2. History of the Roman Catholic Religion
The Roman Catholic Religion as we know it today did not exist until the 4th century, approximately 300 years after the death of the first Apostles.
Here’s a brief overview:
1. The True Church (33 AD – 100 AD): The first Apostles established the Church through their preaching, teachings, and writings. They appointed elders and bishops to lead local churches (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5).
2. Apostolic Fathers (100 AD – 150 AD): After the Apostles’ deaths, their disciples and successors continued to lead and write to the growing Christian communities.
3. Early Church Councils (150 AD – 300 AD): Regional councils addressed theological and disciplinary issues (Acts 15, 1 Corinthians 11:16).
4. The True Church Flourishes (100 AD – 300 AD): The Church experienced growth, persecution, and theological development. It was a time of great missionary expansion (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20).
5. Constantine’s Influence (300 AD – 330 AD): Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity and convened the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). He promoted a unified, state-sponsored Christianity, laying the groundwork for the Roman Catholic Church.
6. The Roman Catholic Church Emerges (330 AD – 500 AD): The Bishop of Rome asserted authority over other churches, and the papacy developed. Scripture refutes the papacy: – Jesus warned against calling anyone “Father” (Matthew 23:9). – The Holy Spirit guides believers, not a single human leader (John 16:13). – Christ is the only Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18). The Church is a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5, Revelation 1:6).
The papacy is Antichrist because
It claims authority over the Church, contradicting Christ’s headship (Ephesians 1:22-23). – It promotes a false, works-based salvation (Galatians 1:8-9, Romans 3:28). – It elevates human tradition above Scripture (Mark 7:7-9, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Constantine created a false Christianity by: – Imposing a unified, state-controlled religion. – Introducing pagan practices and symbols (e.g. Praying to a dead Mary and dead Saints). – Elevating the Bishop of Rome to a supreme position.
This false Christianity became the foundation of the Antichrist Roman Catholic Religion, characterised by:
- A hierarchical structure with the Pope at the top. –
- A works-based salvation through sacraments and good deeds. –
- A focus on human tradition and authority over Scripture.
Throughout history, the Roman Catholic Religion has been marked by violently forcing people to follow them, rather than the teachings of Christ, who teaches His followers to: – Love their enemies (Matthew 5:44). – Pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). – Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).
In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church has: – Tortured and killed those who rejected papal authority (Inquisition). – Forced people to convert to Catholicism (Crusades). – Suppressed biblical truth and persecuted those who sought to reform the Church (e.g., John Hus, Martin Luther).
In conclusion, the true Church was well-established before the Roman Catholic Church emerged. Scripture does not support the papacy, and its claims and teachings contradict biblical truth, making it Antichrist. Constantine’s influence created a false Christianity that developed into the Antichrist Roman Catholic Religion, marked by violence and coercion, rather than the love and teachings of Christ.
