140 likes | 154 Views
Three Froglike Spirits. 16:13,14 Clue to identification is in Frankish people from whom arose Charlemagne. ‘Franks’ comes from Latin - means ‘free’ - were originally freedom loving people. Franks invaded Roman Empire leading ultimately to establishment of France.
E N D
Three Froglike Spirits. • 16:13,14 Clue to identification is in Frankish people from whom arose Charlemagne. • ‘Franks’ comes from Latin - means ‘free’ - were originally freedom loving people. • Franks invaded Roman Empire leading ultimately to establishment of France. • Franks’ heraldic symbol was three frogs - banner of Clovis leader of Franks is on show in Rheims Cathedral - shows three frogs symbol.
Banner of Clovis to be seen In Cathedral of Rheims. Three frogs banner
Development of Liberty. • In scripture spirits are often teachings:- “Beloved, believe not every spirit, ... because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1) • France became intensely liberty-loving - found Catholic life too inhibiting. • Spirit of liberty in French nation expressed as : “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.” • Ultimately erupted into French Revolution - led to more bloodshed and terror.
Pharoah and Frogs. • Scripture speaks of plague of frogs - literally infiltrated every place and level of society. • 3 “And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs 4 And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants.” (Ex 8)
Results of Plague of Frogs. • Result of plague of frogs was corruption – “the land stank.” (Ex 8:14). • When threat had gone away Pharoah changed his mind: ... “and hearkened not unto them…”8:15. • Frogs are associated with a false PROMISE OF LIBERTY and with CORRUPTION. • Final effect of plague same as false teachers : “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption.”(2 Peter 2:19). • French Revolution produced same results.
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity? • Intended goals of French Revolution - Liberty, Equality and Fraternity have their modern day counterparts - Nationalism, Socialism and Humanism. • These ideals/teachings have permeated the modern world - leading to great upheavals among nations/population • 16:13 These revolutionary teachings constitute the ‘unclean spirits’ - false teachings referred to.
Results of Revolution. • “In a political sense it is still proper to date the age in which we live from the French Revolution. The shock carried by that Revolution and the spread of its principles has produced repercussions ever since.”(Larousse, Modern History) • ‘Miracles’ in the areas of education, inventions, industry, arts, science, ethics and religion. • All aspects of social and political life have been transformed.
Dragon , Beast and False Prophet. • The Dragon was the military centre of the eastern Roman Empire - it was removed to Moscow in 1453. • The Beast is the political power in Europe. • The False Prophet - the Pope claims to be vicar of Jesus Christ and to speak for him. If this is untrue, then he is a false prophet. • These three centres have policies profoundly influenced by spirit of French Revolution - are increasingly drawing closer together.
Cross Crescent
“...spirits of devils...” • 16:14 The spirits (teachings) are to be demoniacal – “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles…” • Refers to a confused state of mind produced by human wisdom: “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion (tumult) and every evil work” (James 3:16).
Gathering to Battle. • Phase 1. Working of that spirit of liberalism derived from philosophy of Revolution. • Phase 2.The gathering of all nations to battle 16:14 : “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty”.
Work of Unclean Spirits. • Who are the kings of the earth & whole world? Greek word indicates all nations to be involved. • There are two elements which are involved in gathering the nations for the battle. • The first is political - the dragon & the beast. • The second is religious - the false prophet. • Overall spirit is ECUMENICAL.
Second Vatican Council 1965. • De Oecumenismo (Decree on Ecumenism),: “... this movement ... has been given the name of the ecumenical movement. Its active members are those who call upon the God who is Three, and who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour” • “..whole inhabited world” is to be gathered to this central belief, resulting from ecumenical Councils producing “historic Christianity.”