Awesome Truths and Amazing Facts
Richard Vaughn

Today: “Prophecy – The future told in advance – Revelation 13 - Part 2”
Last week we identified 3 of the 9 identifying marks of the beast power of Revelation 13. In review they are Point #1- It arose from the ruins of the Roman Empire; 
Point #2- It received it's power and ruling authority from the dragon (Satan and Pagan Rome). Point #3- During the Middle Ages the Papacy was a worldwide power.
We will now resume with the other six identifying points of the religio-political power. Point #4 What was the period of time that this worldwide power would continue to rule? Verse 5. “…and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.”  
A day in prophecy is a literal year. See Numbers14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. A prophetic month of 30 days is 30 literal years. A prophetic year of 360 days is 360 literal years. A time is a prophetic year or 360 literal years, times would be 2 prophetic years or 720 literal years, half a time or the dividing of a time is ½ a prophetic year or 180 literal years. The prophetic 42 months or 3-1/2 prophetic years or 1,260 prophetic days is 1,260 literal years. The period of Papal Rome's rule in seven different scriptural references all add up to 1,260 years. Those 7 references are Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7; Revelation 11:2; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:6; Revelation 12:14 and Revelation 13:5. As we learned in the Daniel 7 study, the power of the Papacy became supreme in 538 AD when the decree of Emperor Justinian became in full effect. It acknowledged the Bishop of Rome as "Head of all the Churches." This letter became part of the Justinian code, the fundamental law of the empire. The power ended in 1798 AD. 
Point #4- No power on earth, other than the Papacy ever ruled exactly 1,260 years.
Point #5 What did the beast receive and what marvelous thing then occurred? Verse 3
"And I saw one of his heads as were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast."
Verse 3 reports that the beast receives a deadly wound, and then the deadly wound is healed and the world marvels and follows the beast. When in 1798, the French General Berthier, under orders from Napoleon, marched his army into Rome and took the Pope prisoner, the Papacy received it's deadly wound. He then died in exile. Half of Europe thought that the Papacy had ended with this event. God, however, was on record in scripture, that the deadly wound would heal. And in 1929 Mussolini executed the "Concordat of 1929" with the Papacy, restoring to them their properties and power. The deadly wound was healing and the influence of the Papacy would continue to grow until the whole world would wonder after this power. The Papacy today is recognized as the most influential power on earth. Multiplied millions look to the Papacy today as the only hope for world unity, love, peace and decency.
Point #5- Only the Papacy fits the identification of Rev 13:3, receiving a deadly wound that eventually healed.
Point #6 What is this beast power guilty of? Revelation 13:5,6. “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies;” “And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.”
Blasphemy in the Bible is defined as a mortal man claiming to have the power to forgive sins. Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Also, claiming to be God. John 10:33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” In both cases Jesus could not be guilty since He is God and therefore can forgive sins.
The Catholic Church claims to forgive sins. The following is taken from a catechism:      “Question: Does the priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted?”
Answer: “The priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given him by Jesus Christ.”  Source- Joseph DeHarbe, Catechism of the Catholic Religion; New York; W.H. Sadler, Inc. 1924, Page 279.
It claims the Pope to be God: "Thou art another God on earth" Source- Christopher Marcellus, Oration in the Fifth Lateran Council, Session IV (1512) in Mans, S.C. volume 32, col. 761 (Latin) and "The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ, Himself, hidden under the veil of human flesh." Source- Catholic National- July 1895 
Point #6- Again the Papacy fits the identifying point of Blasphemy. Next week we will cover the remaining three identifying marks of the Beast of Revelation 13.
Next Week: “Prophecy – The future told in advance – Revelation 13 - Part 3”