The first eight verses from the Prologue answers the basic questions of “Who?”, “What?”, ” “When?”, Where?” and “How?”. Included in these opening verses is the most critical question: The purpose of the book…the “Why?” These opening pages promises an incentive for reading and understanding the contents of its pages: A simple but yet dynamic blessing.
These first eight verses can easily be grouped into three sections: the introduction, the greetings and doxology, and the book’s main theme.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1: 1-3
Introduction
Who?
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The book’s topic is all about the revelation of Jesus. The reader must keep this in mind so that the beasts and other symbols don’t replace or cover up Jesus. The book is a “revealing” of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for Revelation is apokalupsis (the Apocalypse). It is a compound word of apo (away from) and kalupsis (a veiling or covering). Thus, the “apocalypse” means and “unveiling” or an “uncovering.” This denotes a disclosure of something that was previously “covered up.” or “concealed.”
Included in the “who?” question is the person of John, our earthly guide through its pages. He personalizes the information and writes what he saw, heard, and felt.
What?
“…God gave Him to show His servants…” God (The Father) gives Jesus (The Son) information to show to “His servants ” information. This information is mainly for those who serve Jesus. They are active followers of Jesus down through the ages. Therefore, it does not appear to be for anyone else, such as the enemies of God or the unbelievers. However, as we will see, there is a remarkable transformation (blessing) promised for anyone “with an ear” who hears this information and follows up with action or doing.
When?
“things which must shortly take place…” (These words are repeated at the end of the book in Revelation 22: 6 like book ends) This small section of this verse has troubled some readers because 2,000 years have passed since John wrote these words. If you include Daniel’s similar words as he revealed the vision of the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:28), we can add several hundred years to the timeline. In our way of thinking, this is not a short period of time. But, we must keep in mind a couple of things. First, God does not view the passing of time as we do, neither should we when we understand the character of God. Peter explains to us:
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2 Peter 3:8
So in comparing the whole of time, to God it has only been 2 days since John was given the visions! The context of Peter’s statement is regarding the timing of the second coming of Jesus Christ. A concern of all Christians since He first ascended into heaven. Peter goes on to explain why there is an “apparent” delay in the return of Christ:
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. v. 9
God is longsuffering (patient). Why? Because he doesn’t want any person to “perish.” But, what does “perish” have to do with the second coming? Within the context of Peter’s declaration of God’s patience is the ultimate end of those who will not repent and therefore perish. God’s longsuffering goes all the way to the end of time and beyond! The events of Revelation will reveal to us Jesus’ coming and its destructive nature, which includes the end of any more opportunities to repent and turn to Him for salvation. The events which shortly must come to pass ultimately describes the perfection that comes out of the chaos.
Secondly, as we take the Historicist view of Revelation we will understand that “those things which must shortly come to pass” was “soon” for those who lived through the early prophecies of Revelation. As we progress through the rise and fall of nations and the history of the church, the prophecies that are fulfilled during those particular times were “soon enough” for those at that time. Likewise, the remaining prophecies regarding the actual coming of Christ will be “soon enough” for us. Even though Jesus told His servants to watch and pray that we are not surprised by the thief. It will still be an a time we do not expect.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44
Where?
When John received these visions and wrote them down, he was in prison on the Island of Patmos. He is still on earth, but like Paul is “caught up in vision”. Where he heard and saw things around the throne of God.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12;2
Paul “heard inexpressible words” (v. 3) John heard and saw similar things as did Daniel and other prophets. This may be the reasons symbols are used to described things that are “inexpressible.”
The point is this. God meets us where we are. We are on earth in the soupy mix of sin, death, confusion and misery. But, through a vision of the future that God gives us hope and happiness. There are “things” He has prepared for us, Their description is “inexpressible.”. Paul again tells the believers what John conveys in the whole book of Revelation:
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
How?
“… And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.” The Greek word for signify is sēmainō which translates as “show or explain by a sign or symbol.” In other places in the Bible the signification is figurative and relates to something in the future. A good example of the word used by John describes the type of death of Jesus would die. It was yet future but was “shortly to come to pass.” in the time of the Apostles.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. ” This He said, signifying (sēmainō) by what death He would die.
John 12:32-33
The use of symbols were things John was familiar with in his time, e.g., candlesticks, beasts, shields, horses, lambs, sacrifices, etc. “The setting for revelation is the ancient sanctuary, which in itself is a complex symbol. Not only the place itself but its furniture, priests and the regularly scheduled services are symbols of things that are “inexpressible.” A good understanding of the sanctuary on earth, which is a shadow of the one in heaven, would add to a deeper understanding of Revelation since this is the all-encompassing symbol of the plan of salvation
“Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavensshould be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which arecopies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Hebrews 9: 23-24
God’s “way” (Greek word dereḵ for the direction of the journey or pathway) is found in the sanctuary.
Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?
Psalm 77:13
Why? (Purpose)
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
The incentive for us to read is to “bless” us or make us happy. The Greek word for “blessed” is makarios which means (‘happy) from which the word “macarism” (happiness) is derived. It is the same word used by Jesus in the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 3-12). Secondly, it is to prepare us and the world to be ready for those things “which shortly must come to pass.”
John will use the word “blessed” 7 times in Revelation. It therefore, demonstrates the completeness of happiness for those who reads, hears, and keeps those things written…Why? Because the time is near. The happiness for those who do these things can start today.
Summary
So the story of Revelation is about Jesus from start to finish and His mediation for us as the High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary before He comes. The great truth about Jesus and the prophecies are expressed in symbols. Many prophecies have been fulfilled, but many are yet to come. In either case, the time was and is short. It was written for those “with an ear” which is symbolically is saying it is for everyone, but especially for those who willing to to know, to learn, and respond.
God’s delivery of the message starts with God the Father who sent it to Jesus, and then to an angel (messenger) who passed it on to John and now us. If we have an ear and are willing, we will find happiness on earth before the return of Christ. That is purpose of this book…It is for you to read, understand, and keep.
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever,…
Deuteronomy 29:29
The mysteries of God are unknown to most men, but He has revealed, through the ages, the truth about Himself and Jesus. This helps us to understand and have trust in the only true God. God is mysterious, but at the same time, He desires for us to understand Him and is Devine plan for His Creation.
Our understanding of Revelation is dependent upon several things. e.g. A basic understanding of the Bible; a genuine desire to know God; the Spirit of Truth working in the heart and mind of the seeker, etc. Many falter at these requirements and give up trying to understand. But the sincere person will discover the mysteries of God if they go at it with their whole heart.
And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
Few are willing to give this much effort. In this fast-food era, they seek quick, short, easy, and desirable answers that fit into their lifestyle.
I have found that the revealing of the deep things of God is revealed in order and at the appointed time for each person individually. Revelation is like the class you would take your senior year of college. If the classes are understood in your freshmen and subsequent years, you will have the basis for the advanced classes. How many have entered into a reading of Revelation only to be completely confused?
Jesus told his disciples,
There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.
John 16:12
Paul understood this principle when he said,
I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
1 Corinthians 3:2
Starting at the end of the story leaves the reader confused because they know nothing of the preceding story and events. It is like watching the last five minutes of a movie…it makes no sense.
The Revealing Story
The book of Revelation is the culmination of the story of redemption found in the inspired writings of the prophets. In Revelation, all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; the other a revelation. The book that was sealed is not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel relating to the last days. The angel commanded,
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.” Daniel 12:4.
Revelation and Daniel are companion books separated by thousands of years. Daniel, just as predicted, is now open to our understanding in the last days. Revelation is best explained by the symbols revealed in Daniel. Daniel and John saw the same things!
Just as the other books of the Bible, Revelation is meant to be understood, not kept secret. Its’ opening verses give both a promise of blessing and a warning of the nearness of the time.
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1:3
There are many who say, “Revelation is a closed book. It cannot be understood.” The very name given to its inspired pages, “the Revelation,” contradicts the statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed.
The message throughout its pages is the revealing of Jesus, the Alpha, and Omega of our faith. It is all about Jesus! He is the beginning and end of the complete story of redemption.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place.
Revelation 1:1
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,”
Revelation 1:11
In Revelation’s final chapter, before the close of all things, Jesus again reminds us of His preeminence with the same words as at the beginning,
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Revelation 22:13
The Core Message
This revelation was given for the guidance and comfort of the church throughout the Christian dispensation. It leads up to the Second Coming of Christ. The messages are given to guide the church at a point during John’s time and all the way to the end when Jesus returns,
John, to the seven churches which are in Asia…Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1: 4,7
It was Christ who instructed John, the apostle, to record that which was to be opened before him.
“What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churcheswhich are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Revelation 1:11
The messages to the seven churches in Asia were important both to them and to us. Jesus tells John to write about the things which ARE (John’s time), and the things which will take place (Our time).” He also reminds John that He has the keys to unlock the grave and death. This is the most important objective of the gospel…to give eternal life to those who are under the penalty of the law i.e. death.
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold,I am alive forevermore. Amen. AndI have the keys ofHades and of Death... Write the things which you haveseen,and the things which are,and the things which will take place after this.Themystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars aretheangels of the seven churches, andthe seven lampstandswhich you saw are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:18-20.
The message of what John saw is the message of Jesus’ activity and protection of the lampstand. Jesus is seen in John’s vision as walking in the midst of the lampstands (churches).
“This is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. With untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, He watches to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out. If the candlesticks were left to mere human care, the flickering flame would languish and die; but He is the true watchman in the Lord’s house, the true warden of the temple courts. His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light.” AA p. 586
in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band
Revelation 1: 13
To each church, Jesus gives them a message through the angel (messenger) of His care and work in their midst. To the church at Ephesus, He says,
“These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;” Revelation 2:1.
The stars (messengers-responsible for delivery of Christ’s message) are under His control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars.
The main message of Revelation is the care and concern of Jesus for those professing His name. It is a message of revealing of past and future events which will build faith and trust to follow Him alone. But it is also a message of warning flavored with the sweet taste of God’s reward for everyone who has an ear to listen to the message of Jesus through His messengers:
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will giveto eat fromthe tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God
Revelation 2:7
Note: This year, Answers From Scripture Online is dedicated to a complete study of Revelation in the light of all the inspired writers of the Bible because the time is upon us for the things written are soon to conclude and prepare the way for the triumphant return of Jesus.
With God’s grace and guidance, I plan to personally conduct a Revelation Seminar in my home state of the Northeast part of Mississippi in early 2019. Please pray that the great God of the Universe will direct and bless these endeavors with people who are drawn by the Spirit of God to hear what the Lord has to say to the seven churches.
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bearthem now.”
John 16:12
In the revelation of truth, Jesus was patient and gentle with the disciples., but often He had to be plain spoken because the times and events dictated such.
I think of this verse and the Savior’s methods of dealing with men, women, and children. I especially think of it when I approach the topic you are about to read. For some people, this will not be the right time to hear this; for others, it will be light upon their path and it will make sense to them. Wherever you are in your Jesus journey, remember that truth is not dangerous. It will bring freedom and peace to your soul:
Jesus said,
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119: 105
I encourage you to prayerfully check to see if what I am writing is true when compared with the scriptures and the historical references.
One of the reasons I know the Bible is true and that its writers are honest is because they do not try to sugar coat the bad stuff. We live in a world where the bad stuff is often kept secret. Advertisers would never talk about the negatives of their product. If they are forced to do so (medicine for example), it comes in the form of a palatable soothing monotone voice to minimize the impact.
Being politically correct is no longer an option. It is a requirement in our society. But, in the Bible, God tells it like it is; it is not politically correct. That is why many who would quote the words, even in a caring loving manner are considered uncaring and maybe even a bigot. Many people don’t like what they hear from God’s word, but that does not change what is true.
Then, there is the matter of rightly handling the word of truth. Often those who would teach or speak God’s word will do so in error, conjecture, or poor interpretation. Then, throw in the work of the enemy to pervert truth and we have a world of confusion, anger, and distrust.
Before I begin this difficult study, please read the material with the desire to know the truth and a prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I try to use as many scriptures as possible to reveal the gems of truth that lies within its pages. This is a difficult topic, but it is the truth. Truth is not always found on the main highway but lies along the narrow path. It is not on the lips of the majority but in the hearts of a few who seek it with all their heart. Jesus and His word is the “pearl of great price.”
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Daniel saw some things that disturbed him greatly and it caused him to be sick. I can identify with him. Truth is not always comfortable, but it will always bring a peace that passes understanding. Truth will increase your faith and trust in the God who made you and all creation.
“Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.
Daniel 7: 19 – 20
Daniel seems to be clear about the three beasts of this chapter and what they represented because his only interest after his vision was to know about the 4th beast and particularly the strange looking little horn that came up out of the 4th beast.
Shouldn’t we want to know the truth about the fourth beast and the horn? Can we know the truth? Yes, we can! How do we know? Because the angel comes back and explains them to Daniel.
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
Daniel 7:16
While much of the vision is yet future for Daniel, we can see his future in the interpretation and it will help us understand the basis for interpreting our future!
This 4th beast was different from the others. What does that mean? First of all, this beast so so different that Daniel could not find anything in nature such as the lion, the bear, and the leopard to represent its appearance nor its character.
If one thinks about it, Daniel could easily understand how the Lion with two wings and the Bear with three ribs could represent Babylon and the Medes/Persian empire because he lived during the fall and rise of Babylon. He also lived to see the Medes and Persians begin to become a world power. But Greece was yet to appear as was the 4th kingdom of Rome and the little horn power.
Fulfilled prophecy is more clearly understood as one looks back. Wouldn’t you agree? The fulfillment of prophecies past is the basis for the principles involved in interpreting those parts of the prophecy yet future. The fulfilled prophecies of Daniel were so accurate that many attempt to put Daniel’s vision at a later point so it becomes history rather than the divine hand of God moving among the powers of the earth. This is impossible when you consider the time span covered in the prophecy.
Through archaeological discoveries, historians catch up with the word of God and validate its accuracy. Truly, Daniel saw these visions of 4 great Monarchs before they happened. He was there personally at the rise and fall of Babylon and the rise of Persia. But, he was not there for the other powers that were to arise nor the time of judgment and the 2nd coming of Christ as this vision depicts.
Daniel is careful to describe the times of his visions for those in the future who would doubt.
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon
Daniel 7:1
This time in the 6th century BC was before the events yet to occur as described in the picture below.
The imagery of the ferocious 4th beast and the cunning and power of the little horn made Daniel sick. I am sure if we were given a look into the future to see how it all ends, we would be troubled greatly too! This is what will happen to many who read Daniel and Revelation. The scripture unfolds the identity of the 4th beast and the little horn power. It also gives us a picture of heavenly things.
“This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart.”
Daniel 7:28
As we saw from the previous study, the fourth kingdom to appear on the world scene was the iron monarchy of Rome.
At this point, let’s see the comparison of Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 regarding those powers during Daniel’s time and those yet future. (Daniel 8 will also add to this chart, but we will fill it in when we study that chapter next.)
Daniel 2 was a simple straightforward prophecy of 4 major kingdoms rising and falling. The prophecy was a timeline that spoke to the diminishing value of the metals and therefore the value of its countries, particularly in a spiritual sense.. It is finally a mixture of strong and weak as demonstrated by the combining of iron and clay in the feet and 10 toes.
Daniel 7 repeats Daniel 2, but begins to layer in detail and some facts that are difficult to accept. Daniel 7 fills in some elements of time, but even more obvious is its attention to the power ruling just before God sets up His kingdom.
Daniel 7 does not stop at the 10 divisions (10 horns of the 4th beast), but goes further into Daniel’s future and we will see even more detail of the worlds future events when we compare it with Revelation!
New Detail of Daniel 7:
The new detail about the 4th power (legs of iron with 10 toes or the 4th beast with 10 horns ) is that three of the 10 divisions are uprooted by the little horn that speaks great things and persecutes others after it comes up among the 10 horns.
“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”
Daniel 7:8
The interpretation of this is clear:
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.
Daniel 7:24
The horns represent ten kings that shall arise and the little horn is a different type of king that shall subdue three kings.
Since the symbols (metal and animals) are demonstrating a timeline of succession, we have the basis to identify the king that arose during the 10 divisions of Rome.
There are some identifying marks in this chapter that helps us determine who was or is the little horn power.
1.) It will come up among the divided kingdom of Rome between the time of 350-500 A.D. (Verse 8)
2. It would be a little Kingdom. As noted by the little horn (Verse 8)
3 . It would have a man speak at the head of it. (Verse 8)
4. It would be “diverse” or different from the other 10 Kingdoms. [(Verse 24)
5. It would “Pluck up” or “subdue” 3 of the 10 divisions. (Verse 8, 24)
6. It would speak great words against God. (Verse 25)
7. It would emerge from Pagan Rom (Verse 7, 8
8. It would wear out the Saints for “time, times, and dividing a time” (Verse 25)
9. It would “THINK” to change times and laws(Verse 25)
5. (Origin actions) It would “Pluck up” or “subdue” 3 of the 10 divisions. (Verse 8, 24)
The emperors of Western Europe were largely Catholic and supported the papacy in its growth and authority.
Three Arian kingdoms, however, did not support the papacy–the Vandals, Heruli, and Ostrogoths. So the Catholic emperors decided they must be subdued or destroyed.
Here is how Dr. Mervyn Maxwell, a theologian and historian, described the results in volume 1, page 129, of his book God Cares: “The Catholic emperor Zeno (474-491) arranged a treaty with the Ostrogoths in 487 which resulted in the eradication of the kingdom of the Arian Heruls in 493. And the Catholic emperor Justinian (527-565) exterminated the Arian Vandals in 534 and significantly broke the power of the Arian Ostrogoths in 538.
Thus were Daniel’s three horns –the Heruls, the Vandals, and the Ostrogoths–‘plucked up by the roots.’ ” It is not difficult to recognize that the papacy fits this point.
It is interesting that the Vatican, home of the pope, sits near what is called the 7 hills of Rome.
6. (In the place of God) It would speak great words against God. (Verse 25).
Just as the term anti-Christ does not mean against Christ, but rather in place of Christ, the phrase “speak great words against God is better translated “speak great words concerning God.. The Hebrew word for “against” (tsad) is only used 1 other time and it is in the previous chapter of Daniel!:
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning (or against) the kingdom;
Daniel 6:4
One of the names of the Pope is “Vicar of Christ.” The term “vicar” comes from the Latin word vicarius, which means “instead of.” Calling the pope the “Vicar of Christ” implies that he has the same power and authority that Christ had over the church
The Papacy claims to be the voice of God on earth. When the Pope makes a judgement on doctrine, his pronouncements are infallible:
“An infallible pronouncement—whether made by the pope alone or by an ecumenical council—usually is made only when some doctrine has been called into question. Most doctrines have never been doubted by the large majority of Catholics. “
From Catholic Answers website
“The Pope can make and unmake laws for the entire Church; his authority is supreme and unquestioned. Every bishop, every priest, every member of the Church is subject to him.” Quoted in the New York CatechismThe Catholic book, “My Catholic Faith” which is based on the Baltimore Catechism, on page 251
Further evidence of Roman Catholicism replacing God and His word is in the tradition of seeking a priest to forgive sins. Only Jesus can forgive sins. He has attained that right through his sinless life, death, and resurrection. To think another man can forgive sins is operating “instead” of Christ and is blasphemous.
The Bible defines blasphemy as a man claiming to forgive sins
When He saw their faith, He said to him,
“Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Luke 5:21
The papacy has set up a non-biblical confessional for people to get their sins forgiven.
The Bible tells us we have direct access to Jesus:
Let us therefore comeboldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Jesus said, our confession for the forgiveness of sins is tied directly to God and not another
“If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”
1 John 1:9.
The priest and the one confessing truly believe that sins are being forgiven by the priest:
“Does the Priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted? The Priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given to him by Christ.”
Joseph Deharbe, S.J., A Complete Catechism of the Catholic Religion (New York: Schwartz, Kirwin & Fauss, 1924), p. 279.
And he also claims to be God………….
“We [the popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.”
Christopher Marcellus, Oration in the Fifth Lateran Council, Session IV (1512), manuscript SC, Vol. 32, col. 761 (Latin).
“Thou art another God on earth.”
Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Letter “The Reunion of Christendom,” dated June 20, 1894, trans. in The Great Encyclical letters of Pope Leo XIII (New York: Benziger, 1903), p. 304.
“The pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ, Himself, hidden under the veil of flesh.”
Catholic National, July 1895.
Truly the little horn (the papacy) speaks great words “in place” of God himself.
7. (Roots in paganism & its practices) It would emerge from Pagan Rome (Verse, 8)
There is little doubt here, but to let Rome answer for themselves.
“The mighty Catholic Church was little more than the Roman Empire baptized… The very capital of the old Roman Empire became the capital of the Christian empire. The office of Pontifex Maximus was continued in that of the pope.”
Alexander Clarence Flick, The Rise of the Medieval Church, pp. 148, 149.
“Whatever Roman elements the barbarians and Arians left … [came] under the protection of the Bishop of Rome, who was the chief person there after the emperor’s disappearance. The Roman Church in this way privily pushed itself into the place of the Roman World-Empire, of which it is the actual continuation.”
Adolf Harnack, What is Christianity? (New York: Putnam, second edition, revised, 1901), pp. 269, 270.
8. (Activity and time span) It would wear out the Saints for “times, time, and dividing a time” (Verse 25)
I am going to save this time prophecy until next time so I can spend more dedicated time on confirming its accuracy. We will see that the rule of the papacy started from 538 AD (the last opposing power against the papacy is conquered) and ended in 1798 (The pope is taken into captivity and dies). A period of 1, 260 years as predicted by God’s word. The Bible says after this time that the “wound would be healed” and this is the time we now live in. The time of the healed papacy that is daily ascending in power and recognition. The news and internet confirm this.
9. (Attempts to change God’s word) It would “THINK” to change times and laws (Verse 25)
The papacy has made several changes to the Holy Scripture, but most importantly to the eternal law contained in the ten commandments. More specifically, the 2nd commandment has been eliminated, the 4th commandment changed, and the 10th commandment divided into two commandments.
This is despite warnings from Jesus and many of the writers of the Bible. Here are just a couple of verses:
From Jesus (the lawgiver)
For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot orone tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5: 18-19
Even the smallest punctuation mark cannot be changed. Whoever teaches anything different is in danger. How can the Pope have authority to change anything regarding the eternal law of God?
Wherefore the lawisholy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Romans 7:12
The Roman Catholic church may “think” to change God’s law, but His law is still the same. It is still a sin to transgress even the smallest of its precepts.
To demonstrate this attempted change, I have listed the 10 commandments (in summary) as described in the Catechism. This is the official book of the Catholics to teach new converts:
I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
Now, compare the 10 commandments as found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5:
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.
A careful comparative review will show that the Roman Catholic church leaders eliminated the 2nd commandment completely and divided the last commandment into two. Why?
Part of the Roman Catholic worship is to pray to the”saints” and little figurines that represent them. While this may seem harmless, it is a direct breaking of the 2nd commandment as given directly to mankind through Moses. It is also against the spirit of worship of praying directly to the Father through the Holy Spirit. If the practice of praying to saints in front of their image is harmless, then let the Pope reinstate the 2nd commandment
They have also changed the 4th Commandment as proof of the church’s authority to do so:
If you were to convert to Catholicism, you would be taught the following….not from the Bible, but from the church’s commentary on the Bible:
In the Convert’s Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, we read: Q. Which is the Sabbath day?
A. Saturday is the Sabbath day. Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday? A. We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church, in the Council of Laodicea, (AD 336) transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday…. Q. Why did the Catholic Church substitute Sunday for Saturday? A. The Church substituted Sunday for Saturday, because Christ rose from the dead on a Sunday, and the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles on a Sunday. Q. By what authority did the Church substitute Sunday for Saturday? A. The Church substituted Sunday for Saturday by the plenitude of that divine power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon her! —Rev. Peter Geiermann, C.SS.R., (1946), p. 50.
My Friends, brothers, and sisters in Christ. The little horn power has done more than change a jot (a period) and a title (comma), which Jesus said was forbidden. It has taken a harsh chiselto the immutable law of God.
But, those who would go by God’s word alone (Sola Scriptura) are clearly identified as those who oppose the work of the little horn and honor every word of God’s unchanging law. It is out of love for God and fellow man that they respect the word of God over any power who would speak great things “in place”of God:
And the dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman (church), and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keepthecommandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12:17
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keepthecommandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 14:12
The final conflict between the little horn (Papacy) and those who oppose its work, will be those who honor every word of God’s commandments
‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:4
It is a sad commentary that many Protestant churches today wonder after and follow the little horn power by minimizing the law of God and looking for another power to be the little horn power. For a more complete study on God’s law, please go to the category “God’s Will For Us.”
In the next study, we will layer in more detail concerning the time prophecy found in Daniel 7 and then look at Daniel Chapter 8. We will then bring in the companion verses of Revelation. The key to unlocking the prophecies of Revelation are found in Daniel. As we will see, John saw many of the same things as Daniel.
