WHY ALL THE MYSTERY?: PART TWO

There has been much speculation that the scarlet colored Beast of Revelation 17:3 is Rome. There are three main reasons for such a theory. For one, the city of Rome is said to be "the city on seven hills," and in Revelation 17:9, we read that the beast upon which the woman is riding, is seven mountains. The Seven Hills of Rome are: Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill, Quirinal Hill, and Viminal Hill. When one considers that the seven heads of the dragon represent seven kingdoms (Rev. 12:3; 13:1;17:7, 10), and that the antichrist is believed to be ruling over them in what has been called the Revived Roman Empire (Dan. 2:33, 40-43; 9:26), it is logical to believe it is Rome.

Unfortunately, the second reason many evangelical Christians believe the city is Rome is based upon religious prejudice toward Roman Catholicism. I cannot tell you how many Bible teachers believe the Pope is the antichrist. Hatred for the Catholic Church is understandable in that it subjugated Christians for centuries, and its doctrines are contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which teaches that we are saved by grace and not by works; salvation is a free gift (Eph. 2:8-9). From The Eucharist in Catholic Life, it is clear that the Catholic Church's doctrine of salvation is not by grace alone, but also requires the works of man:

“THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS ARE THE NECESSARY MEANS ESTABLISHED BY CHRIST THROUGH WHICH HIS REDEEMING, LIFE-GIVING, SANCTIFYING GRACE IS IMPARTED TO INDIVIDUALS’ SOULS. You must centre your life upon the sacraments established by Christ if you want to save your soul. The sacraments are the source of your real life, the divine life that will unite you with God in this world and in eternity. Let nothing make you think that you can get along without the sacraments. Without them your soul must die. ... IF YOU DON’T RECEIVE THE SACRAMENTS AT ALL, YOU DON’T RECEIVE GRACE. If you don’t receive them properly, that is, if you receive them seldom and with little devotion, you receive less grace” (pp. 14,15).

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians:

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:6-9).

To be continued, Lord willing.