’ printing press which gave the public his views.
In the Counter-reformation we saw through Ignatius of Loyala the establishment of secret espionage forces. Loyaola was specifically behind the organization of both the illuminati (allumbrados in Spanish) as well as the Jesuit order, who have helped start many of the modern day wars in pursuit of the restoration of the Roman Empire. The jesuit orders attack were well recorded in history but are hidden from sight in our modern day. Other gangs and forces have been established since then ( The masons, KKK, Nazis, Ustashi, Catholic Action, Knights of Columbus, fascists, Mafia, Opis Dei etc.)
Former Jesuit Bishop Alberto Rivera exposes the Jesuit order in his testimony (as recorder in the adult comic series Crusaders produced by Jack Chick). Many liberal intelligence officers have produced evidence of the Jesuits and the Vatican smuggling Nazi War criminals to hide their activity in WWII.(the Unholy Trinity by Mark Aarons and John Loftus)
We eventually see an unbroken chain attempting to reestablish the Roman Empire. The RCC attempted to re-establish it in the counter reformation and the 100years war. Then they established it on small level in South America. Then the RCC attempts to conquer Europe again in WWI. And again they gain control temporarily through the fascist and Hitler’s Nazi Regime. After being thwarted again they are finally realizing their dream of a united European empire in the European Union. Currently John Paul II’s signature Euro is the most expensive of all currency. A good source of confirmation is found in the works of Avro Manhattan.


V. The woman sits upon seven Hills
“The original site of Rome consisted of a group of low ridges, known in history as the Seven Hills, on the E.side of the Tiber. These ridges called Aventine, Palatine, Capitoline, Quirinal, Veminal, Esquioline, and Caelius, were ideally suited for settlement, both for defensive and because the high ground afforded some protection against the malaria-bearing mosquitoes infesting the nearby swamps. Two other ridges in the vicinity, namely the Pincian Hill, located North at the Quirinal, and the Janiculum Hill, situated on the west side of the Tiber river, opposite the more northerly of the two sharp bends made by the river within the city limits and s. of the present day Vatican, were occupied in the course of time by the expanding city. As a result of construction activities through the centuries, most of the seven hills are indestinguishable, in modern times from the Adjacent plain. Rome is still familiarly styled the City of the Seven Hills, however.” Funk and Wagnalls Standard reference ENCYCLOPEDIA VOL.21 pg.7636 ROME

Rev 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Rev 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

VI. The Catholic Church is the Roman Empire
A. Constantine
Many dispute the authenticity of the faith of Constantine. In fact Constantine was not baptized until he was upon His deathbed. Many argued that Constantine worship his family Sun god Sol most all his life. Yet Constantine did have a huge role and influence upon Catholic and Christian history and religion anyhow.
First he ended the persecution against Christians. Then he organized the first major Christian Creed. The Nicene Creed and after he had place his stamp upon the faith, he made it the state religion.
All this had been accomplished as a pagan. Is this part of the New Testament religion?
Obviously, we may argue that it was a good think for him to stop persecuting Christians. But what of the rest?
Was it biblical for Christians to be organized by Constantine at the council of Nicene?
1Co 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
1Co 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
Not at all. Christians and Churches ought to be able to handle controversies over doctrine by themselves with out the help of the Caesar. Also was it really wise of the Churches to trust the Caesar?
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Pro 23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
Pro 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
Pro 23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
It is obvious that these bishops were not wise leaders. In fact it seems rather obvious that they were corrupt and were hoping to acquire power by submitted the kingdom to Constantine. Which power they indeed acquired.
Can you save souls through forced political actions? No it is only through the will that we are saved.
Mat 3:7-8 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Luk 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
B. Empire Hierarchy
Many have noticed how the Papal system is similar in structure to the Roman Empire. Many times we see the Pope with the Roman Title Pontiff. The Cardinal at times are referred to as princes. Finally the Bishops are in a similar position to the Roman senators

C. Pagan Worship
To this Day one can find statues originally made as idols to goddesses like Hera in honor of Mary. One may also see an idol of Zeus with a new title “the Apostle Peter”.
One item particularly disturbing at the Vatican one may find a statue of the Roman god Neptune at the Trevi fountain in the Vatican. It not simply the fact that this Idol exist on supposed Holy Land. It is the fact the Idol was made in the 1700’s under the order of Pope Clement!
Deu 5:8 Thou shalt not make 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 waters beneath the earth:
Deu 5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
“Augustine’s argument against paganism was the last rebuttal in the greatest of historic debates. Paganism survived in moral sense, as a joyous indulgence of natural appetites; as a religion it remained only in the form of ancient rites and customs condoned, or accepted and transformed by an often indulgent church. An intimate and trustful worship of the saints replace the cult of pagan gods, and satisfied the congenial polytheism of simple or poetic minds. Statues of Issis and Horus were renamed Mary and Jesus; the Roman Lupercalia and the feast of the purification of Isis became the Feast of the Nativity; the Saturnalia were replaced as Christmas decorations, the Floralia by Pentecost, an Ancient festival of the dead by All souls day, the Resurrection of Attis by the resurrection of Christ. Pagan altars were rededicated to Christian heroes; incense; lights, flowers, processions, vestments, hymns which had pleased the people in older cults were domesticated and cleansed in their ritual of the church; and the harsh slaughter of the living victim was sublimated in the spiritual sacrifice of the Mass. Augustine had protested the adoration of saints, and in terms that Voltaire might have used in dedicating his chapel at Ferney; “Let us not treat the Saints as gods; we do not wish to imitate those pagans who adorn the dead. Let us not build them temples nor raise altars to them.” Will Durant, The Story of Civilization: A History of Medeival Civilization: A history of Medieval Civilization- Christian, Islamic and Judaic-from Constantine to Dante: AD325-1300, (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1950) 75.
“The very thing which is now called the Christian religion existed among the ancients also, nor was it wanting from the inception of the human race until the coming of Christ in the flesh, at which point the true religion which was already in existence began to be called Christian.” St. Augustine Retractiones

D. Holy Roman Empire
“Official Christianity had long overlaid and accustomed itself to ignore those strange teachings of Jesus of Nazereth from which it had arisen. The Roman Church, clinging tenaciously to it’s possession of the title of pontifex maximus, had long since abandoned it’s appointed task of achieving the Kingdom of Heaven. It was preoccupied with the Roman ascendancy on earth, which it conceived of as it’s inheritance. It had become a political body using the faith and needs of simple men to forward it’s schemes.” Pg.516 H.G. Wells The Outline of History
E. Inquisition
The methods used in the inquisition remind us of many of today’s dictatorial regimes. People were persecuted due to their beliefs. Information was suppressed, books were both banned and burnt. One would assume this of Nazis and Communist. But it was in Catholic Europe that these methods were first mastered.
F. Preservation of Pagan literature
The Ancient literature of the Greeks and Romans as well as other had been preserved by the Irish monasteries and Rome through the Dark ages. What is interesting is that Many priest who may not have had full access to the scriptures were well versed in pagan literature and philosophy. Why was there a higher priority with these pagan books?
G. Tricking Pepin
Pepin was a french King who was fooled into giving the Popes there 1st stake in the Roman Empire by claiming a vision and letter from Peter.

VII. The Nature of harlotry
Jerusalem was once labeled a harlot for Her political alliance with the pagan Gentile nations.
“Eze 16:15 But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.
Eze 16:16 And of thy garments thou didst take, and deckedst thy high places with divers colours, and playedst the harlot thereupon: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so.
Eze 16:17 Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them,”
The RCC has commited a great deal of harlotry. One can see this in the activities of John Paul II. Who affirmed the godless view of evolution. On his ecumenical world prayer day He prayed with the Dalai Lama who doesn’t even pray to God, as well as with an African witch Doctor who had persecuted local Christians. John Paul II also kissed the Koran, the book, which denies the Resurrection and gospel of Christ while ordering their persecution. Catholic bishops and Cardinals have been calling God “Allah” which originated as a moon idol. While denouncing communism, Hugo Chavez confesses to be Catholic. Fidel Castro is a closet Catholic yet his connections are obvious if one goes to Cuba and finds the Catholic Cathedrals in the supposedly Atheist country.( I have had this confirmed by Cuban immigrants) If you go to Europe you will find many atheist who grew up in the catholic church and may have their disagreements but at the end of the day take their children to catholic schools and pay taxes to the RCC. It has been said that the election of John Paul was strategic in case the U.S.S.R. won the cold War. One can also find how well RCC has adapted to local pagan cultures.
Truthfully the RCC has no problem selling it’s fidelity to the scriptures for the right price.

Essentially I have concluded the RCC is the Great Whore of Babylon for the following reasons.
A. The Beast described in Revelation is clearly the Roman Empire.
B. The Great Whore of Babylon is a city and it is most definitely Rome.
C. The Spirit of the AntiChrist is a spirit of apostasy from the Christian Faith.
D. The Pope is at least an anti-Christ in the sense that he is a substitute for Christ. Therefore His office can easily become the seat of the AntiChrist.
E. The Whore is a present day reality and she has a historic persecution of the Churches of Christ.
F. The whore is unfaithful to the gospel it was pledged to.
When we put all these facts together we can find no other institution than the Roman Catholic Church headed in Vatican Rome.
This is not meant as an attack upon Roman Catholic people. Any Fact there are clusters of Roman Catholics who identify with Vatican I whom are starting to come to this realization. They have noticed that the current administration of Catholics (Vatican II) have committed heresy according to the RCC’s own canon law and dogma.
While it is obvious that I believe the gospel of Christ is not what is taught in the RCC. You should still heed the warnings of God.
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Rev 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
In these perilous times we live in, we must place our faith in Christ not in man.
2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
If you would like to be saved, check out my article “Are you sure?”
In Christ,
Bro. Matt Singleton

Responding to my romanist rival

I got a reader going by the name of deeper truth commenting on this blog earlier. They really wanted to contend with me over my view that in Rev. 17 the whore of Babylon is in fact Rome and represented by todays vatican and her sway through the Roman Catholic church. The problem was this was off topic. The essay is my critique of the Lutheran church. I put a great deal of time in wrinting this artice reading from Luther's small catechism. But Deeper truth decided to try to engage in debate over the catholic church and skip the article. I also found a great deal of personal attacks involved and since many people will assume him to be Christian they will blame christianity for a lack of class. While I don't mind some competitve debate and I really want to work through issues and take criticism this blog is about finding truth and not name calling. I also found this rather disrespectful that DT would go on someone elses blog and assume the right to chastise the host. DT by no means is mindless and I found a couple ideas worth challengeing. However I ordered DT to place there comments on my essay "7 reasons why Roman Catholicism can not save a single soul." because I wanted people to read my article on lutheranism and stay on topic. As a result every response of DT isnce has been deleted. DT has yet to respond to the Catholicism article making it appear that DT is in fact afraid of it.
I will respond to a challenge from DT on the topography of Jerusalem and Rome.DT made the claim in his remarks that he was sorry(though he still used taunts?) and that he would no longer respond. Jesus taught that we should not cast our pearls before swine. I really prefer not to shut people off but, I found argueing with him frivolous because he would not fully engage in my arguments while blasting his own and trying to tempt me to lose my cool. But I think it's like jesus said turn the other cheek. If DT wants to be respectful and ask pertinent questions and respond to real challenges they are invited back on. if not they will be deleted.

Lutheran losses

I. Creedal credit: Lutheranism’s over dependence on the creeds.
Lutheranism decided that the Catholic Church was a true church in need of reform, as a result the flaws of Catholicism have crept in.
Of course this at a slower pace due to the normative principle; which declares that anything which does not contradict the scriptures is allowable. On this basis they have accept history and teaching and traditions. Which were not obviously heretical. However this was philosophy would sow the seeds of destruction.
A.
Martin Luther had already come to understand that the Roman Catholic Church was the Great Whore of Babylon and the Pope to be the Antichrist. He wrote of this in his book “Babylonian Captivity”. Therefore, the Lutheran church was responsible knowing that Roman Catholicism was not the true church and not reliable to us for history, doctrine and traditions. The Roman Catholic Church was inbred with the Roman Empire.
Rev 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
The Lord shall judge us over traditions that are not rooted in him
Mat 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Therefore we should separate from Roman Catholicism
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
This is the curse we see today in mainline Protestantism, which practices Catholic tradition.
So in making the false assumption that Catholicism was at one time the true church and only in need of reform they accepted and practice liturgies of the creeds.
Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

A. Apostles Creed “the holy Catholic church”
B. Nicene Creed “one Holy Catholic and Apostolic church. I acknowledge baptism for the remission of sins;”
C. The Chalcedonian creed “virgin Mary the Mother of God,” “creed of the Holy Fathers has handed down to us”
D. The Athanasian Creed “whosoever will be saved: before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith:” “we are forbidden by the Catholic religion” “and they that have done good shall go into life everlasting: and they that have done evil into everlasting fire. This is the catholic faith: which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved.”
These creeds are obviously the writings of man. But the scriptures are just as obvious the writings of God.
2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
These creeds which are recited in the Lutheran churches teach justification by works and baptismal salvation. Also they lead to a mentality that focus on man’s doctrine ignoring the Bible itself.

II. Ubiquity: stretching Jesus too thin!
Phi 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Phi 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
In order to preserve the Catholic mass. The Lutherans have argued a doctrine called ubiquity. Where Jesus’ flesh was God and therefore his flesh was Omni-present. Yet this scripture argues a physical Second Coming.
This view is also heretical in the sense that it leads to deification and pantheism. If Christ flesh/body is everywhere and it is physical then everything is potentially Christ. Therefore Christ would no longer be holy. Secondly we become more of a god. Because we are eating God.


III. What matters most (Lutheranisms “Christ-centered” hermeneutic)
Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Luther as well as the Lutherans teaches that there is an inequality in Revelation. Teaching that we are free to ignore sections of the scriptures in favor of the more familiar teachings of Christ.
Centuries later, theologian Karl Barth would capitalize on this doctrine of revelation and swiftly applied it to the doctrine of inspiration. This was so easily accepted because if scripture is not necessary, then it really is not necessary. Why would God be so preoccupied with inspiring things; which are not important?
One major issue of this is that there is no specificity in this doctrine. Which verses are important and which ones are not?
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Christ cares for the entirety of scripture. It is all inspired and it is the word of God.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
The main reason for this is because Jesus is the Word of God and therefore the Revelation of scripture is Christ.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh 6:48 I am that bread of life.
Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

IV. Oh what is man that you should be mindful of Him? (Luther’s view of humanity)
“107 Do people still have the image of God?
“No, this image was lost when our first parents disobeyed God and fell into sin. Their will and intellect lost the ability to know and please God. In Christians God has begun to rebuild his image, but only in Heaven will it be fully restored.”
Jam 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Lutheranism has a peculiar view of the spirit. It argues the view of traducianism by which we derive our spirits from our parents as oppose to directly from God. This led Luther to deny that humanity is any longer in the image of God.
Luther and several Calvinists argued that we inherit our souls from our parents. This was in line with their determinist belief system. Scriptures which would be used for support would be.
Gen 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Gen 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Gen 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Gen 5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth:
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Psa 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Now there is no doubt there are some good points the Lutherans make. I would agree that the image of God has been tainted by humanity. However the views of the Lutherans (and many Calvinists) are extreme and become false teachings.
One major difference I would argue from the Lutheran view is that the image of God is initially in us all and it is tainted in our lives personally.
Deu 1:39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.
Here we see that infants do not possess the knowledge, which condemned Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Eze 18:1 The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
Eze 18:2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
Eze 18:3 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Each generation is responsible for itself, and therefore it is hard to argue that we have not been created in the image of God.
Mat 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
Mat 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Here we have a scene where children are capable of pleasing God even though they are ignorant. Our loss of the image is directly from our flesh.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
However, we do have a spirit that has been given to us directly from God.
Zec 12:1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
We all have spiritual life that we all lose through sin.
Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Our similarity to Adam is in our flesh. As we grow in this flesh we grow in our sin. This is why we must become like children, because they originally bore the image of God.
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Could this change the gospel?
Phi 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Phi 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
If man is by definition no longer created in the image of God, then it is argueable that Christ should not be made in the image of God and therefore sinful. Because the incarnation argued that Christ was fully man. Is it any surprise that higher criticism which started in Germany and in whom most of the theologians were raised Lutheran would go on to deny the sinlessness of Christ? Humanity, therefore must still be currently created in the image of God.
This doctrine also has other implications in politics. The early reformers did not believe in the dignity of humanity so they refused the rights of freedom upon people. The state churches even today have a socialistic bent toward them.

V. Baptismal regeneration: The wrong Roman road!
The practice of infant baptism restores the idea of racial election. One is God’s according to his family. After all families baptize their babies and not other families. However this was strictly refuted in the Bible.
Mat 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
“Baptize means to apply water by immersing, washing, pouring, and the like”
Mar 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
Here washing is baptismos, so they argue that baptism means washing. The literal translation of baptizo is “immersion”. Not sprinkling or pouring. While the context implies washing for baptismos, it is obvious the dishes were immersed in the process. Christian baptism is always performed by immersion.
Mar 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing
This signifies our death burial and resurrection in Christ.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

248 What precious things are given in Baptism?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this as the words and promises of God declare.
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Many people use this verse with little understanding. First, most sacramentalist ignore the clause of repentance. Lutherans like Catholics and others baptize babies who are incapable of repentance. Secondly this was the ritual of John’s Baptism.
Mar 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
This was for a basic religious repentance of obvious sins. But jesus was going to do more.
Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John’s baptism was for Christian religion but Jesus baptism was for eternal salvation.
Luk 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This baptism of the Spirit is not limited to the baptized.
Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Though, it is assumed we should have this blessing prior to our baptism.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:


VI. There is no substance like consubstance; like consubstantiation I know!
A. Where is Jesus?
1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
There is no doubt truth in this verse and this verse by itself makes a good case. Yet we must focus our attention upon the whole of scripture.
1Co 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
We see already that this is metaphorical.
1Co 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
1Co 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
Notice the parallel with idolatry. The idol is not anything really but a statue. Therefore the elements of communion are not anything but elements.
1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
The negative with idolatry is a relationship with devils. The positive with the Lord’s Supper is fellowship with Christ. We are not eating God, but instead relating to Him.
Fellowship (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)
(1.) With God, consisting in the knowledge of his will (Job
22:21; John 17:3); agreement with his designs (Amos 3:2); mutual
affection (Rom. 8: 38, 39); enjoyment of his presence (Ps. 4:6);
conformity to his image (1 John 2:6; 1:6); and participation of
his felicity (1 John 1:3, 4; Eph. 3:14-21).
(2.) Of saints with one another, in duties (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor.
12:1; 1 Thess. 5:17, 18); in ordinances (Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:46);
in grace, love, joy, etc. (Mal. 3:16; 2 Cor. 8:4); mutual
interest, spiritual and temporal (Rom. 12:4, 13; Heb. 13:16); in
sufferings (Rom. 15:1, 2; Gal. 6:1, 2; Rom. 12:15; and in glory
(Rev. 7:9).
1Co 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
1Co 10:22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Another question one must ask is are the devils in the products sacrifice to devils?
1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
The context has been established that meats sacrificed to idols were not in themselves idols but prohibited due to symbolism. This is the basis for a Christian principle of morality.
Mar 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
Mar 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

B. How do we receive Jesus?
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
It is not through rituals that we receive Jesus Christ, it is by faith upon the hearing of the gospel. If we have received Jesus Christ into our hearts by faith then why do we need to go back to rituals for more?
C. Salvation with out faith?
292 “Yes, because the Sacrament depends on Christ Word, not upon our faith.”
1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
This verse is used in defense. However, it is assuming that communion truly is sacramental. Otherwise it implies the need for faith and obedience. But what about Christ word as it relates to the sacrament?
D. Does Christ even have blood any longer?
Joh 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
How was Thomas able to look into a gaping wound? We would normally see bleeding. Jesus had his blood drained out on the cross.
Joh 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
This is common in sacrifice.
Deu 12:16 Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.
Christ blood was left upon the earth.
1Jo 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
According to the gospels Jesus had been sacrificed once and therefore had his blood poured out one time and it has never been brought back. This is a careful distinction of the gospel of the scripture to the gospel presented by sacramentalists.


VII. The invisible church with it’s invisible spirituality!
In Luther we see the principle of the invisible church most strongly pronounced, in fact evangelicalism is most spiritually kin to Lutheranism, more so than any other reformation movement. I have dealt with this subject in other articles.
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The real church of Christ is obvious. It does not need a shallow coat nor is it simply a government of men. It is a spiritual body that animates it's members to be set apart from society by their faith and godly way of life. The emphasis on a mysterious invisible church (not found in scripture) leads the faithful to neglect real churches until they turn apostate.

VIII. Justification by which faith?
A. You got the cutest little baby faith!
“D. Babies also are able to have faith”246. Why are babies to be baptized? Explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism
There are two scriptures in defense of this point.
Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
This is answered by the fact that the passage is not referring to infants but instead to children who believe.
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
There is a parallel passage in Luke which has infants mentioned but not as infants believing. Jesus specifically says little children in that passage as well.
Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Saving faith is the responsibility of an adult.
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

B. Most Lutherans follow not in the steps of Luther, but of his apprentice Philip Melancthon concerning freedom of the will. They claim that election is based upon faith and as a result they claim that one can have saving faith and be saved yet fall away from faith and lose their salvation. While orthodox Lutherans still understand Justification by faith, they do not understand that saving faith leads to regeneration which leads to perseverance.
Jam 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

C. Many Lutherans have taken an extra step towards liberalism and have followed the footsteps of a Danish Lutheran philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. (founder of existentialism)
The faith of existentialism is the power of imagination to create a fantasy realm for whatever religion you choose, it is blind in the sense that it does not have to answer to reality. Now biblical faith is blind…
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
But is blinded to the opposite... faith is real evidence.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
It does not live by the sight of imagination.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Col 2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Here we see Paul strictly forbidding man-made religion and man-made faith. If it comes from man, then it is corrupt. The true religion of God did not come from man’s ideas but was sent to us as God’s revelation. We are blind without imagination but live by faith in God.

The loss is great (the sad state of Apostasy in the Lutheran church)
A few years ago a Danish Lutheran church elected an Atheist pastor. Denmark is a state church country and so they felt it would be prejudicial otherwise. Yet the faith is obviously mangled.
At one time Dr. Luther established five principles, which govern reformation Christianity.
Sola Scripture) God’s infallible authority is in Scripture alone.
Sola Christa) Salvation is in Christ alone.
Sola Gratia) Salvation is a gift of God’s grace alone.
Sola Fide) God’s Justification of man is through faith alone.
Sola Gloria Deo) God alone deserves our glory and affection.
Unfortunately, like Lot’s wife the Lutheran church has looked back at Sodom and she is becoming frozen as a pillar of Salt.
As New Testament Christians we must follow the example of Luther in terms of saving faith so long as we reject their example of dead religion. If you are a Lutheran, remember Christ and his teachings it is in him alone that you find true faith and true salvation.

Quotations were from Luther's small Catechism with Explanation.

Freedom Baptist Church Confession of Faith

I. God
A. We believe in the one true living God, self-named Jehovah [Y/J.H.W/V.H]. (Though also titled El, Elohim, Adonai, Theos, Kurios etc.) He is beyond all perfection. He is a spiritual, intelligent, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. He is all-powerful, omnipresent, omniscient, self-sufficient, unchanging, immanent, transcendent and eternal. Even greater than His attributes is His Character. God is the most Holy, all Loving, all Righteous, all Merciful, and all Wise Sovereign Lord of All. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience
B. There is one God-head/substance of God (Elohim), which is composed of three Persons: The Father, Son/Word, and Holy Spirit. These are three distinct persons ye they composed of one ultimate substance. They are equal in power and standing. Yet submit in order to the Father and secondly the Son and Holy Spirit for the sake of order.
C. From before the beginning of Creation was the Logos/word also known as the Son. He is the second person of the Godhead trinity. According to the Father’s purpose and plan, He was manifest in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus originated in the virgin womb of Mary. Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament from the blood-line of Abraham and royal bloodline of David. He is the same person as the Son, yet complete in his humanity, including the mind, soul, and spirit. Though Jesus is the reflection of God and one in person He is dueled in His nature. He is both completely human and completely God.


II. Creation
A. We believe that Jehovah created the Universe out of nothing. We believe that this took place in the first week of creation, which were literal days. We believe the spiritual realms were created during this time as well. This consists of the place of terrors, the chasm and the bosom of Abraham; which are together recognized as sheol/Hades. We believe in the realm of Heaven were God manifest his presence and sits on the throne. He created multitudes of Angels of various ranks and likely races. Through the fall there was a spiritual war and were left many mutations across creation whether they are unclean animals, fallen angels, demons, nephilum or reprobate.
B. We believe in the history of Adam and Eve and the fall in the Garden of Eden. We believe, in the historical account of the curse of the worldwide flood. We believe in the additional rebellion of mankind in the building of the Tower of Babel where ungodly religion was invented. As well as God’s curse of cultural confusion which led to a multitude of languages, ethnicities, and religion.


III. Man
We believe Man (male & female) is the crown of creation. God decided to create Man in his image. In other words, man is a reflection of God’s attributes Man and is composed of a body soul and spirit. God directly makes the spirit of man. The first man was Adam and his wife was Eve made from his rib. Through the deception of Satan, Adam gave away his inherited perfections by disobeying God’s commandment not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, all people have inherited a sinful inclination across the totality of their being and been imputed the curse of death. Every person has had his or her spirit independently formed by God. The essence of man is Body, Soul, and Spirit. God made only one race of Mankind, though they split into many nations, cultures, languages and even religions. We believe that the traditional family consists of the marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that Christians ought to choose a mate that is also a believer, and that in the process of engagement they ought to honor their father and mother. We believe that the man and woman are encouraged to have as many children as capable. Men are to be supervisors of the family and spiritual guardians of the household. Women help fulfill the man’s destiny and are placed as the heart of the family nourishing the household.

IV. The Bible
A. We believe that God has chosen to reveal His will through the revelation of Holy Scripture. The Holy Bible is ordered according to the traditional protestant Canon. The 39 books of the Old Testament agreed upon by Protestants and the Jews, as well as the 27 books of the New Testament agreed upon by Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant. God has perfectly providentially preserved these books, for us in the Hebrew Masoretic text and the Greek Textus Receptus manuscripts. The Authorized Version nicknamed “King James Version” has been the most outstanding and productive translation of these texts into the English language. God inspired the authors of the Bible to write His very words. In His infinite knowledge God presented His revelation in a way consistent with the style, personality and character of these elect prophets to enable them to best present His words. Every author was willing to present, and was specially sanctified by God for this purpose. So though the Prophets and Apostles have written the Bible, every word finds its origin with the Father.
B. Consequently, the Bible if properly translated and interpreted has no error in what it says directly or implies. The Bible is authoritative for all in what it says and interprets and the Christian is bound to every thing it specifically says to Christians and everything it implies; though the Christian is bound not to add to His divine revelation. The Scriptures must be judged only in light of the whole of scripture. The Bible can be understood using the historical-grammatical method of study in search of the “plain sense meaning”. With this, diligence, a godly desire to learn, and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the Christian can eventually understand the complete direct meaning of the Bible. The centerpiece of the revelation of God is Christ Jesus.

V. The Law
We believe that God in his infinite love has provided mankind with a direct revelation of his love, they we may follow Him and not trespass His laws, which would incur his wrath. He has provided mankind with the holy law to point us towards the light. In the Old/Mosaic covenant the Hebrews followed all the OT law in order to be sanctified and draw closer to God. In the New Testament we have a better Covenant. We draw closer to God the same way that we are justified, through faith in the saving work of Christ, living out our lives removing the sins of the flesh and growing the fruits of the spirit. The Holy Law of God is still of great use to us. The Ten Commandments serve as an infallible compass of truth. The Old Testament Law of God serves the believers as a way of wisdom, and the non-believers as a convicting schoolmaster pointing us all towards our need for Christ.
The purist summary of God’s law is that we shall love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might. And that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.


VI. The Dispensations
Through the ages God has chosen to progressively reveal His will concerning his relationship with mankind. He has revealed this through several different covenantal relationships that are known as “Dispensations”. Each dispensation is a new relationship in history whereby man is obligated to follow and God establishes blessings and curses based upon obedience. Man’s own sinful condition, and inability to have self-righteousness continuously spurs on the next dispensation. Each dispensation builds upon another drawing us to deeper need for Christ and a closer relationship with God through the history of redemption.
We understand that there are seven major dispensations, which precede the New Heavens and the New Earth. The age of Innocence which is prior to the fall in the Garden of Eden. The age of Conscience, which governed from the days of Adam to Noah. The age of Government which governed Noah to Abraham. The age of Promise, which governed from Abraham to Moses. The age of the Law which governed from Abraham to John the Baptist. The age of Grace which governs from Paul till the Second Coming of Christ. The millennial reign will last for a 1000 years closing the cycle of the heavens and earth.

VII. Israel, the Kingdom of Heaven and the local church and the Great Whore
A. Through the ages and dispensations God’s elect has been composed of both literal and spiritual bodies. They have always been a part of one spiritual body, the Kingdom of God. In the earthly realm the elect were historically congregated in the nation of Israel. Yet the nation transgressed God’s Law and as a result loss the blessings from God. Then they rejected the Messiah Jesus Christ. As a result, they were to be the most cursed people on earth and had a partial hardening of their people so that few have received the benefits of the New Covenant and salvation. Yet, God in his great mercy blesses the Jews when they follow him and he will not revoke his promises. Therefore in the end-times the Jews will be restored to all of their blessings, they will repent to serve Jesus Christ, they will receive the blessings of His salvation, and He will rule the world from their throne.
B. The Local Church is the designated body of God’s elect. They are armies of the Kingdom of Heaven and the Body of Christ. However most confessors of Christ have not been born-again but fallen into apostasy. The faithful and obedient bride of Christ will stay faithful and pure to God’s Word and as a result will be Raptured away to be forever with Christ. But the unfaithful will become seduced by the Great Whore of Babylon and be in danger of God’s Judgement and condemnation.


VIII. Salvation
A. Election) Before their was time, God the father purposed to present a bride to the Son, This chosen Bride is in fact a vast body of believers whom we know as the Elect. Election is the gracious purpose of God, by which He regenerates, Justifies, Sanctifies and Glorifies sinners. It is in harmony with God’s Foreknowledge of man’s free agency and choices. Though it is not founded or based upon their acts of will or work; instead upon God’s loving and gracious nature. Through this mystery God works all things for good to those who love Him.
B. Drawing) Due to its depravity, mankind has a sinful inclination to draw away from God. Therefore upon hearing the gospel, the Holy Spirit draws the recipient and reasons with their souls making them responsible to believe.
C. Propitiation) The act of Christ which can reconcile mankind with the father. As Law–breakers, mankind has fallen from the intended glory of God. Instead they are separated from all fellowship with God. They are destined to rot in Hades for ages until the day judgment when they will receive penalty, which is the unhindered, wrath of God. Jesus of Nazareth was the only suitable Sacrifice, being the only begotten Son of the Father. This blood propitiation was made potentially for all mankind. Though only effective for those who believe.
D. Justification) is the process where God judges a saint to be righteous and having their sins atoned for, they are imputed Christ Righteousness and therefore declared righteous, while their sins were propitiated by Jesus upon the cross. This deed is accomplished through faith alone and not with works.
E. Adoption) this is the first-fruits of justification where we have the status of adopted children of God. We’re no longer slaves but children awaiting inheritance. We are also part of the vast family of God and no longer alone. Because we are adopted however, we still retain our creaturely nature and are not to be confused with deities.
F. Regeneration) the process by which a Christian is born-again. When a saint first places faith in Christ they are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Their spirits are given life. Their mind begins a process of being renewed. They proceed to bear the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control.
G. Conversion) is the natural by-product of regeneration. Where by a non-believer becomes a disciple and Christian. When they are born-again inwardly they must convert outwardly. The confession of sin, confession of faith, repentance, baptism and the joining with a local church mark this act. This marks the entrance in New Covenant Life and church life.
H. Sanctification) The process where we empowered by the Holy Spirit cultivate our new spiritual nature and conquer the old nature of our flesh. For the believer this is a life long on-going battle. Though we can move from immaturity to maturity in our execution of the Christian life, we are spiritually equal with one another being sinners saved by grace. The lifelong (yet unattainable) goal of sanctification is to obey God and abstain from sin.
I. Perseverance) All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, we thereby they grieve the spirit
J. Glorification) The final process of perfection for the saints. Saints at this point are conformed to the image and likeness of God. They are now clean and morally perfected. Their life is everlasting in the presence of God.

IX. Church
We believe that the Christian church is a congregation gathered together based upon the faith that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God”. This group was designed and formed by Jesus Christ himself. Members of Christ Church are also called his Body. They are identified as those who have confessed Christ and believe in Him and have surrendered to the New Covenant joining the church through Baptism. They preserve new Covenant membership through continued Congregation attendance and observance of the Lord’s Supper. Christ governs the church, primarily through democratic process within the membership of each autonomous congregation. The administration and teaching is headed by the Pastor/Bishop; this ministry of word is inclusive of other elders depending upon the Occasion. The New Testament limits the office of Pastor/elder to men, as do we. Deacons have an office of servitude to the community and congregation in terms of lay ministry. They are servants who by example lead the congregation in ministry and evangelism.
The New Testament implies that the Kingdom of Heaven is a Church. It also refers to the eschatological raptured church of the End-times. Though according to the Bible there is no such thing as the invisible New Testament church.

X. Baptism
We believe Christian Baptism to be the immersion of a born-again believer into and out from the water in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old Life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony of their faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership. This is the only Christian ordinance of Baptism.

XI. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His Second Coming. This is a time of self-examination encouraging the sanctification of the believer. Unbelievers and those in sin should restrain themselves for Fear of the Lord.

XII. The Lord’s Day
This is a day commemorating the first day of the week when the Lord arose from the grave. It is a Christian Institution for regular observance. It is not the Old Covenant Sabbath. (The Sabbath was on the 7th day of the week) Though Christians have the freedom to consecrate it as their Sabbath. If this be the case, then it would be proper to refrain from secular and unnecessary work, to meditate throughout the day on Godly things and to refrain from worldly chatter. The day includes the observance of the Lord’s supper, the collecting of tithes and/or offerings, and the reading and preaching of the word of God. The day is inclusive of other forms of Christian worship such as prayer, music (psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs), fasting, charity, evangelism, teaching, church business etc. Though these practices are not bound to the Lord’s Day.




XIII. The Great Commission
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The New Birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the Birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests upon a spiritual necessity of regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations.
The gospel means God’s Word and good news. It is concerning the Life of Christ and the New Covenant. It can be summarized by the Death, Burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. It is proper to emphasize major doctrines, such as the virgin birth, the baptism of Christ, the work of Christ his crucifixion and atonement as well as the resurrection and ascension to the right Hand of the Father. The gospel can be amplified by the preaching of the word. Through the preaching of the gospel, the ministry of the Holy Spirit can be enchanced to draw the lost to Christ. Prayer may also be proper for the sake of the spiritual war.
It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness under girded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ. The Great Commission can never be fulfilled without the fruits of the Spirit, discipleship, conversion and baptism.

XIV. Cooperation and separation
We understand ourselves as humbled sinners. The preaching of the gospel is an honor. There is no hierarchy in the proclamation of the gospel and as a result, we are never to hinder anyone else in this duty, but instead to encourage such activity. If others want to join with us in ministering unto God and thereby ministering unto those in need then they are our friends. We welcome all in the cause of God.
However, being the church the local body of Christ, we are to strive to be set apart and holy. While mission labor may allow for cooperation with various Christians, in order to preserve the gospel and doctrines of the New Testament, the local bodies must be separate from error and sanctified from open and blatant ungodly sin. The church must strive for and hopefully accomplish being a consistent regenerate body.

XV. Religious Liberty
A. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and he has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A Free Church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
B. While it is the divine right of the secular government to wage a “Just War”. It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The Supreme need of the world is the acceptance of his teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of peace.

XVI. The Christian and society
A. All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. The Christian church is the only everlasting institution whereby we may properly conduct the New Testament Gospel. However other means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful, though only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ.
In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.
Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

XVII. The work of the Spirit
The Baptism of Christ marks the regulative advent of the Holy Spirit. Christ promised the work of the Holy Spirit. At the day of Pentecost, after the ascension, The Church was Baptized/immersed with the Holy Spirit as evidenced by the Tongues of Fire. The local church then receives power from the Holy Spirit to fulfill the great commission. Born-again Christians then independently receive His gifts. The church has retained all gifts that it was endowed with that Paul recognized. Though the offices of prophet and apostle have ceased due to the completion of the canon and we no longer have their unique sign gifts. The church has retained its gifts regardless of the classification of natural or supernatural.

XVIII. Satan and our war
We believe that there is a real spiritual person named Lucifer, Satan or the Devil. We believe He is the first being to act contrary to God’s moral Will. We believe that he is the being that tempted mankind (Adam and Eve) to bring sin into the earthly realm. We understand that Lucifer was a high ranking Angel. We understand that he has authority over a third of the angels, who are called demons. We also understand that Satan is the “god of this world” and thereby has influence over all power in worldly affairs (economic, political, religious etc.). We also understand that mankind, as a result of the fall is a child of Satan and under his dominion. We understand that Satan was cast out of Heaven, and will never have either dominion or Sovereignty. We know that Satan was also defeated through the cross of Christ and he loses authority over all that are saved by Jesus Christ. We are confident that Satan will be bound to the pits of Hades after Christ returns. We know that Satan will be thrown into the Lake of Fire at the Great White throne of Judgement.

XIX. End-times
We believe in the immanent and bodily return of Christ. We believe the specific date of his return is permanently removed from man’s record. We know that Jesus will return very quickly to rapture (snatch) all born again Christians into the Bride (end-times church) in the air. The will receive the bema/crowns judgement and then the 7 year tribulation period will begin. Jesus will then descend to the earth with the saints and angels to separate the sheep from the goats and begin to 1000-year reign of Christ. During the period of worldwide peace the devil will be restrained in the pit of Hades. At the end of which he will be briefly released for a finally battle. This will be followed by the obvious victory of Christ and the Great White throne judgement. Saints will be approved to live forever in the New Heavens and New Earth. All-non Christians will be resurrected to be Judge according to their works. Once properly indicted they will be thrown into a literal lake of Fire in which they will burn for all Eternity in what is known as the second death.


P.S. This is my personal confession of Faith for futur reference. It was accepted this year as my Chruches confession of Faith.
I originally entitled it the confession of "Saints Baptist Congregations of Christ" this would be the title of a theoretical movement if my ministry was expanded by God into a movement or denomenation. Saints emphasizing our philosophy about a regenerate church. Baptist referring to our heritage and theology. Congregations of Christ referring to us being the New Testament model Church.

Does James teach works based salvation?

2:14 What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:14-24 KJV




I came across this issue recently. This passage can be easily interpretted to endorse works based salvation.

The problem is if that were true then salvation is based on works and no one is perfect enough to make it to heaven. Even greater problem would be the fact that James would be contradicting the apostle Paul makine the scriptures the works of man and not God. However I know in my heart that this is not the case.

Many times when we practice our faith or are reading the Bible we see roadblocks too our faith. These "problem passages" can give a sinner the excuse of denying God and leaving the faith.

Why would an all powerful God allow this room for confusion?
Alan Dershewitz a Jewish atheist intellectual was claimed if he were confronted by God, why did God not allow him evidence?

As a defender of the Bible I have read an interesting answer by KJV defender and scholar Ed Hills.

God in his providence leaves somethings around but hidden so that the believer will search for him will the unbeliever will shown fo his lack of faith. If you love God you must search for him. He is there, but he wants a relationship.

So what about this passage?
first the context.
1. James may have been the earliest written epistle. Well before Paul's Epistles.
2. Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, He would begin a period of the NewCovenant we call the age of GRace. Before this Between John the Baptist and him we had a short period of time called the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Apostles were Apostles of the Jews trying to reconcile the nation of Israel to Christianity. When Israel rejected the gospel, paul was commissioned to bring the gospel to the Gentiles and allow them to posess the spiritual benefits. We call this the age or reign of grace.
3, here James is speaking to Jewish Christians.

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
James 1:1 KJV

4. His focus is upon the gospel of christ as it relates to proper religion

1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain. 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.
James 1:26-2:1 KJV

5. When it is discussing faith in this epistle,(2:1) the emphasis is upon faith for religion, not faith for salvation.

6. Paul would write later in the book of romans discussing the faith of Christ which is his perfect religion which helps him acquire the righteousness of God.

3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 3:22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 3:25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 3:26 To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 3:27 Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Romans 3:21-27 KJV



4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 4:18-5:2 KJV

So Paul will later show us the difference of the faithfulness of Christ and our faith to recieve Christ for Justification.

7. So James is writing his epistle without Paul in mind.
8. He is speaking to Jewish christians who obvious have an idea of salvation in Christ yet are interpretting salvation as religion. They are assuming because christ was righteous I have no need to be righteous.
9. James is explaining to them that Faith makes us become righteous and so he is discussing to faiths for Christian religion.
on point nine James is referring to religion and delineates between two faiths

2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
James 2:18 KJV


10. So Faith alone is correct for salvation. But faith alone is heretical for religion
So then the question is what is right for perfect religion?
It is good works that perfects religious faith.

2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
James 2:20-22 KJV

Here we see James argueing that in terms of religion you can not have just religious faith but also religious action and try to make a difference in our society.
Look back on james discussing faith and works, it is obvious that he is concern about the community and not the soul.

2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:15-17 KJV


James is attacking those Christians who preach a good game but do not back up there preaching with action.

11. Final james mentions abraham being justified by faith before works
Finally James brings up the imputation passage.

2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James 2:23 KJV

Years before Abraham had faith in God. God counted Abraham as righteous. the works Abraham would do years later authenticate that faith. However before he did any works Abraham had already Justified by faith alone.
So here James admits Justification by grace through faith alone. However saving faith is the faith at will bring for the fruits of right religion. But good religion unlike salvation can not be justified by faith alone.

2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:24 KJV

But once again do not be confuse this is not justification as the declaration of God but this is justification to show righteous. For example

16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Luke 16:15 KJV

So I think James would agree that we should first be justified by God by grace through faith. Then we should make our faith justified by good deeds making a good witness.
In Christ,
Matt

The Audacity of Adventism

There are many churches and sects and cults that have popped up over the years that have used the Bible to establish their authority and kingdom on the earth. Many of these groups warn of the destruction of the earth, and the evils of society. They argue that we should follow the God of the Bible and covenant to live holy Lives. They remind us of the soon return of Christ. All these points, we who are New Testament Christians can agree on, and therefore these churches become very attractive for those of us in the Faith. Yet for all this agreement, these groups are not under the New Covenant and what they offer in the end is man-made religion and counterfeit-Christianity.
There is great variety in these groups some heretical and others more orthodox; some are pure cults while others are Christians who are simply a little off. These groups include. Seventh day Adventist, The church of God (not the Pentecostal group) The United Church of God, The Worldwide Church of God, The Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Branch Davidians etc.
Typically we can trace the origins of these movements back to the movement of William Miller of the Millerites. Miller used the historicists system of Bible prophecy interpretation. HE predicted the end of the world repeated only to be proven wrong with every prediction. We also start to see a pattern with these particular groups. And so this article is written to address these corresponding issues.


I. Prophet or prophet? (Or maybe profit!)
1Co 14:32-33 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
1Jo 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.

Many Adventists sects have a fascination with their leaders as Prophets. Most of the sects will claim a prophetic leader with visions of some sort.
Now I believe that the spiritual gifts are for today and that includes the gift of prophecy. Yet the Old Testament Office or administration of the Prophets ceased with the dawning of the New Testament and the ministry of John the Baptist. The New Covenant office or administration of Apostles ceased in the 1st century after the death of those who knew Christ.

Mat 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Act 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Act 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Now it is true that we have people with the prophetic gift. There were also those considered messenger apostles (missionaries). These gifts still function yet no one has any authority to ad or take away from the written word of God.
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Pro 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

II. Getting God right
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Exo 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
Mat 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Many of the Adventist sects had trouble accepting the doctrine of the trinity. Early seventh-day Adventist as well as Jehovah’s witnesses and others have tried to find other explanations for the Godhead. Yet these arguments are always brought up and they have been consistently refuted as these passages indicate.


III. Did He come yet? … Did He come yet? … Did He come yet?
Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

One key in interpreting Bible prophecy is that the attainment the date of the Second Coming is impossible. As we read this passage Christ not only makes it clear that no one will know the Second Coming, but that this will happen when the Second Coming is not expected.
Yet won’t the church always be expecting the 2nd Coming?

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

If the Church has been taken up in the rapture, then this is all worked out. Many Adventist then rail against the pre-tribulation rapture because it gets in the way of this unbiblical historicism philosophy.
How do we know that end-times philosophies are contained in this tribulation period?

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Dan 9:25-27 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Here we see that after the Messiah is cut off. (The cross) Jerusalem would be taken over. (72AD) Then after this the anti-Christ will make a covenant with the Jews in Israel for one week.(symbolizing sever years) In the middle of the tribulation period the Antichrist will take over and end the sacrificial system.

2Th 2:2-4 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

So the Second Coming will be after this tribulation period. Yet doesn’t that mean that we could calculate this tribulation period finding the 2nd coming of Christ? Yes, unless believers are taken up prior to the Second Coming. There is evidence of this because Jesus will be celebrating His marriage to the Bride(Church) before the second coming during the tribulation.

Luk 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Believers are commanded to be ready and to have oil in their lamps(the Holy Spirit) because we do not know when the Christ will take us to the wedding.

Mat 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Here we see again the focus for the Christians is to be ready for Christ gathering and not on the oppression of the Antichrist. In fact, there several verses implying the escape from great tribulation wrath.

1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ
Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Finally we see that the tribulation was made for the unbeliever not for the believer.

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness
Therefore, the rapture has sealed the 2nd coming off from us. We need not speculate on this truth, but simply be ready for his soon return.

The 3 legs that uphold an Adventist cult:

Many cults have started as a result of the Millerite/Adventists movements these previous key issues are what supplies these cults with there stronghold. First, they raise up the leaders authority claiming their prophetic gifts. Then claim to have unique insight over other religious groups due to their strange style of interpreting the prophets. Finally they claim a heretical view of God asserting their authority over the very theology of the parishioners this makes the parishioner more depended upon the leaders of the church than upon God. At this point they demand separation from the world which leaves the congregation under the power of these cults. We must always be careful to maintain accountability in New Testament churches.

IV. Ya gotta have soul! … Where’s you spirit?

2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2Co 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
2Co 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Most Adventists make the astounding claim that man does not have an immaterial spirit. This puts an awkward spin on their doctrine, leaving them with more secular a philosophy. It is probably a speculation based off of modern Jewish rabbis and in opposition to Greek philosophy. The most prominent passage they would use in support of this concept is found in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Ecc 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Ecc 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

Here the passage teaches the dead know nothing. However, is Solomon talking about the dead spirits or simply the corpse? Remember that Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book and the only Bible book dealing in philosophy. This genre strictly deals with observational knowledge. He could observe the inactivity of a corpse but he could not deal with the spiritual world since he has not experience that.

Ecc 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Ecc 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
Ecc 11:5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Yet at the end of this book we see that indeed Solomon believes in a spirit which escapes the body.

Ecc 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
Ecc 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

The scriptures are also clear we have a spirit and a soul.
1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.


V. Who is your husband?…
Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

The majority of Adventists tend to see the law as a part of the gospel and thereby infusing good works with salvation. Here, we see in this passage that having fidelity to both covenants would be like trying to have fidelity to two husbands. They simply can not co-exist simultaneously.

Gal 2:16-3:3 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Here we see in the raw works of Paul the refutation of works based justification by faith plus works. In order to raise up works we have to decrease the work of Christ upon the cross.

VI. A Sabbath by any other day…
Mar 2:18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
Mar 2:19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
Mar 2:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
Mar 2:21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
Mar 2:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
Mar 2:23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
Mar 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
Mar 2:25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
Mar 2:26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Mar 2:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Many Adventist claim not only that Christians are under the Sabbath but that to reject the Saturday Sabbath is apostasy and joining the Beast of Revelation. But let us look at what Christ is really teaching concerning the Sabbath.

We see in Jesus’ first reaction to the Pharisees that the disciples were not bound to rituals; but to Christ, who was now with them, and it was a time of celebration. He also declares that there is a new covenant with new rituals about to take place with the new Bottles.
The Pharisees try again to bind the apostles with tradition, yet Jesus shows David “the man after God’s Own heart” not being enslaved by religion and therefore Christ would not let his followers be enslaved either. The purpose of Sabbath Keeping is not to be burdened, but to in fact set the follower free. That’s why you are not supposed to work on the Sabbath. How could not working be counted as a good work? (… It’s just ludicrous.)

Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Here we see the scriptures actually telling us that we have religious liberty in terms of the subject. How can militant Sabbath keepers be taken seriously as Biblicists?

Heb 4:2-11 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

The Sabbath was looking forward to a future rest. The People of God rested on the seventh Day in order to better understand the hope of salvation. They would labor six days a week illustrating the toils of this life. But the world would under go a seventh dispensation in which we will enter the rest of God.

VII. Burn baby burn! Is there an everlasting fire?
Mar 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Mar 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mar 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Mar 9:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mar 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Mar 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

It is quite obvious that the fires of hell are never going to die down. Quite frankly it is quite odd for Godly people who claim to believe in the scriptures attempt to reject the doctrine. Could it be that they reject this doctrine because they fear it themselves? Earlier we have seen where they doubt the power of salvation and if this is so then perhaps they are trying to escape damnation by other means. This points us back to the fact that the Adventist churches are not New Testament Churches.
Many might argue that the annihilation hell would fulfill the action of burning. However scripture teaches that the unsaved are resurrected.

Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Therefore they will not perish as they are in a permanent state of destruction.
1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
We must pray that Adventists would cling to the true faith of the New Testament, and not to the counterfeit of the NT, or else they will learn of the truth of eternal fire.

In Christ,
Matt