Chapter 16

 

 

The Beginner

Of the

The Catholic Church

 

It is important at this point to identify and make known the beginning instrument Satan would use to begin what is known today, as the Universal Church, or better known, as the Catholic Church.

 Knowing he was unable to foil Jesus Christ in His mission to this earth (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4), and then unable to prevent Him from beginning His Church after his death and resurrection (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47), Satan then brought into existence this great mother church by using a man already steeped within the Babylonian Mysteries established by Nimrod and Semiramis about the time of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 10:8-12; Acts 8:9-24)!

 This man would establish the deceptive mystery teachings within this great false church by referring to it as the Church of God, the Universal Church.

 

The Attractive Mystery Church

 

This Church would parallel the true Church of God almost from its very beginning in 31 A. D., and would continue to the time of the return of Jesus Christ.

To make it appeal and attract the masses it was designed with all of the religious trappings, pomp and ceremony, so as to bring mankind into its destructive embracing arms.

Its growth in membership has been phenomenal over those many years bringing into its fold many millions of people, including kings, queens, and very high and leading officials.

Its growth has reached a new high in our time as noted in the following news item:

Jewish World Review, February 3-0 Number Of Catholics Worldwide To Surpass 1.1 Billion

“The number of Catholics in the world is growing-expected to surpass 1.1 billion this year-and the highest growth rates are in the developing world, especially Africa. In European countries, the number of Catholics remains stable, but most practitioners there appear to have lost interest in active Church participation. Europe has had to import clergymen from around the world, and the Vatican views Africa as a spiritual resource capable of "re-evangelizing the West." African Catholics, however, might want higher accolades. The proliferation of democracies in Africa, however flawed, and the growth of Catholicism there have led to greater religious freedom that is manifesting itself in part in the competition for papal succession.”

In stark contrast, Jesus Christ referred to His Church as “… a little flock” (Luke 12:32).

 

Satan’s Use of Christianity

 

Though there are the other major religions, such as Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism, it was Christendom that Satan knew he had to use if he were to have any real chance of deceiving and destroying the membership of God’s true Church.

This is why he brought about the birth of the Catholic Church in about 33 A. D. Though since perverted for destructive use, Satan used the wisdom God had instilled within him at his creation (Ezekiel 28:12), to begin the process to make it an almost exact counterfeit or copy of the true Church,

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong has said that the Catholic Church is an exact counterfeit to the true Church. And when you analyze and consider it in view of the priesthood of Israel and combine it with the teachings of the Church of God, this can be more clearly understood.

To try and cement the claim that the Catholic Church is the true Church that Christ built, they use the same Scripture that has established God’s true Church by erroneously misapplying the meaning of the Greek words in that Scripture to that of their Church.

 

The Promise of Jesus Christ to Build His Church

 

In response to Peter answering the question correctly as to who Jesus Christ really was at that time (Matthew 16:13-17), Jesus said to Peter:

“And I also say to you that you are Peter (Greek: Petros - little rock), and on THIS ROCK (Greek: Petra - huge rock, Jesus Christ Himself), I will build My Church and the gates of Hades (death and the grave) shall NOT prevail against it” (Matthew 16:17-18). 

It is this Scripture the Catholic Church base their claim that their Church is the one Christ built on the fallacy that Christ named the Apostle Peter as its first Pope.

Halley’s Bible Handbook, 24^th Edition, Page 768 “Peter”

“The Roman Catholic tradition that Peter was the First Pope is fiction pure and simple. There is no New Testament hint, and no historical evidence whatever, that Peter was at any time bishop of Rome.  . . .”

The Apostle Peter and the other 11 apostles were sent to the lost tribes of Israel (Matthew 10:1-15), not to the Gentile nations.  That was the Apostle Paul’s mission (Galatians 2:8).

 

The First Pope

 

Halley’s Bible Handbook, Page767 “The First Pope”

“The word Pope means ‘Papa,’ ‘Father.’  At first it applied to all Western Bishops. About A.D. 500 it began to be restricted to the Bishop of Rome, and soon, in common use, came to be Universal Pope. . . .”

Summit of Papal Power— Page 776

“Innocent III (1198-1216). Most powerful of the Popes.  Claimed to be ‘Vicor of Christ,’ ‘Vicor of God, supreme sovereign over the church and the world,’ Claimed the right to Depose Kings and Princes; and that ‘all things on earth and in heaven and in hell are subject to the Vicor of Christ. 

He brought the Church into Supreme Control of the State. The Kings of Germany, France, England, and practically all the Monarchs of Europe obeyed his will. He even brought the Byzantine Empire under his control.  Never in history has any one man exerted more power.  . . .

The inquisition, called the ‘Holy Office’ was instituted by Pope Innocent III, and perfected under the second following Pope, Gregory IX.  It was the Church Court for Detection and Punishment of Heretics. Under it everyone was required to inform against Heretics. Anyone suspected was liable to Torture, without knowing the name of the accuser.  The proceedings were secret.  The Inquisitor pronounced sentence, and the victim was turned over to the Civil Authorities to be imprisoned for life or to be Burned.  The victim’s property was confiscated, and divided between the Church and State.      

In the period immediately following Pope Innocent III, the Inquisition did its most deadly work AGAINST THE ALBIGENSES (see Page 785) . . . It is stated that in the 30 years between 1540 and 1570  no fewer than 900,000 protestants  were put to death in the pope’s war  FOR THE EXTERMINAION OF THE WALDENSES (see page 785).  . . . it was used by them for 500 years, to Maintain their Power.  . . .”

 

The False Prophet and the Beast

 

History has a way of repeating itself.  Think of the near future when the Pope will have been given the power of miracles. And using the authority that will have come to

him through the acceptance and adulation of Christianity, he will give life to the Revived Roman Empire.  Then he will choose the man (called the Beast) to head the 10 nations of Europe under his control.

They will be used to conquer the House of Israel and martyr the Saints of God as did the Catholic Church through the centuries – History repeating itself once again!
 

Deception/Persecution/Murder

 

 

God’s true Church has continued to exist from 31 A. D. in spite of the fact that the Catholic Church has done all in its power to destroy it through the centuries, through deception, persecution, and murdering its members. 

The Evolving of the Catholic Church

 

Over time the Pope’s successors were aided in those devilish pagan teachings by the cover of splendor, beautiful, costly cathedrals with lofty spires and crosses that would attract millions of people and bring them into their seductive and deadly embrace.

There would also be the bells to ring, burning of candles, pictures, and statues. The pope, cardinals, and priests would cloak themselves with beautiful rich and colorful robes.

There would also be all of the pomp and ceremony to accompany these symbols of worship and would appeal to humankind by appearing to be very religious.

In addition there would be the very beautiful singing of religious songs by professional choirs and soloists using very talented and skilled musicians to accompany them.

When we consider all of these relics of worship, unless a person has the spiritual blindness completely removed from his or her mind, it can seem so right as it now does to their extremely large membership. The question would be in their thoughts, “How could all this possibly be so wrong?”

 

Worship God in Spirit and in Truth

 

In contrast, God tells His true people that He is to be worshiped in Spirit and truth without all the pictures and statues of worship for that would be idolatry (John 4:34; Exodus 20:2-5).

Worshiping God in this Scriptural manner is not appealing to people for the desire is within them to see, touch, and feel.

 

An Inherit Need to Worship God

 

From the beginning of creation God placed an inherit desire within mankind to worship Him. Satan recognized this desire within mankind, but also knowing the desire to see, touch, and feel, he used this knowledge within mankind to worship Him to full advantage by giving them, pictures, statutes, etc.

And without realizing it, they are actually worshiping Satan himself through his instruments instead of the true God.
 

Satan Appears to Mankind as an Angel of Light

 

Scripture makes known that Satan appears in whatever form he chooses to fit the occasion. He was a cherub that had four faces: An ox, eagle, a lion, and a man (Ezekiel 28:14; 10:14) He also appeared to Adam and Eve as a snake or dragon (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9).

He also appears in a very deceptive manner as the Apostle Paul wrote:

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (II Corinthians 11:14).

It is by ‘transforming himself as an angel of light’ that Satan entices, attracts and charms mankind into his deceptive deathly embrace through his destructive abominable pagan teachings that seems so religious and so right to DECEIVE the many, and it does (Revelation 12:9)!

Satan’s ultimate objective however is the effort to reach out to DECEIVE and DESTROY the Church of God by using the teachings of the Catholic Church and her daughters to do so by infiltrating within the true Church wolves dressed as sheep.
 

Mother Rome Gives Birth to Wayward Daughters

It is also essential to understand the Catholic Church gave birth to her daughters, the Protestant Churches, who came out of her in protest; this began with Martin Luther in 1517.

“Indeed, I will cast her into a sick bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds” (Revelation 2:22).

    1)       It applies to the birthing of the daughters from the body of the Catholic Church,“A Sick Bed” – for children to be born from her body. The Catholic Church was vulnerable during that time due to the hardships being placed on their members requiring indulgences.

Internet: Best Answers: At the time of Martin Luther, the catholic church had a strangle hold on all of Europe. Even royalty didn’t have the power of the church. As a result, greed and corruption was common. Martin found people committing sins and buying they’re forgiveness from their local church. The church was in need of reform. He didn’t leave to start a new religion but instead renounced the behavior of the catholic church and wound up with followers.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Martin Luther (10 November 1483 – 18 February 1546) was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation.^[1] He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money . . .

Thesis 86, which asks: "Why does the pope, whose wealth today is greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build the basilica of St. Peter with the money of poor believers rather than with his own money?"^[29], He insisted that, since forgiveness was God's alone to grant, those who claimed that indulgences absolved buyers from all punishments and granted them salvation were in error.

Internet: Best Answers: Martin Luther tried to revive the Catholic Church on October 31, 1517, when he nailed the 95 Theses or issues to the door of his Wittenberg Church in what is now Germany. The source of Luther's complaint was a project to rebuild St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, for which church officials were offering indulgences in exchange for donations. Martin Luther objected and produced a list of 95 complaints to spark public debate.”

This was the SICKBED of the Catholic Church from which was the beginning birth of her daughters, the Protestant Churches.

Internet: West European History: Protestantism

“In 1529 several German princes banded together, and signed a decree at the Diet of Speyer, publicly declaring their support for Luther and his teachings. They became known as the protesting princes. Hence the word Protestant.”

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“The Reformation was a triumph of literacy and the new printing press. Luther's translation of the Bible into German was a decisive moment in the spread of literacy, and stimulated as well the printing and distribution of religious books and pamphlets. From 1517 onward religious pamphlets flooded Germany and much of Europe.^[14]

By 1530 over 10,000 publications are known, with a total of ten million copies. The Reformation was thus a media revolution.”

This led to the printing of the King James Bible that began in 1604 and was completed in 1611.

The Secondary Meaning:
 

“Indeed, I will cast her into A SICK BED, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds” (Revelation 2:22).

2)       ‘Sick Bed’ - this also has the dual meaning of the daughters born to the parent apostate Worldwide Church of God.

 

By December 1994, eight years after the death of God’s late apostle, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, very similar to the Catholic Church the Apostate Leadership of the Worldwide Church of God had such a strangle hold in power and authority over the membership they publically made known their total acceptance of the beliefs and teachings of the pagan beliefs of Protestantism.  Over 100,000 members accepted the pagan teaching in total or in part.

 

Church Leaders in Protest

 

The birth of the daughters from Worldwide began small with a few groups that had formed and left the church earlier, however it began on a larger scale in 1995, and mushroomed over later years.

Though a few very weak protests were made to the apostate leader, they were not heard.

To follow up and put down any potential problems, ministers and members were disfellowshipped that did not agree with them.

Though a few came out of her in protest they were too weak to do anything about it. They then began forming their own individual corporate churches. Over the following years the formation of new corporate churches continued until their number has reached approximately the same number as that of those who broke away from mother Rome, 666 to 700. 

In a sense these churches could also be called: Protestants.

 

Similarities

 

Though some major doctrinal differences between mother and daughters of the Catholic and Protestant Churches, they still continue to believe and practice many of the same teachings.

The same is true between the apostate mother and daughters of Worldwide Church of God, some slight differences, and others continue to cling to a number of those same beliefs. 

 

Spiritual Blindness

 

Satan has virtually all of them blinded through their acceptance of the pagan teachings; however there are a few who have remained faithful to all of the true doctrinal teachings as taught by Christ through His late apostle.

The Apostle Paul made this known by comparing physical Israel in the time of Elijah to Spiritual Israel of today, the ELECT:

“God has NOT cast away His people whom He foreknew.  Or do you NOT know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, ‘Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left’? But what does the Divine Response say to him, “I have reserved for Myself  seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” EVEN SO THEN AT THIS PRESENT TIME THERE IS A REMNANT ACCORDING TO THE ELECTION OF GRACE. . . . What then? Israel has NOT obtained what it seeks, BUT THE ELECT HAVE OBTAINED IT, and the rest were BLINDED . . .” (Romans 11:1-8)

These are the ones Satan is focused on to try and destroy in any way he can. Once Satan realizes he has gone as far as he can through the power of deception, and no longer can lead the faithful and enduring members astray from the one and only true Church, he will then seek to destroy the elect through outright persecution as was done through the centuries (Revelation 12:13-17).
 

 

Simon Magus the Magician

 

For a better grasp in understanding as to how Satan continued his effort of thwarting God’s plan of redemption for mankind that began with the early Church, it seems necessary to add more background to the sorcerer that Satan used to give the beginning of life to what came to be known as the Catholic Church.

 

Satan’s Key Human Instruments through Time

 

It was about 33 A.D. that the very same teachings that began with Nimrod and Semiramis (Genesis 10), was found in Balaam, Nimrod’s successor (Numbers 22-24). They were followed by Queen Jezebel, a pagan high priestess, during the time of Elijah (I Kings 16:31).  And during the time of the early Church of God another key instrument of Satan the devil emerged— Simon the Sorcerer or Magician. 

Simon Magus was deeply involved within the Babylonian mysteries, and as such, he and his successive Popes would be the perfect instruments in Satan’s Master Plan to try and destroy the true Church of God through the next 2,000 years.

“But there was A CERTAIN MAN  called Simon, who previously PRACTICED SORCERY in the city and ASTONISHED the people of Samaria, CLAIMING that he was someone great, to whom ALL gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “THIS MAN IS THE GREAT POWER OF GOD.” And they HEEDED him BECAUSE he had ASTONISHED them with his sorceries (Margin: magic arts) for a long time” (Acts 8:9-10).

‘A CERTAIN MAN’— these three words make known this was no ordinary man, but would be the leading man to begin the great false religion. 

‘Called Simon’— when we consider that this was also the name of Simon (Peter), the apostle of Jesus Christ, we have to ask, “Was this a mere coincidence?” One cannot help but wonder in view of the fact this name would be used with the religious title given to Peter (Greek: Petros, meaning a small stone) by Christ to His apostle, Simon (Matthew 16:17-18), and it would also be used by Simon the Sorcerer?”

This title ‘PETER’ also has another meaning as well which fits with the leading roles of both Simon Peter, the apostle, and also Simon Peter the Sorcerer.

NOTE: Nimrod according to ancient tradition was the OPENER of secrets, the firstborn of human deified human beings. He was the religious hero. The word for ‘OPENER’ in the Babylonian tongue (a dialect in Hebrew) was ‘PETER’ (Genesis 10:8).

Opener in this context has also the meaning of a leader opening up new ways in religion whether true or false.

Simon Magus was the logical choice for Satan to use for he was the head of the Babylonian Religion. And as such he was the first to fill the office of the pope.

He was the Simon Peter who went to Rome, not the Simon Peter who was the true apostle. Scripture gives no indication that the apostle Peter ever went to Rome. His commission was to go to the lost tribes of Israel, not to the Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6)). The commission to go to the Gentiles was given to the apostle Paul (Galatians 2:7).

 

THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA, volume 4, page 2349, article, PETER:

 

“The tradition is that he (Peter) died a martyr in Rome about 67 AD, when about 75 years old.  … It should be observed, however, that the tradition, that he visited Rome is only tradition and nothing more, resting as it does partly upon a miscalculation of some of the early fathers, ‘who assume that he went to Rome in 42 AD, immediately after his deliverance from prison (cf Acts 12:17).’ Schaff says this is irreconcilable with the silence of Scripture, and even with the mere fact of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, written in 58, since the letter says not a word of Peter’s previous labors in that city, and he himself never built on other men’s foundations (Romans 15:20; II Corinthians 10:15-16).”

 

Simon the Sorcerer Baptized by Philip

 

While baptizing others, Simon Magus was also baptized by Philip a deacon in God’s Church (Acts 8:13). His baptism by a true leader in God’s Church would be used to delude people by saying he was a true member of God’s Church due to his being baptized by a true representative of it. This would throw people off-guard.

NOTE: The same carries over into our time of false ministers who were not only baptized by leaders within the Church of God, but some of the very leading ones were even ordained by Mr. Armstrong himself.

 

Peter and John Meet Simon the Sorcerer

 

Shortly after the baptism of Simon, Peter and John went down to Samaria and laid hands on the people that Philip had baptized for the receiving of God’s Holy Spirit. Closely observing those who were having hands laid on them for the receiving of God’s Holy Spirit, Simon knew he had to have that high office for that would make possible for him to do the same with others.

He learned they were apostles who had been taught directly by Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the miracles he had seen performed by Philip, and being baptized by him, he jumped to the conclusion that to be able to confer that high office on himself, and also be able to perform genuine miracles could only come by and from the apostles themselves; while realizing Philip had not laid hands on any of them he had baptized.

Simon then offered money to Peter to be able to have that power that on anyone he would lay his hands on would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-19).

To really understand what Simon was seeking at that time, it is necessary to quote the following Scriptures from this incident:

Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the APOSTLES hands (Acts 8:17) the Holy Spirit was given, he OFFERED them money, saying, “Give me THIS POWER ALSO (authority), that anyone on whom I LAY HANDS may receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:18-19).

With the perception that an apostleship could only be bestowed upon one by one who was already in that high office, Simon Magus then tried to buy the apostleship with its God-given authority. 

 

Simon Magus begins a New Religion

 

Simon Magus knew this was the new path he had to take to bring his followers back to him and even expand on them through the claim of an apostolic office in which he would proclaim that he had been given it from God.

The old way he had been teaching was at a dead-end of itself. Upon his observance of what was now taking place he knew this new way of preaching Christ was the only way he could ever become a renowned religious leader.

The apostle Peter rightly understood what Simon was asking with his ambition to achieve a much higher level of prestigious worship from people than what he previously had in the past.

The apostle Peter refused this offer and did not lay hands on him for he perceived his heart was not right and sternly told him so:

But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither PART (of the 12 apostles) nor PORTION (or lot, Acts 1:24, 26) in this matter (the apostolic ministry), for your heart is NOT right in the sight of God . . .” (Acts 8:20-24).

While looking directly at Simon Magus, the apostle Peter was led by Jesus Christ to utter a long-range prophecy saying to Simon what he and his successors would come to be as the instruments of Satan:

“Repent therefore of this your wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I SEE that you are POISONED BY BITTERNESS AND BOUND UP BY INIQUITY.”

“Bound up by iniquity”—as with chains, steeped, held captive by iniquity by the originator of sin—Satan the Devil (John 8:44).  And by being used as a tool or instrument in the hands of Satan, he would be used to try and overthrow the truth of God.

A better translation:  “For I PERCEIVE that you are dedicated to the OVERTHROW of the truth ...!”

NOTE: Simon was obsessed with the desire for power and authority. Failing to buy it, the poison of bitterness began swelling up and overpowered him due to seeing his former GREATNESS DIMINISH, his followers leaving him after seeing the real miracles performed by Philip, and then unable to purchase the office of an apostle with its powers (verses 9-11; Matthew 10:1).

Within his thoughts came the realization that he had all that was needed to become a renowned leader. He would preach this new way while claiming he was an apostle.

With his expertise of performing miracles, and mixing the Babylonian Mysteries teachings with those of Christ teachings, was all that he needed to be at the very top of Christendom. What he offered would appeal to the masses! And Satan saw to it that he was correct in his thinking!

 

A Brief History of Rome

 

In view of the following quotations it seems necessary to present a brief historical background of Rome for this was where Simon Magus later went and in later years it became the headquarters of the pope, just as it is today:

Rome: Once a small village by a ford in the major river in central Italy, Rome lies on the banks of the Tiber River. The village grew into a major city under the rule of the Etruscans in the centuries before Christ. In time it covered the traditional "seven hills" beside the river. According to tradition, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus, two boys who were said to have been nourished by a wolf. The road known as the Appian Way linked Rome with ports and both the east and west coasts of Italy.

The New Bible Dictionary, page 1189   Article, ‘Simon Magus’

“... Justin (Apology xxvi, cf. lvi, and Trypho cxx), himself from Samaria, says that Simon was born in the village of Gitta; and his companion Helen, a former prostitute, was widely regarded as his first divine ‘idea’, while he himself WAS ACCLAIMED by multitudes in Samaria and Rome AS A DIVINITY.  Indeed, ROMAN ADULATION HAD ERECTED A STATUE INSCRIBED Deo Sancto, TO SIMON THE HOLY GOD. ... He seems to have developed his old theme of ‘THE GREAT POWER OF GOD’ INTO A TRINITARIAN scheme.  Simon appeared to the Samaritans as the Father, to the Jews as the Son (he only seemed to suffer) and to the world at large as the Holy Spirit. He had a redemption myth in which he rescued Helen (‘The lost sheep’) from the bondage of successive transmigrations in various female bodies; and he PREACHED SALVATION BY GRACE, REQUIRING FAITH IN HELEN AND HIMSELF, BUT ALLOWING UNRESTRAINED LIBERTY IN MORALS AFTERWARDS.  But Simon also borrowed heavily from Greek paganism and Greek philosophy, and some concepts appear in more sophisticated Christian Gnosticism (q.v.). ...”

Please note another quote regarding this infamous man that verifies his claim as a Christian and high office:

The Interpreter’s DICTIONARY of the Bible, volume 4, pages 358-360, Article ‘SIMON MAGUS. The Heretic’

“... a hundred years later, although Justin attacks the followers of Simon, Meandear and Marcion, with all of his power, he nevertheless admits in Apol. 1.26.6 that their followers are called christians. ...

“The heretic. For ca three centuries Simon Magus gripped the imagination of early Christians.  They wove him into a romantic saga which expressed Gnostic  ideas. ... Justin ... says that Simon carried about with him a woman named Helena, who had been a prostitute at Tyre; but that Simon, who was worshiped as the first god considered Helena his first idea. ...  She was the lost sheep of the gospels, and Simon came down to redeem her. ... Justin  also says that the Romans worshiped Simon and had set up a statue to him on an island in the Tiber with the inscription Simoni Deo Sancto ... in 1774 a fragment of a statue was found with the inscription Sermoni Sanco Deo Fidio, etc, which has been erected to the Sabine divinity Semo Sancus. ... Eusebius ... says Simons followers worshiped him and Helena with pictures, images, idols, incense, sacrifices, and libations. ...   

“So both the world and the flesh, which they created, and the scriptures, which they inspired, by all who trust in Simon and Helena, who are saved by grace, free, and can do as they please, hence the licentious practices to which Eusebius alludes.  The Simonions, therefore, were like Marcion in rejecting the OT and considering the world evil. But whereas he emphasized celibacy, they turned to license.  Irenaeus ascribes a trinity to the Simonians: Simon appeared to the Jews as the Son; to the Samaritans as the Father; but to others as the Holy Spirit.

“The Antichrist. ...  Simon acquires virtually all of the features of the Antichrist, ... he not only sets up a temple to be worshiped, but also is the protagonist of sin.  He is ‘the man of sin,’ the incarnation of Satan, who is determined to uproot the true faith.  Simon is finally slain or is a suicide, One legend says he had himself buried with the promise of rising on the third day, which he could not do; another, that he tried to fly ...”      

Much more can be learned about this man in other writings. In all of them there is the remarkable similarity to that which came to be the Catholic Church and its popes by what he taught and the leadership he displayed.

NOTE: The thought has been expressed in early years that the woman Jesus Christ met and talked to at the well in Samaria was very probably Helena (John 4:3-42).   

During the next few years after his meeting with Peter and John, Simon Magus and his successors began introducing their heretical teachings to the people at large. Among them were some of the members of God’s Church who were deceived by him into believing his false teachings).

With those teachings there was also the display of magical feats performed by Simon Magus that left the people in awe for they saw him do things that made them feel this man had to be of God (Acts 8:9-11)!

As the result he was believed and worshiped just as the man of the future will be believed by the whole Christian world (Revelation 13:11-16; II Thessalonians 2:8-9)!

Simon Magus and his false ministry made a change with the Gospel. In his travels he came to Galatia and successfully taught that erroneous change with acceptance to the weaker membership in God’s Church.

The erroneous CHANGE moved away from the true Gospel message that Jesus Christ the Messenger brought to mankind to that of being ABOUT Christ (Galatians 1:6-9).

The true Gospel message began to be lost to mankind until the 20^th century when Jesus Christ opened the mind of His late apostle to understand it. He then began using Mr. Armstrong to proclaim this wonderful Good News of the awesome potential of mankind once again in the end-time. 

This was the very same message that Jesus Christ, the Messenger, proclaimed to mankind during His ministry here on earth! And because of that message, He was crucified!

Upon learning what Simon Magus and his ministry had deceitfully done to the membership of the Church of God in Galatia, the apostle Paul was then led by God to pronounce a double curse on any false teachers who had or would bring about this wrongful change of the true message the Messenger, Jesus Christ, had brought to mankind (Galatians 1:3-6)!  The letter was written in 51-52 A.D

This was a wrongful change of a true teaching that has continued to be taught and believed in the churches professing Jesus Christ through the centuries until now.

Since the death of Mr. Armstrong that change has now come to exist in at least three of the larger corporate Churches of God! And to cloak it, it is combined with the gospel message and can be found in their doctrinal statements!

One can only wonder if that double curse is upon them because of accepting that change.

Though both teachings are yet held by them, one cannot help but wonder if over some time the wrongful change could very well replace the true gospel as it probably was done in the Church in Galatia, especially so with unconverted leading ministers.

Simon Magus also made the false claim to this Church in Galatia, and other Church areas, such as Colosse, that the apostle Paul was teaching members they have to be under the law to be saved!

This very same claim has been falsely brought against Mr. Armstrong by many.

Mr. Armstrong often would make known in response, “It is not law OR grace, it is law AND grace.”

 

Simon’s Heretical Teachings Sweeps the Christian World

 

NOTE: Around 80 A. D. there was no Peter, James or Paul – only John. The apostacy was developing rapidly – especially in the West. Many people began to look for new leaders and a new headquarters. At this moment in time an old pagan tradition was revived and circulated that Peter had been in Rome. The most important part of Rome was ‘Vatican Hill.’ Vatis means ‘prophet’ or ‘soothsayer.’ There was a pagan cemetery where the headquarters of Roman Catholic Church is today. The chief object of reverence at the cemetery shrine is the tomb of ‘Peter’ (Nimrod). Anacletus (pope) dedicated this shrine of Nimrod to the apostle Peter around 80 A. D. Anacletus claimed to have been ordained by Peter (Simon the Sorcerer) hence the beginning of the development of what came to be known as the Catholic Church.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

“Pope Saint Anacletus (very rarely written as Anencletus), also called Pope Cletus, was the third Roman Pope (after St. Peter [Simon Magus] and St. Linus).”

[A depiction of art; pictures did not exist at that time of anyone. Check internet]

 

Vatican Hill

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tapestry featuring Vatican Hill (left), circa 1519

Vatican Hill (in Latin, Vaticanus Mons) is the name given, long before the founding of Christianity, to one of the hills on the side of the Tiber opposite the traditional seven hills of Rome. It may have been the site of an Etruscan town called Vaticum.

In the 1st century A.D., the Vatican Hill was outside the city limits and so could feature a circus (the circus of Nero) and a cemetery. St. Peter's Basilica is built over this cemetery, the traditional site of St. Peter the Apostle's grave. There was another cemetery

nearby, which was opened to the public on 10 October 2006, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Vatican Museums.[1]

The Vatican Hill is not one of the famous seven hills of Rome, although it was included within the city limits of Rome during the reign of Pope Leo IV, who, between 848 and 852, expanded the city walls to protect St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican. Thus, Vatican Hill has been within the walls and city limits of Rome (until the Lateran Treaties in 1929 it was part of the rione of Borgo) for over 1100 years.

Before the Avignon Papacy (1305-1378), the headquarters of the Holy See were located at the Lateran Palace. After the Avignon Papacy the church administration moved to Vatican Hill and the papal palace was (until 1871) the Quirinal Palace, upon the Quirinal Hill. Since 1929, part of the Vatican Hill is the site of the State of the Vatican City. However, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, is not St. Peter's in the Vatican, but Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, which is extra-territorially linked, as indicated in the Lateran Pacts signed with the Italian state in 1929, with the Holy See.

Changes in Doctrinal Teachings

 

It now seems necessary to touch on the history of some of the changes in doctrinal teachings of those early beginning years of the true Church of God made by apostate and false ministers for the same problems in doctrinal teachings have surfaced in our time and can be found in some of the Corporate Churches of God.

This is why it is so vitally necessary to cover all of this background so we as God’s people can see the origin of these erroneous pagan teachings that is espoused by this great Church that is defined in Revelation 17:1-18.

It should sink into our very inner-most beings that God in heaven above condemns these very same teachings that can now be found in part or in whole in the corporate Churches of God. It is no wonder there is going to be a martyrdom of the saints in the near future.

And Jesus Christ pleads with us to separate ourselves from these abominable erroneous teachings that stem from Nimrod and Semiramis:

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her My people, LEST YOU SHOULD SHARE IN HER SINS, AND LEST YOU RECEIVE OF HER PLAGUES” (Revelation 18:4).

 

A Change in the Observance of the Sabbath Day

 

In the early years of the Church of God, the successors of Simon Magus also brought about a change of the observance of the Sabbath to Sunday observance and by decree on penalty of death forbade the observance of God’s Holy Sabbath (363 AD)!  

The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, volume 1V, PP 2259-60, article, “Sunday (dies solis, of the Roman Calendar of the ‘day of the sun’, because dedicated to the sun), the first day of the week, was adopted by the [apostatizing] Christians, as a day of worship.  It was called the ‘Lord’s Day’ ... ”

In 321 A. D., Sunday observance began to be enjoined by Roman state decree’. History reveals that it was the Roman Emperor Constantine “the Great” who made the decree to FORCE the world to observe Sunday, and thereby break the Sabbath of God. 

His decree reads as follows: “On the venerable day of the sun (Sunday) let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed” (Codex Justinianus, lib. 3, tit. 12:3; translated in History of the Christian Church, by Schaff, Volume III, page 380).”

This change from Sabbath to Sunday observance has been made in this end-time by the once parent Church (Worldwide Church of God) and it’s affiliated Churches.  Little do they realize what this change will come to mean in their lives unless there comes to be repentance.

The observance of Sunday, as the Sabbath, Became the Mark of the Beast!

 

Some little time after 321 A.D., Emperor Constantine forced Sunday worship upon the world with armed MILITARY might! He used a decree issued in 325 A.D. as ‘legal’ authority. It is noteworthy that he was a civil ruler, not a priest; as such, he was a type of the Beast soon to come and will enforce the MARK of the BEAST once again (Revelation 13:11-18).

Once Constantine established Sunday as the day of worship, the GREAT FALSE CHURCH took over the FORCED CHANGE and BECAME THE CHAMPION OF IT and has continued the observance of it through the centuries until now.

This Church became responsible for causing the civil government of the empire to put people to DEATH if they REFUSED to rest on Sunday.  The declaration of the Church reads as follows:

“Christians must not judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, resting rather on Sunday.  But, if any be found judiazing [keeping God’s Sabbath], let them be declared anathema from Christ!”

Ambassador College Correspondance Course, Lesson 21, page 7, Article - ‘Roman BEAST Instituted Sunday Law’

“History shows that the religion-dominated ‘Holy Roman Empire’, exterminated all known Sabbath-keeping in the Middle ages.”

They also made a change from the true date of the Passover to Astarte (Easter) Sunday. The world began keeping Easter instead to honor and worship Astarte or Asherah. (Read about the Quarterdecimen, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11^th Edition). It continues today.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 11^th Edition, article Passover:

“... Up to the Nicene Council the Church kept Easter (q.v.) coincident with the Jewish Passover, but after that period took elaborate precautions to disassociate the two.”                                        

The worship of Asherah, Astarte, Easter, was revived in Israel and Judah during the time of the Judges. Though it was removed from time to time it nevertheless continued to thrive. It was never fully removed from that time to now. 

Jeremiah the prophet dealt with this many years later in the kingdom of Judah, but to no avail. The Jewish people were adamant about observing it (Jeremiah 7:44).

Sadly, that observance and worship was even found in some of the 7 Church Eras (Revelation 2. 3.); it is now being recognized and even being observed by many members of the Worldwide Church of God. They once knew this to be wrong, but apparently no longer believe it.

 

A Change in the Passover Service

 

Shortly after becoming the pastor-general of the Worldwide Church of God, due to the death of God’s late apostle, Mr. Armstrong, 1986, a change was made in the Passover ceremony by this newly appointed apostate leader.

As did Simon Magus with the change in the gospel, he removed the substance of divine healing by putting a different meaning on the morsel of bread that one partakes of in the Passover service.

He removed the meaning of the bread that symbolizes the beaten body of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of physical sin to blend it with that of the blood of Christ, by saying, “Sin is sin.” A play on words that many thousands of members have accepted; therefore, they are not taking the true Passover symbols as shown in Scripture and as the result are partaking of it in an unworthy manner that has a curse with it (I Corinthians 11:27-30).

 

Warnings to the 7 Churches

 

Though the same problems are not mentioned in each letter to the 7 Churches in Revelation 2 and 3, however the warning words of Jesus Christ are repeated in each letter making known the same problems, to one degree or another, would be found in each Church era; and each one would have to resist those pagan teachings.

Notice this repeated warning from Jesus Christ to all 7 Churches:

"He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13,22).

Having in mind this WARNING from Jesus Christ, it becomes essential that we look at the problems of deceptive teachings within the Church of God Eras of Ephesus, Pergamos, and the Thyatira eras for they reveal the very same problems existing today within the Churches of God!

To be continued—

Your servant and friend,

Don Billingsley