FROM PAGAN TO PAPAL ROME Constantine the Great was truly a great pagan emperor of the Roman Empire. During his reign Christ church which represent pure woman and the persecuted church in Revelation 12, although persecuted, remained true and faithful to God. For three hundred years persecution lashed at the early Christian Church; and, then A.D. 311, peace came and things changed. Constantine, the ruler of the Roman Empire, decide for political reasons to become friends with the Church-and what it brought changed all history for all time to come. Compromise, conformity, and persecution of former brethren began. Gradually the Pure Woman turned to a Harlot Woman. (read Rev. 12-Pure Woman, Rev 17 Harlot Woman) Little by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it increased in strength and gained control of the minds of men, the mystery of iniquity carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous work. Almost imperceptibly the customs of heathenism found their way into the Christian church. The spirit of compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by the fierce persecutions which the church endured under paganism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church. Now the work of corruption rapidly progressed. Paganism, while appearing to be vanquished, became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the church. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and superstitions were incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed followers of Christ. This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of the man of sin foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satans power--a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will. Satan once endeavored to form a compromise with Christ. He came to the Son of God in the wilderness of temptation, and showing Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, offered to give all into His hands if He would but acknowledge the supremacy of the prince of darkness. Christ rebuked the presumptuous tempter and forced him to depart. But Satan meets with greater success in presenting the same temptations to man. To secure worldly gains and honors, the church was led to seek the favor and support of the great men of earth; and having thus rejected Christ, she was induced to yield allegiance to the representative of Satan --the bishop of Rome. Learn More: 1. https://youtube/watch?v=L5psEU0v6XY 2. https://youtube/watch?v=1QoQ_hxTxfc
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:48:51 +0000
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