Does Revelation describe the Roman Catholic Church?

Does Revelation 17:5" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 17:5 describe the Roman Catholic Church?

The history of Babylon with its religious implications goes back to Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-10;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 10:8-10; Genesis 11:1-9)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 11:1-9). Old Testament references to Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14)," TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 8:14), the queen of heaven (Jeremiah 7:18;" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 7:18; Jeremiah 44:17-19, 25)" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 44:17-19, 25) and Baal point to the abominations of Babylon’s confusion. Zechariah 5:5-11" TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 5:5-11 sees a woman who embodies all wickedness and whose house is built in Shinar (Babylon, see Gen 10:10)." TARGET="_blank">Gen 10:10). The influence of "the mother of harlots and abominations" preceded Christendom. Her influence is obvious in the greatest institution in Christendom with its use of the title "Pontifex Maximus," with the worship of the mother and child, and with the proliferation of idols for "worship." When, however, Babylon is seen in her most complete manifestation, why ignore her pre-Christian roots and limit her to an "institution of Christendom"? She has corrupted all forms of false worship and will likely embrace them all in her "greatest hour." Although she will unite all worship that rivals the true God, she will be eclipsed by the "abomination that makes desolate" (see Daniel 9:27;" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:15), a man claiming worship as God (2 Thessalonians 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:4).

D. Oliver
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How does Satan communicate?

Satan was a created cherub (Ezekiel 28:14)," TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 28:14), one of the angelic orders. As such, he operates in the realm of spirits. Though fallen, he remains a spirit being.

Two references will suffice to show his work in the spirit realm. In Acts 5:3," TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:3, Peter asked Ananias, "Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?" Since the human spirit is related to knowledge, to the mind (1 Corinthians 2:11)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:11), Satan is able to insinuate thoughts into the human mind.

The soul is also part of man’s spirit being and relates to the emotions (Matthew 12:18; 26:38)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 12:18; 26:38). Since the Lord tempts no man with evil (James 1:13)," TARGET="_blank">James 1:13), it seems necessary to understand that "an evil spirit from the Lord" (1 Samuel 16:14)" TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 16:14) that afflicted Saul was permitted by God, not directed by Him. This evil spirit affected Saul’s emotions, bringing him into a form of depression and violent anger.

The conclusion, then, is that Satan communicates with men through their mind and emotions.

In both of these cases, Satan’s communication does not override the responsibility of the individual. Ananias was responsible for the acts he committed in response to Satan’s initiative. As strong as Satan is, we can resist (James 4:7)" TARGET="_blank">James 4:7) his mental and emotional attacks. Our will determines our response to Satan’s communication.

D. Oliver
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Is it just believers in the free world who seem to be spared from the persecution?

Is it just believers in the free world who seem to be spared from the persecution?

Apart from the availability of international news, believers in the "free world" would likely assume that persecution for Christ is an ancient concept. Mass murders, economic oppression, social isolation, and immoral harassment consistently face many believers. The persecution is systematic, violent, and persistent. Our Christian brothers and sisters in some countries know by experience that "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 14:22). Some who come from foreign shores to the "free world" hear and receive the gospel message. As a result, they face strong opposition from their family. Sometimes, returning to their native country involves the threat of death. "Remember... them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body" (Heb 13:3)." TARGET="_blank">Heb 13:3).

The Scriptures also remind us, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2Ti 3:12)." TARGET="_blank">2Ti 3:12). In subtle ways, believers living in the "free world" face coercion to conform to ungodly thinking and practices. Their beliefs draw scorn, belittlement, dismissal, and isolation in the classroom and workplace. When they make every attempt to be considerate, reasonable, consistent, and faithful, their testimony, although blessed by God, may often meet the stone wall of condescending sneers. Our God still places highest value on faithfulness (1Co 4:2)." TARGET="_blank">1Co 4:2).

D. Oliver
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What language will be spoken in the Millennium and beyond?

What language will be spoken in the Millennium and beyond?

This was likely debated by the Puritans who also tried to investigate how many angels could stand on the head of a pin.

Because the Lord spoke from heaven in the Hebrew tongue to Saul (Acts 26:14)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:14), some have concluded that Hebrew is the language of heaven. However, in the days of His flesh, the Lord communicated in Aramaic (Matthew 27:46)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 27:46). The Spirit communicated with John and the seven churches in Greek. God communicates in the language people understand.

Just as all the earth had one language originally (Genesis 11:1)," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 11:1), so the Lord confounded (mixed) the language of all the earth (v 9). That seems to clearly state that all extant languages are a result of this intervention of God. Therefore, the "original" language does not exist.

If this is so, God has not revealed the answer to this question.

D. Oliver
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Why did the Lord forbid seething a kid in its mother

Why did the Lord forbid seething a kid in its mother’s milk?

This is stated three times in the Law (Exodus 23:19; 34:26;" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 23:19; 34:26; Deuteronomy 14:21)." TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 14:21). Twice this ritual is contrasted with giving their first fruits to the Lord (Exodus 23:19; 34:26)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 23:19; 34:26). The other time, this prohibition precedes the statement of their responsibility to bring their tithes to the Lord and to eat before Him at their three harvest festivals. Their tithes, their festivals, and their first fruits all expressed their indebtedness to the Lord. Their fruitfulness in the land depended solely on His power.

This lends credence to the suggestion that seething a young goat in its mother’s milk was a heathen practice. The heathen attributed the prosperity of their flocks to this superstitious ritual, which had no evidence to support its effectiveness.

Believers in the business world are wise to utilize every proven means of success in their work, but never to depend on them, no matter how effective. The Lord wants us to learn dependence on Him in all our endeavors.

D. Oliver
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Should unbelievers confess their sins in order to be saved?

Is 1" TARGET="_blank">Is 1 John 1:9" TARGET="_blank">John 1:9 written to believers or unbelievers?

John uses the first person (plural), "we", speaking as one of those to whom truth has been entrusted directly through experience with the Lord (verses 1-5). The truth is "God is light." John uses the second person, "you," in addressing believers, "little children" (verses 3-5; 2:1, etc.). He uses the third person, "he," referring to those whose teaching is contrary to truth (2:4-9). John’s teaching must be consistent with God’s character, so he points out three things he could not teach, "if we say" (verses 6, 8, 10).

Each of John’s "if we say" statements is contrary to the truth in the preceding verse. Verses 5 and 6 deal with sin as the characteristic of our life - impossible! Verses 7 and 8 deal with sin as the contagion of our nature; "the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son" eternally removes the defilement of this before God. Verses 9 and 10 deal with sin as the consequence of our actions; confession of those sins restores the enjoyment of fellowship with our Father.

Unbelievers do not confess their sins in order to be forgiven. They repent of their sins (Acts 17:30)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 17:30) and trust Christ for forgiveness (Acts 13:38, 39)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 13:38, 39).

D. Oliver
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What are the "signs of the times" according to the Bible?

How should we evaluate "signs of the times"?

The context of discerning "the signs of the times" (Matthew 6:3)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 6:3) is Jewish, referring to prophecies of the Messiah. Some prophecies were fulfilled by His incarnation and ministry Others will be fulfilled at His coming to establish His millennial reign. "Signs" and "times ' relate to God's prophetic program for Israel. The church and its hope are not governed by these, although, while awaiting our Deliverer from that coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10)," TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 1:10), we are cognizant of God's preparation for the fulfillment of these prophecies. Rather than causing us to set dates, our awareness of prophecy helps us to live and teach in keeping with the spiritual needs of the declining hour. Knowing God's coming judgments on the world system confirms our need to separate from it. Daily looking for our Deliverer will increase sacrificial loyalty to His Name.

J. Smith

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What is "very God of very God"?

Is there anything wrong, when seeking to defend the real Deity and true humanity of our Lord, in making use of the statement, “He is very God of very God, and very Man of very man?”

The words, “very God of very God” were inserted in the creed of the Nican elders and teachers at the council of Nica in A.D. 325," TARGET="_blank">D. 325, for whose faithful contending for the faith we may well thank God. They were intended to safeguard the true Deity of Christ, in opposition to the soul-destroying heresies of Anus, which denied it. They affirmed that the Son, though truly said to be the only begotten of the Father, is no less truly God—co-equal, co-substantial, and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit. The creed, like every human writing must be tested by the Word of God. In this case, I judge, the expression in question to be quite legitimate and laudable. But the expression, “very Man of very man,” stands on other footing. It does not, for one thing, occur in the Nicene creed, nor, as far as I know, in any other, and in my judgment ought to be avoided. It is an attempt to express “the secret things” of the Incarnation, but seems to ignore the part the Holy Spirit had in the conception—”That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” We must and do insist on the true humanity of our Lord, but without attempting to define how it was produced.

W.H.

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Is the "fear of death" no longer satanic in its origin?

This page was adapted from an answer at Truth and Tidings Magazine by David Oliver.

Satan used Adam as the instrument to bring death into the world (Romans 5:12)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:12). So it may be said the Satan is the origin of death in the world. The fear of death, though, has human origins. However Satan can use it effectively as his tool.

The verse, therefore is not making a difference between those who lived before Christ and others who were born after the cross. It would be incorrect to say that believers or unbelievers in times before Christ were more afraid of death. However, it is correct to say that we have a much clearer understanding of Eternity and life after death. We should anticipate heaven more than even the greatest saints of the Old Testament.

D. Oliver

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Is the tribulation less than 7 years long?

I have read somewhere that the Tribulation, a period of seven years, would be shortened by 220 days, which the writer confirmed by a reference to Daniel 8:13" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 8:13 and 14. Is this so?

I do not think there is the least justification for saying that the Great Tribulation is to last seven years. That is the length of time for which the Covenant is made between the Prince (or last Great Head of the Roman Empire Revived—otherwise known as the first Beast) and many of Israel, under the Antichrist, or second Beast (Daniel 9." TARGET="_blank">Daniel 9. and Revelation 13)," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 13), but it is only when the Covenant is broken in the midst of the week, and the daily sacrifice taken away, that the Great Tribulation and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” will occur (Jeremiah 30:7;" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:21). It is quite clear from the last passage that the days of the Great Tribulation will be shortened—”For the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (v. 22). But by how much, is another question. I have myself believed that this may be inferred from Daniel 8:13, 14." TARGET="_blank">Daniel 8:13, 14. The question in the former verse refers to the vision concerning the daily sacrifice and the transgression of desolation (or that maketh desolate), and the answer is, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days—then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” —that is, 220 days less than the full tribulation of 3 years, but that does not say that the period of seven years will be shortened, but that in some way the years of the Great Tribulation will be. How this will be effected we can safely leave in the hands of God, who alone is sufficient.

W.H.

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