The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 31

The European Union in Prophecy
3. An Era of Darkness
The apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the great
apostasy which would result in the establishment of the papal power. He declared
that the day of Christ should not come, "except there come a falling away first, and
that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself
above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the
temple of God, showing himself that he is God." And furthermore, the apostle warns
his brethren that "the mystery of iniquity doth already work." 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4,
7. Even at that early date he saw, creeping into the church, errors that would prepare
the way for the development of the papacy.
Little by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it
increased in strength and gained control of the minds of men, "the mystery of iniquity"
carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous work. Almost imperceptibly the
customs of heathenism found their way into the Christian church. The spirit of
compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by the fierce persecutions which
the church endured under paganism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity
entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ
and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of
the requirements of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal
conversion of Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great
rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church.
Now the work of corruption rapidly progressed. Paganism, while appearing to be
vanquished, became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the church. Her doctrines,
ceremonies, and superstitions were incorporated into the faith and worship of the
professed followers of Christ.
This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the
development of "the man of sin" foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself
above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's power--a
monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to
his will. Satan once endeavoured to form a compromise with Christ. He came to the
Son of God in the wilderness of temptation, and showing Him all the kingdoms of the
world and the glory of them, offered to give all into His hands if He would but
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