He Who has Ears to Hear


	Chapter Eleven He who has Ears to Hear Part Four Here is the power of God’s Word revealed by the hidden wisdom that can only be understood by trusting and believing in the truth of His Word alone. The beginning of the power of Papal Rome, *“the woman,”* which is that great city that rules over the kings of the earth, is recorded in the history of Pope Leo the “Great” and his encounter with Attila the Hun. The Roman Emperor was no longer the holder of true power and protection after this event, and in fact, in 476 AD was no longer needed. This is the secret of the fourth beast of Daniel. This is the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carrieth her which are the kings of the earth. Pope Leo the “Great” secured an assurance from Attila the Hun which is only the first such assurance that the Vatican has secured throughout the centuries. The Holy See, the governing body of the Vatican has ambassadors to the entire world. It is the only “city” that has the status of a nation. The Bible states it is that great city that rules over the kings of the earth. The Bible also states that she has hidden her true power from the people to see: *“For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. . .”* (Isaiah 47:10a) The circle of intrigue that Pope Leo the “Great” created and the power that the Vatican wields throughout the earth today can be known to all those who place their trust in the Word of God that has “revealed” these things to all who have ears to hear and eyes to see. SECOND LECTURE-600-1300 “2. We now call attention to these Councils called "Ecumenical," or Empire wide. It is well to remember that all these Councils were professedly based upon, or patterned after the Council held by the Apostles and others at Jerusalem (see Acts 15:1), but probably nothing bearing the same name could have been more unlike. We here and now call attention to only eight, and these were all called by different Emperors, none of them by the Popes. And all these held among the Eastern or Greek churches. (Emphasis added) Attended, however, somewhat by representatives from the Western Branch or Roman Churches. 3. The first of these Councils was held at Nice or Nicea, in A.D. 325. It was called by Constantine the Great, and was attended by 318 bishops. The second met at Constantinople, A.D. 381, and was called by Theodosius the Great. There were present 150 bishops. (In the early centuries, bishops simply meant pastors of the individual churches.) The third was called by Theodosius II, and by Valentian III. This had 250 bishops present. It met at Ephesus, A.D. 431. The fourth met at Calcedon, A.D. 451, and was called by Emperor Marian; 500 or 600 bishops or Metropolitans (Metropolitans were City pastors or First Church pastors) were present. During this Council the doctrine of what is now known as Mariolatry was promulgated. This means the worship of Mary, the mother of Christ. This new doctrine at first created quite a stir, many seriously objecting. But it finally won out as a permanent doctrine of the Catholic Church.” (Emphasis added) The second witness revealed by the phrase *“that woman Jezebel”* is that of the character of Jezebel. Rome had now in its multiple and diverse forms already ruled the western world for nearly 500 years. It is that city that reigns over the kings of the earth. Daniel tells us that the fourth kingdom will be *“diverse,”* or simply, capable of multiple forms. During the reign of Pope Leo from 440 to 461 AD, a new head of state evolved that was separate from the Roman Emperor, that of sole Papal power. Nevertheless, the fourth kingdom of Rome continued intact and indeed prospered in trampling down the entire earth which was not accomplished by the many emperors of Rome before him. Thus, the woman is that *“great city”* as already discussed, but the second witness that it is the start of Papal Rome comes from the single name of Jezebel. Jezebel was the pagan, Baal worshipping daughter of the Zidonian king *“Ethbaal”* who married Ahab. She brought the priests of Baal to the *“servants of God”* who were then seduced by the fornications of this MYSTERY BABYLON sun god religion. Later, she became a widow when Ahab was killed in battle and her child was also killed in battle by Jehu. (II Kings 9:27-29) As such, Jezebel illustrates the traits of another pagan queen who also came to power in Rome during the reign of Pope Leo the “Great.” This is the *“queen of heaven”* forbidden in Jeremiah chapters seven and forty four. This is the queen who will not sit as a widow, nor will she know the loss of children, yet both of these things shall come upon her in one day: “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, 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. Revelation 18:4-8 (See also Isaiah 47:1-15) As such, the Word of God reveals the truth without private interpretation by comparing spiritual to spiritual. The new false doctrine that crept into the church ages is Mariolatry, the teaching that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the “queen of heaven.” This is none other than the same pagan queen which is the *“virgin daughter of Babylon.”* (Isaiah 47:1) She is the daughter of the Chaldeans that is also known as the *“lady of kingdoms.”* (Isaiah 47:5) This is the MYSTERY BABYLON sun god religion where Satan’s seat is. This is the false Christian church that sits atop the seven hills of Rome seducing the servants of God into fornication with idol worship. This is *“that woman Jezebel”* that “the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire,” will cast into tribulation and “she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” This is *“that* *woman Jezebel” that defines by two witnesses the period of time in our church history prophesied by the church in Thyatira.* SECOND LECTURE-600-1300 “5. During the 5th Century, at the fourth Ecumenical Council, held at Chalcedon, 451, another entirely new doctrine was added to the rapidly growing list--the doctrine called "Mariolatry," or the worship of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. A new mediator seems to have been felt to be needed. The distance from God to man was too great for just one mediator, even though that was Christ, God's Son, the real God-Man. Mary was thought to be needed as another mediator, and prayers were to be made to Mary. She was to take them to Christ.” Therefore, in this fourth letter to the churches, by the word of the “Faithful Witness” Jesus Christ Himself, He establishes by two separate witnesses the timeline for the church of Thyatira. By the Word of God alone we see: 1) The witness of the start of Papal Rome by Pope Leo the “Great” in 440 - 461 AD. 2) The witness of the start of the worship of Mary as the “queen of heaven” in 451 AD. Both of these false doctrines declare plainly the fulfillment of this prophecy in the book of Revelation. As the Lord reveals further events in the church age, we see another false teaching that abounds today in that some teach that there are no specific prophecies for the church. This is simply not true. The letter ends with a promise to those who overcome: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” The Lord shows the way to escape by simply stating: *“Come out of her my people.”* This is the simple warning given to his servants that have been seduced by this woman. She will leaven all three measures of meal until all is leavened. The only way to be able to avoid the plagues of this woman is to first recognize who she is. To this extent, so few will even recognize the false teachings and doctrine of men and specifically of this woman that make the commandments of God of none effect. *“Come out of her my people.”* Thus, the Lord Himself has given the starting point for this church age prophetically predicted by the church of Thyatira. Sardis - The dead church - 1229 to 1611 AD: “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shalt walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:1-6 In this letter to the church of Sardis, the Lord declares that this church has a name that it is alive, but by its works, it is dead: “*I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”* There is only one name under heaven unto which men may be saved, the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. There is only one church that lives in His name and serves Him in spirit and truth. This church at Sardis continued to use the name of Jesus, but by its works was spiritually dead. Further, it is only by the Word of God that any man is saved. His word is spirit and it is life: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63) Any "Christian" church that no longer preaches and teaches from the Word of God is a dead church. In 1229 AD, at the Council of Toulouse, Pope Gregory the IX took the Bible away from the common man. From this time, the Roman Catholic Church had a name that it was alive (Christian) but was spiritually dead without the gospel of grace. In Hebrews 4:12, the Bible states that the Word of God is *“quick”* (alive) and is powerful. The entire Bible testifies of Jesus and is the source of eternal life. Jesus is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth: *“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”* (John 5:39) Denying the Bible in 1229 AD to its people is the starting point prophetically of the dead church of Sardis. This is also the time of a new form of leadership called the Lateran or western councils. J.M Carroll chronicles these changes: SECOND LECTURE-600-1300 “18. There came now another rather long period of Ecumenical Councils, of course not continuously or consecutively. There were all through the years many councils that were not Ecumenical, not "Empire Wide." These Councils were largely legislative bodies for the enactment or amendment of some civil or religious (?) laws, all of which, both the legislation and the laws, were directly contrary to the New Testament. Remember these were the acts of an established church--a church married to a Pagan government. And this church has become far more nearly paganized than the government has become Christianized. 19. When any people discard the New Testament as embracing all necessary laws for a Christian life, whether for the individual Christian or the whole church, that people has launched upon a limitless ocean. Any erroneous law, (and any law added to the Bible is erroneous) will inevitably and soon demand another, and others will demand yet others, without ever an end. That is why Christ gave His churches and to preachers no legislative powers. And again, and more particularly, that is why the New Testament closes with these significant words, "For I certify unto every man that heareth the words of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in the book." Rev. 22:18, 19.” 21. The first of these Lateran or Western Councils, those called by the popes, (Emphasis added) was called by Calixtus II, A.D. 1123. There were present about 300 bishops. At this meeting it was decreed that Roman priests were never to marry. This was called the Celibacy of the priests. We of course do not attempt to give all things done at these meetings. 22. Years later, 1139 A.D., Pope Innocent II, called another of these Councils especially to condemn two groups of very devout Christians, known as Petro-Brussians and Arnoldists. 23. Alexander III called yet another, A.D. 1179, just forty years after the last. In that was condemned what they called the "Errors and Impieties" of the Waldenses and Albigenses. 24. Just 36 years after this last one, another was called by Pope Innocent III. This was held A.D. 1215, and seems to have been the most largely attended of possibly any of these great councils. (Emphasis added) According to the historical account of this meeting, "there were present 412 bishops, 800 Abbots and priors, Ambassadors from the Byzantine court, and a great number of Princes and Nobles." From the very make-up of this assembly you may know that spiritual matters were at least not alone to be considered. At that time was promulgated the new doctrine of "Transubstantiation," the intended turning of the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper into the actual and real body and blood of Christ, after a prayer by the priest. This doctrine among others, had much to do with stirring up the leaders of the Reformation a few centuries later. This doctrine of course taught that all those who participated in the supper actually ate of the body and drank of the blood of Christ. Auricular confession-- confessing one's sins into the ear of a priest--was another new doctrine seemingly having its beginning at this meeting. But probably the most cruel and bloody thing ever brought upon any people in all the world's history was what is known as the "Inquisition," and other similar courts, designed for trying what was called "heresy." The whole world is seemingly filled with books written in condemnation of that extreme cruelty, and yet it was originated and perpetuated by a people claiming to be led and directed by the Lord. For real barbarity there seems to be nothing, absolutely nothing in all history that will surpass it. I would not even attempt to describe it. I will simply refer my readers to some of the many books written on the "Inquisition" and let them read and study for themselves. And yet another thing was done at this same meeting, as if enough had not been done. It was expressly decreed to extirpate all "heresy." What a black page--yea--many black pages were written into the world's history by these terrible decrees. (Emphasis added) 25. In A.D. 1229, just 14 years after the last awful meeting, still another meeting was held. (This seems not to have been ecumenical.) It was called the council at Toulouse. Probably one of the most vital matters in all Catholic history was declared at this meeting. At this it was decreed, the Bible, God's book, should be denied to all laymen, all members of Catholic churches other than priests or higher officials. How strange a law in the face of the plain teaching of the Word, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39) (Emphasis added) The western councils under Pope Leo III and Pope Gregory IX show the dead works of the inquisition and denied the masses of Europe the only hope for eternal life, yet they were still called by the name of Christ who lives. They have become a dead church with the name of the living Saviour still at their calling. This is the start of the *“dead church”* at Sardis. There is now no political power in Europe outside of the church. All kings in Europe must be obedient unto the Pope or suffer his wrath. That great city that reigns over the kings of the earth met again at yet another Lateran council to depose the Emperor of Germany. This is that great city that rules over the kings of the earth and tramples the world under its feet. By the power of the Inquisition, Papal Rome terrorized all, both rich and poor by the simple threat of the Inquisitor. 26. Yet another Council was called to meet at Lyons. This was called by Pope Innocent IV, in 1245 A.D. This seems to have been mainly for the purpose of excommunicating and deposing Emperor Frederick I of Germany. The Church, the adulterous bride at the marriage with the State in 313 in the days of CONSTANTINE THE Great, has now become the head of the house, and is now dictating politics of State government, and kings and queens are made or unmade at her pleasure. (Emphasis added) The Lord warned those in this church age to repent and to strengthen those things that they had received: “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” There were still pockets of faithful men even in the darkest hours of the Inquisition. The faithful remnant of God preserved His Word at the risk of their very lives. They held fast to His Holy Word and did not defile their garments in the false doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. They were faithful stewards of the mysteries of God. They were faithful ministers of the gospel. They remained ministers of righteousness and did not walk in the deceitfulness of death and destruction that they were surrounded by during these darkest of days: “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” II Corinthians 4:1-2 THIRD LECTURE--1400-1600 “1. These three centuries, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth, are among the most eventful in all the world's history, and especially is this true in Christian history. There was almost a continual revolution inside the Catholic Church--both Roman and Greek--seeking a Reformation. This awakening of long dormant Conscience and the desire for a genuine reformation really began in the thirteenth century or possibly even a little earlier than that. History certainly seems to indicate it. (Emphasis added) 2. Let's go back just a little. The Catholic Church by its many departures from New Testament teachings, its many strange and cruel laws, and its desperately low state of morals, and its hands and clothes reeking with the blood of millions of martyrs, has become obnoxious and plainly repulsive to many of its adherents, who are far better than their own system and laws and doctrines and practices. Several of its bravest and best and most spiritual priests and other leaders, one by one, sought most earnestly to reform many of its most objectionable laws and doctrines and get back, at least nearer, to the plain teachings of the New Testament. We give some striking examples. Note, not only how far apart and where the reformatory fires began, but note also the leaders in the reformation. The leaders were, or had been, all Catholic priests or officials of some kind. There was, even yet, a little of good in the much evil. However, at this time there was probably not one solitary unmarred doctrine of the New Testament retained in its original purity--but now note some of the reformers and where they labored. 3. It is well to note, however, that for many centuries prior to this great reformation period, there were a number of noted characters, who rebelled against the awful extremes of the Catholic--and earnestly sought to remain loyal to the Bible--but their bloody trail was about all that was left of them. We come now to study for awhile this most noted period--the "Reformation." (Emphasis added) Thus, the Word of God in the parables of the kingdom of heaven tell of the church age and the attack by the devil against the true kingdom of God. So also does Revelation chapters two and three warn of the attack against God’s Holy Word and against the children of the kingdom for all those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. So also does J.M Carroll write of the history of the church ages prophesied by the parables and by the book of Revelation. The woman has leavened God’s kingdom with the doctrines of men that make the commandments of God of none effect. The leaven of sin and the leaven of false ungodly worship that started in Babel in the fourth generation after the flood have filled the world and plunged it into spiritual darkness. The light of the world through the gospel nearly went out by the hand of ungodly ministers of unrighteousness. The Lord holds the seven stars in His right hand. The Lord’s right hand is the hand of righteousness: “According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.” (Palm 48: 10) Here is the name that is alive as the living God whose hand is filled with righteousness. The seven stars are the ministers of righteousness throughout all seven church ages who have overcome the evil temptations and the evil doctrines of men that seduce the servants of God. These are those that faithfully minister the gospel and display the righteousness of God. These are the believers that upheld the Word of the living God and were the pillar and ground of truth during the darkest hours of evil against His Word. 4. From 1320 to 1384 there lived a man in England who attracted world-wide attention. His name was John Wycliffe. He was the first of the brave fellows who had the courage to attempt a real reformation inside the Catholic Church. He is many times referred to in history as "The Morning Star of the Reformation." He lived an earnest and effective life. It would really require several volumes to contain anything like an adequate history of John Wycliffe. He was hated, fearfully hated, by the leaders of the Catholic hierarchy. His life was persistently sought. He finally died of paralysis. But years later, so great was Catholic hatred, his bones were dug and burned, and his ashes scattered upon the waters. 5. Following tolerably close on the heels of Wycliffe came John Huss, 1373-1415, a distinguished son from far away Bohemia. His soul had felt and responded to the brilliant light of England's "Morning Star." His was a brave and eventful life, but painfully and sadly short. Instead of awakening a responsive chord among his Catholic people in favor of a real reformation, he aroused a fear and hatred and opposition which resulted in his being burned at the stake--a martyr among his own people. And yet he was seeking their own good. He loved his Lord and he loved his people. However, he was only one of many millions who had thus to die. 6. Next to John Huss of Bohemia, came a wonderful son of Italy, the marvelously eloquent Savonarola, 1452-1498. Huss was burned in 1415, Savonarola was born 37 years later. He, like Huss, though a devout Catholic, found the leaders of his people--the people of Italy--like those of Bohemia, against all reformation. But he, by his mighty eloquence, succeeded in awakening some conscience and securing a considerable following. But a real reformation in the Hierarchy meant absolute ruin to the higher-ups in that organization. So Savonarola, as well as Huss, must die. HE TOO WAS BURNED AT THE STAKE. Of all the eloquent men of that great period, Savonarola possibly stood head and shoulders above all others. But he was contending against a mighty organization and their existence demanded that they fight the reformation, so Savonarola must die. 7. Of course, in giving the names of the reformers of this period, many names are necessarily to be left out. Only those most frequently referred to in history are mentioned here. Following Italy's golden tongued orator came a man from Switzerland. Zwingle was born before Savonarola died. He lived from 1484 to 1531. The spirit of reformation was beginning now to fill the whole land. Its fires are now breaking out faster and spreading more rapidly and becoming most difficult to control. This one kindled by Zwingle was not yet more than partially smothered before another, more serious than all the rest, had broken out in Germany. Zwingle died in battle. . .” “12. During all these hard struggles for Reformation, continuous and valuable aid was given to the reformers, by many Ana- Baptists, or whatever other name they bore. Hoping for some relief from their own bitter lot, they came out of their hiding places and fought bravely with the reformers, but they were doomed to fearful disappointment. They were from now on to have two additional persecuting enemies. Both the Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches brought out of their Catholic Mother many of her evils, among them her idea of a State Church. They both soon became Established Churches. Both were soon in the persecuting business, falling little, if any, short of their Catholic Mother.” (Emphasis added) "THE TRAIL OF BLOOD" Sad and awful was the fate of these long-suffering Ana-Baptists. The world now offered no sure place for hiding. Four hard persecutors were now hot on their trail. Surely theirs was a "Trail of Blood. . ." “15. Thus, before the close of the Sixteenth Century, there were five established Churches--churches backed up by civil governments--the Roman and Greek Catholics counted as two; then the Church of England; then the Lutheran, or Church of Germany; then the Church of Scotland, now known as the Presbyterian. All of them were bitter in their hatred and persecution of the people called Ana-Baptists, Waldenses and all other non-established churches, churches which never in any way had been connected with the Catholics. (Emphasis added) Their great help in the struggle for reformation had been forgotten, or was now wholly ignored. Many more thousands, including both women and children were constantly perishing every day in the yet unending persecutions. The great hope awakened and inspired by the reformation had proven to be a bloody delusion. Remnants now find an uncertain refuge in the friendly Alps and other hiding places over the world. 16. These three new organizations, separating from, or coming out of the Catholics, retained many of their most hurtful errors, some of which are as follows: (1) Preacher-church government (differing in form). (2) Church Establishment (Church and State combination). (3) Infant BAPTISM (4) Sprinkling or Pouring for Baptism. (5) Baptismal Regeneration (some at least, and others, if many of their historians are to be accredited). (6) Persecuting others (at least for centuries). 17. In the beginning all these established Churches persecuted one another as well as every one else, but at a council held at Augsburg in 1555, a treaty of peace, known as the "Peace of Augsburg" was signed between the "Catholics" on the one hand, and the "Lutherans" on the other, agreeing not to persecute each other. You let us alone, and we will let you alone. For Catholics to fight Lutherans meant war with Germany, and for Lutherans to fight or persecute Catholics meant war with all the countries where Catholicism predominated. Return to Home Page (www.kjv1611revealed.com)