The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 154

The European Union in Prophecy
is no sure doctrine but such as is conformable to the word of God. . . . The Lord forbids
the teaching of any other doctrine. . . . The Holy Scriptures ought to be explained by
other an clearer texts; . . . this Holy Book is, in all things necessary for the Christian,
easy of understanding, and calculated to scatter the darkness. We are resolved, with
the grace of God, to maintain the pure and exclusive preaching of His only word, such
as it is contained in the biblical books of the Old and New Testaments, without adding
anything thereto that may be contrary to it. This word is the only truth; it is the sure
rule of all doctrine and of all life, and can never fail or deceive us. He who builds on
this foundation shall stand against all the powers of hell, while all the human vanities
that are set up against it shall fall before the face of God."
"For this reason we reject the yoke that is imposed on us." "At the same time we
are in expectation that his imperial majesty will behave toward us like a Christian
prince who loves God above all things; and we declare ourselves ready to pay unto
him, as well as unto you, gracious lords, all the affection and obedience that are our
just and legitimate duty."-- Ibid., b. 13, ch. 6. A deep impression was made upon the
Diet. The majority were filled with amazement and alarm at the boldness of the
protesters. The future appeared to them stormy and uncertain. Dissension, strife, and
bloodshed seemed inevitable. But the Reformers, assured of the justice of their cause,
and relying upon the arm of Omnipotence, were "full of courage and firmness."
The principles contained in this celebrated Protest . . . constitute the very essence of
Protestantism. Now this Protest opposes two abuses of man in matters of faith: the
first is the intrusion of the civil magistrate, and the second the arbitrary authority of
the church. Instead of these abuses, Protestantism sets the power of conscience above
the magistrate, and the authority of the word of God above the visible church. In the
first place, it rejects the civil power in divine things, and says with the prophets and
apostles, 'We must obey God rather than man.' In presence of the crown of Charles
the Fifth, it uplifts the crown of Jesus Christ. But it goes farther: it lays down the
principle that all human teaching should be subordinate to the oracles of God."-- Ibid.,
b. 13, ch. 6.
The protesters had moreover affirmed their right to utter freely their convictions
of truth. They would not only believe and obey, but teach what the word of God
presents, and they denied the right of priest or magistrate to interfere. The Protest of
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