During the Reformation, Martin Luther and his contemporaries labeled The Catholic Church as "The Beast" and the Pope as the "antichrist." This is serious language, and the Church of Rome refuted it and claimed as always, "The Primacy of Peter." However, does the Roman Catholic Church have commonality with the Beast in Revelation and is the Pope the Son of Perdition? (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Let us take a look.
The first commonality between the Beast and the Papacy is the doctrine of "Infallibility" which was established at Vatican I (1869-1870). According to this doctrine the Pope can claim "infallibility" and thus become incapable of error and in one sense the very Voice of God. Vatican I elevated the Pope above Supreme Pontiff and Vicar of Christ. "A Jesuit publication explained that when the pope mediated, God was thinking in him. Hymns appeared addressed, not to God, but to Pious IV; and same dared to speak of the holy Father as "The vice-God of humanity." (Church History in Plain Language 4th Edition, Chapter 36: The Restoration of Fortresses). If Pope Francis I was to revive or implement Papal Infallibility, one could interpret it as being, "The Man of Sin walking into the Temple and declaring himself God." The Doctrine of Infallibility resembles deity in that the Pope becomes essentially sinless and incapable of error. In addition under Infallibility the Pope has supreme authority to decide and dictate what the Church should believe without any interference or resistance; this would be an easy step towards the Pope deciding to be god and thus fulfill the role of Son of Perdition (Man of Sin, the antichrist). The Doctrine of Infallibility is the clearest and most seemless path for the Pope to become the Son of Perdition.
The second commonality of Roman Catholic Church to the Beast Regime is found in Revelation: "And the beast was allowed to wage war against God's holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation." (Revelation 13:7). At present Pope Francis I is making peace all over the world: He has recognized Palestine, been the first Pope to meet with President of Israel, gone to preach at the United Nations, is highly esteemed by Queen Elizabeth I of England, and is the first pope to be loved by Christians of many denominations, atheists, agonistics, secularists, humanists, feminists, heterosexuals, homosexuals, and more. This popularity would make it easy for Pope Francis to fit the role of the Man of Sin; he already have the love of most people on the planet; something he gained through "practicing what he preaches," living normally in an apartment in downtown Italy rather then in the Papal Palace, supporting Gay marriage and homosexual acceptance in the Church, and for this year of Jubilee granting women who committed Abortion absolution of their sin and reconciliation (re-admittance into the church). For all intensive purposes Pope Francis is liked and love by most demographics of people; even Protestants and non-Catholics.
The third commonality is that it says the Beast must sit on the seven hills (Romans 17:9). Rome itself sets on seven hills (literally) and this happens to be where the Vatican, St. Peters, the very center of the Roman Catholic Church's power and the Papal State resides. Thus it is not stretch to believe that it will be center of where Beast will take power. If the Catholic Church is not the Beast, it could in very least be Babylon The Harlot who rides the Beast.
Fourthly, The Roman Catholic Church preaches another gospel and Jesus which is in violation of God's Word. The Scriptures say, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!" (Galatians 1:8) and "For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily." (2 Corinthians 11:4). According to Scripture Christ's death was all sufficient for your sins: "Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit," (1 Peter 3:18), however, the Catholic Church instead of following St. Peter's own words, instituted the Sacraments (sacrifices) for sin. To a Catholic Baptism (one of sacraments) cleanses a person of sin, but if they sin afterward baptism they are damned and in order to gain salvation once more they must practice the rest of the Sacraments, which are the Eucharist (Communion), Confession (to a priest), Penance (acts to assuage your guilty and sin through inflicting suffering on yourself, once required mutilation now rosary prayers and reconciliation), Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders. Ironically, the last two, Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders are incompatible; matrimony is marriage and thus consummation is a staple and Holy Orders is to become a monk, priest, cardinal and other offices which require a Vow of Celibacy. Though the pope now claims celibacy is not a dogma, He upholds celibacy as "A gift from God." Granted, as far as I know Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders are not required Sacraments for salvation; only the Eucharist, Confession, and Penance, and I would add attending Mass weekly are required for a Catholic's salvation. Again trusting in Sacraments for salvation violates Scripture which says: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast," (Ephesians 2:8) and "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28). Sacraments is obviously works, and it is clear in Jesus was sacrificed "once" to take away all sin.
The Pope and the Roman Catholic Church also endorses idols; the most formidable being the Virgin Mary. According to Catholic Doctrine, Mary was sinless and even born that way (recently reinstituted), she is called "Co-Redeemer" and is often revered more highly than Jesus Christ himself! The Cult of Virgin Mary sprang from apparitions of Mary all over the world: Mary Guadlope (Mexico), Our Lady of Vladimir (Russia), Mary of Tours (Spain), and many more. The reason the Cult of Mary remains after the Middle Ages is because it keeps many ethnic groups bound and devoted to the Catholic Church (numbers, its about numbers). The Saints themselves, ranging from the Apostles Peter and the Apostle Paul to Medieval saints such as St. Benedict and St. Francis of Assisi to the latest St. John (Pope) Paul II are prayed to, venerated (worshipped), impart holiness, sought as intermediaries, and trusted in for protection, all of which violates the following Scriptures: "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth," (Exodus 20:4), "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal," (Isaiah 26:4), "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus," (1 Timothy 2:5), "Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only," (Luke 4:8), "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is the greatest and foremost commandment.." (Matthew 22:37). It is conceivable if the Catholic Church continues to support idolatry, it will erect the dragon; the devil (he may already be erected, since the Catholic Church has strayed from the true Gospel) if the Pope become the Son of Perdition.
The Catholic Church uses the Virgin Mary, The Saints, Popes, Priests, and Monks are intermediaries between the 'faithful' followers (members) of the 'holy' Catholic church and God; but this violates Scripture which says, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.." (1 Timothy 2:5). In addition to these idols, the Roman Church uses talismans such as the St. Benedict Cross and other medals (medallions) of saints to ward off evil spirits, when it says in Scripture, "Submit to God, resist the devil and he shall flee," (James 4:7) and "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." (1 Peter 5:9-10). The Scriptures do not say wear a medallion, trust in a dead saint, and then the devil will flee. No Scripute says, "resist." Not to mention that putting your trust in anything other than Jesus Christ is again idolatry.
The Roman Catholic Church is beautiful. The Crucifixes lit up by candles, the altar with golden candelabras and the images of saints who we respect and admire in the Holy Scriptures. But beauty is no guarantee of spiritual depth or closeness to Christ. One commentator remarked, "The cathedrals of old are full of beauty. The celestial dome sparkles, the columns like colossal giants holding up the house of God. The images of Christ and saints hewn of marble, the flicker of golden candles, and the Gregorian chants are enough to delight the senses. But God is not in any of it." An apt description, there is beauty in the Catholic Church, but also death.
Is the Pope the Man of Sin? Possibly, he fits many descriptions in the Scriptures:
Thessalonians 2:3-4 “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” This fits the Pope if he embraces the doctrine of "Infallibility." What if the Temple is not a third temple in Jerusalem? What if it is people? The Scriptures say, "Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"(1 Corinthians 3:16, see also 1 Corinthians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:11). If we are temple of God as Scripture says, then that could mean the Man of Sin will enter believers through "the doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1) and perhaps even Catholic tradition.
Daniel 7:25 “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.” The pompous words would be anything the Pope says that does not align or is in union with God and His Scriptures. Pope Francis did say pompous words: "The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! 'Father, the atheists?' Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class. We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all. And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: We need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. 'But I don't believe, Father, I am an atheist!' But do good: We will meet one another there." (npr, parallels, KQED, http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/05/29/187009384/Pope-Francis-Even-Atheists-Can-Be-Redeemed)." This in effect is another gospel (1 Corinthians 3:16), and thus against God. The previous popes from the Middle Ages certainly fulfill the "persecuting the saints," especially in the Counter Reformation, but Pope Francis has yet to persecute other Christians but he may start soon; especially if they resists his agenda and social gospel. Pope Francis I is unique because he is "changing the times " with his decisions to recognize Palestine and the law or Canon of Catholic Church with this Jubilee Abortion forgiveness (indulgence). Pope Francis had wanted to change more Canon Law by accepting homosexuals into the Catholic Church (and I believe appoint them to priesthood) but he was resisted by the College of Cardinals. Pope Francis also is strong advocate of the Social Gospel and the desire to help the Poor and even turning it into a false gospel, by saying, "Jesus came to help the Poor." (Common Word Among Us). I imagine this could then allow Pope Francis to persecute with the support of allies (governments, agencies, and other groups) any Christians who do not support the social gospel. True believers would resist Francis and the Social gospel, by citing the Holy Scriptures that say, "Jesus came to save sinners.." (1 Timothy 1:15) and Jesus said, "the poor you will have with you always." (Matthew 26:11). Christ did not come to feed and cloth the poor; he came to save their souls!
Revelation 13:3 “And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.” The wound here could have been The Reformation and the rise of other churches who are built upon Holy Scripture, The Holy Spirit, and true devotion to Jesus Christ. In fact, the Roman Catholic Church has been weakened greatly since 16th century and was physically wounded when the Papal States (save the one in Rome) were destroyed in the 18th century.
Revelation 13:4 "And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” The Catholic Church claims it wears red, particularly the Cardinals, for the blood of Christ, but the dragon is red: "Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads." (Revelation 12:3). That dragon is Satan: "He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:2). Could it be the Catholic Church is Satan's Church? The Beast? It says of the antichrist, "It was given power to wage war against God's holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation." (Revelation 13:7). This could be historically fulfilled if you look from 600 A.D. to 1804 A.D. The Catholic Church held sway over almost every nation and even expanded its grip over Asia and other countries through the Counter Reformation: the work of Francis Xavier and his successors. The Roman Church persecuted the true saints who trusted in Jesus Christ for their salvation and stood on Scripture alone.
The evidence for the Roman Catholic Church being the Beast and Pope Francis being the antichrist is compelling. The Reformers I think were on to something. You can find major fulfillments of Revelation and Daniel in the Roman Church. The spirit over the Church of Rome is definitely antichrist and everything in its theology, doctrine, and tradition places trust in either The Virgin Mary, Saints, or the Pope in addition to Christ. What is perhaps most ironic if the antichrist is the current pope is that he is the head of largest church in the world! Instead of being a European aristrocrat, a Muslim, or Homosexual; the antichrist being the Vicar of Christ is truly insidious and honestly sounds just like the devil. For Satan in the garden did not craft a lie that was hard to believe, he said to Adam and Eve, "Did God say that you will die if you touch the fruit and eat it?" (Genesis 3:3). Ah, there is the twist, Satan quotes God about eating it and dying (Genesis 2:17), but adds touching it (the lie) which God never said and makes God look controlling. If the Catholic Church is the Beast and the Pope the Man of Sin, it would be similar; for the Church of Rome purports to be Christian and promote devotion to Christ; what better place for the Red Dragon to rise than from where it would seemingly be least expected. It would be the perfect deception; if it looks like Christ's church, smells like it, and even proclaims Christian truths, but really is the hand of Satan; many shall be deceived which fulfills another scripture: "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24:24). At present the Roman Church boasts to have 1.2 Billion members and may gain more with the current liberal agenda of Pope Francis I. Many from the Millennial or Google Generation are leaving Evangelical and Protestant churches to join High Churches like the Roman Catholic Church. This exodus from Sola Scriptura denominations to the churches on tradition could also be fulfillment of Matthew 24:24 and will undoubtly increase the Church of Rome's numbers.
As Christians we need to put our trust in Jesus Christ alone. The Holy Scriptures should be our guide (shows us what to look out for) and the Holy Spirit our discernment. These times are definitely moving in the right direction for the End of Days to be fulfilled. Beware of political powers and churches who place devotion to a man, shrine, new gospels/false gospels, and more. Beware of the Dragon and do not believe just because a man like Pope Francis is humble, is an advocate for the poor, and very compassionate that he is a saint. Instead, believe in the Word of God who is Jesus Christ. In the end we will endure, if we do as the Final Book in Bible says, "And they overcame (the dragon, the devil) by the blood of Lamb and the word of their testimony." (Revelation 12:11). It is in Christ Jesus and His Word (The Bible) that we shall conquer. The Holy Trinity, the God of the Universe is our ally, but remember this, "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:5).
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