The Pope – A Biblical Perspective
It seems that all that is on the news for the past week is all about the pope dying and the Catholics getting a new pope. It is a puzzle to me why there is so much hoopla over the pope.
When the Mormons get a new prophet, it does not consume the news cycle, nor when the Jehovah’s Witnesses get new leadership, we don’t hear about it. These two groups, like the Catholics, make the cultic claim they are the one true church. So why do we only hear non-stop about the Catholics getting a new leader?
Then there are all the protestant Christian churches with nearly a billion members worldwide. Yet none of these churches make a big deal out of getting a new leader. You don’t see on the news when the Southern Baptists or the Assemblies of God or any other protestant group selects a new ministerial head. Why does this happen with only the Catholic religion? Could it be because these protestant churches are more God centered and less man centered? What is going on here?
The Scarlet Woman
The answer is found in knowing the identity of “the woman who rides the beast.”
Revelation 17:3-6:
“I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: ‘Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.’ And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”
Note that the “woman who rides the beast” (often called the “scarlet woman” is described as having great influence over “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues” and as one “who reigns over the kings of the earth”. The text says the inhabitants of the earth are “intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries” and that she holds a “golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her fornication”
The woman who rides the beast in Revelation 17 is a symbolic representation of a powerful, corrupt entity that exerts control over secular authorities and leads people away from true faith. She is both rich and a promoter of sexual sin.
One-World Religion
Many Bible scholars believe in the last days the cult of Catholicism will unite with apostate protestant churches and form a one-world religion and that this entity will be the vile woman described in Revelation.
In December 2023, the Vatican released a declaration, signed by Pope Francis, which clarified that Catholic priests may offer blessings to individuals in same-sex relationships. So, rather than lovingly warning such people that the Bible teaches that those engaging in homosexual acts will go to hell, the Catholic Church puts their mark of approval upon such behavior. Additionally, many mainline denominations are now ordaining homosexuals to pastoral ministry, thereby giving their approval upon this sin that God says is detestable in His sight.
We are in the end times of the last days, and what we see before our eyes is the formation of the woman who rides the beast. The beast, of course, is the Antichrist and this false religion, of which Catholicism is a forerunner, will hail the coming man of sin as a great world leader. When you see all the fanfare and attention being given to the pope, know that you are seeing Bible prophesy being fulfilled before your eyes.
This article is part of our series on Catholicism. See the full index here: The False Teachings of Catholicism
If you enjoyed this article you would like my book, The Hidden Truth About Catholicism. It examines Catholicism vs Christianity and considers questions, such as: Is Catholicism a cult? What about Mary worship? Is the pope infallible? Are Catholics Christian?
To purchase from Amazon, click the book image.
Other books by Pastor Mark Swarbrick, click the image below…
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Books by Mark Swarbrick
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Seventh-Day Adventism Examined: A Concise Summary of Adventism's Unbiblical Doctrines
Author Mark Swarbrick meticulously dissects the myriad of false teachings within Adventism, contrasting these interpretations with scriptural truth.
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The Pre-Trib Rapture: Biblical Truth of the Blessed Hope
In his book, The Pre-Trib Rapture, author Mark Swarbrick meticulously outlines the extensive biblical support for a Pre-Trib Rapture, emphasizing the deliverance of the Church before the onset of the impending Tribulation period.
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Hidden History: The Untold Story of the Democratic Party
The political narrative in America has transcended the realm of politics to become a battle between the forces of good and evil. It is essential that all Christians are informed on the anti-Christian direction of the Democratic Party.
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The Covid Conspiracy: The Cure for Covid and the Plot to Hide it from the World
The Covid Conspiracy tells the incredible story of diabolical collusion between multinational drug companies, governmental regulatory agencies, and unscrupulous politicians.
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The Carnivore Diet: The Science, the Promise, and the Pitfalls
Author Mark Swarbrick thoroughly explains the diet, telling of his experiences with it and how it has radically improved his health in a short amount of time. One chapter deals with the current war on meat and what the Bible has to say about those who forbid eating meat.
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Heavenly Miracles: True Stories of Supernatural Intervention
When the author saw how demons flee at the name of Jesus, his growing faith resulted in numerous miracles in his life and ministry.
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King James Onlyism: Is the KJV the Best Bible Version?
KJV Onlyists have troubled the hearts of many a Christianand have split churches in half. Controversy, factions, and strive are their forte. No doubt, they are sincere, but they are sincerely wrong.
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The Hidden Truth about Catholicism
If you are a Catholic this book is for you. With loving respect, this book gives a detailed account of the history of Catholicism with an in-depth analysis of Catholic teachings.
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Life after Death: What Happens When We Die?
A refutation of soul sleep, the idea that people are unconscious or nonexistent until God raises their bodies from the dead at the resurrection.
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Mormonism Examined: The Bizarre History and Unbiblical Doctrines of Mormonism
This is not an anti-Mormon rant, but a thoughtful analysis of Mormonism in the light of the Holy Bible and historic Christian doctrine.
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Truly Amazing: The Real Story of Adam and Eve
Children get bombarded with confusion about gender, marriage, and evolution at a very young age.This book shows what God has to say on these crucial matters. This book is a creation story for kids that explains the creation and the fall in an interesting way that children can relate to.
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Global Warming: Socialism in Disguise
In "Global Warming Examined," Mark Swarbrick compellingly illustrates how genuine scientific data contradicts the prevalent political narrative of an imminent climate crisis. Drawing on insights from esteemed scientists, he dismantles the fallacious belief in man-made global warming as a cataclysmic threat.
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Beyond Redemption: Love and Longing in the Old West (Book 1)
A thrilling historical western and romance packed with Gospel truth. A perfect gift for someone you want to share the Gospel with. Here is what one reader said about Beyond Redemption:
“THIS READ IS A GRIPPING JOURNEY back in time to the rugged Wild West, where love, justice, and redemption entwine in a tale that will leave you captivated. Author Mark Swarbrick skillfully weaves historical detail into this action-packed narrative, giving readers an authentic and suspenseful experience. The story revolves around Cal Chandler, an unlikely outlaw forced into a life of crime, and his love for Jessica Lorena McKenzie, a devout Christian, creating a captivating clash of faiths and emotions. For fans of historical depth, “Beyond Redemption” is a must-read that brings the people of the Wild West to life as they truly were." — Jerry Rubenstein
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Beyond Redemption: War & Peace in the Old West (Book 2)
The Second Book in the Beyond Redemption series. How the characters prayerfully deal with their challenges is a testament to the changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Abducted by Demons - Saved by Jesus: My Journey for Hell to Heaven
Join Mark Swarbrick on a heart-wrenching journey from the depths of demonic oppression to the transformative peace and salvation found in Christ.
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Fossil Fuels – God’s Gift to Man: How God used Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas to Save Mankind
In this eye-opening book, Mark Swarbrick challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding fossil fuels and climate change, showing that coal, oil, and natural gas are not environmental villains, but rather divine provisions strategically placed by God to sustain humanity's growing population.
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Word of Faith Examined: A Refutation of the Prosperity Gospel's Unbiblical Doctrines
In this bold and timely book, pastor and author Mark Swarbrick exposes the dangers and distortions at the heart of the Word of Faith movement, also known as the “Name-it-and-Claim-it” or “Health and Wealth Gospel.”
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The Israel of God: A Christian and Biblical Perspective of the Modern State of Israel
Author Mark Swarbrick delivers a clear, biblically grounded exploration of Israel’s unique place in God’s redemptive plan—past, present, and future.
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Extraterrestrials Exposed: The Scientific and Biblical Evidence of a Grand Deception
Drawing on extensive research, author Mark Swarbrick uncovers how claims of alien encounters, UFO sightings, and government disclosures may not be what they seem. He presents a thought-provoking analysis that combines scientific inquiry with biblical teachings, suggesting that what many perceive as alien phenomena could actually be a sophisticated ruse designed to mislead humanity.
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Socialism Examined: Man's Secular Answer to a Spiritual Problem
Author Mark Swarbrick explains, in simple terms, why socialism conflicts with biblical truth and why it consistently harms the very people it claims to help. You will learn how modern political leaders use fear, crisis, and entitlement to push a country toward greater state control — and why many don’t recognize it until it’s too late.
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Homosexuality and Trangenderism Examined: What the Bible Really Says
Author Mark Swarbrick covers the key biblical passages on homosexuality and transgenderism, showing what Scripture teaches and how those teachings shaped Western moral order for nearly two millennia before being rejected in our time.
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Once Saved Always Saved Examined: What the Bible Really Says
Author Mark Swarbrick covers the key biblical passages on unconditional security, showing what Scripture teaches and how the early Christian Church understood this important topic.
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