Thank you, Patti, for this outstanding article. As I read it, the name, SIMON MAGNUS, although not mentioned, screamed at me. Also, this quote from the article is a prime example of Jesuit casuistry (sophistry, clever but unsound reasoning). The Jesuits didn't invent it, but they adopted and perfected it.
"And does the pope of Rome confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh?No, he does not. Oh, he may do it with his lips, saying, "I confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh"; but this is not the meaning of the words. And yes, he may confess such doctrines as the true divinity and humanity of Christ; but the words are not limited to these doctrines. To confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is to confess all the truth about Christ, as revealed in His Word: that He alone is the way to the Father; that there is salvation in no other; that He alone is the Head of the Church; that to eat His flesh and drink His blood, is to partake of Him spiritually, by faith, and not physically; that His sacrifice was perfect and complete and never to be repeated; etc., etc. All these great truths, the popes deny. Men who in any way deny the truth regarding Christ are Antichrists; and the pope of Rome is the supreme Antichrist, for no one denies the divine truth regarding Christ as he does."
In regard to Simon Magnus, the following link is the best exposition I've found. HE WAS THE FIRST POPE, NOT THE APOSTLE PETER, and from his teachings derive the Roman Catholic church. Fragments of the following LENGTHY article have appeared on 5doves before, but this consolidates a lot of material in one place.
Some other links:
Maranatha,
Bob