The Papacy's International Power
Summary:
The Papacy has once again become a world power both politically and in religious circles. We can see the prophecy of Revelation 13:7-8 come to fruition: "power was given [the beast] over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him."
Since the time of the healing of the wound, the power and influence of the Papacy has again grown to worldwide proportions, particularly during the end of the 20th century.
Political Power
Pope John Paul II received heads of state from all over the world and in, turn, visited many countries. His stature as a world leader grew astronomically. Bill Clinton, the last United States president of the previous millennium, thanked the Pope for saving the world from the horrors of nuclear war and for freeing millions from political oppression. President Bush Jr. and even President Obama have both paid homage to the Pope by visiting him for counsel and blessing, or receiving him as an honored guest.
Religious Power
The Pope is recognized as the supreme religious leader. At the Council of Assisi, leaders from all persuasions acknowledged him as the supreme ecclesiastical authority.
The stated aim of the Christian ecumenical movement is to reassert papal authority, and Pope John Paul II issued the statement that it is necessary for all denominations to accept papal authority before unity can be achieved. Protestant Churches have made conciliatory advances to reconnect with the Papacy.
On a plaque outside St. John Lateran Church in Rome are the words Ecclesiarum Mater, or “Mother of the Churches.” According to the BBC, a papal declaration written in 2001 by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) said that referring to other churches as sisters—and therefore equals—of the Roman Catholic Church is incorrect.i
The chasm between the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics and 350 million Protestants is steadily closing. However, while Rome itself has not changed one of its doctrines, many of the reform churches are lining up to pay homage to Rome, compromising their beliefs.
Revelation 13 gives two other identifiers of the first beast. Ahead to the next identifier: The Counterfeit Wound
Back to The Two Beasts of Revelation 13
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This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.
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Disclaimer:
The contents of this article and website are not intended to accuse individuals. There are many priests and faithful believers in Roman Catholicism who serve God to the best of their ability and are seen by God as His children. The information contained herein is directed only towards the Roman Catholic religio-political system that has reigned in varying degrees of power for nearly two millennia. Under the influence of its successive popes, bishops, and cardinals, this system has established an increasing number of doctrines and statements that clearly go against Scripture.
It is our sincere desire to lay the clear Word of God before you, the truth-seeking reader, so you may decide for yourself what is truth and what is error. If you find herein anything contrary to the Word of God, you need not accept it. But if you desire to seek for Truth as for hidden treasure, and find herein something of that quality, we encourage you to make all haste to accept that Truth which is revealed to you by the Holy Spirit.
It is our sincere desire to lay the clear Word of God before you, the truth-seeking reader, so you may decide for yourself what is truth and what is error. If you find herein anything contrary to the Word of God, you need not accept it. But if you desire to seek for Truth as for hidden treasure, and find herein something of that quality, we encourage you to make all haste to accept that Truth which is revealed to you by the Holy Spirit.
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Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
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Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
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The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
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