Chapter 45 — "THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS" (DISOBEDIENCE)

The apostle Paul in his second letter to the Thessalonians, wrote of a great apostasy that would finally produce the papacy. Paul said Christ's second coming "will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness [disobedience] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He opposes and exalts himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, and even sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thess. 2:3, 4, NIV). Then Paul warned the believers that "the secret power of lawlessness is already at work" (2 Thess. 2:7). At that early date Paul saw errors coming into the church. These errors would prepare the way for the papacy to develop.SRme 1.1463

Little by little, secretly and silently these errors of wrong thinking deceived the people. The apostasy increased in strength and got control of the minds of the people. Almost without people noticing, the customs of paganism were brought into the Christian church. But for a while the strong persecution against the Christians done by the pagans slowed down the process of apostasy.SRme 1.1464

When persecution stopped, Christianity was accepted by people in government courts and the palaces of kings. The church stopped being humble, the same as Christ and His apostles. The church adopted the show and pride of pagan priests and rulers. The church put human ideas and customs in place of God's law.SRme 1.1465

In the early part of the fourth century the Roman emperor Constantine joined the church. Constantine said he was converted. His "conversion" brought great rejoicing. But now the influence of Constantine entered the church. Errors grew quickly. Paganism, which seemed to be defeated, was now in control. The spirit of paganism filled the church. Pagan teachings, ceremonies, and beliefs became part of the faith and worship of people who said they were following Christ.SRme 1.1466

The "man of lawlessness" developed from the union of paganism with Christianity. This man of lawlessness was foretold in prophecy. He would oppose God and would try to be greater than God. This huge system of false religion is part of Satan's efforts to seat himself on the throne to rule the earth as he chooses.SRme 1.1467

The church wanted worldly gains and honors, so it tried to get the favor and support of the important men of earth. The church rejected Christ and gave its loyalty to the representative of Satan--the Bishop of Rome.SRme 1.1468

A main doctrine of Romanism is that the pope is the head of the universal church of Christ. The pope is the highest authority over bishops and ministers in all parts of the world. More than that, the pope has taken some of the titles of God.SRme 1.1469

Satan knew people could learn from the Bible about his deceptions and how to withstand his power. The Saviour Himself had used the Word of God to resist Satan's temptations. At every temptation, the Saviour had used the shield of eternal truth, saying, "It is written." To every suggestion of Satan, the Saviour used the wisdom and power of God's Word.SRme 1.1470

Satan was determined to have power over people and set up the authority of the papacy. To set up the authority of the papacy Satan must keep people from studying the Scriptures. The Bible exalts God and shows the true position of human beings. Satan knows he must hide the sacred truths found in the Bible. So the Roman church kept the truth in the Bible from the people. For hundreds of years the Bible was not allowed to be sold. The people could not read the Bible or have it in their homes.SRme 1.1471

Priests and other church leaders explained the teachings of the Bible in a way that justified whatever they were doing. The pope was accepted in the world as the person who had authority to act in the place of God. The pope had authority over church and state.SRme 1.1472