Devotional - Liberty of Conscience Threatened (TGC Chap 35.)

"I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast." - Revelation 13:3, NKJV.

100+ World leaders attended
pope John Paul II's funeral

List of world dignitaries that
attended pope John Paul II's funeral
can be found here:
http://www.religion-cults.com/pope/tributes.htm

Let the restraints now imposed by secular governments be removed and Rome be reinstated to her former power, and there would quickly be a revival of her tyranny and persecution. Of course, there are sincere, genuine Christians in the Roman Catholic communion, living up to the best light they have—just as there are good Christians in every church.

President G. W. Bush with
pope John Paul II in 6-4-2004

Presiden W. J. Clinton and wife
with pope John Paul II in 10-5-1995

But as a religious system, Roman Catholicism is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than it has been at any earlier period in its history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness or they would discern the solid growth of Catholicism throughout the world. Protestants have made compromises and concessions which Catholics themselves are surprised to see and fail to understand.

President G. H. W. Bush with
pope John Paul II in 5-27-1989

President R. Reagan with
pope John Paul II in 5-2-1984

The Roman Catholic Church today presents a fair front to the world, covering her record of cruelties with apologies. The papacy can be winsome in its appeal, embracing two types of people—those who want to be saved by their own merits and those who want to be saved without giving up sin. This is a secret of Rome's power.

Presiden J. Carter with
pope John Paul II in 10-6-1979

President R. M. Nixon with
pope Paul VI in 9-28-1970

God has given us warnings in His Word of the dangers posed to religious liberty in the last days. As freedom are removed, those who believe God and obey Him will suffer persecution.

President L. B. Johnson with
pope Paul VI in 10-4-1965

President J. F. Kennedy with
pope Paul VI in 7-2-1963

President D. D. Eisenhower with
pope JohnXXIII in 12-6-1959

Key Thought: " Protestants little know what they are doing when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation. While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to re-establish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let the principle once be established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured" (The Great Controversy, p.581).

Today's Lesson: Movements are taking place today that will result in all the world looking to the papacy for spiritual guidance and direction.