The State of the Churches

BABYLON’S FALL

The Scriptures plainly teach that the professed church of Christ will be in a fallen state in the last days. In giving the list of signs of the end near, our Saviour says: “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matthew 24:12. SOC 4.3

The apostle Paul, in his list of characteristics of the last days, speaks of “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. SOC 4.4

We will now see what the reforms and Bible students have expected would come in these days. By the sure word of prophecy they could see quite clearly what was coming before the end of time. SOC 4.5

Martin Luther, just before his death, writing on the prophetic periods of Daniel, in his German Bible, says: SOC 4.6

“About the consummation of these periods, this gospel will be shut out of all the churches and confined to private houses.” SOC 4.7

When one of Martin Luther’s guests remarked that the world might continue fifty years, he replied: SOC 4.8

“Pray God it may not exist so long; matters would be even worse than they have been. These would rise up infinite sects and schisms, which are at present hidden in men’s hearts not mature. No; may the Lord come at once, for there is no amendment to be expected.” SOC 4.9

Matthew Henry, on Luke 18. S. remarks: SOC 4.10

“Now when he comes will he find faith on the earth? The question implies a strong negative; no, he shall not; he himself foresees it. In general he will find but few good people, few that are really and truly good; many that have the form and fashion of godliness, but few that have faith.” SOC 4.11

Dr. Cotton Mather says: SOC 5.1

“A little before the burning day the nominal church will be like a dead, putrid carcass, having no faith in the Lord’s coming.” SOC 5.2

Dr. Gill, on the signs of Christ’s coming, says: SOC 5.3

“Which will yet be observed by a few, such a general sleepiness will have seized all professors of religion,” etc.—On Revelation 3:20. SOC 5.4

Mr. Hopkins remarks: SOC 5.5

“There is great reason to conclude that the world, particularly that part of it called Christian and Protestant, will yet make greater and more rapid advances in all kinds of moral corruption and open wickedness, till it will come to that state in which it will be fully ripe.” SOC 5.6

Mr. Harthy, a learned and sensible churchman, has remarked as follows: SOC 5.7

“There are many prophecies which declare the fall of the ecclesiastical powers of the Christian world; and though each church seems to flatter itself with the hope of being exempted, yet it is very plain that the prophetical characters belong to all. They all have left the true, pure, simple religion, and teach for doctrines the commandments of men.” SOC 5.8

The above is sufficient to show what was expected, and now we enquire, SOC 5.9