Doug Batchelor: His Catholic Church Attacks

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Thank you, That’s what I was looking for.
How is Daniel 2:44 talking about the persecution of ANY church? What’s being depicted in this text is that these earthly kingdoms will be destroyed by the kingdom of Christ.

The statue is a timeline that begins with the kingdom of Babylon (gold), then continues with Medo-Persia (silver), Greece (bronze), Rome (iron) and the ten kingdoms that Rome (mixture of iron & clay) broke up into (Europe). This understanding is reiterated throughout the book of Daniel and was given, in part, to Daniel directly from the angel Gabriel. If anything, later in the book, you can see the persecution that one of these kingdoms (later revealed to be the “little horn” in chapter 7 that came up from among the ten kingdoms that are represented by the ten toes of the feet in the statue) would persecute God’s people until being destroyed by the kingdom of God which is what you see in Daniel 2:44.

Matthew 28:19-20 is talking about the Great Commission of Jesus’ disciples to spread the gospel.

Neither of these texts say anything about the persecution of the Catholic Church.
 
I’ll admit at first I went on every word that Doug Batchelor said, But now after looking back at how I talk about him to other friends of mine, I realize That I was being suckered into a trap, For this I’m sorry. It was also one more video I came across after I wrote what I did, It was about the gifts of The Spirit. What he said, and what I know and studied, others feel the same way, he was wrong about certain parts.

By the way were trying to say, that I should join a denomination? I’ve studied almost all, included Catholic, as a matter of fact I almost joined a Catholic Church. There are too many divedions of Christians out there, even non-denominatanel should be concerted a denomination. Who is Fully right, or are all party right, That’s what I want to know. That’s why I don’t have a denomination. I still go to a church, but I there are parts I don’t agree with and can back up with the bible.
What is the trap…the Bible? Please elaborate on what you disagree with.

The book of Revelation talks about two churches (as represented by women). One is God’s true church and is identified in Revelation 12; the other is Satan’s church and is identified in Revelation 17.

In 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul tells us believers that we’re not to have divisions, so I certainly agree with that. Now, I know that Catholics believe this as well and feel the Catholic church is Jesus’ true church. But in reading Revelation 12:17, you can see that God’s true church is one that will keep His commandments and maintains the testimony of Jesus (see Revelation 19:10 for insight into what the testimony of Jesus is). This is the church that Satan (the dragon) went to war with after being cast down to the earth when Jesus was resurrected.

Any church that doesn’t follow God’s Ten Commandments is excluded from consideration as being God’s true church.
 
What is the trap…the Bible? Please elaborate on what you disagree with.

The book of Revelation talks about two churches (as represented by women). One is God’s true church and is identified in Revelation 12; the other is Satan’s church and is identified in Revelation 17.
Hi BibleTruth,

Based on the scriptures of Revelation 12 (and for context going back to chapter 11 in particular verse 19), how do you arrive at the conclusion that the woman being spoken of there represents a church…let alone God’s true chruch?

Thanks!
God bless all!!!
 
That the woman is used as a symbol of a church is on several grounds:
  1. As any good Christian knows because Christ is a male the church to whom is married must be a female.
  2. The symbolism starts in chapter 2:
KJV Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
 
That the woman is used as a symbol of a church is on several grounds:
  1. As any good Christian knows because Christ is a male the church to whom is married must be a female.
  2. The symbolism starts in chapter 2:
KJV Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Hi dj,

Ok, I still don’t see how that symbolism is applied to the woman in Rev. 12. And I’ll stay with the KJV for consistancy sake, since I got the impression that you were skeptical of the NIV, or any other versions for that matter, but I could be mistaken, and if I am I apologize…but let’s stay with KJV.

So the first question I have is based on the following (specifically related to the texts highlighted in red):

**Revelation 12
1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

2And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. **

Who is the child with whom the church is pregnant and to whom the church gives birth to, based on your interpretation?

Thanks!

God bless all!!!
 
I still don’t see how that symbolism is applied to the woman in Rev. 12.
Because unlike modern humans posting in forums the Bible writers are quite consistent in their symbolism.
And I’ll stay with the KJV for consistancy sake, since I got the impression that you were skeptical of the NIV, or any other versions for that matter, but I could be mistaken, and if I am I apologize…
I’d prefer to use the Greek, but since most can’t read it and I’m not sure how to display it on the forum, that option is out. OTOH, why apologize for what you really think?
Who is the child with whom the church is pregnant and to whom the church gives birth to, based on your interpretation?
Instead of assuming it would be my “interpretation” (and why should anyone seek a man’s private interpretation contrary to Scripture?) who is the dragon, who are the stars, what does it mean to be clothed with the sun?, etc.? What does the Bible say?

Start with Revelation 1:20.​

Matthew Henry on Rev. 12:

“1. We see how the church is represented in this vision. (1.) As a woman, the weaker part of the world, but the spouse of Christ, and the mother of the saints. (2.) As clothed with the sun, the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having put on Christ, who is the Sun of righteousness, she, by her relation to Christ, is invested with honourable rights and privileges, and shines in his rays. (3.) As having the moon under her feet (that is, the world); she stands upon it, but lives above it; her heart and hope are not set upon sublunary things, but on the things that are in heaven, where her head is. (4.) As having on her head a crown of twelve stars, that is, the doctrine of the gospel preached by the twelve apostles, which is a crown of glory to all true believers. (5.) As in travail, crying out, and pained to be delivered. She was pregnant, and now in pain to bring forth a holy progeny to Christ, desirous that what was begun in the conviction of sinners might end in their conversion, that when the children were brought to the birth there might be strength to bring forth, and that she might see of the travail of her soul.”
 
Hi BibleTruth,

Based on the scriptures of Revelation 12 (and for context going back to chapter 11 in particular verse 19), how do you arrive at the conclusion that the woman being spoken of there represents a church…let alone God’s true chruch?

Thanks!
God bless all!!!
Hello Patrick,

A church is simply a body of believers. As a former Seventh-day Adventist, I’d imagine you’re aware of this understanding, but in case you’re not and for the benefit of others, the rule for this interpretation comes, in part, from passages like Jeremiah 6:2, 2 Corinthians 11:2 & Ephesians 5:23-27. We see this also in Revelation 19:7 where it talks of the wedding of the Lamb (Jesus) and his bride (His true church or body of believers). The pure church of Revelation 12 was clothed in heavenly light and gave birth to Jesus who Satan tried to kill through the state power of Rome (by way of the client king, Herod).

The 12 stars represent the 12 apostles who Christ used to spread **HIS **(not the apostle’s) message to the world…the message founded on **HIS **(not the apostle’s) gospel. I’m emphasizing these points in expectation of what may be coming in the way of responses to this post suggesting that Christ’s church was founded on the teachings and/or traditions of the apostles or individuals they may have instructed. Jesus Christ is the true Rock of Salvation and are beliefs are founded in His atoning sacrifice for our sins.

I won’t use this forum to do an exposition of the entire passage of Revelation 12, particularly in reference to the 1260 days (years) that the woman (i.e. God’s true church) was in the wilderness (i.e. in hiding), but to repeat what I stated previously, we know this is God’s church because it’s the one that keeps His commandments and maintains the testimony of Jesus (which as is defined in Revelation 19:10 as the spirit of prophecy) and is the one Satan went to war with. This only makes sense in the light that Satan wouldn’t have any reason to attack a group of people who weren’t serving God obediently. The initial reason Satan was kicked out of heaven was because, in his pride, he exalted himself to be like God (see Isaiah 14:12-17 & Ezekiel 28:12-19). In the Garden of Eden, he subtly caused Adam and Eve to disobey God. When Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days after His anointing, Satan sought His worship. It’s been no different over the ages and it will continue to be the case until he’s finally defeated.

This has been Satan’s mission since being relegated to this planet because he wants the worship that belongs only to God and has gone about trying to get it any which way he can. This has been done to a large extent by the fact that he’s currently in the Christian church. Given that his plans were not as effective as he desired, he stalled certain efforts in the late 18th century and employed other means to disrupt God’s plan of salvation by instituting the ideology of Illuminism (see Genesis 3:5 for background). This ideology spawned the beliefs of atheism, humanism, communism & evolution (whether theistic or complete). But, prophecy tells us that he will resume his spiritual attacks once again, because that is at the root of his desires (seeking worship that belongs only to God)…and he will once again use his pseudo-Christian church to make that happen. Make no mistake though…God’s true Christian church will prevail with Christ as true spiritual Israelites as did Jacob when first receiving the name “Israel” (which means, one who prevailed with God and with man - Genesis 32:28). As Christians, we’re all called to be spiritual Israelites and do what the physical nation of Israel failed to do in overcoming sin and vindicating God’s righteousness in a sin-sick world.

I’m not sure what you’re referencing in terms of Revelation 11:19 in the context of my last post. But since you mentioned it, I’ll just point out that in this text, we see that the ark of God’s covenant was seen in heaven. We know what was in that ark…God’s Ten Commandments.

I hope this answers your question, but if not, please let me know. Thanks and God bless.

Andrew
 
Instead of assuming it would be my “interpretation” (and why should anyone seek a man’s private interpretation contrary to Scripture?) who is the dragon, who are the stars, what does it mean to be clothed with the sun?, etc.? What does the Bible say?
Hello DJ,

I agree with you…the Bible can interpret itself. It clearly states in Revelation 12:9 that the dragon is Satan.

With that said, however, I do believe the Holy Spirit gives to some the spiritual gifts of prophecy and discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10). But as was the case in ancient Israel, God withdrew the spiritual gift of prophecy when it was clear the Israelites were not going to listen and be obedient to Him (Ezekiel 7:26, for example).

The key is whether or not interpretations that are given are in alignment with God’s entire word because the same Holy Spirit who inspired the thoughts of the Bible writers is the same Holy Spirit who gives the gift of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. These gifts won’t be manifested in those who reject God’s truths and those who seek to find flaw with those who have provided solid interpretations that can be backed by the Sacred Scriptures.

Take care,

Andrew
 
Because unlike modern humans posting in forums the Bible writers are quite consistent in their symbolism.

I’d prefer to use the Greek, but since most can’t read it and I’m not sure how to display it on the forum, that option is out. OTOH, why apologize for what you really think?

Instead of assuming it would be my “interpretation” (and why should anyone seek a man’s private interpretation contrary to Scripture?) who is the dragon, who are the stars, what does it mean to be clothed with the sun?, etc.? What does the Bible say?
Hi dj,

I had two years of Greek at CUC…it would be preferrable to use the Greek, but it would take me a couple of weeks to translate a few verses (really rusty)…so if you’re good with English, I’m good with English. I merely apologized if I misread what I thought were your biases toward translations other than the KJV. But if you are good with other translations, then no apology necessary. In fact, in the absence of Greek, perhaps looking at multiple versions of the same quote will provide a greater understanding of the text.

Yes in reading what the Bible says, it seems very clear to me that the dragon is Satan, or do you think the dragon symbolizes something else?

I’m still not there with you regarding the woman being a church however, even though I do see the Church referred to as the Bride. But let’s go with the interpretation you ascribe to.

Start with Revelation 1:20.​

Matthew Henry on Rev. 12:

“1. We see how the church is represented in this vision. (1.) As a woman, the weaker part of the world, but the spouse of Christ, and the mother of the saints. (2.) As clothed with the sun, the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having put on Christ, who is the Sun of righteousness, she, by her relation to Christ, is invested with honourable rights and privileges, and shines in his rays. (3.) As having the moon under her feet (that is, the world); she stands upon it, but lives above it; her heart and hope are not set upon sublunary things, but on the things that are in heaven, where her head is. (4.) As having on her head a crown of twelve stars, that is, the doctrine of the gospel preached by the twelve apostles, which is a crown of glory to all true believers. (5.) As in travail, crying out, and pained to be delivered. She was pregnant, and now in pain to bring forth a holy progeny to Christ, desirous that what was begun in the conviction of sinners might end in their conversion, that when the children were brought to the birth there might be strength to bring forth, and that she might see of the travail of her soul.”
So please correct me if I’m misreading what you posted directly above, but the birth spoken of which the church gives birth to is that of the saints,… a “holy progency to Christ”…convicted sinners converted to Christ…is that correct or am I misreading what Matthew Henry says above?

Thanks!
God bless all!!!
 
Hello Patrick,

A church is simply a body of believers. As a former Seventh-day Adventist, I’d imagine you’re aware of this understanding, but in case you’re not and for the benefit of others, the rule for this interpretation comes, in part, from passages like Jeremiah 6:2, 2 Corinthians 11:2 & Ephesians 5:23-27. We see this also in Revelation 19:7 where it talks of the wedding of the Lamb (Jesus) and his bride (His true church or body of believers).

The pure church of Revelation 12 was clothed in heavenly light and gave birth to Jesus who Satan tried to kill through the state power of Rome (by way of the client king, Herod).
Hi Andrew!

So I am to understand you correctly that Jesus is the child to whom the Church gives birth in Revelation 12?
I’m not sure what you’re referencing in terms of Revelation 11:19 in the context of my last post. But since you mentioned it, I’ll just point out that in this text, we see that the ark of God’s covenant was seen in heaven. We know what was in that ark…God’s Ten Commandments.

I hope this answers your question, but if not, please let me know. Thanks and God bless.

Andrew
I do appreciate your answers, and edited out much of what you wrote to clarify these two points…the one about the birth of Jesus and this one regarding the Ark.

Yes the 10 Commandments were contained in the Ark…do you know what else was contained in the Ark?

Thanks!
God bless all!!!
 
I merely apologized if I misread what I thought were your biases toward translations
Since I have no biases (except, if you wish to call it a bias, towards erroneous translations) about translations there was no reason to assume such a thing in the first place.
But let’s go with the interpretation you ascribe to.
Which one is that?
please correct me if I’m misreading what you posted directly above, but the birth spoken of which the church gives birth to is that of the saints,… a “holy progency to Christ”…convicted sinners converted to Christ…is that correct or am I misreading what Matthew Henry says above?
That would be correct (except it is “progeny”).
 
Yes the 10 Commandments were contained in the Ark.
Correct; and what was rolled up outside the Ark that was against us?
do you know what else was contained in the Ark?
Not relevant what else is included in the Ark.
 
Hi Andrew!

So I am to understand you correctly that Jesus is the child to whom the Church gives birth in Revelation 12?

I do appreciate your answers, and edited out much of what you wrote to clarify these two points…the one about the birth of Jesus and this one regarding the Ark.

Yes the 10 Commandments were contained in the Ark…do you know what else was contained in the Ark?

Thanks!
God bless all!!!
Hey Patrick,

Yes, but probably not in the sense that you may be thinking. The “church” (God’s people) was represented in the Old Testament as the “daughters of Zion”. Remember I stated that a church is a body of believers. In order to be a believer, there would have to be something to believe in; this would be God, His Word, His love, His righteousness and all that He is.

God created man to represent Him on this earth. The original message, the “Word” that included pure and righteous living came from Him and was to be carried out in us. Adam failed then, in a sense, Noah failed (after the flood - Genesis 9:20-23), both interestingly enough by way of fruit, which is when God chose Abraham’s seed (the nation of Israel) to represent Him on this earth before all pagan nations that worshiped idols and not the true and living God. The rest of the Old Testament is filled with accounts of their failures which is why their time was decreed in Daniel 9:24-27 with the “70 weeks” that ended with the stoning of Stephen (when the gospel message began going to the rest of the world).

The message gave birth to Christ (“the Word became flesh” - John 1:14) who was the fulfillment of the Old Covenant but where everyone in the OT failed, Christ prevailed. Christ came to defeat Satan, free us from sin and to vindicate God in the process. Our only chance of victory over sin is through an abiding relationship with Him; the good news is that it is possible. 1 John 3:4 gives us a clear definition of what sin is.

Aaron’s staff and a pot of manna was also in the ark. The staff was there to remind the rebellious Israelites to trust God. The interesting thing about the manna is that it was never fell on the Sabbath. They were to collect a double portion on Preparation Day (the 6th day) as test to see if they would follow God’s (eternal) instructions (Exodus 16:4-5).

Take it easy,

Andrew
 
I just wanted to add that I know that notes in the Zondervan NIV Bible mention the staff as a reminder to future generations of the Aaronic priesthood, but the earthly sanctuary was done away with at Christ’s death on the cross (as were all of the Mosaic laws as indicated in Colossians 2:13-17 that included the annual Sabbaths unlike the seventh-day Sabbath of God’s eternal law). As it states in Hebrews 8, Christ is now our High Priest who ministers on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary (which is the “main point” of the apostles message - verses 1-2).

Take it easy,

Andrew
 
Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body.
24
As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her
26
to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,

27
**that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. **
28
So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29
For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, **even as Christ does the church,
30
because we are members of his body. **31
"For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
32
This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church
.
33
In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.
 
That the woman is used as a symbol of a church is on several grounds:
  1. As any good Christian knows because Christ is a male the church to whom is married must be a female.
  2. The symbolism starts in chapter 2:
KJV Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Gabriel of 12;

The Woman is not first century Israel because they rejected the male child and tried to kill him at birth, the Woman is not the Church because the church did not come before the male child, the Male Child gave life to the Church; So who is this Woman that gave birth to this male child?
 
Gabriel of 12;

The Woman is not first century Israel because they rejected the male child and tried to kill him at birth, the Woman is not the Church because the church did not come before the male child, the Male Child gave life to the Church; So who is this Woman that gave birth to this male child?
Hello,

Perhaps it would be helpful for you to understand that Jesus existed before His incarnation in the flesh (John 1:1-5). It was Jesus who created the world and who was with the Israelites throughout their Old Testament experiences. Limiting Him to the incarnate flesh of the New Testament is doing a disservice to the context of the Bible and restricts ones ability to understand it’s overall point…which is to be followers of Jesus Christ as the only One who can deliver us from sin. It was essential for the Old Testament Israelites for their deliverance and it’s essential for Christians today.

As I mentioned two posts ago, the OT Israelites were called “daughters of Zion”. This is equivalent to what we, in the New Testament era, call a church. In the end it means the same thing…followers of, or the body of (if you will), Christ. Holding onto the word “church” to suggest that the interpretation of Revelation 12 is incorrect is trying to limit the Scriptures to not say something that it is indeed saying. The Holy Spirit would not have given some the ability to prophesy and some the ability to understand prophecy if there wouldn’t be any use for it, particularly in the times in which we’re living now. John 1:5 states that “the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” (NIV). Just because something may sound foreign does not mean that it’s wrong. Now, I don’t profess to know everything the Bible is saying, but for what I don’t understand, I pray for guidance and wait for the Holy Spirit to lead me into the truth; when God is ready, the truth will come. What I find is that the truth has usually always been provided in the writings of His prophets and it’s only a matter of reading them for myself to obtain the understanding I was seeking. But even still, the heart has to be willing to follow the truth or it will all be in vain.

I would suggest you read all of Isaiah 62, but I’ll highlight a couple verses where God was speaking to the children of Israel in Jerusalem (Zion):
  • “Never again will you be called ‘The Forsaken City’ or ‘The Desolate Land.’ Your new name will be ‘The City of God’s Delight’ and ‘The Bride of God’” (Isaiah 62:4, NLT).
  • “The Lord has sent this message to every land: 'Tell the people of Israel (“the daughters of Zion”, NIV), ‘Look, your Savior is coming. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’ They will be called ‘The Holy People’ and ‘The People Redeemed by the Lord.’ And Jerusalem will be known as ‘The Desirable Place’ and ‘The City No Longer Forsaken’” (Isaiah 62:11, NLT).
Understanding that Christians of our age are spiritual Israelites, these texts have a dual application in that although they were written directly to the Old Testament Israelites they will also have a future bearing on those who, through Christ, cleanse themselves from unrighteousness and side with God when the time comes. After all, Jesus is our Savior too.

The last thing I want to point out is that, as you may already know, the Greek word for “church” that Jesus used is “ekklēsia”. One of the definitions is “the assembly of the Israelites”. There’s no getting around the biblical fact that, as Christians, we’re truly called to be ones who “prevail with God and with man”…spiritual Israelites in the name of Jesus Christ. Man can try to lord over the church all he wants, but in the end those who side with God will be victorious. We should learn from the OT Israelites who denied the true Messiah and not make the same mistakes ourselves in denying Him in our hearts and rejecting His authority by putting it in the hands of earthly men. This was the error of the Pharisees and is the error of many Christian leaders today.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Seek it and you will find it.

In Christ,

Andrew
 
I’m having trouble fining these historical facts. I need someones help, to point me in the right dirction as to where to look. There are no Catholic Churches around where I live and I don’t have a car, so if any could point me to a web site, or if one of ya’ll would like to give my e-mail to one of your priest to make sure that I get the right info then please do so.
My e-mail jpatterson@truevine.net

Please don’t hate me cause I was misinformed, inform me. When I’m wrong I not only want to know, but I also want to know the truth. That’s what drives me. I admit that I do need help to fined truth.
Others have given you some good sources, and here is another one:

scripturecatholic.com/the_church.html

God bless you! 🙂
 
There’s a lot of focus on the woman of Revelation 12, but please don’t forget the woman of Revelation 17:1-6 (NIV):

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”

Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. This title was written on her forehead: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.

God acknowledges that some of His people are in this church system and if you notice in Revelation 18:4, He is calling them out so they don’t share in the seven last plagues that will fall upon those who remain in this church system.

I’ll be going away for the weekend so perhaps I can join in on the discussion of this woman/church and continue in our discussion on the woman of Revelation 12 next week. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend everyone.

Andrew
 
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