Chapter 68 - Sovereignty of God

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The simulated church, supported by the government of the Roman state, evolved into an unparalleled religious organization. In addition to physical congregations and civic style buildings with identifying names, the church became recognized by the distinguishing robes or costumes of its clergy, lecture-style sermons (made popular by John Chrysostom, c. AD 380), and organized choirs (AD 400).

Within another hundred years, an order of worship or liturgy became deeply rooted (AD 500). Only 50 years later, Pope Gregory the Great wrote a book on the pastoral duties of the priest. The seven duties included visiting the sick, teaching doctrine, performing marriage ceremonies, infant baptism, conducting mass, burying the dead, and blessing local events. After the Protestant Reformation, the seven pastoral duties were passed forward to the protestant church. Although unbiblical, they continue to be observed in both the Catholic and protestant churches today.

The actual practice of a paid priesthood did not become widespread until about AD900. Nevertheless, the clergy had begun receiving numerous benefits and perks from the Roman government as early as the fourth century. Eventually, early Roman church traditions were weaved into contemporary thinking and even imposed upon translations of the New Testament.

From its inception until the 16th century, God allowed the simulated Roman church to continue its evolution on the broad path of organized, lifeless (zoe) religion. Among many other unscriptural, religious practices, it sold indulgences (the purchase of forgiveness for sin), certificates ensuring the passage of dead relatives to heaven, and leadership positions in the church.

Church buildings also grew more prominent and more extravagant. Monolithic structures known as cathedrals were erected. Lives and fortunes were invested. Therefore, disagreement and dissension were taken very seriously. In time, people numbering in the millions were tortured or put to death for their perceived divergence of opinion. Nevertheless, for more than 1000 years after its inception, the simulated Roman church, characterized by unscriptural doctrine, unscrupulous practice, and unparalleled power, continued to evolve as a worldly, religious organization.

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Sovereignty of God

Sovereign by nature, God has absolute control over every aspect of His creation. Therefore, no created being or event within His creation has the potential to thwart the fulfillment of His eternal plan. (Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 25:1; 43:13; 46:10; Ephesians 1:11)

Relative to His sovereignty, God arranged the affairs of human history to provide a concurrent, unbiased demonstration of the attributes of His nature. As a result, He would be vindicated from angelic challenge and accusation.

© 2023 James Hiatt

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