In Revelation 17, Babylon (papal Rome) is described as a bloodthirsty power that persecutes and kills God’s people:
I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (Revelation 17:6).
We know from Daniel 7 that the Antichrist (papal Rome) is a power that will “persecute the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:25 NKJV).It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue (remnant) with its feet. (Daniel 7:7 NKJV).
This description certainly describes the history of the Roman system. Whether under pagan control or papal control, Rome seems to have always persecuted any who stands in its way or refuses to acknowledge its supremacy.
History
For 1260 years, the Catholic Church had total dominion of the Roman world. Under its control, people were kept ignorant, chained by superstition and tradition. Anyone who refused to bend to the Church’s supremacy was persecuted mercilessly. Thousands were tortured and put to death. The Church seized lands and assets of those who refused to participate in its political and religious aspirations.
The Protestant Reformation
After those long years of dark oppression, God brought light and life back to the people. Through the invention of the printing press, the Bible was given to the common people in their own language. Through the efforts of reformers such as Wycliffe, Tyndale, Luther, Huss, Calvin, Knox and others, the Catholic Church no longer had control over the world.
The Catholic Counter Reformation
The Roman system did not remain powerless. As soon as it had opportunity, the Catholic Church launched an elaborate scheme to counter the Reformation’s effects. Now known as the Counter Reformation, the plan was spearheaded by the Jesuit order and was carried out under the guise of sincere devotion to the cause of Christ.
The doctrines of preterism and futurism, published in 1585 by Jesuit priests Alcasar and Ribera, countered the Reformation truths. Preterism stated that the Antichrist was the Greek king Antiochus Epiphanus IV, and not the papal system. Futurism pushed the Antichrist into a future time of tribulation just before Christ’s Second Coming. Futurism is tied in with dispensationalism, which includes the belief that during the end-time tribulations God’s people won’t be present on Earth but will be silently and secretly whisked away.
The doctrine of higher criticism, started in 1678 by the Catholic theologians Richard Simon and Dr. Alexander Geddes, called into question the plainest Scripture teachings on history and origins. The writings of Moses were dismissed as myths, and faith was thrown out.
Read of the key tools that were used to counter the Reformation and that are still being used today:
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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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Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
Revelation 11 Commentary
Revelation 12 Commentary
Revelation 13 Commentary
Revelation 14 Commentary
Revelation 15 Commentary
Revelation 16 Commentary
Revelation 17 Commentary
Revelation 18 Commentary
Revelation 19 Commentary
Revelation 20 Commentary
Revelation 21 Commentary
Revelation 22 Commentary
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