The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 26

The European Union in Prophecy
they could make no compromise. Others were in favor of yielding or modifying some
features of their faith and uniting with those who had accepted a part of Christianity,
urging that this might be the means of their full conversion. That was a time of deep
anguish to the faithful followers of Christ. Under a cloak of pretended Christianity,
Satan was insinuating himself into the church, to corrupt their faith and turn their
minds from the word of truth.
Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard, and a union
was formed between Christianity and paganism. Although the worshipers of idols
professed to be converted, and united with the church, they still clung to their idolatry,
only changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and
the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus brought into the church, continued its
baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were
incorporated into her faith and worship. As the followers of Christ united with
idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and the church lost her purity and
power. There were some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They still
maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth and worshiped God alone.
There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of
Christ. While one class study the Saviour's life and earnestly seek to correct their
defects and conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths
which expose their errors. Even in her best estate the church was not composed wholly
of the true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour taught that those who willfully indulge in
sin are not to be received into the church; yet He connected with Himself men who
were faulty in character, and granted them the benefits of His teachings and example,
that they might have an opportunity to see their errors and correct them. Among the
twelve apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted, not because of his defects of
character, but notwithstanding them. He was connected with the disciples, that,
through the instruction and example of Christ, he might learn what constitutes
Christian character, and thus be led to see his errors, to repent, and, by the aid of
divine grace, to purify his soul "in obeying the truth." But Judas did not walk in the
light so graciously permitted to shine upon him. By indulgence in sin he invited the
temptations of Satan. His evil traits of character became predominant. He yielded his
mind to the control of the powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were
reproved, and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master. So
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