“So he carried me [John] away in the spirit into the wilderness:
and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast,
full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour,
and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls,
having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
And upon her forehead was a name written,
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints,
and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus:
and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” (Revelation 17:3-6 KJV)
The term “ecumenism” comes from the Greek word ο?κουμ?νη (oikoumene), meaning “the inhabited earth,” “the whole inhabited world” or “the inhabited or habitable earth or world” “A particular inhabited country (Luke 2:1; Acts 11:28).” [1] The word occurs in the New Testament in Luke 2:1, where it is translated as “all the world.” In Scripture the word was historically used in reference to the then known world of the Roman Empire. Luke the physician (and historian) who penned the book of Acts and also the book of Luke uses the word this way in Luke chapter two: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world [oikoumene, meaning “the inhabited earth”] should be taxed [registered]. (And this taxing [census] was first made when Cyrenius [Quirinius] was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed [registered], every one into his own city” (Luke 2:1-3 KJV).
Today this word is used in a way that is much different than the biblical text was referring to when the consensus in Israel took place in the first century. Drawing in “all the world[s]” streams of Christianity at the cost of biblical truth, Global Ecumenism is an unbiblical movement based upon and centered around “unity.” But just what type of unity is this? Global ecumenism is a compromised unity that feverishly utilizes Christian nomenclature (words, terms, expressions), but at its very core rejects biblical unity. It embraces Roman Catholic unity and encourages Evangelicals (Protestants) and Roman Catholics to march arm-in-arm, all the while avoiding a primary principle that is found from Genesis chapter one thru Revelation chapter twenty-two – the principle of biblical separation (Genesis 1, 2, 3; Deuteronomy 28-30; Romans 16:17-19; Revelation 22).
To note, God used various forms of “separation” throughout the Genesis account and throughout His continued dealings with Israel as a nation, tongue and people. To this day, God continues to command, through His Word, the implementation of “separation” from false teaching, false teachers, and all who would corrupt and destroy God’s Church and God’s Gospel message for humanity. The idea of “separation” is at the very root of God’s plans, from beginning to end. Completely blind to this fact, global ecumenists and much of modern Evangelicalism are working hard to see all of Christendom and Christianity meld into One global Christian movement (i.e., Evangelicals and Catholics Together).
However, as we shall see, this is the high road to trampling truth underfoot.
As we embark upon a closer look at what global ecumenism is and does, we will see clearly that what God warned about 2000 years ago is clearly happening before our eyes across the globe – false teaching and apostasy is being overlooked for the sake of unifying the ever growing, ever coalescing, Global Ecumenical Movement! [2]
The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Ecumenical Movement of the 21st Century
In order to further define the intentions of the World Ecumenical Movement, the quote below can be found on the World Council of Church website. The World Council of Churches is “A worldwide fellowship of 349 churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service.” [3]
“WCC and the ecumenical movement in the 21st century
Main highlights of the ecumenical movement 1910-2010. [PDF Chart online at this original source quote. Endnote no. 4.]
The visible unity of the church is the central goal of the ecumenical movement. And while “visible unity” can be understood in various ways, it necessarily involves relationships between churches.
Churches and other ecumenical partners pray, reflect, plan and act together. As a fellowship of some 350 Anglican, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Old Catholic, Protestant, independent and united churches, nurturing such relationships is a vital facet of the WCC’s vocation to support the churches and the ecumenical movement in their efforts to reach visible unity.
Thus, this programme will encourage relationships with and among its member churches, but also with churches which are not members, Christian world communions, conciliar bodies and other ecumenical agencies; it will support ecumenical initiatives at regional, national and local levels and, in general, seek to promote the coherence of the one ecumenical movement.” [4] (Emphasis in original.)
Exposing the Unbiblical Compromise of Ecumenism
Throughout the last century, ecumenism has become recognized and encouraged as an international movement for Church unity. This resulted in part from the Edinburgh Missionary Conference of 1910 which unfortunately did not emphasize biblical separation from false teachings in order for there to truly be biblical unity. [5] To note, the motivation to work together as Christians is biblical and good, but deviation from sound doctrine always ends in spiritual decay and apostasy. The Holy Spirit clearly warns:
“Now the [Holy] Spirit speaketh expressly [explicitly], that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits [demons], and doctrines of devils [teaching of the demons]; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry [i.e, celibate priesthoods], and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth…” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV)
God’s Word also clearly protects against unbiblical unity by protecting true Christian unity that is centered in and around sound doctrine:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Romans 16:17-20 KJV).
An Ever-Morphing Movement
Over time the ecumenical movement has evolved through many compromised movements and missions societies. ‘Faith and Order’, ‘Life and Work’, the ‘International Missionary Council,’ ‘World Evangelical Alliance,’ ‘The World Council of Churches,’ and hundreds of other Christian organizations that have gone ecumenical make for staggering statistics of biblical compromise. The council that once began in Edinburgh, Scotland as a movement for Christians to work together, in time, fully morphed into the fully ecumenical World Council of Churches (WCC). [6] Even the term ‘Christian’ has been excluded from the title. To take a biblical stand for biblical unity and to speak out regarding this unbiblical movement always results in being labeled divisive, mean-spirited, unkind, judgmental, intolerant, unloving and of course, narrow-minded. [7]
A Closer Look at the Agenda of The World Council of Churches (WCC)
Perhaps you read the above quote from the World Council of Churches webpage and thought, wow, that is a lot of churches and people. Well, that is only the tip of the iceberg. Included below the next few paragraphs is another quote from the World Council of Churches, from the “Who We Are” webpage. The quote below explains further just how big and all-inclusive the membership in the WCC is.
One should note before reading the quote below, that the word “Eucharistic” has a primary appeal to Roman Catholic Eucharistic adoration, which is what the Protestant Reformers were primarily burned at the stake and slaughtered en masse for. [8] The Roman Catholic Doctrine of Transubstantiation (i.e., Eucharistic Mystagogy – initiation into the “mysteries.”) is diametrically opposed to the historic biblical position regarding remembering Christ through “Communion,” or, the “Lord’s Supper.” [9] The Roman Catholic idea of “eating” and “ingesting” God through Eucharistic Transubstantiation is rooted in paganism and idolatry. [10] This is discussed in more detail later in this article.
The following is the quote that explains who the World Council of Churches is. Based on its vastness, it is clear that it is an entity that seems to absorb all, working together behind the scenes with the Vatican and the Pope. Emphasis below is in original.
“What is the World Council of Churches?
The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the scriptures, and therefore seek to fulfil together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
It is a community of churches on the way to visible unity in one faith and one eucharistic fellowship, expressed in worship and in common life in Christ. It seeks to advance towards this unity, as Jesus prayed for his followers, “so that the world may believe.” (John 17:21)
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is the broadest and most inclusive among the many organized expressions of the modern ecumenical movement, a movement whose goal is Christian unity.
The WCC brings together 349 churches, denominations and church fellowships in more than 110 countries and territories throughout the world, representing over 560 million Christians and including most of the world’s Orthodox churches, scores of Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches, as well as many United and Independent churches. While the bulk of the WCC’s founding churches were European and North American, today most member churches are in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific.
For its member churches, the WCC is a unique space: one in which they can reflect, speak, act, worship and work together, challenge and support each other, share and debate with each other. As members of this fellowship, WCC member churches:
- are called to the goal of visible unity in one faith and one eucharistic fellowship;
- promote their common witness in work for mission and evangelism;
- engage in Christian service by serving human need, breaking down barriers between people, seeking justice and peace, and upholding the integrity of creation; and
- foster renewal in unity, worship, mission and service.” [11]
In light of the foregoing, it must also be noted that the Roman Catholic Church’s Global Catholic Television Network, EWTN, has a program entitled “The New Evangelization: Building The Civilization of Love.” This global program seeks to draw all of Christendom, including The World Council of Churches, all Evangelicals (and Calvary Chapel’s too) into itself, that is, into the Roman Catholic fold under the Vatican and the Pope’s authority. [12]
Absorbing All Except Biblical Christians
In the Roman Catholic worldview and belief system, global ecumenism is movement, or should we say, a tool that is being used in order to absorb through inclusion, all other churches, Christian movements, and denominations. The Roman Catholic Church has already absorbed the World Council of Churches for its own ends and they continue to work together in the name of “dialogue.” All around the world, ecumenical movements and numerous religions are slowly joining with the Church of Rome. All are warmly embraced through “dialogue” except biblical Christians, who believe in justification by faith alone. That is, that salvation comes through biblical grace alone, through biblical faith alone, in the biblical Jesus Christ alone. The Roman Catholic Church not only rejects justification by faith alone, but it refers to Christians who believe this as “Separated Brethren” who need to “come home to Rome” (i.e., Roman Catholicism).
Simply put, if salvation is not by (biblical) grace alone, through (biblical) faith alone, in (the biblical) Jesus Christ alone, than salvation is by God plus human effort. God’s work, plus human effort? How can one add to the perfect sinless life of Christ and His finished work of redemption on the cross? One cannot! Unfortunately, many Bible believing Christians, in the name of Jesus, are marching arm-in-arm with Roman Catholics, unaware of this massive deception. This simply should not be. Many Christians have no idea about this, but the Roman Catholic Church still has not retracted its statements from The Canons and Decrees of The Council of Trent (1545-1564) which state that those who believe in justification by faith alone are anathema (eternally damned). [13] In other words, if anyone believes that justification is through faith alone in Jesus Christ, the Roman Catholic Church says they should be accursed of God with no hope of salvation.
Regarding the “Canons Concerning Justification,” various Canons (laws, regulations) read as follows:
Canon 9: If anyone says that the sinner is justified by faith alone, meaning that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification… let him be anathema. [14]
Canon 11: If anyone says that men are justified either by the sole imputation of the justice of Christ or by the sole remission of sins, to the exclusion of the grace and the charity which is poured forth in their hearts by the Holy Ghost and remains in them [i.e., the Catholic view of infused justification], or also that the grace by which we are justified is only the good will of God, let him be anathema. [15]
Canon 12: If anyone says that justifying faith is nothing more than confidence in divine mercy, which remits sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is this confidence alone that justifies us, let him be anathema. [16]
Canon 24: If anyone says that the justice received [i.e., justification] is not preserved and also not increased before God through good works, but that those works are merely the fruits and signs of justification obtained, but not the cause of its increase, let him be anathema. [17]
Canon 33: If anyone says that the Catholic doctrine of justification as set forth by the Holy Council and the present decree, derogates in some respect from the glory of God or the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ… let him be anathema. [18]
Former long time Roman Catholic Mike Gendron, from Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries, makes the following important points about the difference between the biblical gospel and the Roman Catholic gospel:
“A Christian is justified once by faith because justification is a permanent declaration by God (Romans 8:30). However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5).” [19]
Quoting directly from the official Catechism of the Catholic Church, Gendron exposes Rome’s false gospel, which convolutes the doctrines of justification and sanctification to no end:
“A Catholic is justified repeatedly by sacraments and works because he loses the grace of justification each time a mortal sin is committed. The sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification. (CCC 1446).” [20]
The following is the full quote directly from the Catechism of The Catholic Church, entry 1446:
“1446 Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance for all sinful members of his Church: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into grave sin, and have thus lost their baptismal grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is to them that the sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification. The Fathers of the Church present this sacrament as “the second plank [of salvation] after the shipwreck which is the loss of grace.”” [21]
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What is the Council of Trent?
(1545 – 63) 19th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic church, which made sweeping reforms and laid down dogma clarifying nearly all doctrines contested by the Protestants. Convened by Pope at Trento in northern Italy, it served to revitalize in many parts of Europe. In its first period (1545 – 47) it accepted the as the basis of Catholic faith, fixed the canon of the and , set the number of at seven, and defined the nature and consequences of sin; it also ruled against doctrine of justification by faith. In its second period (1551 – 52) it confirmed the doctrine of transubstantiation and issued decrees on episcopal jurisdiction and clerical discipline. In the final period (1562 – 63) it defined the as a true sacrifice and issued statements on several other doctrinal issues. By the end of the 16th century, many of the abuses that had motivated the Protestant reformation had disappeared, and the church had reclaimed many of its European followers.
(Encyclopedia Britannica Concise [22]
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Ecumenism Rejects Justification By Faith Alone
In laymen’s terms, justification by faith alone means that through simple childlike faith in the Person and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, one is declared perfectly righteous before the Almighty God, who created the heavens and the earth. As a result of trusting in Christ, who was the “propitiatory sacrifice” for our sins, God’s anger and just wrath against sin has been completely satisfied. Jesus, being our All Holy Substitute on the cross, paid for our redemption with His own blood and resurrected from the dead three days later. Our sin [transgression against the Law of God] was dealt with completely at the cross – the punishment that we deserve for sinning against God was put upon Christ, instead of us. We the guilty, go free, because He the Sinless Savior, bore our punishment to set us free. Born-again Christians are justified (declared righteous) before God, based on what Jesus already did for sinful humanity, not what a priest today does through blasphemously re-presenting (sacrificing) the Eucharist, plus our good works. When a person truly believes in Jesus Christ and what He has done for them (and all of us), then they are “made alive in Christ” (Ephesians 2:1-22) by God’s Holy Spirit Who comes to dwell in them and through them (Ephesians 3). Hence the term, “born-again,” or “born from above” (John 3).
To learn more about justification by faith alone, one can study Romans 4, 5 and 6, Galatians 1, 2 and 3, and Ephesians 1 , 2 and 3 in the New Testament. The book of Hebrews also deals with this topic in-depth. To miss this as a Christian is to miss the entirety of the biblical gospel. If one professes to be a Christian and does not know the basic facts herein mentioned, one must consider whether or not they truly are a Christian as defined by Scripture. Salvation can only be by (biblical) grace alone, through (biblical) faith alone, in (the biblical) Jesus Christ alone. To think and believe otherwise is an utter rejection of Jesus’ whole purpose in being born of a virgin and going to the cross. He was born on a mission to die on our behalf, that we might live eternally, by being made alive spiritually through Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Because He lives, we too shall live, if we truly have faith in Him and His finished work on the cross.
If one rejects these truths as defined in the Bible and adheres to Roman Catholic traditions over and above what Scripture teaches, one is rejecting God’s plan of salvation that comes through His grace alone. Holy Scripture is very clear that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Some people may find offense with these statements, however the Bible is very clear.
The Roman Catholic gospel and its all absorbing ecumenical agenda goes completely against the biblical Gospel of God (Romans 1:1-5), which is clearly offerred as a free gift, through faith in Christ alone (Romans 1:16-17). Trying to add one’s own human effort to Christ’s finished work on the cross speaks plainly that Christ’s blood atonement and suffering, death, burial and resurrection were not enough. How in the world can anyone add to what Christ has already done? Again, no one can! The testimony of Jesus from the cross is very clear: “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30a)
Unifying Factors That Enhance Global Ecumenism
Contrary to the biblical gospel and biblical unity, numerous Roman Catholic unifying factors for global ecumenism are already being clearly recognized. The following are just some of the things that are being utilized by Ecumenists, through numerous strains of Roman Catholic and Ecumenical Spirituality: Marian apparitions which produce supernatural paranormal occult phenomena similar to UFO sightings and alleged messengers that “channel” forth Marian dogma (teachings), Marian teachings that exalt Mary and demote Jesus Christ, heavy emphasis on Eucharistic Adoration (idolatry), prayers to and for saints and deceased relatives (the dead, necromancy), and of course, charismatic phenomena throughout the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR). [23] The Catholic Charismatic renewal, with its Roman Catholic version of speaking in tongues and prayers, is steeped in devotion to Mary, mystical experiences, contemplative spirituality (Spiritual Formation, lectio divina, centering prayer, etc.) the dangerous Ignatius of Loyola Spiritual Exercises (mystical/occult), meditation and centering prayer. Even yoga and occult Reiki energy channeling are accepted by many nominal Roman Catholics (and undiscerning Christians) as different expressions of spirituality in this vast ecumenical landslide. [24] Within the global morass of ecumenical compromise, many once solid Bible believing Christians are falling prey to the same things, and quite a few of them are even turning to Mary and Rome, and leaving the biblical Jesus behind. [25] Inter-faith ecumenical Taize meetings, chanting mantras, Christian Intuitives (a form of spiritism), spiritual directors, seers and engaging in many more mystical and unbiblical avenues are all components of the slide into apostasy (turning away from the faith). [26] Masses of deceived people are marching in allegiance to Rome’s counterfeit “Eucharistic” Christ, the Pope and Evangelicalism, broadly-speaking, has for the most part become undiscerning Evan-gullibleism. Many are departing from the faith “that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (i.e., Christians; Jude 3-4) for a more comfortable broad road Christianity that is a counterfeit in line with Mystery Babylon as found in Revelation 17.
Eucharistic Adoration: When Bread Mystically Becomes God
In this incomplete list just mentioned, one of the primary things being used to unite compromised Christians with Roman Catholicism is “Eucharistic Adoration.” This is the belief that Jesus literally becomes fully present in the Roman Catholic Eucharist. Stated another way, Jesus’s body, blood, soul and divinity are transformed literally into the form of the Eucharist wafer (Roman Catholic communion bread). Biblical Christians reject this teaching because it is an outright perversion of the biblical text. In fact, many of the Reformers of the 16th century were burned at the stake for opposing this teaching and for believing in justification by faith alone. John Foxes Foxes Book of Martyrs (abridged) and The Acts and Monuments of the Christian Church (unabridged) bares this out completely, as do numerous other historical accounts. [27] It should also be noted that Marian dogma (teachings channeled from spirit apparitions of the Virgin Mary) around the globe support Eucharistic Adoration. Much evidence can be presented to prove that these apparitions are none other than baleful demons masquerading as Mary, Fatima, Our Lady, Lady of nations, etc., for the purpose of deceiving mankind. The unbiblical teachings in and of themselves are thoroughly against what Scripture teaches and heresies abound on all fronts. Furthermore, Marian teachings promote the veneration of statues, icons, relics and praying to Mary, whereas Jesus said we are to pray to the Father, in Christ’s name (Matthew 6:9; John 14:14; Luke 11:2). We pray through Christ, because He is our Mediator, not Mary. Mary was a sinner who needed a Savior, as she herself acknowledged: “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46-47).
As for statues of Mary and Eucharist “wafers” that “become God,” the Bible speaks quite clearly about trying to make, form or fashion anything into that which resembles the Divine:
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6)
The Roman Catholic reader may respond, “But Jesus said we should eat His flesh and drink His blood.” Yes, Jesus stated “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you” (John 6:53). Jesus was speaking metaphorically, not literally! Jesus also spoke the following, before He said “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”
Jesus answered and said unto them:
“This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:29-35)
Jesus’s point was clearly that our spiritual sustenance and life are found in Him – in Messiah alone, the true Bread from Heaven. Cannibalism (eating of human flesh) is essentially what “Eucharistic mystagogy” is. It is spiritualizing cannibalism under the cover of re-sacrificing Christ all over again, in an “unbloody manner,” and then eating and ingesting Him. How can a human eat God? Scripture, logic and the fact that there are no physical or chemical changes in the elements flat out deny the blasphemy of Eucharistic Adoration.
To put it another way, Jesus was illustrating a spiritual reality that everlasting life comes through Him, the Son of God. He was not teaching mystical cannibalism which transpires when the priesthood engages in Eucharistic Mysticism (Roman Catholic Encyclopedia). This unbiblical perversion is nothing more than a precursor to and part of the Roman Catholic ‘Initiation into the Mysteries.’ Vatican II as well as “Life Beyond Confirmation: How to Revive the Ancient Practice of Mystagogy” speak much on this, promulgating error upon error. [28]
Trojan Horses Unloading Their Cargo En Masse
Global ecumenism, like a giant Trojan Horse, is unloading its “unity-at-all-costs” cargo en masse around the world. This counterfeit Christendom can be seen all around the planet, ever morphing, ever absorbing and ever rejecting justification by faith alone and unity centered in Christ’s doctrine and His cross. The Vatican’s ecumenical department, the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity [29], leads the way in dismantling biblical unity in order to establish ecumenism, the Roman Catholic way. So too Pope John Paul II’s (18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) New Evangelization agenda has been sweeping millions into Rome’s fold for over ten years now. [30] Pope Benedict XVI has been following up on what John Paul II desired, but did not complete – seeing the whole world devoted to Mary and Eucharistic Adoration.
To make matters worse, countless Evangelicals, Emerging Church followers and nominal church-goers are following in the footsteps of many compromised Christian pastors and leaders (Alpha Course, Purpose Driven, etc.) whose teachings are becoming ever more diluted, convoluted and polluted. For the biblically undiscerning and the unlearned youth of this generation, all manner of powerful deception is being unleashed upon them. Under the guise of a deeper, more experiential and trendy Christianity, biblical theology is tossed out the window in order to embrace sensory-oriented, mystical and subjective Christianity. Sadly, those being swept away by the ideas that these movements spew forth cannot see the deception involved. Biblical discernment is touted as “divisive” and even well known pastors are saying that the church does not need biblical discernment ministries.
Due to all these things, global ecumenism is growing rapidly and gaining strength daily. The subtleties of lukewarm compromise are already leading to blatant hostility towards the discerning, i.e., those who choose to obey the biblical principle of separating from false teachers, false teachings and ecumenism. This has been clearly seen in numerous churches, where once solid Bible believers have chosen to remain under the teaching of Diotrophes-like pastors, who love to have the pre-eminence in the church, instead of displaying Christ-like humility and unwavering love for God’s truth, like Demetrius.
“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true” (3 John 1:9-12).
Ungodly leaders, turning on fellow believers who express heartfelt and scriptural concern over the growing apostasy and compromises in churches, are becoming betrayers of the truth and betrayers of the body of Christ. Sadly, those who are sounding biblical warnings about many spiritual dangers facing the church are now viewed by many with disdain. This ought not be!
Firefighters, Lighthouse Keepers and Good Shepherds
Sounding a warning bell is not mean-spirited. Nor is it unloving. It is a Christian kindness. Do not firefighters warn about the dangers of fire and rescue those caught in burning buildings? Do not lighthouse keepers trim the lamp to help captains at sea keep their vessels from running aground? Do not good shepherds fend off and repel dangerous, ravenous wolves and wild dogs in order to protect the sheep? Of course they do! They all actively participate in warning and helping those who do not see the danger coming. They are also oftentimes more than willing to put their life on the line in order to save others, to fulfill the calling to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31; Matthew 19:19; 22:37-40). Paul the Apostle exemplified Christian love very clearly when he warned the Ephesian elders day and night for three years, with tears, warning them that deceivers would arise from within the church, and that deceivers would come into the church from the outside. Paul warned:
“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:28-31)
These warnings are very clear and the Bible warns a great deal from cover to cover about deceivers and spiritual deception. Why is it then that when Christian men and women lovingly warn of deadly heresies infecting God’s church, they are castigated and railed upon by people within the church? Here is why:
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” (John 15:18-21)
Only One Way To God
Jesus Himself said in no uncertain terms, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6-7). Yet consider closely what the Roman Catholic Church teaches. Quoting from Vatican II, which are official Roman Catholic documents, we read:
“Finally, those who have not yet received the gospel are related to the people of God in various ways….But the plan of salvation also include those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Moslems: these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day. Nor is God remote from those who in the shadows and images seek the unknown God…Those who through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience – those too may achieve eternal salvation.” (Emphasis added.) [31]
Allah Is Not Yahweh
Furthermore, Allah is not Yahweh. The two are diametrically opposed to each other. Many Christians and Roman Catholics are severely misled. Roman Catholics are misled by Vatican II in the idea that Muslims and Christians worship the same God. They are not! Just because Judaism, Islam and Christianity are all monotheistic belief systems, belief in one God does not mean that all worship the same God, nothing could be further from the truth. The false god of Islam is not the same as the God of the Bible.
Vatican II teaches that Muslims (Moslems) who have never even heard of Jesus Christ and His Gospel can go to heaven, as long as they are sincere in their beliefs! Within this same framework of twisted logic, Satanists, Buddhists, Voodoun (Voodoo) practitioners, Atheists, Hindu’s, etc., can all get to heaven too, because they are sincere in their beliefs. If that is the case, why then did Jesus (God) come in the flesh and endure ultimate wrath in our place on the cross? Vatican II, with one paragraph negates God’s entire plan of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible is clear that one cannot go to heaven apart from Jesus Christ, yet the Roman Catholic Churches own official documents contradict this. Denying Jesus Christ through doctrines and practice has its consequences. And for the Muslims (Moslem)? Can they be saved if they repent and come to Jesus, not Allah! Yes, they can, but according to the biblical plan of salvation, not the Roman Catholic way. The biblical truth that God has a Son is utter blasphemy to a Muslim and the Muslim must repent from his/her understanding of this and come to the real Jesus, God’s Holy Son, who died on the cross for our sins, was placed in a tomb and rose from the dead on the third day. If Muslims flatly reject the biblical teaching that Jesus is God, and they die believing this, they cannot be saved.
Interfaith Spirituality Destroys Christ’s Uniqueness
The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one way to heaven and that way is through Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle explained clearly in Romans 1:4 that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God [a title ascribing Sonship and Deity] with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Jesus Christ, resurrected from the dead, is uniquely set apart from all other religions, religious leaders and spiritual personages. Yet Interfaith spirituality, which is melding together with global ecumenism, teaches that we are all on different paths to the same place. The Interfaith worldview destroys the biblical worldview by teaching that Muhammad, Krishna, Maitreya, Buddha and countless other so-called prophets, yogi’s, avatars and way-showers are equal to Jesus. [32] They say Jesus was just one avatar among many and that He appeared for His era and others respectively for their own era. What a tragic lie! The real Messiah, the True Light of the world who resurrected from the dead said:
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many…Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.”” (Matthew 24:4, 5, 9-11, 23-26)
Coalescing Into Global One World Spirituality
In summary, the heavily coalescing global ecumenical movement is a counterfeit Christianity. It is rapidly blending with Liberal churches and an entire generation of pagans and churchgoers that have been born and steeped in societies rife with “politically correct” thinking and New Age Christ Consciousness Interfaith teachings. In the name of the ecumenical Jesus which cannot save from sin and hell, people around the world are embracing this movement as a movement of love, tolerance and unity. To many it is a movement where the Divine, the Silence, the Divine Mystery, mystical Ecstasy, Samadhi, Enlightenment and much more can all be experienced and where “archaic dogma” such as the Bible is downplayed and cast out. [33] Even things as extreme as consciousness altering contemplative (occult) meditation are taking place in churches that at one time used to effectively teach the Bible.
The end result in all of this is a mystical system that utterly rejects Jesus Christ as the only way to God, or morphs Him into something He is clearly not. It is a system that is accepting of anyone and everyone that says that Mary is “Co-Redemptrix,” that “Eucharistic Adoration” is true worship [34] and that “mystically” all paths can lead to God!
Like Judas Iscariot who betrayed Messiah Jesus with a kiss and the motley crowd who preferred that robber (John 18:40), murderer (Luke 23:19), insurrectionist (Mark 15:7) and notorious prisoner (Matt 27:16) Barabbas be released instead of Jesus, King of the Jews. This perverted mystical Christendom will increase its persecution and killing of those who say that the Savior of the world is the Jesus of Nazareth, not the Jesus of Mystery Babylon (i.e., Rome, Ecumenism and the Interfaith movement). One may ask, what is the name of this unholy apostate system whose foundations have been cemented in stone through the ages and whose wicked fruit is blossoming around the globe today? Her name is “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,” and her modus operandi is mystical experience, not biblical truth:
“And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” (Revelation 17:5,6, Emphasis added).
Staying True To God’s Gospel
To the contrary, we are reminded from Scripture that it is only those who abide in God’s Word who are Jesus’ true disciples: “As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:30-32). The Apostle Peter, a first century Jewish fisherman who clearly understood Christ’s message and even gave his life for it, declared to the “rulers, elders and scribes, as well as Annas, the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and as many as were of the family of the high priest” (Acts 4:10):
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12, Emphasis added).
By Chris Lawson
For much more information on this subject see The World Council of Churches website, http://www.oikoumene.org/en/home.html; The New Evangelization: Building The Civilization of Love, http://www.ewtn.com/new_evangelization/index.htm; The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/index.htm; and the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/new-evangelization/index.htm.
