Answering Your QuestionsAnswering Your Questions

The Bible tells us that women should remain silent in the church. Why is it okay then for women to speak out in Bible class? Is this not worship? Is there an example in the Bible that tells us this is okay or are we adding to what the Bible tells us?

The Bible tells us that women should remain silent in the church. Why is it okay then for women to speak out in Bible class? Is this not worship? Is there an example in the Bible that tells us this is okay or are we adding to what the Bible tells us?

When does a football game begin? When does a football game begin?

When does the football game end?

Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."

Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."

Acts 24:11 "because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

Acts 24:11 "because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Timothy 2:13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

1 Timothy 2:13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

1 Peter 3:1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

1 Peter 3:1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

Acts 18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Acts 18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

What do you think about woman saying amen to a prayer in the worship service? What do you think about woman saying amen to a prayer in the worship service?

1 Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

1 Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

What is meant by silent?

Siago can mean to stop talking or to keep something a secret.

What is meant by silent?

Siago can mean to stop talking or to keep something a secret.

Luke 9:36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

Luke 9:36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

1 Corinthians 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

1 Corinthians 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

If Siago means absolute silence then women can’t:

• Correct her child, sneeze or cough • Sing (Would contradict Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16)• Confess Christ in the assembly• Speak at any gathering of the saints

If Siago means absolute silence then women can’t:

• Correct her child, sneeze or cough • Sing (Would contradict Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16)• Confess Christ in the assembly• Speak at any gathering of the saints

1 Timothy 2:11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.

1 Timothy 2:11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.

1 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

1 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

Amen means surely, truly and it can mean so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled Amen means surely, truly and it can mean so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled

It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues into the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed had offered up a solemn prayer to God, the others in attendance responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own:

It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues into the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed had offered up a solemn prayer to God, the others in attendance responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own:

Deuteronomy 27:15 'Cursed is the one who makes a carved or molded image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.' And all the people shall answer and say, 'Amen!'

Deuteronomy 27:15 'Cursed is the one who makes a carved or molded image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.' And all the people shall answer and say, 'Amen!'

Is it okay for a young boy who is not a Christian to lead the closing prayer? If not, why is it okay for them to lead singing?

Is it okay for a young boy who is not a Christian to lead the closing prayer? If not, why is it okay for them to lead singing?

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you ….

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you ….

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some

Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Acts 20:28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Is 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and 1 Timothy 4:1-5 are referring to the Catholic Church? Is 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and 1 Timothy 4:1-5 are referring to the Catholic Church?

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of

2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of

lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Paul established the church at Thessalonica in Acts 17 during his second missionary journey

• Some were confused about those who had died and corrects them 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 • Some became idle and corrects them 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Paul established the church at Thessalonica in Acts 17 during his second missionary journey

• Some were confused about those who had died and corrects them 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 • Some became idle and corrects them 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

2 Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

2 Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

This phrase “falling away” comes from the Greek word “apostasia” from which we get our English word apostasy

2 Thessalonians 2:3 and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

This phrase “falling away” comes from the Greek word “apostasia” from which we get our English word apostasy

In some sense, the Man of Sin will “sit in the temple of God” (v. 4). The “temple” is not a reference to the Jewish house of worship. The Greek word is naos, used by Paul eight times; never does he employ the term of the Jewish temple. In fact, after the death of Christ, the Jewish temple is never again called the temple of God (Newton, p. 441). Rather it is used of the Christian’s body (1 Cor. 6:19), or of the church as God’s spiritual house (1 Cor. 3:16,17; Eph. 2:21). The suggestion is this: this unholy being is viewed as a “church” character.

In some sense, the Man of Sin will “sit in the temple of God” (v. 4). The “temple” is not a reference to the Jewish house of worship. The Greek word is naos, used by Paul eight times; never does he employ the term of the Jewish temple. In fact, after the death of Christ, the Jewish temple is never again called the temple of God (Newton, p. 441). Rather it is used of the Christian’s body (1 Cor. 6:19), or of the church as God’s spiritual house (1 Cor. 3:16,17; Eph. 2:21). The suggestion is this: this unholy being is viewed as a “church” character.

The expression “sitteth” may hint of unparalleled arrogance (Ellicott, pp. 119-120). Mason notes that the language describes the Man of Sin as attempting to exact “divine homage” from people (p. 169). Moreover, this Son of Perdition “sets himself forth as God.” The present participle (“sets forth continually”) reveals that this presumptive posture is characteristic of the Man of Sin. This person represents himself as God, either: (a) by making claims that belong only to deity; (b) by receiving adoration reserved exclusively for God; or, (c) by usurping prerogatives which only God can accomplish. Clearly, the Man of Sin is an ecclesiastical character.

The expression “sitteth” may hint of unparalleled arrogance (Ellicott, pp. 119-120). Mason notes that the language describes the Man of Sin as attempting to exact “divine homage” from people (p. 169). Moreover, this Son of Perdition “sets himself forth as God.” The present participle (“sets forth continually”) reveals that this presumptive posture is characteristic of the Man of Sin. This person represents himself as God, either: (a) by making claims that belong only to deity; (b) by receiving adoration reserved exclusively for God; or, (c) by usurping prerogatives which only God can accomplish. Clearly, the Man of Sin is an ecclesiastical character.

2 Thessalonians 2:5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.

2 Thessalonians 2:5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Bloomfield calls these “pretended miracles” (p. 345). These “wonders” are not in the category of Christ’s miracles. Lenski has well commented: “So many are ready to attribute real miracles to Satan and to his agents; the Scriptures never do” (p. 426). In identifying the Man of Sin, one must thus look for a post-apostolic movement that claims to prove its authenticity by miracles.

Bloomfield calls these “pretended miracles” (p. 345). These “wonders” are not in the category of Christ’s miracles. Lenski has well commented: “So many are ready to attribute real miracles to Satan and to his agents; the Scriptures never do” (p. 426). In identifying the Man of Sin, one must thus look for a post-apostolic movement that claims to prove its authenticity by miracles.

Possibilities given by others:

• Pagan mythology • Satan Satan • The principle of evil (Islam, Communism, The principle of evil (Islam, Communism, etc)etc)

The text tells of a particular movement, “the falling away” (v. 3). How does that refer to Communism, etc.? Moreover, there are too many personal references within the narrative to dismiss it as mere personification. Finally, it is “the man of sin,” with the article pointing to a definite influence, rather than a generic one.

Possibilities given by others:

• Pagan mythology • Satan Satan • The principle of evil (Islam, Communism, The principle of evil (Islam, Communism, etc)etc)

The text tells of a particular movement, “the falling away” (v. 3). How does that refer to Communism, etc.? Moreover, there are too many personal references within the narrative to dismiss it as mere personification. Finally, it is “the man of sin,” with the article pointing to a definite influence, rather than a generic one.

• Judaism • Roman ruler

As Raymond Kelcy observed: “Paul contemplates the man of lawlessness being in existence and waging opposition at the time the Lord returns; the Roman empire has long ago ceased to be” (p. 161).

• Judaism • Roman ruler

As Raymond Kelcy observed: “Paul contemplates the man of lawlessness being in existence and waging opposition at the time the Lord returns; the Roman empire has long ago ceased to be” (p. 161).

• The future AntiChrist

Millennialists (and some others) contend that the Man of Sin “is an individual embodying anti-God power who is still to arise before the future day of the Lord” (Mare, p. 1073).

“As this evil began in the apostles’ days, and was to continue in the world till the second coming of Christ in power and great glory: it necessarily follows, that it was to be carried on not by one man, but by a succession of men in several ages” (p. 453).

• The future AntiChrist

Millennialists (and some others) contend that the Man of Sin “is an individual embodying anti-God power who is still to arise before the future day of the Lord” (Mare, p. 1073).

“As this evil began in the apostles’ days, and was to continue in the world till the second coming of Christ in power and great glory: it necessarily follows, that it was to be carried on not by one man, but by a succession of men in several ages” (p. 453).

The papal dynasty of the apostate church of Rome. The papal dynasty of the apostate church of Rome.

As Barnes says: “Most Protestant commentators have referred it to the great apostasy under the Papacy …” (p. 80).

As Barnes says: “Most Protestant commentators have referred it to the great apostasy under the Papacy …” (p. 80).

The apostasy:

Forbidding to marry and forbidding the eating of meat 1 Tim. 4:1-5

The Catholic Church:• Forbids the eating of meat on Friday• Promotes celibacy• Forbids the priests and pope from marrying• Will not marry a couple during lent

The apostasy:

Forbidding to marry and forbidding the eating of meat 1 Tim. 4:1-5

The Catholic Church:• Forbids the eating of meat on Friday• Promotes celibacy• Forbids the priests and pope from marrying• Will not marry a couple during lent

The many corruptions of the divine economy—changes in the plan of redemption (e.g., sprinkling, infant baptism, etc.), alteration of worship (e.g., the mass, the veneration of Mary, etc.)—were progressively implemented. Catholicism evolved as a defection from the original faith. This history has been graphically detailed in John F. Rowe’s, The History of Apostasies (1958, Rosemead, CA: Old Paths Publishing Co.).

The many corruptions of the divine economy—changes in the plan of redemption (e.g., sprinkling, infant baptism, etc.), alteration of worship (e.g., the mass, the veneration of Mary, etc.)—were progressively implemented. Catholicism evolved as a defection from the original faith. This history has been graphically detailed in John F. Rowe’s, The History of Apostasies (1958, Rosemead, CA: Old Paths Publishing Co.).

Not Revealed in the First CenturyNot Revealed in the First Century

Lawless

“The pope doeth whatsoever he listeth [wills], even things unlawful, and is more than God” (quoted by Newton, p. 456).

Attwater, a Catholic writer, has shown that, according to Roman Catholicism, “Tradition,” i.e., the voice of the church, is superior to the Scriptures (pp. 41-42).

"Like two sacred rivers flowing from paradise, the Bible and Divine Tradition contain the Word of God. . .of the two, tradition is to us more clear and safe." (Catholic Belief, by J. Faa Di Bruno, p. 33.)

Lawless

“The pope doeth whatsoever he listeth [wills], even things unlawful, and is more than God” (quoted by Newton, p. 456).

Attwater, a Catholic writer, has shown that, according to Roman Catholicism, “Tradition,” i.e., the voice of the church, is superior to the Scriptures (pp. 41-42).

"Like two sacred rivers flowing from paradise, the Bible and Divine Tradition contain the Word of God. . .of the two, tradition is to us more clear and safe." (Catholic Belief, by J. Faa Di Bruno, p. 33.)

God opposing God opposing

Sitting in the temple of God and making himself out to be God.

• the Pope is the head of the church on earth and Jesus is the head of the church in heaven.

Paul says Jesus is, “The head [singular] of the body, the church” (Col. 1:18)

Sitting in the temple of God and making himself out to be God.

• the Pope is the head of the church on earth and Jesus is the head of the church in heaven.

Paul says Jesus is, “The head [singular] of the body, the church” (Col. 1:18)

More ways the Pope makes himself out to be God:

1. Making claims that belong only to deity—”Our Lord God the pope; another God upon the earth, king of kings, and lord of lords” (Newton, p. 456).

2. Accepting adoration not proper for a man. Men bow before the papal dignitary, kiss his feet, ring, etc.

More ways the Pope makes himself out to be God:

1. Making claims that belong only to deity—”Our Lord God the pope; another God upon the earth, king of kings, and lord of lords” (Newton, p. 456).

2. Accepting adoration not proper for a man. Men bow before the papal dignitary, kiss his feet, ring, etc.

These candidates for priesthood lay down before the Pope to worship him.

This Cardinal bows down and kisses his ring before the media for all to see

This statue was first called "JUPITER" in the Pagan temples of Rome, but it was later moved to the Vatican and renamed "St. Peter."

If you look closely you will see how the right foot is If you look closely you will see how the right foot is extended forward on the pedestal so that extended forward on the pedestal so that WORSHIPERS can come forward to BOW DOWN and WORSHIPERS can come forward to BOW DOWN and KISS the foot. KISS the foot.

In fact, so many people have kissed this foot that In fact, so many people have kissed this foot that the finished has worn off of it completely! The the finished has worn off of it completely! The golden bronze has been revealed underneath, and golden bronze has been revealed underneath, and the features of the toe have been almost the features of the toe have been almost completely rubbed away from the soft kisses of the completely rubbed away from the soft kisses of the worshipping Catholics. worshipping Catholics.

3. Pope Boniface VIII, in the bull "Unam Sanctum" issued in 1302, stated that outside the Catholic Church, "there is neither salvation nor remission of sins."

He further said: ". . .it is altogether necessary to salvation for every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.“ (Eternal Kingdom, p. 196.)

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

3. Pope Boniface VIII, in the bull "Unam Sanctum" issued in 1302, stated that outside the Catholic Church, "there is neither salvation nor remission of sins."

He further said: ". . .it is altogether necessary to salvation for every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.“ (Eternal Kingdom, p. 196.)

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

4. Their doctrine also gives their priest the power to forgive sins.

For example, in Catholic doctrine, Absolution is a “judicial act whereby a priest remits the sins of a penitent who has contrition, has made confession and promises satisfaction” (Attwater, p. 3).

4. Their doctrine also gives their priest the power to forgive sins.

For example, in Catholic doctrine, Absolution is a “judicial act whereby a priest remits the sins of a penitent who has contrition, has made confession and promises satisfaction” (Attwater, p. 3).

Claims of miracles

Conway, a Catholic apologist, states that God “has allowed His saints to work miracles to prove their divine commission to speak in His name, and to give the world a clear proof of their eminent sanctity. The Church always requires four, or in some instances six, miracles before she proceeds to beatify or canonize a saint” (p. 44).

Claims of miracles

Conway, a Catholic apologist, states that God “has allowed His saints to work miracles to prove their divine commission to speak in His name, and to give the world a clear proof of their eminent sanctity. The Church always requires four, or in some instances six, miracles before she proceeds to beatify or canonize a saint” (p. 44).

Early Stages at Work in Paul’s Day

Newton says: “The seeds of popery were sown in the apostle’s time” (p. 457). Idolatry had invaded the church (1 Cor. 10:14), even in the worship of angels (Col. 2:18). Handling the word of God deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:2) had begun; strife and division were affecting the church (1 Cor. 3:3). Gospel truth was sacrificed for the sake of money (cf. 1 Tim. 6:5; Tit. 1:11)—compare the practice of “simony” in Catholicism, i.e., the purchase of church offices. Distinctions were made regarding meats (1 Cor. 8:8), and human traditions were creeping into the church (Col. 2:23). Certain men (such as Diotrephes) were beginning to exert preeminence and to flex their ecclesiastical muscles (3 Jn. 9,10). Out of these attitudes and actions, the papacy finally was born.

Early Stages at Work in Paul’s Day

Newton says: “The seeds of popery were sown in the apostle’s time” (p. 457). Idolatry had invaded the church (1 Cor. 10:14), even in the worship of angels (Col. 2:18). Handling the word of God deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:2) had begun; strife and division were affecting the church (1 Cor. 3:3). Gospel truth was sacrificed for the sake of money (cf. 1 Tim. 6:5; Tit. 1:11)—compare the practice of “simony” in Catholicism, i.e., the purchase of church offices. Distinctions were made regarding meats (1 Cor. 8:8), and human traditions were creeping into the church (Col. 2:23). Certain men (such as Diotrephes) were beginning to exert preeminence and to flex their ecclesiastical muscles (3 Jn. 9,10). Out of these attitudes and actions, the papacy finally was born.

If the man of sin is the papal dynasty then what was restraining it from coming to power?

If the man of sin is the papal dynasty then what was restraining it from coming to power?

McClintock and Strong, citing numerous sources from the early “church fathers” (e.g., Tertullian, Chrysostom, Hippolytus, Jerome, etc.), said that the patristic writers “generally consider” the restraining force to be “the Roman empire” (p. 255).

McClintock and Strong, citing numerous sources from the early “church fathers” (e.g., Tertullian, Chrysostom, Hippolytus, Jerome, etc.), said that the patristic writers “generally consider” the restraining force to be “the Roman empire” (p. 255).

“During the first three hundred years of the history of Christianity it was a persecuted illegal religion. This fact hindered any power-hungry “Christian” bishop from assuming a lot of authority.In the years that followed the adoption of Christianity as the state religion (325 AD),emperors like Constantine and Theodosius considered themselves not only the head of the state, but head of the church as well. For example, Constantine called the council of Nicea to settle the dispute about the nature of Christ.In the fourth century as the barbarians began to invade the Roman empire, it became weaker and weaker, and its emperors became less and less strong.

“During the first three hundred years of the history of Christianity it was a persecuted illegal religion. This fact hindered any power-hungry “Christian” bishop from assuming a lot of authority.In the years that followed the adoption of Christianity as the state religion (325 AD),emperors like Constantine and Theodosius considered themselves not only the head of the state, but head of the church as well. For example, Constantine called the council of Nicea to settle the dispute about the nature of Christ.In the fourth century as the barbarians began to invade the Roman empire, it became weaker and weaker, and its emperors became less and less strong.

In those times many of the bishops of Rome were strong willed, capable men. Gradually the Roman bishops came to have more power and the emperors less. The Roman bishops were further strengthened when the capital of the Roman empire was transferred to Constantinople in the East.Leo the Great, bishop of Rome 440-461 AD, greatly strengthened the authority of his office. On two occasions he saved Rome from being sacked, first by Atilla the Hun, and secondly by Genseric the Vandal. In return for such service the Roman emperor gave Leo authority over the bishops and churches in every province.

In those times many of the bishops of Rome were strong willed, capable men. Gradually the Roman bishops came to have more power and the emperors less. The Roman bishops were further strengthened when the capital of the Roman empire was transferred to Constantinople in the East.Leo the Great, bishop of Rome 440-461 AD, greatly strengthened the authority of his office. On two occasions he saved Rome from being sacked, first by Atilla the Hun, and secondly by Genseric the Vandal. In return for such service the Roman emperor gave Leo authority over the bishops and churches in every province.

The Western Roman Empire fell in 486 AD, and this gave the Roman bishops almost a free hand in Europe. Bishop Gelasius (492-496) contended that although the king rules over men in the world, yet he is duty bound in spiritual things to submit to his religious prelates.Later Roman bishops, such as Gregory the Great (590-604) formed alliances with civil rulers in the West, as well as emperors in the East.While some strong emperors occasionally resisted the popes for many centuries, the popes became so strong that kings (such as Charlemagne) received their crowns from the hands of popes, and the popes sometimes commanded people in various countries to disobey their kings when the kings would not submit to the authority of the Roman church.” (Thinking Through Thessalonians, Wilbur Fields, p. 202,203.)

The Western Roman Empire fell in 486 AD, and this gave the Roman bishops almost a free hand in Europe. Bishop Gelasius (492-496) contended that although the king rules over men in the world, yet he is duty bound in spiritual things to submit to his religious prelates.Later Roman bishops, such as Gregory the Great (590-604) formed alliances with civil rulers in the West, as well as emperors in the East.While some strong emperors occasionally resisted the popes for many centuries, the popes became so strong that kings (such as Charlemagne) received their crowns from the hands of popes, and the popes sometimes commanded people in various countries to disobey their kings when the kings would not submit to the authority of the Roman church.” (Thinking Through Thessalonians, Wilbur Fields, p. 202,203.)

The work of the man of sin is to continue to exist in one for or another until Christ comes again.

The work of the man of sin is to continue to exist in one for or another until Christ comes again.

“The identification of the papacy and its religious apparatus with Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 was the prevailing view for more than a thousand years, a view supported by the writings and interpretations of many of the most brilliant men who ever lived on earth; and, on that account, there is no way for this writer to accept the sneers and snickers with which this interpretation is greeted by many modern commentators, as being an effective refutation of the arguments upholding it” (p. 104).

“The identification of the papacy and its religious apparatus with Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 was the prevailing view for more than a thousand years, a view supported by the writings and interpretations of many of the most brilliant men who ever lived on earth; and, on that account, there is no way for this writer to accept the sneers and snickers with which this interpretation is greeted by many modern commentators, as being an effective refutation of the arguments upholding it” (p. 104).

THE MAN OF SINTHE MAN OF SIN