Paganism in the Church

Paganism in the Church part 1

Today I'd like to introduce a series of talks entitled "Paganism In The Church." And friends, I will not be pulling any punches during this special series of broadcasts. I can't even tell you how long they will continue, but the time has come for us to see the reality of this age- old controversy between good and evil. Multitudes of Christians complacently accept the trappings of heathen doctrine without even recognizing its evil origin. Unless we know the full truth of what the Bible teaches on these great doctrines, the enemy of our souls will be able to masquerade his own lies in the costume of truth.

Today there are only two supernatural powers operating in the world around us-the power of God and the power of Satan. If something is taking place before our eyes which has no explanation from a human basis, it would have to be accounted for by one of the great superhuman powers of God or Satan.

In today's broadcast I would like for us to trace through time and through the Bible how the devil has so cleverly counterfeited many of the good things of God that millions are actually ascribing good things to Satan and evil things to God. The impersonation and imitation on the part of Satan has been so subtle and deceptive that entire Christian churches have been deceived by it.

It all started in the days of Adam and Eve when God instituted a religious ceremony after the entrance of sin. It was to be a temporary system pointing forward to a divine Saviour who would redeem the world from the curse of sin and death. It revolved around the slaying of a lamb representing the Messiah who would later come to give His own life as an atoning substitute for man. That system of sacrifice was not easy for Adam and Eve to carry out. They had to watch an innocent animal bleed to death by their own hand. Every time they lifted that knife to cut the throat of another beautiful lamb their own sin and its terrible results came vividly to mind.

Satan watched Adam very closely as he went through this ceremony. By observing the symbolism of that sacrificial offering Satan realized that God had given Adam a way of escape from his sinful dilemma, and he determined to do something about it. If he could set up his own sacrificial system that would turn men away from the worship of God, he could be worshiped instead of the Creator. By cleverly counterfeiting the institutions of God Satan himself could build a religious system that would honor him instead of the true God of heaven. So immediately he began to set about to institute his own sacrificial system that would even demand more than God's system. As we shall find later it even required the offering up of sons and daughters. Also, since God had established a special holy day for His worship in the Garden of Eden-the Sabbath-Satan determined that he also would have a special day of worship that would glorify him.

The overall counterfeit plan of Satan involved robbing God of His authority and worship. In Isaiah 14:13,14 the course was laid out by the boastful words of Lucifer. He said, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."

Now friends, there is the embryo of Satan's plan. If he intended to be like God he would have to have a government, a throne, and a false worship based on a counterfeit religion. I want you to see how he established that substitute form of worship. It was to be set up on the principle of sun-worship. Since the sun was the most potent force in nature and was the source of earthly light and power, it seemed a ready made symbol of Satan himself and what he was seeking to ascribe to himself.

But let's pause now and get the Bible authority for this plan of the devil. First of all, notice that Lucifer's name actually means "day star." You will find that in the margin of your Bible by Isaiah 14:12. Describing Satan the Bible says, "thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness." Ezekiel 28:17. Listen, the day star of this world is the sun and that is why Lucifer or Satan chose the sun as the object through which he would be worshiped. And even though it took hundreds of years to achieve, Satan scored a strategic victory in his campaign for sun worship when he finally was able to substitute the pagan day of sun worship in place of God's true seventh-day Sabbath. And the greatest tragedy is that millions of modern Christians are unaware that, by keeping Sunday, they are rejecting the one great sign God commanded men to observe in recognition of His being the only true God. They do not understand that they are observing a day which was dedicated to sun worship many, many centuries ago.

I have been amazed, friends, in reading the historical sources to discover that Sunday-keeping reaches back to hundreds of years before Christ was born. As a matter of fact, Sunday-keeping is almost as old as Sabbath-keeping, because very early in history Satan set up his counterfeit system.

Now, let's look at the biblical background of the practice. The book of Job, so we are told by the biblical authorities, was one of the first books written and was probably written by a contemporary of Moses himself, and did you know that this ancient book talks about the worship of the sun? Listen to this: "If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; and my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: This also were an iniquity...for I should have denied the God that is above." Job. 31:26-28. Did you get that friends? Job said, "If I backslide and my heart has been enticed to worship the sun or the moon, it would be a sinful denial of the true God."

By the way, maybe you have wondered at times about the origin of the modern religious custom of kissing the hand-this seems to be the root of such a practice pagan sun-worship. I tell you, friends, I am glad for the words of Scripture that can reveal the things of God to us, aren't you?

Did you know that God had a hard time with his own people in regards to that satanic practice of sun worship? The devil made it so alluring and fascinating that the children of Israel were constantly turning away from the true Sabbath-keeping and from worshiping the true God of Heaven. Did you ever wonder about the text in Exodus 32:1-4 concerning the golden calf that the Israelites made while Moses was up in the mountain with God? Verse 5 says, "they rose up early on the morrow." That calf was called "apis" by the Egyptians and was tied in with their pagan sun worship. That is why they rose up early -to worship the sun. No wonder Moses was so outraged that he threw down the tables of stone and broke them to pieces. Do you see, friends, how this thing came into the church long before the days of Jesus?

Now let's look at another interesting fact-you have heard of Baal worship, of course. The Old Testament is full of stories about it. But did you know that Baal worship was sun worship? In 2 Kings 23:5 we read this, "And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven." There it is in plain language. Satan has perfected an entire false religious system based upon sun worship or Baal worship. And God's own people were often drawn away by it. Satan himself was being worshiped under the title of Baal. The Bible calls Baal worship devil worship. Did you know that? Here it is in Leviticus 17:7, "And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils after whom they have gone whoring." Later on at Baal-peor we read about that terrible apostasy of Israel. In Numbers 25:2-4 it says, "And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods; and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods, and Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor; and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel."

No wonder God was displeased with them; they were worshiping Baal, the sun god, and Baal worship is actually worshiping devils. This is why the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out devils in the name of Beelzebub. That is the Greek word for the Hebrew name of Baalzebub, the sun-god of Ekran spoken of in 2 Kings 1:2,3. The Pharisees said, "This fellow doth not cast out devils but by Beelzebub, the prince of devils." Matthew 12:24. Here again we have proof that Baal worship is devil worship.

But listen to this: Down through the centuries the distinguishing mark that separated the pagans from God's people was their day of worship, which was Sunday, or Sun's day. The pagans worshiped the sun on Sunday. They took the first day of the week and gave it the highest honor by naming it in honor of the sun god and worshiping the sun on that day. God's people kept the Sabbath, or seventh day of the week-the day that God had blessed and made holy at creation. Thus, the distinguishing mark of the heathen was their Sunday; and the mark of God's people was the Sabbath. (Read Ezekiel 20:12-20).

Imagine, if you can, what a spectacle for the universe to behold! Through the centuries, God's people kept the commandments of God including the Sabbath and offered their sacrifices which typified or represented the death of Christ when he would come and die for sinners. On the other hand were the heathen who worshiped the sun, kept Sunday, and offered their own sons and daughters in the fire or crucified human victims on crosses to appease the sun god. I say again, what a terrible thing for Heaven to behold! How the Devil tried to insult Christ's sacrifice! Satan tried constantly to get God's people away from the true God and the true Sabbath; but God continued to send messages to His people through the prophets that they should obey Him.

In the next broadcast we shall uncover the pagan foundations upon which many doctrines of modern, popular Christianity have been founded. Please don't miss any of these broadcasts, friends, because the hour is too late to just putter around the edges of the truth. Vague generalities and platitudes may have satisfied another generation, but this happens to be the last generation just before Jesus returns, and we must know for sure where we stand.

...a concerned Christian

Paganism in the Church part 2

In our last broadcast we introduced a special series of studies about paganism in the church. We discovered the amazing fact that Satan has developed, from the earliest ages, a counterfeit, opposition system of religion which was intended to attract worship away from the true God of Heaven. That false system had its sacrificial plan just as God had a plan of sacrifice, but Satan's pagan worship required the offering up of human beings, often the sons and daughters of the worshipers. A counterfeit holy day was instituted in honor of the sun god, and this was designed by Satan to rob God of his peculiar authority as the Creator of the universe.

Satan, also, tried to compete for the loyalty of the world by setting up a very ancient center of sun worship called Babylon. To understand what Babylon means, let us go back to the days after the flood, when men refused to obey the instruction of the Lord to scatter over the earth. Settling on the plains of Shinar (Genesis 11:4), they said, "Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." They called the tower "Babel, the gate to heaven," but God called it what it was, "Babel, confusion," for there the language of the people was confused and they were forced to scatter. This heaven-defying clan of men wanted to have one city, the captial city of the world, one government to rule the world, and one religion to sway the hearts of mankind. It was Satan's attempt to defy God and His authority. The ring leader in this scheme was one named Nimrod.

We read in the Bible about Nimrod, the man who had something to do with the beginning of pagan sun worship. We read about him in Genesis 10:8-10. "And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel (margin, "Babylon").

In another translation of the Bible called the Targum, we read this: "Nimrod became a mighty man of sin, a murderer of innocent men, and a rebel before the Lord."

Nimrod, one of the great-grandsons of Noah, is accredited with being the originator of sun worship. Nimrod was a great leader, and he was the first empire builder. He was the founder of Babylon. According to history, his wife, Semiramis, was a very great and wicked queen; and through Semiramis we find the devil trying to counterfeit God's great, wonderful plan of salvation. She was the first deified queen of Babylon, and Nimrod was the first deified king. When Nimrod died, the people mourned. They said that he was a god. Semiramis, in order to elevate her own position, said to the people that she was the queen of heaven and that her spirit was that of the moon, and when she died she would dwell in the moon, even as Nimrod was already in the sun.

Satan was laying the foundation for every system of falsehood and error the world has ever known. They took the Truth of God and perverted it, changed it into a lie, and "worshipped and served the creature (Satan) more than the Creator." Romans 1:25. Here is a truth that should be deeply impresssd upon your minds today: Paganism is devil worship. Let us never forget that this system of religion, while professing to be the true religion, is actually devil worship. It professes and claims to be the Truth of God. In reality it is Satan's masterpiece, the "mystery of iniquity."

Every year, when the cold season began, the people believed their sun god was leaving them. They came to learn that his lowest dip on the horizon, about December 21, was followed by his gradual return, until in midsummer he was directly overhead at noonday. It was on the 25th of December that they began to notice this gradual return of the sun god. This day they called the birthday of the sun. Thus, the winter solstice came to be regarded as a time of great importance; and at the festival inaugurated, there was feasting and merriment in honor of the return of the all powerful sun god. It was their belief in the annual journey of their god that Elijah alluded to in his conflict with the priests of Baal, the Syro-Phoenician sun god. (1 Kings 18:27, if "he is a god; either...he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked").

Tammuz was hailed as the son of the sun. He was idolized and even worshipped. The first letter of his name became, in time, the symbol of sun worship. Human sacrifices to the sun god were offered on this initial letter made of wood, known as the cross "T." His birthday, December 25, was honored more and more. When Tammuz died, the pagans instituted forty days of weeping for him before the full moon, following the vernal equinox.

Think of it, dear friends. Satan worked many years before the conception and birth of the true Messiah, Jesus, to counterfeit through sun worship His miraculous conception and birth.

Let me read about this very thing in the Bible. Perhaps some of you never knew that the Bible mentions this. I am reading from Ezekiel 8:12-18, "Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the Lord seeth us not; the Lord hath forsaken the earth. He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, 0 son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they WORSHIPPED THE SUN TOWARD THE EAST. Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, 0 son of man? Is it a light thing...to commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them."

God's people were constantly coming in contact with paganism, which was nothing more or less than sun worship. They were constantly being tempted to follow the religion of the pagans instead of the Bible. Satan succeeded many times in leading God's people into sin and pagan sun worship. The prophet was shown greater and still greater abominations. He was shown the people turning their backs on the temple of God and worshipping the sun toward the east.

They also worshipped the moon goddess, Semiramis, the so-called queen of heaven. Let me read you what they did, in Jeremiah 7:16-18. "Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah in the streets of Jersualem? The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to MAKE CAKES TO THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger." These cakes were round and on them was cut a cross in honor of the sun god, and they were offered to the queen of heaven. Today they are called hot cross buns.

Let us notice now a few striking and outstanding things that took place; and keep in mind that the devil, who is really the author of pagan sun worship, had been working for centuries to get this false worship so implanted in the world that God's true plan of salvation through Jesus Christ would be insulted and, if possible, be made a failure.

First, the exact date of Christ's birthday was not known; and so it was suggested, "Why not call it the same date as the birth of Tammuz, which was December 25?" That, too, was the time when the sun had reached its lowest point on the horizon and started back up the heavens. The sun god had come to life, so to speak. Thus, gradually but surely, December 25 came to be known as the birthday of Christ. The papal church finally instituted a special mass on that day, "Christ's Mass," and so December 25 became "Christmas." The yule log burning in the fire, followed by the green tree lighted with candles, all came in from the pagans' worship, representing Nimrod's being dead, while his spirit still lived in the sun, and was alive again in Tammuz, his son.

Again, Christ was crucified and resurrected in the spring of the year, near the time of the moon festival. The devil was on hand again to bring in the idea of having a celebration the same time as the heathen and even doing as they did, but calling it "in honor of the resurrection." The cakes to the QUEEN OF HEAVEN became the "hot cross buns." (Read Jeremiah 7:16-18). The forty days of "weeping for Tammuz" became Lent, and at the close of Lent came Easter Sunday. (Read Ezekiel 8:12-18). This goddess Ishtar (Easter) came to be known as the goddess of springtime, "new life," or as history records it, the "goddess of reproduction." The pagans went out to some mountain side, early Sunday morning and worshipped this goddess as the sun was rising in the east. They gave themselves to immorality and indecencey of every description. The eggs and rabbits were used as symbols of fertility and germination, "life."

Listen, friends, what an insult to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus! Because He arose from the dead (came to life) early Sunday morning, Satan succeeded in transferring the insulting festival to the pagans over in honor of Christ's resurrection; and so today, we still have the EGGS and RABBITS, and the HOT CROSS BUNS and the early SUNRISE SERVICE, all in honor of Christ's resurrection. It all came into the church gradually and was blessed by the Catholic church and given to the world.

Well, our time has slipped by, but we will continue our series in the next broadcast. Friends, don't miss the next link in the chain because I will be talking about one of the most breathtaking, arrogant deceptions that Satan ever devised, and how he used it to try to humiliate the Son of God

...a concerned Christian

Paganism in the Church part 3

Today we come to the climax of our series on "Paganism in the Church," and the subject today is centered in the symbol of the cross. Although the cross has become a revered relic and often even an object of worship, I would like to explore the ancient background of this cherished symbol. In our last broadcast we discovered that the Bible describes the worship of Tammuz, the Pagan God of the Sun. Satan inspired those idolatrous people to represent Tammuz by the letter "T," the first letter of his name. It came to be a world-wide symbol of sun worship and all the moral pollutions attached to that kind of worship. The heathen actually sacrified human beings to the devil on crosses. Centuries before Jesus was born crucifixion was a method of worshiping the pagan sun god.

When sun-worshiping generals went to battle they offered thousands of human sacrifices to the devil. It is said that Alexander the Great, after a victorious campaign, crucified over 10,000 human beings on the cross to celebrate his victory. Three-thousand chief Babylonians were crucified at one time as a sacrifice to the Devil.

When the Catholics first went down into South America and Mexico, soon after these were discovered, they were amazed to find that the sun-worshiping heathen there had crosses. They were amazed because they did not know that these people knew anything about crosses. They did not know anything about Christianity, but they had crosses because they were the sign of Tammuz-the Sun God. But listen, friends, the time finally came for the Son of God to be born. The exact day of His birth no one knows. But He lived to be thirty-three and one-half when He was crucified, which was in the spring of the year at the time of the Passover. Listen friends, it is almost too terrible for words. You remember Tammuz was exalted by Satan to be the false Messiah or rival of Jesus. The symbol of the cross, the first letter of his name, "T", was the sign of sun worship. Down through the years, many times as Satan had succeeded in leading Israel into sin and Pagan sun worship, it had seemed that the sun god was victorious over the true God. Jesus, the Creator of the world, came into a world that had forgotten Him. He suffered every insult at its hands and, finally, died upon the symbol of sun worship, the cross; as Paul says, "Even the death of the cross."

In order to show that his system of worship was superior to that of God's and to show his supremacy, Satan heaped the supreme insult upon Christ by crucifying Him upon the cross, the symbol of sun worship! Think of the Son of God dying in such awful humiliation while the people looked on, in derision. What mockery! And what rejoicing then by the demons! The Son of God delivered by His own people and crucified by the sun-worshiping Romans on the symbol of sun worship! Think of the great Son of God dying in such awful humiliation while the people looked on, wagging their heads in mockery.

But Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the Heavenly Universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. The last link of sympathy was broken. "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Revelation 12:10. Yet Satan was not then destroyed. For the sake of man, his existence must be continued. Men, as well as angels, must see the contrast between the Prince of Light and the Prince of Darkness. He must choose whom he will serve.

Now as we look at Calvary, what do we see? We see the Author of life with His form stripped of all of its clothing. He is hung before the sun, on the symbol of the cross-the cross that was once the symbol of heathen worship and heathen pollution. And on that Friday afternoon, the sun was darkened. God placed His hand over the sun while Christ hung upon the cross. Now, the blackening of the sun by God's hand was not just an incidental thing. It had some significance to it. (Luke 23:44). There was a reason why that sun was darkened. You see, that sun to the heathen was the symbol of the Devil or Sun God. So God placed His hand over the sun to show that He controlled the sun. God said, "That is as far as you can go." God darkened the sun to prove He was the creator and had power over these things!

But now let's answer a most important question friends. Do you know why Jesus came forth from the tomb before daybreak on that Sunday morning? According to all the background I have given, you must realize that at sunrise on the first day of the week men would be worshiping the Sun, or the Devil, while Jesus Christ would be in the tomb. Yes, at sunrise Satan would be worshiped. It is Friday night, the moments are tense. Now, to make sure of his victim, the devil had the tomb of Jesus Christ sealed with a seal. Do you know what the name of that seal was? It is called the Roman seal, but in Latin the name was "SINGLEM-SOLIS," which in Latan means, "The seal of the sun." So on that tomb of Jesus Christ they placed "Singlem-solis" the seal of the sun god, and the Devil thought he had his victim there to stay. He sealed Him with the seal of the sun.

But on the first day of the week, it was revealed before daylight just who was superior. Christ rested in His tomb as the Sabbath passed on. He knew that sun worshippers everywhere the moment the sun rose would worship Satan. But before the rising of the Sun, when the stone is still in place and there are over 100 Roman guards on watch, together with a host of evil angels and Satan, something happens. There are other visitors there also, angels that excel in strength were there to welcome the Prince of Life. So in John 20:1 it says He came forth "while it was yet dark." Look also at Matthew 28:2-6.

Friends, here is the reason why Jesus came forth on the first day of the week while it was yet dark. It was because God did not permit the Devil to be worshiped on his day when the sun rose while His Son was still in the tomb. God brought Him forth from the dead, and he came forth while it was yet dark for God did not leave His Son in that tomb while the Devil would be worshipped on his day. I am glad that God saw fit to bring forth His Son, and that He was able to proclaim as He came forth from that grave, "I am the resurrection and the life."

Jesus Christ on Calvary and in His resurrection conquered, friends. He came forth as an eternal conqueror, and where the resurrection is questioned, the atonement is forgotten. We are not left to conclude for ourselves that Jesus triumphed over Satan. God's Word declares it (Colossians 2:15). There were principalities and powers there that morning, but Christ triumphed over them! And Jesus Christ was out of that tomb when the sun rose, and the Devil was not worshipped while Christ lay in His tomb. Christ's victory was over the grave, and principalities, and everything that Satan stood for.

It had been Satan's plan to make the first day of the week-the pagan day of the sun-a triumphant celebration over the defeat and death of Jesus. But he lost that opportunity when Christ burst the power of the tomb before those heathen worshipers could gather to have their sun-day ceremonies. God did not allow them to triumph over the death of His Son. Satan had failed in his efforts to exalt the pagan day of sun worship.

But what a tragedy that 300 years later, Satan was able to accomplish what he failed to do at Calvary. By a clever compromise with heathen sun worship, he influenced a backsliding church to accept the counterfeit Sunday in place of the seventh-day Sabbath. Let's take a look at the way it all happened.

The Pagans worshiped the sun on Sunday (Sun's day). It was the heathen festival in honor of the sun god. Webster's Unabridged Dictionary says of Sunday, "So called because the day was anciently dedicated to the sun or to its worship." The North British Review, Vol. 18, p. 409; calls Sunday "the wild solar holiday of all Pagan times." And Gibbon, in a note; paragraph 2, chapter 20, says that "Constantine styles the Lord's day Dies Solis (day of the sun), a name which could not offend the ears of his Pagan subjects." The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia has the following to say on the subject of Sunday: "Sunday (Dies Solis of the Roman calendar, day of the sun: because dedicated to the sun), the first day of the week, was adopted by the early Christians as a day of worship. The (Sun) of Latin adoration, they interpreted as the (Sun of Righteousness)...No regulations for its observance are laid down in the New Testament, nor, indeed is its observance ever enjoined."

Think of it, the Sabbath (seventh day), which God blessed and made holy for man to worship the true God upon, was gradually set aside and the festival day of Pagan sun worship was taken into the church. Professor Hutton Webster, Ph.D., in his book "REST DAYS," p. 270; has this to say: "What began, however, as a Pagan ordinance, ended as a Christian regulation, and a long series of imperial decrees, during the fourth, fifth, and sixth centuries enjoined with increasing strigency abstinence from labor on Sunday."

Paganism with all of its pomp, and ceremonies, and holy days crept silently into the Christian Church until it developed into an Apostate system of religious worship. Notice this statement from SCHAFF'S CHURCH HISTORY, page 375; "Not a few pagan habits crept into the church concealed by new names. This is conceded by the most earnest of the Fathers. Leo the Great speaks of Christians in Rome who worshiped the sun, before repairing to the church of St. Peter. In the celebration of Sunday, as it was introduced by Constantine, and still continues on the whole continent of Europe, the cultus of the old Sun god Apollo mingles with the remembrance of the resurrection of Christ."

So that is the story, friends, concerning the devil's most masterful deception of all history. Not only did he bring in the Pagan forms of worship, but he managed to install the old heathen day of sun worship in place of the holy Sabbath of the Lord. And he continues to blind people to what the Bible teaches on this subject, so that they will still follow pagan tradition instead of the commandments of God. No wonder Jesus exclaimed "But in vain ye do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9.

...a concerned Christian

"Mary Worship"

Mary

"Among all the women who have ever lived, the mother of Jesus Christ is the most celebrated, the most venerated...Among Roman Catholics, the Madonna is recognized not only as the Mother of God, but also, according to modern Popes, as the Queen of the Universe, Queen of Heaven, Seat of Wisdom, and even the Spouse of the Holy Spirit." -Time Magazine, "Handmaid or Feminist?", December 30, 1991, p. 62-66

Jeremiah 7:18 says, "... the women knead the dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger!"

Is the Roman Catholic version of Mary truly the BIBLICAL Mary? Or is she really the Queen of Heaven from the Babylonian church of old that angered the Lord God in the book of Jeremiah? Out of all the proofs that expose the Vatican as the Pagan church, this has to be one of the most graphic. It’s almost as if they went back in time and copied this Pagan goddess exactly, so as to worship her as she desires them to. Old paintings and statues that have been found of this demonic goddess are exact duplicates of statues and paintings you will find today in Roman Catholic churches depicting Mary. Even the colors of her clothing match perfectly! It’s really quite shocking to say the least!

In Alexander Hislop's book, "The Two Babylons", He traces the Babylonian worship of the Queen of Heaven back to the days following the death of Nimrod. As the story goes, after Nimrod's death, his wife, Semiramis, was determined to retain her power and wealth as a leader of the people. So, she came up with the idea that her husbands death was for the salvation of all mankind. Of course we know who actually schooled her in that demonic fallacy. Hislop goes on to say that…

“Though the death of her husband has given a rude shock to her power, yet her resolution and unbounded ambition were in nowise checked. On the contrary, her ambition took a still higher flight. In life her husband had been honoured as a hero; in death she will have him worshipped as a god, yea, as the woman’s promised seed, “Zero-ashta,” who was destined to bruise the serpent's head, and in so doing, was to have his own heel bruised." The Two Babylons p. 58-59

Satan is a very cunning enemy. He always counterfeits prophetic truth in advance so as to make his lies appear holy. In fact, in Hislops book on page 76 he talks about Semiramis’s continued lies that got the people to believe her son was born miraculously. After they fell for that lie, she was then referred to as the “Virgin Mother” from that day forward. Is this not a demonic twist on the prophesied birth of Christ? Truth be known, after Nimrod died, Semiramis committed adultery and had gotten pregnant. To prevent the people from killing her for proving she was “human” by her obvious pregnancy, she lied and told them her husband Nimrod had ascended to the Sun and is now called Baal. After she convinced them of this, she then stated he appeared to her and impregnated her without touching her with the rays of his glory. She also claimed that the moon was a goddess that went through a 28 day cycle and ovulated when full. She further said that she descended from the moon in a giant moon egg that fell into the Euphrates River. This was supposed to have happened during the first full moon after the spring equinox. This is where the Roman Catholic church gets their calculation for Easter. Ask any Pagan or Catholic priest when Easter arrives, and they will most assuredly tell you that after the first full moon of Spring, the following Sunday will be Easter.

The Babylonian people believed all the lies of Semiramis, and she was then crowned QUEEN OF HEAVEN. She later gave birth to her son and named him Tammuz. By the way, this so called “Queen of Heaven” was also called Iishtar. In today’s world, that word is pronounced, EASTER.

So, is the Mary of Rome the same as the Mary of Babylon? Truth is, Catholics the world over call Mary QUEEN OF HEAVEN do they not? When they pray the Rosary, as some do on a daily basis, they must recite the prayer entitled, “Hail Holy Queen.”

From the earliest ages of the Catholic Church a Christian people, whether in time of triumph or more especially in time of crisis, has addressed prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven. And never has that hope wavered which they placed in the Mother of the Divine King, Jesus Christ; nor has that faith ever failed by which we are taught that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, reigns with a mother's solicitude over the entire world, just as she is crowned in heavenly blessedness with the glory of a Queen. - Ad Caeli Reginam of Pope Pius XII, Encyclical on Proclaiming the Queenship of Mary, Promulgated October 11, 1954

Plus, on my “Do Catholics Worship Mary” page I have numerous quotes from many Popes that not only called her by Pagan title, they have also declared her Savior of the World, and worthy of worship. Here are just a few quotes from the dozens I have online…

Pius IX, Ubi Primum, 1849: "For God has committed to Mary the treasury of all good things, in order that everyone may know that THROUGH HER are obtained every hope, every grace, and ALL SALVATION. For this is his will, that we obtain everything through Mary."

Paul VI, Christi Matri. "The Church ... been accustomed to have recourse to that most ready intercessor, her Mother Mary ... For as St. Irenaeus says, she 'has become the cause of salvation for the whole human race"

John Paul II, Dives in Misericordia, 1980, quoting Lumen Gentium, "In fact, by being assumed into heaven she has not laid aside the office of salvation but by the manifold intercession she continues to obtain for us the grace of eternal salvation."

-Pope John Paul II again said, "Membership in the Militia means complete dedication to the Kingdom of God and to the salvation of souls through Mary Immaculate."

These popes, like all the others WORSHIP THE PAGAN QUEEN OF HEAVEN! And where you aware that John Paul II has 'dedicated himself and his Pontificate to the Queen of Heaven? He bears the letter "M" for Mary in his coat of arms. And his personal motto, which by the way is embroidered on the side of his robes in Latin are the following words: "TOTUS TUUS SUM MARIA", which in English translates to: "MARY, I'M ALL YOURS."

For those that think the "Totus Tuus Sum Maria" is a fictitious or bogus proclamation of Pope John Paul II, notice this excerpt from a Los Angeles Times News Article.

"By awarding the Virgin a central place in the cathedral's narrative, the archdiocese is keeping faith with a long, if fluctuating, Catholic and Orthodox tradition of devotion to Our Lady, a tradition enjoying a resurgence under Pope John Paul II. (The pope's personal motto, "Totus tuus sum, Maria," or "I am all yours, Mary," reflects his belief that the Virgin intervened to save his life from an assassin's bullet in 1981 so that he could help defeat European communism.)" -LATIMES.com Sept 1, 2002 By REED JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer

Notice how the theme Semiramus started is still active to this day? And I’m not just talking about the title “Queen of Heaven” either. The Pope continues to call his Queen the Virgin Mother. In fact, almost every Catholic I’ve ever known does this as well. Yet, was she a virgin ALL her life as Rome assumes? Or is there biblical evidence to prove otherwise? And before continuing, understand, I am not proclaiming Mary was not a virgin when she conceived Christ. That much is true according to the Word. The rest…? Well… let’s see..

So.. the Question is~ "Why does Catholic doctrine state that Jesus had no brothers and sisters and Mary was a lifelong virgin till the day she died"

· "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his BRETHREN, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his SISTERS, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?" Matthew 13:55-56

This verse confirms people in Jesus' hometown watched Him grow up in that city helping His father in his trade as a carpenter. They remembered Jesus lived there as well as the fact that He had four brothers. PLUS they still have Jesus' SISTERS living among them. How many sisters did Jesus have? The Bible doesn't say, however it does hint He had more then one. Why are they still living there? Did they get married and settled down in their hometown to raise a family? It makes no difference. The fact of the matter is the Bible accurately records that Mary had many children.

· "While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his BRETHREN stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy BRETHREN stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my BRETHREN? and he stretched forth his hand TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES, and said behold my mother and my BRETHREN!" Matthew 12:46-49

Many teachers of Catholic doctrine believe that Jesus called only those that believed in Him, His brethren. They do this to allow the lie of “Mary the ever virgin” to continue. That way, whenever the word BRETHREN was used, the Catholic believer is taught it usually means disciples only. This way also, no longer would they think it means blood brothers and sisters. However, did you notice the statement made to Jesus BEFORE He calls all in the room His brethren in that passage? A person comes to Jesus to tell Him that His mother and brethren are outside waiting on Him. Jesus took this opportunity to illustrate to the believers and apostles in the room that THEY are considered brethren now because they believe in Him. Rome uses this to make their lie work. However, this also allows us to expose the lie of Rome because now there are brethren outside the room as well. Jesus actually says in Matthew 19:29 "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." This verse is for believers that have to deal with unbelievers close to them. And those unbelievers are called BRETHREN not because they are believers, but because they are siblings! Does this verse not show Jesus calling those people that are not believers BRETHREN when He refers to them as those that we need to forsake for Him? Is that passage stating we must forsake fellow believers? Of course not. It is no different than today. People from all walks of life call there fellow man brothers or sisters. What of the term, brothers in crime? And yes, just like back then, we have brothers and sisters in Jesus. Just because Jesus explained that if they believe in Him they become His brethren, does not say that Jesus denied His siblings. He just gained more brethren on this day. It was those that believed on Him and His Truth in that room.

The Word also says…

· "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and WITH HIS BRETHREN." Acts 1:13-14

These verses are now calling the Apostles by name, and then Mary the mother of Jesus with His brethren are now mentioned. But wait a minute… Are not all in the upper room Brethren? Yes they are, it's just illustrated here that Jesus' Mother and siblings are in the room as well now. What better way to illustrate the fact that Jesus has an earthly family as well as His Church family. Think about it, all the Apostles are mentioned by name in that room, THEN Mary and the BRETHREN of Jesus are mentioned. Is this an attempt to show the two types of brethren? Indeed it is.

· "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him.
John 7:1-5

This I must concede is my favorite verse on this subject. How can it not be realized that "His brethren" here is BLUNTLY speaking of siblings? The argument is completely mute for those that would claim, "brethren" equals ONLY "disciples" now. How? The BRETHREN in this passage are telling Jesus to be on His way and go perform His miracles so that His "DISCIPLES" will see it "For neither did his brethren (or siblings) believe in him." Even Matthew Henry in his comments on this passage says this…

Matthew Henry on ~ John 7:1-13
”The brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted, when they found there was no prospect of worldly advantages from him. Ungodly men sometimes undertake to counsel those employed in the work of God; but they only advise what appears likely to promote present advantages. The people differed about his doctrine and miracles, while those who favoured him, dared not openly to avow their sentiments. Those who count the preachers of the gospel to be deceivers, speak out, while many who favour them, fear to get reproach by avowing regard for them.”

The Word also says…

· "But other of the apostles saw I none, save James THE LORD'S BROTHER." Galatians 1:19

How blunt can you get? Is this not an obvious verse? We found earlier in Matthew 13:55 that one of Jesus' brothers was named James, and here we see James is mentioned again as the Lord's Brother. But did you notice? First it stated “other of the Apostles saw I none.” And then it mentions James the brother of Christ. But aren’t all the Apostles brothers? Yes, in the faith they are, but here it is plain James is the blood brother of Jesus Christ!

By the way, this is the same James that was inspired by God to write the book of James in the New Testament. Truth is, James did eventually realize who is brother Jesus was. Oh, and by the way, it was just PROVEN that James was another child of Mary. On my site in the “RCC Exposed” section you will find a page entitled “The Burial Box of James.”

For months after this box was discovered the Vatican was silent! Numerous scientists authenticated the box as genuine to Rome’s dismay. Rome did all it could in the media to slam the story. Plus, reported on that same page, which was Newsletter first by the way, that Rome will have to come up with a MAJOR LIE to get out of this mess. Reason being, the lie of the “Ever Virgin Mother” was just proven false. This made the Vatican very angry! Rome did in fact eventually find someone to act as an authority and literally lie to debunk the burial box. However, they could only find one person. All the other scientists didn’t look at him as credible in the slightest sense. However, like a defense lawyer in a courtroom making an objectionable statement the Jury can hear, the damage was done. Many of the Catholic faithful believed their lying priests and the story was suddenly dropped from the media, and no more was heard. But for those that invesitage the truth, this placed a HUGE red flag on the Vatican that day. They KNOW they lied, and now they have PROOF.

Another verse says…

· "And he knew her not till she had brought forth her FIRSTBORN son: and he called his name JESUS." Matthew 1:25

Did you notice that the Bible calls Jesus the firstborn son of Mary? Why would the infallible Word of God call Jesus the Firstborn if He supposed to be the one and only, or last-born child of Mary? According to Catholic doctrine this can't be. But I ask, how can Catholic doctrine call Mary a virgin until death when the Bible states the exact opposite numerous times? Did you also notice the word "till" in that verse? The verse preceding this one tells us that…

· "Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:"-Matthew 1:24,25

It seems rather plain here doesn’t it? Joseph went ahead and did as the Angel told him and married Mary regardless of what he thought about her. Then we see the Bible tells us Joseph "waited" to consummate the marriage "till she had brought forth her firstborn son" This easily proves Mary was no virgin. It is easy to say that her "firstborn" actually means she had MORE. And that declares openly that she had children other than Jesus. PLUS, the word “TILL” in that passage denotes Joseph did eventually consummate that marriage! That act alone proves she could never be an “ever virgin” as Rome calls her, and Semiramis concated.

On more obvious note to ponder... As blessed and loved as Mary was of God, do you honestly believe the Almighty and ever living God of all creation would punish her with a barren womb after submitting to His perfect will without question, and having His Son? You need to understand that it was considered a blessing to have children back then. Unlike today’s society with their millions of self centered flesh pleasing abortions. PLUS, would it not be considered sin on Mary's part to DENY Joseph's carnal desires towards his own wife? Is it not written in...

· 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."

For Rome to say Mary and Joseph never had relations as a husband and wife, is to say Mary was IN SIN! But since Rome has already been able to preach to their flock that the Bible is a dead letter and useless book, the people are unaware such words like these are in their Bibles proving Rome is lying. Which brings me unto the next method of deception Rome has been able to perform with Mary. And this too is warned of in the Bibles Rome has convinced their flock to put down.

PLEASE understand that I am sharing all this as a loving warning to all STRONG Catholics out there! I am not interested in the "wicked” ones that will send me hatefilled, vulgar emails packed with death threats. This warning goes out to those that have a heart for their God and a desire to please HIM and not man. There is an attack on the Catholic child that is directly from hell itself being perpetrated today. YOU are being targeted by Satan as prey for the flames of hell, and because sin is so attractive, he has blessed you with a religion that gives you permission to stay in sin, and still consider yourself Heaven bound. But that’s a whole nother topic! The attack I am getting at now has to do with the so called apparitions of Mary. Satan is attacking the biblical truth surrounding Mary so as to prevent people from seeing Christ as their only Saviour. Mary is the blessed Mother of Jesus Christ who is in fact BLESSED FOREVER above all women and there is no woman blessed as she! ALL GENERATIONS WILL CALL HER BLESSED as Luke puts it in Luke 1:48

Think of that for a moment. She is blessed, she is Mary, she is the woman God chose to raise His Son on Earth. He chose her because He knew she would do according to His Word. Commons sense affords us the reality that the Lord chose Mary because she was more apt to follow His Truth. With that in mind, listen to the words this so called “Mary” is saying to the Roman Catholic people in the form of a ghostly apparition. If you are a believer that Mary would never go against Biblical jurisprudence, or she would never do the exact opposite of what the Father in Heaven would have her do, then you too will understand that it is NOT Mary speaking these words. If so, the Father Himself would never approve of her, and therefore she would never have been called BLESSED BY ALL GENERATIONS as it is written in His Word. In 1917 the so called apparaition of Mary spoke these words...

"Only I can help you. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God”

Oh, and by the way, if you want to verify ANY of these statements you can go to the Roman Catholic website that posts all these so called “messages from Heaven” on the Fatima.org website as well as countless other sites.

These words of someone calling themselve’s “Mary” are in direct conflict with the Word of God that was spoken out of the mouth of Jesus Christ Himself!

· John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

The Word of God warns us that spirits will appear and claim they are from God, but what shall we do when they do this?

· 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

And how to you TRY the spirits?

· Isaiah 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

The Word of God PLAINLY stated that ALL generations will call Mary blessed! However, when I hear words like this coming from someone claiming to be Mary, I can longer call her blessed, right!? For if this was Mary, she would in no way be calling her Son, and Saviour, Jesus Christ a LIAR now would she? By saying that "Mary" is the "Only one that can help you" is actually saying quite bluntly that Jesus Christ the Saviour of the World CANNOT, and WILL NOT help you! THIS IS BLATANT ANTICHRIST TEACHING! This is MARY WORSHIP being suggested by someone, or something calling itself Mary. This was done first of course by Semiramis, the wife of Nimrod. It was later repeated as Jesus was speaking about demonic possession to those listening on. That’s right, the Bible records, what I consider a demonic mocking of Christ by a possessed women moments before He is crucified. It’s almost as if the demon in her was laughing at Christ and letting Him know what they were planning on doing to His Gospel truth once He returned to Heaven after His resurrection. What am I talking about?

· Luke 11:27, "And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked."

Like the “damsel” that was possessed that walked behind Paul mocking the Gospel Truths he preached, this woman is also referred to as a “CERTAIN” woman. So, what was Christ’s immediate response to this “certain” woman’s obvious mockery? Jesus said in the very next verse…

· Luke 11:28, “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."

Think of it, Jesus just finished speaking on how it is best to stay close to God once demons have been cast out, and this is proclaimed outloud! This is the first, and only time that I have found in the Bible that Satan is actually letting the cat out of the bag concerning his plans for the memory of Mary in the New Testament. This is an out loud proclamation in the Bible for MARY WORSHIP in as blunt a manner as any can muster! And our Lord and Saviour in His divine and gentle wisdom, lovingly rebukes that woman perfectly.

This woman was directly stating that MARY herself was worthy of worship over and above Jesus Christ Himself! Can you see what just happened here? The Creator Himself, is preaching about demonic possession and how it is best to serve the Creator God, when a VERY "flesh serving" proclamation is made by a "certain" woman stating it is a far better thing to worship His creation instead! Mary herself is in fact a created being, is she not? And Christ most assuredly is the Creator! What passage does this remind you of?

· Romans 1:24-27, "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."

Is this not Catholicism in a nutshell? They not only speak of Mary worship, but they embrace all that Babylon has to offer. Everything from worshiping of humans in statue form, to worship of the sun the moon and the stars. That passage in Romans is bluntly describing a Religion that will teach worship of the creature is far better then worship of the Creator that made those creatures in the first place! And to top it off, the passage states one of the end results of such a religion as this is that homosexual decadence will run rampant within it when they choose this path. Is not the Roman Catholic Vatican well known in modern day to house the largest known organized collection of Homosexuals known to man? No marriage is allowed for either priest or nun. Plus men must live with men in the rectories for priests, and women must live with women in the convents as nuns. It doesn’t get any plainer then this folks! This is a fertile growing field for homosexualty.

Ok, let’s get back to this demon calling itself Mary that is literally popping up all over the planet. There are apparitions of a demon claiming to be Mary in Fatima, Medjugorje, Hillside, and countless other areas around the World. Plus, you have sightings of Mary showing up in window panes, subway walls, burnt taco shells, trees, mirrors… seriously, the list of so called Marian apparitions is endless these days. And to make matters worse, whenever a sighting is reported, thousands of Catholics flock to the sight to worship it and await a miracle! I recall when a so called apparition was appearing in Highland Park Illinois back in the early 90’s. People would flock to that place and claim their rosary chains turned from steel, to pure gold. A friend of mine showed me his rosary and it did change! I also recall when that window had a leaky seal formed a milky stain on it that looked like Mary. Thousands of Catholics started kneeling and praying to it from all over the place. It got so bad, the Hospital had to cover it up, and then remove that window to stop the traffic jams! And still, the faithful Catholic people will state rather boldly they do not worship Mary.

I could very easily write an entire book on all the evidence that is available today to prove that it is NOT Mary the mother of Jesus, or even Jesus Christ Himself, that is appearing in Medjugorje, Bayside New York, Highland Park Illinois, Fatima, Lourdes, or countless other places. Maybe some day in the future the Lord will allow me to do just that. For now, I will share what is happening on a frequent basis in NewYork to give an idea of how bad it is.

The "Apparition" calling itself Mary, or "Our Lady of the Roses" as it prefers, has been relaying "Messages from Heaven" for all to read. Is this from God? How can we be sure? All we need to do is what the Bible says we must do when this occurs. It will reveal to us exactly who it is that is appearing to these people. Again, the Bible tells us very plainly that we should "believe not every spirit, but try (TEST) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." [1John 4:1] The Bible also warns us that in the end-times we will see an increase in demonic activity. The prophecy states that "they are the spirits of devils, working miracles," [Revelation 16:14] So I don’t doubt for a minute those rosarys turned to gold. The demons did it to convince the people. Just like the devil made the Sun dance in the sky in 1917 before thousands of people in Fatima.

You know what gets me here? The Bible does say demons will do this in the last days. And when it’s pointed out they are doing it, people shrug it off as if it’s not important, or not a prophesied event. The Catholics figure it isn’t a demon, and all the rest just think the Catholics are a bit strange is all. Both parties won’t admit they see demonic activity as is prophesied! Why is it people believe the Newspapers that men write over and above the Prophecy that God writes?

But don't take my word for it, lets take a look at what these "apparitions" are saying before we make a decision. We need to see if they "are of God", and the only way to see if they are is to see if they are consistent with what the Word of God says. Isaiah is very plain on that point! If they don’t speak according to the Word of God there is no light in them! Truth is, if they are truly bringing us messages from Heaven, then these messages will harmonize with the ultimate message. "The Bible."

I was driving down the road one day with two of my sons a few years ago when we noticed a billboard as big as life with huge bold letters proclaiming, "Mary Speaks to America!" It had an "800" phone number on it to call. So I jotted it down and headed home. A week or so after making the call I received an envelope packed with information from "Our Lady's Children in Maryland." There were three flyers with tons of "Messages from Heaven", along with 15 promises from Mary listed on one of them. It also contained a "blessed" rose petal in the package, which I promptly tossed in the garbage. I won’t go over all 15 promises of course, because most of them were that easy to see as lies. However, I would like to touch on two right off.

The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians Who Recite the Rosary:
Promise # 9 = "I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary"
Promise # 14 = All who recite the rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only son Jesus Christ."

Before going further, I have a page on the website that exposes the rosary as demonic. It’s in the “RCC Doctrines” section of the website. I go into graphic details about what it is, and what the Word has to say about it. For those of you that are not aware of what a rosary is, it is a Pagan beaded prayer chain that many other non-Christian religions use as well. What you do is pray a certain prayer on each bead of the chain, and between each series of beads you must also speak a prayer on the chain itself. Throughout the entire rosary you are to meditate on certain aspects of Christ’s life. However, according to Scripture, the Lord prefers we "use not VAIN REPETITIONS, as the heathen do" [Matthew 6:7]

So the rosary itself is not consistent with what the Word of God teaches for the method of prayer. Right off the bat we see this cannot be Mary speaking from Heaven, because Mary would not do something that would prove she is no longer blessed among all generations as the Bible stated she would be. Plus we also learn in the Word that "there is A GREAT GULF FIXED so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence." [Luke 16:26] So how could Mary deliver anyone out of anyplace? The Bible dosen't say that Mary is our deliverer, it says that "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;" [2Samuel 22:2] Plus there is absolutely no mention of a place called purgatory anywhere in the Bible in the first place. If you have a computer with the Bible online try doing a search for the word "purgatory", you will find NOTHING.

Next we see that in promise #14 it states that Jesus is the ONLY SON of Mary. This too is in direct conflict with what the Word of God says about the family that Jesus grew up with. There are numerous verses that proves Jesus was indeed from a large family. As we learned earlier, Matthew 13:55-56 stated that Jesus not only had four brothers, He also had more than one sister! Because it also stated in that passage that “his SISTERS” (plural) were still among them in that city.

On one of the flyers it states that Mary says we should

"Wear the brown Scapular and other sacramentals." Also it states everyone should "-Keep the statues in your homes." -Bayside "The Lourdes of America" Jesus and Mary Speak to the World Through Veronica Lueken

In the Roman Church, whenever there is a statue, there is also a kneeler in front of it, which forces you to BOW before it. This so called statement from “Mary” is indeed a direct method of teaching the people of the world to break Commandment # 2, which plainly says,

· Exodus 20:4-6, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for 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; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."

A "graven image" and a statue, scapular, medal, sacramental, are all the SAME THING. IDOL’S, plain and simple. Did not Jesus say on the cross, "it is finished" in John 19:30? Jesus did NOT say, "It is finished...But wait a minute... My Mom will stop by in 1917, 1930, 1964, 1982, 1994, etc... to let you know what I am up to."

And for those of you that don’t know. A scapular is a small piece of fabric with a picture on one side of Simon Stock receiving the Scapular from a demon calling itself Mary, and on the other side of the scapular, you see in writing these words, “The wearer of this cloth will not suffer the flames of hell.” That’s right! It is taught in Roman Catholicism, that what Jesus did on the cross was not enough to keep you from Hell. You must also wear a peace of cloth around your neck to confirm your salvation.

I used to wear these things everyday! In fact, you were taught never to take it off! When it got old and ragged I would buy a knew one, bring it to a priest, have it blessed, and then put it around my neck. Then and only then was I able to remove the old one! In fact, when Pope John Paul II was shot, he insisted they do NOT remove his scapular when he went in for surgery!

Mary would NEVER tell people to go against the Word of God. In fact, when Jesus was at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, Mary approached Him to help the servants of the wedding regarding the lack of wine. In John 2:5, it says

John 2:5, "His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."

Why would Mary say you must do as Jesus says in the Bible, and then later appear to say the exact opposite in an apparition? Makes no sense correct? According to Biblical jurisprudence, this “spirit” FAILED the test! This is yet another reason Rome does all they can to keep people out of the Bible. It is LOADED with tons of small as well as large proofs throughout it that Roman Catholicism is a religion inspired by Satan himself.

The demon calling itself Mary also said this…

"Wear any size crucifix that you can find. It does no have to be big or small, but an image of My Son" Directives from Heaven From the vision of "-Our Lady, Sept. 7 1985"

Once again, the Commandment #2 is suggested to be broken. Notice the actual use of the word "image" by this demon! That is a direct attack on the Commandment itself! And it gets worse! These so called apparitions have a new demon showing up now, and he is claiming to be Jesus Christ HIMSELF!

"You must keep them upon you, with a crucifix. We demand a crucifix. Directives from Heaven From the vision of "-Jesus, June 18, 1987"

Here it seems the apparition of "Jesus" is demanding that all Catholics break the Commandments that He Himself taught all Christians to keep in both Old and New Testament theology! Is not the definition of sin in both the Old and New Testaments “transgression of the LAW?” Does not Jesus say with His own mouth in John 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." So how is it possible that He would now tell everyone to wear an "image, or likeness of Himself" when His Bible tells us that we should not do that?

The Lord blesses all with a wonderfull and easy to understand clue to keep in mind. The Bible plainly says, "For I am the LORD, I change not;" in Malachi 3:6 Is this not a wonderful way to "test" the spirits that are popping up all over the place? Why would the Lord tell us one thing in His Bible, and another thing in some "apparition" in NewYork, Fatima, or Lourdes? Don't think that this is just some people playing a prank on everyone for reasons of financial gain. These "apparitions" are very real! The Bible says very simply that "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light" in 2 Corinthians 11:14 Satan does indeed use this method to deceive many! As a matter of fact, the devil will use even more miraculous methods for all to see very soon. I would suggest keeping you eyes on both Rome as well as Islam in the coming days. Benny Hinn is also a good candidate for graphic demonic activity. You can count on it! Satan knows his time is short, he needs to be more persuasive as the end gets closer, and he will pull out the big guns because prophecy CONFIRMS THIS!

This next demonic utterance is VERY annoying to me to say the least…

"I wish at this time to stress anew to you that many must go forth as angels of light - angels certainly, My children, without wings, but no less an angel." Roses article "Go forth as angels of light" p. 3 From the vision of "-Jesus June 18, 1994"

Kind of makes you wonder if anyone is reading their Bibles now doesn't it. How can so many fall for such lies when the Word of God has it all written down well in advance in the Scriptures that it will happen this way? If everyone knew the truth about where people go when they die, the Devil would have absolutely no power to deceive in this way. Everyone would know it's not Mary standing there because it is well stated in the Word she is IN THE GRAVE awaiting the resurrection. I go into far more detail about that biblical fact on my “Life after Death” page in the “Bible Truths” section of the website.

For the Devil to use terms like, "angels of light", "purgatory", or "image", proves he has every confidence that those he deceives have no clue this is bluntly warned of in the Bible. It's almost as if he is showing off and proving his control over the population to keep them out of the Bible. He’s literally mocking the Lord here! This stuff is first grade reader type warnings for everyone to see, yet, if one refuses to simply look in the Bible they won't see it. That’s why I share these facts with Catholics because I know they are NOT stupid! They were simply lied to. These biblical facts were never told to them. When they honestly investigate this stuff they eventually realize IT’S TRUE, and they leave that Church!

By the way… How does the Lord God feel about His children IGNORING His Bible?

· HOSEA 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

It appears...Not to well

Now there are some other aspects of Mary worship that many are completely unaware of. Since it is now common knowledge that the Pope is not only the one spearheading the European Union, he is also the one controlling it. Even his "Catholic" suggestions regarding their Constitution has been agreed upon and written into the fabric of their law. Those of us that understand Bible prophecy, especially end time events understand completely as to what's happening on that Continent. It is the testing grounds for the One World Government. Signs of Mary worship, and Roman Catholic influence are everywhere! Take for example the European flag. Notice the 12 stars and blue background? BOTH those stars and that color blue represent faith in Mary as Queen of Heaven. Even the Euro sports the twelve stars of Mary, and yes, that is Pope John Paul II's image on that Euro coin! He is the main reason you see Mary all over the place. He is one of the Vatican's most vocal advocate of Marian Worship to date! Mary is most assuredly an important player in this one world government solely because the ROMAN Catholic, Queen of Heaven is their goddess. Just as the Caesars of Rome, the popes today flaunt their Pagan gods as a show of forced worship into the very fabric of everyday life for all they rule over. Notice the following paintings of Mary in the Roman Catholic church. These are actual "Mary prayer cards" you can purchase from Rome. This is a list of pics I placed on my "Do Catholics worship Mary" page on the site many years ago. Notice how almost every one of them display the 12 stars around Mary's head in the form of a Roman/Pagan halo!

Mary as described at Fatima
Our Lady of Lourdes
Maria
Mary and the baby Jesus
Mary with medals
Mary of Medjugorie
Mary Queen of the World
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

The Queen of Heaven is a VERY important player in the end time Global deceptions. Count on "Mary" showing up even more frequently, and expect to see a VIDEO TAPE of her apparitions being broadcast around the World soon! This is something Rome MUST do if they want to ensure all religions call her Queen! Is it any wonder Muslims look to "Our Lady of Fatima" as a genuine source of truth? The Antichrist that controls Rome not only designed this demonic lie, the Muslim faith itself was started by the Vatican itself.

LGBTQ+ and Religion: A Complex Relationship Across Faiths and Cultures

Historical Perspectives

The relationship between LGBTQ+ identities and religion is as old as human civilization itself. While many modern religious institutions hold conservative views on gender and sexuality, ancient cultures often had more fluid understandings. Hindu scriptures like the Kama Sutra acknowledge same-sex relationships, and the concept of the "third gender" (Hijras) has existed for centuries. In ancient Greece and Rome, same-sex relationships were often accepted, particularly among the elite. Many indigenous cultures, including Native American tribes, recognized Two-Spirit people—individuals embodying both masculine and feminine spirits. Before European colonial rule imposed restrictive Christian views, many pre-colonial societies had accepting attitudes toward diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.

Christian Perspectives

Major religions have varying perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues. Traditional Christian doctrine often condemns same-sex relationships, citing biblical passages such as:

• Leviticus 18:22: "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."

• Romans 1:26-27: "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error."

The Catholic Church officially opposes same-sex marriage but calls for dignity and respect for LGBTQ+ individuals. Meanwhile, progressive Christian movements, such as the United Church of Christ and certain Anglican and Lutheran branches, embrace LGBTQ+ rights and ordain LGBTQ+ clergy. Some theologians argue that biblical texts must be understood in their historical context, suggesting that Leviticus' prohibitions were cultural rather than universal moral commands. However, traditional Christian teachings affirm that God's design for marriage is between a man and a woman, as established in Genesis 2:24: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

Islamic Perspectives

Islamic teachings traditionally consider homosexuality sinful, with interpretations varying across cultures. Some Muslim-majority countries criminalize same-sex relationships, while others, like Turkey and Indonesia, show more tolerance. LGBTQ+ Muslim activists and scholars argue for a reinterpretation of Quranic texts to align with contemporary understandings of sexuality. Some highlight that Quranic references to same-sex acts focus on coercion rather than consensual relationships.

• Surah Al-A'raf 7:81: "Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people."

Traditional interpretations condemn these acts, while progressive scholars argue that these verses address sexual violence and exploitation rather than consensual same-sex relationships. However, Islamic jurisprudence, as established by scholars in different schools of thought, generally maintains that same-sex relations are impermissible and that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman. The emphasis on modesty, family structure, and moral conduct is central to Islamic teachings on sexuality.

Hindu Perspectives

Hinduism lacks a single authoritative scripture, leading to diverse perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues. Gender fluidity is present in many Hindu myths, such as the story of Ardhanarishvara, a deity who is half male and half female. While some conservative Hindus oppose same-sex marriage, India's Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality in 2018, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes. Ancient texts like the Kama Sutra contain references to same-sex relationships, suggesting that such practices were historically acknowledged rather than condemned.

Buddhist Perspectives

Buddhism focuses on personal morality rather than rigid sexual prohibitions. While monastic codes discourage sexual activity, many Buddhist schools do not actively oppose same-sex relationships. The Dalai Lama has expressed a need for compassion but upholds traditional teachings on sexuality.

Jewish Perspectives

Orthodox Judaism generally upholds biblical prohibitions against same-sex relationships.

• Leviticus 20:13: "If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

However, Reform and Conservative Judaism have become increasingly accepting, with many synagogues officiating same-sex marriages and LGBTQ+ rabbis leading congregations. Advocates for inclusion emphasize themes such as b’tzelem Elohim (being created in God’s image) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) to support LGBTQ+ rights.

Indigenous and Tribal Religions

Many indigenous and tribal religions have historically recognized non-binary and same-sex relationships. Native American cultures often recognized Two-Spirit individuals who held unique social and spiritual roles. Some African and Polynesian tribes had traditional recognition of non-binary and same-sex relationships, though colonial influences introduced restrictive views.

Ethical and Moral Debates

Religious ethics often center on natural law, divine will, and scriptural authority. The primary ethical debates include:

• Interpretation of Religious Texts: Should scriptures be interpreted literally or contextually?

• Religious Freedoms vs. LGBTQ+ Rights: How should societies balance religious freedoms with legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals?

• Harm from Discrimination and Conversion Therapy: Studies show that religious rejection can contribute to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals.

Many faith-based LGBTQ+ support groups work to reconcile spirituality and identity.

Evolution and Future Outlook

Religious perspectives on LGBTQ+ individuals are evolving. Inclusive religious movements, such as the Metropolitan Community Church, focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Many faiths now have openly LGBTQ+ clergy and activists. Interfaith dialogues are increasing to find common ground between faith and LGBTQ+ rights. The internet has provided a platform for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find support, challenge traditional teachings, and foster inclusive religious spaces.

Conclusion

From a biblical perspective, the traditional view of marriage and sexuality remains unaltered. The Bible consistently upholds heterosexual relationships as the divine standard, and passages condemning homosexual behavior reaffirm this position. While inclusivity and respect for all individuals are essential, Christian doctrine maintains that embracing biblical teachings does not equate to endorsing behaviors contrary to scripture.

As debates continue, religious communities face the challenge of balancing compassion with doctrinal faithfulness. The increasing societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights does not change the fundamental biblical stance on marriage and sexuality. The Bible remains the ultimate authority for believers, affirming that God's design for human relationships is rooted in His creation of male and female. In this ongoing discussion, faith, tradition, and moral convictions will continue to shape perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues within religious contexts.

Roman Catholicism Christian or Pagan?

The Roman Catholic Church, headquartered in Rome, Italy, has its own powerful City-State, the Vatican, and claims over 968 million members worldwide and 60 million in the U.S. and Canada (as of 1996). (Catholic membership figures are considerably misleading, though, in that they count as members every person who has been baptized Catholic, including millions of people who were baptized as infants but who are not practicing Catholics.) The Roman Catholic Church, in its pagan form, unofficially came into being in 312 A.D., at the time of the so-called "miraculous conversion" to Christianity of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Although Christianity was not made the official religion of the Roman Empire until the edicts of Theodosius I in 380 and 381 A.D., Constantine, from 312 A.D. until his death in 337, was engaged in the process of simultaneously building pagan temples and Christian churches, and was slowly turning over the reigns of his pagan priesthood to the Bishop of Rome. However, the family of Constantine did not give up the last vestige of his priesthood until after the disintegration of the Roman Empire -- that being the title the emperors bore as heads of the pagan priesthood -- Pontifex Maximus -- a title which the popes would inherit. (The popes also inherited Constantine's titles as the self-appointed civil head of the church -- Vicar of Christ and Bishop of Bishops.)




Prior to the time of Constantine's "conversion," Christians were persecuted not so much for their profession of faith in Christ, but because they would not include pagan deities in their faith as well. Then, with Constantine's emphasis on making his new-found Christianity palatable to the heathen in the Empire, the "Christianization" of these pagan deities was facilitated. For example, pagan rituals and idols gradually took on Christian meanings and names and were incorporated into "Christian" worship (e.g., "saints" replaced the cult of pagan gods in both worship and as patrons of cities; mother/son statues were renamed Mary and Jesus; etc.), and pagan holidays were reclassified as Christian holy days (e.g., the Roman Lupercalia and the feast of purification of Isis became the Feast of the Nativity; the Saturnalia celebrations were replaced by Christmas celebrations; an ancient festival of the dead was replaced by All Souls Day, rededicated to Christian heroes [now Halloween]; etc.). A transition had occurred -- instead of being persecuted for failure to worship pagan deities, Christians who did not agree with the particular orthodoxy backed by the Emperor were now persecuted in the name of Christ! "Christianized" Rome had become the legitimate successor of pagan Rome! This is the sad origin of the Roman Catholic Church.


Below are the highlights of what Catholics believe concerning their source of authority; God, Christ, and Mary; salvation and the sacraments; and heaven and hell. So much more could be said concerning not only the items listed below, but also concerning other areas of Catholic teaching (such as the claims of the Roman priesthood and its supposed origin in the Apostles; the nature of the pope's alleged infallibility and the supposed origin of his office in the Apostle Peter; the nature of the Confessional; the doctrine of penance/indulgences; practices concerning rituals, ceremonies, and relics; the doctrine of Celibacy; policies on marriage and divorce; the role of the parochial school; etc.). Excellent reference sources for a thorough treatment of Catholicism’s origins, beliefs, and practices would be Roman Catholicism (466 pgs.) and A Woman Rides the Beast (544 pgs.).

1. Source of Authority. With respect to the Bible, Catholics accept the apocryphal books in addition to the 66 books of the Protestant Bible. They also accept tradition and the teaching of the Catholic Church as authoritative and at least equal to that of the Bible (cf. Mk. 7:8,9,13; Matt. 15:3,6,9; Col. 2:8). With respect to papal infallibility, Catholics believe that ecumenical councils of bishops and the pope are immune from error when speaking ex cathedra about faith and morals (i.e., "from the chair" -- by sole virtue of position or the exercise of an office). (And by "infallible," Catholics mean much more than merely a simple, de facto absence of error -- it is positive perfection, ruling out the possibility of error. In actuality, Roman Catholicism places itself above Scripture; i.e., it teaches that the Roman Catholic Church produced the Bible and that the pope is Christ's vicar on earth. Catholics also maintain the belief in sacerdotalism -- that an ordained Catholic priest has the power to forgive sins (cf. 1 Tim. 2:5). This of course is a false teaching because no one can forgive sin other then God Himself (Mark 2:7). The Word of God is the ONLY true source of truth, not church tradition.

2. Jesus Christ. Catholicism teaches that Christ is God, but they, nevertheless, do not believe that Christ's death paid the full penalty for sin; i.e., they believe that those who qualify for heaven must still spend time in purgatory to atone for sin (cf. John. 19: 30; Hebrews 10:11,12). There is nothing taught in the Bible about purgatory. Catholics diminish Christ's deity (as do other cults), but in a different manner; instead of bringing Christ low by denying his deity, Catholics elevate Mary high in an attempt to make her equal with Christ, this is heresy.

3. Mary. The Catholic Church gives honor and adoration to Mary that the Scriptures do not; she is readily referred to as "holy," the "Mother of God," and has been dubbed the "Co-Redemptrix," thereby making her an object of idolatrous worship (e.g., the rosary has ten prayers to Mary for each two directed to God). In 1923, Pope Pius XI sanctioned Pope Benedict XV's (1914-1922) pronouncement that Mary suffered with Christ, and that with Him, she redeemed the human race. And Pope Pius XII officially designated Mary the "Queen of Heaven" and "Queen of the World." Catholics claim not only that Mary was perfectly sinless from conception, even as Jesus was (doctrine of Immaculate Conception, proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854), but that the reason she never sinned at any time during her life was because she was unable to sin (cf. Luke 1:46,47; Rom. 3:10,23; 5:12; Heb. 4:15; 1 John 1:8,10). Catholics also believe that Mary was a perpetual virgin (cf. Ps. 69:8; Matt. 1:24,25; 13:54-56; Mk. 6:3; John 7:5), and that she was assumed, body and soul, into heaven (doctrine of Assumption of Mary, declared ex cathedra by Pope Pius XII in November of 1950 -- that Mary was raised from the dead on the third day after her death, and anyone who refuses to believe this has committed a mortal sin). The consequence of all this veneration of Mary, in effect, establishes her authority above Christ's -- Rome says, "He came to us through Mary and we must go to Him through her." All this is so obviously idolatrous, one wonders why Catholics take offense when their religious affections are called cultic. Exodus 20:4,5 (the Ten Commandments) strictly forbids bowing down to any likeness of anything in heaven (this includes Mary). It's the 2nd command, read it for yourself! It's the same Scripture found in the Catholic Bible, so why do they disobey God?

4. Salvation. Catholics teach that a person is saved through the Roman Catholic Church and its sacraments, especially through baptism; they do not believe that salvation can be obtained by grace through faith in Christ alone, but that baptism is essential to salvation. Catholics believe that no one outside the Catholic Church can be saved (Unum Sanctum) (cf. John 5:24; Ephesians 2: 8,9; Galatians 2:21; Romans 3:22,23). They also believe that one's own suffering can expiate the sin's of himself and of others, so that what Christ's suffering was not able to achieve, one can achieve by his own works and the works of others (Vatican II). These are all lies of the Catholic church! The thief on the cross was never baptized. The Apostle Paul said Jesus had not sent him to baptize, but to preach the gospel (1st Corinthians 1:17). Jesus didn't baptize (John 4:2).

5. Sacraments. Catholics have seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist (mass), penance/reconciliation (indulgences), extreme unction (last rights), marriage, and orders (ordination). Although not even formally decreed until the Council of Florence in 1439, the Council of Trent later declared all to be anathema whom do not hold Rome's position that it was Christ Himself who instituted these seven sacraments! (The idea behind the sacraments is that the shedding of Christ's Blood in His death upon the cross is of no value unless it is somehow dispensed and applied "sacramentally" by the Catholic priesthood.) Although Catholics believe that the first five sacraments are indispensable for salvation (because without any one of them, a mortal sin has been committed), baptism is considered the most important. Catholics believe that a person enters into the spiritual life of the Church through baptism; i.e., baptismal regeneration -- that a person can be saved through baptism (actually, 'on the road to salvation,' because Catholics never know exactly when they are saved). They practice infant baptism because they believe baptism erases original sin (cf. John 3:18). Titus 3:5 makes clear that we cannot be saved by works, "Not by works of righteousness..." There are NO sacraments taught in the Bible. Nothing is essential for our salvation other than simple child-like faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour to forgive our sins.

6. The Mass. Unknown in the early church, the mass did not become an official doctrine until pronounced by the Lateran Council of 1215 under the direction of Pope Innocent III, and reaffirmed by the Council of Trent. The Church of Rome holds that the mass is a continuation of the sacrifice that Christ made on Calvary -- in effect a re-crucifixion of Christ over and over again in an unbloody manner (cf. Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7). They believe that by this means Christ offers Himself again and again as a sacrifice for sin (cf. Hebrews 7:27; 9:12,25,26; 10:10,12,14,18), and that this sacrifice is just as efficacious to take away sin as was the true sacrifice on Calvary. Catholics thus teach the doctrine of transubstantiation (meaning a change of substance) -- that the bread and wine (at communion) actually become (by the power of the priest!) the body and blood of Christ, which is then worshiped as God Himself! Indeed, the sacrifice of the mass is the central point of Catholic worship, as evidenced by the fact that those abstaining from attending mass are considered to have committed a mortal sin. Of course, holy communion is not taught in the Bible. The Bible teaches the "Lord's supper" which was simply an ordinance that Christ initiated for believers to do in remembrance of Him, no more. There is nothing magical about the Lord's supper. Nothing changes into anything. It is simply a time to remember Christ in an official church manner, Jesus is NOT dying again. The book of Hebrews tells us repeatedly that Jesus died "once" for all.

7. Purgatory. Of pagan origin, the Roman Church proclaimed purgatory as an article of faith in 1439 at the Council of Florence, and it was confirmed by Trent in 1548. The Catholic Church teaches that even those "who die in the state of grace" (i.e., saved and sins forgiven) must still spend an indefinite time being purged/purified (i.e., expiated of sins/cleansed for heaven). Technically, this "purging" can occur in this life rather than in purgatory itself, but as a practical matter, purgatory is the best the average Catholic can hope for. Some Catholics will admit that the doctrine of purgatory is not based on the Bible, but on Catholic tradition (which, by Catholic standards, is equally authoritative) (cf. John 5:24; Luke 23:43; 1 John 1:7,9; Phil. 1:23). (Others teach that it is based upon the interpretation of several Scriptural texts -- 1 Corinthians 3:15; 1 Peter 1:7; 3:19; Matt. 12:31.) They teach that those in purgatory can be helped by the prayers and good works of those on earth (which would include the "purchase" of masses and/or other indulgences), but they are not certain how these prayers and works are applied (cf. 2 Peter 1:9; Hebrews 1:3; John 3:18; 19:30; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8).

8. The Church Councils. There have been three major Roman Catholic Councils: Council of Trent (1545-1563), Vatican I (1869-1870), and Vatican II (1962-1965). The last Council, Vatican II, offered no new doctrines nor repudiated any essential teaching of the Roman Church; it referred to Trent dozens and dozens of times, quoted Trent's proclamations as authority, and reaffirmed Trent on every hand. Even the New Catholic Catechism (1992/1994) cites Trent no less than 99 times! There is not the slightest hint that the proclamations of the Council of Trent have been abrogated by Rome. At the opening of the Second Vatican council, Pope John XXIII stated, "I do accept entirely all that has been decided and declared at the Council of Trent," and all of the Catholic leaders who attended Vatican II signed a document containing this statement. (The current pope, Pope John Paul II, has even cited the Council of Trent as authority for his blasphemous position on Mary.):

Council of Trent -- The Council of Trent was held in an attempt to destroy the progress of the Protestant Reformation; it approved many superstitious and unbiblical beliefs of the Middle Ages (all to be believed under the threat of "anathema"):

(a) Denied every doctrine of the Reformation, from Sola Scriptura to "salvation by grace through faith alone";

(b) Pronounced 125 anathemas (i.e., eternal damnation) upon anyone believing what evangelicals believe and preach today;

(c) Equal value and authority of tradition and Scripture (in actuality, tradition is held above Scripture);

(d) Scriptures for the priesthood only (prohibited to anyone in the laity without written permission from one's superior -- to violate this was [and still is in most "Catholic countries" today] considered a mortal sin);

(e) Seven sacraments;

(f) Communion by eating the bread only (not drinking the wine);

(g) Purgatory;

(h) Indulgences;

(i) The Mass as a propitiatory offering.

Vatican I

(a) Defined the infallibility of the pope;

(b) Confirmed Unum Sanctum (no salvation outside of the Catholic Church).

Vatican II -- made no new doctrines, nor did it change or repudiate any old ones; Trent and Vatican I stand as is (i.e., Vatican II verified and validated all the anathemas of Trent). Vatican II reaffirmed such Roman heresies as papal supremacy; the Roman priesthood; the mass as an unbloody sacrifice of Christ; a polluted sacramental gospel; Catholic tradition on equal par with Scripture; Mary as the Queen of Heaven and co-Redemptrix with Christ; auricular confession; Mariolatry; pilgrimages to "holy shrines"; purgatory; prayers to and for the dead; etc. (Although the restriction against laity reading the Scriptures has been removed, it is still a mortal sin for a Roman Catholic anywhere to read any Protestant version of the Bible. That the real attitude of the Vatican toward the Bible has not changed is shown by the fact that in 1957 the depot of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Madrid, Spain was closed and its stock of Bibles confiscated and burned.)

(a) Reaffirmed the infallibility of the pope (and even when he does not speak ex-cathedra, all Catholics must still give complete submission of mind and will to what he says);

(b) Divided Catholic doctrine into that which is essential core of theology, and must be received by faith, and that which is still an undefined body of theology which Catholics may question and debate without repudiating their essential Catholicism;

(c) Established 20 complex rules concerning when and how any indulgence may be obtained, and condemned "with anathema those who say that indulgences are useless or that the Church does not have the power to grant them ... [for] the task of winning salvation."

The Three Levels of Salvation

So, I'm Born Again... NOW WHAT???

Have you ever wondered how someone could claim to be a Christian yet act completely contrary to it? Or perhaps you've questioned your own salvation after falling into sin? Maybe you're searching for truth and unsure if Jesus Christ is the way.

Good news—I have an answer for you! And no, it’s not about car insurance (though maybe a little about fire insurance).

Once you are biblically born again, your eternal destination is sealed—you’re bound for heaven! But salvation is more than a one-time event. It’s a three-phase process, each impacting a different part of your being at a different time.

The Three Levels of Salvation:

1. The Regeneration of the Spirit (Justification) – Instant and complete at the moment of faith.

2. The Restoration of the Soul (Sanctification) – A lifelong journey of growth and renewal.

3. The Transfiguration of the Body (Glorification) – The final transformation at Christ’s return.

As 1 Corinthians 6:11 says: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

Romans 8:30 echoes this: “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

1. The Salvation of the Spirit – Justification

The moment you believe the Gospel, repent, and receive Christ, your spirit is regenerated—made new! You are justified, meaning God sees you as if you had never sinned. This happens instantly and is the foundation of your salvation.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…” (Ezekiel 36:26)

2. The Salvation of the Soul – Sanctification

Though your spirit is saved, your mind and soul are still being renewed. This is a lifelong process where you grow in Christ, separate from sin’s influence, and develop godly character.

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) “Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

Sanctification prepares you for greater responsibility in God’s kingdom, both now and in eternity. It involves daily choices to follow Christ, surrendering to the Holy Spirit, and allowing His Word to shape your thoughts and actions.

3. The Salvation of the Body – Glorification

At Christ’s return, your body will be completely transformed into a glorified, sinless state. But glorification begins now—as you yield to God, His presence in you manifests as spiritual radiance, influencing those around you.

“Waiting for the time when we will take our place as sons, that is, the salvation of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23, BBE)

During the Rapture, believers will receive new, perfect bodies, fit for eternity!

---

Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation?

No. Once truly born again, you cannot lose salvation. However, salvation is not a license to sin! While sin affects your soul (character) and body (health and well-being), it does not undo the regeneration of your spirit.

Yet, all believers will stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) to give an account of their lives.

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!” (Hebrews 10:31)

Some will experience loss and regret, being cast into outer darkness—not hell, but a place of deep sorrow over wasted opportunities. This refers to the disappointment and missed rewards of those who neglected their calling and failed to fully live for Christ (Matthew 8:12, 22:13).

Final Thought:

Salvation is permanent, but our rewards and experience in eternity depend on how we live now. Let’s walk in holiness, gratitude, and obedience to the One who saved us!

Here are practical steps to grow in your faith:

• Read and meditate on God's Word daily.

• Pray and build a close relationship with Jesus.

• Fellowship with other believers.

• Share the Gospel and serve others with love.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Jaz-O Exposes Jay Z – Illuminati Beyonce

Jaz-O Exposes Jay Z – Illuminati Beyonce