This article will not contain many of my own thoughts. In contrast to my typical writings, this one will be comprised nearly completely of historical quotes set in graphics, which will give you the sources so you can research the material for yourself. Filled with short quotes to remind us of our history as believers, I believe it's time to take a look at what those who came before us, and who were heavily involved in the changes which I have written about recently, had to say on the matter(s) at hand.
I will only comment or add where it is necessary for clarity; i.e. names of those making the statements when the source doesn't reveal it in the qoutes, times/dates/or places if relevant, etc.
Let's begin with the views of the papacy itself, from the mouths of some Popes:
Pope Pius IX:
From Pope Pius III the Pope who birthed the Inquisition:
The next 4 are Pope Nicholas:
Pope John Paul II:
In the words of Saint Catherine (of Siena - a patron saint of Italy) [the first photo is of her mummified head which is kept as a relic in Rome] - next 3 photos quote her:
What of the body of writings of the Catholic Church?
Quoting from a work written in 1508
"Dominum Deum Nostrum Papam". <<< LINK
What About Constantine's Views on the Matter?
From Researcher Dave Hunt (2 photos):
Let's Set the Stage for the Opposing View...
In the screenshot from my copy of E-Sword below, you can see that the two Greek words for antiChrist can be translated as "instead of" or "replacement for", you could change this to "another Christ" if the context and surrounding conversational structure within the Greek allowed for it grammatically.
Did you know the Latin word "vicarius" means the very same things? It is the word from which we get "vicarious" as an English verb, or "vicar" in the noun form.
Now add this to your equation... When Constantine established the Church-State in Rome and declared his version of Christianity the truest form of godly religion, he was still the Pontifex Maximus (Highest of all Priests) at the Temple of the Roman Sun god Mithra. In fact, that is a title he kept until his dying day. It has been recorded he often officiated at various events and ritualistic services in the Temple of Mithra throughout his entire lifetime in Rome, before leaving for Constantinople. Not only that, but the Vatican itself is built upon the very Temple of Mithra I am referring to. Further, he called himself "Vicarius Christi" or in the English vernacular "Vicar of Christ" meaning he was the appointed replacement for Christ in the flesh. This is a title he passed on to succeeding Popes/Papas/Holders of the Papal Office, and he did so as a self-appointed replacement for Messiah (Cristos/Christ means the same thing as Messiah - anointed One). Mind you he was still a worshiper of a pagan god while he did all of this. Where do you suppose his ideas came from?
Lastly, if "vicarius" can mean anti, a replacement for, or another, then when we add Christ to it in any language, what does it really mean?
Ponder it in relation to these three corroborating verses:
Matthew 24:5
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
COULD IT BE THAT WITHIN THE LAYERS OF PROPHECY IN THESE VERSES, YESHUA/JESUS WAS SAYING "MANY MEN" REFERRING TO AN OFFICE WHICH MANY MEN WOULD OCCUPY OVER TIME?
Let's See what some of the Reformers had to say...
An Early Document of the Reformers contained the "Westminster Confession". It had been adopted and accepted by every Reformer to the time of Luther and beyond.
John Wycliffe has been heralded as the the First Reformer:
The Most Famous of the Reformers - Martin Luther (3 photos):
Charles Spurgeon (2 photos):
These are but the very tip of a very deep and dangerous iceberg. I am more convinced now than ever, that every believer needs to know the their Biblical History, and the History of the Body of Christ in general - there simply isn't time in this short life we live to follow error any longer than we must. Quoting my new friend, Terry Wildman, "...bad eschatology leads to a faulty understanding of how to live out our faith in today's world". Understanding the End Times and how there are parts of it which are historical, though I see it from a differing perspective than Terry, can - IF - applied properly (through a proper application of the prophetic pictures in the Fall Feasts) assist you in discerning the seasons and where w are in the timeline.