Pagan Practices Introduced Into the Church

Pagan Practices Introduced Into the Church

The influence of paganism on the Church increased over the years step by step. The Church began to shroud itself in “mystery” and ritualism that had a strong resemblance to Babylonian mysticism. The Chaldean tau, which was the elevation of a large “T” on the end of a pole, was changed to the sign of a cross. The rosary of pagan origin was introduced. Celibacy of priests and nuns, which has no scriptural verification but finds a counterpart in the vestal virgins of paganism, was conceived. The following is a partial list of unscriptural changes introduced during this age. Gradually these changes became more prominent than the original teachings of Christianity.

A.D. 300-Prayers for the dead

A.D. 300-Making sign of the cross

A.D. 375-Worship of saints and angels

A.D. 394-Mass first instituted

A.D. 431-Worship of Mary begun

A.D. 500-Priests began dressing differently than laypeople

A.D. 526-Extreme unction

A.D. 593-Doctrine of purgatory introduced

A.D. 600-Worship services conducted in Latin

A.D. 600-Prayers directed to Mary

From A.D. 312 on, the Church became more Roman and less Christian in its practices. The name Pergamum literally means “marriage” or “elevation.” As the Church became married to governmental authority and elevated to a place of acceptance, it declined in spiritual blessing and power.

PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED (Matthew 13:31-32)

The seed represents the humble beginning of the Kingdom. At first the Kingdom was kept relatively small and pure as a result of persecution. With the patronage and protection of the state, it suffered abnormal growth. The birds (Satan’s agents) came and roosted in it. The Kingdom became a nesting place for Satan and his agents (Revelation 18:2).

MYSTERY OF LAWLESSNESS (2 Thessalonians 2:7)

This is a tremendous spirit of disobedience to God already stirring beneath the surface. It is at work in mystery form, but not yet fully manifested. It is not fully revealed as it will be by the one who blatantly opposes God and blasphemously assumes the place of God on earth that He has reserved for Jesus Christ.

The restrainer (Holy Spirit) will be in place until the Antichrist is revealed, at the midpoint of the Tribulation, leaving him 42 months to reign.

©2012 Kenute P. Curry. All rights reserved.