Making an Image to the Beast-Study,update 14/6/2020

Making an Image to the Beast

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Another Beast Appears

Making an Image to the Beast: download study now

When was the papal head of the first beast of Revelation 13 wounded?                                                                                             

Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 

13:2  and the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 

 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Note—the Great Controversy 577-581– The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns shall cause “the earth and them which dwell therein” to worship the papacy –there symbolized by the beast “like unto a leopard.”

The beast with two horns is also to say “to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast;” and, furthermore, it is to command all, “both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive the mark of the beast. Revelation 13:11-16. It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy.

But in this homage to the papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. “I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Verse 3.

The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, “his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.”

Paul states plainly that the “man of sin” will continue until the Second Advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.” Revelation 13:8.

In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church. Since the middle of the nineteenth century, students of prophecy in the United States have presented this testimony to the world.

In the events now taking place is seen a rapid advance toward the fulfillment of the prediction. With Protestant teachers there is the same claim of divine authority for Sunday keeping, and the same lack of Scriptural evidence, as with the papal leaders who fabricated miracles to supply the place of a command from God.

The assertion that God’s judgments are visited upon men for their violation of the Sunday-Sabbath will be repeated; already it is a

beginning to be urged. And a movement to enforce Sunday observance is fast gaining ground. Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Roman Church.

She can read what is to be. She bides her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false Sabbath and that they are preparing to enforce it by the very means which she herself employed in bygone days.

Those who reject the light of truth will yet seek the aid of this self-styled infallible power to exalt an institution that originated with her. How readily she will come to the help of Protestants in this work it is not difficult to conjecture.

Who understands better than the papal leaders how to deal with those who are disobedient to the church?

The Roman Catholic Church, with all its ramifications throughout the world, forms one vast organization under the control, and designed to serve the interests, of the papal see. Its millions of communicants, in every country on the globe, are instructed to hold themselves as bound in allegiance to the pope.

Whatever their nationality or their government, they are to regard the authority of the church as above all other.

Though they may take the oath pledging their loyalty to the state, yet back of this lies the vow of obedience to Rome, absolving them from every pledge inimical to her interests. History testifies of her artful and persistent efforts to insinuate herself into the affairs of nations; and having gained a foothold, to further her own aims, even at the ruin of princes and people.

In the year 1204, Pope Innocent III extracted from Peter II, king of Arragon, the following extraordinary oath: “I, Peter, king of Arragonians, profess and promise to be ever faithful and obedient to my lord, Pope Innocent, to his Catholic successors, and the Roman Church, and faithfully to preserve my kingdom in his obedience, defending the Catholic faith, and persecuting heretical pravity.” –John Dowling, the History of Romanism, b. 5, ch. 6, sec. 55.

This is in harmony with the claims regarding the power of the Roman pontiff “that it is lawful for him to depose emperors” and “that he can absolve subjects from their allegiance to unrighteous rulers.”–Mosheim, b. 3, cent. 11, pt. 2, ch. 2, sec. 9, note 17. (See also Appendix note for page 447.)

 And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes. The principles of Gregory VII and Innocent III are still the principles of the Roman Catholic Church. And had she but the power, she would put them in practice with as much vigor now as in past centuries.

Protestants little know what they are doing when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation. While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to re-establish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let the principle once be established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured. 

God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men.

She is piling up her lofty and massive structures in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution. 

Note—in 1798 when the papacy was temporarily overthrown by the French under General Berthier (see preceeding reading)

What did the prophet see coming up at this time?

Revelation 13:11-12 and I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 

 13:12 and he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Revelation 11:6-7 and he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 

 13:7  and it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Note—Bible Reading for the Home, pp.115- John Wesley, in his note on Revelation 13: 11, written in 1754, says of the two-horned beast: “He is not yet come: tho’ he cannot be far off. For he is to appear at the End of the forty-two months of the first Beast.” Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1791 ed.), vol.3, p 299.

The previous beast came up out of the “sea,” which indicates its rise among the peoples and nations of the world then in existence (Rev. 17: 15); whereas the latter power comes up out of the “earth,” where there had not before been “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”

In 1798, when the papal power received its deadly wound, the United States, located in the western continent, was the only great world power then coming into prominence in territory not previously occupied by peoples, multitudes, and its national Constitution.

It is within the territory of the United States, therefore, that we may look for a fulfillment of this prophecy.

The eminent American preacher De Witt Talmage based a sermon, “America for God,” on the text of Revelation 13: 11, interpreting the beast with the two horns like a lamb as referring to the United States. “It is reasonable,” he said, “to suppose that God would leave out from the prophecies of his Book this whole Western Hemisphere? No, No!” See his 500 Selected Sermons, vol.2 (1900), p. 9.

 Note—The Great Controversy, pp 439– In chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is described another beast, “like unto a leopard,” to which the dragon gave “his power, and his seat, and great authority.” This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once held by the ancient Roman empire. Of the leopardlike beast it is declared:

“There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies. . . . And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”

This prophecy, which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy.       “Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.” And, says the prophet, “I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death.” And again: “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.”

The forty and two months are the same as the “time and times and the dividing of time,” three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7 –  –  the time during which the papal power was to oppress God’s people. This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798.

At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.At this point another symbol is introduced. Says the prophet: “I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb.” Verse 11.

Both the appearance of this beast and the manner of its rise indicate that the nation which it represents is unlike those presented under the preceding symbols. 

The great kingdoms that have ruled the world were presented to the prophet Daniel as beasts of prey, rising when “the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.” Daniel 7:2.

In Revelation 17 an angel explained that waters represent “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Revelation 17:15. Winds are a symbol of strife.

The four winds of heaven striving upon the great sea represent the terrible scenes of conquest and revolution by which kingdoms have attained to power.But the beast with lamblike horns was seen “coming up out of the earth.” Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully.

It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World–that turbulent sea of “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” It must be sought in the Western Continent.

What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question. One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States of America.

Again and again the thought, almost the exact words, of the sacred writer has been unconsciously employed by the orator and the historian in describing the rise and growth of this nation.

The beast was seen “coming up out of the earth;” and, according to the translators, the word here rendered “coming up” literally signifies “to grow or spring up as a plant.” And, as we have seen, the nation must arise in territory previously unoccupied. A prominent writer, describing the rise of the United States, speaks of “the mystery of her coming forth from vacancy,” and says: “Like a silent seed we grew into empire.”–G. A. Townsend, The New World Compared With the Old, page 462.

A European journal in 1850 spoke of the United States as a wonderful empire, which was “emerging,” and “amid the silence of the earth daily adding to its power and pride.” –The Dublin Nation. Edward Everett, in an oration on the Pilgrim founders of this nation, said: “Did they look for a retired spot, inoffensive for its obscurity, and safe in its remoteness, where the little church of Leyden might enjoy the freedom of conscience?

Behold the mighty regions over which, in peaceful conquest . . . they have borne the banners of the cross!”–Speech delivered at Plymouth, Massachusetts, Dec. 22, 1824, page 11.And he had two horns like a lamb.” The lamblike horns indicate youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly representing the character of the United States when presented to the prophet as “coming up” in 1798.

Among the Christian exiles who first fled to America and sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance were many who determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty.

Their views found place in the Declaration of Independence, which sets forth the great truth that “all men are created equal” and endowed with the inalienable right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And the Constitution guarantees to the people the right of self-government, providing that representatives elected by the popular vote shall enact and administer the laws. Freedom of religious faith was also granted, every man being permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience.

Republicanism and Protestantism became the fundamental principles of the nation. These principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. The oppressed and downtrodden throughout Christendom have turned to this land with interest and hope. Millions have sought its shores, and the United States has risen to a place among the most powerful nations of the earth.

 But the beast with lamblike horns “spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed; . . . saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Revelation 13:11-14.

The lamblike horns and dragon voice of the symbol point to a striking contradiction between the professions and the practice of the nation thus represented. The “speaking” of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities. By such action it will give the lie to those liberal and peaceful principles which it has put forth as the foundation of its policy.

The prediction that it will speak “as a dragon” and exercise “all the power of the first beast” plainly foretells a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the leopardlike beast.

And the statement that the beast with two horns “causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast” indicates that the authority of this nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance which shall be an act of homage to the papacy.

Such action would be directly contrary to the principles of this government, to the genius of its free institutions, to the direct and solemn avowals of the Declaration of Independence, and to the Constitution.

:But what is the “image to the beast”? and how is it to be formed? The image is made by the two-horned beast, and is an image to the beast. It is also called an image of the beast. Then to learn what the image is like and how it is to be formed we must study the characteristics of the beast itself–the papacy.       

When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power.

The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of “heresy.” In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends.

Whenever the church has obtained secular power, she has employed it to punish dissent from her doctrines. Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience.

An example of this is given in the long-continued persecution of dissenters by the Church of England. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, thousands of nonconformist ministers were forced to flee from their churches, and many, both of pastors and people, were subjected to fine, imprisonment, torture, and martyrdom.

It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the aid of the civil government, and this prepared the way for the development of the papacy–the beast. Said Paul: “There” shall “come a falling away . . . and that man of sin be revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. So apostasy in the church will prepare the way for the image to the beast.

The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord there will exist a state of religious declension similar to that in the first centuries. “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. Satan will work “with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” And all that “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” will be left to accept “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11.

When this state of ungodliness shall be reached, the same results will follow as in the first centuries. The wide diversity of belief in the Protestant churches is regarded by many as decisive proof that no effort to secure a forced uniformity can ever be made. But there has been for years, in churches of the Protestant faith, a strong and growing sentiment in favor of a union based upon common points of doctrine.

What is the character of this new power?

Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

Note–How fittingly is the United States characterized in these words! The nations of the past, pictured in the bible as beasts of prey, were filled with intolerance, persecution and oppression.

In sharp contrast, the United States was founded on the principles of liberty, equality, and tolerance. The men who had fled the tribulations of the Old World were determined that those trials should not be repeated in the New.

 The principles of civil and religious liberty which have made the United States great were incorporated into the fundamental law of the nation at its very founding. We quote from the first amendments to the Constitution, commonly known as the Bill of Rights:

Article I. ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.’

Article IV. ‘The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.’

Article V. ‘No person shall be…subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; nor to be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.”

 For these principles men have fought and died. For them high-minded statesman have valiantly contended throughout the nation’s history.  For these liberties, millions today are ready to sacrifice even life itself.

Note—Evangelism,pp.235-Preaching the Distinctive truths– As a Result of Disregard of Light.–God has given men the Sabbath as a sign between Him and them, as a test of their loyalty. Those who, after the light regarding God’s law comes to them, continue to disobey and exalt human laws above the law of God in the great crisis before us will receive the mark of the beast.–Letter 98, 1900. 

Caution in Presenting the Sunday Question.–[We are] not to provoke those who have accepted this spurious Sabbath, an institution of the Papacy in the place of God’s holy Sabbath. Their not having the Bible arguments in their favor makes them all the more angry and determined to supply the place of arguments that are wanting in the Word of God by the power of their might.

The force of persecution follows the steps of the dragon.

Therefore great care should be exercised to give no provocation.–Letter 55, 1886. Let the Truth Do the Cutting.–Satan’s efforts against the advocates of the truth will wax more bitter and determined to the very close of time. As in Christ’s day the chief priests and rulers stirred up the people against Him, so today the religious leaders will excite bitterness and prejudice against the truth for this time.

The people will be led to acts of violence and opposition which they would never have thought of had they not been imbued with the animosity of professed Christians against the truth. And what course shall the advocates of truth pursue? They have the unchangeable, eternal Word of God, and they should reveal the fact that they have the truth as it is in Jesus. Their words must not be rugged and sharp.

In their presentation of truth they must manifest the love and meekness and gentleness of Christ. Let the truth do the cutting; the Word of God is as a sharp, two-edged sword, and will cut its way to the heart.

Those who know that they have the truth should not, by the use of harsh and severe expressions, give Satan one chance to misinterpret their spirit.–Review and Herald, Oct. 14, 1902.

A Call to Enlighten the Masses.–I have been shown that Satan is stealing a march upon us. The law of God, through the agency of Satan, is to be made void. In our land of boasted freedom, religious liberty will come to an end.

The contest will be decided over the Sabbath question, which will agitate the whole world.  Our time for work is limited, and God calls us as ministers and people to be minutemen.

Teachers as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves must come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. There are many who do not understand the prophecies relating to these days, and they must be enlightened.–Letter 1, 1875. 

Meeting Sabbath keeping Problems

No Cause to Worry or Fear.–Often when our workers present the testing Sabbath truth to the people, some stand hesitating for fear of bringing poverty and hardship upon themselves and their families. They say, Yes, I see what you are trying to show me in regard to the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath; but I am afraid if I keep the Sabbath I shall lose my position, and shall not be able to provide for my family.

And so, many keep their worldly position and disobey the command of God. But these scriptures [Luke 12:1-7] teach us that the Lord knows all about our experiences; He understands about our inconveniences; and He has a care for all who follow on to know the Lord. He will never allow His children to be tempted above that they are able to bear. Christ declared to His disciples:

“Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest

 Holding up before them the lily of the field in its beauty and purity, the Saviour continued: “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things? But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Dragon’s Voice Heard Again

Notwithstanding the lamb like appearance of this power, what will ultimately happen?

Revelation 13:11 and I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

Note—The voice of the dragon is the voice of intolerance and persecution. It is repugnant to the American mind to think that religious persecution might mar the fair record of the nation founded on liberty to all. But all through the history of the country, from its very founding, far-seeing statesmen have recognized that the tendency to enforce religious dogmas by civil law is all too common with mankind, and is liable to break out in active persecution in unexpected place unless specifically guarded against.

Said Thomas Jefferson,at the very beginning of the nation’s existence, “The spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless. A single zealot may commence persecution, and better men be his victims.” – Notes on Virginia, Query XVII in The Works of Thomas Jefferson (Ford ed., 1904-05), vol. 4, pp. 81, 82.

 How much power will this beast exercise?

Revelation 13:12 and he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Note—Daniel and Revelation.pp, 561-570-The Leopard Beast–The seven-headed and ten-horned beast, more briefly the leopard beast, here introduced, symbolizes a power which exercises ecclesiastical as well as civil authority. This point is of sufficient importance to justify the introduction of a few conclusive arguments which prove it.

The line of prophecy in which this symbol occurs begins with Revelation 12. The symbols of earthly governments embraced in the prophecy are the dragon of Revelation 12 and the leopard beast and the two-horned beast of Revelation 13. The same line of prophecy evidently continues into chapter 14. Beginning, therefore, with Revelation 12: 1, and ending with Revelation 14: 5, we have a line of prophecy distinct and complete in itself.

Each of the powers here introduced is represented as fiercely persecuting the church of God. The scene opens with the church under the symbol of a woman anxiously longing for the promise to be fulfilled that the seed of the woman, the Lord of glory, should appear among men. The dragon stood before the woman for the purpose of devouring her child. His evil design is thwarted, and the child is caught up to God and His throne. A period follows in which the church suffers severe oppression from this dragon power. In this part of the scene the prophet occasionally glances forward, once even down almost to the end, because all the enemies of the church were to be actuated by the spirit of the dragon. In verse 1 of Revelation 13 we are carried back to the time when the leopard beast, the successor of the dragon, begins his career. From this power the church suffers war and persecution for the long period of 1260 years. Following this period of oppression, the church has another conflict, brief but sharp and severe, with the two-horned beast. Then comes deliverance. The prophecy closes with the church brought safely through all her persecutions, and standing victorious with the Lamb on Mount Zion. Thank God for the sure promise of final victory!

The one character which ever appears the same in all these scenes, and whose history is the leading theme through all the prophecy, is the true Church of God. The other characters are her persecutors, and are introduced simply because they are such. Here, as an introductory inquiry, we raise the question, Who or what is it that persecutes the true church? It is a false or apostate church. What is it that is ever warring against true religion? It is a false and counterfeit religion. Who ever heard of the mere civil power of any nation persecuting the people of God on its own initiative? Governments may war against other governments to avenge some wrong, real or imaginary or to acquire territory and extend their power. But governments do not persecute (mark the word–do not persecute) people on account of their religion, unless under the control of some opposite and hostile system of religion.

Leopard Beast a Persecuting Power.–The powers introduced in this prophecy–the dragon, the leopard beast, and the two-horned beast of verses 11-17–are all persecuting powers. They are actuated by rage and enmity against the people and church of God. This fact is of itself sufficiently conclusive evidence that in each of these powers the ecclesiastical or religious element is the controlling power.

Take the dragon: what does it symbolize?–The undeniable answer is, Primarily Satan, as shown heretofore, and secondarily the Roman Empire. But this is not enough. No one would be satisfied with this answer and no more. It must be more definite. We therefore add, The Roman Empire in its pagan form, to which all must agree. But just as soon as we say pagan, we introduce a religious element, for paganism is one of the most gigantic systems of counterfeit religion that Satan has ever devised. The dragon, then, is so far an ecclesiastical power that the very characteristic by which it is distinguished is a false system of religion. What made the dragon persecute the church of Christ? It was because Christianity was prevailing against paganism, sweeping away its superstitions, overturning its idols, and dismantling its temples. The religious element of that power was touched, and persecution was the result.

We now come to the leopard beast of Revelation 13. What does that symbolize? The answer still is, The Roman Empire. But the dragon symbolized the Roman Empire, and why does not the same symbol represent it still? Ah! there has been a change in the religious character of the empire. This beast symbolized Rome in its professedly Christian form. It is this change of religion, and this alone, which makes a change in the symbol necessary. This beast differs from the dragon only that it presents a different religious aspect. Hence it would be wrong to affirm that it denotes simply the Roman civil power.

A Symbol of the Papacy.–To this beast the dragon gives his power, his seat, and great authority. By what power was pagan Rome succeeded? We all know that is was by papal Rome. It matters not to our present purpose when or by what means this change was effected. The great fact is apparent, and is acknowledged by all, that the next great phase of the Roman Empire after its pagan form was its papal. It would not be correct, therefore, to say that pagan Rome gave its power and seat to a form of government merely civil, having no religious element whatever. No stretch of the imagination can conceive of such a transaction. But two phases of empire are here recognized, and in the prophecy Rome is pagan until Rome is papal. The statement that the dragon gave to the leopard beast his power and seat, is further evidence that the dragon of Revelation 12: 3 is used as symbol of pagan Rome. But back of both powers, and leading them on in their wicked work, is Satan himself.

But it may be said that it takes both the leopard beast and the two-horned beast to constitute the papacy, and hence it is to these that the dragon gives his power, seat, and great authority. But the prophecy does not say so. It is the leopard beast alone with which the dragon has to do. It is to that beast alone that he gives his power, seat, and great authority. It is that beast which has a head that is wounded to death, which is afterward healed; that beast after which the whole world wonders; that beast which has a mouth speaking blasphemies, and which wears out the saints for 1260 years. It does all this before the succeeding power, the two-horned beast, appears. The leopard beast alone, therefore, symbolizes the Roman Empire in its papal form, the controlling influence being ecclesiastical.

Identical With the Little Horn.–To show this more fully, we have but to draw a parallel between the little horn of Daniel 7: 8, 20, 24, 25, and this power. From this comparison it will appear that the little horn and the leopard beast symbolize the same power. The little horn is generally acknowledged to be a symbol of the papacy. There are six points by which to establish their identity:

1. The little horn was a blasphemous power. “He shall speak great words against the Most High.” Daniel 7: 25. The leopard beast of Revelation 13: 6 does the same. “He opened his mouth in blasphemy against God.”

2. The little horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them. (Daniel 7: 21.) This beast also (Revelation 13: 7) makes war with the saints, and overcomes them.

3. The little horn had a mouth speaking great things. (Daniel 7: 8, 20.) Of this beast we read: “There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies.” Revelation 13: 5.

4. The little horn arose on the cessation of the pagan form of the Roman Empire. The beast of Revelation 13: 2 arises at the same time; for the dragon, pagan Rome, gives him his power, his seat, and great authority.

5. Power was given to the little horn to continue for a time, times, and the dividing of time, or 1260 years. (Daniel 7: 25) To this beast also power was given for forty-two months or 1260 years. (Revelation 13: 5.)

6. At the end of that specified period of 1260 years the “saints,” “times,” and “laws” were to be taken out of the “hand” of the little horn. (Daniel 7: 25.) At the end of the same period, the leopard beast was himself to be led “into captivity.” Revelation 13: 10. Both these specifications were fulfilled in the captivity and exile of the pope, and the temporary overthrow of the papacy by France in 1798.

These six points prove satisfactorily the identity of the little horn and the leopard beast. When we have in prophecy two symbols, as in this instance, representing powers that come upon the stage of action at the same time, occupy the same territory, maintain the same character, do the same work, exist the same length of time, and meet the same fate, those symbols represent the same identical power.

Received a Deadly Wound.–The head that was wounded to death was the papal head. We are held to this conclusion by the obvious principle that whatever is spoken in prophecy of the symbol of any government, applies to that government only while it is represented by that symbol. Now Rome is represented by two symbols, the dragon and the leopard beast, because it has presented two phases, the pagan and the papal; and whatever is said of the leopard beast applies to Rome only in its professedly Christian form. John says that it was one of the heads of this leopard beast that was wounded to death. In other words, this wound fell upon the form of government that existed in the Roman Empire after its change from paganism to Christianity. Thus it is evident that is was the papal head that was wounded to death, and whose deadly wound was healed. This wounding is the same as the going into captivity. (Revelation 13: 10.) It was inflicted when the pope was taken prisoner by Berthier, the French general, and the papal government was for a time abolished, in 1798. Stripped of his power, both civil and ecclesiastical, the captive pope, Pius VI, died in exile at Valence in France, August 29, 1799. But the deadly wound began to be healed when the papacy was re-established, though with less of its former power, by the election of a new pope, March 14, 1800. [1]

Verse 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Speak Blasphemies.–This beast opens his mouth “in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.” Mention has already been made in comments on the book of Daniel as to the significance of the expression, “He shall speak great words against the Most High.” Daniel 7: 25. In verse 5 in this chapter of Revelation similar words are used, for he had “a mouth speaking great things.” Here, however, the word “blasphemy” is added, and this evidently points to the fact that the great words will be blasphemous enunciations against the God of heaven.

In the Gospels we find two indications of what constitutes blasphemy. In John 10: 33 we read that the Jews falsely charged Jesus with blasphemy because, said they, “Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God.” This is in the case of the Saviour was untrue, because He was the Son of God. He was “Immanuel, God With Us.” But for man to assume the prerogatives of God and to take the titles of deity–this is blasphemy.

Again, in Luke 5: 21 we see the Pharisees endeavoring to catch Jesus in His words. “Who is this which speaketh blasphemies?” said they. “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Jesus could pardon transgressions, for He was the divine Saviour. But for man, mortal man, to claim such authority is blasphemy indeed.

We might ask if the power represented by this symbol has fulfilled this part of the prophecy. In comments on Daniel 7: 25 we saw clearly from the evidence submitted that he had spoken “great words” against the God of heaven. Now observe what is said regarding the claim of the priesthood to forgive sins:

“The priest holds the place of the Saviour Himself, when, by saying, ‘Ego te absolvo’ [I thee absolve], he absolves from sin. . . . To pardon a single sin requires all the omnipotence of God. . . . But what only God can do by His omnipotence, the priest can also do by saying ‘Ego te absolvo a peccatis tuis.’. . . Innocent III has written: ‘Indeed, it is not too much to say that in view of the sublimity of their offices the priests are so many gods.’ ” [2]

Note still further the blasphemous utterances of this power:

“But our wonder should be far greater when we find that in obedience to the words of His priests–HOC EST CORPUS MEUM [This is My body]–God Himself descends on the altar, that He comes wherever they call Him, and as often as they call Him, and places Himself in their hands, even though they should be His enemies. And after having come, He remains, entirely at their disposal; they move Him as they please, from one place to another; they may, if they wish, shut Him up in the tabernacle, or expose Him on the altar, or carry Him outside the church; they may, if they choose, eat His flesh, and give Him for the food of others. ‘Oh, how very great is their power,’ says St. Laurence Justinian, speaking of priests. ‘A word falls from their lips and the body of Christ is there substantially formed from the matter of bread, and the Incarnate Word descended from heaven, is found really present on the table of the altar!’ ” [3]

“Thus the priest may, in a certain manner, be called the creator of his Creator. . . . ‘The power of the priest,’ says St. Bernardine of Sienna, ‘is the power of the divine person; for the transubstantiation of the bread requires as much power as the creation of the world.’ ” [4]

Thus this beast power blasphemes the temple in heaven by turning attention of his subjects to his own throne and palace instead of to the tabernacle of God; by diverting their attention from the sacrifice of the Son of God to the sacrifice of the mass.

 A symbol of the papacy—

What means will be employed to lead the people back into false worship?

Revelation 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Revelation12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 

 2:10 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Note—Daniel and Revelation.pp, 590-594-Makes an Image to the Beast Closely associated with this working of miracles is the erection of an image to the beast.

The prophet thus connects the two in verse 14: “And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” The deception accomplished by the working of the miracles prepares the way for compliance with this demand for the formation of an image to the beast.

To understand what would constitute an image of the papal beast, we must first gain some definite idea of what constitutes the papacy itself. The full development of the beast, or the establishment of papal supremacy, dates from the famous letter of Justinian, which was made effective in A.D. 538, constituting the pope the head of the church and the corrector of heretics. The papacy was a church clothed with civil power–an ecclesiastical body having authority to punish all dissenters with confiscation of goods, imprisonment, torture, and death. What would be an image of the papacy?—Another ecclesiastical establishment clothed with civil power, in other words, a union of church and state. How could such an image be formed in the United States? Let the Protestant churches be clothed with power to define and punish heresy, to enforce their dogmas under the pains and penalties of the civil law, and should we not have an exact representation of the papacy during the days of its supremacy?

To be sure we would. But is such an eventuality possible in a country whose foundation stones are civil and religious liberty, and where every man’s right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” has gone unchallenged throughout the years? Let us examine the evidence.

Nation Founded on Liberty.–The hand of God wrought with the noble and God-fearing men who laid so well the foundations of the new nation. Said the Hon. Henry D. Estabrook, speaking before the Connecticut Bar Association: “On this great continent, which God had kept hidden in a little world–here, with a new heaven and a new earth, where former things had passed away, the people of many nations, of various needs and creeds, but united in heart and soul and mind for the single purpose, builded an altar to Liberty, the first ever built or that ever could be built, and called it–The Constitution of the United States.” [18]

This was in the year 1787. The prophet saw the lamblike beast coming up out of the earth about 1798–surely this is no mere coincidence. George Washington, the first President of the United States, in his inaugural address said:

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” [19]

In their reply to this notable address the Senate declared: “When we contemplate the coincidence of circumstances, and wonderful combination of causes, which gradually prepared the people of this country for independence; when we contemplate the rise, progress, and termination of the late war, which gave them a name among the nations of the earth; we are, with you, unavoidably led to acknowledge and adore the great Arbiter of the universe, by whom empires rise and fall.” [20]

Struggle Against Religious Tyranny.–These were not only godly men, but they were wise and farseeing men. When certain religious groups made appeal that “explicit acknowledgment of the true God and Jesus Christ” be made in the Constitution, their request was denied. In writing of this incident, Thomas Jefferson said: “The insertion was rejected by a great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend within the mantle of its protection the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mahometan, the Hindoo, and Infidel of every denomination.” [21]

The House Judiciary Committee, February 18, 1874, in reply to a similar petition, reported: “As this country, the foundation of whose government they were then laying, was to be the home of the oppressed of all nations of the earth, whether Christian or pagan, and in full realization of the dangers which the union between church and state had imposed upon so many nations of the Old World, with great unanimity [they agreed] that it was inexpedient to put anything into the Constitution or frame of government which might be construed to be a reference to any religious creed or doctrine.” [22]

History attests the fact that these great men who laid the foundation stones upon which the United States was erected looked forward with almost prophetic vision to the dangers to personal liberty which some day would confront the country. Their fears were well expressed by Thomas Jefferson: “The spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless. A single zealot may commence persecution, and better men be his victims. It can never be too often repeated, that the time for fixing every essential right on a legal basis, is while our rulers are honest and ourselves united. From the conclusion of this war we shall be going downhill. It will not then be necessary to resort every moment to the people for support. They will be forgotten, therefore, and their rights disregarded. They will forget themselves, but in the sole faculty of making money, and will never think of uniting to effect a due respect for their rights. The shackles, therefore, which shall not be knocked off at the conclusion of this war, will remain on us long, will be made heavier and heavier, till our rights shall revive or expire in a convulsion.” [23]

On the Fourth of July, 1788, an address was delivered by Justice James Wilson, in which he pointed out how the enemies of liberty were already working. He said: “The enemies of liberty are artful and insidious. A counterfeit steals her dress, imitates her manner, forges her signature, assumes her name. But the real name of the deceiver is licentiousness. Such is her effrontery, that she will charge liberty to her face with imposture; and she will, with shameless front, insist that herself alone is the genuine character, and that herself alone is entitled to the respect which the genuine character deserves. With the giddy and undiscerning, on whom a deeper impression is made by dauntless impudence than by modest merit, her pretentions are often successful. She receives the honors of liberty, and liberty herself is treated as a traitor and a usurper. Generally, however, this bold impostor acts only a secondary part. Though she alone appear upon the stage, her motions are regulated by dark ambition, who sits concealed behind the curtain, and who knows that despotism, his other favorite, can always follow the success of licentiousness. Against these enemies of liberty, who act in concert, though they appear on opposite side, the patriot citizen will keep a watchful guard.” [24]

 What will this power propose that the people shall do?

Revelation 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Note—Beyond Pitcairn, by Harvestime.pp, 144-156-End of Time–What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy: the United States of America. But the beast with lamb-Iike horns “spoke as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed; and. .. saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword and did live”

(Rev 13:11-14).

The lamb-Iike horns and the later dragon voice are in strong contrast. This plainly foretells a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the leopard-like beast.

And the statement that the beast with two horns “causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast,” indicates that the authority of this nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance which shall be an act of homage to the papacy.

Yet such action would be directly contrary to the principles of this government, to the genius of its free institutions, to the direct and solemn avowals of the Declaration of Independence, and to the Constitution. The founders of the nation wisely sought to guard against the employment of secular power on the part of the church, with its inevitable result- intolerance and persecution. The Constitution provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” and that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office of public trust under the United States.” Only in flagrant violation of these safeguards to the nation’s liberty, can any religious observance be enforced by civil power.

And an image of the first beast is to be made by this power: “Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast” (Rev 13:14). “They.” The legislative power rests with the people in this lamb-like beast. But what is the “image to the beast”? and how is it to be formed? This image, made by the two-horned beast, is an image to the first beast. It is also called an image of that beast.

To understand what the image is like, we must study the characteristics of the first beast-the papacy.

When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites

and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God. And then, in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of secular governments. The result was the papacy. The papacy: a church that for over a thousand years controlled the power of the state, and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of “heresy,”-and brought darkness and misery to people everywhere.

In order for the image to be formed, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the

state will also be used by the church to enforce specific religious observances.

In centuries past, whenever the church has obtained secular power, she has employed it to punish dissent from her doctrines. Rome did it for hundreds of years. Protestant churches in Europe and England did it for long periods of time also. For example, during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, thousands of non-conformist ministers were forced to leave their churches, and many, both of pastors and people, were subjected to fine, imprisonment, torture, and martyrdom.

It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the aid of the civil government, and this prepared the way for the development of the papacy. Paul predicted it in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. And 2 Timothy 3: 1-5 foretells that this union of church and state will occur again in the last days.

The wide diversity of belief in the Protestant churches is regarded by many as decisive proof that no effort to secure a forced uniformity can ever be made. But for years, there has been a growing sentiment to unite on common points of belief. Yet when this shall be done, the next step will be a movement to require compliance to the new faith by everyone. And this will lead to the use of force to gain it.

Thus, according to Bible prophecy, when the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.

The two-horned beast will cause men to receive the Mark.

“And he caused [commandeth] all, both sell and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”-Revelation 13:16-17.

In the next chapter, the third angel has a warning that goes together with the warning you have just read.

“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.”-Revelation 14:9-10.

The “beast” mentioned in this message, whose worship is enforced by the two-horned beast, is the first, or leopardlike beast of Revelation 13,-the papacy. The “image to the beast” is the religion that shall be developed when the churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their doctrines.

But what is “the mark of the beast”?

After the warning against the worship of the beast and his image, and his mark, the prophecy declares: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev 14: 12). Those who keep God’s commandments are thus placed in contrast with those that worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. So the point of distinction between the two classes will be the keeping of God’s law, on one hand, and a required refusal to keep it, on the other.

The special characteristic of the beast, and therefore of his image, is the breaking of God’s commandments. Says Daniel, of the little horn, the papacy: “He shall think to change times and the law” (Dan 7:25, R.V.). Paul called this same apostate power the “man of sin” who was to try and exalt himself above God. These prophecies go together, for only by changing God’s law could the papacy exalt itself above God. And whoever should understandingly keep the law as thus

changed would be giving supreme honor to that power by which the change was made. Such an act of obedience to papal laws

would be a mark of allegiance to the pope in the place of God.

In the coming crisis, the worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, for this is the sign of His creative power, and the witness to His claim upon man’s reverence and homage.

But at the same time, the worshipers of the beast will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator’s

memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome. It was in behalf of the Sunday that popery first asserted its arrogant claims, and its

first resort to the power of the state was to compel the observance of Sunday.

The claim so often put forth, that Christ changed the Sabbath, is disproved by His own words (Matthew 5:17.19).

Indeed, it is a fact generally admitted by Protestants, that the Scriptures give no authority for the change of the Sabbath. We

have already seen this. And we have observed that Roman Catholics acknowledge that the change of the Sabbath was made by their church, and declare that Protestants, by observing the Sunday, are recognizing her power.

As the sign of the authority of the Catholic Church, papist writers cite “the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of ..because by keeping Sunday, they acknowledge the church’s power to ordain feasts, and to command them under sin.”-Henry Tuberville, “An Abridgement of the Christian Doctrine,” p. 58.

What then is the change of the Sabbath but the sign, or mark, of the authority of the Roman Church-“the mark of the beast”?

The Roman Church has not relinquished her claim to supremacy; and when the world and the Protestant churches accept a Sabbath of her creating, while they reject the Bible Sabbath, they virtually admit this assumption. Romanists declare that “the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the [Catholic] Church.”-“Plain Talk about Protestantism,” p. 213. The enforcement of Sunday-keeping on the part of Protestant

churches is an enforcement of the worship of the papacy-of the beast. Those who, understanding the claims of the fourth commandment, choose to observe the false instead of the true Sabbath, are thereby paying homage to that power by which, alone it is commanded. But in the very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular power, the churches would themselves form an image to the beast; hence a national enforcement of Sunday-keeping in the United States would be an enforcement of the worship of the beast and his image.

But Christians of past generations observed the Sunday, supposing that in so doing they were keeping the Bible Sabbath; and there are now true Christians in every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly believe that Sunday is the Sabbath given by God. Heaven accepts their sincerity of purpose. But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome,-will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image.

As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and on or in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome-“the mark of the beast.” Thus it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive “the mark of the beast.”

The most fearful threat ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel’s message of Revelation 14: 9.12.

That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are -not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter. The warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the final visitation of God’s judgments. Prophecy declares that the first angel will make his announcement to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Rev 14:6). The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold message, is to be no less widespread.

It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel flying in the midst of heaven; and it will command the attention of the world.

In the issue of the contest, all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, -those who keep the

commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive “the mark of the beast” (Rev 13:16), yet the people of God will not receive it. The prophet John in vision beheld “them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image  and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God,” and singing the song of Moses and the lamb” (Rev 15:2-3).

[Note: pages 140:2-150:1 of this book were condensed from “The Great Controversy, ” pages 434-450.]

But we are not yet on the sea of glass. Before us is the battle; later the crown. We have seen that the issues are clear in the Bible. And they are clear in history as well. The Seventh day is the Sabbath -for God never changed it.

A number of years ago, a farmer sent a letter to the pope, inquiring about the Bible Sabbath. The letter was sent on to Chicago for reply. Here are both letters:

Thomaston, Georgia,May 22, 1934,Pope Pius XI.Rome, Italy

Dear Sir:Is the accusation true, that Protestants accuse you of? They say you changed the Seventh Day Sabbath to the, so called, Christian Sunday: identical with the First-Day of the Week. . If so when did you make the change, and by what authority.Yours very truly,

(Signed)

J.L.Day,Extension Magazine

Published by

The Catholic Church Extension Society of the United States of America

180 North Wabash Avenue Chicago

Dear Sir:Regarding the change from the observance of the Jewish Sabbath to the Christian Sunday, I wish to draw your attention to the facts :

BEYOND PITCAIRN–(1) That Protestants, who accept the Bible as the only rule of faith and religion, should by all means go back to the observance of the Sabbath. The fact that they do not, but on the contrary observe the Sunday, stultifies them in the eyes of every thinking man.

(2) We Catholics do not accept the Bible as the only authority of the Church, as a rule to guide us. We say, this

Church instituted by Christ, to teach and guide man through life, has the right to change the Ceremonial laws of the Old Testament and hence, we accept the change of the Sabbath to the Sunday. We frankly say, “Yes, the Church made this change, made this law, as she made many other laws, for instance, the Friday Abstinence, the unmarried priesthood, the laws concerning mixed marriages, the regulation of Catholic marriages, and a thousand other laws.”

(3) We also say that of all Protestants, the Seventh-day Adventists are the only group that reason correctly and are consistent with their teachings. It is always somewhat laughable to see the Protestant Churches, in pulpit and legislature, demand the observance of Sunday, of which there is nothing in the Bible.With best wishes, Peter R. Tramer, Editor

By Rome’s own statement, very few people are keeping the right day holy -for only a few are keeping God’s Bible

Sabbath. What we are told about this is important:

“The Church changed the observance of the Sabbath to Sunday by right of the divine, infallible authority given to her by her founder, Jesus Christ. The Protestant claiming the Bible to be the only guide of faith, has no warrant for observing Sunday. In this matter the Seventh-day Adventist is the only consistent Protestant:”- The Catholic Universe Bulletin, August

14, 1942, p. 4 [This is the official weekly newspaper of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese].

“Ques. -(a) The Bible says, ‘The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord: and we read in your literature that it is the only Bible Sabbath there is. Will you please explain how the Sunday observance originated? (b) Do you think the Seventh day Adventists keep the right day?

Answer. -..If you follow the Bible alone there can be no question that you are obliged to keep Saturday holy, since that is the day especially prescribed by Almighty God to be kept holy to the Lord. In keeping Sunday, non-Catholics are simply following the practise of the Catholic Church for 1800 years, a tradition, and not a Bible ordinance. What we would like to know is: Since they deny the authority of the Church, on what grounds can they base their faith of keeping Sunday. Those who keep Saturday, like the Seventh-day Adventists, unquestionably have them by the hip in this practise. And they cannot give them any sufficient answer which would satisfy an unprejudiced mind. With the Catholic there is no difficulty about the matter. For, since we deny that the Bible is the sole rule of faith, we can fall back upon the constant practise and tradition of the Church.”-Francis George Lentz:, The Question Box, 1900, p. 98-99 [Lentz, who died in 1917, was an Illinois Catholic priest] .

“Ques. -What Bible authority is there for changing the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week? Who

gave the Pope the authority to change a command of God?

..Ans. -If the Bible is the only guide for the Christian, then the Seventh-day Adventist is right, in observing the

Saturday with the Jew. .Is it not strange that those who make the Bible their only teacher, should inconsistently follow in this matter the tradition of the Catholic Church?”-Bertrond Conway, The Question Box, 1903 ed., pp. 254-255; 1915 ed., p. 179

[Conway (1872-1959} was a Paulist father in the Catholic Church].

“The Adventists are the only body of Christians with the Bible as their teacher, who can find no warrant in its pages for the change of day from the seventh to the first. .Reason and common sense demand the acceptance of one or the other of these alternatives: either Protestantism and the keeping holy of Saturday, or Catholicity and the keeping holy of Sunday.

Compromise is impossible.”-Catholic Mirror, September 2, and 23, 1893. [The Catholic Mirror, a Baltimore journal that was then the official organ of Cardinal Gibbons.]

So now we can see it clearly: The attempt of the Roman Catholic Church to change the Sabbath of the Creator-to

another day-is the MARK of her authority. It is the MARK of the beast. For it decides whom you will worship:

“Sunday is our MARK of authority! ..The Church is above the Bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact.”- The Catholic Record, London, Ontario, Canada, September 1, 1923.

“Prove to me from the Bible alone that I am bound to keep Sunday holy. There is no such law in the Bible. It is a law of the holy Catholic Church alone. The Bible says ‘Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.’ The Catholic Church says, No. By my divine power I abolish the Sabbath day and com- mand you to keep holy the first day of the week. And Lo! The entire civilized world bows down in reverent obedience to the command of the Holy Catholic Church.”-Priest Thomas En- right,

CSSR, President of Redemptorist College, Kansas City, Mo., in a lecture at Hartford, Kansas, February 18, 1884, and printed BEYOND PITCAIRN 59 in the Hartford Kansas Weekly Call, February 22, 1884, and the American Sentinel, a New York Roman Catholic journal in June 1893, page 173.

Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change was her act. .AND THE ACT IS A MARK of her ecclesiastical

power.”-from the office of Cardinal Gibbons, through Chancellor H.F. Thomas, November 11, 1895.

Today the Bible Sabbath is the great test of loyalty. But soon Jesus will return for His own, and the trials of life will be a thing of the past.

Note—The beast “which had the wound by a sword, and did live,” is the Papacy. That was a church dominating the civil power, a union of church and state, enforcing its religions dogmas by the civil power by confiscation, imprisonment, and death. An image to this beast would be another ecclesiastical organization clothed with civil power –  another union of church and state – to enforce religion by law.

 Sunday Law Advocate

Does the history of the United States show that religious organizations have attempted to secure legislation involving religion?

Note—Organizations such as the National Reform Association, the Inter-national Reform Federation the Lord’s Day Alliance of the United States, and the New York Sabbath committee have for years, worked to secure Sunday legislation, they have often secured Sunday legislation.

Catholic Church and Trade Unions Form ‘Holy Alliance’ to Enforce Sunday Observance

Mar 8th, 2012 | By admin | Category: Signs of the Times (click on article name)

Catholic Church and Trade Unions Form ‘Holy Alliance’ to Enforce Sunday Observance

March 7, 2012 | From theTrumpet.com

Pope Benedict

Trade unions across Europe held small protests March 4 calling for governments to force companies and shops to shut on Sunday, as Catholic preachers supported the campaign from the pulpit.

Religious groups and trade unions, organized under the banner of the European Sunday Alliance, helped organize protests in 12 EU countries.

A lot of the activity took place in Italy, where a law allowing businesses to choose their own opening hours was only passed in December. The leader of Italy’s biggest trade union, the Italian General Confederation of Labor, joined protesters outside a shopping center in Rome.

Meanwhile, the newspaper of the Italian bishops’ conference, Avvenire, hailed a new “holy alliance” between the Catholic community and trade unions.

“We believe that all citizens of the European Union are entitled to benefit from decent working hours that, as a matter of principle, exclude working late evenings, nights, public holidays and Sundays,” wrote the European Sunday Alliance. “Only essential services should operate on Sundays.”

The idea of a government enforcing a day of rest is disquieting. But when you consider the history—that many were burnt at the stake for refusing to worship on a Sunday—it becomes frightening. The Catholic Church has consistently tried to go above the heads of individual nations to try to get Sunday worship enforced at the European level. Watch for the Catholic Church to try to force Sunday observance on all in Europe.

(Please check out the following links for your attention)

http://youtu.be/Dk8M6YwTVVA

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YPUldouCzY

Note—Roman Catholicism, By Loraine Boettner, pp.24—what is a “Sect “?—

Another trait of the Roman Church is her attempt to brand all other church groups as “sects,” and as schismatic. First, let us fix clearly in mind precisely what a “sect” is.

Dictionary definitions tend to emphasize the divisive, schismatic, heretical elements in defining a sect. Hence we would define a sect as a group that shuts itself in as God’s exclusive people, and shuts all others out. By its exclusiveness a sect cuts itself off and isolates itself from the main stream of Christian life. On that basis the Roman Church, with its bigoted and offensive claim to be “the only true church,” its readiness to brand all others as heretics, its anathemas or curses so readily pronounced against all who dare to differ with its pronouncements, and its literally dozens of heresies and practices which are not found in the New Testament, automatically brands itself as the biggest and most prominent of all the sects.

This sectarianism is shown, for instance, in statements such as the Syllabus of Errors, issued by Pope Pius IX, in 1864, and still in full force where the Roman Church can enforce its will. The hierarchy in the United States plays down this Syllabus, and for many years has conducted a subtle campaign designed to hide many of its distinctive

doctrines and so to gain favor with the American public. But here are its claims in plain language. Some of the most distinctive articles in their affirmative form are:

15. “No man is free to embrace and profess that religion which he believes to be true, guided by the light of reason.”

17. “The eternal salvation of any out of the true church of Christ is not even to be hoped for.”

18. “Protestantism is not another and diversified form of the one true Christian religion in which it is possible to please God equally as in the Catholic Church.”

21. “The Church has power to define dogmatically the religion of the Catholic Church to be the only true religion.”

24. “The Church has the power of employing force and (of exercising) direct and indirect temporal power.”

37. “No national Church can be instituted in a state of division and separation from the authority of the Roman Pontiff.”

42. “In legal conflict between Powers (Civil and Ecclesiastical) the Ecclesiastical Law prevails.”

45. “The direction of Public Schools in which the youth of Christian states are brought up… neither can nor ought to be assumed by the Civil Authority alone.”

48. “Catholics cannot approve of a system of education for youth apart from the Catholic faith, and disjoined from the authority of the Church.”

54. “Kings and Princes [including, of course, Presidents, Prime Ministers, etc.] are not

only not exempt from the jurisdiction of the Church, but are subordinate to the Church in litigated questions of jurisdiction.”

55. “The Church ought to be in union with the State, and the State with the Church.”

57. “Philosophical principles, moral science, and civil laws may and must be made to bend to Divine and Ecclesiastical authority.”

63. “Subjects may not refuse obedience to legitimate princes, much less rise in insurrection against them.”

67. “The marriage tie is indissoluble by the law of nature; divorce, properly so called, cannot in any case be pronounced by the civil authority.”

73. “Marriage among Christians cannot be constituted by any civil contract; the marriage-contract among Christians must always be a sacrament; and the contract is null if the sacrament does not exist.”

77. “It is necessary even in the present day that the Catholic religion shall be held as the only religion of the State, to the exclusion of all other forms of worship.”

78. “Whence it has been unwisely provided by law, in some countries called Catholic, that persons coming to reside therein shall enjoy the free exercise of their religion.”

80. “The Roman Pontiff cannot and ought not to reconcile himself to, or agree with, Progress, Liberalism, and Modern Civilization.”

These statements are from the pope who just six years later established the doctrine of papal infallibility! The Roman Church here condemns freedom of religion, freedom of speech and of the press, the separation of church and state; asserts the authority of the church over the state and of the pope over civil rulers, the right of the church to direct all education, the right of the church to suppress other faiths; condemns the public school system, and many other things which are integral parts of our American way of life. Let no one say that this Syllabus of Errors belongs to a former age and that it is not to be taken seriously. Even today it forms a part of the ordination vows of every Roman Catholic priest in the world. Every priest takes an oath on the Bible that he believes and will defend the eighty articles of this Syllabus. No part of it has ever been repudiated.

Hence it contains official Roman Catholic doctrine. With the church committed to this Syllabus, how can anyone at one and the same time be a member of the Roman Catholic Church and a loyal American citizen?

In this Syllabus the Roman Church displays a bitter, sectarian spirit in its relations with other churches. In every local community Roman Catholic priests refuse to join ministerial associations or to cooperate with ministers from other churches in any form of religious observances, and they not infrequently refuse to cooperate even in non-religious community projects.1

On the other hand most Protestant churches are remarkably free from sectarianism. Most of them take a broad, tolerant attitude in acknowledging as true Christians any of their fellow men who base their hope for salvation on faith in Christ and live a good Christian life—in which case, as we have just seen, they are “catholic,” ecumenical in the best sense of the term.

It may be charitably assumed that there are good Christians in all denominations, including the Roman Catholic. For any one branch of the church to claim that those within its fold alone constitute the body of true Christians is both crude and impudent, and is inconsistent with the principles of love and charity so clearly commanded in the Scriptures.

The intolerance and sectarianism of Romanism is also shown in her attempt to use the word “church” for herself alone, as a synonym for the Roman Catholic Church, thereby unchurching all others, and by referring to Protestants as “non-Catholics.” Protestants are too lax in allowing the Roman Church to deprecate them with terminology which implies that they have no place in the church universal. The correct meaning of the term “church” and “catholic” should be pointed out, and doctrinal and historical evidence cited to show that the Roman Church herself is the church of schism and innovation, that by adding a host of unscriptural doctrines she has departed from the simplicity of the Gospel and from apostolic practice. It can be shown that more than half of Rome’s present creed was unknown to the early church. Consequently, she has neither the moral nor the logical right to appropriate to herself the terms “church” and “catholic.”

We suspect that it is just because the Roman Church knows that so much of her doctrine and so many of her practices are unscriptural or anti-Scriptural that as a matter of selfdefense she attempts to appropriate these terms to herself. A more appropriate name for this church, one that we have used frequently, is, the Roman Church, or the Church of Rome. These terms are accurate, and moreover they are terms which appear frequently in her own literature, written by representative Roman Catholics. Hence Protestants do that church no injustice in speaking of it under these terms.

Furthermore, in its official title—the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church—the Roman Church seeks to appropriate the word “apostolic.” But again she has no right to call herself apostolic, since she bears so little resemblance to that church, more than half of her present doctrines and practices being unknown to the apostolic church. She applies to herself the term “holy,” but the fact is that through the ages and in her official capacity the Roman Church has been guilty of the most atrocious crimes, practiced in the name of religion, including murder, robbery, persecution of all kinds, bribery, fraud, deception, and practically every other crime known to man. Such crimes have been practiced not merely by church members, but by popes, cardinals, bishops, and priests who, as a study of church history will show, undeniably were evil men. Those crimes still are practiced where the Roman Church is attempting to suppress Protestantism—in Colombia, for instance, since 1948, when the liberal government was overthrown and a new government came into power with the support of the Roman Catholic Church and a concordat with the Vatican, 116 Protestant Christians have been killed because of their faith, 66 Protestant churches or chapels have been destroyed by fire or bombing, over 200 Protestant schools have been closed, and Protestant work of any kind forbidden in approximately two thirds of the country which has been designated “mission territory”

(see Report of the Evangelical Confederation of Colombia, Bulletin No. 50, June 26, 1959).

The assumption of Roman Catholic writers that theirs is the true church, and that it is the same orthodox, martyr, missionary church of apostolic times is manifestly false. The claim that the popes are in the direct line of succession from St. Peter—even if such a claim could be proved, which it cannot—would mean but little without imitation of the lives of the apostles and conformity to their doctrines. Jeremiah rebuked the foolish confidence of the Jews in his day who cried, “The temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah… are these” (7:4), and called on them rather to prove their devotion to God with righteous and holy living. Caiaphas was in the line of Aaron and was the successor of many pious priests, but that did not make him and the Jews who crucified Jesus the true church. John Calvin called the Church of Rome in his day a foul harlot rather than the spouse of Christ, because of the low moral standard practiced and tolerated by her priests.

Her pretensions to be the true church of Christ were shown by her actions to be false. How could she be the kingdom of Christ when her way of life was at such variance with His Word?

What according to its Constitution is an avowed object of the National Reform Association?

“To secure such an amendment to the Constitution of the United States as will…indicate that this a Christian nation, and place all the Christian laws, institutions, and usages of our government on an undeniably legal basis in the fundamental law of the land,”—David Mc Allister The National Reform Movement—a Manual of Christian Civil Government {1898 ed.}, Article II of Constitution,” pp.15, 16.

Note—The General Superintendent of the National Reform Association and editor of the Christian Statesman propounds the following amendment to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution: “How to take a most dangerous weapon out of the hands of secularists: Amend the highest written law of the land, our Federal Constitution, so that it shall plainly proclaim the will of the Lord of nations as the rule of our national life and the standard of national conduct in dealing with all our problems—–internal and external, national and international. As that Constitution now stands the secularist is perpetually quoting it on his side, loudly proclaiming that there is in it nothing that warrants the Christian usages, and as loudly and persistently demanding that all these and their like shall go out of the latter that it may be brought into perfect harmony with the former. Our answer should be—Never! But we will instead change the written document  that it may be in perfect harmony with the unwritten and so furnish an undeniably legal basis for all we have that is Christian in our national life and character and also for more of its kind that is still needed.”— Christian Statesman, August, 1921, p.25.

At First glance, such a statement as this might appear worthy of endorsement. But a closer examination reveals a reasoning basically the same as that employed by religious leaders of past ages, who persecuted all who differed with them. If the laws of the land should regulate religious observances, a man could be forced to attend church, to be baptized, or to pay for the support of the clergy.

Note— The Mark of the Beast is about to be enforced- On July 7^th , 1998 The Vatican released the following statements to all the churches of the world- “ This organisation proposes in every possible way to aid in preserving Sunday as a civil institution. Our national security requires the active support of all good citizens in the maintenance of our American Sabbath Sunday Laws must be enforced,” Quoted as ‘principles contained in the constitution’ of the original organisation ( then called the American Sabbath Union), cited in the Lord’s Day Alliance, twenty fifth Report (1913), pb

(2) The Catholic Church in this nation must live onto accomplish her work, even though our Republican form of Government disappears – The Catholic world April, 1935 p.12

(3) In the fourth and fifth centuries, Sunday shows and Sunday theatres, it was complained; hindered the “devotion of the faithful,” because many of the members attended them in preference to the church services. The church therefore, demanded that the state interfere, and promote Sunday observance by Law – “In this way, “says Neander ‘the church received help from the state for the furtherance of her ends.” This union of Church and State served to established the papacy in power. A similar course pursed now will produce the same results.   AUGUSTUS NEANDER, General History of Christian Religion and the Church. Torey translation (3^rd American ed.) Vol. 2, pp. 300,301.

(4) The Catholic Church has been attempting to persuade the U.S government for many years to make into law the observance of the first day of the week as their Sabbath still, is this really something that can become law of the land? Strange truth is, many Americans are unaware of this but, religious Sunday Laws, or “blue laws” as they are called, have been in effect for quite some time now.

Note: Back in the 60’s when John.F.Kennedy quickened the “Blue Laws” that enacted certain stipulations regarding the activities allowed on Sundays in the U.S.A, something else was afoot that are unaware of. In the book, “To Be God of one world” by Pastor and Author Robert Sesslar (Read it here at http:/www.lightministries.com/id.95.htm)

What has this association said on this point regarding the Catholic Church?

 “We cordially, gladly, recognize the fact that in South American Republics, and in France and other European countries, the Roman Catholics are the recognized advocates of National Christianity, and stand opposed to all the proposals of secularism — Whenever they are willing to co-operate in resisting the progress of political atheism, we will gladly join hands with them in a World’s Conference for the promotion of National Christianity,—- which ought to be held at no distant day—- many countries could be represented only by Roman Catholics.” Editorial, Christian Statesman (official organ of the National Reform Association), December 11,1884,p.2

What has the pope Commanded all Catholics to do in regard to government?

 “ First and foremost it is the duty of all Catholic worthy of the name and wishful to be known as the most loving children of the Church —to endeavour to bring back all civil society to the pattern and form of Christianity which we have described.”—— The Great Encyclical Letters of Leo XIII, “Encyclical Letter Immortale Dei, November, 1, 1885, p.132.

On September 7, 1947, Pope Pius XII declared that the “ time for reflection and planning is past” in religious and moral fields and the ‘time for action has arrived.” He said that “the battle in religious and moral fields hinged on five points: Religious culture, the sanctifying of Sunday, the saving of the Christian family, social justice, and loyalty and truthfulness in dealings.” Evening Star (Washington D.C). Sept. 8, 1947.

(5) What is the object of the International Reform Federation ?

The Reform Bureau (now Federation) is the first “Christian lobby established at our National Capital to speak to government in behalf of all denominations.” – History of the International Reform Bureau (1911). p.2

The securing of Compulsory Sunday legislation is one of the chief objects of this and other like organisations (see pages 60 – 62 of the above named work.)

Note – Daniel and the Revelation pp.594 –  Threatened with Ecclesiastical Domination – Let it be noted that  in  the panorama of coming events which passed before the prophet John, he witnessed this same amazing change in the nature of the two-horned beast. It eventually began to speak “as a dragon” and to control the worship of the people, “saying to them that dwelt upon the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.” The beast which had the wound by a sword, and did live,” is the papacy. This was a church and state, and enforced its religious dogmas by the civil power, under pain of confiscation of goods, imprisonment, and death. An image to the beast would be another ecclesiastical organisation clothed with civil power – another union of church and state – to enforce  religious dogmas by law.

Evidence that such a Image will be formed is seen in the fact that already large and influential organisations, such as the National Reform Association, the international Reform Bureau, The Lord’s Day Alliance of the United States and the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, have been formed, by professed protestants, and for years have been persistently working to the end of establishing and enforcing religious standard by law. Also Roman Catholic Societies in the United States, in harmony with their traditions for Centuries, are looking to a like end ultimately these two forces are destined to join hands in a common efforts.

The avowed object of the National Reform Association is “to secure such an amendment to the Constitution of the United States as will…. indicate that this is a Christian nation, and place all the Christian Laws, institutions, and usages of our government on an undeniably legal basis in the fundamental Law of the land.

Upon the question of making this a “Christian Nation” Bishop Earl Cranson, D.D of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in an address delivered in Foundry Methodist church Washington, D.C, March 13, 1910, made the following observation. “Suppose this were to be declared a Christian Nation by a Constitutional interpretation to that effect. What would that mean? which of the two contending definitions of Christianity would the word “Christian” indicate? the protestant idea, of course, for under our system majorities rule, and the majority of Americans are protestant. Very well. But suppose that at the addition of certain continuous territory with twelve or more millions of Romans Catholics, the annexation of a few more millions of islands with half as many more, and the same rate of immigration as now, the majority some years hence should be Roman Catholics, – would assume control of legislation and government. He would say, with all confidence and consistency, this is a Christian Nation. It was so claimed from the beginning and so declared many years ago. A majority defined now what Christianity was, the majority will define now what Christianity now is and is to be.” That majority would be the pope.

This association, organised for so called “National Reform” has no complications about uniting with the papacy to bring about its design to establish a national Christian statesman, December 11, 1884, p.2. History of the International Reform Bureau, p.2 U.S Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing Reorganisation of religion. It declares we cordially, gladly, recognise the fact that in the South America Republics, and in France and other European Countries, the Roman Catholics are the recognised advocates of National Christianity, and stand opposed to all the proposals of secularism…whenever they are willing to cooperate in resisting the progress of political atheism, we will gladly join hands with them. In a world’s conference for the promotion of National Christianity, which ought to be held at no distant day – many countries could be represented only by Roman Catholics.” shall we now notice the avowed objective of the other organisations?

In a history of the international Reform Bureau, the society in a self- appraisal declares, “ The Reform Bureau is the first Christian lobby established at our national capital to speak to government in behalf of all denominations” on pages 61 and 65 of the foregoing work it is stated that the securing of compulsory Sunday legislation is one of the chief objects of this and other like organisations. Speaking before the United States Senate judiciary committee against the supreme court bill, professor Theodore Gracebner of Concordia, college, St. Louis , made this interesting observation.

“Some 50 years ago the National Reform Association sought… to make all public education Christian and thereby make Jesus Christ the King of the Nation…the movement persists, to the present day, and is issuing an enormous amount of literature all directed to the end of adopting a Christian amendment.

The actual objective of this organisation is to force religion upon the people by legal enactment, to secure a Sunday blue law, and to standardise the Christianity of the people.

What is the object of the Lord’s Day Alliance?

From a leaflet published by the Lord’s Day Alliance of the United States, we learn that their objective is:

1. 1.    To preserve the Lord’s day (Sunday) for America

2. 2.    To secure an active Alliance in every state not yet organized

3. 3.    To induce the general government as far as possible to get the example of Sabbath observance

4. 4.     To press the rest-day feature of the fourth commandment, until every toiler in the land has guaranteed unto him fifty-two full rest days a year.”- From leaflet published by the Alliance.

By all this is meant the securing as far as possible, of compulsory state and national Sunday legalization – the very means by which the church gained control of the state and by which church and state were united in the fourth and fifth centuries of the Christian era.

“This organization proposes in every possible way to aid in preserving Sunday as a civil institution. Our National security requires the active support of all good citizens in the maintenance of our American Sabbath. Sunday Laws must be enacted and enforced.”  – Quoted as “principles contained in the constitution of the original organization (then called the American Sabbath Union), cited in the Lord’s Day Alliance, Twenty fifth Annual Report (1913)

What was one of the first objectives stated by the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America? (predecessors of the National Council of the churches of Christ in the United States of America)

“That all encroachments upon the claims and the sanctities of the Lord’s Day should be stoutly resisted through the press, the Lord’s Day associations and alliances, and by such legislation as may be secured  to protect and preserve this bulwark of our American Christianity.”Resolution passed in the first meeting of the Federal Council of the churches of Christ in America (1908), in its first Biennial Report p. 103                             

From Sabbath to Sunday By Samuel Bacchiocchi – p. 203

The conflict and tension between Judaism and the Empire, which became particularly acute under Hadrian, may well have induced Bishop Sixtus to take steps to substitute those distinctive Jewish festivities as the Passover and the Sabbath. With new dates and theological motivations, The Anti- Judaic motivations, in order to avoid any semblance of Judaism. The anti-Judaic motivations for both the paschal and weekly Sabbath fast would seem to provide additional support to this hypothesis. All these indications seem to challenge and discredit the hypothesis of an apostolic origin of the Roman- Easter tradition.

There is a wide consensus of opinion among scholars that Rome is

indeed the birthplace of Easter-Sunday. Some, in fact, rightly label it as “Roman- Easter.” 103 This is suggested not only by the role of the Church of Rome in enforcing the new custom and by Irenaeus’ remarks,104 but also by later historical sources. In two related documents, namely the conciliar letter of the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)105 and Constantine’s personal conciliar letter addressed to all bishops, 106 the Church of Rome is presented as the prime example to emulate on the matter of Easter-Sunday, undoubtedly because of her historical position and role in championing its observance.

Easter-Sunday and Weekly Sunday. What is the relationship, one

may ask, between the annual Easter-Sunday and the weekly Sunday? Were the two feasts regarded perhaps as one similar feast that celebrated at different times the same resurrection event, or were they considered as two different feasts which fulfilled different objectives? If the two were treated as one similar feast, it would seem plausible to suppose that the birthplace of Easter- Sunday could well be also the place of origin of the weekly Sunday observance, since possibly the same factors acted in the same place to cause the contemporaneous origin of both.

In numerous patristic testimonies the weekly and annual Easter-Sunday are treated as basically the same feast commemorating the same event of the resurrection. In a document attributed to Irenaeus it is specifically enjoined not to kneel down on Sunday nor on Pentecost, that is, the seven weeks of the Easter period, “because it is of equal significance with the Lord’s day.”107 The reason given is that both feasts are a symbol of the resurrection.” Tertullian confirms that custom but adds the prohibition of fasting as well: “On Sunday it is unlawful to fast or to kneel while worshiping. We enjoy the same liberty from Easter to Pentecost.”108 F. A. Regan comments on the text, saying: “In the season extending from Easter to Pentecost, the

same custom was followed, thus showing the relation between the annual and weekly feasts.” 109

Origen explicitly unites the weekly Origen explicitly unites the weekly with the yearly commemoration of the resurrection: “The resurrection of the Lord is celebrated not only once a year but constantly every eight days.”110 Eusebius similarly states: “While the Jews faithful to Moses, sacrificed the Passover lamb once a year … we men of the New Covenant celebrate every Sunday our Passover.”111

Rome and the Origin of Sunday 183 Pope Innocent I, in a letter to Bishop Decentius of Gubbio, confirms the unity existing between the two feasts: “We celebrate Sunday because of the venerable resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, not only at Easter but in actuality by the single weekly cycle [i.e. every Sunday].”112 In the light of these representative statements, it would appear that when the weekly and yearly Easter-Sunday gained acceptance, they were regarded by many as one feast that commemorated at different times the same event of the resurrection. Though the resurrection is not presented in earlier sources as the dominant motivation for Sunday observance, there

seems to be no question as to the basic unity of the two festivities.

At this point it is important to ascertain what in Rome caused the

abandonment of the Quartodeciman Passover and the introduction of Easter-Sunday. We would presume that the same causes motivated also the repudiation of the Sabbath and the introduction of Sunday-keeping, since the latter was regarded by many Christians as an extension of the annual Easter.

(Today Italians still refer to Sunday as “pasquetta”—which means little Easter.)

What arguments have been offered for Sunday laws?

“That the day might be devoted with less interruption to be the purposes of devotion.” “That the devotion of the faithful might be free from all disturbance.” – AUGUSTUS NEANDER, General History of the Christian Religion and Church, Torrey translation (3d American ed.) vol.2, p.301.

Who is responsible for the present state Sunday Laws of the United States?

“During nearly all our American history the churches have influence the States to make and improve Sabbath laws.”- Rev. W. F. Crafts, in Christian Statesman, July 3, 1890.

NOTES.-“These Sunday laws are a survival of the complete union of church and state which existed at the founding of the colony.” -Boston Post, April 14, 1907.
“Such laws [as the Maryland Sunday law 1723] were the outgrowth of the system of religious intolerance that prevailed in many of the colonies.” -Decision of Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, Jan. 21, 1908.
The first Sunday law in America, that of Virginia, in 1610, required church attendance, and prescribed the death penalty for the third offense. See “American State Papers,” edition 1911, page 33.

Note: The Great Controversy pp. 580 – 581 –Protestants little know what they are doing when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation. While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to re-establish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let history testify of her artful and persistent efforts to insinuate herself into the affairs of nations; and having gained a foothold, to further her own aims, even at the ruin of princes and people. Romanism openly puts forth the claim that the pope “can pronounce sentences and judgments in contradiction to the right of nations, to the law of God and man.” [THE “DECRETALIA.”]   

And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes. The principles of Gregory VII. and Innocent III. are still the principles of the Romish Church. And had she but the power, she would put them in practice with as much vigor now as in past centuries. Let the principle once be established in the United States, that the church may employ or control the power of the State; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and State is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured.

     God’s Word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men. She is piling up her lofty and massive structures, in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage-ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the Word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution. 

 Why is a National Sunday Law demanded?

“The national Sunday law is needed to make the State laws complete and effective.” – Christian Statesman, April 11, 1889

Note: The state laws enforcing a religious day are relics of a union of church and state in  colonial times. But  the nation whose foundation principles of civil and religious freedom  are aptly symbolized by two lamblike horns does not exercise “all the power of the first beast” and require men to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed, until it abandons its separation of church and state to the extent of enforcing religious requirements, on  a national scale, thus constituting an “image,” or likeness, to the first beast.

Note: The Great Controversy pp. 447– The claim so often put forth, that Christ changed the Sabbath, is disproved by his own words. In his sermon on the mount he said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.” [Matthew 5:17-19.]

Note: The Abiding Sabbath p. 184 George Elliott

It is a fact generally admitted by protestants that the scriptures give no authority for the change. This is plainly stated in publications issued by the American Tract society and the American Sunday School union. One of these works acknowledges “ The Complete Silence of the New Testament so far as any explicit command for the Sabbath/Sunday, the first day of the week or definite rules for its observance are concerned.”

Another says: “up to the time of Christ’s death, no change had been made in the day,” and, “so far as the record shows, they (the apostles did not – give an explicit command enjoining the abandonment of the seventh-day Sabbath, and its observance on the first day of the week.”  A.E Waffle The Lord’s Day, pages 186-188

Roman Catholics acknowledge that the changes of the Sabbath was made by their church, and declare that protestants by observing the Sunday are recognizing her power. In the Catholic Cathechism of Christian Religion, in answer to a question as to the day to be observed in obedience to the fourth commandments, this statement is made “During the Old Law, Saturday was the day sanctified, but the church, instructed by Jesus Christ, and directed by the spirit of God, has substituted Sunday for Saturday; so now we sanctify the first, not the seventh day . Sunday means, and now is, the day of the Lord.

As the sign of the Authority of the Catholic church, papists writers cite “the  very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which protestants allow of, because by keeping Sunday they acknowledge the church’s power to ordain feasts, and to command them under sin.

Henry Tuberville, An Abridgement of the Christian Doctrine, pg.58

What then is the change of Sabbath, but the sign, or mark of the authority of the Roman Church – “the Mark of the beast.”

                   The Mark of Papal Authority

 What does the prophet say this second ecclesiatio-political power will attempt to enforce upon all people?

Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads

Revelation 14:9-10 The third angel followed them saying with a  loud voice, if any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 

Note: The Great Controversy, pp.439-440 — In chapter 13 [VERSES 1-10.] is described another beast, “like unto a leopard,” to which the dragon gave “his power, and his seat, and great authority.” This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once possessed by the ancient Roman Empire. Of the leopard-like beast it is declared: “There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies. . . . And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” This prophecy, which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy. 

     “Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.” And, says the prophet, “I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death.” And again, “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” The forty and two months are the same as the “time and times and the dividing of time,” three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7,—the time during which the papal power was to oppress God’s people. This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with the establishment of the papacy, A. D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time, when the papacy was abolished and the pope made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.”   

     At this point another symbol is introduced. Says the prophet, “I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb.” [Revelation 13:11.] Both the appearance of this beast and the manner of its rise indicate that the nation which it represents is unlike those presented under the preceding symbols. The great kingdoms that have ruled the world were presented to the prophet Daniel as beasts of prey, rising when the “four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.” [Daniel 7:2.] In Revelation 17, an angel explained that waters represent “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” [Revelation 17:15.] Winds are a symbol of strife. The four winds of heaven striving upon the great sea, represent the terrible scenes of conquest and revolution by which kingdoms have attained to power. 

     But the beast with lamb-like horns was seen “coming up out of the earth.” Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied, and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World,—that turbulent sea of “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” It must be sought in the Western Continent.   

     What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question. One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States of America. Again and again the thought, almost the exact words, of the sacred writer have been unconsciously employed by the orator and the historian in describing the rise and growth of this nation. The beast was seen “coming up out of the earth;” and, according to the translators, the word here rendered “coming up” literally signifies to “grow or spring up as a plant.” And, as we have seen, the nation must arise in territory previously unoccupied. A prominent writer, describing the rise of the United States, speaks of “the mystery of her coming forth from vacancy,” and says, “Like a silent seed we grew into empire.” [TOWNSEND, IN “THE NEW WORLD COMPARED WITH THE OLD,” P. 462.]

 What means will be employed to compel all to receive this mark?

Revelation 13: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 

Note: Maranatha pp.183 – Forbidden to buy or sell—The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast.    

     In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell. 

     Religious powers, allied to heaven by profession, and claiming to have the characteristics of a lamb, will show by their acts that they have the heart of a dragon and that they are instigated and controlled by Satan. The time is coming when God’s people will feel the hand of persecution because they keep holy the seventh day.    

     There is a time coming when commandment-keepers can neither buy nor sell. Make haste to dig out your buried talents. If God has intrusted you with money, show yourselves faithful to your trust; unwrap your napkin, and send your talents to the exchangers, that when Christ shall come, He may receive His own with interest. In the last extremity, before this work shall close, thousands will be cheerfully laid upon the altar. Men and women will feel it a blessed privilege to share in the work of preparing souls to stand in the great day of God, and they will give hundreds as readily as dollars are given now. If the love of Christ were burning in the hearts of His professed people, we would see the same spirit manifested today. Did they but realize how near is the end of all work for the salvation of souls, they would sacrifice their possessions as freely as did the members of the early church. They would work for the advancement of God’s cause as earnestly as worldly men labor to acquire riches. Tact and skill would be exercised, and earnest and unselfish labor put forth to acquire means, not to hoard, but to pour into the treasury of the Lord.

What is claimed as the mark of Papal Authority?

The setting aside of the Sabbath given by God in the fourth commandments – the seventh day and the substitution of Sunday by the authority of the Catholic Church.

NOTE: “Question- How prove you that the Roman Catholic Church hath power to command feasts and holy days?

Answer – By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday which protestants allow of : and therefore they fondly contradict themselves, by keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking most other feasts commanded by the same church.” Henry Tuberville, An Abridgment of the Christian Doctrine (reprint with approbation 1833). p.58.

Since the Sunday originated with Roman power (the first beast) ; to whom will men yield homage when knowing the facts, they choose to observe Sunday, instead of the Bible Sabbath, in deference to Compulsory Sunday Laws?

Romans 6: 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves  servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Matthew 6: 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other: or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other

Galatians 1: 10 I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ

1 Timothy 6: 17 charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but the living God

James 4: 4 ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God, whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God

1 John 2: 15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him

NOTE: The observance of Sunday by the protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the Catholic Church.” – Louis Segur, plain talk about the Protestantism of Today (1868 ed.) p.213. The conscientious observance of Sunday as the Sabbath on the part of those who hitherto have supposed it to be the Sabbath has, without doubt been accepted of God as Sabbath keeping. It is only when light comes that sin is imputed. (John 9:41, 15-22; Acts 17:30)

NOTE: Daniel and the Revelation pp.607-612–The Agelong struggle for Religious Freedom.Change in the Law of God.–We now inquire what that change is. By the law of God, we mean the moral law, the only law in the universe of immutable and perpetual obligation. Defining the term “law” according to the sense in which it is almost universally used in Christendom, Webster says, “The moral law is summarily contained in the decalogue, written by the finger of God on two tables of stone, and delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai.”

In our comment on Daniel 7: 25, in regard to the prediction of the prophet that the papacy would “think to change times and laws,” we produced evidence from the Roman Catechism based on the unquestioned authority of the Council of Trent, and published by order of Pope Pius V by the Vatican press in Rome, that the church changed the day of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. While that catechism records the full wording of the fourth commandment as it reads in the Bible, and while it is retained in full in the official Catholic Bible in Latin, the Vulgate, and in its official translation into English, the Douay Bible; yet the teaching catechisms provided for Roman Catholic priests and teachers in modern times omit all that commandment but the first sentence, “Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.” and add extended testimony that the change of the Sabbath day from Saturday to Sunday was made on the authority of the Catholic Church and apostolic tradition.” Whatever may be said on the text of the Catechism of the Council of Trent and that of the Roman Catholic Bible about retaining the entire commandment as it reads in the Scripture, nevertheless the practice of the prelates and priests is to teach only observance of a Sabbath institution, but locate it on the first day of the week instead of the seventh, by the authority of the church.

Let it be borne in mind, that, according to the prophecy, he was to think to change times and laws. This plainly conveys the idea of intention and design, and makes these qualities essential to the change in question. But respecting the omission of the second commandment, Catholics argue that it is included in the first, and hence should not be numbered as a separate commandment; and on the tenth they claim that there is no plain a distinction of ideas as to require two commandments; so they make the coveting of a neighbor’s wife the ninth command, and the coveting of his goods the tenth.

In all this they claim that they are giving the commandments exactly as God intended to have them understood; so, while we may regard them as errors in their interpretation of the commandments, we cannot set them down as professedly intentional changes. Not so, however, with the fourth commandment. Respecting this commandment, they do not claim that their version is like that given by God. They expressly claim a change here, and also that the change has been made by the church. How these later catechisms, with their ecclesiastical imprimatur, read, is illustrated herewith.

Some of the simpler catechisms make no mention of a change in religious days, but state categorically that the Sabbath commandment teaches Sunday observance:

“Q. Say the Third Commandment.

“A. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

“Q. What is commanded by the Third Commandment?

“A. To sanctify the Sunday.” [35]

Others say that the Catholic Church changed the day of worship. In A New Catechism of Christian Doctrine and Practice, we find the following under the subject of the third commandment:

“What day was the Sabbath?

“The seventh day, our Saturday.

“Do you keep the Sabbath?

“No: we keep the Lord’s Day.

“Which is that?

“The first day: Sunday.

“Who changed it?

“The Catholic Church.” [36]

In the well-known Baltimore catechism, we find this explanation:

“Q. What it the third Commandment?

“A. The third Commandment is: Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

“Q. What are we commanded by the third Commandment?

“A. By the third Commandment we are commanded to keep holy the Lord’s day. . . .

“Q. Are the Sabbath day and the Sunday the same?

“A. The Sabbath day and the Sunday are not the same. The Sabbath day is the seventh day of the week, and is the day which was kept holy in the old law; the Sunday is the first day of the week, and is the day which is kept holy in the new law.

“Q. Why does the Church command us to keep the Sunday holy instead of the Sabbath?

“A. The Church commands us to keep the Sunday holy instead of the Sabbath because on Sunday Christ rose from the dead, and on Sunday He sent the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles.” [37]

In The Catholic Christian Instructed we read:

“Q.–What warrant have you for keeping the Sunday preferably to the ancient Sabbath, which was the Saturday?

“A.–We have for it the authority of the Catholic Church, and apostolic tradition.

“Q.–Does the Scripture anywhere command the Sunday to be kept for the Sabbath?

“A.–The Scripture commands us to hear the church (Matt. 18: 17; Luke 10: 16), and to hold fast the traditions of the apostles (2 Thess. 2: 15), but the Scriptures do not in particular mention this change of the Sabbath.” [38]

In A Doctrinal Catechism we find further testimony to the same point:

“Ques.–Have you any other way of proving that the church has power to institute festivals of precept?

“Ans.–Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her–she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority.” [39]

In An Abridgment of the Christian Doctrine we find this testimony:

“Q.–How prove you that the church hath power to command feast and holy days?

“A.–By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of; and therefore they fondly contradict themselves by keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking most other feasts commanded by the same church.

“Q.–How prove you that?

“A.–Because by keeping Sunday they acknowledge the church’s power to ordain feasts, and to command them under sin.” [40]

In The Catechism Simply Explained, are these questions and answers:

“What is the third commandment?

“The third commandment is, ‘Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.’

“What are we commanded by the third commandment?

“By the third commandment we are commanded to keep the Sunday holy.

“The Jew’s Sabbath Day was the Saturday; we Christians keep the Sunday holy. The Church, by the power our Lord gave her, changed the observance of the Saturday to the Sunday.” [41]

This is what the papal power claims to have done respecting the fourth commandment. Catholics plainly acknowledge that there is no Scriptural authority for the change they have made, but that it rests wholly upon the authority of the church. They claim as a token, or mark, or the authority of that church the “very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday,” and set it forth as proof of its power in this respect.

“But,” says one, “I supposed that Christ changed the Sabbath.” A great many suppose so, for they have been so taught. We would remind such persons, however, that according to the prophecy the only change ever to be made in the law of God, was to be made by the little horn of Daniel 7, the man of sin of 2 Thessalonians 2; and that the only change that has been made in it is the change of the Sabbath. Now, if Christ made this change, He filled the office of the blasphemous power spoken of by both Daniel and Paul–a conclusion that is repulsive to any Christian.

What does Christ say about our duty to the state?

Matthew 22:21 Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

Matthew 17:24 and when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute [money] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 

 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 

Romans 13: 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom: fear to whom fear: honour to whom honour

NOTE: The Sabbath belongs to God. Its observance, therefore, should be rendered only to Him

What speciall miracle is finally to be performed to deceive men, and fasten them in deception?

Revelation 13: 13 he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men

Deuteronomy 13: 1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 

 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 

 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 

Matthew 24: 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 

Matthew 24:5,11 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many

2 Thessalonians 2: 9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders

Revelation 16: 3-14 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 

 16:14  For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 

1 Timothy 1: 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].

Revelation 17: 12-18 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful. 

NOTE: In the time of Elijah, in the controversy over Baal worship, this was the test as to who was the true God – the God that answered by fire. (1 Kings 18:24) Now a counterfeit test of fire will be made to come down from heaven to confirm men in false worship.

NOTE: S.D.A Bible Commentary Vol. 7 pp.910-911- 2 Thessalonians 2 The Man of Sin and the Second Advent.–In the days of the apostle Paul, the Thessalonian brethren were laboring under the erroneous impression that the Lord would return in their day, and Paul wrote to correct this false impression, stating what events must transpire before the advent could take place. He declared: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”

     The man of sin was to arise, and do his work of exaltation and blasphemy, before the brethren could look for the coming of Christ. That great event was to be preceded by a falling away. There would be revealed a form of Antichrist, and the leaven of apostasy was to work with increasing power to the end of time (RH July 31, 1888).    

     3, 4 (Matthew 5:17, 18; see EGW on 1 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 13:11-17;  14:8, 9-12; Revelation 18:1-5). The Representative of Satan.–There is one pointed out in prophecy as the man of sin. He is the representative of Satan. Taking the suggestions of Satan concerning the law of God, which is as unchangeable as His throne, this man of sin comes in and represents to the world that he has changed that law, and that the first day of the week instead of the seventh is now the Sabbath. Professing infallibility, he claims the right to change the law of God to suit his own purposes. By so doing, he exalts himself above God, and leaves the world to infer that God is fallible. If it were indeed true that God had made a rule of government that needed to be changed, it would certainly show fallibility. 

     But Christ declared that not one jot or tittle of the law should fail until heaven and earth should pass away. The very work that He came to do was to exalt that law, and show to the created worlds and to heaven that God is just, and that His law need not be changed. But here is Satan’s right-hand man ready to carry on the work that Satan commenced in heaven, that of trying to amend the law of God. And the Christian world has sanctioned his efforts by adopting this child of the Papacy–the Sunday institution. They have nourished it, and will continue to nourish it, until Protestantism shall give the hand of fellowship to the Roman power.    

     Then there will be a law against the Sabbath of God’s creation, and then it is that God will do His “strange work” in the earth. He has borne long with the perversity of the race; He has tried to win them to Himself. But the time will come when they shall have filled their measure of iniquity; and then it is that God will work. This time is almost reached. God keeps a record with the nations: the figures are swelling against them in the books of heaven; and when it shall have become a law that the transgression of the first day of the week shall be met with punishment, then their cup will be full (RH March 9, 1886).   

     The Man of Sin and the Rival Sabbath.–The man of sin has exalted himself against God, sitting in the temple of God, and showing himself to be God. He has trampled underfoot God’s great memorial of creation, established to commemorate His work; and in its stead he has presented to the world a common working day. This day he has set up as a rival Sabbath, to be observed and honored. Thus the world has been turned against God; for the Lord declares that He has sanctified the day of His rest. 

     But though every member of the human family should accept this child of the Papacy, in no case would this invalidate the holy Sabbath of Jehovah. Those who accept the false sabbath exalt the man of sin, and assail the government of God. But the man of sin cannot annul what God has declared shall stand fast forever. The work now to be done in our world is to exalt the law of the Lord, and call the attention of the people to it. The time has come when the truth is to be proclaimed against falsehood and error (RH July 26, 1898).   

     God’s Estimate of the Papal Power.–By their treatment of His Word the popes have exalted themselves above the God of heaven. This is the reason that in prophecy the papal power is specified as the “man of sin.” Satan is the originator of sin. The power that he causes to alter any one of God’s holy precepts, is the man of sin. Under Satan’s special direction the papal power has done this very work.   

     Although those standing at the head of the Papacy claim to have great love for God, He looks upon them as haters of Him. They have turned the truth of God into a lie. Tampering with God’s commandments and placing in their stead human traditions, is the work of Satan, and will divorce the religious world from God; for He declares, “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.” God will fulfill this word (MS 126, 1901).    

     7-12 (see EGW on Matthew 7:21-23; Revelation 14:9-12;  17:1-5). Satan’s Miracles “Right in your Sight.”–The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in your sight, claiming that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firmly established upon the truth of God, then you will be led away from your foundation. The only safety for you is to search for truth as for hid treasures. Dig for the truth as you would for treasures in the earth, and present the word of God, the Bible, before your Heavenly Father and say, Enlighten me; teach me what is truth. . . . You should store the mind with the word of God; for you may be separated, and placed where you will not have the privilege of meeting with the children of God (RH April 3, 1888).    

     (2 Corinthians 11:14; James 5:13-16; Revelation 13:13, 14.) Miracle-working Deceptions of Satan.–None need be deceived. The law of God is as sacred as His throne, and by it every man who cometh into the world is to be judged. There is no other standard by which to test character. “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Now, shall the case be decided according to the Word of God, or shall man’s pretensions be credited?  {7BC 911.4} 

     Says Christ, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” If those through whom cures are performed, are disposed, on account of these manifestations, to excuse their neglect of the law of God and continue in disobedience, though they have power to any and every extent, it does not follow that they have the great power of God. On the contrary, it is the miracle-working power of the great deceiver. He is a transgressor of the moral law, and employs every device that he can master to blind men to its true character. We are warned that in the last days he will work with signs and lying wonders. And he will continue these wonders until the close of probation, that he may point to them as evidence that he is an angel of light and not of darkness (RH Nov. 17, 1885).    

     (Hebrews 12:26, 27; Revelation 12:11; 14:5.) Ordeal of the Sifting Time.–Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme. The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out–the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. . . . The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy (Letter 55, 1886). 

NOTE: Confrontation . pp. 88 – 92 Spiritism–Spiritualists are increasing in numbers. They will come to men who have the truth as Satan came to Christ, tempting them to manifest their power and work miracles and give evidence of their being favored of God and of their being the people who have the truth. Satan said to Christ, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Herod and Pilate asked Christ to work miracles when He was on trial for His life. Their curiosity was aroused, but Christ did not work a miracle to gratify them.

     Spiritualists will press the matter to engage in controversy with ministers who teach the truth. If they decline, they will dare them. They will quote Scripture, as did Satan to Christ. “Prove all things,” say they. But their idea of proving is to listen to their deceptive reasonings, and in attending their circles. But in their gatherings the angels of darkness assume the forms of dead friends and communicate with them as angels of light.

     Their loved ones will appear in robes of light, as familiar to the sight as when they were upon the earth. They will teach them and converse with them. And many will be deceived by this wonderful display of Satan’s power. The only safety for the people of God is to be thoroughly conversant with their Bibles, and be intelligent upon the reasons of our faith in regard to the sleep of the dead.

     Satan is a cunning foe. And it is not difficult for the evil angels to represent both saints and sinners who have died, and make these representations visible to human eyes. These manifestations will be more frequent, and developments of a more startling character will appear as we near the close of time. We need not be astonished at anything in the line of deceptions to allure the unwary and deceive, if possible, the very elect. Spiritualists quote, “Prove all things.” But God has, for the benefit of His people who live amid the perils of the last days, proved this class, and given the result of His proving.

     “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.

     John, upon the Isle of Patmos, saw the things which should come upon the earth in the last days. Revelation 13:13; 16:14: “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

     The apostle Peter distinctly points out the class which will be manifested in these last days.

     “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.” 2 Peter 2:10-14.

     God, in His Word, has placed His stamp [of condemnation] upon the heresies of spiritualism as He placed His mark upon Cain. The godly need not be deceived if they are students of the Scriptures and obedient to follow the plain path marked out for them in the Word of God.

     The boastful spiritualist claims great freedom, and in smooth, flowery language seeks to fascinate and delude unwary souls to choose the broad path of pleasure and sinful indulgence, rather than the narrow path and the straight way. Spiritualists call the requirements of God’s law bondage, and say those who obey them live a life of slavish fear. With smooth words and fair speeches they boast of their freedom and seek to cover their dangerous heresies with the garments of righteousness. They would make the most revolting crimes be considered as blessings to the race.

     They open before the sinner a wide door to follow the promptings of the carnal heart, and violate the law of God–especially the seventh commandment. Those who speak these great swelling words of vanity, and who triumph in their freedom in sin, promise those whom they deceive the enjoyment of freedom in a course of rebellion against the revealed will of God. These deluded souls are themselves in the veriest bondage to Satan and are controlled by his power, and yet promising liberty to those who will dare to follow the same course of sin that they themselves have chosen. The Scriptures are indeed fulfilled in this, that the blind are leading the blind. For by whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. These deluded souls are under the most abject slavery to the will of demons. They have allied themselves to the powers of darkness and have no strength to go contrary to the will of demons. This is their boasted liberty. By Satan are they overcome and brought into bondage, and the great liberty promised to those they deceive is helpless slavery to sin and Satan.   

     We are not to attend their circles, neither are our ministers to engage in controversy with them. They are of that class specified whom we should not invite into our houses or bid them Godspeed. We have to compare their teachings with the revealed will of God. We are not to engage in an investigation of spiritualism. God has investigated this for us, and told us definitely that a class would arise in the last days who would deny Christ who has purchased them with His own blood. The character of spiritualists is so plainly described that we need not be deceived by them. If we obey the divine injunction we shall have no sympathy with spiritualists, however smooth and fair may be their words.   

     The beloved John continues his warning against seducers: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.”   

     In Paul’s second Epistle to the Thessalonians, he exhorts to be on guard and not depart from the faith. He speaks of Christ’s coming as an event to immediately follow the work of Satan in spiritualism in these words: “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”    

     In the Epistle of Paul to Timothy, he foretells what will be manifested in the latter days. And this warning was for the benefit of those who should live when these things should take place. God revealed to His servant the perils of the church in the last days. He writes, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.”   

     The faithful Peter speaks of the dangers to which the Christian church would be exposed in the last days, and more fully describes the heresies which would arise and the blaspheming seducers who would seek to draw away souls after them. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”    

     Here God has worked out for us the proof of the class mentioned. They have refused to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God, and they have no more reverence for the eternal Father than for His Son, Jesus Christ. They have neither the Son nor the Father. And like their great leader, the rebel chief, they are in rebellion against the law of God, and they despise the blood of Christ.  

     We may rejoice in every condition of life, and triumph under all circumstances, because the Son of God came down from heaven and submitted to bear our infirmities, and to endure sacrifice and death in order to give to us immortal life. He will ever bear the marks of His earthly humiliation in man’s behalf. While the redeemed host and the pure angelic throng shall do Him honor and worship Him, He will carry the marks of one that has been slain. The more fully we appreciate the infinite sacrifice made in our behalf by a sin-atoning Saviour, the more closely do we come into harmony with heaven.  

God’s people delivered

What deliverance will God finally bring to His people in this controversy?

Revelation 15:2 And i saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name

Revelation 4:6 And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 

 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 

 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 

Note: Life Sketches (1915) – My first vision. Pg.66–then Jesus’ silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire. He gazed on the graves of the sleeping saints, then raised His eyes and hands to heaven, and cried, “Awake! awake! awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise.” Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted “Alleluia!” as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. 

     We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed them on our heads. He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some of them had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns. And they were all clothed with a glorious mantle from their shoulders to their feet. Angels were all about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate of the city. Jesus raised His mighty, glorious arm, laid hold of the pearly gate, swung it back on its glittering hinges, and said to us, “You have washed your robes in My blood, stood stiffly for My truth, enter in.” We all marched in and felt that we had a perfect right in the city.    

     Here we saw the tree of life and the throne of God. Out of the throne came a pure river of water, and on either side of the river was the tree of life. On one side of the river was a trunk of a tree, and a trunk on the other side of the river, both of pure, transparent gold. At first I thought I saw two trees. I looked again, and saw that they were united at the top in one tree. So it was the tree of life on either side of the river of life. Its branches bowed to the place where we stood, and the fruit was glorious; it looked like gold mixed with silver.

 What song will they sing?

Revelation 15:3   And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 

15:2  The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. 

 15:3  The LORD [is] a man of war: the LORD [is] his name. 

 Note: Our High Calling (1961) A school for Mind and Morals pg. 252–And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Revelation 15:3.  

     The great Architect has formed and fashioned the scenes of nature that they may have an important bearing upon man’s intellectual and moral character. These are to be God’s school to educate the mind and morals. Here the mind may have a vast field for study in the display of the majestic works of the Infinite One. The rocks are among the precious things of earth, containing treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In the rocks and mountains are registered the fact that God did destroy the wicked from off the earth by a flood.    

     Men thought themselves wiser than God, and altogether too wise to obey . . . the statutes and precepts of Jehovah. The rich things of earth which God had given them did not lead them to obedience, but away from obedience, because they misused their choice favors of heaven, and made the blessings given them of God objects to separate from God. And because they became satanic in their nature, rather than divine, the Lord sent the flood of waters upon the old world.    

     God is full of love and plenteous in mercy; but He will by no means acquit those who neglect the great salvation He has provided. The long-lived antediluvians were swept from the earth because they made void the divine law. God will not again bring from the heavens above and the earth beneath waters as His weapons to use in the destruction of the world; but when next His vengeance shall be poured out against those who despise His authority, they will be destroyed by fire concealed in the bowels of the earth, awakened into intense activity by fires from heaven above. Then from the purified earth shall arise a song of praise: “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:13. “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” And every one who has made the heavenly treasure the first consideration, . . . will join in the glad triumphant strain.

What was the song of Moses?

Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 

 Judges 5:1-3 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, 

 5:2 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. 

 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, [even] I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing [praise] to the LORD God of Israel.

 2 Samuel 22: 1-8 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 

 22:2  And he said, The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 

 22:3  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. 

 22:4  I will call on the LORD, [who is] worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 

 Psalms 106: 12,21,22 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.