The apostolic church was unquestionably pure and zealous of good works. However, the aged apostle John saw disturbing signs of the influence of the Gnostics and the coming of “that wicked,” the spirit of Antichrist. The church was gradually sliding downward into apostasy.
Three centuries later, Emperor Constantine “converted” to Christianity. This was the first of several milestones marking the digression of the church from the straight path set forth by Christ. Next, the corrupted Alexandrian manuscripts were adopted as the official Scriptures. This influenced many Christians to accept mysticism and, centuries later, the monastic movement. It also paved the way for the adoption of spiritualistic ideas, such as immortality of the soul.
Emperor worship was common in the society of pagan Rome, so most people followed Constantine’s lead and “converted” to Christianity. Yet, his conversion was not genuine, for he claimed the title of Pontificate Maximus, the head of the pagan religion. (This title was later conferred on the Bishop of Rome.) However, exclusive worship was not rendered to Christ. Instead, the church leaders claimed the worship of the masses for themselves. To attract members, the rites, rituals, and festivals of paganism (such as Sunday worship) were adopted by the church.
Another milestone was the Roman church’s polarization of laity and clergy as two distinct classes. Contrary to Scripture, a hierarchical structure was implemented. The pope gradually acquired the powers of a king with absolute authority over the entire church, and he created a visible structure that eclipsed the spiritual structure. This led to abuse of power. Church members could no longer enjoy liberty of conscience.
They were oppressed in many ways, and dissenters were silenced by excommunication or even death. The common people were forbidden even to read the Scriptures.
The consequences were far-reaching. Because society, economy, scientific discovery, education, and intellectual inquiry were stifled, the world was launched into the Dark Ages. In the Western world, people lived in spiritual and intellectual darkness without the light of the Scriptures. It was not until the Reformation, when the Scriptures were made more accessible to the common classes, that the Roman yoke was broken.
Throughout the history of the Christian church, both vigilance for the truth and liberty of conscience have been essential to the preservation of true Christianity. The time is coming soon when we will no longer have the liberty of conscience that we now enjoy.
May God strengthen us to “hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11).
