Chapter. 27. Concerning Antichrist. The wickedness of Sodom and Egypt, compared with the wickedness

Jericho, what did they have to conquer it? Joshua 6:4-5 tells us that the priests were to go with ram's horns and blow them seven times around the city, and the walls would fall down. It may appear to be a feeble and inadequate means. They might have questioned, "After forty years in the wilderness, we have reached this fortified city, and all we have are ram's horns?" Yet, this was God's way. If we reason with our human understanding and solely rely on means when faced with difficulties, we may be tempted to turn back. Instead, look beyond the means and place your trust in faith. The same faith that brought you out of Egypt will carry you forward. And with this, we have concluded the first allegory.

Chapter 27:

Exploring the Second Allegorical Meaning: Antichrist and the Bondage of Christians The second allegory pertains to the bondage under Antichrist, and it is through faith that one can be liberated from that bondage, from the figurative Egypt, which represents the seat of Antichrist. The scriptural reference to this bondage is found in Revelation 11:8, where it states, "And their dead bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt." Some

Papists argue that this refers to Jerusalem due to the mention of our Lord being crucified there. However, this passage is not meant to be taken literally in terms of the place, but rather in a spiritual sense, where the chief seat of Antichrist is metaphorically identified as

Sodom and Egypt. Therefore, Rome, particularly in relation to its treatment of Christ's followers, is where Christ is spiritually crucified the most. Comparatively, Rome can also be considered as the place where Christ was literally crucified due to the Roman power and authority involved. By examining this passage in conjunction with other verses in Revelation, it becomes evident that Rome is symbolically referred to as Sodom and Egypt. We could delve into numerous comparisons between the abominable wickedness of Sodom and Egypt and the practices prevalent in that place.

Firstly, Antichrist resembles Egypt in terms of gross idolatry. Egypt was renowned for its extreme idolatrous practices. They worshipped not only the sun, moon, and stars like other nations, but also cats, onions, and other unworthy creatures. Similarly, the Papists engage in the worship of stocks, stones, and various holy relics, including even the hair that supposedly came from the tail of the beast on which Christ rode. Their worship involves the veneration of base and vile objects that are too debasing to describe in detail.

Secondly, Antichrist is compared to Egypt in relation to the cruelty exhibited by the Church of Rome. Egypt was infamous for its extreme cruelty, and likewise, those under the influence of Antichrist manifest even greater cruelty, as if they were messengers sent from hell to showcase the power of malevolent spirits. Hence, they are described as being "drunken with blood," with their garments stained scarlet from the blood of the saints (Revelation 17:4-6).

However, my main focus here is to highlight the bondage in which Christians find themselves under Antichrist and the role of faith in delivering them from it.

The bondage under Antichrist can be described in two ways:

1. Outwardly, it affects people's estates and lives. Antichrist claims power over kings and princes, freeing people from loyalty to their rulers. If it weren't for the delusion upon the hearts of the powerful on Earth, it would be impossible for them to submit to such a base form of bondage. Many accuse the godly of being disloyal subjects who reject government, but what about the Papists? They teach the liberation of subjects from their loyalty.

A Papist expressed that the Pope, their head, is the shepherd while kings and princes are dogs. If the dogs behave as they should, they must obey their master, but if they are lazy and disobedient, the shepherd must remove them. As for their estates, countries suffer greatly. Bonner mentioned in a preface to Gardener's Treatise that the Pope extracted nearly as much wealth from England annually as the crown's revenues. Innocent

IV, a Pope, referred to England as his pleasant garden and a well that never ran dry, where many things grew abundantly. Thus, under Antichrist's rule, people's estates, lives, and liberties are in great bondage.

2. More significantly, there is soul bondage. Revelation 18:13 mentions that the merchandise involved in this bondage includes slaves and souls of men. Those under Antichrist are slaves, and if people possessed a true heroic spirit, they would not allow themselves to be subjected to such slavery. Despite their outward appearance of bravery, they remain slaves under Antichrist. The souls of men are treated as merchandise. This soul bondage is deplorable.

Firstly, this soul bondage is degrading because Antichrist claims the authority to dictate articles of faith, which individuals are bound in conscience, under the threat of damnation, to believe. It is an

abhorrent bondage when we consider the horrendous individuals who have occupied that position of power, yet believers are compelled, on the pain of damnation, to accept whatever they proclaim as infallible.

Secondly, regardless of the lack of biblical foundation, people are obligated, under the threat of damnation, to obey Antichrist's decrees. Thus, even if they were to obey all of God's commandments, they could still be damned for failing to obey one of Antichrist's commands. This creates a wretched bondage where individuals are held accountable not only to God's laws but also to the whims of Antichrist. The potential for damnation increases exponentially, far surpassing the consequences of sinning against God's commandments.

Thirdly, those who are under Antichrist experience significant bondage as they are kept from the rule of life, which is the Scriptures.

The Scriptures reveal God's will and counsel concerning their eternal destiny. Slaves are kept in a state of danger and are denied the privileges of both subjects and children. Similarly, Antichrist keeps all under his rule in a base form of slavery by depriving them of the privilege of being children who can know the mind of their Father and the profound matters concerning their eternal destiny. What person who understands the importance of such matters would willingly submit to such slavery? Yet, if we had remained under the bondage of Antichrist, we would have been deprived of this privilege.

Fourthly, if they hear anything from the Word, they are obligated to accept no interpretation other than that provided by the Church and the priests, no matter how absurd it may be. To bind people's consciences in this manner is a detestable form of bondage. And

what vile interpretations are imposed? If it is blasphemous for the devil to claim that he will ascend and be like the highest, it is no less blasphemous to make God descend to be like the prince of darkness or to stamp the king's seal upon counterfeit coins. To bind people's consciences to the wicked interpretations of Scripture is an abhorrent form of bondage.

Fifthly, a great bondage is imposed by Antichrist as no ordinance can be administered except by his authority or those to whom he grants power. This restriction severely limits the Church in its access to God's ordinances. These ordinances, particularly prayer, are the Church's privileges. The spirit of prayer and supplication is one of the special privileges of the Church. Galatians 4:6 states, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" Here, the liberty of God's people as His children and the fruit of their sonship is emphasized.

Therefore, for the Church to be constrained in their liberty to pray only as the Pope permits and to have access to ordinances only through his authority is an abominable form of bondage. Those who truly understand Christian liberty would never willingly submit to such bondage.

Sixthly, Antichrist claims the power to absolve and bind, keeping individuals under the guilt of sin and releasing them from it at his own discretion. All manner of villainy is committed through this power over people's consciences.

Seventhly, the most significant form of bondage is that Antichrist keeps people under the strictness and curse of the Law by diverting them from Christ and teaching justification through works of the Law. By doing so, he subjects them to the bondage of the Law, its

severity, and its curse. Consequently, all those under his influence are prevented from experiencing the precious liberty that Christ obtained through His blood, which delivers us from the Law. This form of bondage is even more burdensome than the others and poses a damnable threat to eternal destruction. The other forms of bondage are not as perilous in comparison.

Eighthly, he completely restricts Christian liberty concerning the use of created things, imposing limitations on their use, as well as on time and place.

Ninthly, the bondage of human ceremonies is well known to be oppressive. The bondage imposed by the ceremonies of the Law was significant, as the Apostle stated in Acts 15:10 that it was a yoke that neither they nor their ancestors could bear. However, the yoke of the Papists is even heavier. If we had to choose between being under all the ceremonies of the Law, which the Jews were under and which the Apostle acknowledged as an unbearable yoke, and being under the ceremonies of the Papists, if we were to choose wisely, we would rather opt to be under all the ceremonies of the Jews. Yet, in reading

Galatians 4, we can see that it was a great privilege to be delivered from them. If we were under the authority of anyone to prescribe religious ceremonies in the Church, we would not benefit from Christ's redemption that delivered us from the ceremonial law. It is far better and easier to be under the ceremonies of the Law than to have any person prescribe ceremonies, for several reasons.

1. the ceremonies of the Law were divinely instituted, whereas human ceremonies are merely human. Any person would rather be under the authority of God in appointing ceremonies than under the power of men. Just as you would prefer to be under

the rule of princes rather than under minor officials, it is better to be under the authority of God than under the authority of man. However, in Colossians 2, these human ceremonies are referred to as beggarly elements.

2. there is much doubt and uncertainty regarding human ceremonies. Even if we were to yield to human ceremonies based on certain distinctions, it is not without doubt and uncertainty. On the other hand, under the Law, there was no doubt or uncertainty. It is better to be under a hundred circumstances where there is no doubt than under one where doubts and uncertainties arise.

3. the ceremonies of the Law were symbolic, and the presence of God could be experienced through them, with a spiritual efficacy expected. However, with human ceremonies, no such thing can be expected. It is evident that the Jews, under the ceremonies of the Law, were in a better condition than Christians would be now if they were under the authority of anyone to prescribe ceremonies. Therefore, being under the authority of those who appoint ceremonies is a wretched form of bondage.

Tenthly, another form of bondage they are subjected to is being forced into idolatry and sinful practices through violence, without considering the weakness of anyone or seeking to inform them. They disregard the words of Ezekiel 34:4, where God complains that they ruled His people with cruelty. If anyone is weak and desires to be informed, they are mocked and told that imprisonment, fire, or execution by burning will be their means of instruction. Many other abominable and vile aspects of this bondage could be mentioned, but when considering both the outward and inward bondage, being

under the control of individuals with such base and vile spirits is strongly opposed to the spirit of an honourable person. Moreover, for a church of God, with numerous congregations, to be under the power of a base, filthy, and abominable whoremonger, known to be so, causing trouble whenever he pleases, is an incredibly dreadful bondage. Similarly, for any congregation, which may consist of thousands of souls, to be under the authority of a tavern keeper, hostler, or any lowly individual, is a great bondage. For instance, if a wealthy person passes away and their despicable and lowly relative inherits their land, gaining control over the appointment of a priest for the area, they may summon a priest who resembles themselves, even if they are a blasphemer, base individual, and swearer. Since the congregation is unaware of their true character and has no grounds to reject them, they are unable to prevent their appointment. It is a severe bondage for such a person, however wild they may be, to possess the power to assign any drunkard or whoremonger as a priest over the congregation, with the people relying on them to administer the ordinances of God. Bondslaves are fed only with chaff and bran, but what kind of chaff and husks are those who are under Antichrist fed with? Many people are reluctant to submit to the true government of Christ and the genuine ministers of the Gospel. When these ministers point out their sins, their hearts rebel and swell, and they refuse to yield. Yet, they willingly submit to the officers of Antichrist, allowing them to rule over them and do as they please. As Saint Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:20, "For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face." You can tolerate other false teachers, but you cannot tolerate the true apostles. If someone comes in their own name, you receive them, but if I come in my

Father's name, you reject me," says Christ in John 5:43. Many people

complain about the ministers of God, claiming that they assume too much authority and refusing to yield to their words. Yet, under Popery, they must submit to every base priest and accept whatever he says as their faith, risking their souls without questioning it, and they must not show any rejection. It is evident that people would rather yield to anything other than God, considering subjection to God as bondage, while regarding subjection to Antichrist as freedom.

They would rather be servants of Antichrist than servants of God. I emphasize this point to highlight the reason we have to thank God for our deliverance from this bondage and to learn how to properly use our freedoms.

This bondage is worse than the bondage of Egypt.

1. It is worse because it is soul bondage, whereas the bondage in Egypt was only on the body. We do not read that Pharaoh or the Egyptians forced the Israelites into idolatry.

2. The bodily bondage in Egypt was not as severe. They imposed heavy burdens on them but did not put them to death, unlike

Antichrist who does so if they refuse to submit.

3. Being under the bondage of Egypt was their misfortune, not their sin. However, it is a sin to be under the bondage of Antichrist. There is as much difference between misery and sin as there is between their bondage and the bondage of Antichrist.

4. They were subject to the bondage of Egypt, but they were not subject to the plagues of Egypt. They were free from them.

However, those who are under the bondage of Antichrist are susceptible to the plagues that will come upon Antichrist.

But it is faith that must deliver from this bondage. It is a difficult task, just as it was challenging to be delivered from Egypt. Therefore, it is a difficult task (that cannot be accomplished without faith) to be delivered from this bondage.

1. We are aware that a significant portion of the Christian world is educated, and the principles instilled in them are Antichristian principles.

2. Although it is a form of bondage, their idolatrous worship involves a great deal of outward grandeur and glory, which appeals to sensual individuals who live by their senses. They refuse to worship God in a simple manner like others, instead seeking pomp and a lavish display.

3. Despite being a bondage for the soul, they allow for indulgence of the flesh. While they may occasionally undergo penance and impose some hardships on the flesh, those who are wealthy can freely indulge their desires and live as they please, as they can easily obtain absolution with a small sum of money.

4. Moreover, there are numerous examples of influential and learned individuals, including some who are godly, yielding to a significant portion of these burdens. Their examples exert a powerful influence on others.

5. Furthermore, if anyone shows signs of resistance, they are immediately met with severe afflictions and persecutions.

Excommunications are thundered upon them, accompanied by the loss of their possessions and exposure to various dangers.

6. Additionally, it is challenging because Christ's government is entrusted to a few humble individuals. Surrendering to their authority is difficult for human nature, and it requires substantial self-denial. Many perceive this as the greatest form of bondage, especially considering the potential for misconduct and scandals among the godly who profess to follow the ways, ordinances, and liberties of Christ. Without a gracious heart, submitting to this government is highly challenging, and people are often at a loss as to what they should do, ultimately succumbing to their bondage.

7. Furthermore, being under this bondage is a consequence of the curse. Not everyone under this bondage is under the eternal curse, but it is a manifestation of the curse to be under the bondage of Antichrist without striving to escape from it. I am not suggesting that all sick and weak individuals are cursed, but being under this bondage is a part of the curse. It signifies that God will allow them to believe lies. Even if someone possesses extensive knowledge and understanding, if God's curse is upon them, their intellect and understanding are of no avail. No matter how great their abilities may be, they cannot deliver themselves from this bondage. It is the work of faith to bring about deliverance.

Question: What is the work of Faith in delivering people from this bondage?

Answer: Faith plays a crucial role in delivering individuals from the bondage under Antichrist, and there are six or seven things that faith accomplishes in this process:

1. Faith reveals to the soul the spiritual nature of Christ's government, and without this understanding, true deliverance from the bondage of Antichrist is impossible.

2. Faith presents to the soul the comprehensive fulfilment of all Christ's roles as Priest, Prophet, and King. Until the soul grasps this truth, it remains under the dominion of Antichrist and is not transferred to the government of Christ.

3. Faith uncovers the fullness and glory that exist in the Word, which serves as our guide for all aspects of life.

4. Faith acknowledges the necessity of a divine rule for spiritual efficacy and recognizes that no human invention can produce such efficacy. Only through faith can this principle be firmly established.

5. Another work of faith is to unveil the beauty and glory present in the administration of Christ's ordinances. A carnal eye can only perceive the true splendour and magnificence of divine ordinances when there is some external earthly excellence associated with them. However, it is through the eye of faith that the naked beauty of Christ's ordinances is revealed. Until individuals are willing to come out from under the power of Antichrist, they will not appreciate this revelation.

6. Faith discloses to the soul the reality and certainty of the marvellous and glorious promises found in the Gospel, specifically those made to the true Church of God. These promises include the glorious presence of God with His people and the assurance of abundant spiritual blessings. While it would take time to enumerate the excellent promises made to

the Church, which a carnal eye cannot perceive, faith recognizes their abundance of certainty and reality. When individuals see these promises through faith, it empowers them to overcome any difficulties in order to partake in them.

7. Moreover, faith reveals the dreadful threats against those who follow Antichrist, such as those who secretly receive the mark of the Beast in their hand (Revelation 14:9-10). They will face eternal punishment in the burning lake and be cast out from the presence of the Lord. When people read these threats without faith, they disregard them. However, when they read them with faith, their souls tremble and fear, driving them to escape from that bondage. They hear a continuous voice crying out to them:

"Come out from among them, O my people, lest you share in their sins and receive of their plagues" (Revelation 18:4). Faith, by revealing these things, frees the heart from Antichristian bondage.

Question: Can't people reject the yoke of Antichrist for reasons other than faith?

Answer: Sometimes a spirit of contradiction may lead individuals to reject the yoke of Antichrist, although one good cannot be opposed to another good, one evil may be opposed to another evil. Many people may oppose the government of Antichrist based on their own evil inclinations, but if it is not based on the principle of faith, it is not right and may stem from other motives.

Question: How can we know if we have forsaken the bondage of Antichrist through faith?

Answer: I will provide you with some signs to identify those who have been delivered from this Egypt by faith and those who only seem to have been delivered based on other grounds.

1. Those who are delivered by faith are firmly grounded in the doctrinal and fundamental aspects of religion. Faith cannot free the soul from the government and ceremonies of Antichrist unless it is well-rooted in the doctrine and principles of religion.

If I see individuals loudly denouncing Antichrist and the Antichristian government, but it becomes evident that they lack sufficient knowledge in the foundations of religion and principles of faith, they should be regarded with suspicion.

Many may discuss church government at length, but when it comes to examining their knowledge of religious principles, they appear foolish and ignorant. If they are not well-grounded in these principles, it indicates that their liberation is not the work of faith.

2. If it is a work of faith, it involves much humility and prayer.

Were there times when you were under the power and bondage of Antichrist? How did you come out of it? Did God reveal its evil to you? Did you seek God with much humility and prayer, asking Him to turn your heart away from it and show you His good way? Did you find your heart turning away as a result? If so, it is a strong indication that it was the work of faith. But for many, their consciences tell them that it was not through humility and prayer that their hearts turned away, and they are to be feared.

3. If it is a work of faith, it always brings in light. Take, for example, the matter of Christ's government. Many people cry

out against the Antichristian government, but when you examine them further, they have no additional light, arguments, or understanding beyond a bitter spirit against it. If a person grows bitter against things they once submitted to, they need to have more light. However, if they become exceedingly bitter without gaining any further light or understanding, it is an indication of a heart condition rather than anything else.

Therefore, suddenly casting off everything is very suspicious.

When it is a work of faith, God gradually reveals light. It is said of Luther during his reformation that he first saw the evil in one thing, then in another, and gradually recognized the evil in all.

Similarly, those who forsake the bondage of Antichrist by faith first begin to suspect their path, realizing that there must be a better way. Then they engage in prayer, humility, and examination, gradually uncovering the evil in one aspect after another. Light enters their hearts step by step, and their hearts rise against those things. If, according to the measure of the light you have, your heart turns away, it is a good sign.

4. If you break away from Antichrist by faith, it will separate you not only from them but also from the world. Many people separate themselves from anything even remotely associated with Antichristian government, but they conform themselves to the ways of the world, blending in without any noticeable difference in their loose lifestyles. A person who conforms to the world is not truly a non-conformist to Antichrist by faith.

5. If faith takes you away from the bondage under Antichrist, it will also free you from the bondage under any sinful desire. A person who lacks the power of faith to turn them away from any lust is not truly delivered from the bondage of Antichrist by faith. If

faith delivers you from the bondage under Antichrist, it will also deliver you from the bondage under sin and Satan. Therefore, even if people cry out against the bondage of Antichrist, if they continue to live under the bondage of any sinful desire, it is not a work of faith.

6. A soul that is delivered from the power of Antichrist by faith becomes subject to the power and government of Christ and His

Word. If faith takes a person away from one, it places them under the other. The Word alone can be the foundation of faith.

When faith delivers a soul from the bondage of Antichrist, that soul experiences the divine power and majesty of the Word upon their heart. It humbles the heart before the power and majesty of the Word, and they dare not go against it in any matter. If you advocate for the Word in certain things but do not yield to its power in other areas, it is very suspicious. Those who are brought by faith from the power of Antichrist have their hearts deeply affected by the power of the Word, and they tremble in the presence of its majesty and authority.

7. If it is faith that brings you out, you will not be satisfied with being freed from Antichristian government alone; you will seek to encounter Christ in the ordinances. You will not settle for mere outward performances of religion, making church discipline and constitution the entirety of your faith. Having the ordinances alone is not enough; you will long for union and communion with Christ Jesus through this way of church government. If you continue year after year merely going through the motions of outward religious practices without panting after union with Christ, it is not a work of faith. I do not speak against these practices themselves, but I want to highlight

that if people do not yearn for union with Christ, if they are not aware of their need for it and do not strive to experience it, then it is not a work of faith.

8. If it is faith that leads you away from this path, you will undoubtedly grow more spiritual. Your heart will long for Christ, and your soul will become more spiritual in the ways of Christ because you draw closer to the rule. There is a difference between religious actions and civil actions. Civil actions governed by civil rules do not always yield success, but spiritual actions guided by the rule of faith have a spiritual impact, even if there may not be immediate external success. They make the heart increasingly spiritual. However, if people have been freed from the yoke of Antichrist and yet remain as spiritually lifeless as before, showing no more godliness in their interactions and associations, those who knew them previously can say, "They used to exhibit much more spiritual and godly qualities than they do now." This is a dangerous state.

9. Furthermore, if it is a work of faith, such a person will give all the glory to God for their deliverance. They will walk humbly before God, acknowledging their previous disobedience and wretchedness. They recognize that they should have continued in that way, but by God's grace and power, He turned their hearts away from it. They magnify the grace of God and do not exalt themselves or look down upon others, thinking they possess more wisdom and understanding. Instead, they attribute their deliverance to God's grace. They do not criticize others but pray for them, recognizing that no amount of arguments can convince them, as they themselves had sufficient arguments that proved ineffective until God, by His grace,

placed them upon their hearts. Therefore, they have compassion for others and pray for them. They show reverence for the grace that is evident in others, even if they are not on the same path.

They do not immediately dismiss them, saying that they have no grace or godliness. Such an attitude would indicate a proud spirit. Those who have experienced God's grace know that there was a time when they walked in that same way, not going against their understanding but being willing to grasp God's will.

Yet, until God intervened, their hearts were not turned away.

Therefore, they learn to have positive thoughts about those who are godly but may differ in other ways.

But above all, if it was truly through faith that you were delivered from this Antichristian bondage, it will not leave within you the spirit of Antichrist. Many may no longer be under the bondage of Antichrist, yet they still possess an Antichristian spirit—a spirit of pride, domination, crookedness, and perversity. This is a great evil, that in the path of Christ, an Antichristian spirit should be manifested. It is a matter to be mourned with tears of blood. If any trace of an Antichristian spirit governs someone, even if they have been freed from Antichristian rule, it is to be suspected that their liberation was not the result of faith, but of something else. We should have the spirit of Christ within us—the spirit of love, humility, gentleness, and peace. If we truly claim to have been liberated from the yoke of Antichrist by faith, then let us demonstrate the Spirit of Christ. Just as faith freed us from Antichristian power, we should continue to walk in the ways of Christ, as befits those who have been delivered from Antichristian power.

FINIS.

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