The One World Church Is Coming Together
Pastor Dale Morgan
The One World Church Is Coming Together*
by Dennis Costella
Fundamental Evangelistic Association
FOUNDATION Magazine
THESE ARE INCREDIBLY EXCITING DAYS. The prophetic events laid out in
God's Word for the formation of the one-world mystery Babylon in its
three forms (economic, political and religious) are coming together
before our very eyes. Although the final manifestation of the prophesied
ecumenical harlot church will take place after the rapture of the true
body of believers, the stage is certainly being set today. Only a few
years ago, it was difficult to see how the many communities making up
"Christendom" today could possibly find a place of acceptance within the
arms of Roman Catholicism, depicted in the book of Revelation as the
whorish, apostate church. But with the incredibly influential,
innovative movements of churches and programs that have recently
surfaced as the world approaches the year 2000, the obvious feasibility
and ultimate fulfillment of the one world church is indeed near. The
Promise Keepers philosophy has brainwashed the majority of churches to
"tear down all denominational barriers" and come together on supposed
common ground. The praise of the pope and the acceptance of Romanism by
leaders such as Billy Graham, Jack Van Impe, Robert Schuller and
virtually all of the charismatic notables have made Catholic acceptance
extremely popular and even theologically viable. These factors have
helped promote the idea that it is preferable to join with Roman
Catholics rather than seek to lead them to Christ with the biblical
Gospel message.
The most amazing phenomenon of all, however, is the Roman Catholic
Church's active attempt to dispel the last remnants of opposition to her
credibility as a bona fide Christian institution by entering into
dialogue with those who previously took a strong stand against Roman
error. The Evangelical and Catholics Together positional papers were
unbelievably deceptive and disarming. Now, the historic contention
between Reformation and Catholic beliefs regarding "Justification" has
apparently been healed in the declaration that is reprinted in this
issue of Foundation. The attitudes and beliefs expressed toward Roman
Catholicism by non-Catholic churches and groups all over the world are
incredible-almost beyond belief! The harlot is ascending. Certainly our
Lord's return must be near! One cannot take Bible prophecy literally and
seriously without unprecedented, present anticipation of momentous
events in the offing.
For decades, the Fundamental Evangelistic Association's "Watchman's
ministry" has followed the efforts of the mainline ecumenical bodies,
such as the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the National Council of
Churches (NCCC), to lay the framework for a visible unity among the wide
array of Christian communions. The stated belief of the movement's
leadership has always been that this is "God's will for the Church."
Admittedly, ecumenism has had a shaky process. Radical, left-wing
programs and proposals in the 60's and 70's left many within the member
denominations wanting to distance themselves from the negative media
attention that resulted. Liberalism never looks too palatable under
careful scrutiny. Loss of support and credibility led to cutbacks that
severely crippled the ecumenical effort.
However, in the 1980s, many religious bodies took major steps that
actually began to advance their dreams and goals of ecumenical unity. In
the early 1980s, the WCC sponsored a dialogue project that was purported
to be "a major advance on the ecumenical journey." The resulting "Lima
Text," an agreed statement on "Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry," brought
together theologians representing Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran,
Episcopal, Baptist, Adventist and Pentecostal belief systems in order to
find and articulate common ground. Books were written and follow-up
discussions abounded, but no noticeable unity truly developed. The
"Gathering of Christians" in the late 1980's is another example of the
ecumenist's attempt to attach some substance to their dream. This
meeting brought together a mix of NCCC and WCC participants along with
those from both the Evangelical and Catholic communities.
The charismatics then sponsored a major meeting in 1987. "The North
American Congress on the Holy Spirit and World Evangelization" was an
amazing mixture of evangelicals, charismatics and mainline
denominations, with the largest single contingency being from the Roman
Catholic Church. Father Tom Forrest, a Vatican official, served as the
keynote speaker. His grand finale given at the end of the congress
brought over 40,000 individuals in the New Orleans Superdome to their
feet when he shouted: "Let's stop the competition; let's stop the
fighting. We got a devil to fight; what are we fighting each other for
[Catholics and non-Catholics]? ... Let's go out and do the job
[evangelizing the world], and let's do it the only way it can be done.
Brothers and sisters, let's do it together!!!" The ecumenical spirit of
this meeting was amazing; it was obvious that the charismatic movement
would serve as a catalyst to bring together, in the days to come, Roman
Catholicism with those churches that formerly regarded Catholicism as a
cult.
Many other ecumenical meetings covered by the FEA have likewise ended
with these vain attempts for unity at the expense of doctrinal purity.
When one looks back over the last thirty years, he can clearly observe
that the ecumenical movement always seemed to be treading water more
than steadily moving its "ecumenical ship" toward its desired haven of
unity. The charismatic influence has greatly helped in bringing
churches, which formerly distanced themselves due to doctrinal
differences, together in an ungodly unity. The charismatics' "new winds
of the spirit" prepared many to accept new parameters for ministry as
well as fellowship.
However, during the last few years, the incredible advances of the
ecumenical movement simply boggle the mind! And the fact that cannot be
denied is the Roman Catholic's unprecedented impetus in bringing about a
working relationship and an acceptance for groups with which they were
previously at odds, theologically and positionally. Yes, the one-world
church is shaping up quickly, and it does appear that all roads are
indeed leading to Rome.
"ILWF Council Unanimously Approves Joint Declaration with Roman
Catholics; Document Ends 400-year Dispute on Doctrine of Justification"
This was the headline of a press release issued on June 16, 1998, by the
Lutheran World Federation. The statement went on to say:
By a unanimous vote, the Lutheran World Federation Council has
approved the "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification" with
the Roman Catholic Church. The "Joint Declaration" ends 400 years of
condemnations on the principal doctrinal dispute of the Reformation,
that salvation is a gift from God through grace, not something humans
earned through good works.
The "Joint Declaration" was circulated among the 124 member churches
of the Lutheran World Federation. The Council acted after a "significant
majority" of churches approved the "Joint Declaration."
Both the Protestants and Catholics during Reformation times issued
condemnations of each other. The "Joint Declaration asserts that though
there still remain some differences on the understanding of
justification, the differences are not substantial enough to warrant the
condemnations.... On the basis of these agreements the doctrinal
condemnations in the Lutheran confessional writings regarding
justification be declared not to apply to the teaching of the Roman
Catholic Church as presented in the "Joint Declaration."
A few days later, Cardinal Edward Cassidy, president of the Pontifical
Council for Promoting Christian Unity, stated the Vatican's response.
Cassidy said:
I wish to stress that the consensus reached on the doctrine of
justification, despite its limitations, virtually resolves a long
disputed question at the close of the 20th century, on the eve of the
new millennium.
Cassidy said both groups would officially, formally sign the document
together in the fall and celebrate the consensus together. An article by
Gustav Niebuhr in the June 26, 1998, issue of the New York Times says,
"The declaration's acceptance by both the Vatican and the Lutheran
federation represents a triumph for supporters of the ecumenical
movement, which has urged closer cooperation among churches."
THE CATHOLIC/LUTHERAN CONSENSUS - BIBLICAL OR POLITICAL?
The declaration which follows on page ten, printed in full [click here
for the Declaration], is a masterful attempt to appease the "faithful"
of both churches, while at the same time purporting to reach "a
consensus" regarding the "understanding of justification ... fundamental
and indispensable to overcoming [their] division" (ś13).
For example, the Lutherans provide an emphasis on the importance of
justification being"...a gift [that] we receive in faith, and never can
merit in any way" (ś17). Yet over against this seemingly clear
declaration of Bible truth, one finds a Catholic spin on the concept of
justification that totally opposes justification by faith alone apart
from works: "Through Christ alone are we justified, when we receive this
salvation in faith. Faith is itself God's gift through the Holy Spirit
who works through Word and Sacrament in the community of believers"
(ś16). Make no mistake about it, while lip service is paid to
justification "through Christ alone," the reception of that
justification and its maintenance is "through the ... Sacrament in the
community of believers"-the Church remains the essential means of grace!
Again, Lutheran input emphasizes that "the sinner is granted
righteousness before God in Christ through the declaration of
forgiveness and that only in union with Christ is one's life renewed"
(ś22). That sounds good. But once again, the interjection of a false
gospel-baptismal regeneration-integrally ties salvation to a ceremonial
induction into the Roman Catholic Church: "Persons are justified through
Baptism as hearers of the Word and believers in it" (ś27). (For further
verification and reference to official statements of Catholic catechism
regarding the indispensable role of keeping the Sacraments for
"salvation," please note the article in the January/February 1998 issue
of Foundation magazine on the "Evangelicals and Catholics Together"
joint statement). Yes, only "the faithful can rely on the mercy and
promises of God" (ś34), but "the faithful" in this context refers only
to those who are loyal to the Sacraments of the respective church
organizations. Any who turn from the church forfeit the means of grace.
Another central Bible truth that will never be accepted by the Roman
Catholic Church is the assurance of the believer's salvation, or eternal
security. It is agreed that God "intends his salvation" (ś37), but
again, the declaration states only "the faithful" who "build on the
effective promise of God's grace in Word and Sacrament ... [can] be sure
of this grace" (ś34). Good works are necessary "so that the
righteousness that comes from God is preserved... " (ś38). Thus, the
individual is responsible to perform necessary works and do his part in
order to maintain or preserve his salvation, his acceptance before God.
Such a teaching is contrary to biblical justification which teaches that
man's salvation, his acceptance before the Father, is based on the
imputed, perfect and unalterable righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Mark them" which depart "from the doctrine which ye have learned; and
avoid them. For... by good words and fair speeches [they] deceive the
hearts of the simple" (Rom. 16:17, 18). This declaration of consensus is
a classic documentation of apostasy. The Bible speaks prophetically of
this treachery in the last days.
APOSTASY SHALL FLOURISH IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE CHURCH AGE
The Bible plainly states in I Timothy 4:1-6 that in the "latter times"
an increase of apostasy and false, devilish doctrine will occur (v. 1).
The culmination of the great apostasy prophesied in 2 Thessalonians
2:8-12, when an unbelieving world will believe the devil's lie and "all
the world [will wonder] after the beast" (Rev. 13:35), takes place
during the Tribulation, after the Body of Christ has been taken out of
this world. The Antichrist, who speaks "great things and blasphemies,"
will be worshipped at this time. False, perverted worship is central to
the devil's agenda.
But "the mystery of iniquity [that] doth already work" (2 Thess. 2:7)
and the roots of that terrible, future apostasy are evident on every
hand today. The religious sector is setting aside the righteous demands
of God's Holy Word in favor of a "nonjudgmental," "anything-goes"
philosophy that so dominates current thought. This is apostasy! How
strange and shameful that some supposed Christians try to twist the
Scriptures in order to justify their conclusion that error is not
wickedness. It certainly is!
"Seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Tim. 4: 1) will also
increase in intensity and diversity in the "latter times" just prior to
our Lord's return. Yet even though the Spirit "expressly" reveals this
fact in God's Word, many today still insist that the Christian must not
be dogmatic over doctrinal matters and that, instead, he should tolerate
all opinions and beliefs. No, God says we are to contend for the Faith
and to test all things by the God-given Standard, His holy Word. Only
the one who 2ives attendance to sound doctrine (vv. 13-15) will escape
the devil's lies (v. 16).
GOD'S JUDGMENT UPON RELIGIOUS BABYLON
Revelation 16 introduces and reveals the outcome of what chapters 17 and
18 present in detail-God's judgment upon mystery Babylon in both its
religious and political forms. Obviously, the judgments depicted in
chapter 17 precede the events that result when the seven vials are
poured out upon the earth. The events in chapter 17 possibly even occur
early in the Tribulation. An angel with one of the seven vials summons
John to come and see the judgment of the woman (symbolizing Babylon in
this text), also identified as "the great whore" (v. 1). The nations
over which this Babylonian system prevails are seen as "many waters."
John reveals two facts concerning the relationship between Babylon and
these nations (v. 2). First, spiritual fornication results when the
national leaders join with her in the common cause of religious
pretense. Second, she captivates the general population by her
diabolical influence. The apostate church is here united with the
worldly, political system.,
The apostle John sees the woman actually sitting upon a scarlet beast
(v. 3 cf. 13:1-the final form of Gentile power). John here portrays the
great harlot's extensive power and her blasphemous character. False,
compromised religion can indeed have power with men and nations in such
an unholy marriage, but only at the expense of purity. Romanism's
current political clout is powerful, and it will increase as others
unite with her as her judgment draws nigh. The harlot's yoke to this
beast that eventually causes all the world to worship the dragon shows
her filthiness.
THE GREAT WHORE REVEALED
The manner in which this great whore is arrayed is extremely revealing
(Revelation 17:4-6). Her gaudy, sumptuous attire speaks of the allure
that causes her subjects to look to her as the glorious embodiment of
the one-world religious system (v. 4). Look at her influence, liturgy,
riches and the sheer glory of her dazzling display-now that is the
epitome of religion! Right? No, not according to God's Word! Her rich,
royal regalia is unquestionably descriptive of the Roman Catholic and
the Greek Orthodox churches of this current dispensation. How tragic to
see that many churches, which once separated from her spiritual
infidelity, are now turning in ecumenical fervor to Rome wherein is
found the "abominations and filthiness of her fornication." The great
harlot's title speaks of the paganism of ancient Babylon that has been
incorporated into Roman Catholicism from its inception.
The paganism and spiritual whoredom reaches its zenith when this
apostate church becomes synonymous with the religious portion of
end-time Babylon itself (v. 5). The word Babel means "confusion." Study
the history of pagan Babylon's mysteries, symbols, rituals and
mysticism-it is obviously Romanism as we know it today. The blood shed
by the religious regimes of the past will only be multiplied when the
great whore strives to kill those in the Tribulation who have been
washed in the Blood of the Lamb (v. 6). The Antichrist and the apostate,
one-world church will work together, at least for a time, to persecute
the Blood-washed believer.
THE ECUMENICAL RELIGIOUS SYSTEM
In Revelation 17:7-18 the angel reveals to John the meaning of his
vision. He first describes the beast (v. 8). Apparently, the end-time
world government, previously described as the beast (13:1-3), is here
closely identified with the beast personifying the devil himself (11:7).
Satan and this world ruler are in many respects the same. In this
chapter, the final Roman-styled government system is revived; however,
it is not necessarily a historic person, as some have concluded.
Briefly stated, a comparison of the prophecies in Daniel with the
movements of rulers and nations prophesied in Revelation indicates the
formation of global systems that have rejected the Lord in favor of
following the god of this world and the "man of sin." Babylon is
comprised of two parts: the political system headed by the Antichrist
and a separate, ecumenical religious system under the auspices of what
Revelation graphically depicts as Romanism (v. 9). In short, verses 8-1
1 describe the final Gentile world power working in concert with the
final form of apostate religion.
In verses 14-12, John describes the final stage of this last world
government. The ten nation confederacy parallels the prophecy of Daniel
2:36-45. These kings rule concurrently and comprise the revived form of
Roman government just before the Antichrist gains control in the midst
of the Tribulation and sets himself up as the world dictator. These
kings join the beast in common cause against God, but they shall fail
because the "called, and chosen, and faithful" (God's saints) will
prevail at Christ's triumphant return to stand upon the earth (Dan.
2:45; Matt. 24:29-3 1).
Verses 15 and 16 then deal with the "woman." The "waters" spoken of in
Revelation 17:1 are not to be taken literally because God's Word
attaches a symbolic meaning to them in the fifteenth verse. The "waters"
speak of the peoples of the whole earth. Thus, without question, this
passage refers to the coming one-world ecclesiastical system today being
witnessed in its formative stages. The Bible portrays the woman as
controlling the religious, apostate beliefs of multitudes of individuals
worldwide. Her influence is in the world today. Consider the prevailing
attitudes and aspirations of the typical "religious person" in the
present. Does not conventional wisdom say Christians need to tear down
all denominational walls and build bridges of unity among all
"Christians"? Is not this ecumenical shift heading toward Rome?
The Bible reveals God's catastrophic judgment of the woman in greater
detail in verses 16-18. The terrible end for the whore comes midway
through the Tribulation at the hand of the beast she formerly dominated.
The apostate religious system will be overthrown by its political
counterpart. The beast then sets himself up to be worshipped (13:8).
This event graphically portrays the demise of the one-world church that
blossoms for a time following the rapture of the true church. God brings
to pass His will in each event, later bringing political Babylon to
judgment as well. No believer should have anything to do with this great
whore, mystery Babylon.
Touch not this unclean, ecumenical thing (2 Cor. 6:17). The one-world
church that is forming so quickly, just as the Bible prophesied it
would, seeks to draw all who name the Name of Christ into its ungodly
fellowship. Come out! Be separate!