What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "The Church of Rome is for the fleshly person."
Answer
The Roman Church appeals to the fleshly person, because its splendid ceremonies and outward forms entice the unrenewed heart and intoxicate the senses, rather than transform the spirit. For human nature it is more pleasant to perform external acts of penance or to confess to a priest than to truly renounce sinful lustful habits by the power of God. This form of religion is preferred by the masses, as it offers the appearance of godliness without demanding a genuine inner conversion.
The Attraction of an External Religion
»An external religion is attractive to the unrenewed heart. The splendor and ceremonies of the Catholic worship have a seductive, intoxicating power by which many are deceived; and they begin to regard the Roman Church as the gate to heaven. Only those who have firmly placed their feet on the foundation of truth and whose hearts have been renewed by the Spirit of God are protected against its influence. Thousands who have no experiential knowledge of Christ are led to adopt the forms of godliness without its power. Such a religion is exactly what the masses desire.«
The Tendency of Human Nature to Confess Sin Before People
»But for one who loves self‑satisfaction, it is more pleasant to confess to a fellow human than to open the soul before God. It is more palatable to human nature to perform penance than to renounce sin; it is easier to chastise the flesh with sackcloth, nettles and binding chains than to crucify fleshly desires. The yoke that the fleshly heart is ready to bear is heavy, preferring it rather than bowing to the yoke of Christ.«
Fascination of the Senses by Splendor and Music
»While Romanism is based on deception, it is not a crude and clumsy fraud. The worship of the Roman Church is a highly impressive ceremony. Its splendid display and the solemn rites fascinate the senses of people and silence the voice of reason and conscience. The eye is enchanted. Magnificent churches, imposing processions, golden altars, jewel‑adorned shrines, select paintings and exquisite sculptures appeal to the love of beauty. The ear is also captivated. The music is unparalleled.«
The Fleshly Church as Babylon
»The fleshly church is therefore called Babylon here and further in chapters 17 and 18... because the fleshly church intoxicates itself and all nations subject to it, and has corrupted them with its filthy carnality, its simonistic greed, and the earthly glory of this world. And it burns with anger against spiritual people and against the powers and outpourings of the Holy Spirit.«
- External forms and ceremonies of the church
- Fleshly heart and religious seduction
- Difference between penance and renunciation of sin
Original Sources (English)
