by Rudver B. Hermosa Camacho, Popayan, Colombia
to venture into a topic rarely studied by organizations religious
clearly define what this word means. The dictionary defines it as: "the abandonment of a belief
(political or religious) or changes that disable." De
this definition is necessary to abandon or deviate from a belief, to
thus regarded as apostasy. It is curious that all parties have left
existing religious beliefs and basic determinants of the Gospel,
taught in the Bible and the Savior Himself in His earthly ministry
taught devotedly in the dusty roads of Palestine. This apostasy has been producing
gradually from long ago.
ISRAEL OLD APOSTASY
Since antiquity, the people of Israel whom the Lord had chosen to enter into agreements
exaltation and eternal life is increasingly moving away
banned in signal paths of a deep rebellion against Him In the early years of human existence
looms as going away from the commandments. The
clearest example is that of Cain, who with cunning and deceit took the life of his brother Abel
, thus opposing the Lord's purposes, and to say of his generation
which obviously would move away from their God (see Gen 4:23-24). In the same
Noah lived days the men were away from the Gospel that they had taught
, look what Genesis 6:5 says: "7 God saw that the wickedness of man was great
on Earth, and that every intent of the
heart thoughts of them was only evil continually. " And then the flood came and wiped out all
creature on the face of the earth, only eight people, that is, Noah's family saved
. But it was not long and the man again departs from the conventions
of the Gospel. In the Bible in Genesis 11:4 is mention
men built a tower, "... whose top may reach unto heaven ..." This apparently angered
God who said, "... and have started and nothing will be restrained in what they thought
do, now they go down and there confuse their language ... and so the Lord scattered them
... over all the earth .... "
Although we need a clear and detailed explanation of what really happened
we can see that the man was acting contrary to what the Lord commanded, turning away more and more
the teachings given by the ancient prophets. And how about the people of Israel
, having been in captivity in Egypt for over four years
finally reached the moment of liberation and the Lord had Moses
chosen for this mission, the Israelites were beginning to tighten
against Him heart murmur seems to have been a dominant feature of the Israelites
nature and root of many of the problems faced (
see Exodus 15:24).
Once they were freed from Egyptian bondage continued from time to rebel against their
when director and leader. (See Exodus 16:2-3, from 17.3 to 4).
After Israel received the new covenant that would come through Moses, but, "... watching
the people that Moses delayed to come down the mountain (Sinai)
then approached Aaron and said: Come, make us gods who go before us ...
then made a molten calf and said Israel, these are your gods who brought you out of
the land of Egypt ... "(See Exodus 32:1-4).
In response to the despicable attitude of the people, the Lord said to Moses:" Go down,
because your people have corrupted. Are quickly turned aside from the way I sent them
... I have seen this people, which incidentally is stiff-necked people ... "(See Exodus 32:7-9
).
This demonstrates that the ancient people of Israel was in a state of apostasy
despite the miracles and wonders that the Lord had done in his behalf. In
final farewell speech Moses warns them when they deviate from
Lord your God: "... the LORD will scatter you among all peoples and
left few in number among the nations the Lord will take you ..." ( See Deuteronomy 4:27).
Moses had no illusions about the time that Israel would remain obedient. Here
prophetically before one of the most common themes of the Old Testament: Israel
dispersion because of their wickedness and the great congregation
happen in "the last days." At the time of the judges, the people picked the wrong
worshiping false gods and the Lord let fall into the hands of his enemies.
So in these circumstances the Lord raised up judges to lead them out of captivity.
But as soon as the first judge dies, Israel turns to other gods and the cycle begins again
. (See Judges 2:14-23). Even at the time of Joshua
his generation remained faithful to God (see Joshua 24:31), but the spiritual apostasy
occurred early in the next generation: "And there arose another generation after them
not know the Lord, or the work he had done for Israel. They left
LORD God of their fathers ... and they went after other gods ... to which they worshiped and
angered the Lord "(Judges 2:10,12).
then through the prophets, the Lord warned Israel for having left him
source of all righteousness. In Jeremiah 2:5 - 6, 8.13 says: "Thus saith the Lord, What wickedness
your fathers found in me that got away from me, and they followed vanity and became vain
... the priests did not say: Where is the Lord? And those who had the law
not know me, pastors after they rebelled because two wrongs not making
has made my people left me a source of living water and dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns
not hold water ...".
Many years later the prophet Amos also lets us see what was going to be universal
this deviation from the truth, so we can understand the various prophecies of
seers of antiquity, " Behold the days come, saith the Lord, which
send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord
. And they shall wander from sea to sea, from north to east
fro to seek the word of the Lord and not find it "(Amos 8:11-12).
The prophet Micah was the day that there would be" God's answer " described the condition
apostate Israel in these terms: "Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets
make my people err and cry, Peace, when they have something to eat and
to not feed them, proclaim war against him. For both the prophecy you will
dark night and guess, and the prophets shall the sun and the day
dark over them. And the prophets shall be ashamed and confounded the soothsayers
and they all cover their lips, because no answer of God ...
judge their leaders by right and its priests teach for hire and
prophets divine for money, and rely on the Lord saying: Is not the Lord among us?
evil will not come upon us ... "(Micah 3:5-7,11).
Isaiah had a similar vision of what would happen:" Behold, the Lord
empty and bare land, and turneth it upside down and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it
well as the people, also the priest as the servant and his master, as the maid to her mistress
, as the buying, which sells them as one who pays, so with the borrow
, as the giver achievement and to the recipient.
Earth will be entirely emptied and utterly spoiled: for the LORD has spoken this word.
is destroyed, the earth fell sick, fell the world ill high
peoples of the Earth. And the earth is defiled by its people because they have transgressed the laws,
distorted the law, broken the everlasting covenant ... "(Isaiah 24:1-5).
This seer realized that the Lord's displeasure fall upon the inhabitants of the
Earth in another of his powerful visions stated: "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
and gross darkness the nations ... (Isaiah 60:2). "For the Lord poured out upon you the spirit
sleep, and closed his eyes and put your prophets
veil over the heads of your viewers ..." (Isaiah 29:10).
Thus we see that Ancient Israel at different times and seasons: "They
well ... evil in the eyes of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals
and groves ..." (Judges 3:7).
"... And they forsook the covenant of the LORD ... that he made with them when the bag
of the land of Egypt ..." (Deuteronomy 29:25).
changed the practices and beliefs that they were taught initially
away and farther and farther away from God they should have put their trust
. (See 1 Kings 12:25-33, 2 Chronicles 11:13-15).
could go with a huge list of Bible verses which can be seen
clear that the nation was once favored over the other peoples of the Earth and
could not remain faithful and obedient, had a hard time doing so. All this brought
enormous consequences that persist to this day. It is very evident the
apostasy from the earliest ages of the Earth has hung over humanity
by reason of having forgotten his God. Ancient writings say so, there, and somehow there
apostasy to our time. We can not close our eyes to these truths
and walk like blind guides trying to guide the blind. Apostasy
OF THE EARLY CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURCH ESTABLISHED TO EL SALVADOR
is a common belief of all the religious parties who profess Christianity
fact that Jesus Christ established His Church here on Earth God for his ministry among men
. He came at a time of relative peace.
The religious world was divided into two groups: the pagans of different sects and Jews
. These were the only ones who still had imperfectly
worship the great Lord, and even among them there was a division, being the leading Pharisees, Sadducees and
Essenes. Another group were the Samaritans, among whom was also
a mixture of Jewish and pagan philosophies.
El Salvador preached his gospel and indicated clearly that the Law of Moses in its entirety
was fulfilled in him resulted in a higher law, a law of love, peace
gospel and established His Church officially chosen to direct.
read about the apostles, seventies, the elders or elders, priests, teachers and
deacons or evangelists of the patriarchs, and a member of this group of leaders
later said those officers should remain in the Church
for the purpose of: "... equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the
building up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith ... "
(See Ephesians 4:12-13).
The Master chose His Twelve, appointed and sent with the message."
.. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. "They went to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and later
through divine guidance also to the Gentiles. others were called, and
seventies after his first mission, they returned happy that in the name of Jesus Christ even
even the demons were subject to them.
There was a spirit of unity among members, a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity
, enjoyed great spiritual gifts.
ordinances were made simple by men who possessed the authority and had been commissioned
for it. All evidence indicated that those who participated in the apostolic ministry
possessed divine authority to publicize the message of the Gospel and to
manage the affairs of the kingdom. Peter the senior Apostle
directed the activities of the newly formed Church.
Analyzing a little divine organization of the Church that Jesus Christ established,
see that one of the features, among others, would be to have followed this
organization, which had no shadow of change. The first step the Lord gave his Church was instituted
call twelve apostles, to confer personally
Authority and power of the Priesthood: "Then he called his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority
... and sent them to preach .. . '"(Luke 9:1-2).
ordinances and gospel principles can neither teach nor be administered without this power and authority
ie the priesthood.
The apostle Paul taught that "... no one takes this honor to himself (ie the priest)
but he is called by God, Aaron was horn ... So also Christ glorified
likewise becoming a high priest but he that said, You You are my Son ... You are
priest (because he received the priesthood) for sows in the order of Melchizedek
... "(see Hebrews 5:4-6). The Father then gave this authority to the
Salvador, did not take himself very
or usurped power that did not belong, that's the correct order of things.
This same church was compared to a building that stated: "... on the basis
of the apostles and prophets being the chief corner stone Jesus Christ himself "
(see Ephesians 2:20). The apostle Peter was appointed as the chief apostle and was given the keys to seal
blessings in heaven and on earth:" And I will give you the
keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven ... "Jesus called
other priesthood leaders to assist the apostles in the work of the ministry
, shipping officials called seventies to go in pairs to proclaim the Gospel
: "... And the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them two by two ahead of the
all city \u200b\u200band place where he had to go ... "(Luke 10:1).
Other officers were:" ... evangelical ... some pastors and teachers ... for the work of ministry ...
"(See Ephesians 4:11-12).
The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and governance of the Church
but has largely been preserved to show the beauty and perfection
the organization of the Church. Interesting to emphasize is that local leaders called
on which the apostles presided. These
visited and wrote letters to leaders of different "branches." Because of this the New Testament contains
letters (epistles) written by the apostles Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude
that gave advice and instructions to local priesthood leaders.
The apostles taught two basic principles of the Gospel: faith in Jesus Christ and repentance
. After the new converts had faith in the Savior as
the Son of God and his Redeemer and had truly repented of their sins
received two ordinances: baptism by immersion and the laying on of hands
the gift of the Holy Spirit , recalling the commandment given: "... that
not born of water and the Spirit, he can not enter the kingdom of God ..." (John 3:5).
With the above we can conclude that there was actually a
organization of the early Church of the Savior as He established it for us
realize that the vast majority of "churches Christian "today in spite of retaining the present
pastors or bishops, teachers and preachers promulgate
however ineffectiveness of apostles and prophets by excluding them from their respective organizations
church. All of these" churches "become deaf to the biblical passages that
clearly teach us a continuous succession of apostles (see Acts 1:23-26;
13:1-3) that was made to the extent that the former were dying.
THE BEGINNING OF THE Apostasy
Let's analyze why affirm that there was an apostasy after the death of Lord
and leaders that he had chosen.
In the year 44 AD is called a council of members of the Church in Jerusalem,
under the direction of Peter. According to records, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
some discrepancies were corrected during the conference. After the apostles were scattered
; prosecution of them is bitter and is known as
never met again at a general conference of the Church. Paul
activities focused on Antioch, but during the years 68 to 100 AD,
gives the impression that most of the original apostles had the authority to direct
the kingdom, or direct the affairs of the Church, and perhaps all had left this Earth
.
Following the death of the apostles began the rapid development of a universal
apostasy had been expected and predicted as discussed in the beginning.
apostasy
was a combination of external and internal causes which led to this great effect
apostasy. The most effective of these external forces was disintegrating
tenacious pursuit, dissension began to infiltrate and political influence became apparent
. According to the writers of the century, to whom the religious leaders of
time usually do not take into account lessons
were quite unorthodox in the first century to the mid second century after the advent of the Master.
One by one the apostles were murdered and those who were leaving because of the persecution they suffered
they could not meet to choose and ordain other
men to replace those who had died.
Judaism was the first oppressor of Christianity and became the instigator and abettor
of additional atrocities resulting pagan persecution. During the reign of Nero
(beginning as in the year 64 AD) was generated and invigorates
hostility of the Roman powers against the Christian Church,
assertion that, except for occasional truces that lasted months and even years,
continued until late in the reign of Diocletian (as in the year 305). The
inhuman cruelty and savage barbarism that is imposed on those who dared to profess the name of Christ
during these centuries of pagan are accepted facts of history.
The overall result of the external opposition, ie the external causes
decline of faith and works, taken together, appeared in the defection of members
thus led to a widespread apostasy from the Church .
Major changes were revealed. Some argue that at that time
the Bishop of Rome had become the head of the Church. There were many bishops who presided
local congregations-churches as they were called, but none of them
3. Unauthorized changes in the organization of church government. The Roman pontiff assumed authority
secular and the spiritual and in the eleventh century
arrogated to itself the title of pope same meaning father, paternal ruler as in all things
. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries the pope's temporal authority was superior to
of kings and emperors and the Roman church became the
despotic sovereign nations and further that all states autocrat secular. These "pastors" initial
supposed Christian church and could eventually provide
titles or positions of greater authority to appoint bishops, cardinals, patriarchs and popes
. We wonder: What authority was on them to promote them and raise them to
absolute leaders in their churches? As this last thing and the beginning of the apostasy
churches were then only human, without authority, where the bishop of Rome
excommunicated the patriarch of Constantinople, and this in turn
excommunicated the Bishop of Rome. HE PREDICTS
APOSTASY
is logical to say so after what has been discussed that the Church of Christ
fell into a state of apostasy, the succession in the priesthood and the Church stopped
as earthly organization operating under the divine guidance and
had the authority to officiate in spiritual ordinances, ceased to exist. This is shown by the
history. But all this had been prophesied and foretold by the prophets, apostles, and yet it
Salvador to exercise their ministry among men.
apostasy had begun in the days of the apostles and mentioned them frequently.
When Paul last met with the elders of Ephesus and said, "Because I
know that after my departure you come in among wolves
not sparing the flock "(Acts 20:29). And after his letter to the Thessalonians
said:" No one deceive you in any way because they come (the second coming of the Lord
) except there come a falling away (see 2Tesal. 2:3). So did know
Timothy: "The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but having itching ears
pile up teachers after their own lusts and away from the truth
hearing and shall be turned unto fables "(2 Timothy 4:3-4). At
Galatians, Paul spoke of the apostasy that was carried out and was amazed at how quickly
had removed from him that had called them to follow a different
gospel. Then rebuked them for it and let them know that there was only one Gospel
plan. (See Galatians 1:6-8).
is clear that Paul could prophesy the situation that would accompany those who were not truly converted to the Gospel
when he said: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly
that in later times some will abandon the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines
of demons "(1 Timothy 4:1).
the apostle Peter also spoke of "... false prophets among the people, as there
false teachers among you who will secretly introduce destructive heresies ...
bring upon themselves swift destruction "(2Pedro2: 1).
We'll really interesting relationship of biblical quotations
have been found besides those already mentioned giving more evidence of the apostasy that
hovered in the Christian Church.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 "Now I beseech you brothers ... that ye all speak the same thing ...
and no divisions among you ... because I've been told that there
among you ... ".
• 1 Corinthians 11:18:" ... when you come together as a church, I hear there are divisions among you
... ".
• 2 Corinthians 2:17:" For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of Christ ...".
• 1 Timothy 1:6. "... Diverted some aside to idle talk .. . ".
• 2 Timothy 1:15:" ... I left all those in Asia ... ".
• 2 Timothy 2:18:" ... that deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection and
took place, and overthrow the faith of some ... ".
• Titus 1:10,16:" For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers
, especially those of the circumcision ... profess to know God, but with
they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient reprobates
about every good work ".
• 2 Peter 3:17:" ... beware lest away with the error of the wicked, fall from your secure
...".
• Revelation 2:2 " ... and have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars
... ".
• John 16:2:" I kicked out of the synagogues ... more I have said these things,
that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you. "
• Mark 7:6:" ... well Isaiah prophesy of you: 'This people I
lips honor, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they worship me.
teaching for doctrines the commandments men '. "
already to end this review on apostasy, we say that not only through
of history, which is quite clear, but by the prophecy, as we have
check, it can be concluded that there was a total apostasy from the truth of the Gospel.
Many of the early reformers admitted that fact to
fight against false teachings and practices of the time. Men like Wesley, the founder of Methodism;
Roger Williams, the director of the Baptist congregation; Williams Smith, author of
"Smith's Dictionary of the bible" who in a sensible and compelling in its
time said: "We should not expect the Church of the Holy Scriptures there really
in His perfection on earth. This perfection can not be found in the
all these fragments of Christendom, and less on one or any such
fragments ... Any duly constituted church of Christ on Earth,
or any person authorized to administer any church ordinance, nor can he
be until new apostles are sent by the great Head of the Church
whose coming he was seeking .. . ".
hope has been awakened in the hearts of believers honest and truthful with them
himself a sincere desire earnestly seeking the true Church that once established the Lord
and as stated by the apostle: "reach unity of faith and knowledge
the Son of God ..." and share all "one Lord, one faith, one baptism
(Efesios4: 13,15).
This church exists today with the same organization as the Savior Himself
established with the same teachings and commandments that he gave. What a joy it
immense joy so sublime it is to belong to her! is filled with light and harmony the
road-building, goals to achieve eternal life and gives a strong sense of
existence. Its present name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If you are a member of it, we invite you to follow being faithful and obedient to his teachings.
If you're not, now is the time, without prejudice to the truth not be blinded to
diligently investigate and reach your own conclusion and "... by the power of
Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. "
This article was finished writing the Guambia Ward, Municipality of Silvia, Colombia
being 21:00 hours on February 26, 2002. Author Rudver B. Hermosa
Camacho, President North Branch remember, Popayan, Colombia.
to venture into a topic rarely studied by organizations religious
clearly define what this word means. The dictionary defines it as: "the abandonment of a belief
(political or religious) or changes that disable." De
this definition is necessary to abandon or deviate from a belief, to
thus regarded as apostasy. It is curious that all parties have left
existing religious beliefs and basic determinants of the Gospel,
taught in the Bible and the Savior Himself in His earthly ministry
taught devotedly in the dusty roads of Palestine. This apostasy has been producing
gradually from long ago.
ISRAEL OLD APOSTASY
Since antiquity, the people of Israel whom the Lord had chosen to enter into agreements
exaltation and eternal life is increasingly moving away
banned in signal paths of a deep rebellion against Him In the early years of human existence
looms as going away from the commandments. The
clearest example is that of Cain, who with cunning and deceit took the life of his brother Abel
, thus opposing the Lord's purposes, and to say of his generation
which obviously would move away from their God (see Gen 4:23-24). In the same
Noah lived days the men were away from the Gospel that they had taught
, look what Genesis 6:5 says: "7 God saw that the wickedness of man was great
on Earth, and that every intent of the
heart thoughts of them was only evil continually. " And then the flood came and wiped out all
creature on the face of the earth, only eight people, that is, Noah's family saved
. But it was not long and the man again departs from the conventions
of the Gospel. In the Bible in Genesis 11:4 is mention
men built a tower, "... whose top may reach unto heaven ..." This apparently angered
God who said, "... and have started and nothing will be restrained in what they thought
do, now they go down and there confuse their language ... and so the Lord scattered them
... over all the earth .... "
Although we need a clear and detailed explanation of what really happened
we can see that the man was acting contrary to what the Lord commanded, turning away more and more
the teachings given by the ancient prophets. And how about the people of Israel
, having been in captivity in Egypt for over four years
finally reached the moment of liberation and the Lord had Moses
chosen for this mission, the Israelites were beginning to tighten
against Him heart murmur seems to have been a dominant feature of the Israelites
nature and root of many of the problems faced (
see Exodus 15:24).
Once they were freed from Egyptian bondage continued from time to rebel against their
when director and leader. (See Exodus 16:2-3, from 17.3 to 4).
After Israel received the new covenant that would come through Moses, but, "... watching
the people that Moses delayed to come down the mountain (Sinai)
then approached Aaron and said: Come, make us gods who go before us ...
then made a molten calf and said Israel, these are your gods who brought you out of
the land of Egypt ... "(See Exodus 32:1-4).
In response to the despicable attitude of the people, the Lord said to Moses:" Go down,
because your people have corrupted. Are quickly turned aside from the way I sent them
... I have seen this people, which incidentally is stiff-necked people ... "(See Exodus 32:7-9
).
This demonstrates that the ancient people of Israel was in a state of apostasy
despite the miracles and wonders that the Lord had done in his behalf. In
final farewell speech Moses warns them when they deviate from
Lord your God: "... the LORD will scatter you among all peoples and
left few in number among the nations the Lord will take you ..." ( See Deuteronomy 4:27).
Moses had no illusions about the time that Israel would remain obedient. Here
prophetically before one of the most common themes of the Old Testament: Israel
dispersion because of their wickedness and the great congregation
happen in "the last days." At the time of the judges, the people picked the wrong
worshiping false gods and the Lord let fall into the hands of his enemies.
So in these circumstances the Lord raised up judges to lead them out of captivity.
But as soon as the first judge dies, Israel turns to other gods and the cycle begins again
. (See Judges 2:14-23). Even at the time of Joshua
his generation remained faithful to God (see Joshua 24:31), but the spiritual apostasy
occurred early in the next generation: "And there arose another generation after them
not know the Lord, or the work he had done for Israel. They left
LORD God of their fathers ... and they went after other gods ... to which they worshiped and
angered the Lord "(Judges 2:10,12).
then through the prophets, the Lord warned Israel for having left him
source of all righteousness. In Jeremiah 2:5 - 6, 8.13 says: "Thus saith the Lord, What wickedness
your fathers found in me that got away from me, and they followed vanity and became vain
... the priests did not say: Where is the Lord? And those who had the law
not know me, pastors after they rebelled because two wrongs not making
has made my people left me a source of living water and dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns
not hold water ...".
Many years later the prophet Amos also lets us see what was going to be universal
this deviation from the truth, so we can understand the various prophecies of
seers of antiquity, " Behold the days come, saith the Lord, which
send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord
. And they shall wander from sea to sea, from north to east
fro to seek the word of the Lord and not find it "(Amos 8:11-12).
The prophet Micah was the day that there would be" God's answer " described the condition
apostate Israel in these terms: "Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets
make my people err and cry, Peace, when they have something to eat and
to not feed them, proclaim war against him. For both the prophecy you will
dark night and guess, and the prophets shall the sun and the day
dark over them. And the prophets shall be ashamed and confounded the soothsayers
and they all cover their lips, because no answer of God ...
judge their leaders by right and its priests teach for hire and
prophets divine for money, and rely on the Lord saying: Is not the Lord among us?
evil will not come upon us ... "(Micah 3:5-7,11).
Isaiah had a similar vision of what would happen:" Behold, the Lord
empty and bare land, and turneth it upside down and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it
well as the people, also the priest as the servant and his master, as the maid to her mistress
, as the buying, which sells them as one who pays, so with the borrow
, as the giver achievement and to the recipient.
Earth will be entirely emptied and utterly spoiled: for the LORD has spoken this word.
is destroyed, the earth fell sick, fell the world ill high
peoples of the Earth. And the earth is defiled by its people because they have transgressed the laws,
distorted the law, broken the everlasting covenant ... "(Isaiah 24:1-5).
This seer realized that the Lord's displeasure fall upon the inhabitants of the
Earth in another of his powerful visions stated: "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
and gross darkness the nations ... (Isaiah 60:2). "For the Lord poured out upon you the spirit
sleep, and closed his eyes and put your prophets
veil over the heads of your viewers ..." (Isaiah 29:10).
Thus we see that Ancient Israel at different times and seasons: "They
well ... evil in the eyes of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals
and groves ..." (Judges 3:7).
"... And they forsook the covenant of the LORD ... that he made with them when the bag
of the land of Egypt ..." (Deuteronomy 29:25).
changed the practices and beliefs that they were taught initially
away and farther and farther away from God they should have put their trust
. (See 1 Kings 12:25-33, 2 Chronicles 11:13-15).
could go with a huge list of Bible verses which can be seen
clear that the nation was once favored over the other peoples of the Earth and
could not remain faithful and obedient, had a hard time doing so. All this brought
enormous consequences that persist to this day. It is very evident the
apostasy from the earliest ages of the Earth has hung over humanity
by reason of having forgotten his God. Ancient writings say so, there, and somehow there
apostasy to our time. We can not close our eyes to these truths
and walk like blind guides trying to guide the blind. Apostasy
OF THE EARLY CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURCH ESTABLISHED TO EL SALVADOR
is a common belief of all the religious parties who profess Christianity
fact that Jesus Christ established His Church here on Earth God for his ministry among men
. He came at a time of relative peace.
The religious world was divided into two groups: the pagans of different sects and Jews
. These were the only ones who still had imperfectly
worship the great Lord, and even among them there was a division, being the leading Pharisees, Sadducees and
Essenes. Another group were the Samaritans, among whom was also
a mixture of Jewish and pagan philosophies.
El Salvador preached his gospel and indicated clearly that the Law of Moses in its entirety
was fulfilled in him resulted in a higher law, a law of love, peace
gospel and established His Church officially chosen to direct.
read about the apostles, seventies, the elders or elders, priests, teachers and
deacons or evangelists of the patriarchs, and a member of this group of leaders
later said those officers should remain in the Church
for the purpose of: "... equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the
building up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith ... "
(See Ephesians 4:12-13).
The Master chose His Twelve, appointed and sent with the message."
.. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. "They went to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and later
through divine guidance also to the Gentiles. others were called, and
seventies after his first mission, they returned happy that in the name of Jesus Christ even
even the demons were subject to them.
There was a spirit of unity among members, a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity
, enjoyed great spiritual gifts.
ordinances were made simple by men who possessed the authority and had been commissioned
for it. All evidence indicated that those who participated in the apostolic ministry
possessed divine authority to publicize the message of the Gospel and to
manage the affairs of the kingdom. Peter the senior Apostle
directed the activities of the newly formed Church.
Analyzing a little divine organization of the Church that Jesus Christ established,
see that one of the features, among others, would be to have followed this
organization, which had no shadow of change. The first step the Lord gave his Church was instituted
call twelve apostles, to confer personally
Authority and power of the Priesthood: "Then he called his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority
... and sent them to preach .. . '"(Luke 9:1-2).
ordinances and gospel principles can neither teach nor be administered without this power and authority
ie the priesthood.
The apostle Paul taught that "... no one takes this honor to himself (ie the priest)
but he is called by God, Aaron was horn ... So also Christ glorified
likewise becoming a high priest but he that said, You You are my Son ... You are
priest (because he received the priesthood) for sows in the order of Melchizedek
... "(see Hebrews 5:4-6). The Father then gave this authority to the
Salvador, did not take himself very
or usurped power that did not belong, that's the correct order of things.
This same church was compared to a building that stated: "... on the basis
of the apostles and prophets being the chief corner stone Jesus Christ himself "
(see Ephesians 2:20). The apostle Peter was appointed as the chief apostle and was given the keys to seal
blessings in heaven and on earth:" And I will give you the
keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven ... "Jesus called
other priesthood leaders to assist the apostles in the work of the ministry
, shipping officials called seventies to go in pairs to proclaim the Gospel
: "... And the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them two by two ahead of the
all city \u200b\u200band place where he had to go ... "(Luke 10:1).
Other officers were:" ... evangelical ... some pastors and teachers ... for the work of ministry ...
"(See Ephesians 4:11-12).
The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and governance of the Church
but has largely been preserved to show the beauty and perfection
the organization of the Church. Interesting to emphasize is that local leaders called
on which the apostles presided. These
visited and wrote letters to leaders of different "branches." Because of this the New Testament contains
letters (epistles) written by the apostles Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude
that gave advice and instructions to local priesthood leaders.
The apostles taught two basic principles of the Gospel: faith in Jesus Christ and repentance
. After the new converts had faith in the Savior as
the Son of God and his Redeemer and had truly repented of their sins
received two ordinances: baptism by immersion and the laying on of hands
the gift of the Holy Spirit , recalling the commandment given: "... that
not born of water and the Spirit, he can not enter the kingdom of God ..." (John 3:5).
With the above we can conclude that there was actually a
organization of the early Church of the Savior as He established it for us
realize that the vast majority of "churches Christian "today in spite of retaining the present
pastors or bishops, teachers and preachers promulgate
however ineffectiveness of apostles and prophets by excluding them from their respective organizations
church. All of these" churches "become deaf to the biblical passages that
clearly teach us a continuous succession of apostles (see Acts 1:23-26;
13:1-3) that was made to the extent that the former were dying.
THE BEGINNING OF THE Apostasy
Let's analyze why affirm that there was an apostasy after the death of Lord
and leaders that he had chosen.
In the year 44 AD is called a council of members of the Church in Jerusalem,
under the direction of Peter. According to records, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
some discrepancies were corrected during the conference. After the apostles were scattered
; prosecution of them is bitter and is known as
never met again at a general conference of the Church. Paul
activities focused on Antioch, but during the years 68 to 100 AD,
gives the impression that most of the original apostles had the authority to direct
the kingdom, or direct the affairs of the Church, and perhaps all had left this Earth
.
Following the death of the apostles began the rapid development of a universal
apostasy had been expected and predicted as discussed in the beginning.
apostasy
was a combination of external and internal causes which led to this great effect
apostasy. The most effective of these external forces was disintegrating
tenacious pursuit, dissension began to infiltrate and political influence became apparent
. According to the writers of the century, to whom the religious leaders of
time usually do not take into account lessons
were quite unorthodox in the first century to the mid second century after the advent of the Master.
One by one the apostles were murdered and those who were leaving because of the persecution they suffered
they could not meet to choose and ordain other
men to replace those who had died.
Judaism was the first oppressor of Christianity and became the instigator and abettor
of additional atrocities resulting pagan persecution. During the reign of Nero
(beginning as in the year 64 AD) was generated and invigorates
hostility of the Roman powers against the Christian Church,
assertion that, except for occasional truces that lasted months and even years,
continued until late in the reign of Diocletian (as in the year 305). The
inhuman cruelty and savage barbarism that is imposed on those who dared to profess the name of Christ
during these centuries of pagan are accepted facts of history.
The overall result of the external opposition, ie the external causes
decline of faith and works, taken together, appeared in the defection of members
thus led to a widespread apostasy from the Church .
Major changes were revealed. Some argue that at that time
the Bishop of Rome had become the head of the Church. There were many bishops who presided
local congregations-churches as they were called, but none of them
3. Unauthorized changes in the organization of church government. The Roman pontiff assumed authority
secular and the spiritual and in the eleventh century
arrogated to itself the title of pope same meaning father, paternal ruler as in all things
. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries the pope's temporal authority was superior to
of kings and emperors and the Roman church became the
despotic sovereign nations and further that all states autocrat secular. These "pastors" initial
supposed Christian church and could eventually provide
titles or positions of greater authority to appoint bishops, cardinals, patriarchs and popes
. We wonder: What authority was on them to promote them and raise them to
absolute leaders in their churches? As this last thing and the beginning of the apostasy
churches were then only human, without authority, where the bishop of Rome
excommunicated the patriarch of Constantinople, and this in turn
excommunicated the Bishop of Rome. HE PREDICTS
APOSTASY
is logical to say so after what has been discussed that the Church of Christ
fell into a state of apostasy, the succession in the priesthood and the Church stopped
as earthly organization operating under the divine guidance and
had the authority to officiate in spiritual ordinances, ceased to exist. This is shown by the
history. But all this had been prophesied and foretold by the prophets, apostles, and yet it
Salvador to exercise their ministry among men.
apostasy had begun in the days of the apostles and mentioned them frequently.
When Paul last met with the elders of Ephesus and said, "Because I
know that after my departure you come in among wolves
not sparing the flock "(Acts 20:29). And after his letter to the Thessalonians
said:" No one deceive you in any way because they come (the second coming of the Lord
) except there come a falling away (see 2Tesal. 2:3). So did know
Timothy: "The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but having itching ears
pile up teachers after their own lusts and away from the truth
hearing and shall be turned unto fables "(2 Timothy 4:3-4). At
Galatians, Paul spoke of the apostasy that was carried out and was amazed at how quickly
had removed from him that had called them to follow a different
gospel. Then rebuked them for it and let them know that there was only one Gospel
plan. (See Galatians 1:6-8).
is clear that Paul could prophesy the situation that would accompany those who were not truly converted to the Gospel
when he said: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly
that in later times some will abandon the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines
of demons "(1 Timothy 4:1).
the apostle Peter also spoke of "... false prophets among the people, as there
false teachers among you who will secretly introduce destructive heresies ...
bring upon themselves swift destruction "(2Pedro2: 1).
We'll really interesting relationship of biblical quotations
have been found besides those already mentioned giving more evidence of the apostasy that
hovered in the Christian Church.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 "Now I beseech you brothers ... that ye all speak the same thing ...
and no divisions among you ... because I've been told that there
among you ... ".
• 1 Corinthians 11:18:" ... when you come together as a church, I hear there are divisions among you
... ".
• 2 Corinthians 2:17:" For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of Christ ...".
• 1 Timothy 1:6. "... Diverted some aside to idle talk .. . ".
• 2 Timothy 1:15:" ... I left all those in Asia ... ".
• 2 Timothy 2:18:" ... that deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection and
took place, and overthrow the faith of some ... ".
• Titus 1:10,16:" For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers
, especially those of the circumcision ... profess to know God, but with
they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient reprobates
about every good work ".
• 2 Peter 3:17:" ... beware lest away with the error of the wicked, fall from your secure
...".
• Revelation 2:2 " ... and have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars
... ".
• John 16:2:" I kicked out of the synagogues ... more I have said these things,
that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you. "
• Mark 7:6:" ... well Isaiah prophesy of you: 'This people I
lips honor, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they worship me.
teaching for doctrines the commandments men '. "
already to end this review on apostasy, we say that not only through
of history, which is quite clear, but by the prophecy, as we have
check, it can be concluded that there was a total apostasy from the truth of the Gospel.
Many of the early reformers admitted that fact to
fight against false teachings and practices of the time. Men like Wesley, the founder of Methodism;
Roger Williams, the director of the Baptist congregation; Williams Smith, author of
"Smith's Dictionary of the bible" who in a sensible and compelling in its
time said: "We should not expect the Church of the Holy Scriptures there really
in His perfection on earth. This perfection can not be found in the
all these fragments of Christendom, and less on one or any such
fragments ... Any duly constituted church of Christ on Earth,
or any person authorized to administer any church ordinance, nor can he
be until new apostles are sent by the great Head of the Church
whose coming he was seeking .. . ".
hope has been awakened in the hearts of believers honest and truthful with them
himself a sincere desire earnestly seeking the true Church that once established the Lord
and as stated by the apostle: "reach unity of faith and knowledge
the Son of God ..." and share all "one Lord, one faith, one baptism
(Efesios4: 13,15).
This church exists today with the same organization as the Savior Himself
established with the same teachings and commandments that he gave. What a joy it
immense joy so sublime it is to belong to her! is filled with light and harmony the
road-building, goals to achieve eternal life and gives a strong sense of
existence. Its present name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If you are a member of it, we invite you to follow being faithful and obedient to his teachings.
If you're not, now is the time, without prejudice to the truth not be blinded to
diligently investigate and reach your own conclusion and "... by the power of
Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. "
This article was finished writing the Guambia Ward, Municipality of Silvia, Colombia
being 21:00 hours on February 26, 2002. Author Rudver B. Hermosa
Camacho, President North Branch remember, Popayan, Colombia.
