Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The World to Come. The Restored Church of God presents David C. Pack. Answering life’s
greatest questions straight from the Bible, and announcing the wonderful good news of
the World to Come.
Our subject is the 4 Horsemen of Revelation 6. We began last time with the White Horse
and rider. Many think they understand Bible prophecy.
However, few profess to understand the book of Revelation. And all popular human interpretations
of this book, at best, border on ludicrous. They are a complete jumble of ideas where
a little truth is invariably mixed with much error!
This is Part 2 identifying the mysterious 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. We have already
revealed the true author of Revelation---Jesus Christ, not the apostle John---along with
how the prophecies in this book have been unlocked. We also saw how Jesus' Olivet prophecy
precisely interpreted the Revelation Horsemen. The identity of the White Horse and its rider
were seen to be counterfeit Christianity. Crucial foundation has been laid. Therefore,
Part 2 is not the place to start---or you will be lost before you begin. There is much
more to learn. Let's continue with the truth almost no one knows about the Revelation 6
White Horse and rider!
Beginning in the first century, false Christianity arose, while war, famine and pestilence---depicted
by the other 3 horses---continued more or less as they had always been. False religion
became more firmly entrenched in the third and fourth centuries, but this was only a
precursor---a tiny type---of what would follow at the end of the age.
Since false teachers and ministers have been plying their trade for centuries, Jesus' warning
for the end of the age must involve a big increase in the power, prevalence and influence
of false Christianity. Think of it this way: At the end of the age, the White Horse suddenly
accelerates from a relative standstill to a full run!
False religion, war, famine and pestilence have continued off and on for the last two
millennia. But this does not mean that the first 4 seals of Revelation 6 were opened
2,000 years ago, and have been slowly accelerating to an all-out sprint just before Christ's
Return. Rather, the absolute explosion of these things---these conditions---in the last
days is such that Jesus is, in effect, telling us that the tremendous increase of these things
is the opening of the first four seals! This broadcast, along with others in this
Horsemen series, will bring a chilling picture of how this is happening, and will continue
to happen. Before examining some history of this counterfeit
Christian system, let's review a number of scriptures that warn of a movement that attempts
to pass itself off as the standard-bearer of truth, but that is shrouded in mystery
and deceit. Despite these inspired warnings from the apostles Peter, Paul, John and others,
most have been ensnared by this clever fraud: We begin with, "Beloved, believe not every
spirit, but try [that means test] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false
prophets are gone out into the world." Now another, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence
to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and
exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto
the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained
to this condemnation, ungodly men, [Get this!] turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness
[license], and denying the…Lord Jesus Christ." Now a third: "For the mystery of iniquity
[that’s lawlessness] does already work..." False teachers always deny the necessity of
keeping God's Law. Referenced in Part 1, this admonition to the
Corinthians defines how effectively these early false teachers misled the unsuspecting:
"But I fear [Paul wrote], lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety,
so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that
comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit,
which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well
bear with him." Next, Paul singles out ministers who appear
to represent the truth, but are actually led by another spirit: "For such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel;
for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if
his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according
to their works." Can you comprehend the gravity of this scripture?
Most do not recognize false ministers because they appear to be true---ministers of light---just
as the "god of this world" appears to be the true God. The devil is an effective counterfeiter!
He counterfeits true ministers with false, true doctrines with false and the true God
with the false god---himself! Peter added a similar warning: "There shall
be false teachers among you, who privily [the Greek also means craftily, secretly] shall
bring in damnable heresies…and many shall follow their pernicious ways."
Paul warns that this condition will worsen at the end: "This know also, that in the last
days perilous times shall come…evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving,
and being deceived." Deceit is not new to planet Earth. But Paul
warns of deceivers---"seducers"---growing worse "in the last days"!
We are now ready to examine how this counterfeit system began. As this is done, bear in mind
that it is not my purpose to attack or slander churches or individuals. But the Bible and
history clearly identify a large and powerful false system and its offshoots (or "daughters"),
and there is simply no escaping directly identifying this system.
Not long after the establishment of the New Testament Church at Jerusalem in AD 31, men
motivated by a different spirit than that given to the disciples on Pentecost began
to infiltrate and influence the Church. The result is well known to honest historians.
The German historian Mosheim wrote of the early Church, "Christian churches had scarcely
been gathered and organized, when here and there men rose up, who, not being contented
with the simplicity and purity of that religion which the apostles taught, sought out new
inventions, and fashioned religion according to their own liking."
Author Jesse Hurlbut called this period after the time covered by the book of Acts "The
Age of Shadows." Notice: "...of all periods in the [church's] history, it is the one about
which we know the least…For 50 years after St. Paul's life a curtain hangs over the church,
through which we strive vainly to look; and when at last it rises about 120 A.D. with
the writings of the earliest church fathers, we find a church in many aspects very different
from that in the days of St. Peter and St. Paul."
A study of first-century history confirms that a corrupted form of Christianity appeared
on the scene shortly after the start of the New Testament Church in AD 31, brought by
agents such as Simon Magus---magus means "sorcerer" or "magician"---the leader of the Babylonian
Mystery religion in Samaria. Simon Magus can be considered the founder
of the heretical movement in the New Testament age. Ironically, many who rejected this man
unwittingly followed his practices. Among them were Justin Martyr, Jerome and other
writers of the second and following centuries. Simon's first contact with God's Church is
found in Acts 8. Let’s read: "But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime
in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself
was some great one: to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,
this man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long
time he had [note this] bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching
the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,
both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued
with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done…"
After Simon was baptized, he witnessed the Holy Spirit being given with the laying on
of the apostles' hands. Showing his true motivation, Simon offered money for this power.
Starting with other Samaritans, Simon Magus later managed to attract a large following
in Rome. Many there considered him a god, erecting a statue to him on the Tiber River.
Much of his success could be attributed to his magic demonstrations, such as demon-assisted
levitation. These supernatural parlor tricks later earned him several audiences with the
emperor Nero. It is the confusion of two different "Simons"
that has given rise to one of the very greatest frauds of all history. Catholics have always
claimed the apostle Peter (Simon Peter) was the first Roman bishop, and was martyred and
buried in Rome. But Peter's commission was to serve those called to God's Church among
the lost 10 tribes of Israel that had been scattered after being taken into captivity.
Galatians 2:7-8 describes those of the "circumcision." In neither his nor Paul's letters is there
any indication that Peter was ever in Rome. Even if he were brought there for execution,
the fact remains that he never served there. There are at least 10 solid biblical reasons
proving this. (My book Where is the True Church? ---and Its Incredible History! carefully lists
them.) Halley's Bible Handbook labels the claim that
Simon Peter was the first pope "Fiction, pure and simple."
Now notice this quote from Alexander Hislop's The Two Babylons: "The keys that the Pope
bore were the keys of a 'Peter' well known to the Pagans initiated in the Chaldean Mysteries.
That Peter the apostle was ever Bishop of Rome has been proved again and again to be
an arrant fable. That he ever even set foot in Rome is at the best highly doubtful. His
visit to that city rests on no better authority than that of a writer at the end of the second
century or beginning of the third…it can be shown to be by no means doubtful that before
the Christian era, and downwards, there was A 'Peter' at Rome, who occupied the highest
place in the Pagan priesthood. The priest who explained the Mysteries to the initiated
was sometimes called by a Greek term, the Hierophant; but in primitive Chaldee, the
real language of the Mysteries, his title, as pronounced without the points, was 'Peter'
---i.e., 'the interpreter.'" The person of great "distinction" who bore
the title of "Peter" at Rome was, in fact, Simon Magus! The title of "Peter" or "Pater"
or "Patre" was one of religious primacy. Thus, Simon Magus carried the title Simon "Peter"---"Papa,"
"Father" and "Pope" are derived from the word Pater, from which comes our words paternal
and patriarch. Here is Jesus' command regarding such titles: "And call no man your father
upon the earth: for One is your Father, which is in heaven." This verse forbids "Father"
as a religious title, as was practiced in the Babylonian Mystery religion. Let's add,
never mind "Holy Father," which is the role of God the Father.
It should be said that crediting Simon Magus as the founder of today's universal church
system would not be fully accurate. He died around AD 68. It took nearly 3 centuries for
that system to amass power and to evolve, through all the stages of modifying and counterfeiting
doctrine, into the form recognized today. Simon Magus' successors were equally zealous
in sowing the seeds of heresy to counter the true apostles' work. His followers included
such names as Menander, Nicholas, Cerinthus and Marcion.
By the beginning of the second century, churches advocating a hybrid Christianity---mixing
the name and some few teachings of Christ with rank Babylonish paganism---were gaining
strength. Although it would take another two centuries before they would be given substantial
authority, their mission accelerated during the 100s A.D.
The emerging counterfeit church substituted the true doctrines taught by Jesus and the
apostles with false teachings from the Babylon Mystery religion. Alexander Hislop also wrote
that there are very few of the current practices of this counterfeit church system that cannot
be traced back to the pagan rituals of Babylon. The doctrines of the Sabbath and Holy Days
were dismissed as "Judaizing." The popular pagan ideas of the immortal soul, going to
heaven, and burning forever in hell were adopted. The doctrine of the millennial rule of the
kingdom of God was gradually phased out. The unbiblical trinity concept was gradually accepted.
Idolatry (including image and Mary worship) became acceptable---and the Second Commandment
was effectively rejected. Notice again that the many are deceived, not
the few. Here are Christ’s words: "For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ;
and shall deceive many." Both the "manys" here---ministers and laymembers---represent
the overwhelming majority, as demonstrated by history. By the middle of the second century,
the true followers of Christ were a small minority! The counterfeit movement openly
denounced those who remained loyal to the teachings of the original apostles. Leaders
such as John's successor, Polycarp, and Polycarp's disciple, Polycrates, were among the very
few holding to the full truth in the Greco-Roman world.
In the early 300s, during the time of the most severe persecution against all professing
Christians, the Roman armies declared their favorite general, Constantine, to be Caesar.
He had claimed victory after subduing the opposition in the Battle of Milvian Bridge
outside Rome. Prior to that battle, he was said to have
had a vision of the first two letters of the name of Christ---and to have heard a voice
say, "By this sign you will conquer." Constantine believed the meaning of the letters was symbolic
of Christ, and therefore felt indebted to Christianity for his victory---despite being
a devout sun-worshipper. One of Constantine's first acts as emperor
was to issue the Edict of Toleration in AD 311. It legalized Christianity in the empire,
ending 10 years of severe persecution against the true Church, but also against all others
who professed to follow Christ. However, this edict served to speed up false Christianity's
rise to prominence. The Roman leader saw this new religion as
a potential means of unifying the empire. Yet its practice in the Western empire was
quite different from that in the east and from other sects in North Africa. So Constantine
took measures to standardize his newfound ally---counterfeit Christianity.
Constantine convened the ecumenical Council of Nicea in AD 325 to resolve doctrinal differences
between various Christian divisions. Before this, again, as a former sun-worshipper, he
had naturally already decreed that Sunday---the day of the sun---would be kept throughout
the empire. The Council of Nicea went further, in effect outlawing the practice of true Christianity.
But the unscriptural teachings of the emerging counterfeit church were now decreed as part
of the new state religion. As its protector, Constantine forced everyone---pagan or Christian---into
either conformity or exile. Prior to Constantine, the professing Christian
church--- founded by Simon Magus---had suffered persecution by the state, alongside the small
true Church. But now in their elevated position of power, the persecuted became the persecutors.
This counterfeit false church's goal had now been achieved---and it now vengefully pursued
the true people of God. Where Is the True Church?---and Its Incredible History! reveals
the incredible story of the persecution of God's Church.
Jesus' admonition of "then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted [tortured], and shall
kill you" began very early, with 11 of the 12 original apostles being martyred, John
being the only exception. The prophet Daniel, in chapter 7, presents
a prophecy in which the false church, described as a "little horn," is allied with what is
called "the 4th Beast" (which is the Roman Empire). I have very carefully explained this
in other broadcasts. Let's now read: "I beheld, and the same horn [the false church] made
war with the saints, and prevailed against them…And he [the horn] shall speak great
words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think
to change times and laws: and they [the saints] shall be given into his hand…"
We see that this system "made war with the saints," "prevailed against them," "spoke
great words against the Most High," and was to "wear out the saints." This "little horn"
is the same counterfeit movement whose rise to power we have summarized from Church history.
As we proceed, it will become evident how deadly this "little horn speaking great things"
would become in regard to the true Church---and for all civilization.
To learn more about this "little horn" and the "fourth Beast" described in Daniel 7,
read our thorough booklet Who or What Is the Beast of Revelation?
Jesus declared, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly." But when the universal church system---the Revelation 6 White Horse and
rider---asserts power, it has brought destruction and death!
Most have assumed that the counterfeit church, having developed into a large and powerful
organization, has brought a stabilizing influence to the world. They have believed that this
church has injected a sense of morality and responsibility into mankind's collective consciousness.
But the rider of this white horse has called down numerous wars in the name of religion.
History reveals that this church has been the chief cause of war within its jurisdiction,
either indirectly or directly. It has inspired "conquering and to conquer"---as we saw from
Revelation 6. Let's read extensively from antiquity: "Now,
this Ninus, or 'Son,' borne in the arms of the Babylonian Madonna, is so described as
very clearly to identify him with *** [recall what we learned in Part 1 about ***]. 'Ninus,
king of the Assyrians,' says Trogus Pompeius, epitomised by Justin, 'first of all changed
the contented moderation of the ancient manners, incited by a new passion, the desire of conquest.
He was the first who carried on war against his neighbours, and he conquered all nations
from Assyria to Lybia, as they were yet unacquainted with the arts of war.' This account points
directly to ***, and can apply to no other. "'Ninus, the most ancient of the Assyrian
kings mentioned in history, performed great actions. Being naturally of a warlike disposition,
and ambitious of glory that results from valour, he armed a considerable number of young men
that were brave and vigorous like himself, trained them up a long time in laborious exercises
and hardships, and by that means accustomed them to bear the fatigues of war, and to face
dangers with intrepidity.'" How obvious the connection of an ancient system and its first
leader to its modern descendant. Consider a few more examples of the merciless
approach this horrific system has taken through the centuries, beginning with God's Church.
Not content with merely driving God's servants into the wilderness, armies controlled by
the counterfeit church pursued them, intending to wipe them out completely.
Accounts speak of how in AD 1290, in the town of Beziers, Crusaders entered churches and
butchered refugees hiding inside. The bodies of slaughtered thousands---men, women and
children, including babies---were stacked like cordwood. (I have personally read such
accounts.) Now another. Nearby, in Montsegur, 200 accused "heretics" were seized, pulled
outside the city and thrown onto a giant funeral pyre where they were incinerated alive.
Here is an account of what happened next: "This done…the Bishop, together with the
monks and their attendants, returned to the refectory and, after giving thanks to God
and St. Dominic, fell cheerfully upon the food set before them."
Now consider this chilling description as witnesses saw the flames: "The people shout
their approval; the inquisitors sit, hands folded, deeply shocked by all the wickedness
in the world, serene in their own virtue, in bringing about justice, so clever that---although
they have brought those groaning, fainting men and women to this horror---because they
abandoned them in time to the secular arm [the civil authorities], there is no blood
on their hands…" The same author adds, "The long ceremony, the chanting of monks, the
tolling of bells, the smell of incense, the holiness of the proceedings has a comforting
effect. All has been sanctified by these things." ABOMINABLE! The record of history tells us
these things. The leadership of this church believed it
held limitless power over human lives, and much more. The next quote shows how particular
popes elevated their position above that of God Himself. May it chill your very bones:
"Innocent III (1198-1216). Most Powerful of all the Popes. Claimed to be 'Vicar of Christ,'
'Vicar of God,' 'Supreme Sovereign over the Church and the World.' Claimed the right to
Depose Kings and Princes; and that [Get this!] 'All things on earth and in heaven and in
hell are subject to the Vicar of Christ.' "He brought the Church into Supreme Control
of the State. The Kings of Germany, France, England, and practically all the Monarchs
of Europe obeyed his will. He even brought the Byzantine Empire under his control. Never
in history has any one man exerted more power." "The Inquisition, called the 'Holy Office,'
was instituted by Pope Innocent III [what a name], and perfected under the second following
Pope, Gregory IX. It was the Church Court for Detection and Punishment of Heretics.
Under it everyone was required to inform against Heretics. Anyone suspected was liable to Torture,
without knowing the name of his accuser. The proceedings were secret. The Inquisitor pronounced
sentence, and the victim was turned over to Civil Authorities to be Imprisoned for Life,
or to be Burned. The victim's property was confiscated, and divided between the Church
and the State." Dr. Henry Halley summarizes this dark time:
"In the period immediately following Pope Innocent III the Inquisition did its most
deadly work against the Albigenses [a name given to the true Church in northern Italy
and southern France]…but also claimed vast multitudes of victims in Spain, Italy, Germany
and the Netherlands. "Later on the Inquisition was the main agency
in the Papacy's effort to Crush the Reformation. It is stated that in [just] the 30 years between
1540 and 1570 no fewer than 900,000…were put to death in the Pope's war…"
"Think of Monks and Priests, in holy garments, directing, with Heartless Cruelty and Inhuman
Brutality, the work of Torturing and Burning alive Innocent Men and Women, and doing it
in the Name of Christ, by the direct order of the 'Vicar of Christ.'
"The Inquisition was the Most Infamous and Devilish Thing in Human History. It was devised
by Popes, and used by them for 500 years, to Maintain their Power."
Can you imagine a church, professing to represent Jesus Christ's government on Earth, maintaining
control through such a reign of terror? This could only be the counterfeit rider of the
White Horse! In Part 3, the last before examination of
the Red Horse of war, we will see in much more detail the impact that this counterfeit
system has had on all nations. We will also learn what plans the universal church has
for the world---plans that will culminate in events that will soon affect every human
being! Until next time, this is David C. Pack saying,
"Goodbye, friends." This program was made available by Restored
Church of God members and donors from around the globe. Explore our vast library of literature
and other World to Come programs which are all made available free of charge. To learn
more, or to find a local congregation, contact us to receive a personal response from a minister.
1