A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing and Satan's Den
Jesus warned us to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing and to recognize them by their deeds. Yet, discerning Satan's work with human perception alone is incredibly difficult. Particularly, the attitude of believers who dismiss a pastor's sins as irrelevant to the church blinds them to Satan's true presence. The Bible not only reveals God's work but also exposes Satan's activities and his den clearly.

The History of Israel and Spiritual Prophecies

The Bible chronicles the history of Israel, which serves as a prophetic shadow of the spiritual Israel (the church). The events of physical Israel foreshadow the history of the spiritual Israel. The reigns of David and Solomon, along with the division and fall of the kingdom of Israel, hold prophetic significance for the church’s history.

David and the Early Church

• David laying the foundation of the temple symbolizes Jesus establishing the foundation of the church through the 12 apostles.
• Solomon completing the temple signifies the formation of the early church—the heavenly temple—through the Holy Spirit given to the apostles.

The Division of Israel and the Church

• Division of Israel:
  Solomon’s sins led to the division of Israel into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). This division serves as a symbol of the church’s division after the early church era.

• Division of the Church:
  The church split into the Eastern Church centered in Jerusalem and the Western Church centered in Rome.
  The Western Church absorbed pagan doctrines and altered practices like the date of the Lord’s Supper, transforming into the Catholic Church.

Babylon and Its Prophetic Connection to Catholicism

The Fall of Physical Babylon

• The northern kingdom fell to Assyria, and the southern kingdom was destroyed by Babylon due to idolatry.
• The Israelites endured 70 years of Babylonian captivity.

Spiritual Babylon: Catholicism

• Catholicism distorted biblical truths, enforced idolatry, and persecuted many believers through the Inquisition and witch hunts.
• This parallels the fall of physical Israel and Judah and their exile to Babylon.

Post-Babylonian Church History

Daniel’s Prophecy in Chapter 8

Daniel 8 foretells the rise of Medo-Persia, Greece, and the divisions of the Greek Empire following Babylon's fall.

• This prophecy reflects Israel’s return to their homeland under foreign rule, unable to regain full independence.

Post-Catholic Church Movements

Believers freed from Catholicism failed to fully recover the truth, becoming dominated by Protestant denominations.

• Prophetic Fulfillment:
  • The Reformation by Martin Luther and John Calvin corresponds to Medo-Persia.
  • The Advent Movement led by William Miller aligns with Greece.
  • Movements like Seventh-day Adventism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Feast-keeping churches represent the divided Greek Empire in prophecy.

Judas Maccabeus and the Two Witnesses

The Revolt of Judas Maccabeus

Judas Maccabeus led a revolt against Antiochus IV, reclaiming Jerusalem and establishing the Hasmonean dynasty.

• This foreshadows the two witnesses empowered by God to oppose Satan’s forces and establish God’s kingdom.

The Role of the Two Witnesses

• The two witnesses will restore truth and liberate God’s people from Satan’s dominion.
• Those who came before them align with the thieves and robbers mentioned in the Bible.

Conclusion: Satan’s Den and the Restoration of Truth

• Not only Catholicism but all churches established after it have been influenced by Satan’s workings. These churches manipulate human doctrines and worldly authority, distorting God’s truth.
• The history of physical Israel serves as a shadow of spiritual Israel, offering insight into Satan’s identity and his den.
• Until the arrival of the two witnesses empowered by God, all churches may be regarded as dens of Satan.

Believers must await the restoration of truth, understanding the prophecies and mysteries testified in the Bible. “By their deeds, you will recognize them”—as Jesus said, we must hold onto wisdom to discern God’s true work and distinguish it from deception.