From yesterday's study we encountered the False Prophet.
J.N. Andrews had this to day about the False Prophet-
'A further view of the two-horned beast may be obtained by comparing his history with that of the FALSE PROPHET.
The two-horned beast is represented as working miracles in the sight of the first beast. Rev. 13:14. The same is affirmed respecting the FALSE PROPHET. Chap. 19:20.
(((Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the FALSE PROPHET that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. ))))
The nations of the earth are deceived by these miracles, and caused to worship the image of the first beast, and to receive his mark.
The same work is ascribed to the FALSE PROPHET.
Still further, we may say that the Bible gives us the origin of the two-horned beast, but does not under that name give us his final destiny. The origin of the FALSE PROPHET is not given under that name, but his destiny is clearly revealed. Rev. 19:20; 20:10.
(((Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the FALSE PROPHET are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. ))))
IDENTITY OF THE TWO HORNED BEAST
Inasmuch as their work is identical, and they act their part at the same time, we cannot doubt their identity. This is positive proof that the two-horned beast is, from the time of its rise, a power contemporary with the first beast, and not the first beast in another form.
What power has ever risen in the past history of the world that could answer the description of this lamb-dragon, or FALSE PROPHET?
If Satan has been permitted to make use of paganism, as an instrument of oppression and deception, and also of papacy, which is Christianity in a corrupt form, why may he not make use of Protestantism also, when it becomes corrupt, as, if possible, a more efficient means of deception than either of the former?
Has not the Protestant Church acted the part of the FALSE PROPHET most effectually in promising to the world a thousand years of peace and prosperity before the day of wrath?''
J.N. Andrews here spoke of the FALSE PROPHET being the Protestant Church. Now let's read another's view on the FALSE PROPHET.
'THE BATTLE OF THE GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY (WWN-Adventist Laymen's Foundation) -- Part 4 -- Three powers in opposition to God, His law, His sanctuary and His people are symbolized in the last half of the book of Revelation - the dragon in Chapter 12; - the beast in 13:1-9; - and the FALSE PROPHET in 13:11-17. In the hour of the battle of the great day of God Almighty, frog-like spirits proceed from EACH of these powers for the purpose of influencing a worldwide unity against God. (Rev. 16:13-14)
"There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan's forces." (Ms. 24, 1891)
What then is the manifestation of evil as symbolized as "frogs" in this prophecy? This manifestation is declared to be "spirits of devils."
Of what this symbolic representation - frogs - could mean, I have meditated long. In the book of Revelation the symbolism used by God to represent the prince of evil is the dragon. It is stated clearly to be "that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan." (Rev. 12:9) And in Rev. 20:2 the statement is made that the angel "laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan." The connection is clear; the power operating under the symbolism of the dragon in his warfare against the "woman" and "her seed" is the same intelligency which used the medium of the serpent to deceive the first woman. But now in the battle of the great day of God Almighty, the representation of the work of the "spirits of devils" is changed to the symbolism of "frogs." God does not alter His prophetic symbols arbitrarily - He is saying something in this change! So I asked myself the questions - How do frogs catch their prey? What types of sounds do they produce? The answer to these questions led me to the conviction that here in prophetic symbolism is represented the modern Charismatic Renewal. The very wording of the prophecy demands that a COMMON spiritual force, possessing and thus UNIFYING the religious divisions of mankind, will work for the unification of the leadership of the whole world. The frog-like forms come forth from all three of the basic symbols of the last half of the book of Revelation - the dragon, the beast, and the FALSE PROPHET.
That which at one time was only a hallmark of traditional Pentecostalism has now entered the major bodies of Protestantism and the Roman Catholic Church. To illustrate the whole change in attitude that has taken place in the last decade, The Toronto Star (June 9, 1973) tells of the reaction to the charismatic movement in the Anglican Church of Canada. Tom Harpur, Star Religion Editor, wrote: Holy horror is the only way to describe the reaction with which top Anglican officials here once greeted the news that some members, including several Metro clergy, were ''speaking in tongues.'' Now, the bishop himself, Rt. Rev. L. S. Garnsworthy, has begun a ''dialogue'' with those of his diocese involved in what has come to be known as a charismatic revival.
On the same page of "Religion in the Star" another article noted that the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Michael Ramsey, in addressing a massive ecumenical Congress in England, spoke enthusiastically of the neo-Pentecostal movement noting that, it was cutting across all denominational lines, and indicated he found in it "an encouraging sign" for the future of Christian unity. Harpur observed,
p 4 -- "Many call it 'the third force' in ADDITION to Protestantism and Catholicism." The prophecy of God's word tells us that the same spirits of devils that came out of the dragon, have also permeated the beast and the FALSE PROPHET, and come out of them also. The same dragon who gave his power and seat to the beast (Rev. 13:2) and who is speaking through the FALSE PROPHET (Rev. 13:11) now is transformed into an angel of light "working miracles" through these same religious bodies. (Rev. 16:14)
The Charismatic Renewal entered the Catholic Church in 1967, and has grown into such a force that it was recognized by the late Pope Paul VI. Following a mass in St. Peter's on May 19, 1975 conducted by Cardinal Suenens for the Annual Charismatic Conference which met in Rome instead of Notre Dame University for the Catholic Holy Year, the Pope entered the assembly and gave his greetings to the conferees. He closed his message with the words - "Glory to the Lord, hallelujah!" - and before leaving, embraced and kissed Cardinal Suenens. Suenens reacted by stating simply - "the Pope opened his arms and heart to the charismatic renewal." The day previous - Pentecost Sunday - at a pontifical mass presided over by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter's "the sound of tongues and charismatic singing filled the massive nave of the ancient mother church of Roman Catholicism." (Christianity Today, June 6, 1975, pp. 45-46)
In July, 1977, an interdenominational conference on Charismatic Renewal was held in Kansas City, bringing together Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Episcopalians, Mennonites, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Messianic Jews. President Carter acknowledged this conference as a "Powerful force" in American life, and one that has led to a "new level of Christian unity" in this country. The Rev. Larry Christenson, chairman of the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal Services, told one general session of the conference that Catholics and Protestants are all a part of the "special army of God" and that the Charismatic Renewal is a "network of outposts strategically placed throughout the land ... that the Lord can count on in the day of battle." (RNS, Week in Religion, Aug. 12, 1977)
There can be no doubt as to the objectives that those who are involved in the Charismatic Renewal have in mind. They consider it "the most tremendous outpourings of the Spirit ever known in the history of the church." Catholic-Protestant sponsors of a rally of Charismatic Christians called "Jesus 78" in their joint statement - noting there is still substantial disagreement and division among themselves - declared: "Since we are experiencing this grace in such abundance today, since the Holy Spirit has already done so much among us to make us one, it is easy to believe that He will continue to move powerfully among us and our churches to make us fully one in faith." (RNS. March 3, 1978, p. 3)
This is the same theme of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI). Founded in 1952 by Demos Shakarian, a former California dairy farmer, it has grown to 1,400 local chapters, attracting 500,000 persons to weekly and monthly meetings in 43 countries. This fellowship does not attempt to become a church, but supports all churches. Reporting the FGBMFI's Rome-European Conference in 1974 in their official magazine - Voice (March, 1975) - the remarks of Fred Ladenius, Press Secretary to the late Paul VI, were featured. * Before the Rome conferees, Ladenius declared - "There is only one church." Commenting on the charismatic experience, he said:
p 5 -- As people marvelled on the Day of Pentecost, so they marvel today. "Here is his fellow speaking in tongues, but he does not belong to a 'Pentecostal' church." But today even the Methodists speak in tongues. How can this be possible? Catholic priests, sisters and laymen are speaking tongues. How can this be possible? "God is pulling some grave errors," the doubters say. But I want you to know that He is not the God of 1925 but of 1974! He is indeed manifesting Himself through ''all flesh.'' (Voice, p. 6)
And to what are they looking? Let Ladenius again comment: We ask God's forgiveness. Catholics and Protestants alike have committed grave errors. But all that is past. Now let us give Him our confidence and our trust. Let us put everything in His hands and "look for Him as our soon coming King. (Ibid.)
But who will come as "King" to fulfill the expectations of these involved in the Charismatic Renewal? We have been told: Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of Iight. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her." (TM, p. 62)
Putting it all together, we see that the objective of Satan is to "sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north." (Isa. 14:13) This "mount of the congregation" - Har Mo'ed in the Hebrew; Har-Magedon in the Greek - is none other than Jerusalem, the city of prophecy and conflict. Here in the "last remnant of time" (GC, p. 561) that fallen angel will seek to have himself enthroned on what will be hailed as the "throne of his father, David." But when all the world thus bows led on by the "apostate churches" Omnipotence will intervene, and then will begin the "war of the great day of God Almighty," in which Babylon the great will come "in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath." (Rev. 16:19) And in the book of Revelation, a supreme question is asked - "Who shall be able to stand?" (Rev. 6:17) And the answer is found in Rev. 14:1 - "And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on Mt. Zion, and with Him an hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads." (See Rev.- 3:12 for application.)
*******Is the Charismatic Movement relevant today in 2014? Read the following article from Christianity Today-
'OCT 18, 2013
Understanding the Charismatic Movement
Over 300 million people in the world are considered charismatic Christians. | Ed Stetzer
ANGLICAN11 / FLICKR
A 2011 Pew Forum study showed that almost 305,000,000 people worldwide, or 14 percent of the world's self-identified Christian population, is part of the charismatic movement.That's 305 million people, and their impact on Christianity and God's global mission has been POWERFUL and FAR-REACHING. Needless to say, and as with any movement, that includes both good and bad. Yet, to understand a movement's impact, we often need to understand it better-- including its history.
To understand the beginnings and growth of the Charismatic Renewal Movement, you need to know Dennis Bennett. Interestingly, the story of the charismatic renewal begins less than twenty miles from the Azusa Street Mission where Pentecostalism was birthed almost sixty years before that. (See my explanation of continualism here.)
Most consider Van Nuys, CA as the starting place of a distinct movement that would come to be called the charismatic movement.
Birth of the Charismatic Renewal Movement
Dennis Bennett had been considering spiritual growth with a small group of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, CA. Some were unsure of the direction that Bennett was leading. Tensions grew volatile in his large church in Van Nuys, CA, when he declared to the congregation on Easter Sunday of 1960 that he had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.The news was not well received by all and Bennett later resigned. Both Time and Newsweek ran articles on Bennett and the church later that year, and the story appeared on local and national television. In a sense, Pentecostalism was entering the mainline (the Episcopal Church, no less) and this was news. This began the mainsteaming of continualist practices (like speaking in tounges, praying for healing, etc.) that were primarily found in Pentecostal churches that, up until now, were often on the fringe of Protestantism.
In the wake of Bennett's resignation, the Episcopal Bishop in Seattle assigned Bennett to the floundering St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Seattle. The church had ongoing growth and national influence—a charismatic training ground of sorts. In 1973, Dennis Bennett helped start Episcopal Renewal Ministries, soon renamed Acts 29, specifically founded to promote the charismatic renewal movement.
Spreading of Charismatic Renewal
The emphasis on the Baptism (or filling) of the Holy Spirit and charismatic gifts began to spread quickly through mainline denominations throughout the 1960s and 70s. Though much of the belief and practice of the Charismatic Movement came directly from the Pentecostals who had been around for nearly sixty years, the mainline churches who embraced such belief avoided the "Pentecostal" label for both cultural and theological reasons.
Instead, these churches adopted the descriptor "charismatic," as described by Harald Bredesen, a Lutheran minister who was part of the movement. The label came from the Greek word charismata, which means "a gift of grace," and refers to the particular gifts they emphasized.
Charismatic renewal spread into other mainline traditions, which I do not have time to address here, but that also included a charismatic movement within the Roman Catholic Church. However, let me mention the scope and impact of the movement by tracing one part in one tradition.
Case Study: Anglicans in Africa
Bennett wrote the book Nine O'Clock In the Morning in 1970, and the impact of that movement spread around the world. Africa's Anglicans are one of the groups deeply influenced by the charismatic movement.
There are certainly many theologically aberrant groups in Africa (and around the world), but often African Anglicans are respected for their passion for liturgy, the word, and the spirit. Often, they are the ones speaking into the heterodox practices in much of what is called the charismatic movement in Africa and, ironically, some African Anglicans helped birth the new Anglican province launch here in the United States.
Anglicanism in Africa existed prior to Bennett and functioned like most other places. But the charismatic renewal created a major global shift in Africa and elsewhere. And, ironically, that renewal would eventually circle back to help bolster evangelical Anglicans in the Episcopal Church decades after Dennis Bennett.
From Mainline to Mainstream.
The Pentecostal movement in the early 1900's grew to about 50 million by 1950 and then it exploded with the Charismatic renewal coming into the mainline traditions in the 60's and 70's. The growth in the time affected Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox, Reformed, and even Roman Catholics (see my brief reference to charismatic Catholics here).
Movements were born in each of those denominations. Episcopalians had "Faith Alive" and "Acts 29" (not the church planting network, but the Episcopal group), the Southern Baptists had the "Fullness Movement," Lutherans had ARC, and more. Some denominations adopted guidelines (like the Methodists), but most of those movements declined as mainline denominations moved leftward theologically. One notable exception would again be the Anglicans, with the new Archbishop of Canterbury (Justin Welby) coming from a charismatic Anglican tradition.
The charismatics tended to be the evangelicals and as the mainline denominations became more progressive theologically, the charismatics began to be increasingly uncomfortable. Many left, though not all. (For example, much of the church planting in the Reformed Church in America would be in the charismatic stream.)
From Charismatic Renewal to Independent Charismatics
Many charismatics began to leave mainline denominations (particularly in the United States and Canada) and independent charismatic churches began to arise (and, that led to a mix of results). In the rest of the world, most of the charismatics were not in mainline denominations, but part of the sudden and rapid growth of evangelicalism in the Two Thirds World. Today, most charismatics are not in mainline denominations, though that is where it started and where such practices were mainstreamed.
With the movement away from mainline denominations and the explosion of charismatic churches around the world, the center of the movement moved from renewal to independent churches (and from the United States to the Global South). These churches were often no longer tied to the theological traditions that birthed and then "contained" them. As such, the movement began to morph in many directions. Today, you can find charismatics of many stripes and beliefs-- making the movement hard to define and easy to caricature.
The charismatic movement-- mainline renewal and independent charismatic-- is now an established part of the than 500,000,000 Christians worldwide who are part of these continualist traditions (Pentecostal, charismatic, and Third Wave). THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES TO GROW RAPIDLY WITH NO SIGN THAT THE GROWTH IS SLOWING.
Where from Here?
I'm thankful that many people heard the gospel in mainline churches that were reenergized by the charismatic movement. As that movement spilled out of the mainline churches, new churches were formed and I'm thankful for faithful independent charismatic churches that have been birthed around the world. I have many friends who came to Christ in such churches and, though I am not a charismatic, I am thankful for many who are.
Yet, there are also challenges, as we often see in many rapidly growing movements (consider the Second Great Awakening as I mentioned in an earlier article). Regrettably, people often think of excesses now when they think about charismatics, though that is not the focus of so many faithful charismatics. Regardless, I agree with-- and pray that more will hear and heed-- the words of Lee Grady who explained (in Charisma Magazine), "I t's (Past) Time for a Charismatic Reformation."
So, I'm both thankful for the good and prayerful for the future of my charismatic friends. I hope you will be (both) as well.'
****My thoughts-
Is the Charismatic movement still alive? Yes, very much so, and those who think differently think it because we know the Devil is deceptive and he would put to rest suspicions, he will soothe over worries, he would have a calm before a storm. How like him to have something seemingly die away only to revive it to suit his purposes in a way it couldn't have if it hadn't started to seemingly wane in the mainstream. Just when you thought something was done and gone, having it flare up to life in a magnificent display of power would truly suit Satan's purposes of deception. Those who scoffed at the movement would be astounded! Those who rested on the fence not knowing what was what, would finally choose their side. The doubters would fall over themselves in an effort to confirm their new found belief all through lying signs and wonders of which Satan will perform to perfection so that NONE but the very elect will be able to see through. The rest of the world will be blinded, completely blinded and there will be no seeing through the dark covering of deception. There will be no reasoning with those caught under the devil's cloak so artful contrived to capture and keep people who don't have their hearts truly in Christ and His truth. Rev. 14: 12 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
No one will be able to point out anything to raise doubts because the belief will be that strong. In fact those among the few unbelievers will be the ones who will be overwhelmed with those trying to convert them to the real truth. The accusations will be- how can you not believe when you can see the miracles for yourself!
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
The devil believes, the devil's followers believe. The devils will stand up and shout they believe and somehow many will accept that their confession means they aren't really devils at all.
2 Thess. 2:9 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders
Whose coming is after the working of Satan--- who? SATAN! And he will come with what? ALL power and signs and lying wonders.
Is it no wonder that the true manifestation of God's powers will be scarce in the end times? The magnificent display of God's true wonders was wrought by Jesus and His Apostles, and from then on slowly waning, except for the rare occurrence. That need for display was replaced by the growing of faith that would be needed by God's people. We've no doubt today that Jesus existed, none. No doubt that historical witnesses testified to the fact he died and rose again- historical witnesses not just Biblical witnesses. We have the intellect today that gives us this understanding and there is no need for miracles to give us the truth of the ultimate miracle wrought in Christ.
As with any amazing and marvelous wonder, Satan likes to use it for his benefit. He will take what was laid down as groundwork and use it to suit his needs and how wonderfully the working of miracles, the speaking in tongues, the seeming out pouring of the Holy Spirit in deeds truly does suit him. Is it any wonder that Satan will use in lying the very thing to win over millions and millions, that Jesus used in truth? What better way to deceive than to come close to the truth and let the vanity and pride of mankind takeover from there.
Does all this mean that there are no true miracles of God in the last days? I don't think so. But I do believe that the miracles that God performs will be subtle and such that they won't be confused with the grand standing show that Satan is about to put on for the world.
May God keep us all safe in Him. May our hearts and minds be open to Him and Him only and His truths. May we be among those who are keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus. By His mercy and grace, in His love.
Amen.'
The above note of mine was written in 2009, and it is still applicable today just as finding that article from 2013 is applicable for our current day. Before that I found current 2009 articles to go with the topic, but today we needed something up to date and it wasn't hard to find.
The FALSE PROPHET is one of Satan's tools to use, and truthfully the Charismatic Movement from start to current times fits that perfectly. It came up here in the United States and spread rapidly all it's lies. Protestantism isn't a guarantee to truth, not when it holds fast to so many lies enacted by the Beast-the Papacy and kept as their Protestant truth. The majority of Protestant religions just slipped on a facade of protesting while refusing to divest themselves of ALL the lies perpetuated by the Papacy. In one breath they say they would NEVER teach and worship as the Papacy does, and yet in the next breath they are clinging to the lies that same Papacy has tricked them into believing are truth. The frogs coming out of the mouth of that false prophet, the beast, and the dragon truly are the that unifying force affecting all religions, building on the lies and deceiving millions into believing they are truth.
So when we read of the False Prophet in J.N. Andrews Three Messages of Revelation 14, written in 1877, we can know that yes, it is Protestantism that has refused the truth.
When we discuss the beast as we are in the messages of the three angels-
Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, Rev 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb
We must comprehend that intertwined in that message of the beast is the dragon and the false prophet. All of them working together to bring destruction to ALL who will be deceived by them.
Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Rev_19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Rev_20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
By the grace of our God may we NOT be among those deceived.
God has a truth for all who seek truth, and God allows deception for those who prefer deception. The heart will decide in every person and every person is given a chance to decide. God or self. Please, Savior, help us to choose You over ourselves.
All by YOUR LOVE!
J.N. Andrews had this to day about the False Prophet-
'A further view of the two-horned beast may be obtained by comparing his history with that of the FALSE PROPHET.
The two-horned beast is represented as working miracles in the sight of the first beast. Rev. 13:14. The same is affirmed respecting the FALSE PROPHET. Chap. 19:20.
(((Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the FALSE PROPHET that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. ))))
The nations of the earth are deceived by these miracles, and caused to worship the image of the first beast, and to receive his mark.
The same work is ascribed to the FALSE PROPHET.
Still further, we may say that the Bible gives us the origin of the two-horned beast, but does not under that name give us his final destiny. The origin of the FALSE PROPHET is not given under that name, but his destiny is clearly revealed. Rev. 19:20; 20:10.
(((Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the FALSE PROPHET are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. ))))
IDENTITY OF THE TWO HORNED BEAST
Inasmuch as their work is identical, and they act their part at the same time, we cannot doubt their identity. This is positive proof that the two-horned beast is, from the time of its rise, a power contemporary with the first beast, and not the first beast in another form.
What power has ever risen in the past history of the world that could answer the description of this lamb-dragon, or FALSE PROPHET?
If Satan has been permitted to make use of paganism, as an instrument of oppression and deception, and also of papacy, which is Christianity in a corrupt form, why may he not make use of Protestantism also, when it becomes corrupt, as, if possible, a more efficient means of deception than either of the former?
Has not the Protestant Church acted the part of the FALSE PROPHET most effectually in promising to the world a thousand years of peace and prosperity before the day of wrath?''
J.N. Andrews here spoke of the FALSE PROPHET being the Protestant Church. Now let's read another's view on the FALSE PROPHET.
'THE BATTLE OF THE GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY (WWN-Adventist Laymen's Foundation) -- Part 4 -- Three powers in opposition to God, His law, His sanctuary and His people are symbolized in the last half of the book of Revelation - the dragon in Chapter 12; - the beast in 13:1-9; - and the FALSE PROPHET in 13:11-17. In the hour of the battle of the great day of God Almighty, frog-like spirits proceed from EACH of these powers for the purpose of influencing a worldwide unity against God. (Rev. 16:13-14)
"There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan's forces." (Ms. 24, 1891)
What then is the manifestation of evil as symbolized as "frogs" in this prophecy? This manifestation is declared to be "spirits of devils."
Of what this symbolic representation - frogs - could mean, I have meditated long. In the book of Revelation the symbolism used by God to represent the prince of evil is the dragon. It is stated clearly to be "that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan." (Rev. 12:9) And in Rev. 20:2 the statement is made that the angel "laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan." The connection is clear; the power operating under the symbolism of the dragon in his warfare against the "woman" and "her seed" is the same intelligency which used the medium of the serpent to deceive the first woman. But now in the battle of the great day of God Almighty, the representation of the work of the "spirits of devils" is changed to the symbolism of "frogs." God does not alter His prophetic symbols arbitrarily - He is saying something in this change! So I asked myself the questions - How do frogs catch their prey? What types of sounds do they produce? The answer to these questions led me to the conviction that here in prophetic symbolism is represented the modern Charismatic Renewal. The very wording of the prophecy demands that a COMMON spiritual force, possessing and thus UNIFYING the religious divisions of mankind, will work for the unification of the leadership of the whole world. The frog-like forms come forth from all three of the basic symbols of the last half of the book of Revelation - the dragon, the beast, and the FALSE PROPHET.
That which at one time was only a hallmark of traditional Pentecostalism has now entered the major bodies of Protestantism and the Roman Catholic Church. To illustrate the whole change in attitude that has taken place in the last decade, The Toronto Star (June 9, 1973) tells of the reaction to the charismatic movement in the Anglican Church of Canada. Tom Harpur, Star Religion Editor, wrote: Holy horror is the only way to describe the reaction with which top Anglican officials here once greeted the news that some members, including several Metro clergy, were ''speaking in tongues.'' Now, the bishop himself, Rt. Rev. L. S. Garnsworthy, has begun a ''dialogue'' with those of his diocese involved in what has come to be known as a charismatic revival.
On the same page of "Religion in the Star" another article noted that the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Michael Ramsey, in addressing a massive ecumenical Congress in England, spoke enthusiastically of the neo-Pentecostal movement noting that, it was cutting across all denominational lines, and indicated he found in it "an encouraging sign" for the future of Christian unity. Harpur observed,
p 4 -- "Many call it 'the third force' in ADDITION to Protestantism and Catholicism." The prophecy of God's word tells us that the same spirits of devils that came out of the dragon, have also permeated the beast and the FALSE PROPHET, and come out of them also. The same dragon who gave his power and seat to the beast (Rev. 13:2) and who is speaking through the FALSE PROPHET (Rev. 13:11) now is transformed into an angel of light "working miracles" through these same religious bodies. (Rev. 16:14)
The Charismatic Renewal entered the Catholic Church in 1967, and has grown into such a force that it was recognized by the late Pope Paul VI. Following a mass in St. Peter's on May 19, 1975 conducted by Cardinal Suenens for the Annual Charismatic Conference which met in Rome instead of Notre Dame University for the Catholic Holy Year, the Pope entered the assembly and gave his greetings to the conferees. He closed his message with the words - "Glory to the Lord, hallelujah!" - and before leaving, embraced and kissed Cardinal Suenens. Suenens reacted by stating simply - "the Pope opened his arms and heart to the charismatic renewal." The day previous - Pentecost Sunday - at a pontifical mass presided over by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter's "the sound of tongues and charismatic singing filled the massive nave of the ancient mother church of Roman Catholicism." (Christianity Today, June 6, 1975, pp. 45-46)
In July, 1977, an interdenominational conference on Charismatic Renewal was held in Kansas City, bringing together Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Episcopalians, Mennonites, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Messianic Jews. President Carter acknowledged this conference as a "Powerful force" in American life, and one that has led to a "new level of Christian unity" in this country. The Rev. Larry Christenson, chairman of the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal Services, told one general session of the conference that Catholics and Protestants are all a part of the "special army of God" and that the Charismatic Renewal is a "network of outposts strategically placed throughout the land ... that the Lord can count on in the day of battle." (RNS, Week in Religion, Aug. 12, 1977)
There can be no doubt as to the objectives that those who are involved in the Charismatic Renewal have in mind. They consider it "the most tremendous outpourings of the Spirit ever known in the history of the church." Catholic-Protestant sponsors of a rally of Charismatic Christians called "Jesus 78" in their joint statement - noting there is still substantial disagreement and division among themselves - declared: "Since we are experiencing this grace in such abundance today, since the Holy Spirit has already done so much among us to make us one, it is easy to believe that He will continue to move powerfully among us and our churches to make us fully one in faith." (RNS. March 3, 1978, p. 3)
This is the same theme of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI). Founded in 1952 by Demos Shakarian, a former California dairy farmer, it has grown to 1,400 local chapters, attracting 500,000 persons to weekly and monthly meetings in 43 countries. This fellowship does not attempt to become a church, but supports all churches. Reporting the FGBMFI's Rome-European Conference in 1974 in their official magazine - Voice (March, 1975) - the remarks of Fred Ladenius, Press Secretary to the late Paul VI, were featured. * Before the Rome conferees, Ladenius declared - "There is only one church." Commenting on the charismatic experience, he said:
p 5 -- As people marvelled on the Day of Pentecost, so they marvel today. "Here is his fellow speaking in tongues, but he does not belong to a 'Pentecostal' church." But today even the Methodists speak in tongues. How can this be possible? Catholic priests, sisters and laymen are speaking tongues. How can this be possible? "God is pulling some grave errors," the doubters say. But I want you to know that He is not the God of 1925 but of 1974! He is indeed manifesting Himself through ''all flesh.'' (Voice, p. 6)
And to what are they looking? Let Ladenius again comment: We ask God's forgiveness. Catholics and Protestants alike have committed grave errors. But all that is past. Now let us give Him our confidence and our trust. Let us put everything in His hands and "look for Him as our soon coming King. (Ibid.)
But who will come as "King" to fulfill the expectations of these involved in the Charismatic Renewal? We have been told: Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of Iight. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her." (TM, p. 62)
Putting it all together, we see that the objective of Satan is to "sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north." (Isa. 14:13) This "mount of the congregation" - Har Mo'ed in the Hebrew; Har-Magedon in the Greek - is none other than Jerusalem, the city of prophecy and conflict. Here in the "last remnant of time" (GC, p. 561) that fallen angel will seek to have himself enthroned on what will be hailed as the "throne of his father, David." But when all the world thus bows led on by the "apostate churches" Omnipotence will intervene, and then will begin the "war of the great day of God Almighty," in which Babylon the great will come "in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath." (Rev. 16:19) And in the book of Revelation, a supreme question is asked - "Who shall be able to stand?" (Rev. 6:17) And the answer is found in Rev. 14:1 - "And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on Mt. Zion, and with Him an hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads." (See Rev.- 3:12 for application.)
*******Is the Charismatic Movement relevant today in 2014? Read the following article from Christianity Today-
'OCT 18, 2013
Understanding the Charismatic Movement
Over 300 million people in the world are considered charismatic Christians. | Ed Stetzer
ANGLICAN11 / FLICKR
A 2011 Pew Forum study showed that almost 305,000,000 people worldwide, or 14 percent of the world's self-identified Christian population, is part of the charismatic movement.That's 305 million people, and their impact on Christianity and God's global mission has been POWERFUL and FAR-REACHING. Needless to say, and as with any movement, that includes both good and bad. Yet, to understand a movement's impact, we often need to understand it better-- including its history.
To understand the beginnings and growth of the Charismatic Renewal Movement, you need to know Dennis Bennett. Interestingly, the story of the charismatic renewal begins less than twenty miles from the Azusa Street Mission where Pentecostalism was birthed almost sixty years before that. (See my explanation of continualism here.)
Most consider Van Nuys, CA as the starting place of a distinct movement that would come to be called the charismatic movement.
Birth of the Charismatic Renewal Movement
Dennis Bennett had been considering spiritual growth with a small group of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, CA. Some were unsure of the direction that Bennett was leading. Tensions grew volatile in his large church in Van Nuys, CA, when he declared to the congregation on Easter Sunday of 1960 that he had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.The news was not well received by all and Bennett later resigned. Both Time and Newsweek ran articles on Bennett and the church later that year, and the story appeared on local and national television. In a sense, Pentecostalism was entering the mainline (the Episcopal Church, no less) and this was news. This began the mainsteaming of continualist practices (like speaking in tounges, praying for healing, etc.) that were primarily found in Pentecostal churches that, up until now, were often on the fringe of Protestantism.
In the wake of Bennett's resignation, the Episcopal Bishop in Seattle assigned Bennett to the floundering St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Seattle. The church had ongoing growth and national influence—a charismatic training ground of sorts. In 1973, Dennis Bennett helped start Episcopal Renewal Ministries, soon renamed Acts 29, specifically founded to promote the charismatic renewal movement.
Spreading of Charismatic Renewal
The emphasis on the Baptism (or filling) of the Holy Spirit and charismatic gifts began to spread quickly through mainline denominations throughout the 1960s and 70s. Though much of the belief and practice of the Charismatic Movement came directly from the Pentecostals who had been around for nearly sixty years, the mainline churches who embraced such belief avoided the "Pentecostal" label for both cultural and theological reasons.
Instead, these churches adopted the descriptor "charismatic," as described by Harald Bredesen, a Lutheran minister who was part of the movement. The label came from the Greek word charismata, which means "a gift of grace," and refers to the particular gifts they emphasized.
Charismatic renewal spread into other mainline traditions, which I do not have time to address here, but that also included a charismatic movement within the Roman Catholic Church. However, let me mention the scope and impact of the movement by tracing one part in one tradition.
Case Study: Anglicans in Africa
Bennett wrote the book Nine O'Clock In the Morning in 1970, and the impact of that movement spread around the world. Africa's Anglicans are one of the groups deeply influenced by the charismatic movement.
There are certainly many theologically aberrant groups in Africa (and around the world), but often African Anglicans are respected for their passion for liturgy, the word, and the spirit. Often, they are the ones speaking into the heterodox practices in much of what is called the charismatic movement in Africa and, ironically, some African Anglicans helped birth the new Anglican province launch here in the United States.
Anglicanism in Africa existed prior to Bennett and functioned like most other places. But the charismatic renewal created a major global shift in Africa and elsewhere. And, ironically, that renewal would eventually circle back to help bolster evangelical Anglicans in the Episcopal Church decades after Dennis Bennett.
From Mainline to Mainstream.
The Pentecostal movement in the early 1900's grew to about 50 million by 1950 and then it exploded with the Charismatic renewal coming into the mainline traditions in the 60's and 70's. The growth in the time affected Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox, Reformed, and even Roman Catholics (see my brief reference to charismatic Catholics here).
Movements were born in each of those denominations. Episcopalians had "Faith Alive" and "Acts 29" (not the church planting network, but the Episcopal group), the Southern Baptists had the "Fullness Movement," Lutherans had ARC, and more. Some denominations adopted guidelines (like the Methodists), but most of those movements declined as mainline denominations moved leftward theologically. One notable exception would again be the Anglicans, with the new Archbishop of Canterbury (Justin Welby) coming from a charismatic Anglican tradition.
The charismatics tended to be the evangelicals and as the mainline denominations became more progressive theologically, the charismatics began to be increasingly uncomfortable. Many left, though not all. (For example, much of the church planting in the Reformed Church in America would be in the charismatic stream.)
From Charismatic Renewal to Independent Charismatics
Many charismatics began to leave mainline denominations (particularly in the United States and Canada) and independent charismatic churches began to arise (and, that led to a mix of results). In the rest of the world, most of the charismatics were not in mainline denominations, but part of the sudden and rapid growth of evangelicalism in the Two Thirds World. Today, most charismatics are not in mainline denominations, though that is where it started and where such practices were mainstreamed.
With the movement away from mainline denominations and the explosion of charismatic churches around the world, the center of the movement moved from renewal to independent churches (and from the United States to the Global South). These churches were often no longer tied to the theological traditions that birthed and then "contained" them. As such, the movement began to morph in many directions. Today, you can find charismatics of many stripes and beliefs-- making the movement hard to define and easy to caricature.
The charismatic movement-- mainline renewal and independent charismatic-- is now an established part of the than 500,000,000 Christians worldwide who are part of these continualist traditions (Pentecostal, charismatic, and Third Wave). THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES TO GROW RAPIDLY WITH NO SIGN THAT THE GROWTH IS SLOWING.
Where from Here?
I'm thankful that many people heard the gospel in mainline churches that were reenergized by the charismatic movement. As that movement spilled out of the mainline churches, new churches were formed and I'm thankful for faithful independent charismatic churches that have been birthed around the world. I have many friends who came to Christ in such churches and, though I am not a charismatic, I am thankful for many who are.
Yet, there are also challenges, as we often see in many rapidly growing movements (consider the Second Great Awakening as I mentioned in an earlier article). Regrettably, people often think of excesses now when they think about charismatics, though that is not the focus of so many faithful charismatics. Regardless, I agree with-- and pray that more will hear and heed-- the words of Lee Grady who explained (in Charisma Magazine), "I t's (Past) Time for a Charismatic Reformation."
So, I'm both thankful for the good and prayerful for the future of my charismatic friends. I hope you will be (both) as well.'
****My thoughts-
Is the Charismatic movement still alive? Yes, very much so, and those who think differently think it because we know the Devil is deceptive and he would put to rest suspicions, he will soothe over worries, he would have a calm before a storm. How like him to have something seemingly die away only to revive it to suit his purposes in a way it couldn't have if it hadn't started to seemingly wane in the mainstream. Just when you thought something was done and gone, having it flare up to life in a magnificent display of power would truly suit Satan's purposes of deception. Those who scoffed at the movement would be astounded! Those who rested on the fence not knowing what was what, would finally choose their side. The doubters would fall over themselves in an effort to confirm their new found belief all through lying signs and wonders of which Satan will perform to perfection so that NONE but the very elect will be able to see through. The rest of the world will be blinded, completely blinded and there will be no seeing through the dark covering of deception. There will be no reasoning with those caught under the devil's cloak so artful contrived to capture and keep people who don't have their hearts truly in Christ and His truth. Rev. 14: 12 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
No one will be able to point out anything to raise doubts because the belief will be that strong. In fact those among the few unbelievers will be the ones who will be overwhelmed with those trying to convert them to the real truth. The accusations will be- how can you not believe when you can see the miracles for yourself!
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
The devil believes, the devil's followers believe. The devils will stand up and shout they believe and somehow many will accept that their confession means they aren't really devils at all.
2 Thess. 2:9 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders
Whose coming is after the working of Satan--- who? SATAN! And he will come with what? ALL power and signs and lying wonders.
Is it no wonder that the true manifestation of God's powers will be scarce in the end times? The magnificent display of God's true wonders was wrought by Jesus and His Apostles, and from then on slowly waning, except for the rare occurrence. That need for display was replaced by the growing of faith that would be needed by God's people. We've no doubt today that Jesus existed, none. No doubt that historical witnesses testified to the fact he died and rose again- historical witnesses not just Biblical witnesses. We have the intellect today that gives us this understanding and there is no need for miracles to give us the truth of the ultimate miracle wrought in Christ.
As with any amazing and marvelous wonder, Satan likes to use it for his benefit. He will take what was laid down as groundwork and use it to suit his needs and how wonderfully the working of miracles, the speaking in tongues, the seeming out pouring of the Holy Spirit in deeds truly does suit him. Is it any wonder that Satan will use in lying the very thing to win over millions and millions, that Jesus used in truth? What better way to deceive than to come close to the truth and let the vanity and pride of mankind takeover from there.
Does all this mean that there are no true miracles of God in the last days? I don't think so. But I do believe that the miracles that God performs will be subtle and such that they won't be confused with the grand standing show that Satan is about to put on for the world.
May God keep us all safe in Him. May our hearts and minds be open to Him and Him only and His truths. May we be among those who are keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus. By His mercy and grace, in His love.
Amen.'
The above note of mine was written in 2009, and it is still applicable today just as finding that article from 2013 is applicable for our current day. Before that I found current 2009 articles to go with the topic, but today we needed something up to date and it wasn't hard to find.
The FALSE PROPHET is one of Satan's tools to use, and truthfully the Charismatic Movement from start to current times fits that perfectly. It came up here in the United States and spread rapidly all it's lies. Protestantism isn't a guarantee to truth, not when it holds fast to so many lies enacted by the Beast-the Papacy and kept as their Protestant truth. The majority of Protestant religions just slipped on a facade of protesting while refusing to divest themselves of ALL the lies perpetuated by the Papacy. In one breath they say they would NEVER teach and worship as the Papacy does, and yet in the next breath they are clinging to the lies that same Papacy has tricked them into believing are truth. The frogs coming out of the mouth of that false prophet, the beast, and the dragon truly are the that unifying force affecting all religions, building on the lies and deceiving millions into believing they are truth.
So when we read of the False Prophet in J.N. Andrews Three Messages of Revelation 14, written in 1877, we can know that yes, it is Protestantism that has refused the truth.
When we discuss the beast as we are in the messages of the three angels-
Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, Rev 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb
We must comprehend that intertwined in that message of the beast is the dragon and the false prophet. All of them working together to bring destruction to ALL who will be deceived by them.
Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Rev_19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Rev_20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
By the grace of our God may we NOT be among those deceived.
God has a truth for all who seek truth, and God allows deception for those who prefer deception. The heart will decide in every person and every person is given a chance to decide. God or self. Please, Savior, help us to choose You over ourselves.
All by YOUR LOVE!
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