*** What was already at
work in the church in Paul’s day?
“The mystery of iniquity doth
already work.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7.
*** What class of men
did he warn were to soon arise in the church?
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own
selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples
after them.” Acts 20:29, 30.
*** What apostasy in
the church was to develop before Christ would return the second time?
“That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and
that man of sin be revealed, the
son of perdition.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
*** How was this
“falling away” from Bible truth shown?
By the adoption of heathen rites and customs in the church.
*** What came to be the
character and work of many of the religious leaders?
’Worldly-minded bishops, instead
of caring for the salvation of their flocks, were often but too much
inclined to travel about, and entangle themselves in worldly
concerns.” Neander, General History of the Christian Religion
and Church (Torrey’s translation} , Vol. 2, p. 16.
*** What has been the
special characteristic of the papacy?
A union of church and state, or the religious power dominating the
civil power to further its ends.
*** When was the union
of church and state formed, from which the papacy gained its control over
the civil powers?
The foundation was laid for it during the reign of Constantine, A.D.
313-337, and it developed under his successors.
*** How was this
governmental patronage of the church shown under Constantine and later
rulers?
Immunities, privileges, and certain judicial functions for the clergy,
and gifts, endowments, and financial support for the church; first on a
basis of equality with the priesthood and temples of paganism, then on a
preferred basis, and finally to the exclusion of all except Catholic
orthodoxy.