Chapter 3:
An Era of Spiritual Darkness
“…take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:4-5
Introduction
The scene opens with the Christian church in a state of apostasy. Slowly over a period of time, compromise changed the church into the very representation of Satan's kingdom. The church structure that followed would stand to be the most persecuting entity the world has ever known. In spite of the persecution, God preserves a remnant. They are the ones who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: PROPHECY
Paul prophesied that a “falling away” will happen in the church and “the man of sin” would be revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-7)
GC 49.1
Concept: PROPHECY
Daniel prophesied that a power called the “little horn” would take over and blaspheme God. (Daniel 7:19-25)
Concept: PROPHECY
John prophesied that a “leopard-like beast with seven heads and ten horns” would come to power and and persecute the “saints.” (Revelation 13:1-9)
Concept: PROPHECY
Jesus prophesied that deception will occur and false will Christs appear in the church. (Matthew 24:4-8)
Concept: APOSTASY
Little by little, over a period of time, secretly at first then openly as it increased in strength, heathen customs entered into the church leading to apostasy.
GC 49.2
Concept: APOSTASY
The authority of the Church usurps the authority of Christ and makes concessions to pagan feasts, festivals, and traditions.
Event: FORMATION OF THE PAPACY
Man fails where Jesus conquered. Satan’s representative, the pope seeks to rule all the world
GC 50.2 - 51.1
“Romanists have persisted in bringing against Protestants the charge of heresy and willful separation from the true church. But these accusations apply rather to themselves. They are the ones who laid down the banner of Christ and departed from “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3. ”
Event: Holy Scriptures Suppressed
In order to maintain his control over the church, the pope prohibited the Bible to be read or owned.
GC 51.3
Concept: IDOLATRY
The adoration of graven images.
The man of sin would “think to change times and laws.” (Daniel 7:25) The second commandment is broken to provide a substitute to pagan convert’s idols.
GC 51.4
Discussion Question
What constitutes the Biblical church?
People: CONSTANTINE THE GREAT (312-337 AD)
Roman Emperor
A supposed convert to Christianity who sought to promote unity between his pagan and Christian subjects.
GC 53.1
Event: EDICT OF MILAN (313 AD)
Constantine issued the Edict of Milan tolerating Christianity in the Roman empire ending the killing of Christians in the colosseum.
Event: FIRST SUNDAY LAW (321 AD)
In 321 Constantine signed into law that both Christians and pagans should all join together in worship on “the venerable day of the sun.”
The Seventh-day Sabbath Suppressed
The fourth commandment of God is set aside and His authority is disregarded by popes and bishops in favor of a pagan holiday dedicated to the sun.
GC 52.1 - 53.3
Event: COUNCIL OF NICEA (325 AD)
With the recommendation of bishops, Constantine called the first Council of Nicaea in order to organize and unite the Christian church into one body and one creed.
Event: ERA OF PAPAL SUPREMACY
(538-1798 AD)
Emperor Justinian declares the pope head over entire church giving him power to enforce laws against heretics, marking a period of history also known as “The Dark Ages.” (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5-7)
GC 54.2 - 55.1
Event: PAPAL INFALLIBILITY DECLARED 1075 AD
Pope Gregory VII declared the Roman Church infallible and insisted that it would never err.
Event: HENRY IV HUMBLED BY POPE GREGORY VII (1077 AD)
Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor and King of Germany was excommunicated by the pope for declaring the pope’s rule invalid. In order to secure his kingdom and avoid revolts from his catholic subjects, he traveled to a castle in Canossa, Italy where he could reconcile with the pope. He waited for three days in the snow without shoes before the pope would see him. (GC 57.3)
Concept: IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL
The belief that there is life after death and that one can continue sinning and live. It is the root cause of all other heresies of Romanism such as prayers to saints, worship of Mary, and Eternal Hell.
Concept: PURGATORY
Another invention of the papacy that claims that there is a place of torment that one goes to pay for their sins before going to heaven.
Concept: INDULGENCES
The payment of money to have past, present, future sins forgiven and avoid purgatory.
GC 58.2 - 59.2
Concept: THE MASS
The Lord’s Supper is replaced by a ceremony which blasphemously pretends to convert wine and bread into the blood and body of Christ also known as transubstantiation.
Event: THE INQUISITION (c1200 - 1800s AD)
A group of Catholic institutions that were set up to enforce the will of the church and fight against what they called heresy. Hundreds to millions of people were tortured and killed who did not yield the pope.
The True Church Fled
Persecution for God's remnant people returns through Papal Rome. The true church flees to secluded places to escape for a time. (Revelation 12:6)
What does this have to do with me today?
How much would I compromise to obtain “peace?”
Do I know someone in the church who believes in popular unbiblical falsehoods?
How can I recognize errors and how should I respond to them?
What kind of church am I a part of?