Chapter 3:
An Era of Spiritual Darkness
“…take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:4-5
Introduction
The scene opens with the Christian church in a state of apostasy. Slowly over a period of time, compromise changed the church into the very representation of Satan's kingdom. The church structure that followed would stand to be the most persecuting entity the world has ever known. In spite of the persecution, God preserves a remnant. They are the ones who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: PROPHECY
Holy men of God prophesied God’s Word.(2 Peter 1:19-21)
Deception in the Church
Jesus prophesied that deception will occur and false Christs appear in the church. (Matthew 24:4-8)
APOSTASY in the Church
Paul prophesied that a “falling away” will happen in the church and “the man of sin” would be revealed.
(2 Thessalonians 2:3-7)
Daniel prophesied that the “little horn” would take power. (Daniel 7)
John prophesied that a “leopard-like beast with seven heads and ten horns” would come to power and and persecute the “saints.” (Revelation 13)
People: CONSTANTINE THE GREAT (312-337 AD)
Roman Emperor
Constantine supposedly converted to Christianity at the “Battle of Milvian bridge” where he saw a vision of the cross appear in the sky and the words “in this sign conquer.”
Event: EDICT OF MILAN (313 AD)
Constantine issued the Edict of Milan tolerating Christianity in the Roman empire ending the killing of Christians in the coliseum.
Event: FIRST SUNDAY LAW (321 AD)
In 321 he signed into law that both Christians and non-Christians should all join together in worship on “the day of the sun.”
Event: COUNCIL OF NICEA (325 AD)
With the recommendation of bishops, Constantine called the first Council of Nicaea in order to organize and unite the Christian church into one body and one creed.
Concept: APOSTASY
Subtle changes in doctrine are introduced in the Christian church over the course of centuries which compromise the truth.
The authority of the Church usurps the authority of Christ and makes concessions to pagan feasts, festivals, and traditions.
God’s Law trampled in order to accept:
Idol worship
Sunday sacredness
Veneration of saints and relics
Mary worship
Immortality of the soul,
Indulgences
Penance
Mass – The Eucharist (transubstantiation)
Event: THE INQUISITION (c1200 - 1800s AD)
A group of Catholic institutions that were set up to fight against what they called heresy.
The inquisition is introduced to enforce the will of the church particularly aimed against protestants.
As a result of the inquisitions, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands to one million people were killed.
Persecution for God's remnant people returns through Papal Rome. The true church flees to the wilderness (Revelation 12:6) The Bible is outlawed, God’s Word is hidden. (Hosea 4:1,2, 6)
Event: ERA OF PAPAL SUPREMACY
(538-1798 AD)
Emperor Justinian declares the pope head over entire church giving him power to enforce laws against heretics. (Daniel 7:25;
Revelation 13:5-7)
Pope Gregory VII declared the Roman Church infallible in 1075 AD
Event: HENRY IV HUMBLED BY POPE GREGORY VII (1077 AD)
Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor and King of Germany was excommunicated by the pope for declaring the pope’s rule invalid. In order to secure his kingdom and avoid revolts from his catholic subjects, he traveled to a castle in Canossa, Italy where he could reconcile with the pope. He waited for three days in the snow without shoes before the pope would see him. (GC 57.3)
What does this have to do with me today?
What constitutes the Biblical church?
How can seeking “peace” cause people to accept compromise?
What falsehoods do many Christians still believe today?
How can I recognize errors and how should I respond?
What does God say about the church today? (Revelation 3:15-17)