Martin Luther offered the first historicist interpretation of Bible prophecy. He boldly announced his divine inspiration that the Pope of Rome is both the Antichrist and the " man of sin " . Babylon the Great was understood to be the Roman Empire.
Rome was the 7 headed beast with 10 horns of Revelation with an emerging little horn that is recognized to be the papacy. The bold exposure of the papacy by the early church reformers gained them the label of Protestants and heretics.
This is by my own understanding the significant fulfillment of the prophecy. As it occurs with almost every historical event there are minor reinactments either before or after the significant one. This is what I believe has happened in regard to the Watchtower Society Compere the indictments of Martin Luther against the Papacy with that of ex-JWs against the Watchtower Society. The errors of the Papacy was pointed out in Luthers 95 Theses he posted on the doors of St. Peters Church. Luther was a bold defender of righteousness and is a excellent example for ex-Jws for what we desire for ourselves to be.
Definately the intent of ex-JWs is the same as the Church reformers and Protestants. They strove to expose the error and abuses of the Church as we do that of the WTS.
Martin Luther accused the Pope of setting himself up as God in God's temple. The Pope is for certain the idol in the holy place. Observe in the link above just how this is so. JWs have definately done the same thing by their setting up their governing body that acts not only on Gods behalf but more often than not in his stead. You can surely quantify for yourself how this was done.
Also Martin Luther has accused the Papacy of sellng indulgences.This basically was a provision by which a person could buy themselves out of eternal damnation. Like this the JW can buy his salvation and live thru Armageddon by the extent of his service and loyal sacrafices to the WTS.
The first part of the 95 theses speak of people buying their way out of purgatory. Purgatory is that place between heaven and hell between salvation and damnation. JWs are taught to never be assumed of their salvation but to always be working it out by their deeds.
79. To say that the cross, emblazoned with the papal arms, which is set up [by the preachers of indulgences], is of equal worth with the Cross of Christ, is blasphemy.
80. The bishops, curates and theologians who allow such talk to be spread among the people, will have an account to render.
JWs treat Christ blood as ordinary blood not able on its own to save man. They have arbitrarily imposed without the support of scripture many rules as what "God Really Requires Of Us." Anything they put in writing automatically becomes divine law. Blasphemy indeed!
83. Again: - "Why are mortuary and anniversary masses for the dead continued, and why does he not return or permit the withdrawal of the endowments founded on their behalf, since it is wrong to pray for the redeemed?"
In thinking about this it made me wonder about the society's practice of encouraging members to include the WTS in their wills. They want to know well ahead of time that someone is willing to leave them an inheritance in case for any reason he changes his mind.
I bet they would never embarrass Michael Jackson with disfellowshipping or disassociation. First things first for them. Accusations of pedophilia and drug use aside no matter how many witnesses they have. It would really break my heart to see Michael self destruct and wind up dead only to have the Watchtower society profit by it and at the same time slander him when he can no longer defend himself.
92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Peace, peace," and there is no peace!
93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the
people of Christ, "Cross, cross," and there is no cross!
94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell;
95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven rather through many tribulations, than through the assurance of peace.
How interesting it is to discover that the futurist interpretation of Bible prophecy was the creation of defenders of the Catholic church. The intent was to divert the accusation that the papacy was and is the man of sin to a future political entity. It also has served the purpose of glorifying the church from a state of shame to prestige and prominence. It serves the purpose of JWs as it allows them to fabricate an interpretation of prophecy that validates their self created Biblical doctrines. And at the same time provides them with the means to control and steal from its members (indulgences).
May the spirit of the Catholic reformers be with all us ex-JWs as we suffer exommunication and spiritual death as they did. We are Christian martyrs of the same magnitude glorifying Christ and his true salvation that cannot be bought but is a free gift of Grace.
Zechariah
GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH
Edited by - zechariah on 30 August 2002 19:49:35