Category: Articles

Martin Luther, Sola Scriptura? – by Richard Rives

In the year 1517, the Protestant Reformation is known to have been initiated, when the German monk Martin Luther nailed his ninety five theses to the door of Wittenberg Church. It is commonly thought that the basis of the reformation was Sola Scriptura, or Scripture Only; the authority of scripture over that of church councils and the concept of Papal infallibility.

Today, while calling themselves Protestants, mainstream Christianity continues to adhere to pre-reformation church tradition that is in direct opposition to scripture. While reformation did occur in the 16th century; the proclamation of it, as being Sola Scriptura in nature, is misleading.

Very few Protestants have Continue reading “Martin Luther, Sola Scriptura? – by Richard Rives”

Conclusion – by Richard Rives

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Man has not been given the authority to add to, or take away from, the precepts of God. Yet, as in the garden of Eden, the serpent in an attempt to deceive asks:
“Hath God said?”

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Yes, – He has spoken and the Word of God does not change!

When that Word became flesh and dwelt among men, the most religious of all Continue reading “Conclusion – by Richard Rives”

Romans 14 Meaning – by Richard Rives

Romans Chapter 14
has nothing to do with the seventh day sabbath.
It is in reference to fast days.

The Pharisees required fasting two days per week.
See Luke 18:12 …I fast twice in the week….

1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not Continue reading “Romans 14 Meaning – by Richard Rives”

Colossians 2:16 Meaning – by Richard Rives

COLOSSIANS 2:16 HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RESTING ON THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH

The Greek word

used in Colossians 2:16 is the same Greek word translated “week”
in other places by King James translators.

The word used in Colossians 2:16 is different from the Greek word

which is used to indicate more than one weekly sabbath day. Continue reading “Colossians 2:16 Meaning – by Richard Rives”

Remember the Sabbath Day – by Richard Rives

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“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

We observe that in the book of John, Jesus tells us that in order to bear fruit we must abide in him. He goes on to tell us that the way we abide in him is to keep His commandments. The instruction to keep the sabbath day holy is Continue reading “Remember the Sabbath Day – by Richard Rives”

Legalism – by Richard Rives

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Many would view the subject matter which we have discussed as legalism.

The dictionary defines legalism as: “strict, literal adherence to the law, or to a particular code, as of religion or morality.” Quote: “Legalism relates to principals of right and wrong behavior.

The question arises: Is being categorized as legalistic an insult or a compliment?

It should be noted that the word legalism or legalistic is not found in Continue reading “Legalism – by Richard Rives”

Images – by Richard Rives

What about images? Are they associated with Biblical instruction or have they too been Christianized?

The Egyptians dedicated many obelisks to Ra, the god of the sun. The obelisk shape has been defined as that of a phallic symbol, or a ray of the sun extending to heaven. Today obelisks, or steeples adorn many buildings which have been labeled as churches. Does this honor our Creator?

As surprising as it may seem, the symbol of the cross did not originate at the time of the crucifixion of Christ. It has been a pagan symbol used by sun worshipers since the time of Babel.

The symbol of the cross was used by the ancient mystery religions. It has been identified Continue reading “Images – by Richard Rives”

Christmas – Dec 25 – by Richard Rives

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The Encyclopaedia Britannica reports that “The traditional customs connected with Christmas have developed from several sources as a result of the coincidence of the celebration of the birth of Christ with the pagan agricultural and solar observations at midwinter. In the Roman world the Saturnalia (December 17) was a time of merrymaking and exchange of gifts. December 25 was also regarded as the birth date of the Iranian mystery god Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness.”

Colliers Encyclopedia agrees. Quote: “After the triumph of Constantine, the church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern churches, where it was celebrated on January 6. The choice of December 25 was probably influenced by the fact that on this day the Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god (natalis solis invicti), and that the Saturnalia also came at this time.”

Both encyclopedias plainly reveal that the source of the celebration of December 25 is the birthday of Mithra, the pagan sun god.

Sun worshipers since the time of Babel recognized Continue reading “Christmas – Dec 25 – by Richard Rives”

Easter – by Richard Rives

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The English word Easter is derived from the names “Eostre” – “Eastre” – “Astarte” or Ashtaroth. Astarte was introduced into the British Isles by the Druids and is just another name for Beltis or Ishtar of the Chaldeans and Babylonians.

The book of Judges records that “the children of Israel did evil …in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, …and forsook the LORD, and served not Him.”

Easter is just another name for Ashteroth “The Queen of Heaven.” Easter was not considered a “Christian” festival until the fourth century. Early Christians celebrated Passover on the 14th day of the first month and a study of the dates on which Easter is celebrated will reveal that Continue reading “Easter – by Richard Rives”

Sol Invictus – the invincible sun god – by Richard Rives

The official recognition of sun worship in the Roman Empire began during the time of Aurelian when he instituted the cult of “Sol invictus”.

The cult of Sol Invictus and that of Mithra are virtually the same. Mithra – Another Jesus

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In the year 307 A.D. Emperor Diocletian, a sun worshipper, was involved in the dedication of a temple to Mithra and was responsible for the burning of scripture which made it possible for later emperors to formulate their own version of “Christianity.”

After the rein of Diocletian, Emperor Constantine, while claiming to be a Christian maintained the title “Pontifex Maximus” the high priest of paganism. His coins were inscribed: “SOL INVICTO COMITI” (TO MY COMPANION THE INVINCIBLE SUN).
Sunday Rest

During his reign pagan sun worship was blended with Continue reading “Sol Invictus – the invincible sun god – by Richard Rives”