The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Establishment of the Papacy

This was surely an amazing change. Apparently the pagan empire had surrendered to the Christian church. AGP 193.4

“The fall of paganism, which may be considered as having begun to take place in the reign of Constantine, and as nearly consummated in that of Theodosius, is probably one of the most extraordinary revolutions that ever took place on the theater of this world. Their own writers have described it as ‘a dreadful and amazing prodigy, which covered the earth with darkness, and restored the ancient dominion of chaos and night.’” Id., p. 193. AGP 193.5

But no, it was not the fall of paganism that made this change a great calamity—one that “covered the earth with darkness, and restored the ancient dominion of chaos and night.” It was that which grew out of it, namely, the establishment of the papacy. It was this that assuredly “covered the earth with darkness,” and brought “chaos and night” upon the earth. AGP 193.6

The secret hand that brought about this great disaster is clearly disclosed in this authoritative word: AGP 193.7

“Satan … laid his plans to war more successfully against the government of God, by planting his banner in the Christian church…. The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God, and to believe in His death and resurrection; but they had no conviction of sin, and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part, they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in Christ. Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this. Some of the Christians stood firm, declaring that they could make no compromise. Others were in favor of yielding or modifying some features of their faith, and uniting with those who had accepted a part of Christianity, urging that this might be the means of their full conversion. That was a time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of Christ.” “The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan,” pp. 42, 43.