You are correct... It means one who opposes Christ.... But the Antichrist is unique in the way he opposes. It is by replacing Christ... Usurping His authority... Introducing people to a means of worship, salvation, etc that removes Christ from the mind's eye. Now think about the doctrines of Catholicism... Is there one you can think of that doesn't place the church, its priests, its sacraments it's teachings ahead of direct faith in Christ add Sole Mediator?
Very good and concise answer!
Easy to understand.
When I think of THE ANTI-CHRIST --- maybe the singular one the N.T. speaks of...
I DO think of one that comes to command in an important, life-changing way and that takes the place of God---just as you've stated...
He might be the person that brings about the end of the world?
Now to your question. I thought about it a little.
As I've said many times,,,I do believe that the early church and the early church fathers (theologians) are to be commended for preserving the faith, persevering in the faith, and safe-guarding the faith for us today. This would go to the 300's. Some scholars go to the 600's...IMHO, I don't agree with that because too many changes were already taking place.
After the 300's, the church became involved with the state and lost its spiritual purity.
At this point everything you propose about the CC becomes true. It become the authority instead of Jesus and/God (same thing).
It introduced people to a form of worship that the church claimed was necessary to be saved and it stopped preaching the grace of God. Confession would be one way...confessing to a priest..a barrier. Another doctrine is purgatory instead of faith in forgiveness...a barrier. Too much power was given to ONE PERSON,,,the Bishop of Rome that became known as the Pope....a barrier. Creating indulgences and eventually teaching payment for same....more than a barrier.
Oh. And the church taught, and still teaches, that the sacraments are necessary for salvation.
And are you aware that pre-Vatican II the idea was floating to declare Mary a co-redemptrix? And I'm not sure they've entirely let go of this idea (maybe they have).
So what you say is true.
I just want to add that the CC is making a big effort to change. If you go to Mass these days you hear preaching about Christ....you DO hear the message that one must believe and follow Christ to be saved. Most priests won't use those exact words, but the younger ones do.
I just can't find hatred within me hatred for what has happened.
I attribute the problem to MEN and not to the church itself. Maybe this is wrong, I'm not sure.
There is so much more good than evil in that church --- but evil does exist and I think the days are here where that evil will be paid for and I'm speaking about the new law just passed, I think in NYC.
Yes. In the past the message was more on church rules.
Now it seems to be more concentrated on Jesus.