Protestantism Refuted - Protestantismo Refutado

ENGLISH:

Protestant churches came out from the apostate Roman Church, which broke away from the One True Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church in 1054.
Both Protestants and Papists teach the Filioque Heresy and other Pagan Western Heresies.

 

The Bible Alone?

One of Martin Luther’s invented theories from the 16th century was that “The Bible Alone” is all that is necessary to understand God’s Holy Word – No bishops, no councils, etc., is necessary to understand what God meant to say in scripture. A scholar, a milkmaid, a janitor, a slave, a freeman, etc., can all grasp the complete meaning of scripture without any other aid or person. Why? Because in Luther’s mind, the Holy Spirit comes to each of us to impart the truth, whether we are scholars or not, whether we understand Hebrew / Greek or not, or whether we are holy or not. But we all know that this isn’t true. For starters, there is the King James Bible Study, complete with “doctrinal footnotes.” Doctrinal footnotes “explain” the meaning and context of certain parts of the bible that the average reader may not know about. But if “the Bible Alone” is all we need, then why are “Doctrinal footnotes,” which are NOT scriptural, added to scripture to explain it? Is the Holy Spirit asleep or something? Why are man-made footnotes even needed if “The Bible Alone” is all we need?

And if “the Bible Alone” is indeed a true philosophy, then why do some Lutheran Churches like the ELCA say that practicing homosexual ministers are OK, and other Lutheran Churches like the Missouri Synod say that they are not? Both Churches are descendants of Martin Luther, and they both use “the Bible Alone” as their method of studying scripture. There are approximately 33,000 different protestant denominations today, all using “the Bible Alone” as their tradition. But they all interpret the bible differently, or they wouldn’t be a different denomination. Is the Holy Spirit divided?

Just for fun, let’s use the King James Bible and the tradition of “The Bible Alone,” and see what we come up with.

2 Thessalonians 2:15: Therefore brethren, hold fast to the traditions ye have been taught, by word or by epistle.

-- Using “The Bible Alone” theory, we can conclude that traditions are good, whether they are written or whether they were orally taught.

James 2: 20: But will you know, o man, that faith without works is dead?

-- Using “the Bible Alone” theory, we can conclude that good works are a necessary component of our faith, and are not “useless.”

Romans 2:6: For God will render to every man according to his deeds.

-- Using “the Bible Alone” theory, we can conclude that God will judge us according to our deeds.

Revelation 20:13: And the sea gave up the dead in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that the dead will be judged according to their works.

Luke 1:5-6: There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that there are indeed righteous people in the New Testament besides Jesus.

Hebrews 10: 26-29: For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour them. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much worse punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

2 Peter 2:20-22: For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter is worse with them than the former. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog returned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that people can indeed lose their salvation after having been “saved,” and the “once saved, always saved” philosophy is unbiblical and a tradition of man.

Acts 8: 26-31: And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” And he said, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that scripture is hard to understand, and we need someone from the Church to explain it to us.

Acts 7:2: And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that it is OK to refer to men as a “father."

2 Corinthians 1:1:Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Corinthians 2:13: I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that Timothy and Titus were the blood brothers of Paul.

Hebrews 13:10: We have an altar, that they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that a church must have an altar and a tabernacle, which provides sacred food that unbelievers do not have a right to eat.

1 Corinthians 10: 16-21: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

-- Using “the Bible Alone,” we can conclude that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ and not symbolic, and it is a sacrifice akin to the altar sacrifices of the Jews and the Gentiles. Otherwise, Paul would not have compared it to them.

This is just a sampling of what “the Bible Alone” theory offers. Most protestants will tell you that what YOU have come with using “the Bible Alone” is erroneous, while what they came up with using “the Bible Alone” is of course infallible. But that argument fails on two counts – if “the Bible Alone” is true, then whatever one comes up with is true, since the Holy Spirit is guiding that person.

 

Bible Church?!

“Bible Church”. How many times have you taken a drive in the country and seen a small protestant church with that sign on it? But isn’t the term “bible church” exactly backwards? Isn't the term "Church Bible" more appropriate? Does the term an "Engineer MIT" mean anything, or is it better to say an "MIT engineer"? After all, MIT produces engineers, not the other way around. The phrase “Bible Church” is supposed to tell the passer-by that the church is in accord with everything that is in the King James Bible. Is it true that the church has to conform to the bible, or did the bible come to us from the church?

The answer is that the Bible proceeded from the Church, which, according to the Bible, is the pillar and bulwark of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). At the councils of Rome (382 AD), Hippo (393 AD), and Carthage (397 AD), this list was approved by the Church as being the official canon of the New Testament. 

We owe the early Church Fathers a great deal of gratitude for handing on the faith orally for the first 4 centuries, before there even was an official New Testament proclaimed by The Church. Protestant Churches still adhere to this Tradition by including all of the New Testament books in their sixteenth century Bible that the Orthodox Church had in their fourth century Bible, although there are numerous text changes (“fruit of the vine” instead of “wine”, for instance).

To be truly a “bible church” (notice no one ever says "food restaurant", "book library", or "car highway"!), the church would have to adhere to everything that is in the New Testament. Accordingly, here is a checklist of things that are in the New Testament that all bible churches should answer yes to:

1. Does the church teach that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father only? (John 15:26)

2. Does the church teach Essence-Energies Distinction (Colos. 1:29)

3. Does the church have ministers who can forgive sins in the name of Jesus (John 20:21-23)?
 

4. Does the church have a healing rite for the sick that forgives the sins of the person who is ill (James 5:14-15)?

5. Does the church meet for the breaking of the bread ( Matthew 6:11, Acts 2:42-46)?

6. Does the church teach that you must physically eat the flesh of Jesus and drink His blood to have life in you (John 6:53)?

7. Does the church history date back to the time of the Apostles (Acts 1:20-26)?

8. Does the church teach that individuals can suffer for the sake of the church, because Christ’s sufferings were lacking (Colossians 1:24)?

9. Does the church teach that salvation isn't a sure thing (Matthew 10:22, 2 Peter 2:20)?

10. Does the church teach that prayers in heaven go through heavenly intercessors before reaching God (Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3)?

11. Does the church teach that saints in heaven are alive and can appear to humans? (Mark 9:4-5, Matthew 27:52-53)

12. Does the church teach that one must physically suffer to keep from losing one’s salvation (1 Corinthians 9:27, 1 Peter 2:19-21)?

13. Does the Church preach Christian unity, or division (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)?

14. Are the church's decisions ratified in heaven as well as on earth (Matthew 18:18)?

15. Is the Mother of Jesus considered to be the most blessed Woman, and do they call her blessed (Luke 1:42-48)?

16. Does the church teach that the church itself (rather than the Bible) is the pillar and bulwark of truth? (1 Timothy 3:15)

17. Does the Church teach sexual sins are transgressions that will keep one from gaining entry into heaven, or do they now say that they are no longer sinful? (Romans 1:24-32, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Ephesians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:5).
 
18. Does the Church teach that life begins at conception? (Deuteronomy 30:19, Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13, Luke 1:43-44,Luke 23: 2).

29. Does the Church teach that divorce (except in case of fornication) and remarriage is adulterous? (Matthew 5:3, Mark 10:11-12, Luke 16:18)

20. Does the Church teach that good works are a very necessary component of our faith? (Matthew 25:31-46, James 2:26, Colossians 1:10, Matthew 7:21, Revelation 20:12-13, Romans 2:6.

21. Does the Church teach that Jesus Christ established his earthly Kingdom on earth before He was crucified? (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 16:19).

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it must be assumed that the so-called “bible church” is really a tradition of man, and is not in accord with EVERYTHING in the New Testament. The Church can’t just preach John 3:16 (although that is a great verse) and ignore the rest of the divinely inspired Word of God. God gave us the whole bible for a reason. To ignore the hard parts because they are difficult to follow is totally wrong.
And by the way, the only Church that adheres to all of the above questions is The Church started by Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 16:18), the Orthodox Church, the only real "Bible Church"!

ESPAÑOL:

2 Pedro 1:20 Entendiendo primero esto, que ninguna profecía de la Escritura es de interpretación privada

Las iglesias protestantes salieron de la apóstata Iglesia Romana, que se separó de la Iglesia Verdadera Católica y Apostólica Ortodoxa en 1054. Tanto los protestantes como los papistas enseñan la herejía de Filioque y otras herejías paganas occidentales.

¿Solo La Biblia? 

Una de las teorías inventadas por Martín Lutero del siglo XVI fue que "La Biblia sola" es todo lo que se necesita para entender la Santa Palabra de Dios: no se necesitan obispos, consejos, etc., para entender lo que Dios quiso decir en las Escrituras. Un erudito, una lechera, un conserje, un esclavo, un hombre libre, etc., pueden comprender el significado completo de las Escrituras sin ninguna otra ayuda o persona. ¿Por qué? Porque en la mente de Lutero, el Espíritu Santo viene a cada uno de nosotros para impartir la verdad, ya sea que seamos eruditos o no, si entendemos hebreo / griego o no, o si somos santos o no. Pero todos sabemos que esto no es cierto. Para empezar, está el Estudio de la Biblia King James, completo con "notas doctrinales". Las notas a pie de página doctrinales "explican" el significado y el contexto de ciertas partes de la Biblia que el lector promedio puede no conocer. Pero si "la Biblia sola" es todo lo que necesitamos, entonces ¿por qué se agregan "notas doctrinales", que NO son escriturales, agregadas a las Escrituras para explicarlo? ¿Está dormido el Espíritu Santo o algo así? ¿Por qué son necesarias las notas a pie de página hechas por el hombre si "La Biblia sola" es todo lo que necesitamos?

Y si "la Biblia sola" es una verdadera filosofía, ¿por qué algunas iglesias luteranas como la ELCA dicen que los ministros homosexuales en ejercicio están bien, y otras iglesias luteranas como el Sínodo de Missouri dicen que no? Ambas iglesias son descendientes de Martín Lutero, y ambas usan "la Biblia sola" como método para estudiar las Escrituras. Hay aproximadamente 33.000 denominaciones protestantes diferentes hoy en día, todas usando "la Biblia sola" como su tradición. Pero todos interpretan la Biblia de manera diferente, o no serían una denominación diferente. ¿Está dividido el Espíritu Santo?

Solo por diversión, usemos la Biblia y la tradición de "La Biblia sola", y veamos qué se nos ocurre.

2 Tesalonicenses 2:15: Por lo tanto, hermanos, aferrarse a las tradiciones que se les ha enseñado, por palabra o por epístola. 

- Usando la teoría de “La Biblia sola," podemos concluir que las tradiciones son buenas, ya sea que estén escritas o que se hayan enseñado oralmente.

Santiago 2:20: ¿Pero sabrás, hombre, que la fe sin obras está muerta? 

- Usando la teoría de "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que las buenas obras son un componente necesario de nuestra fe y no son "inútiles."

Romanos 2: 6: Porque Dios rendirá a cada hombre según sus obras. 

- Usando la teoría de “la Biblia sola”, podemos concluir que Dios nos juzgará de acuerdo con nuestros actos.

Apocalipsis 20:13: Y el mar entregó los muertos en él; y la muerte y el infierno entregaron a los muertos que estaban en ellos; y fueron juzgados cada hombre según sus obras. 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que los muertos serán juzgados de acuerdo con sus obras.

Lucas 1: 5-6: Había en los días de Herodes, el rey de Judea, un sacerdote llamado Zacarías, del curso de Abia: y su esposa era Elisabeth. Y ambos eran justos delante de Dios, caminando en todos los mandamientos y ordenanzas del Señor sin mancha. 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que efectivamente hay personas justas en el Nuevo Testamento además de Jesús.

Hebreos 10: 26-29: Porque si pecamos voluntariamente después de haber recibido el conocimiento de la verdad, ya no queda más sacrificio por los pecados, sino cierta búsqueda temerosa de juicio e indignación ardiente, que los devorará. El que despreciaba la ley de Moisés murió sin misericordia bajo dos o tres testigos: supongamos que, de cuánto peor castigo seáis, digno de él, que pisoteó al Hijo de Dios y contó la sangre del pacto, con lo cual fue santificado, una cosa impía, y ha hecho a pesar del Espíritu de gracia? 

2 Pedro 2: 20-22: porque si después de haber escapado de las contaminaciones del mundo a través del conocimiento del Señor Jesucristo, están nuevamente enredados en él y vencidos, este último es peor con ellos que el primero. Porque había sido mejor para ellos no haber conocido el camino de la justicia, que, después de haberlo conocido, apartarse del santo mandamiento que les fue entregado. Pero les sucedió según el verdadero proverbio: el perro volvió a su propio vómito; y la cerda que la lavaron revolcándose en el lodo. 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que las personas pueden perder su salvación después de haber sido "salvadas", y la filosofía "una vez salvo, siempre salvo" no es bíblica y es una tradición del hombre.

Hechos 8: 26-31: Y el ángel del Señor le habló a Felipe, diciéndole: Levántate, y ve hacia el sur por el camino que baja de Jerusalén a Gaza, que es desierto. Y él se levantó y se fue: y, he aquí, un hombre de Etiopía, un eunuco de gran autoridad bajo Candace, reina de los etíopes, que estaba a cargo de todo su tesoro y había venido a Jerusalén para adorar, regresaba y estaba sentado. en su carro lee a Isaías el profeta. Entonces el Espíritu le dijo a Felipe: Acércate y únete a este carro. Y Felipe corrió hacia él, y lo oyó leer al profeta Isaias, y le dijo: "¿Entiendes lo que lees?" Y él dijo: "¿Cómo puedo, excepto que algún hombre me guíe?" Y deseaba que Philip viniera y se sentara con él. 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que las Escrituras son difíciles de entender, y necesitamos que alguien de la Iglesia nos lo explique.

Hechos 7: 2: Y él dijo: Hombres, hermanos y padres, escuchen; El Dios de gloria se le apareció a nuestro padre Abraham, cuando estaba en Mesopotamia, antes de habitar en Charran, 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que está bien referirse a los hombres como un "padre."

2 Corintios 1: 1: Pablo, apóstol de Jesucristo por voluntad de Dios, y Timoteo nuestro hermano, a la iglesia de Dios que está en Corinto, con todos los santos que están en toda Acaya: 

2 Corintios 2:13: No descansaba en mi espíritu, porque no encontré a Tito mi hermano: pero al despedirme de ellos, me fui de allí a Macedonia. 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que Timoteo y Tito fueron los hermanos de sangre de Pablo.

Hebreos 13:10: Tenemos un altar, que no tienen derecho a comer que sirva al tabernáculo. 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que una iglesia debe tener un altar y un tabernáculo, que proporciona comida sagrada que los no creyentes no tienen derecho a comer.

1 Corintios 10: 16-21: La copa de bendición que bendecimos, ¿no es la comunión de la sangre de Cristo? El pan que partimos, ¿no es la comunión del cuerpo de Cristo? Porque somos muchos, somos un pan y un cuerpo: porque todos somos participantes de ese pan. He aquí a Israel según la carne: ¿no son los que comen de los sacrificios participantes del altar? ¿Qué digo yo entonces? que el ídolo es algo, o lo que se ofrece en sacrificio a los ídolos es algo? Pero yo digo que las cosas que los gentiles sacrifican, sacrifican a los demonios, y no a Dios; y no quisiera que tengas comunión con los demonios. No podéis beber la copa del Señor y la copa de los demonios: no podéis ser partícipes de la mesa del Señor y de la mesa de los demonios. 

- Usando "la Biblia sola", podemos concluir que la Eucaristía es el cuerpo y la sangre de Cristo y no simbólica, y es un sacrificio similar a los sacrificios del altar de los judíos y los gentiles. De lo contrario, Paul no lo habría comparado con ellos.

Esto es solo una muestra de lo que ofrece la teoría de “Solo la Biblia." La mayoría de los protestantes te dirán que lo que TÚ has venido usando "la Biblia sola" es erróneo, mientras que lo que se les ocurrió usando "la Biblia sola" es, por supuesto, infalible. Pero ese argumento falla por dos razones: si "la Biblia sola" es verdadera, entonces lo que se le ocurra es cierto, ya que el Espíritu Santo está guiando a esa persona.

Iglesia de la Biblia?

"Iglesia de la Biblia". ¿Cuántas veces has conducido por el país y has visto una pequeña iglesia protestante con ese cartel? ¿Pero no es el término "iglesia bíblica" exactamente al revés? ¿No es más apropiado el término "Biblia de la Iglesia"? ¿El término "ingeniero MIT" significa algo, o es mejor decir "ingeniero MIT"? Después de todo, el MIT produce ingenieros, no al revés. Se supone que la frase "Iglesia de la Biblia" le dice al transeúnte que la iglesia está de acuerdo con todo lo que está en la Biblia King James. ¿Es cierto que la iglesia tiene que ajustarse a la biblia, o la biblia vino a nosotros de la iglesia?

La respuesta es que la Biblia procede de la Iglesia, que, según la Biblia, es el pilar y el baluarte de la verdad (1 Timoteo 3:15). En los consejos de Roma (382 DC), Hippo (393 DC) y Cartago (397 DC), esta lista fue aprobada por la Iglesia como el canon oficial del Nuevo Testamento. 

A los primeros Padres de la Iglesia les debemos una gran gratitud por transmitir la fe oralmente durante los primeros 4 siglos, incluso antes de que la Iglesia proclamara un Nuevo Testamento oficial. Las iglesias protestantes aún se adhieren a esta tradición al incluir todos los libros del Nuevo Testamento en su Biblia del siglo XVI que la Iglesia ortodoxa tenía en la Biblia del siglo IV, aunque hay numerosos cambios de texto ("fruto de la vid" en lugar de "vino", por ejemplo). 

Para ser verdaderamente una "iglesia bíblica" (¡observe que nadie dice "restaurante de comida", "biblioteca de libros" o "autopista de automóviles"), la iglesia tendría que adherirse a todo lo que está en el Nuevo Testamento. Por consiguiente, aquí hay una lista de verificación de las cosas que están en el Nuevo Testamento a las que todas las iglesias bíblicas deberían responder sí a:

1. ¿Enseña la iglesia que el Espíritu Santo procede únicamente del Padre? (Juan 15:26) 

2. ¿Enseña la iglesia la distinción entre Esencia - Energías (Colos. 1:29) 

3. ¿Tiene la iglesia ministros que puedan perdonar pecados en el nombre de Jesús (Juan 20: 21-23)? 

4. ¿Tiene la iglesia un rito de curación para los enfermos que perdona los pecados de la persona enferma (Santiago 5: 14-15)? 

5. ¿Se reúne la iglesia para partir el pan (Mateo 6:11, Hechos 2: 42-46)? 

6. ¿Enseña la iglesia que debes comer físicamente la carne de Jesús y beber su sangre para tener vida en ti (Juan 6:53)? 

7. ¿La historia de la iglesia se remonta a la época de los apóstoles (Hechos 1: 20-26)? 

8. ¿Enseña la iglesia que las personas pueden sufrir por el bien de la iglesia, porque faltaban los sufrimientos de Cristo (Colosenses 1:24)? 

9. ¿Enseña la iglesia que la salvación no es algo seguro (Mateo 10:22, 2 Pedro 2:20)? 

10. ¿Enseña la iglesia que las oraciones en el cielo pasan por intercesores celestiales antes de llegar a Dios (Apocalipsis 5: 8, Apocalipsis 8: 3)? 

11. ¿Enseña la iglesia que los santos en el cielo están vivos y pueden aparecer a los humanos? (Marcos 9: 4-5, Mateo 27: 52-53) 

12. ¿Enseña la iglesia que uno debe sufrir físicamente para no perder la salvación (1 Corintios 9:27, 1 Pedro 2: 19-21)? 

13. ¿La Iglesia predica la unidad o división cristiana (1 Corintios 1: 10-13)? 

14. ¿Las decisiones de la iglesia se ratifican tanto en el cielo como en la tierra (Mateo 18:18)? 

15. ¿Se considera a la Madre de Jesús como la Mujer más bendecida, y la llaman bendita (Lucas 1: 42-48)? 

16. ¿Enseña la iglesia que la iglesia misma (en lugar de la Biblia) es el pilar y el baluarte de la verdad? (1 Timoteo 3:15) 

17. ¿Enseña la Iglesia que los pecados sexuales son transgresiones que evitarán que uno entre en el cielo, o ahora dicen que ya no son pecaminosos? (Romanos 1: 24-32, 1 Timoteo 1: 9-10, Efesios 5: 19-21, Colosenses 3: 5). 

18. ¿Enseña la Iglesia que la vida comienza en la concepción? (Deuteronomio 30:19, Jeremías 1: 5, Salmo 139: 13, Lucas 1: 43-44, Lucas 23: 2). 

19. ¿Enseña la Iglesia que el divorcio (excepto en caso de fornicación) y el nuevo matrimonio es adúltero? (Mateo 5: 3, Marcos 10: 11-12, Lucas 16:18) 

20. ¿Enseña la Iglesia que las buenas obras son un componente muy necesario de nuestra fe? (Mateo 25: 31-46, Santiago 2:26, ​​Colosenses 1:10, Mateo 7:21, Apocalipsis 20: 12-13, Romanos 2: 6. 

21. ¿Enseña la Iglesia que Jesucristo estableció su Reino terrenal en la tierra antes de ser crucificado? (Mateo 3: 2, Mateo 16:19).

Si la respuesta a cualquiera de estas preguntas es no, entonces se debe suponer que la llamada "iglesia bíblica" es realmente una tradición del hombre, y no está de acuerdo con TODO en el Nuevo Testamento. La Iglesia no puede simplemente predicar Juan 3:16 (aunque es un gran verso) e ignorar el resto de la Palabra de Dios divinamente inspirada. Dios nos dio toda la Biblia por una razón. Ignorar las partes difíciles porque son difíciles de seguir es totalmente incorrecto. Y, por cierto, la única Iglesia que se adhiere a todas las preguntas anteriores es ¡La Iglesia iniciada por Jesucristo mismo (Mateo 16:18), la Iglesia Ortodoxa, la única verdadera "Iglesia Bíblica!"

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Who invented Roman Papism? Part 2: Introducing the Frankish Papacy

This video presents the Orthodox Christian Faith which has existed by the grace of the Holy Spirit, from Pentecost until today. This program retraces the history of Frankish victory over European states, creating the Feudal caste system for both Religious and Secular rule over the Roman peasants. Charlemagne awarded his loyal soldiers with both Monastic and Castle lands keeping the people subject to Frankish rulers. Finally the Papal States were conquered and the "New Pope" appears.

See also: Who invented Roman Papism? Part 1

Saints Peter and Paul, Pillars of the Early Church - Santos Pedro y Pablo, Pilares de la Iglesia Primitiva

ENGLISH:
St. Peter
Simon first met Jesus through his brother Andrew, the "first-called" Apostle. Both brothers were fishermen at the Sea of Galilee who gave up their work when Jesus told them, "I will make you fishers of men" (Read Matthew 4:18-25 and John 1:40-42). In Matthew 16:16-19, Simon tells Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus, pleased with His Disciple's faith, blessed him with a sacred trust, "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." [Note: the "rock" that Jesus refers to here is Peter's statement, not the person of Peter.] Peter was with Jesus throughout his ministry. And just as Christ had foretold, Peter denied knowing the Lord upon His arrest for fear of being persecuted, but later repented.

After Christ's Resurrection and Ascension and the grace of Pentecost, Peter helped foster the Christian community in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem Peter was arrested by the Jewish authorities, and an angel of the Lord freed him from prison (Acts 12). He journeyed throughout Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine and Italy teaching people about Christ. He performed many miracles of healing and resurrections as well (see the Book of Acts). He established the first church in Antioch and became its first bishop. In Rome he converted many to the faith.

Legend has it that when the great persecutions against Christians began in Rome at that time, Peter was advised to leave the city. On the road he saw Jesus heading in the opposite direction towards Rome. "Lord where are you going?" Peter asked. Jesus responded, "I am going to be crucified a second time." Peter realized his fate and returned to Rome where he was arrested and condemned to be crucified in 67 AD. He asked to be crucified upside down, as he felt unworthy of the same punishment as his Lord. Two of Peter's letters, probably written during his imprisonment in Rome, are included in the New Testament.

St. Paul
Saul grew up in a devout Jewish family in Tarsus, Syria. He saw Christianity as a threat to Judaism and therefore was determined to eradicate it. He is first mentioned in Acts 7:58 as a zealous persecutor of Christians in Jerusalem. On his way to Damascus to arrest Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem, he was struck by a vision of heavenly light and fell to the ground (see Acts 9). "Saul, why are you persecuting Me!" asked the Lord. "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Trembling and astonished, Saul asked, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Saul was blinded from this holy light and remained so and in prayer in Damascus. Three days later, Ananias, a devout Christian who followed the Lord's command to find Saul, healed him and baptized him so that he would receive the Holy Spirit. He changed his name to Paul. Paul began to preach to the people about Jesus and had to flee Damascus when the Jews plotted to kill him. In Jerusalem he tried to join the Apostles, but they were afraid of him, having known him as the harsh persecutor of Christians. But Barnabas believed in him and brought him to the Apostles. Barnabas and Paul went on many missionary travels together throughout Syria, Asia Minor, Cyprus and Greece. With others and on his own, Paul continued his ministry to the people in these lands again and traveled to Ephesus, Corinth, Athens, Thessalonica, Thrace, Crete, Malta, Sicily and Italy to Rome. He was the greatest Apostolic missionary and is often referred to as the "Apostle to the Gentiles." His great courage, stamina and fierce intelligence were the hallmarks of his ministry.

Paul was a brilliant orator and writer, and he was sensitive to the needs and moods of various tribes of both Greek and Near Eastern peoples. His extraordinary letters or epistles make up almost half of the New Testament.
In Rome Paul was arrested and beheaded in 67 AD. [Note: Roman citizens were beheaded rather than crucified.] In his last letter, 2 Timothy, he states, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Troparion (Tone 4)
O foremost in the ranks of apostles, and teachers of the world, intercede with the Master of All to grant safety to the world and to ours souls the great mercy.

Kontakion (Tone 2)
O Lord, You have taken up to their eternal rest, and to the enjoyment of Your good things the two infallible preachers of divine truths and leaders of the apostles, for You have accepted their struggles and their death as being better than any holocaust. O You who alone know the the secrets of hearts.
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ESPAÑOL:
San Pedro 
Simon conoció a Jesús por primera vez a través de su hermano Andrés, el apóstol. Ambos hermanos eran pescadores en el Mar de Galilea que renunciaron a su trabajo cuando Jesús les dijo: "Los haré pescadores de hombres" (lea Mateo 4: 18-25 y Juan 1: 40-42). En Mateo 16: 16-19, Simón le dice a Jesús: "Tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo del Dios viviente". Y Jesús, complacido con la fe de su discípulo, lo bendijo con una confianza sagrada: "Tú eres Pedro y sobre esta roca edificaré mi Iglesia y las puertas del Hades no prevalecerán contra ella". [Nota: la "roca" a la que Jesús se refiere aquí es la declaración de Pedro, no la persona de Pedro.] Pedro estuvo con Jesús durante todo su ministerio. Y tal como Cristo había predicho, Pedro negó conocer al Señor después de su arresto por temor a ser perseguido, pero luego se arrepintió.

Después de la resurrección y ascensión de Cristo y la gracia de Pentecostés, Pedro ayudó a fomentar la comunidad cristiana en Jerusalén. En Jerusalén, Pedro fue arrestado por las autoridades judías, y un ángel del Señor lo liberó de la prisión (Hechos 12). Viajó por Asia Menor, Siria, Palestina e Italia enseñando a la gente acerca de Cristo. También realizó muchos milagros de curación y resurrección (ver el Libro de los Hechos). Estableció la primera iglesia en Antioquía y se convirtió en su primer obispo. En Roma convirtió a muchos a la fe.

La leyenda dice que cuando las grandes persecuciones contra los cristianos comenzaron en Roma en ese momento, se le aconsejó a Pedro que abandonara la ciudad. En el camino vio a Jesús dirigiéndose en dirección opuesta hacia Roma. "Señor, ¿a dónde vas?" Peter preguntó. Jesús respondió: "Voy a ser crucificado por segunda vez". Pedro se dio cuenta de su destino y regresó a Roma, donde fue arrestado y condenado a ser crucificado en 67 DC. Pidió ser crucificado boca abajo, ya que se sentía indigno del mismo castigo que su Señor. Dos de las cartas de Pedro, probablemente escritas durante su encarcelamiento en Roma, están incluidas en el Nuevo Testamento.

San Pablo 

Saúl creció en una devota familia judía en Tarso, Siria. Él veía el cristianismo como una amenaza para el judaísmo y, por lo tanto, estaba decidido a erradicarlo. Se le menciona por primera vez en Hechos 7:58 como un celoso perseguidor de los cristianos en Jerusalén. En su camino a Damasco para arrestar a cristianos y traerlos de regreso a Jerusalén, fue golpeado por una visión de luz celestial y cayó al suelo (ver Hechos 9). "Saul, ¿por qué me persigues?" Preguntó el Señor. "¿Quién eres, Señor?" Entonces el Señor dijo: "Yo soy Jesús, a quien tú persigues". Temblando y asombrado, Saúl preguntó: "Señor, ¿qué quieres que haga?" "Levántate y ve a la ciudad, y se te dirá lo que debes hacer". Saulo fue cegado por esta luz sagrada y permaneció así y rezando en Damasco. Tres días después, Ananías, un cristiano devoto que siguió el mandato del Señor de encontrar a Saúl, lo curó y lo bautizó para que recibiera el Espíritu Santo. Cambió su nombre a Paul. Pablo comenzó a predicar a la gente sobre Jesús y tuvo que huir de Damasco cuando los judíos planearon matarlo. En Jerusalén trató de unirse a los apóstoles, pero le tenían miedo, ya que lo conocían como el duro perseguidor de los cristianos. Pero Bernabé creyó en él y lo trajo a los apóstoles. Bernabé y Pablo realizaron juntos muchos viajes misioneros por Siria, Asia Menor, Chipre y Grecia. Con otros y solo, Pablo continuó su ministerio con la gente en estas tierras nuevamente y viajó a Éfeso, Corinto, Atenas, Tesalónica, Tracia, Creta, Malta, Sicilia e Italia a Roma. Fue el mayor misionero apostólico y a menudo se lo conoce como el "Apóstol de los gentiles". Su gran coraje, resistencia e inteligencia feroz fueron los sellos distintivos de su ministerio.

Pablo era un orador y escritor brillante, y era sensible a las necesidades y estados de ánimo de varias tribus de pueblos griegos y del Cercano Oriente. Sus extraordinarias cartas o epístolas constituyen casi la mitad del Nuevo Testamento. En Roma, Pablo fue arrestado y decapitado en el año 67 DC. [Nota: los ciudadanos romanos fueron decapitados en lugar de crucificados.] En su última carta, 2 Timoteo, dice: "He peleado la buena batalla, he terminado la carrera, he mantenido la fe."

Troparion (tono 4) ¡Oh, el primero en las filas de los apóstoles y los maestros del mundo, interceda con el Maestro de Todos para otorgar seguridad al mundo y a nuestras almas la gran misericordia! 

Kontakion (tono 2) Oh Señor, has llevado a su descanso eterno, y al disfrute de tus cosas buenas, los dos predicadores infalibles de las verdades divinas y los líderes de los apóstoles, porque has aceptado sus luchas y su muerte como algo mejor que cualquier holocausto. O Tú, que solo conoces los secretos de los corazones.

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Память святых апостолов Петра и Павла

«Почтем Петра, каменя веры, и Павла, истиннаго учителя…»

Память святых верховных апостолов Петра и Павла — это великий праздник, совершаемый 12 июля (29 июня по старому стилю). В этот день заканчивается Петров пост.

История праздника в честь святых верховных апостолов Петра и Павла

Апостолы Петр и Павел были очень разными. Неученый Петр и получивший прекрасное образование Павел. Петр был ближайшим учеником Христа, а Павел — гонителем христиан. Петр был женат, а Павел — девственник. Но Церковь почитает их одинаково: «Святии славнии верховнии апостоли Петре и Павле, молите Бога о нас!» Апостолы Петр и Павел скончались мученически в один день — 29 июня по юлианскому календарю. Об этом говорится в Римском (IV в.) и Карфагенском (V в.) календарях, мартирологе (списке мучеников) блаженного Иеронима (IV в.) и сакраментарии (служебнике) папы Римского Григория Великого (VI в.). Апостола Петра распяли на кресте головой вниз, апостолу Павлу отсекли голову. По мнению некоторых церковных историков, апостол Павел скончался ровно через год после апостола Петра. Перенесение мощей святых апостолов произошло в 258 году, также 29 июня.

Праздник в честь верховных апостолов известен уже с первых веков христианства. Около 324 года, во время правления Константина Великого в Риме и Константинополе — двух столицах Римской империи, были построены первые храмы в честь апостолов Петра и Павла. С этого времени праздник стали отмечать еще торжественнее.

Жизнь апостола ПетраПростые галилейские рыбаки Симон и Андрей, услышав призыв Христа: «Идите за мной!», оставляют сети и становятся апостолами, «ловцами человеков». Симон был одним из ближайших учеников Господа. Свидетель многих чудес, задолго до Воскресения он говорит о своем вероисповедании: «Ты — Христос, Сын Бога Живаго» и слышит в ответ:

Ты Петр, и на сем камне Я создам Церковь Мою, и врата ада не одолеют ее (Мф. 16, 16-18).

Новыми именами Симона становятся Петр и Кифа — греческое и арамейское слова, обозначающие скалу.

Ближайшие ученики Спасителя — Петр, Иоанн и Иаков — видели его Преображение на Фаворской горе, вместе с ним пришли и в Гефсиманский сад и были свидетелями Его ареста. Петр даже отсек ухо одному из стражников. Искренне верующий, бывший свидетелем Божественного Преображения, Петр в ночь страстей Христовых трижды отрекся от своего Учителя, а затем «изшед вон, плакася горце» (Мф. 26, 75). Настолько искренним было его покаяние и горячей вера, что услышал он слова прощения от Господа после Воскресения:


Любиши ли мя?.. Паси овец моих (Ин.21, 15-17).

Именно апостол Петр произнес вдохновенную проповедь после сошествия Святаго Духа в день Пятидесятницы, после чего 3000 человек обратились ко Христу. Через несколько дней вторая его проповедь, после исцеления хромого, обратила к вере Христовой еще 5000 человек. Даже тень его исцеляла болящих (Деян. 5, 15).

Апостол Петр проповедовал в Иудее, странах Малой Азии, Италии. По мнению церковных историков, в Рим он пришел в 67 году. Когда император Нерон начал гонение на христиан, ученики уговорили апостола Петра скрыться. Но, выйдя из Рима, на Аппиевой дороге апостол увидел Христа: «Куда идешь, Господи?» Услышав ответ: «В Рим, чтобы снова распяться», апостол вернулся в город, был арестован и заключен в подземелье Мамертинской тюрьмы. На Ватиканском холме, где находился цирк Нерона, для апостола приготовили крест. Из смирения он просил, чтобы его распяли вниз головой. Здесь же, на холме, священномученик Климент Римский и другие ученики погребли тело апостола. Так исполнились слова Господа:

Истинно, истинно говорю тебе: когда ты был молод, то препоясывался сам и ходил, куда хотел; а когда состаришься, то прострешь руки твои, и другой препояшет тебя, и поведет, куда не хочешь (Ин. 21, 18).

Над могилой апостола Петра во II веке христиане воздвигли небольшую часовню. На этом же месте император Константин Великий построил большой храм, освященный в 329 году.

Жизнь апостола ПавлаДо обращения ко Христу Павла звали Савл. Родился он в Тарсе, столице провинции Киликия в Малой Азии. Происходил из колена Вениаминова, как и царь Сеул, в честь которого получил имя. По рождению был он римским гражданином, что давало в те времена огромные привилегии, особенно в провинции. Римское имя Павл (лат. — малый), вероятно, также получил при рождении, но пользоваться им стал только после обращения ко Христу.

Будущий апостол Павел был ревностным фарисеем, учился в Иерусалиме у Гамалиила — самого авторитетного иудейского учителя того времени. Когда побивали камнями первомученика архидиакона Стефана, Савл стерег одежду мучителей. Он настолько ненавидел христиан, что преследовал их везде и всюду. По пути в Дамаск, куда он шел преследовать христиан, Господь чудесным образом призвал его на служение апостольское. Внезапно воссиял очень яркий свет и послышался голос: «Савл, Савл, почему ты гонишь Меня?» Он ослеп и упал на землю. Спутники слышали только голос, но ничего не видели. Они под руки привели Савла в Дамаск, где Анания, один из семидесяти апостолов, научил его вере Христовой и крестил. Зрение вернулось во время погружения в воду.

Савл стал апостолом Павлом. Так же ревностно, как прежде гнал, теперь он проповедовал веру Христову в Аравии, Сирии, Палестине, Антиохии, на острове Кипр и в Афинах. Основал множество поместных церквей, которым направлял свои послания, составившие бо́льшую часть книги Апостол, читаемую за утренней службой в православных храмах.

Апостол Павел, в отличие от Петра, получил прекрасное образование. Он хорошо знал не только ветхозаветное писание, но и был знаком с греко-римской культурой того времени: философией, литературой, религией, владел приемами риторики. Все это позволило ему свободно полемизировать с греческими философами в Афинах. Проповедь апостола Павла была обращена прежде всего к язычникам.

Когда апостол Павел в очередной раз посетил Иерусалим, иудеи обвинили его в том, что он водит язычников в Храм Соломона. Суд синедриона не мог приговорить римского гражданина к смерти, поэтому его отправили в Кесарию, где находился римский прокуратор, управлявший провинцией. Воспользовавшись правом римского гражданина требовать суда самого императора, арестованный Павел в узах под конвоем едет в Рим. Разбирательство длилось еще около двух лет. Даже находясь в заключении, он имел возможность видеться с апостолом Петром и римскими христианами.

Тело апостола Павла погребли на том же месте. Император Константин Великий построил над гробницей церковь. В последующем базилику расширяли и украшали. Храм был разрушен при пожаре 1823 года. В 1854 году вновь был построен огромный собор длиной 120 метров.

Величание святым апостолам:
Величаем вас апостоли Христовы Петре и Павле. Иже весь мiр ученьми своими просветивших, и вся концы ко Христу приведших.
За вечерней службой накануне праздника читаются паремии — отрывки из соборного послания апостола Петра. Поскольку читаются тексты новозаветной книги, молящиеся слушают их стоя (обычно на паремиях можно сидеть). На утрени читаются два канона, написанные преподобным Иоанном Дамаскиным (VIII век). Один канон обращен к апостолу Петру, другой — к Павлу.

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聖ペトロ使徒・聖パウロ使徒

６月２９日
聖ペトロ使徒・聖パウロ使徒

《聖ペトロ使徒》
◆聖ペトロの名前　
⦿使徒聖ペトロは、主イエスの最初の弟子たちのひとりで、洗礼者聖ヨハネの弟子だった聖アンデレにより、主のもとに連れて来られました。（ヨハネ１:３５～４２）
⦿彼はこの時に主から「ケファ（岩の意味）」という名前を与えられています。（マルコ３:１６、ヨハネ１:４２）
⦿「ペトロ（ギリシャ名）」の名前は他にも、ヘブライ語の「シメオン」、ギリシャ語の「シモン（聞くの意味）」、アラム語の「ケファ」、そして「シモン･ペトロ」という結合形があります。
◆主から司牧の使命を受ける
⦿聖ペトロと聖アンデレは兄弟で、ゼベダイの息子たちといわれる聖ヤコブと聖ヨハネと共同で漁業を営んでいました。（マタイ４:１８～２２、マルコ１:１６～２１、ルカ５:７、１０）
⦿聖ペトロは妻帯者であり、妻は聖霊降臨後以降、他の使徒たちの妻と同じように、夫と共に福音宣教に同行しました。（１コリント９:５5）
⦿また、使徒聖ヤコブと聖ヨハネとともに特別な機会に、主イエスと同行する恵みを受けています。
⦿それは、主の変容（マタイ１７:１～２、マルコ９:２、ルカ９:２８～２９）、ヤイロの娘を蘇えさせた時（マルコ５:２２～２４、３５～４２）、ゲッセマネでの祈りの時（マタイ２６:３６～４６、マルコ１４:３２～４２）の場面です。４つの福音書には、使徒のうち聖ペトロの言葉が誰よりも多く記録されています
⦿聖ペトロは内気で優柔不断な人ではなく、活動的な人であったようで、エルサレムの滅亡や主の再臨と世の終わりについて主に尋ねたのは、聖ペトロ以外には、聖ヨハネ、聖ヤコブ、聖アンデレでした。（マタイ２４:３、マルコ１３:１～３）
⦿主は３度ご自身を否定した聖ペトロに対して、ご自分の羊たちを司牧する使命を与えられたのは、ご自分を愛するかどうかと３度質問された際でした。（ヨハネ２１:１５～１７）

《聖パウロ使徒》
◆裕福なファリサイ派の出身　
⦿聖パウロは、幼年時代からサウロというヘブライ名と、パウロというローマ名を持っていました。（使徒８:１、９:１、２ペトロ３:１５）
⦿彼は現在の地中海に面したトルコ南部、キリキアにあったタルソで生まれ、両親はヘブライ人で、ユダヤ教ファリサイ派の人でした。（使徒２１:３９、２２:３、２３:６、フィリピ３:５）
⦿聖パウロは生まれながらのローマ市民で、エルサレムでは、国民全体から尊敬を受けていた博識あるファリサイ派のガマリエルから教えを受けていたので、裕福な家の出身だったと思われます。（使徒５:３４、２２:３、２８）
◆キリスト者への熱心な弾圧者
⦿聖パウロは、「新約聖書」に収められている数多くの書簡の著者になる恵みを神から与えられ、超自然的な幻を見ることや、聖霊によって多くの異言を話すことができました。（１コリント１４:１８、２コリント１２:１～５）
⦿彼がまだ若く「サウロ」という名前だった頃、主イエスの弟子聖ステファノを石打ちにした偽証人たちは、サウロの足もとに自分たちの上着を置き、彼自身も聖ステファノの殺害に賛成し、律法を守ることに熱心なあまり、キリスト者への迫害・弾圧に血まなこになっていました。（使徒６:１３、７:５８、６:１、３）
⦿さらに、キリスト者を逮捕する権限認可の書類を大祭司に求め、信徒の処刑に賛成し、諸会堂での裁判では信徒に転向を迫り、荒れ狂いました。（使徒９:１～２、２６:９～１１）
◆異邦人の使徒としての使命を受ける
⦿聖パウロがキリスト者を逮捕するために、ダマスカスに近づいた時、突然光がさして、あたりを巡り照らし、主イエスが現われます。
⦿そこで主は聖パウロに、これから行うべきことを示されます。彼は主から直接、「異邦人たち、王たち、またイスラエルの子らにも、主の名を伝える器」として選ばれたのです。（使徒９：３～１５）
⦿聖パウロは回心し、自分が主の模範に誠実に倣ったことで、『わたしに倣う者となりなさい』と言えることができました。（１コリント４:１６、フィリピ３:１７）
⦿彼は、小アジア・ギリシャ・ローマ・コリント・アテネ各地で福音宣教を熱心に行い、多くの困難に遭いながらも揺らぐことのない信仰により、主イエス・キリストの愛を伝え、多くの教会を設立しました。
⦿聖パウロは、聖ペトロが殉教した同じ時期、ローマで捕えられて殉教しました。彼は、ローマ帝国内のユダヤ人以外の土地と人々に福音宣教を行い、自らも「異邦人の使徒」と述べています。（ローマ１１:１３）
◆３世紀から祝われる
⦿初代教会の中心的な指導者であった使徒聖ペトロと聖パウロが殉教したのは、皇帝ネロによる迫害があった６４年から６７年頃とされています。両使徒が一緒に殉教した記録はありませんが、早い時期から共に記念されてきました。

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The Nativity of St. John The Baptist - La Natividad de San Juan Bautista

ENGLISH:Among the Church's feasts, there are three in honor of God's saint which in their significance stand out from the others devoted to the saints and are numbered among the great feasts of the Church of Christ. These feasts glorify the economy of God for our salvation.

These three feasts are the Nativity of St. John the Forerunner, his Beheading, and the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

The apparition of the holy Archangel Gabriel to the priest Zacharias in the Temple, with the announcement of the birth to him and the righteous Elizabeth, of a son who would prepare the way for the Lord, the Savior of the world, and the subsequent fulfillment of this premise, are the first of the events related by the Evangelists.

The announcement of the holy Archangel Gabriel to Zacharias in the Temple begins the New Testament Gospel. The announcement of the same Archangel Gabriel six months later in Nazareth to the Virgin Mary concerning the birth from Her of the Son of God, Who was to become incarnate, is a continuation of the revelation of the Pre-eternal Counsel concerning the salvation of the human race.

Three months after, the Annunciation, St. John the Forerunner was born "in a city of Judah," and six months after him Christ Himself was born in Bethlehem.

These events are closely bound together. "The glorious conception of the Forerunner proclaimeth beforehand the King Who is to be born of a Virgin" (Exapostilarion, Sept. 23, Feast of the Conception of John the Baptist). The announcement of the Archangel Gabriel in the Temple, announced later to all living nearby by Zacharias, in the magnificent hymn, which he sang after the birth of the child, John and the restoration to him of the gift of speech (Luke 1:67-79), is the forerunner of the angelic hymn: "Glory to God in the highest;" which was sung in Bethlehem by the angels when they announced to the shepherds the Nativity of Christ.

The Nativity of John the Baptist is the first joy sent down by God to the human race, the beginning of its deliverance from the power of the devil, sin and eternal death.

It is true that even before the Forerunner, the Most Holy Virgin Mary was born, and angels announced Her birth to Her parents. However, at that time, only Her parents knew of the exalted lot that was prepared for the Virgin Who was born, and they themselves were not fully aware of what had been announced to them beforehand. Therefore, it was only they, who celebrated at the birth of their Daughter, while the rest of the world only later understood the joy that had been announced (to it), by this birth.

For this reason, the feasts of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos and Her Entrance into the Temple were established in the Church and began to be solemnly celebrated significantly later than the other great feasts, whereas the Nativity of John the Forerunner is one of the most ancient and most venerated of Christian feasts. Sermons on this feast have been preserved from the first centuries.

From the day of the Nativity of John the Forerunner, the preparation of the human race begins for meeting the Son of God on earth. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people . . . And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways (Luke 1:68, 76). These God-inspired words of the priest Zacharias, after he had regained the gift of speech, were made known in all the land of Judea, causing disturbance to all living there, who asked each other in astonishment: What manner of child shall this be? (Luke 1:66).

Involuntarily the thought arose: Is this not the Messiah Himself? Judea was in an especially tense state of expectation of the Savior. Thus, the child John prepared the way for the Lord by his very birth; and even while he was still in the womb of His mother, by his leaping (Luke 1:41) he announced the coming birth of the Child Jesus, as if crying out: "Christ is born, give ye glory. Christ comes from heaven, meet ye Him" (Irmos, Canticle One of the Canon, Feast of the Nativity of Christ).

Being born exactly half a year before Christ, John the Forerunner by the exact time of his birth depicted his mission of preparing the way for the Lord. He was born at the time of the year (June 24) when the day begins to grow shorter after the summer solstice, whereas the Nativity of Christ occurs (December 25) when the day begins to grow longer after the winter solstice. These facts are an embodiment of the words spoken later, by the Forerunner, after the beginning of Christ's preaching: He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).

"The herald of the Sun, the Forerunner" was John the Baptist, who was like the morning star that announces the rising of the Sun of Righteousness in the East.

Just as the very event of the Nativity of John the Baptist was the antechamber of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so also the feast of the Nativity of John the Forerunner is also the antechamber of the feast of the Nativity of Christ. "The star of stars, the Forerunner, is born on earth today, from a barren womb, John the beloved of God, and manifests the dawning of Christ, the Orient from on high" (Glory at Lauds, of the Feast, June 24). "The whole creation rejoiceth at thy divine nativity: for thou wast shown forth as an earthly angel, O Forerunner and a heavenly man, proclaiming to us, the God of heaven incarnate" (Cantile Five of the Canon). "O Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, we who venerate thee with love, are in perplexity how worthily to praise thee; for the barrenness of her who bore thee and the dumbness of thy father are loosed by thy glorious and precious nativity, and the incarnation of the Son of God is preached to the world" (Troparion of the Feast).

St. John of Shanghai

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ESPAÑOL:

Entre las fiestas de la Iglesia, hay tres en honor al santo de Dios que, en su importancia, se destacan de las demás dedicadas a los santos y se encuentran entre las grandes fiestas de la Iglesia de Cristo. Estas fiestas glorifican la economía de Dios para nuestra salvación. 

Estas tres fiestas son la Natividad de San Juan el Precursor, su decapitación y la fiesta de los santos apóstoles Pedro y Pablo. 

La aparición del santo Arcángel Gabriel al sacerdote Zacarías en el Templo, con el anuncio del nacimiento de él y de la justa Isabel, de un hijo que prepararía el camino para el Señor, el Salvador del mundo, y el posterior cumplimiento. de esta premisa, son los primeros eventos relacionados por los evangelistas.

El anuncio del santo Arcángel Gabriel a Zacarías en el Templo comienza el Evangelio del Nuevo Testamento. El anuncio del mismo Arcángel Gabriel seis meses después en Nazaret a la Virgen María sobre el nacimiento de Ella del Hijo de Dios, que se encarnó, es una continuación de la revelación del Consejo Pre-eterno con respecto a la salvación del raza humana. 

Tres meses después, la Anunciación, San Juan el Precursor nació "en una ciudad de Judá," y seis meses después de que Cristo mismo nació en Belén. 

Estos eventos están estrechamente unidos. "La gloriosa concepción del Precursor proclama de antemano al Rey que nacerá de una Virgen" (Exapostilarion, 23 de septiembre, Fiesta de la Concepción de Juan el Bautista). El anuncio del Arcángel Gabriel en el Templo, anunciado más tarde a todos los que viven cerca por Zacarías, en el magnífico himno, que cantó después del nacimiento del niño, Juan y la restauración del don del habla (Lucas 1:67 -79), es el precursor del himno angelical: "Gloria a Dios en las alturas"; que los ángeles cantaron en Belén cuando anunciaron a los pastores la Natividad de Cristo.

La Natividad de Juan el Bautista es el primer gozo enviado por Dios a la raza humana, el comienzo de su liberación del poder del diablo, el pecado y la muerte eterna. 

Es cierto que incluso antes del Precursor, nació la Santísima Virgen María, y los ángeles anunciaron su nacimiento a sus padres. Sin embargo, en ese momento, solo sus padres sabían del lote exaltado que estaba preparado para la Virgen que había nacido, y ellos mismos no estaban completamente conscientes de lo que se les había anunciado de antemano. Por lo tanto, fueron solo ellos quienes celebraron el nacimiento de su Hija, mientras que el resto del mundo solo más tarde entendió la alegría que le había sido anunciada (por este nacimiento). 

Por esta razón, las fiestas de la Natividad de la Santísima Theotokos y Su Entrada al Templo se establecieron en la Iglesia y comenzaron a celebrarse solemnemente significativamente más tarde que las otras grandes fiestas, mientras que la Natividad de Juan el Precursor es una de las la más antigua y venerada de las fiestas cristianas. Los sermones sobre esta fiesta se han conservado desde los primeros siglos.

Desde el día de la Natividad de Juan el Precursor, comienza la preparación de la raza humana para encontrarse con el Hijo de Dios en la tierra. Bendito sea el Señor Dios de Israel; porque visitó y redimió a su pueblo. . . Y tú, niño, serás llamado el profeta del Altísimo: porque irás delante del rostro del Señor para preparar sus caminos (Lucas 1:68, 76). Estas palabras inspiradas en Dios del sacerdote Zacarías, después de haber recuperado el don de hablar, se dieron a conocer en toda la tierra de Judea, causando disturbios a todos los que vivían allí, quienes se preguntaron con asombro: ¿Qué clase de niño será? ? (Lucas 1:66). 

Involuntariamente surgió el pensamiento: ¿No es este el Mesías mismo? Judea estaba en un estado especialmente tenso de expectativa del Salvador. Así, el niño John preparó el camino para el Señor desde su nacimiento; e incluso cuando aún estaba en el vientre de su madre, al saltar (Lucas 1:41) anunció el próximo nacimiento del Niño Jesús, como si clamara: "Cristo ha nacido, da gloria. Cristo viene del cielo , conózcalo a Él "(Irmos, Cántico Uno del Canon, Fiesta de la Natividad de Cristo). 

Nacido exactamente medio año antes de Cristo, Juan el Precursor en el momento exacto de su nacimiento describió su misión de preparar el camino para el Señor. Nació en la época del año (24 de junio) cuando el día comienza a acortarse después del solsticio de verano, mientras que la Natividad de Cristo ocurre (25 de diciembre) cuando el día comienza a crecer más después del solsticio de invierno. Estos hechos son una encarnación de las palabras pronunciadas más tarde, por el Precursor, después del comienzo de la predicación de Cristo: Él debe aumentar, pero yo debo disminuir (Juan 3:30).

"El heraldo del sol, el precursor" fue Juan el Bautista, que era como la estrella de la mañana que anuncia la salida del sol de justicia en el este. Así como el mismo evento de la Natividad de Juan el Bautista fue la antesala de la Natividad de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, también la fiesta de la Natividad de Juan el Precursor es también la antecámara de la fiesta de la Natividad de Cristo. "La estrella de las estrellas, la Precursora, nace hoy en la tierra, de un útero estéril, Juan el amado de Dios, y manifiesta el amanecer de Cristo, el Oriente desde lo alto" (Gloria en laudes, de la fiesta, 24 de junio ) "Toda la creación se regocija con tu natividad divina: porque fuiste mostrado como un ángel terrenal, oh precursor y hombre celestial, proclamándonos, el Dios del cielo encarnado" (cántico cinco del Canon)." "Oh Profeta y precursor de la venida de Cristo, nosotros, que te veneramos con amor, estamos perplejos de cuán dignamente te alabamos; porque la esterilidad de tu padre y la estupidez de tu padre se desatan por tu gloriosa y preciosa natividad, y la encarnación del Hijo de Dios se predica al mundo "(Troparion de la fiesta). 

San Juan de Shanghai

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РОЖДЕСТВО СВЯТОГО ПРЕДТЕЧИ И КРЕСТИТЕЛЯ ГОСПОДНЯ ИОАННА

Родители святого Предтечи и Крестителя Господня Иоанна - св. прав. пророк Захария и св. прав. Елисавета жили в одном из городов Иудеи «во дни Ирода, царя Иудейского» (Лк 1. 5). Благочестивые (Лк 1. 6) супруги преклонного возраста не имели детей, поскольку Елисавета. «была неплодна» (Лк 1. 7, 36).

Согласно рассказу Евангелия от Луки (Лк 1. 5-23), во время совершения обряда воскурения фимиама в Иерусалимском храме Захария сподобился явления арх. Гавриила, который сказал ему: «...не бойся, Захария, ибо услышана молитва твоя, и жена твоя Елисавета родит тебе сына, и наречешь ему имя: Иоанн» (Лк 1. 13). Хотя Захария , судя по его последующей реакции, молился не о сыне, а о спасении Израиля, ему (сверх ожиданий) было дано пророчество о рождении сына. Блж. Феофилакт Болгарский считает, что услышана была молитва Захарии о том, чтобы Бог простил народу грехи. «Откуда это видно? Ангел говорит: вот я тебе даю знамение: Елисавета родит тебе сына, а из того, что Елисавета родит, ты должен удостовериться и в отпущении грехов народу». Вместе с тем в Ветхом Завете приводится много случаев молитвы бездетных родителей о даровании детей (см., напр.: Быт 25. 21; 30. 22; 1 Цар 1. 10-13, 17), поэтому Захария мог также молиться и о рождении сына. По обетованию архангела Гавриила сын его «не будет пить вина и сикера» (Лк 1. 15) в знак своей особой посвященности Богу (см.: Лев 10. 9; Суд 13. 14 и 7) и станет пророком, исполнившись «Духа Святого... еще от чрева матери своей; и многих из сынов Израилевых обратит к Господу Богу их» (Лк 1. 15-16), а также «предыдет пред Ним в духе и силе Илии, чтобы возвратить сердца отцов детям, и непокоривым образ мыслей праведников, дабы представить Господу народ приготовленный» (Лк 1. 17).

Захария выразил сомнение в возможности рождения сына, т. к. он и его жена были уже в преклонных летах. Для вразумления и в качестве подтверждения верности слов небесного вестника Захария стал глух и нем (Лк 1. 22; ср.: Лк 1. 62). «Справедливо подвергается тому и другому - глухоте и немоте, ибо как преслушник наказывается глухотой, а как противоречащий - молчанием». В этом состоянии Захария пребывал до дня появления на свет его сына, ставшего в последующем пророком и проповедником покаяния в Израиле и Предтечей Господа Иисуса Христа. По всей видимости, в этом рассказе раскрывается тройной смысл немоты Захарии: как наказания, как знамения того, что предсказанное сбудется (ср.: Быт 15. 9-21; Суд 6. 36-40; 4 Цар 20. 8-11; 1 Цар 10. 2-16; Лк 1. 36; 2. 12), а также как мотива апокалиптического сокрытия, согласно которому немота Захарии должна была стать средством сохранения в тайне от людей божественных замыслов до момента их исполнения (ср.: Дан 8. 26; 12. 4, 9; Откр 10. 4). Кроме того, неверие Захарии противопоставляется вере Марии, о которой повествуется далее в Евангелии(Лк 1. 45). Стоявший вне святилища народ, после того как Захария вышел к ним и «объяснялся... знаками» (Лк 1. 22), понял, что ему было видение.

Вскоре Елисавета зачала сына и никому не сообщала о беременности 5 месяцев, радуясь чуду Божию, снявшему с нее «поношение между людьми» (Лк 1. 25), т. е. избавившему от бесплодия (см.: Быт 30. 1; Исх 23. 26; 2 Цар 6. 23 и др.). Неожиданное чудесное разрешение от неплодия престарелой Елисаветы в исполнение слов архангела Гавриила и молитв праведного Захарии имеет параллели в Ветхом Завете, например в истории Сарры (Быт 17. 15-21; 18. 9-15; 21. 1-7), Ревекки (Быт 25. 21), Анны (1 Цар 1. 1-20) и др. Эти примеры дают основания видеть в ребенке Елисаветы Того, Кто сыграет важную роль в жизни Израиля.

Когда Елисавете исполнилось время родить сына, соседи и родственники ее сорадовались ее радости и в восьмой день собрались к ней, чтобы совершить установленный еще при Аврааме (Быт. 17:11-14) и требуемый законом Моисея (Лев. 12:3) обряд обрезания. Чрез обрезание новорожденный вступал в общество избранного народа Божия, и потому день обрезания считался радостным семейным праздником. При обрезании новорожденному давалось имя, обыкновенно в честь кого-либо из старших сродников. Поэтому не могло не вызвать общее недоумение желание матери назвать его Иоанном. Евангелист подчеркивает нам это обстоятельство очевидно потому, что и оно чудесно: желание Елисаветы назвать младенца Иоанном было плодом внушения Св. Духа. За решением обратились к отцу. Он, испросив дщицу, намазанную воском, написал на ней палочкой, для этого употреблявшейся: "Иоанн будет имя ему", и все удивились необычайности совпадения желания матери, и глухонемого отца назвать сына именем, которого не было в родстве их. И тотчас, по предсказанию Ангела, разрешились уста Захарии, и он в пророческом вдохновении, как бы предвидя уже наступление царства Мессии, стал прославлять Бога, посетившего народ Свой и сотворившего избавление ему, Который "воздвиг рог спасения в дому Давида".

Далее Захария предрекает своему сыну будущее, предсказанное Ангелом, говоря, что он наречется пророком Вышнего и будет предтечею Божественного Мессии, указывает и цели служения Предтечи в том, чтобы приготовить людей к пришествию Его, дать уразуметь народу израильскому, что спасение его состоит не в чем ином, как именно в прощении грехов. Поэтому Израиль должен искать не мирского величия, о чем мечтали тогдашние духовные вожди его, а праведности и прощения грехов. Прощение же грехов придет "от благоутробного милосердия Бога нашего, вследствие которого приходит к нам Восток свыше", т.е. Мессия-Искупитель, каковым именем Его называли еще пророки Иеремия (25:5) и Захария (3:8 и 6:12).

По преданию слух о рождении Иоанна Предтечи дошел до подозрительного царя Ирода и когда пришли в Иерусалим волхвы с вопросом, где находится родившийся Царь Иудейский, Ирод вспомнил о сыне Захарии и, издав приказ об избиении младенцев, послал убийц и в город Иутту (где, как полагают жили праведные Захария и Елисавета с Иоанном). Захария в то время совершал служение в храме, а Елисавета скрылась с сыном в пустыне. Рассерженный ненахождением младенца Иоанна Ирод послал к Захарии в храм, спросить, где скрыл он своего сына. Захария ответил, что он служит теперь Господу Богу Израилеву и не знает, где его сын. После угроз лишить его жизни, он повторил, что не знает, где его сын, и пал под мечами убийц между храмом и жертвенником, о чем вспоминает Господь в Своей обличительной речи к фарисеям (Матф. 23:35).


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Rome is the Whore of Babylon Prophesied in the Book of Apocalypse

Apocalypse 17: 4: "The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, and held in her hand a golden cup, full of abominations and the impurities of her fornication."

None of the following points are necessary to demonstrate that the Roman "church" and its popes are not true Christians. The doctrinal evidence covered in this article demonstrates this in detail. However, the points that follow are interesting and revealing, as they help explain in more detail why this catastrophic crisis is occurring and what to do with it.

Apocalypse 17, 1: "One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke to me and said: o Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who is sitting on many waters ...."

Chapters 17 and 18 of the Apocalypse make amazing prophecies about the "great harlot" or the "harlot of Babylon" who will arise in the last days from the city of the seven hills. Rome was built on seven hills. This is why throughout history Rome has been identified as the city of the seven hills mentioned in the Apocalypse. What describes the harlot of Babylon is a false wife — a false church — that will emerge with the Great Schism in order to deceive Christians in the West, trampling on the faith and committing spiritual fornication.

1. The Whore Sits On Many Waters 

As we have already seen, the great harlot sits on many waters. The Apocalypse gives us a clue of what these many waters are. 

Apocalypse 17:15: "And he said to me: The waters that you see, on which the harlot is sitting, are peoples,crowds, nations and tongues." 

"Peoples, nations and tongues" are indicative of global influence, something that influences all corners of the earth. Rome and the Roman Catholic Church immediately come to mind. The Roman church has incorporated worshipers from all peoples, nations and languages. 

Pope Pius XII, Fidei donum # 46, April 21, 1957: "Now, our holy Mother the Church is in fact the Mother of all nations, of all peoples, as well as of individual persons ..."

And since Rome is the "seat of the universal Church" according to the heterodox, if Rome passed into the hands of an apostate pope who imposed a new religion, then it would influence almost all peoples, nations and languages ​​with its spiritual infidelity (Due to the Romanist heresy of "papal infallibility"). That is why the harlot sits on peoples, nations, and languages. In fact, the Council of Trent confirms (that the waters on which the harlot sits are connected to the almost universal extent that in recent days the Roman church would have if a pope or a series of apostate popes successfully usurped the See of Rome) with alarming specificity.

Pius IV, Council of Trent, session 22, on the holy sacrifice of the mass: “The Council then advises that the (Roman) Church has prescribed its priests who mix water in wine in the chalice to be offered, pray because This is how Christ is believed to have done it, he also prays because water came out of his side together with blood, a mystery that is remembered with this mixture. And as in the Apocalypse of blessed John the peoples are called waters [Rev. 17, 1 and 15], this is how the union of the same faithful people with their head Christ is represented. "

Note that the Council of Trent declares that the waters of Apoc. 17: 1,15 represent the union of the faithful with Christ, that is, the Catholic Church. The great harlot sits on the waters! Therefore, it is of the Catholic faith that the great harlot sits on the Catholic Church, that is, she tries to impersonate her. This is a perfect description of the false Church, the Hildebrand's Sect, which emerged in the 11th century, with the Great Schism, which has successfully deceived most of the world into believing that it is the true Catholic Church. Understanding that the "waters" of the Apocalypse represent the peoples, nations, and languages ​​of the Roman church is the key to understanding other important verses in that book. For example, Apoc. 18, 17 talks about how captains and sailors clamored for the destruction of the city.

Apocalypse 18, 17: "Every pilot and navigator, the sailors, and all who struggle at sea stopped in the distance, and cried out when they saw the smoke of their fire and said: What was there like to the big city?"

Captains, sailors and those who work at sea represent those who work with souls in the Catholic Church, that is, priests, religious, etc. They cry for the desolation of Rome and wonder how it has collapsed in such a short time.

2. The Whore Sits On The City Of The Seven Hills 

Apocalypse 17, 9: “Here is the meaning of wisdom. The seven heads are the seven hills on which the woman is sitting, and they are seven kings. " As has already been said, Rome was built on seven hills. Since the great harlot sits atop the city of seven hills, the great harlot sits atop Rome itself - the center of unity in the Catholic Church and the home of the Roman Pontiffs.

Benedict XIV, Apostolica constitutio # 4, June 26, 1749: "... the Catholic (Romanist) Church is identified with the city of Rome only, in which the bodily presence of this apostle [Peter] is carefully revered ..."

It is interesting that Rome only gave way to the great harlot in the last days, that is, after the 11th century. This is why the harlot is only mentioned in the book of Revelation. And this is why Holy Scripture speaks of the "fall" of Babylon.

Apocalypse 18, 2: "He cried out with a mighty voice, saying, 'Babylon the great has fallen, fallen, and was made the dwelling place of demons, and the den of every unclean spirit, and the refuge of every unclean bird and abomination.'

Babylon has historically been considered a code name for Rome. 

1 Peter 5, 13: "The church of Babylon, participant of your choice, greets you, and Mark, my son." 

Biblical scholars understand that St. Peter wrote this epistle from Rome, which he calls "Babylon." Therefore, Rome is Babylon and Babylon has fallen. 

Apocalypse 17, 18: "The woman you have seen is that great city that has sovereignty over all the kings of the earth."

Some might ask, "If Rome is the 'great city,' why does Revelation 11: 8 say that the great city is the place where the Lord, who is Jerusalem, was crucified?" The answer is that it doesn't actually say that:

Apocalypse 11, 8: "Their bodies [that of the two witnesses] will lie in the plaza of the great city, which is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified."

Note that contrary to what some have claimed, the Apocalypse does not clearly indicate that the two witnesses (who some believe describe Peter and Paul) are killed in the city where the Lord was crucified. Note that it could very well mean that the great city is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. In other words, the great city, Rome, is named as "Sodom" and "Egypt" as far as Jerusalem (where its Lord was crucified) because of its immoralities. This makes sense considering that Rome was famous for its corruption. Therefore, this passage does not clearly prove, as some have suggested, that Jerusalem must be the great city.

Another consideration is that at present the mystical body of Christ is being crucified in and from Rome, so in that sense it would also be accurate to say that Rome is the place where the Lord is crucified in his mystical body. 

The big city is Rome. Historically, no other city has ruled over the kings of the earth like Rome, which has a spiritual and ecclesiastical primacy to which all nations must be subject.

Leo XII, Quod hoc ineunte # 6, May 24, 1824: "We are going therefore to this holy Jerusalem, a priestly and royal city that the" sacred seat of Peter "has made it the capital of the world, which truly governs more largely by divine religion than by earthly domination."

And whether or not they want to accept it, all the kings of the earth, all human beings must be subject, according to the heterodox, to the spiritual power of the Papist Church, which is exercised from Rome. Read the following, this is the doctrine of the Antichrist!

Bonifacio VIII, Unam Sanctam, November 18, 1302: "Now, submitting ourselves to the Roman Pontiff, we declare it, we say it, we define it and pronounce it as of all necessity of salvation for every human creature." 

3. The Whore is a Woman 

Apocalypse 17, 6-7: “I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus, and seeing her, I was amazed. The angel said to me: What do you marvel at? I will declare to you the mystery of the woman and the beast that carries her, which has seven heads and ten horns." 

While it is true that the Harlot of Babylon is the Roman church that began with the Great Apostasy of the 11th Century, it would make sense for this apocalyptic entity to be described as a woman, in order to contrast it with another woman - her antithesis - the Eastern Orthodox Church.

4. The Whore is a Mother 

Revelation 17, 5: "On his forehead he had a name written: Mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth." 

Papists have always referred to the Church as their mother. 

Pope Leo XIII, Satis cognitum # 16, June 29, 1896: "Let us love the Lord our God, let us love his Church, the Lord as our Father, the Church as our Mother." 

Pope Pius XI, Mortalium animos # 11, January 6, 1928: “Because, if, as they repeat, they wish to associate with Us and with Ours, why don't they rush to come to the Church, mother and teacher of all faithful of Christ? ”. 

Pope Pius XII, Mystici corporis Christi # 66, June 29, 1943: “And, certainly, this pious Mother shines without blemish in the sacraments, with which she generates and feeds her children; in faith, which at all times remains uncontaminated ... "

In fact, the Roman Church is specifically called "mother and teacher" of all churches (that is, all particular Churches in communion with the "universal Catholic Church").

Pope Leo XIII, Exeunte iam anno # 2, December 25, 1888: "... the Roman Church, mother and teacher of all churches ..."

It is quite obvious that the Apocalypse describes the harlot of Babylon as the "mother of harlots" because the apostasy takes over Rome. Rome has become the harlot mother in an almost universal false Church of the last days. And we see this in action: the apostasy and spiritual fornication of the false Church begins in Rome and then spreads to all the local churches in the false sect. For example: the religious indifferentism practiced in Rome spread to the rest of the false Church. Therefore, since the true Church is the loving mother, the harlot is the mother of fornications. And insofar as the Church is the mother of all the Christian faithful, the harlot is the mother of infidels of Christ, that is, of those who have left the Church and accepted the new religion of the 11th century.

5. The Whore is Dressed in Purple and Scarlet 

Apocalypse 17, 4: "The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, and she had in her hand a golden cup, full of abominations and the impurities of her fornication."

A cardinal wears a red or scarlet sash and a bishop wears a purple sash

Apocalypse 18, 16: "Woe, woe to the great city, which was clothed in linen, purple and scarlet and adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls."

This is perhaps one of the most revealing verses in the Book of Apocalypse.

In the Roman Church, bishops wear purple and cardinals wear scarlet (red).

By choosing to describe the Whore of Babylon as a woman "clothed in linen, purple and scarlet," God is giving us a clear indication that the harlot is dressed in the colors of the papist and cardinal episcopate. God is giving us a clear indication that the harlot is wearing these colors. This is a perfect description of the apostate Roman church, the false End-time Church, which is dressed in the colors of Papism.

6. The Whore Has a Gold Cup in Her Hand

Apocalypse 17: 4: "The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, and held in her hand a cup of gold, full of abominations and the impurities of her fornication."

In the Roman church priests have to use, if possible, a golden chalice to celebrate mass. It is no coincidence that the Whore has a golden chalice in her hand. The Whore, as usual, imitates acts and pretends to be the true Church, but she is not. An orthodox priest offers the golden chalice with the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Whore offers a cup (chalice), full of abominations and filth - the invalid wine of the Roman mass.

In particular, this verse refers to the Romanist mass, which does not contain the blood of Jesus Christ, but an offering that is an abomination in the sight of God. 

Apocalypse 18, 6: “Give to her according to what she gave, and give her double her works; in the cup she mixed, mix it twice." 

In the Roman mass, the water is mixed with the wine in the chalice.

Eugene IV, Exultate Deo, Council of Florence, session 8, November 22, 1439: “In fact, the blessed Pope Alexander says, fifth successor of the blessed Peter: 'In the oblations of the mysteries that are offered to the Lord within the celebration of the mass, they must offer in sacrifice only bread and wine mixed with water. Because it should not be offered for the chalice of the Lord, neither came alone nor water alone, but one and the other mixed, since one and the other, that is, blood and water, are read as having sprouted from the side of Christ. ’ Also now, because it is convenient to sacrifice the effect of this sacrament, which is the union of the Christian people with Christ. Water, in effect, means the people, according to the passage of the Apocalypse: The many waters ... are the many peoples [Apoc. 17, 15]… Then, when the chalice mixes the water and the wine, the people unite with Christ and the common people of the believers are united and close with Him in whom they believe. ’”

The symbolism of Revelation 18, 6 —mixed in a cup— could not be more obvious without revealing the mystery of the verse. It is an obvious reference to the mass, which has been completely perverted by the harlot. She has nothing to offer God in her cup, but filth and abomination (Apoc. 17, 4). Furthermore, this verse (18, 6) points to a specific point in the mass, the mixing of wine and water. This action of mixing them means the union of the Christian people with Christ, as defined by Eugene IV in the Council of Florence. As we have seen, this is the precise meaning that has been removed from the consecration of the new mass, rendering it invalid. In the same verse, therefore, God reveals that the harlot performs massive spiritual fornication in areas that refer to the Mass and the Roman Church as a whole. It is an amazing description of the Vatican sect of the end times.

7. The Whore is Characterized by Her Fornication

Apocalypse 17, 1-2: “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have fornicated, and the inhabitants of the land were drunk with the wine of their fornication. 

Apocalypse 18, 3: "For the wine of the wrath of her fornication drank all the nations, and with her the kings of the earth fornicated, and the merchants of all the earth were enriched with the power of their luxury."

It is simply a fact that, when the term fornication is used in Holy Scripture, it often describes idolatry and spiritual infidelity.

Exodus 34, 16: "Neither take your daughters for your sons, and their daughters, when they prostitute themselves to their gods, drag your sons to prostitute themselves before their gods."

Judges 2, 17: "They prostituted themselves, going after the strange gods, and worshiped them, soon turning aside from the path that their parents had followed, obeying the precepts of the Lord: they did not do so."

Many other passages could be given to demonstrate that Scripture describes spiritual infidelity and idolatry as fornication and prostitution. When a "great harlot" commits fornication throughout the world, it is spoken in this context, clearly indicating the apostasy of true faith. As we have demonstrated in this book, the apostasy of true faith and the acceptance of false idolatrous gods / religions is exactly what most characterizes the apostate Roman church. She has brought the demonic "gods" of the pantheon of world religions on par with the true God.

This fornication which begins from apostate Rome and its apostate popes (above) has spread and assimilated throughout the Earth (below), as we have shown.

The inter-religious apostasy of the counter-Church extends from Rome to the universities, etc., as we see here

The Whore of Babylon is guilty of spiritual fornication to the point that this is the action that characterizes her title - "the great harlot". By such a description, God is directly contrasting the harlot with the true Church; because the Church is a woman characterized by her unwavering fidelity to her Husband, Jesus Christ.

Just as the Roman Catholic harlot is known for her impurity, the Orthodox Catholic Church is known for her chastity.

Pope Siricio, letter to Hemerio, February 10, 385: “And for this reason he wanted the form of chastity of his Church, of which he is her husband, to radiate with splendor, so that he could find it without spot or wrinkle [ Ef. 5:17] as instituted by his apostle." 

The Church is "the Immaculate Bride of Christ". The "great harlot" represents only the greatest mockery of the Immaculate Bride of Christ in history. 

Pope Hadrian I, Second Council of Nicaea, 787: “… Christ, our God, when he took his Catholic Church, who has no stain or wrinkle, as his Wife, promised to take care of her and assured his holy disciples saying: I am with you every day until the consummation of the world."

8. The Whore has Separated from Her Husband 

Apocalypse 18: 7: “When he was puffed up and given himself over to luxury, give him as much torment and mourning. Since she said in her heart: As a queen I am sitting, I am not a widow nor will I ever see a duel,"

In another incredible verse, the Apocalypse tells us that the harlot says to herself, "As a queen I am sitting, and I am not a widow." She is not a widowed woman because her (ex) Husband is not dead. 

Apocalypse 1, 17-18: “So I saw her, I fell at her feet as dead; but he put his right hand on me, saying: Fear not; I am the first and the last, the living one, who was dead and now I live forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and hell." 

The Bridegroom of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ. The harlot, being a false Church that has broken with the Orthodox Church, had Jesus Christ as her Husband until she separated from Jesus Christ leaving her traditions and teachings. Instead of being a faithful wife, the harlot has become her own queen, who is happy to impose her own will and glory, her own teachings and religion on others. Although the harlot has separated from the Church by forming her own "Church" and religion, the Bride of Christ — the Orthodox Church — always maintains union with her Husband, even though most of the world has left her to join the harlot.

9. The Light from The Lamp will no longer shine on The Whore

Apocalypse 18, 23: “The light of the lamp will no longer shine on you; and the voice of the husband and the wife will no longer be heard, because your merchants were magnates of the earth, because with your curses all nations have gone astray."

The "light of the lamp" is a reference to the lamp of the Most Holy in Catholic churches. This lamp signifies the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This lamp can hardly be found in Vatican II churches. In most cases, it has been moved towards a lateral nave or in the back of the church. But more than the moving of the sanctuary lamp, Revelation 18, 23 is indicating that the real presence of Christ (the valid Eucharist) is no longer found in the Roman church.

"The voice of the husband and the wife" in Apocalypse 18, 23 is a reference to Christ and his Church. 

Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom, and his mystical body, the Church is his Immaculate Bride. When the Apocalypse refers to the voice of husband and wife, it is yet another confirmation that the harlot of Babylon is the Roman church, which has abandoned the teaching (or voice) of the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) and the Bride (His Church ).

10. Everyone is Drunk with the Wine of Her Fornication 

Apocalypse 18, 3: "For out of the wine of the wrath of her fornication all nations drank, and with her the kings of the earth fornicated." 

Apocalypse 14, 8: "A second angel followed him, saying: Babylon the great fell, who made all the nations drink of the wine of the fury of her fornication." 

Apocalypse 16, 19: "And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give him the chalice of wine from the fury of his anger." 

Apocalypse 17, 1-2: “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who is sitting on many waters, with whom the kings of the land have fornicated, and the inhabitants of the land were drunk with the wine of their fornication." 

The Whore of Babylon is repeatedly condemned for fornication having to do with wine. Why? As we have shown, it is the change in the form of the consecration of wine that renders the new Roman mass invalid!

The reason the harlot is condemned for the wine of fornication is due to the invalidating changes that have been made TO THE PART of the words of the consecration OF WINE at the new Roman mass. These changes in the part of the consecration of the wine invalidate both consecrations. The papist church has really "made all nations drink of the wine of the fury of their fornication" (Apoc. 14, 8).

11. The Whore Becomes Drunk with The Blood of The Saints and Martyrs

Apocalypse 17, 6: "I saw the woman get drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus, and seeing her, I marveled greatly"

Apocalypse 18, 24: "And in her was found the blood of the prophets and of the saints and of all the slain ones on the earth."

The Whore can be said to be drunk on the blood of the saints on many levels. The first that comes to mind is ecumenism as practiced by the Roman church. It is the effort to unite all religions as one without conversion, in the respect of all religions as being essentially equal.

Ecumenism goes directly against the revealed truth that the gods of non-Christian religions are demons (Psalm 95, 5, 1 Cor 10, 20), and puts Christ on the level of Lucifer. Throughout this book we have exposed the false ecumenism of the Roman sect. The apostate Roman church considers false religions more or less good and worthy of praise. Therefore, the memory of the saints and the martyrs whose flesh was ripped off with iron hooks is blasphemed, their bodies were given as food to the lions and their heads were cut off because they refused to compromise their faith one iota or say that "all religions are more or less good and worthy of praise". He also mocks all the sacrifices of all the saints who gave their lives to the priesthood, to religious life, for missionary work. Everything was unnecessary, according to the Vatican sect.

What is also interesting is that the Apocalypse mentions that the martyrs cry out from under the altar.

Apocalypse 6, 9: “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered by the word of God and by the testimony they kept. They cried out with loud voices: Hasta How long Lord, Holy, True, will you not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? ’” 

The Roman church prescribes that the altars where the Mass is celebrated must contain relics of martyrs. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the martyrs, whose lives are mocked by ecumenism and the support of the Vatican sect for false religions, are crying out "under the altar." They are crying out not only against interfaith ecumenism, which mocks their lives, but also at the liturgical abominations that take place directly upon their relics at the papist mass.

Apocalypse 18, 20, Judgment of God on the harlot: "Rejoice for it, oh heaven, and the saints, and the apostles and the prophets, because God has judged our cause against her-"

Conclusion on The Whore of Babylon

It is evident that the apostate Roman church is the harlot of Babylon prophesied in the Scriptures.

Apocalypse 11, 2: "Leave the outer court of the temple outside and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations, which will tread the holy city for forty-two months." 

It should be noted that the "forty-two months" (Rev. 11, 2), the "one thousand two hundred and sixty days" (Rev. 12: 6), and the "one time, and two times, and half a time" (Rev. 12, 14) and 3 and 1/2 years are considered by some scholars as a symbol of a period of persecution. 

Luke 21, 34-35: “Be attentive, lest your hearts be dull by the scapula, drunkenness and worries of life, and suddenly that day comes upon you like a snare; for it will come upon all the inhabitants of the earth." 

The snare is used to catch animals. Now, if the snare of the last days consists of a false Church created from Rome, and a spiritual invasion of the city (Rome), then the "animal" that the devil is trying to catch is Christianity.

Apocalypse 18, 4-5: “I heard another voice from heaven saying: Come out of her, my people, so that you do not defile yourself with her sins and so that part of her plagues do not reach you; for their sins piled up to heaven, and God remembered their iniquities."

If Roman Catholics do not completely break up with the great harlot these people may lose their souls in eternal fire for blaspheming against the Church of Christ, which has no fellowship with the works of darkness, which has no part with non-believers, and does not maintain friendship with the woman of iniquity. Although much of the world has been swallowed up by the great harlot, the Immaculate Bride of the Lord continues to exist in all its purity, despite having been reduced to a remnant. This pure woman who represents the remnant of the True Orthodox Church in the last days.

Apocalypse 12, 6: "The woman fled into the desert, where she had a place prepared by God, so that they might feed her there for one thousand two hundred and sixty days." 

Apocalypse 12, 14: "But the woman was given two wings of a large eagle to fly to the desert, to her place, where she is fed for a time, and two times, and half a time away from the sight of the serpent."

We must enter this remaining Orthodox church in the desert. We must keep "the faith that was given to the saints" (Jude 1, 3), and draw near to God by receiving the true sacraments and praying the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me sinner).

Apocalypse 12, 17: "The dragon was enraged against the woman and went to make war against the rest of her offspring, against those who keep the precepts of God and have the testimony of Jesus." 

Apocalypse 12, 12: "Here is the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."

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VERSION EN ESPAÑOL: Roma es la Ramera profetizada en el Apocalipsis