INTRODUCTION
When Pope Benedict XVI was
inaugurated to be the new pope, it was reported by the news media that the
Catholic religion numbers approximately 1.1 billion people among its members
worldwide. When you add all of the Protestant denominations to that, believers
of Christian based faith would number well over 2 billion people, making it the
largest belief system on earth at over 30% of the world’s population.
“Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh,
shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
I think most will agree that the
implied answer of our Lord’s query is “very
little.” And when you consider the fact that many today believe that we
are indeed living in the time near the end of this age, the numbers just don’t
add up.
Why would our Lord make a
statement such as this, especially during a time when the gospel is reaching
more people than at any other time in history? It was questions such as these
that inspired me to search for answers.
During the course of my study, I
was reminded of this stern warning:
“I
marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of
Christ unto another gospel; which is not another, but there be some that
trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached
unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8)
Could it be possible that the
majority of Bible-believing people worldwide have been indoctrinated into a
different gospel than the one which was taught by the apostles?
“Beloved, believe not
every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false
prophets are gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1)
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,
and doctrines of devils.” (I Timothy 4:1)
“For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (II Timothy 4:3,4)
Hopefully, the article that
follows can help provide answers to some of these disturbing questions. All I
can ask is that you prayerfully consider it with an open mind. I know that for
me, this is the truth that has truly set me free!
Gary Cottongim
Comments/Questions?