One cannot easily understand how it is possible for the majority of the clergy to ignore the historical developments and simply bypass them. Whether they close their eyes intentionally or whether they are not interested in finding the truth, God only knows. The developments especially since the time of Constantine and, therefore, since the beginning of the Roman state church are thoroughly dealt with in the church history books. From the 5th to the 11th century, the Caesars and the emperors designated the popes. From then onward the so-called clergy took the matter into their hands.

“To push back the influence of the Roman–German emperors and the Roman town nobility in regards to the choosing of popes, the pope Nicolaus II issued a pope election decree at the Easter synod in 1059 which places exclusively the election into the hands of the cardinal’s college.” (B. Harenberg, Chronik der Menschheit, pg. 287). The popes had then become supreme to the worldly potentates, because they had the masses behind them in fear for hell. This was not enough. Now the things were decided to the better of the church. Finally, the Caesars and the emperors did not designate the popes, but rather the popes designated the emperors.

“Rome, March 1075. Papal dictate. In the so-called Dictatus Papae, during the Roman lent-synod, pope Gregory VII declared the bishop of Rome to be the unlimited ruler of the universal church. The pope alone is entitled to wear the imperial insignias and can dethrone the emperors and set free from the oath of allegiance the subjects of an unrighteous ruler and must not be judged by anyone.” (B. Harenberg, Chronik der Menschheit, pg. 288). What do such worldly, politically and religious power positions have in common with the Church of Jesus Christ or the proclamation of His Gospel and the Kingdom of God? All the rulers whether in civilian or clerical clothes, have only built their own kingdoms.

The popes are elected into the high office which they have invented themselves. Then they are placed on the gestatorial chair (Sedia gestatoria) and are carried about. Now the whole world looks up to them and seeks their benevolence, favour, and mediation. If it is established and infallibly proved that in this universal church nothing, absolutely nothing coincides with the Holy Scriptures, can this be kept back from the public and thereby become guilty before God? Here we do not reprehend the many people who belong to this universal church, nor a kind pope as a human being, but rather the institution and the system in itself. It must be permitted to prove whether we have in fact gone into the greatest deception and forgery in the human history, maybe unintentionally.

According to the Biblical timetable, we are now just before the greatest spiritual battle. At all times there were those who dealt with this chapter in the church history. Dr. Martin Luther has in his day spoken out very harshly against the papal system. His choosing of words does not fit into our time now, and we, therefore, apologise on his behalf. In him, the two worlds decisively battled, the Protestant and the Catholic. He did not take things lightly and obviously he was called by God to raise his voice after the pattern of the Old Testament prophets.

In his preface to the prophet Daniel, in the Second Improved Bible Edition, he writes, “Here is clearly the pope pictured who in his decrees impudently roars that all churches and thrones are judged by him but he cannot be judged by anyone. And Cap. Solite: As the sun is above the moon, so is the pope above the emperor. Where ever there is authority, there is power to command, the others are obliged to be obedient … When the pope deceives innumerous souls into hell, nobody is to say, ‘What are you doing?’ All this is not only taught, but also done and practised: because the emperor is not emperor, but the pope, to whom he must submit as servant and must with all his rights kiss his feet. Such St. Peterpronounced in II Peter 3:3, that there should come in the last days , walking and living after their own lusts. In this he explained the words of Daniel11, v. 36,

‘He shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished.’

Therefore the pope paints himself, because in his decrees he boasts to be above the Holy Scripture, and this must be confirmed by his chair to receive its value. But much stronger he exercises such in deed, because all who ever spoke against him from the Scriptures he has cursed, damned and burned as heretics and devil’s children and still does it daily. And his own cry now and always that the church (the pope) is above the Scripture. That is to say what Daniel meant, he would speak astonishing things against the God of gods. …

Other tyrants who persecuted God’s Word did so unknowingly. This one does it knowingly and calls the Holy Scriptures and God’s Word aboutwhich he wants to be sovereign and condemns as devil’s teachings where and when he will. Therefore, he lets himself to be called an earthly god, even God of gods, Lord of lords, King of kings, not only a pure humanbut mingled withGod or god-man, as Christ himself is God and man, whose vicar he would like to be and exalts himself above him.

Also St. Paul in II Th. 2:3-4 referred to Daniel’s text: The man of sin will be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, and sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Because nothing can exalt itself above God and His majestic being, but rather above the called, preached and honoured God that is above God’s Word and service…

The man of sin and child of perdition here not only means that he is a sinner for himself and lost, private, a personal sinner, but publicly, that means who pulls others along with him into sin and perdition.. … Such sin-office the pope has exercised in a two-fold manner.

Firstly, that he introduced many new things into the service, as later follows in his mausim: indulgence, holy water, veneration of saints, pilgrimages, ordersand monasteries, mass, fast, festivities, etc. Besides that he destroys and desecrates the service, the Word of God, faith and sacraments, etc.

Secondly, he subdues the Christians with uncounted laws and thereby creates sin, where God does not want sin, summarising he has smeared sin on almost all of God’s creature, namely where and when he wished. So the eating of butter, eggs, cheese, milk, meat had to be sin which God gave freely onto us, clean, without sin, that we should enjoy. He also smeared sin on times and days, where and when he wished, one had to fast and celebrate. At the same time different meals, even the eating of bread and drinking had to be sin.

Also the place and the tools he smeared with sin: the churches and consecrated places he sanctified that one could not even touch stone or wood, especially not the altar and the tools of the altar. It was terrible if a layman with his hand touched the cup, patens, Corporal. When it had to be washed, it was not even permitted to be done by a holy nun, the priest had to wash it before: so full of law and sin was the cup … Also marriage, instituted freely by God, had to be sin, when it took place in a prohibited time. Also the matrimonial bed had to be bound in sin at whatever time he wished.

… And that he leaves out nothing from devastating, he also will tear apart the third hierarchy of God, namely marriage, which he not onlyforbade to the clergy, but also blasphemed, ridiculed, despised and ruined, insomuch as he declares it to be anunclean, fleshly,ungodly thing, wherein one cannot serve God. Not considering that God blessed marriage, calls it covenant and pleasure, and through the forgiveness of sin declares the matrimonial bed clean and honest, and therein the bad lust of the flesh does not count. Therefore, the end-christ must curse what God blessed, tear apart what God joined together, desecrate what God praises: summa, to do everything above and against God, devastate and destroy. To prohibit marriage he will not do out of love for chastity, only because of appearance and that he can do free and unhindered what he likes and is under nobodyorobliged to anyone. (M. Luther, Bibel, II. Ausgabe, pg. 836). This exposition of Martin Luther is not new and does not originate in the time of reformation but rather it more or less was always known to Bible scholars.

“In Büchner’s Handkonkordanz, the following is said in regards to this subject, «The interpretation of the antichrist to be the pope was the predominant one in the oldest protestant churches and was taken into their creed by the reformed church in France, … should not be put so highly on to the account of Protestants because this view was long in existence before the reformation in the 9th century … and through all centuries until it was repeated through Luther.»” (O. Markmann, Endzeit, Entrückung, Antichrist, pg. 62).

After a close comparison with the Holy Scriptures, it is obvious that practically everything was altered — the whole service was exchanged. From the original faith, “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) is no more trace. Every time a dogma was invented, the Word had to be put aside first. Before inventing a new doctrine, the original, Biblical teaching had to be invalidated. For this we have the proof while comparing the Scriptures with the self-invented proclamations. For instance, as already mentioned, “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man …” (Jn. 3:13). In spite of this clear statement found in God’s Word in recent time, the dogma of the bodily ascension of Mary was proclaimed in contrary to God’s Word. Should not one agree with God and reject all the proclamations of the popes and view them as antichrist, because they are in reality anti to the teachings of Christ?

The declaration, “Whosoever does not have the church as mother cannot have God as Father!” has brought fear upon men, as man is created to have fellowship with God. When it is taught that this church was founded by Christ and that all were Catholic, even Mary, then this is simply wrong. The whole church history confirms the actual developments. In the first Christian centuries, there was no organised Roman Catholic church and not another one as already shown forth in this book. The post apostolic time only knows the different directions of faith but not a united church as it came into existence since the days of Constan-tine. There were no popes, no cardinals etc. Regrettably even the Protestant research of the first centuries was not careful and detailed enough. It seems that this subject was always more or less avoided. Perhaps because ofthe thought of unity, the actual developments were not faithfully considered. Sadly the Protestants who came out of the Roman Catholic churchwere to a great deal of the opinion that she was the church of Jesus Christ and, therefore, did not take the pains to illuminate the first Christian centuries. This is being spoken of as deviations and grievances in the past.

The overbearing popes are now presenting themselves as successors of Peter and the bishops as successors of the apostles, but what are they in reality? There was never a so-called Seat of Peter, not in Jerusalem and certainly not in Rome. Also there was never a primate of Peter. In the apostle council at the meeting in Jerusalem, it is quite clear that James had presided. After Peter, Barnabas and Paul had spoken, James summarised everything under the leading of the Holy Spirit according to the prophetic Word (Acts 15, from verse 13). In verse 28, we read, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us …” God always took whomsoever He chose, once it was this man and in other time it was another. There were situations in which Peter or Paul or others were used by the Lord. One thing, that was not known, is a pre-eminence or a primate. This thought only came up to underline the self-invented idea, but has no Biblical foundation.

The popes declare themselves to be the vicars of Christ, although in the Holy Scriptures such a thing is not even indicated. They declare themselves to be universal bishops, but such does also not exist in God’s Kingdom. The apostle Peter meant Christ and not a pope, when he wrote, “For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (I Pet. 2:25). The popes claim to be the Supreme Shepherd. How could this be imagined? Of Christ we read that He is the Good Shepherd Who gave His Life for His sheep (Jn. 10), also that He is the Supreme Head of His church (Eph. 1:22). Where would there be room for another head? Perhaps in his own church but certainly not in the Church of Jesus Christ.

The popes are addressed by all the world in homage with “Holy Father”. The Scripture declares, “And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, who is in heaven.” (Mt. 23:9). Millions of people blaspheme God daily as they are using the only title applying to Him for a man. Where is the Holy Father, is He in heaven or in Rome? The Father of all the children of God is in heaven. Blessed be His holy name!

The church dignitaries take everywhere the seats of honour and are being celebrated. One should not envy them, because according to the Scripture they will soon call to the rocks and mountains, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” (Rev. 6:16).

The Roman Catholic church has succeeded in making the world believe, that it is a godly institution on earth, namely the church which Christ brought into existence, wherein alone is salvation. That is not true. History disproves that claim convincingly while dealing with the first three Christian centuries. Also no other church institution was founded by Christ nor can offer salvation. The doctrinal schools which were existent in the first centuries were united by force into the one church institution. Since the time of reformation, these various teachings came forth again through the many different religious streams. Now the emphasis is not put upon coinciding and uniting with the original doctrine and practice but rather uniting all who regardless of their teachings wish to unite. Amidst these developments, Jesus Christ is still building His Church. He calls out from all nations and languages through the proclamation of His everlasting Gospel. Those who listen to His voice will come out and they would be brought in line and step with His Word to experience the completion within the church of Christ unto the glorious day of His return.

The Church of Jesus Christ is not rich in earthly goods. It does not possess gold and silver as Peter stated then, but rather is richly and spiritually blessed. Satan offered Jesus the riches of this earth. He rejected, because He knew that according to the promise, He will be the ruler over all the kingdoms of the world. This position the papacy is claiming, to become the ruler over the whole world. Also in this, the contradiction in reference to Christ is obvious. The history of mankind would have been totally different without the popes. There would not have been the crusaders, the many wars, the persecutions and the millions of martyrs. Also slavery goes back into their account. The so-called missionaries prepared the way for the dealers.

Even the financial experts cannot estimate the riches of the Vatican. Whosoever sees the treasury in St. Peter’s is spellbound when he sees all the gold, the precious stones, the pearls (Rev. 17:4) and other valuables. To the outside world Rome is a pious city. Whoever arrives at the international airport meets straightways the “Banco di Santo Spirito” (Bank of the Holy Spirit). The untold riches is not in the homes of the Catholic inhabitants but rather in the dioceses and in the Vatican.

The Roman Catholic church is a political and religious world power working on every level and taking influence especially through the totally submissive order of the Jesuits. The members already have all the key positions under control. They are found in governments, in different offices, in universities, in the social realm, in hospitals, in kindergartens, in schools etc. They fight diligently to further the Roman Catholic religion. All the governmental channels are also being used. They are advisers and writers of manuscripts for politicians in East and West. “Opus Dei” is everywhere. Also with Protestants and communists. As ever before so it applies now: The cause sanctifies the means.

Although the Catholic church claims that salvation comes through it alone, the members still land in purgatory after death — inspite of partaking in all the sacraments through their life, they have not received salvation. How much salvation does this church then offer? Even for the dead the mass is read. In the Bible nothing is found about this. At the cemetery the mourners are told, “It pleased the Lord to take our brother or our sister into glory.” The inscriptions on tombstones express that, “Here rests in peace …”, or, “Resting in God …”. But in the mass for the dead it is said that it did not please the Lord to take the deceased into His glory but he must first go through the purgatory. Whosoever ponders upon this thought must recognise that something cannot be right.

Jesus Christ asked then, “The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?” (Lk. 20:4). Today He would ask, “Were the reformation and all the following revivals from heaven or from men?” Then the scribes had no answer for this question. What about the scribes in this day? What answer will they give? None! The blood of all the martyrs who gave their lives that this Bible can be read and the truths contained therein are illuminated on the candlestick, will speak on the Day of Judgment against the religious leaders of this generation who pull back the protestant churches into the Roman mother church. The great historical churches and also the more recent ones were masterfully deceived. A few years back, the so-called Nicene creed contained the wording, “… holy, general, apostolic church” but now they recite, “… holy, Catholic and apostolic church”.

Who is this man from the scriptural point of view to whom the world looks up to, the one who speaks to 85,000 Moslems in the football stadium in Casablanca, who blesses the fetishmen in Abidjan, who speaks at the UN in New York or at World Council of Churches in Geneva and in the European parliament at Strasbourg, who is recognised throughout the world and who visits the Scandinavian countries even though he is not welcomed?

This office and the connected power with it is being described in the Holy Scripture , especially in the book of Revelation. The description is infallible and is being expressed in the number 666 (Rev. 13:17-18). There we are told very plainly, “… for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.” This number fits perfectly with the Latin title of this man which cannot be applied to another one on earth, “Vicar of the Son of God”.

VIC A R I V S F I L I I D E I

5 + 1 + 100..+ 1 + 5. .+ 1 + 50 + 1 + 1 + 500.+ 1 = 666

It certainly is no accident that the Roman emperors used the designation “Latinus rex sacerdos” which means, “Latin priest king”. The heathen Rome changed and became the papal Rome. This designation also has the same letter value 666.

LATINVSREXSACERDOS

50.. + 1.+5. . . +10..+100..+500..=666

In Revelation 17, this world institution is described properly as mother. Because the whole world was deceived, bewitched and misled and came under a spell and the Lord Himself pronounced judgment over its seat. In Revelation 18, we are told a few times that in one hour this so-called eternal city will be destroyed. “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived luxuriously, so much torment and sorrow give her; for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine, and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” (Rev. 18:7-8). Until now every word of God was fulfilled at the appointed time and this again will be no exception.

Upon the only valid and binding authority of God’s Word, all who are honest are challenged to come back to the Word of God and to believe as the Scriptures say.

This is not meant in a polemical way. The final judgment always remains with God alone Who of course will judge upon the basis of His Word. We are concerned with approximately 800 million Catholics world-wide who all believe what they are taught without knowing that this world institution does not originate with Christ and at no time it was the Church of Jesus Christ. There are also equally as many Protestants. Many are seeking salvation honestly. Men are trusting in religious teachings and their membership in a church for salvation. They do not know that they are being deceived and are cheated for all eternity.
If such a deception happens in a religion without referring to Christ, then it is serious. But if it all happens in the name of Christ, then it cannot be pardoned. For ever what God said on the inauguration day of the New Testament church through the chosen mouth is valid, “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21; Joel 3:5). Apparently salvation which is connected only to the Lord Who brought the same, is taken away and placed upon an institution and other religious acts. Perhaps the clergy is not even aware of this.

The big protestant churches claim to have taken only the Holy Scriptures. If that is true, what about the fact that they have also adopted a great deal of tradition not found in the Bible? The Catholics take both, so they say, the Scripture and tradition. At close observation, only a decorated tradition with Bible verses can be seen. In reference to such traditions our Lord addressed the worshippers with the term “in vain”, “… in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men … And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” (Mk. 7:7+9). Based upon this Scripture and others, it must be said that all religious doings are in vain if they are not done according to the Will and Word of God. In vain is the praying of all the rosaries, in vain are all “Hail Mary”, in vain are all pilgrimages, in vain are all religious exercises, all in vain! The will of God was not set forth by popes, but rather by the prophets and the apostles which is found once and for all in the Holy Scriptures.

What now? Is it possible to remain neutral and indifferent after the truth is brought to the surface and the deception has become obvious in the light of the revealed Word of God? From the moment of this revelation all are personally responsible before God. “And the times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30). Whoever reads this exposition will have no excuse on the Day of Judgment. Only by those to whom God has revealed Himself can He be worshipped. They are the ones to whom He reveals His Word, His name and His will. They are those who by His grace had a personal experience of salvation.

The likelihood that the pope and the clergy will have the courage to at least enter a dialogue with the truth is estimated to be very little. But not one of those in the spiritual office, from the priests in a village to the highest rank who have read this exposition will be able to continue on with a good conscience from this moment. Those who are religiously subdued and cheated have the right to receive back their dignity and the possibility to personally decide themselves for Christ and acknowledge the truth. Infants who are automatically baptised into a confession cannot be asked whether they wish to belong to a church or not. Without them knowing it or being able to give their consent they are made members. Such are the human rights and the human dignity in the 20th century! This is in opposition to religious freedom and is only a continuation of the so-called Christianising which began approximately 1,500 years ago. The other big churches have also adoptedthis unscriptural method. They are also guilty before God. This is thehour of decision which needs to be taken by everyone personally before God.

The aim of this writing is to give the reader the necessary informations. Nobody needs to believe these comments blindly but all should search the Holy Scriptures and also the church history and then come to their own conclusion.

One cannot easily understand how it is possible for the majority of the clergy to ignore the historical developments and simply bypass them. Whether they close their eyes intentionally or whether they are not interested in finding the truth, God only knows. The developments especially since the time of Constantine and, therefore, since the beginning of the Roman state church are thoroughly dealt with in the church history books. From the 5th to the 11th century, the Caesars and the emperors designated the popes. From then onward the so-called clergy took the matter into their hands.

“To push back the influence of the Roman–German emperors and the Roman town nobility in regards to the choosing of popes, the pope Nicolaus II issued a pope election decree at the Easter synod in 1059 which places exclusively the election into the hands of the cardinal’s college.” (B. Harenberg, Chronik der Menschheit, pg. 287). The popes had then become supreme to the worldly potentates, because they had the masses behind them in fear for hell. This was not enough. Now the things were decided to the better of the church. Finally, the Caesars and the emperors did not designate the popes, but rather the popes designated the emperors.

“Rome, March 1075. Papal dictate. In the so-called Dictatus Papae, during the Roman lent-synod, pope Gregory VII declared the bishop of Rome to be the unlimited ruler of the universal church. The pope alone is entitled to wear the imperial insignias and can dethrone the emperors and set free from the oath of allegiance the subjects of an unrighteous ruler and must not be judged by anyone.” (B. Harenberg, Chronik der Menschheit, pg. 288). What do such worldly, politically and religious power positions have in common with the Church of Jesus Christ or the proclamation of His Gospel and the Kingdom of God? All the rulers whether in civilian or clerical clothes, have only built their own kingdoms.

The popes are elected into the high office which they have invented themselves. Then they are placed on the gestatorial chair (Sedia gestatoria) and are carried about. Now the whole world looks up to them and seeks their benevolence, favour, and mediation. If it is established and infallibly proved that in this universal church nothing, absolutely nothing coincides with the Holy Scriptures, can this be kept back from the public and thereby become guilty before God? Here we do not reprehend the many people who belong to this universal church, nor a kind pope as a human being, but rather the institution and the system in itself. It must be permitted to prove whether we have in fact gone into the greatest deception and forgery in the human history, maybe unintentionally.

According to the Biblical timetable, we are now just before the greatest spiritual battle. At all times there were those who dealt with this chapter in the church history. Dr. Martin Luther has in his day spoken out very harshly against the papal system. His choosing of words does not fit into our time now, and we, therefore, apologise on his behalf. In him, the two worlds decisively battled, the Protestant and the Catholic. He did not take things lightly and obviously he was called by God to raise his voice after the pattern of the Old Testament prophets.

In his preface to the prophet Daniel, in the Second Improved Bible Edition, he writes, “Here is clearly the pope pictured who in his decrees impudently roars that all churches and thrones are judged by him but he cannot be judged by anyone. And Cap. Solite: As the sun is above the moon, so is the pope above the emperor. Where ever there is authority, there is power to command, the others are obliged to be obedient … When the pope deceives innumerous souls into hell, nobody is to say, ‘What are you doing?’ All this is not only taught, but also done and practised: because the emperor is not emperor, but the pope, to whom he must submit as servant and must with all his rights kiss his feet. Such St. Peter  pronounced in II Peter 3:3, that there should come in the last days , walking and living after their own lusts. In this he explained the words of Daniel  11, v. 36,

‘He shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished.’

Therefore the pope paints himself, because in his decrees he boasts to be above the Holy Scripture, and this must be confirmed by his chair to receive its value. But much stronger he exercises such in deed, because all who ever spoke against him from the Scriptures he has cursed, damned and burned as heretics and devil’s children and still does it daily. And his own cry now and always that the church (the pope) is above the Scripture. That is to say what Daniel meant, he would speak astonishing things against the God of gods. …

Other tyrants who persecuted God’s Word did so unknowingly. This one does it knowingly and calls the Holy Scriptures and God’s Word about  which he wants to be sovereign and condemns as devil’s teachings where and when he will. Therefore, he lets himself to be called an earthly god, even God of gods, Lord of lords, King of kings, not only a pure human  but mingled with  God or god-man, as Christ himself is God and man, whose vicar he would like to be and exalts himself above him.

Also St. Paul in II Th. 2:3-4 referred to Daniel’s text: The man of sin will be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, and sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Because nothing can exalt itself above God and His majestic being, but rather above the called, preached and honoured God that is above God’s Word and service…

The man of sin and child of perdition here not only means that he is a sinner for himself and lost, private, a personal sinner, but publicly, that means who pulls others along with him into sin and perdition.. … Such sin-office the pope has exercised in a two-fold manner.

Firstly, that he introduced many new things into the service, as later follows in his mausim: indulgence, holy water, veneration of saints, pilgrimages, orders  and monasteries, mass, fast, festivities, etc. Besides that he destroys and desecrates the service, the Word of God, faith and sacraments, etc.

Secondly, he subdues the Christians with uncounted laws and thereby creates sin, where God does not want sin, summarising he has smeared sin on almost all of God’s creature, namely where and when he wished. So the eating of butter, eggs, cheese, milk, meat had to be sin which God gave freely onto us, clean, without sin, that we should enjoy. He also smeared sin on times and days, where and when he wished, one had to fast and celebrate. At the same time different meals, even the eating of bread and drinking had to be sin.

Also the place and the tools he smeared with sin: the churches and consecrated places he sanctified that one could not even touch stone or wood, especially not the altar and the tools of the altar. It was terrible if a layman with his hand touched the cup, patens, Corporal. When it had to be washed, it was not even permitted to be done by a holy nun, the priest had to wash it before: so full of law and sin was the cup … Also marriage, instituted freely by God, had to be sin, when it took place in a prohibited time. Also the matrimonial bed had to be bound in sin at whatever time he wished.

… And that he leaves out nothing from devastating, he also will tear apart the third hierarchy of God, namely marriage, which he not only  forbade to the clergy, but also blasphemed, ridiculed, despised and ruined, insomuch as he declares it to be an  unclean, fleshly,  ungodly thing, wherein one cannot serve God. Not considering that God blessed marriage, calls it covenant and pleasure, and through the forgiveness of sin declares the matrimonial bed clean and honest, and therein the bad lust of the flesh does not count. Therefore, the end-christ must curse what God blessed, tear apart what God joined together, desecrate what God praises: summa, to do everything above and against God, devastate and destroy. To prohibit marriage he will not do out of love for chastity, only because of appearance and that he can do free and unhindered what he likes and is under nobody  or  obliged to anyone. (M. Luther, Bibel, II. Ausgabe, pg. 836). This exposition of Martin Luther is not new and does not originate in the time of reformation but rather it more or less was always known to Bible scholars.

“In Büchner’s Handkonkordanz, the following is said in regards to this subject, «The interpretation of the antichrist to be the pope was the predominant one in the oldest protestant churches and was taken into their creed by the reformed church in France, … should not be put so highly on to the account of Protestants because this view was long in existence before the reformation in the 9th century … and through all centuries until it was repeated through Luther.»” (O. Markmann, Endzeit, Entrückung, Antichrist, pg. 62).

After a close comparison with the Holy Scriptures, it is obvious that practically everything was altered — the whole service was exchanged. From the original faith, “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) is no more trace. Every time a dogma was invented, the Word had to be put aside first. Before inventing a new doctrine, the original, Biblical teaching had to be invalidated. For this we have the proof while comparing the Scriptures with the self-invented proclamations. For instance, as already mentioned, “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man …” (Jn. 3:13). In spite of this clear statement found in God’s Word in recent time, the dogma of the bodily ascension of Mary was proclaimed in contrary to God’s Word. Should not one agree with God and reject all the proclamations of the popes and view them as antichrist, because they are in reality anti to the teachings of Christ?

The declaration, “Whosoever does not have the church as mother cannot have God as Father!” has brought fear upon men, as man is created to have fellowship with God. When it is taught that this church was founded by Christ and that all were Catholic, even Mary, then this is simply wrong. The whole church history confirms the actual developments. In the first Christian centuries, there was no organised Roman Catholic church and not another one as already shown forth in this book. The post apostolic time only knows the different directions of faith but not a united church as it came into existence since the days of Constan-tine. There were no popes, no cardinals etc. Regrettably even the Protestant research of the first centuries was not careful and detailed enough. It seems that this subject was always more or less avoided. Perhaps because of  the thought of unity, the actual developments were not faithfully considered. Sadly the Protestants who came out of the Roman Catholic church  were to a great deal of the opinion that she was the church of Jesus Christ and, therefore, did not take the pains to illuminate the first Christian centuries. This is being spoken of as deviations and grievances in the past.

The overbearing popes are now presenting themselves as successors of Peter and the bishops as successors of the apostles, but what are they in reality? There was never a so-called Seat of Peter, not in Jerusalem and certainly not in Rome. Also there was never a primate of Peter. In the apostle council at the meeting in Jerusalem, it is quite clear that James had presided. After Peter, Barnabas and Paul had spoken, James summarised everything under the leading of the Holy Spirit according to the prophetic Word (Acts 15, from verse 13). In verse 28, we read, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us …” God always took whomsoever He chose, once it was this man and in other time it was another. There were situations in which Peter or Paul or others were used by the Lord. One thing, that was not known, is a pre-eminence or a primate. This thought only came up to underline the self-invented idea, but has no Biblical foundation.

The popes declare themselves to be the vicars of Christ, although in the Holy Scriptures such a thing is not even indicated. They declare themselves to be universal bishops, but such does also not exist in God’s Kingdom. The apostle Peter meant Christ and not a pope, when he wrote, “For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (I Pet. 2:25). The popes claim to be the Supreme Shepherd. How could this be imagined? Of Christ we read that He is the Good Shepherd Who gave His Life for His sheep (Jn. 10), also that He is the Supreme Head of His church (Eph. 1:22). Where would there be room for another head? Perhaps in his own church but certainly not in the Church of Jesus Christ.

The popes are addressed by all the world in homage with “Holy Father”. The Scripture declares, “And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, who is in heaven.” (Mt. 23:9). Millions of people blaspheme God daily as they are using the only title applying to Him for a man. Where is the Holy Father, is He in heaven or in Rome? The Father of all the children of God is in heaven. Blessed be His holy name!

The church dignitaries take everywhere the seats of honour and are being celebrated. One should not envy them, because according to the Scripture they will soon call to the rocks and mountains, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” (Rev. 6:16).

The Roman Catholic church has succeeded in making the world believe, that it is a godly institution on earth, namely the church which Christ brought into existence, wherein alone is salvation. That is not true. History disproves that claim convincingly while dealing with the first three Christian centuries. Also no other church institution was founded by Christ nor can offer salvation. The doctrinal schools which were existent in the first centuries were united by force into the one church institution. Since the time of reformation, these various teachings came forth again through the many different religious streams. Now the emphasis is not put upon coinciding and uniting with the original doctrine and practice but rather uniting all who regardless of their teachings wish to unite. Amidst these developments, Jesus Christ is still building His Church. He calls out from all nations and languages through the proclamation of His everlasting Gospel. Those who listen to His voice will come out and they would be brought in line and step with His Word to experience the completion within the church of Christ unto the glorious day of His return.

The Church of Jesus Christ is not rich in earthly goods. It does not possess gold and silver as Peter stated then, but rather is richly and spiritually blessed. Satan offered Jesus the riches of this earth. He rejected, because He knew that according to the promise, He will be the ruler over all the kingdoms of the world. This position the papacy is claiming, to become the ruler over the whole world. Also in this, the contradiction in reference to Christ is obvious. The history of mankind would have been totally different without the popes. There would not have been the crusaders, the many wars, the persecutions and the millions of martyrs. Also slavery goes back into their account. The so-called missionaries prepared the way for the dealers.

Even the financial experts cannot estimate the riches of the Vatican. Whosoever sees the treasury in St. Peter’s is spellbound when he sees all the gold, the precious stones, the pearls (Rev. 17:4) and other valuables. To the outside world Rome is a pious city. Whoever arrives at the international airport meets straightways the “Banco di Santo Spirito” (Bank of the Holy Spirit). The untold riches is not in the homes of the Catholic inhabitants but rather in the dioceses and in the Vatican.

The Roman Catholic church is a political and religious world power working on every level and taking influence especially through the totally submissive order of the Jesuits. The members already have all the key positions under control. They are found in governments, in different offices, in universities, in the social realm, in hospitals, in kindergartens, in schools etc. They fight diligently to further the Roman Catholic religion. All the governmental channels are also being used. They are advisers and writers of manuscripts for politicians in East and West. “Opus Dei” is everywhere. Also with Protestants and communists. As ever before so it applies now: The cause sanctifies the means.

Although the Catholic church claims that salvation comes through it alone, the members still land in purgatory after death — inspite of partaking in all the sacraments through their life, they have not received salvation. How much salvation does this church then offer? Even for the dead the mass is read. In the Bible nothing is found about this. At the cemetery the mourners are told, “It pleased the Lord to take our brother or our sister into glory.” The inscriptions on tombstones express that, “Here rests in peace …”, or, “Resting in God …”. But in the mass for the dead it is said that it did not please the Lord to take the deceased into His glory but he must first go through the purgatory. Whosoever ponders upon this thought must recognise that something cannot be right.

Jesus Christ asked then, “The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?” (Lk. 20:4). Today He would ask, “Were the reformation and all the following revivals from heaven or from men?” Then the scribes had no answer for this question. What about the scribes in this day? What answer will they give? None! The blood of all the martyrs who gave their lives that this Bible can be read and the truths contained therein are illuminated on the candlestick, will speak on the Day of Judgment against the religious leaders of this generation who pull back the protestant churches into the Roman mother church. The great historical churches and also the more recent ones were masterfully deceived. A few years back, the so-called Nicene creed contained the wording, “… holy, general, apostolic church” but now they recite, “… holy, Catholic and apostolic church”.

Who is this man from the scriptural point of view to whom the world looks up to, the one who speaks to 85,000 Moslems in the football stadium in Casablanca, who blesses the fetishmen in Abidjan, who speaks at the UN in New York or at World Council of Churches in Geneva and in the European parliament at Strasbourg, who is recognised throughout the world and who visits the Scandinavian countries even though he is not welcomed?

This office and the connected power with it is being described in the Holy Scripture , especially in the book of Revelation. The description is infallible and is being expressed in the number 666 (Rev. 13:17-18). There we are told very plainly, “… for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.” This number fits perfectly with the Latin title of this man which cannot be applied to another one on earth, “Vicar of the Son of God”.

V    I    C   A   R   I   V   S     F   I   L   I   I     D   E   I

5 + 1 + 100  .  .  + 1 + 5  .   .  + 1 + 50 + 1 + 1 + 500  .  + 1 = 666

It certainly is no accident that the Roman emperors used the designation “Latinus rex sacerdos” which means, “Latin priest king”. The heathen Rome changed and became the papal Rome. This designation also has the same letter value 666.

L  A  T  I  N  V  S    R  E  X    S  A  C  E  R  D  O  S

50  .  . + 1  .  +  5  .   .   .   +  10  .  .  +  100  .  .  +  500  .  .  =  666

In Revelation 17, this world institution is described properly as mother. Because the whole world was deceived, bewitched and misled and came under a spell and the Lord Himself pronounced judgment over its seat. In Revelation 18, we are told a few times that in one hour this so-called eternal city will be destroyed. “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived luxuriously, so much torment and sorrow give her; for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine, and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” (Rev. 18:7-8). Until now every word of God was fulfilled at the appointed time and this again will be no exception.

Upon the only valid and binding authority of God’s Word, all who are honest are challenged to come back to the Word of God and to believe as the Scriptures say.

This is not meant in a polemical way. The final judgment always remains with God alone Who of course will judge upon the basis of His Word. We are concerned with approximately 800 million Catholics world-wide who all believe what they are taught without knowing that this world institution does not originate with Christ and at no time it was the Church of Jesus Christ. There are also equally as many Protestants. Many are seeking salvation honestly. Men are trusting in religious teachings and their membership in a church for salvation. They do not know that they are being deceived and are cheated for all eternity.
If such a deception happens in a religion without referring to Christ, then it is serious. But if it all happens in the name of Christ, then it cannot be pardoned. For ever what God said on the inauguration day of the New Testament church through the chosen mouth is valid, “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21; Joel 3:5). Apparently salvation which is connected only to the Lord Who brought the same, is taken away and placed upon an institution and other religious acts. Perhaps the clergy is not even aware of this.

The big protestant churches claim to have taken only the Holy Scriptures. If that is true, what about the fact that they have also adopted a great deal of tradition not found in the Bible? The Catholics take both, so they say, the Scripture and tradition. At close observation, only a decorated tradition with Bible verses can be seen. In reference to such traditions our Lord addressed the worshippers with the term “in vain”, “… in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men … And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” (Mk. 7:7+9). Based upon this Scripture and others, it must be said that all religious doings are in vain if they are not done according to the Will and Word of God. In vain is the praying of all the rosaries, in vain are all “Hail Mary”, in vain are all pilgrimages, in vain are all religious exercises, all in vain! The will of God was not set forth by popes, but rather by the prophets and the apostles which is found once and for all in the Holy Scriptures.

What now? Is it possible to remain neutral and indifferent after the truth is brought to the surface and the deception has become obvious in the light of the revealed Word of God? From the moment of this revelation all are personally responsible before God. “And the times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30). Whoever reads this exposition will have no excuse on the Day of Judgment. Only by those to whom God has revealed Himself can He be worshipped. They are the ones to whom He reveals His Word, His name and His will. They are those who by His grace had a personal experience of salvation.

The likelihood that the pope and the clergy will have the courage to at least enter a dialogue with the truth is estimated to be very little. But not one of those in the spiritual office, from the priests in a village to the highest rank who have read this exposition will be able to continue on with a good conscience from this moment. Those who are religiously subdued and cheated have the right to receive back their dignity and the possibility to personally decide themselves for Christ and acknowledge the truth. Infants who are automatically baptised into a confession cannot be asked whether they wish to belong to a church or not. Without them knowing it or being able to give their consent they are made members. Such are the human rights and the human dignity in the 20th century! This is in opposition to religious freedom and is only a continuation of the so-called Christianising which began approximately 1,500 years ago. The other big churches have also adopted  this unscriptural method. They are also guilty before God. This is the  hour of decision which needs to be taken by everyone personally before God.

The aim of this writing is to give the reader the necessary informations. Nobody needs to believe these comments blindly but all should search the Holy Scriptures and also the church history and then come to their own conclusion.