Church of God News

Vatican City (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

The Washington Post had an interesting report about some of the cardinals of the Church of Rome:

5 March 2013

Catholic Church still plagued by cardinal sin…

As Mary Caplan, a leader in the Survivor’s Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), noted, “We’d all like to think there could be a transformation in the church now, but we have to face the reality that the same men responsible for protecting our abusers are going to be the ones casting the ballots.”…

Sodano, Bertone, and Levada are three of the most influential people involved in the selection of the next pope. Their role in the ongoing enabling and concealment of rape and child sex crimes throughout the world is so central that they were named in a Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC). On behalf of SNAP, CCR has urged the ICC to investigate high-level Vatican officials – including Pope Benedict himself – for crimes against humanity. With more than 22,000 pages of supporting materials and evidence of the crimes committed by Catholic clergy and their cover-up, the ICC complaint is an unprecedented effort to call to account individuals leading the systematic effort to sweep sex abuse under the rug. CCR is also pressing the case for church accountability in a report filed today with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which will scrutinize the Church’s record on children’s rights later this year.

Sodano, Bertone, and Levada are hardly just three bad apples in the church barrel. The group of church leaders who will be selecting the next pope reads like a who’s who of accessories and accomplices in the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/catholic-church-still-plagued-by-cardinal-sin/2013/03/05/ba6744e4-8532-11e2-98a3-b3db6b9ac586_blog.html

So, many of the electorate (and I did not list all the cardinals that the above article pointed as having suspicious character) involved in selecting the next pontiff are suspected of at least improper behavior.

But beyond the sex and financial scandals in the Church of Rome, how serious are problems are the theological problems there?  Notice what one priest reported three years ago:

March 10, 2010

Chief exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth says Devil is in the Vatican

Richard Owen in Rome

Sex abuse scandals in the Roman Catholic Church are proof that that “the Devil is at work inside the Vatican”, according to the Holy See’s chief exorcist.

Father Gabriele Amorth, 85, who has been the Vatican’s chief exorcist for 25 years and says…the consequences of satanic infiltration included power struggles at the Vatican as well as “cardinals who do not believe in Jesus, and bishops who are linked to the Demon“.

He added: “When one speaks of ‘the smoke of Satan’ [a phrase coined by Pope Paul VI in 1972] in the holy rooms, it is all true – including these latest stories of violence and paedophilia.”  http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article7056689.ece

When I reported about that back then, I also posted the following comment (Vatican’s Chief Exorcist Claims the Devil is in the Vatican):

The next pope will likely be a cardinal and/or a bishop.  Since an “antipope” is expected, having a pope who does not even believe in Jesus would fit with the descriptions of the final Antichrist of the Bible.

Perhaps I should add that the Bible is clear that the final Antichrist will have demonic-influence, if not actual demonic possession, according to the Bible (Revelation 16:13).

Of course, if the Church of Rome would not have forced celibacy on its priests and bishops in violation of biblical teachings and the practice of the original Church of God (see Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters?), then it would not have had nearly the sex scandals that it has been dealing with.  I suspect that Satan was aware that the celibacy policy would cause scandal and this may be why he or his demons could have inspired the following Catholic prophecy:

Ven. Holzhauser (17th century): The Great Monarch will come when the Latin Church is desolated, humiliated, and afflicted with many heresies (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 114).

These sex scandals have humiliated the Church of Rome (“the Latin Church”), hence if the above prediction is correct, then we are very near the time that the “Beast” leader will rise up.

The “Great Monarch” is also supposed to rise up during the time there are “very impious priests” (Tzima Otto, p. 53)–which would be consistent with the whole sex scandal issue among the Catholic priesthood.

Furthermore, notice the following about another type of timing from an Eastern Orthodox :

Monk Leontios (no later than 912): …the King…Afterwards I will go [march, pass over] to where I exited from; and the wolf will also come but for a few days. (Tzima Otto, H.  The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, p. 85)

According to Dr. Tzima Otto, “the wolf” is the Antichrist (ibid, p. 97). Thus, the Great Monarch is supposed to be around the same time that the final Antichrist rises up. And while some “Catholic” prophecies indicate that the final Antichrist comes at the end of the reign of the Great Monarch, the Bible suggests that the two will work together as the final Antichrist will encourage all to support the Beast, who seems to be the ‘Great Monarch’ of various Catholic and Orthodox prophecies.

If some type of a “great light” or other sign settles upon (or from) a particular  cardinal who would become pope in the next next few weeks, we may be nearer to the end than hardly anyone will think possible.

According to the famous Malachy prophecy of the popes (see The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” or you can also watch the video Pope Benedict XVI and the next pope), there is only one pope left.  And if you look at other Catholic prophecies, this pope, if he is the last one, will be an antipope, the final Antichrist.  So, certain Catholic prophecies seem to point to this being the time that the Beast and False Prophet of the Bible will arise.

Biblical chronology and prophecy points to a period near this time as well.

A scandal-plagued church is the type that could be expected to elect a non-believer as its leader.  A leader that the Bible warns against.  And the process for selecting that leader is going on this very day.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. The next pope would be number 112 and is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Pope Benedict XVI and the next pope Will the pope that succeeds Pope Benedict XVI fulfill biblical and non-biblical prophecies? What about Pope Benedict himself? Pope Benedict XVI resigned his pontificate effective February 28, 2013. Might his resignation lead to the fulfillment of prophecy? Might his resignation lead to the prophesied Antichrist according to biblical and Catholic prophecies? Do Catholic prophecies foretell of an antipope as the next pope? Is the Peter the Roman of the Malachy prophecies the next pope? Is there a 6,000 year plan? Is the 6,000 year almost up?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx?
Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters? Some religions suggest this, but what does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the early church?
Did the Early Christian Church Practice Monasticism? Does God expect or endorse living in a monastery or nunnery?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
Peter and Rome He was an original apostle and early Christian leader. Where was Peter buried? Where did Peter die?
Overview: How Does the Church of God Agree and Disagree with Other Faiths Professing Christ? This overview answers that and explains what the Church of God basically stands for. In the appendices provides information about certain complaints and as well as an overview about many COG-related groups.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Hugo Chávez

COGwriter

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chávez has died:

5 March 2013

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela died Tuesday afternoon after a long battle with cancer, the government announced, leaving behind a bitterly divided nation in the grip of a political crisis that grew more acute as he languished for weeks, silent and out of sight in hospitals in Havana and Caracas…

Mr. Chávez’s departure from a country he dominated for 14 years casts into doubt the future of his socialist revolution. It not only alters the political balance in Venezuela, the fourth-largest foreign oil supplier to the United States, but also in Latin America, where Mr. Chávez led a group of nations intent on reducing American influence in the region…

When a president dies, the Constitution says that the nation should “proceed to a new election” within 30 days, and that the vice president should take over in the meantime. The election is likely to pit Mr. Maduro, whom Mr. Chávez designated as his political successor, against Henrique Capriles Radonski, a young state governor who lost to Mr. Chávez in a presidential election in October. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/world/americas/hugo-chavez-of-venezuela-dies.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

The situation in Venezuela (whose official name is República Bolivariana de Venezuela) may now be quite volatile.  Those in Venezuela need your prayers.

From Mexico in the north down to Chile and Argentina in the south, Latin America covers a vast amount of territory. In all of these lands, including Venezuela, the majority of people are either of European heritage, indigenous, or a mixture of indigenous and European.

Most people in the nations of Latin America have some type of ethnic tie to Europe. And the vast majority of the people in Latin America speak some type of a European language–with Spanish and Portuguese being the two major languages there.

The ancient Romans developed a system of laws, courts and administrative skills to manage their empire. Today, that Roman law forms the basis of legal codes in France, Italy, the European Union, and in the Latin American countries. Roman law also undergirds Roman Catholic canon law (Civilization Past & Present, Wallbank, 6th edition, pp. 87–88). European and Latin American legal systems much more closely resemble each other than they do of the American and British systems (the American system is based on the British system).

Most of the peoples in Latin America are Roman Catholic. And this is true of nearly every nation there. Religion, thus, is a major cultural tie to Europe.  As far as Venezuela goes, according to government estimates, about 92% of the population is at least nominally Roman Catholic.

Latin America is of importance to the Vatican.

Currently, cardinals of the Church of Rome are meeting in Vatican City to determine who to elect as their next pope.  At least two “leading candidates” are from South America.  It may be that the death of Hugo Chávez could be a factor in possibly selecting a pontiff from that region.

Because of the cultural, ethnic, language, legal, and religious ties between Europe and Latin America, the two regions will likely cooperate more in the future. These ties will be primarily economic, along with the religious and cultural ones, but also may include some type of military cooperation.  This is consistent with Ezekiel 27:12-23 and other scriptures.

The situation in Venezuela may well affect the Vatican as its cardinals conclave later this month.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. The next pope would be number 112 and is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Pope Benedict XVI and the next pope Will the pope that succeeds Pope Benedict XVI fulfill biblical and non-biblical prophecies? What about Pope Benedict himself? Pope Benedict XVI resigned his pontificate effective February 28, 2013. Might his resignation lead to the fulfillment of prophecy? Might his resignation lead to the prophesied Antichrist according to biblical and Catholic prophecies? Do Catholic prophecies foretell of an antipope as the next pope? Is the Peter the Roman of the Malachy prophecies the next pope? Is there a 6,000 year plan? Is the 6,000 year almost up?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

A comedic film about Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg premiered in Berlin last night.  But the Baron did not attend.  The following articles were basically machine-translated from German into English (the links shown are to the actual German language articles):

5 March 2013

“The Minister”: Guttenberg movie premiere – without Guttenberg…

the main character was missing: The former defense minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU) was away on Monday, as the much-anticipated television movie about his plagiarism scandal in Berlin premiere…

A film about political morality

“The Minister” aka Baron and Thunder Mountain is a humorous satire of political morality that is based on real political events of the recent past. Guttenberg’s career, his rapid rise, and his sudden fall through the plagiarism scandal at the heart of the film.  http://www.welt.de/newsticker/leute/stars/article114129058/Guttenberg-Parodie-feiert-Premiere-in-Berlin.html

4 March 2013

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is back – at least as a parody on the canvas. The large Sat.1 production “The Minister” was presented on Monday evening in Berlin Delphi theater. The satire with Kai Schumann in the lead role as Franz Ferdinand and from Thunder Mountain is inspired by zu Guttenberg’s career, his rapid rise and his sudden fall through the plagiarism scandal…

Oh by the way: the real Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has not been seen at the premiere in Berlin. Perhaps this would have only led to confusion: Kai Schumann in the role of nobles could easily pass as his twin brother. On Tuesday, 12 March, the film finally celebrates its television premiere on Sat.1.   http://www.welt.de/newsticker/leute/stars/article114129058/Guttenberg-Parodie-feiert-Premiere-in-Berlin.html

In the film, Baron Guttenberg is publicly being made fun of.

As regular readers know, I have wondered if former German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was a candidate to possibly be the final King of the North of Daniel 11 and Beast of Revelation. The fact that he has had problems is consistent with biblical and other predictions.

He remains one to watch.

Of course, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a somewhat politician with many ups and downs. And all his intentions could be fine. We will see.

Bible prophecy warns about a leader who was rejected who will rise up and lead Europe per Daniel 11:21-44. One verse to focus on is verse 21. Here are four translations of it from Catholic and Protestant sources:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)

21 ‘And stood up on his station hath a despicable one, and they have not given unto him the honour of the kingdom, and he hath come in quietly, and hath strengthened the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, Young’s Literal Translation)

Interestingly, the Baron was considered to have had a major chance to become Chancellor of Germany before the plagiarism scandal. In a real sense, he was “a man spurned and passed over for advancement” as THE MESSAGE version of Daniel 11:21 indicates.

Here are some comments from Barne’s Notes on Daniel 11:21:

The Hebrew word rendered “vile” – נבזה nı̂bezeh – properly means one despised or held in contempt, Isaiah 49:7; Psalm 22:6 (7). The meaning here is, that he was one who deserved to be despised, and who would be held in contempt – a man of a low, base, contemptible character. Vulgate, “despectus;” Greek ἐξουδενώθη exoudenōthē…

And obtain the kingdom by flatteries – חלקלקות chălaqelaqqôth – “lubricitates, blanditioe.” “The word,” says Elliott (Rev. iv. 133), “has a double sense, being applied both to the slipperiness of a path, and the slipperiness or flattering and deceit of the tongue.

Although many despise Herr Guttenberg and make fun of him, some want him back (see Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?). He is still having influence in various aspects of foreign policy (e.g. Karl Guttenberg Interviewed and Lays Out Some of His Vision for European Union).

I reported about this film last year when it was in production.  One of the interesting lines that is supposed to be in it (again machine-translated) is as follows (which the original German below it):

“I carry myself with the thought, a zoon politikon to be,” says the film-Guttenberg, who is here from Franz Ferdinand and Thunder Mountain and in Berlin shaking the fence of the Chancellery.

„Ich trage mich mit dem Gedanken, ein Zoon Politikon zu werden“, verkündet der Film-Guttenberg, der hier Franz Ferdinand von und zu Donnersberg heißt und in Berlin am Zaun des Kanzleramts rüttelt.

http://www.focus.de/kultur/diverses/komoedie-ueber-kapitel-der-deutschen-politik-guttenberg-film-auf-den-spuren-von-schtonk_aid_824451.html

What is this “zoon” politikon” statement about?  This is actually based on something that Baron Guttenberg said in November 2011:

“There’s no doubt whatsoever that I’m a political animal, a ‘zoon politicon’,” he told Die Zeit newspaper in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated comeback after eight months away from the spotlight. http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/11/24/idINIndia-60716820111124

So, what is a zoon politikon?

“For Aristotle’s zoon politikon there are no persons beyond the walls of the city; outside the city there exist only beasts or gods.”

(page 169, Urbanization and values, CRVP, 1991, By George F. McLean, John Kromkowski)

If Karl zu Guttenberg becomes the King of the North (Daniel 11:40), he would also be the final Beast of Revelation. Of course, his statement does not mean that he wishes people to think that he is the final Beast in Bible prophecy, but his comment is interesting none-the-less.

Basically, Baron Guttenberg is admitting that he is taking steps that a plotting politician would make.  This is something that would be expected from whoever will be the final Beast power.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? How will Europeans be involved in this?

COGwriter

While several on the internet have reported that UCG’s Chairman Robin Webber has been named interim president of UCG, I just spoke to a representative of UCG in Cincinnati a few minutes ago who informed me that Dennis Luker, at this moment, is still the President of UCG.

Last night, I also received an email that stated that the health of Dennis Luker of the United Church of God (UCG) seems to have worsened.  And this may have been part of why some prematurely reported Robin Webber as UCG’s temporary president.

Meetings are being held, however, by UCG, and some other announcement may be coming out soon.  But as of 10:15 am EST, Dennis Luker was still officially the president of UCG.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
Church of God, an International Community (COG aic) This is the group led by David Hulme. It seems to minimize parts of biblical prophecy.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.
Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God Several have speculated reasons, but here is the truth.
What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God? This article explains some information and doctrines of the Living Church of God as led by Roderick C. Meredith and some concerns about them.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now essentially the most faithful in the Church of God, which is best represented by the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Chinese Submarine (Yuan-class SSK)

COGwriter

China continues to spend more on its military:

China will boost defense spending 10.7 percent this year as the government modernizes its military arsenal and adopts a more assertive stance in territorial disputes with its neighbors.

Military spending is set to rise this year to 740.6 billion yuan ($119 billion) from 669.1 billion, the Ministry of Finance said in a report. China has the second-biggest military budget in the world after the U.S., which spent nearly six times more on defense than China last year.  http://topics.bloomberg.com/china/

Some will look at the above and figure that despite the increase, China is no threat to the USA.  Others will realize that the since the Chinese tend to have much lower manufacturing costs than the USA, the amount of resources it commits to its military likely goes a lot farther.  This has concerned many leaders in the USA, and is a reason that the USA now has Marines stationed in Northern Australia (see also Australia’s PM Gillard Speaks of ‘Asian Century’ and Learning Mandarin & Hindi, But…).

While the Chinese are spending more on their military, the sequestration agreement is expected to result in about a 13% cut in USA defense spending the rest of the year:

“The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) now calculates that sequestration will require an annual reduction of roughly 5 percent for nondefense programs and roughly 8 percent for defense programs,” according to one fact sheet. “However, given that these cuts must be achieved over only seven months instead of 12, the effective percentage reductions will be approximately 9 percent for nondefense programs and 13 percent for defense programs. These large and arbitrary cuts will have severe impacts across the government.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57571722/sequestration-looms-but-when-will-the-hurt-feel-real/

In the future, further spending cuts will be made in defense, and certain areas of spending will be changed to areas that will prove to less effective for the USA.

China is starting to have enough influence that the USA is thinking that decide China is a major military threat.

But the future major military power in the world will not ultimately be China (though it is likely to have at least a major regional presence).

And even though China will have some prominence in the end times (and will fairly certainly be one of the “kings of the east” of Revelation 16:12 and provide many soldiers in the 200,000,000 man army of Revelation 9:13-21), it will not end up as the top economic and military force in the 21st century.   According to the Bible, Europe will.

But partially because of increasing Chinese naval and other military influence, the USA will apparently expend so much energy preparing for military possibilities involving China that it will not be prepared for what is coming out of Europe.  And the USA will likely make deals trusting that Europe will help it, while the time will come when Europe will betray and takeover the USA.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? Might military alliances be part of the reason that non-US Anglo-nations get divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Vatican City (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

The cardinals of the Church of Rome are starting to gather together so that they can soon enter into a conclave to elect the next pope.

CBS profiled a variety of leaders  that some have suggested could be the candidates to be the next pope.

Since I have mentioned a few in the past, thought I would report some of CBS’ comments and comment about them.

Here is one:

Archbishop Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary

Twice-elected President of the European Bishops’ Conference, the cardinal from Budapest is considered to have widespread support from many European cardinals and is well-known to African cardinals, with whom he has instituted biannual conferences, in Europe and Africa. Erdo is also considered a leader in the ecumenical movement with Orthodox churches, a high priority for the Catholic Church. He has earned applause for his work with city missions in Budapest, where Catholic lay people visit homes to invite Hungarians back to the Church. At 60, his relative youth might work against him in the bid for Pope, but his unique position at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe, and his relations with the developing world, could make him an attractive candidate. http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-202_162-10016013-3.html

There are several interesting reasons that Péter Erdő is a candidate to be the next, and potentially last, pope.  His name is one of them, though it is not absolutely required that the next pontiff have Peter in his name.  Since the final power that is to rise in Europe will consider itself to be a revival of the Holy Roman Empire, his European origins are of interest.  His ecumenical inclinations are consistent with a final pontiff who will be willing to negotiate with groups such as the Eastern Orthodox and various Protestant sects to bring them into unity with the final, modified, Church of Rome.   His relative youth could make him an attractive candidate for the job.

Here is another:

Cardinal Peter Kodwao Appiah Turkson of Ghana

A much-talked about papabile, Cardinal Turkson, 64, is seen as one of Africas most charismatic church leaders. Currently the president of the Vatican office for Justice and Peace, he is also considered a Vatican insider. Turkson studied at a seminary in the United States. He has however caused controversy for his endorsement of a “world political authority” to regulate the economy as well as for showing a video at a Vatican conference last year about Muslim immigration in Europe, considered by some to be extremist. http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-202_162-10016013-13.html

There are several interesting reasons that Cardinal Turkson is a candidate to be the next, and potentially last, pope.  His name is one of them, though it is not absolutely required that the next pontiff have Peter in his name.  Since the Vatican has had growth in Africa, having an African could be considered helpful.   The fact that he wants to more regulate the economy is consistent with end time prophecy (Revelation 13:16-17).

We will see who will be elected Pontifex Maximus relatively soon. According to certain interpretations of Catholic private prophecy, including the Malachy list, the next pope would be the last pope, as well as a compromising persecuting, antipope. According to biblical prophecy an ecumenical false persecuting religious leader is to rise up very soon (Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

This warned about leader could very well be the one elected pontiff, possibly this month.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. The next pope would be number 112 and is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Pope Benedict XVI and the next pope Will the pope that succeeds Pope Benedict XVI fulfill biblical and non-biblical prophecies? What about Pope Benedict himself? Pope Benedict XVI resigned his pontificate effective February 28, 2013. Might his resignation lead to the fulfillment of prophecy? Might his resignation lead to the prophesied Antichrist according to biblical and Catholic prophecies? Do Catholic prophecies foretell of an antipope as the next pope? Is the Peter the Roman of the Malachy prophecies the next pope? Is there a 6,000 year plan? Is the 6,000 year almost up?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
Peter and Rome He was an original apostle and early Christian leader. Where was Peter buried? Where did Peter die?
Overview: How Does the Church of God Agree and Disagree with Other Faiths Professing Christ? This overview answers that and explains what the Church of God basically stands for. In the appendices provides information about certain complaints and as well as an overview about many COG-related groups.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

The box that the US Congress and the Obama Administration put themselves into, then delayed, known as “sequestration” is now in effect.  Here is one view of this approach:

March 4, 2013

(Reuters) – A sound plan is needed to reduce the budget deficit over the next 10 years, but wholesale government spending cuts should not be the core of the program, according to a new survey of economists.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/04/us-usa-economy-policy-idUSBRE92302Y20130304

A better approach is needed than the political gamesmanship that is currently going on.  Economists know this, and political leaders should as well.

Here is another view:

March 4, 2013

As individuals and businesses put off expenditures due to actual and even potential loss of income, capital in the economy will diminish and all sectors will begin to contract. And that is the recipe for recession. Let’s not go there again. Please call, fax, or e-mail your senators and representative and tell them we want them to stay in Washington and work together — with President Barack Obama — until they find an acceptable compromise to avoid the pointless crippling of our economy that will result from sequestration.  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bs-ed-sequester-letter-20130304,0,5848890.story

I should mention that I do not believe that contacting political leaders at this stage will change the situation.  Also, what will end up happening to the USA in the long run will be much worse than just another recession.

The purpose of the sequestration deal was to reduce the increase of the projected spending deficits for the US government. The cuts were supposed to be so painful that both Republicans and Democrats would simply have to come up with a better debt reduction plan–but such a plan was not agreed to. For both the Obama Administration and the House Republicans, political considerations are major factors in how they have, and now are, handling this matter.

Yet, even with sequestration the total US federal debt will grow.  The Washington Post acknowledges now that, for Americans, they should expect things to get worse:

Nothing that has happened over the past month should give the average American any reason to think that things won’t get worse before they get better, because they almost certainly will.

Take the talk of a government shutdown, which will happen unless Congress can agree on a funding measure by March 27.

Yes, both President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) pledged late last week not to let a shutdown happen. But, remember that the sequester was put in place with the absolute certainty among both Republicans and Democrats that it would never happen. Here’s Obama on the sequester during the final presidential debate last fall: “It will not happen.” So . . .

Now that we are living in a post-sequestration world, then, it’s right to be skeptical of pledges made by politicians about what won’t ever come to pass…In short, if you think this is as bad as things can get, just wait awhile.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-the-sequestration-battle-things-will-only-get-worse/2013/03/03/f4ba0990-8412-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394_story.html

While there will be some better days, the overall trend is not good for the USA.

The expected debt growth is more dangerous than most imagine, and will ultimately lead to the elimination of the USA per various biblical prophecies:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

No other nation in the history of humanity has been as indebted as the United States of America.  The Bible shows that this will end in disaster.  And a disaster much worse than a “sequestration-induced” recession.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Mount Kenya (Mehmet Karatay)

COGwriter

There is a presidential election in Kenya today and there has already been fatal violence:

Mon Mar 4, 2013 9:00am EST

(Reuters) – At least 15 people were killed in attacks by machete-wielding gangs on Monday as Kenyans lined up to vote in a presidential election they hope will rebuild the nation’s image after a disputed 2007 poll unleashed weeks of tribal bloodshed…

There were two separate attacks which senior police officers blamed on a separatist movement – which, if confirmed, would suggest different motives to those that caused the post-2007 vote ethnic killings and could limit their impact…

As in 2007, the race has come down to a high-stakes duel between two candidates, this time between Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the loser in 2007 to outgoing President Mwai Kibaki. Both contenders will depend heavily on votes from tribal loyalists.

The United States and Western donors are worried about the stability of a nation that is an ally in the fight against militant Islam in the region but are also fretting what to do if the victor is Kenyatta, who faces charges by the International Criminal Court of orchestrating violence five years ago.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/04/us-kenya-elections-idUSBRE9220H920130304

Violence and killing is not what those in Kenya need.  The Continuing Church of God has many, many supporters in Kenya.  In the latest Continuing Church of God Letter to the Brethren was the following prayer request:

Please pray for the Kenya Church as we face Kenya General Elections on Monday March 4th 2013. As you may know, African people usually vote along lines and none of the candidates is ready to concede the defeat,this always create ethnic clashes as happened here in 2007/2008. We suffered and the Church was not exempted. I cannot narrate it here.Our prayer is that this history should not repeat itself. Even as I write some are on the way back to rural homes from urban areas. The government has started deploying as many police as possible mostly in volatile areas to deal with the situation should such a thing erupt again.

Christians are to pray for one another (James 5:16).

Following biblical admonitions, historically those in the Church of God pray for leaders and that God’s will would be done in matters such as elections. And the above prayer request is consistent with that.

Furthermore, notice what the Apostle Paul was inspired to write:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Please pray that God will protect His people in Kenya and that as the result of this election, they will be able to lead “a quiet and peaceable life.”

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.

COGwriter

Did those who professed Christ in the period shortly after the Bible was completed teach that humans possessed immortality?  Or did they teach that this was something that God would later give?

How did they understand passages in the Bible, such as the following, that the Apostle Paul wrote?

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:52-54).

Historical records give us many clues.

After the apostles died (John being the last around 100 A.D.), there were early church writers who continued to teach at least parts of what the apostles taught, which is what is in the Old and New Testaments.

Here is something from what is believed to be “the oldest complete Christian sermon that has survived” (Holmes M.W. Ancient Christian Sermon. The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, 2nd ed. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 2004). This Ancient Christian Sermon contains these statements about it:

Now I do not think that I have given any mean council respecting continence, and whosoever performeth it will not repent thereof, but will save both himself and me his councilor. For it is no mean reward to convert a wondering and perishing soul, that it may be saved (15:1).

For if we have received commands, that we should make this our business, to tear men away from idols and to instruct them, how much more is it wrong that a soul which knoweth God already should perish! (17:1).

Souls that can perish cannot be immortal.

From the Letter to the Corinthians, often called 1 Clement:

On this account He shall inherit many, and shall divide the spoil of the strong; because His soul was delivered to death, and He was reckoned among the transgressors (Chapter 16).

Notice this from Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians:

For this end did the Lord suffer the ointment to be poured upon His head, that He might breathe immortality into His Church (Chapter 17).

Especially [will I do this] if the Lord make known to me that ye come together man by man in common through grace, individually, in one faith, and in Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David according to the flesh, being both the Son of man and the Son of God, so that ye obey the bishop and the presbytery with an undivided mind, breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote to prevent us from dying, but [which causes] that we should live for ever in Jesus Christ (Chapter 20).

Ignatius is essentially teaching that Christ suffered to give immortality to the Church and we in the Church when we properly partake of Passover can live forever in Christ–otherwise we would die.

Be sober as an athlete of God: the prize set before you is immortality and eternal life, of which you are also persuaded (Ignatius. Letter to Polycarp, Chapter 2).

Polycarp of Smyrna (mid-2nd century) taught that the body and soul were to be resurrected, hence he taught against the immortality of the soul doctrine:

I bless you for because you have considered me worthy of this day and hour, that I might receive a place among the number of martyrs in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit (The Martyrdom of Polycarp, 14:2. In Holmes M.W. The Apostolic Fathers, Greek Texts and English Translations. Baker Books, Grand Rapids (MI), 2004, p.239).

Though the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch now lists him in their succession list, around 170 A.D. Theophilus of Antioch wrote a position that seems to differ from current Eastern Orthodox doctrine on immortality:

When thou shalt have put off the mortal, and put on incorruption, then shall thou see God worthily. For God will raise thy flesh immortal with thy soul; and then, having become immortal, thou shalt see the Immortal, if now you believe on Him; and then you shall know that you have spoken unjustly against Him (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book 1, Chapter VI. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

For if He had made him immortal from the beginning, He would have made him God…so that if he should incline to the things of immortality, keeping the commandment of God, he should receive as reward from Him immortality, and should become God…For God has given us a law and holy commandments; and every one who keeps these can be saved, and, obtaining the resurrection, can inherit incorruption (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book 2, Chapter XXVII. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

But God at least, the Father and Creator of the universe did not abandon mankind, but gave a law, and sent holy prophets to declare and teach the race of men, that each one of us might awake and understand that there is one God. And they also taught us to refrain from unlawful idolatry, and adultery, and murder, fornication, theft, avarice, false swearing, wrath, and every incontinence and uncleanness; and that whatever a man would not wish to be done to himself, he should not do to another; and thus he who acts righteously shall escape the eternal punishments, and be thought worthy of the eternal life from God (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book 2, Chapter XXXIV. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Probably prior to 180 A.D., Melito of Sardis, a famous church leader and writer, wrote:

He killed death which had put man to death (Melito. Homily On the Passover, Verse 66. Translation from Kerux: The Journal of Online Theology, http://www.kerux.com/documents/KeruxV4N1A1.asp 09/14/05). .

And by this, Melito is teaching that Jesus could provide immortality, as humans did not possess it (he obviously is not referring to physical death, as Christians have died throughout history).

Even though he held some heretical views, Irenaeus is considered to have been an important early theologian by Catholics and Protestants (around 180 A.D.) wrote, that:

Christ Jesus, our Lord, and God, and Saviour, and King…may, in the exercise of His grace, confer immortality on the righteous, and holy, and those who have kept His commandments (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book 1, Chapter 10, Verse 1. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Thus Irenaeus did understand the idea that humans do not possess immortality and that it is a gift of God. And this gift is only given to those that have kept His commandments.

He also understood that the resurrection was physical:

We therefore have formed the belief that [our] bodies also do rise again. For although they go to corruption, yet they do not perish; for the earth, receiving the remains, preserves them, even like fertile seed mixed with more fertile ground. Again, as a bare grain is sown, and, germinating by the command of God its Creator, rises again, clothed upon and glorious, but not before it has died and suffered decomposition, and become mingled with the earth (Irenaeus. Fragments of Irenaeus, Fragment VII. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. Excerpted from Volume I of The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, editors); American Edition copyright © 1885. Electronic version copyright © 1997 by New Advent, Inc.).

And even though he was not part of the true Church of God, Justin wrote:

For let even necromancy, and the divinations you practise by immaculate children, and the evoking of departed human souls, and those who are called among the magi, Dream-senders and Assistant-spirits (Familiars), and all that is done by those who are skilled in such matters —let these persuade you that even after death souls are in a state of sensation; and those who are seized and cast about by the spirits of the dead, whom all call dæmoniacs or madmen (Justin. First Apology, Chapter 18).

The second century apologist Tatian and associate of Justin wrote:

The soul is not in itself immortal, O Greeks, but mortal. Yet it is possible for it not to die. If, indeed, it knows not the truth, it dies, and is dissolved with the body, but rises again at last at the end of the world with the body, receiving death by punishment in immortality (Tatian. Translated by J.E. Ryland. Tatian’s Address to the Greeks, Chapter XIII . Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Polycrates of Ephesus in the late second century wrote and told the Roman Bishop Victor:

Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead? (Eusebius. Church History, Book V, Chapter 24, Verse 5. Translated by Arthur Cushman McGiffert. Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series Two, Volume 1. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. American Edition, 1890. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Thus immortality was something to be obtained, not something inherent. And the idea of man’s destiny to become God was known in the second century.

Tertullian was a second century religious leader outside the Church of God. And although he held doctrines that we in the COGs would find to be heretical, he is considered to have been an important early theologian by Roman Catholics. Tertullian wrote:

The resurrection is first, and afterwards the kingdom. We say, therefore, that the flesh rises again, but that when changed it obtains the kingdom. “For the dead shall be raised incorruptible,” even those who had been corruptible when their bodies fell into decay; “and we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. For this corruptible”–and as he spake, the apostle seemingly pointed to his own flesh–” must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” in order, indeed, that it may be rendered a fit substance for the kingdom of God. “For we shall be like the angels.” This will be the perfect change of our flesh–only after its resurrection. Now if, on the contrary, there is to be no flesh, how then shall it put on incorruption and immortality? Having then become something else by its change, it will obtain the kingdom of God, no longer the (old) flesh and blood, but the body which God shall have given it. Rightly then does the apostle declare, “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God;” for this (honour) does he ascribe to the changed condition which ensues on the resurrection (Tertullian. Against Marcion, Book V, Chapter 10. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

Thus, he is correctly teaching that we are not now immortal and not as we now are fit for the kingdom of God–this occurs after the resurrection.

Hippolytus was a third century religious leader outside the Church of God. And although he held doctrines that we in the COGs would find to be heretical, he is considered to have been one of the greatest early theologians by Roman Catholics.

Hippolytus wrote:

Let us believe then, dear brethren, according to the tradition of the apostles, that God the Word came down from heaven, (and entered) into the holy Virgin Mary, in order that, taking the flesh from her, and assuming also a human, by which I mean a rational soul, and becoming thus all that man is with the exception of sin, He might save fallen man, and confer immortality on men who believe on His name (Hippolytus. Against Noetus, Chapter 17. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

Notice that Hippolytus taught that Jesus needed to come in order to confer immortality on men. He would not have to do that if humans were immortal.

Hippolytus also wrote:

For concerning the general resurrection and the kingdom of the saints, Daniel says: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” And Isaiah says: “The dead shall rise, and those in the tombs shall awake, and those in the earth shall rejoice.” And our Lord says: “Many in that day shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live” (Hippolytus. On the End of the World, Chapter XXXVI. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

Notice that Hippolytus is showing that death is like sleep and the dead must be raised.

Victorinus (ca. late third century) wrote:

“To him that overcomes I will give the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone.” The hidden manna is immortality; the white gem is adoption to be the son of God; the new name written on the stone is “Christian.” (Victorinus. Commentary on the Apocalypse. Translated by Robert Ernest Wallis. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 7. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0712.htm> viewed 12/27/08)

There would be no reason to give immortality if it was possessed upon birth.

Pertaining to peoples in the third century, Eusebius about wrote that some in Arabia:

They said that during the present time the human soul dies and perishes with the body, but that at the time of the resurrection they will be renewed together (Eusebius. Church History, Book VI, Chapter 37).

A spurious document apparently from the second or early third century may have been used to introduce the immortality heresy into the Alexandrian Orthodox:

Now, the proof that the soul is immortal will be put past doubt, not from what it says, or from what I hear, but from what I see: for seeing it with my eyes, I shall ever after hold the surest conviction of its immortality; and no fallacy of words or uncertainty of hearing shall ever be able to disturb the persuasion produced by sight. (The Recognitions of Clement, 1.5. In the Ante-Nicene Fathers, Rev. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, editors, Vol. VIII. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprinted 1995. Note: This text is considered to have been spurious and probably not written by Clement of Alexandria. It seems to be a second century document and could have impacted the views of Gregory the Wonder Worker and others.)

Since it is believed that Origen referred to this work c. 231, he would have been familiar with it, though some believe passages may have been added to it in the fourth or even later centuries (Smith T. Introductory Notice to The Recognitions of Clement. ANTE-NICENE FATHERS VOLUME 8. The Twelve Patriarchs, Excerpts and Epistles, The Clementina, Apocrypha, Decretals, Memoirs of Edessa and Syriac Documents, Remains of the First Ages Edited by ALEXANDER ROBERTS, D.D., and JAMES DONALDSON, LL.D. Revised and Chronologically Arranged, with Brief Prefaces and Occasional Notes by A. CLEVELAND COXE, D.D. T&T CLARK EDINBURGH, pp. 73-74).

But it should be noted that in the mid-late third century a mystic often now referred to as Gregory the Wonder Worker, who studied under Origen in Alexandria Egypt, may have been the first of the Greco-Roman bishops to teach that the soul was immortal:

We prove, then, that the soul is simple…that what is simple is immortal…If, therefore, the soul is not corrupted by the evil proper to itself, and the evil of the soul is cowardice, intemperance, envy, and the like, and all these things do not despoil it of its powers of life and action, it follows that it is immortal. (Gregory Thaumaturgus. On the Soul, Chapters 5, 6. Translated by S.D.F. Salmond. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 6. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886. Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0608.htm> viewed 06/05/11)

And while this was not commonly accepted for a while, his change did get accepted (though to a significant degree because of others, but also likely some he at least indirectly affected). But it never should have been accepted. in Ezekiel 18:4 the Douay-Rheims Bible (a well known Roman Catholic rendition of scripture into the English language) teaches ” the soul that sinneth, the same shall die” and “The soul that sinneth, the same shall die” in Ezekiel 18:20.

Yet, most who profess Christ in the 21st century do not agree as most believe that humans are immortal.  But the Bible teaches otherwise.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality? What does John 3:16, and other writings, tell us? Did a doctrine kept adopted from paganism?
Born-Again originally meant being born at the resurrection, not at the time of conversion.
What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrection? Is there more than one future resurrection? Did early Christians teach a physical resurrection? Did early Christians teach three resurrections?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Vatican City (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

The cardinals of the Church of Rome are starting to gather together and many hope that a new pontiff will be installed well before Easter:

March 3, 2013

On Monday cardinals will begin preliminary meetings, known as general congregations, to get to know each other, discuss church issues and decide the starting date of the closed-door conclave to choose Benedict’s successor.

The meetings are open to all cardinals, whereas only those under 80 can enter the Sistine Chapel and elect a new pope from their own ranks.

Currently 115 cardinal electors are due to take part in the conclave, which many believe will start around March 10.

The Vatican seems to be aiming for an election by mid-March so the new pope can be installed in office before Palm Sunday on March 24 and lead Holy Week services culminating in Easter the following Sunday.

No front-runner stands out and no campaigning is allowed for the election but leading candidates include Peter Turkson of Ghana, Leonardo Sandri of Argentina, Austrian Christoph Schoenborn, Brazil’s Odilo Scherer, Canadian Marc Ouellet and Angelo Scola, the leading candidate from Italy.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/03/us-pope-succession-idUSBRE92208420130303?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71

In the 12th century, a bishop (who was later canonized as a saint by Rome) named Malachy predicted, with what some believe is complete accuracy, every pope since 1143.

The most famous name on the Malachy list is probably the last one.  Commonly referred to in English as “Peter the Roman.”  Some have also called him Peter II.

Malachy’s list was written in Latin.  Here is what he wrote about the last pope on his list:

In persecutione extrema SRE sedebit. Petrus Romanus, quipascet oves in multis tribulationibus: quibus transactis civitas septicollis diruetur, et Iudex tremendus iudicabit populum suum. Finis.

Here is an English translation from The Catholic Encyclopedia:

“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.”

Here is a slightly different version of it (with the word “Rome” inserted by Catholic Priest Culleton):

St. Malachy (12th century): During the persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit upon the throne, Peter the Roman…the City of Seven Hills (Rome) will be utterly destroyed and the awful Judge will then judge the people. (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 138)

Notice that the final Pope sits on the City of Seven Hills (which the Roman Catholic writer G. Culleton labeled Rome above), obviously the same one that Babylon the Great sits on in Revelation 17:9, that God has destroyed in verses 14-18.

As I have written in the past, the last pontiff on the Malachy list will not need to take the name “Peter the Roman” to possibly fulfill this, and that is also the position of at least one published Catholic writer (see The pope after Benedict XVI).

The name Peter the Roman could signify someone who is dedicated to a final version of the Roman Empire and is a pretender to the succession of apostles such as Peter.  The name “Peter” does not have to be in his name for him to fulfill this as the one who would be the last pope would fulfill that, irrespective of his name.

In both Malachy’s description of the one who would be the next, and potentially last, pope and chapter 17 of the Book of Revelation we see:

1. Reference to the city of seven hills/mountains.
2. The destruction of the city of seven hills/mountains.
3. The end of a power in Rome.
4. Persecution.
5. Troubles/tribulations on the earth.
6. A type of judgment.
7. Events for the end time.

Whether or not the next pope is the last pope, the fact is that the last pope on the Malachy list seems to be warned against in the Holy Bible.

Some of candidates for pontiff, interestingly have “Peter” as part of their name.  I have already commented on two like that (The pope after Benedict XVI), so today I will comment on another that was in the news article referenced at the beginning of this post.

Here is what Wikipedia reported about one:

Christoph Maria Michael Hugo Damian Peter Adalbert (Graf von) Schönborn, O.P. (born 22 January 1945), is a Bohemian-born Austrian Dominican friar and theologian, who is a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He currently serves as the Archbishop of Vienna and President of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 1998. He is also the chaplain of the Order of the Golden Fleece (Austrian branch), of which he has been a member since 1961. He is a member of the formerly sovereign princely House of Schönborn, several members of which held high offices of the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.

Schönborn is seen as a leading candidate for the papacy because he is conservative, albeit a “balanced reformer” who is well liked by all factions of the church and noted for his tolerant views.  (Christoph Schönborn. Wikipedia, viewed 03/03/13)

There are several interesting reasons that Christoph Schönborn is a candidate to be the next, and potentially last, pope.  His name is one of them, though it is not absolutely required that the next pontiff have Peter in his name.  Cardinal Schönborn was a Domican friar, and since the Dominican order basically was charged with persecuting tasks such as the Inquisition, he may share belief that some of its historical role has future application.  Since the final power that is to rise in Europe will consider itself to be a revival of the Holy Roman Empire, his connections to that are of interest.  The fact that he is considered to be “tolerant” is consistent with a final pontiff who will be willing to negotiate with groups such as the Eastern Orthodox and various Protestant sects to bring them into unity with the final, modified, Church of Rome.   The fact that he is of Germanic heritage would seem to make him a candidate to be the antipope of Catholic prophecy and the false prophet/antichrist of biblical prophecy. Though the ethnicity of the next may have not need to be Germanic, one with such a background could fulfill certain predictions (there are others, such as Cardinal Kurt Koch, with such backgrounds who are candidates of interest; even being fluent in German, like Cardinal Marc Ouellet is, may increase his probability of being the next pope).

Here is what Wikipedia has reported about another:

Odilo Pedro Scherer (Brazilian Portuguese: [o’dʒilu ‘pedɾu ‘ʃɛɾeɾ], German: Otto Scherer, born September 21, 1949) is a Brazilian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He currently serves as Archbishop of São Paulo, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2007. In the international media, he has been mentioned as a possible contender to succeed Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013…

Scherer, a German-Brazilian, was born in Cerro Largo, Rio Grande do Sul, to Edwino and Francisca (née Steffens) Scherer, and is a distant relative of the late Cardinal Archbishop of Porto Alegre Alfredo Scherer…

On January 5, 2011 he was appointed among the first members of the newly created Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation…Cardinal Scherer has argued that removing crucifixes in public places would not be in the best interests of Brazilian secularism. (Odilo Scherer. Wikipedia, viewed 03/03/13)

There are several interesting reasons that Cardinal Scherer is a candidate to be the next, and potentially last, pope.  His name is one of them, though it is not absolutely required that the next pontiff have Peter in his name (Pedro=Peter). The fact that he is of Germanic heritage would seem to make him a candidate to be the antipope of Catholic prophecy and the false  prophet/antichrist of biblical prophecy.  Being among the first members of the newly created Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation suggests certain ecumenical tendencies.  The last pope will have those tendencies.  His comments about crucifixes is of interest as that could time to the image of Revelation 13:14-17.  Since he is from Latin America, if he become the last pope, he would tend to help bind Latin America to the coming European Beast power. Cardinal Scherer is a person of interest.

We will see who will be elected Pontifex Maximus relatively soon.  According to certain interpretations of Catholic private prophecy, including the Malachy list, the next pope would be the last pope, as well as a compromising persecuting, antipope.  According to biblical prophecy an ecumenical false persecuting religious leader is to rise up very soon (Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

This warned about leader could very well be the one elected pontiff, possibly this month.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. The next pope would be number 112 and is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Pope Benedict XVI and the next pope Will the pope that succeeds Pope Benedict XVI fulfill biblical and non-biblical prophecies? What about Pope Benedict himself? Pope Benedict XVI resigned his pontificate effective February 28, 2013. Might his resignation lead to the fulfillment of prophecy? Might his resignation lead to the prophesied Antichrist according to biblical and Catholic prophecies? Do Catholic prophecies foretell of an antipope as the next pope? Is the Peter the Roman of the Malachy prophecies the next pope? Is there a 6,000 year plan? Is the 6,000 year almost up?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
Peter and Rome He was an original apostle and early Christian leader. Where was Peter buried? Where did Peter die?
Overview: How Does the Church of God Agree and Disagree with Other Faiths Professing Christ? This overview answers that and explains what the Church of God basically stands for. In the appendices provides information about certain complaints and as well as an overview about many COG-related groups.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?