Revelation 6:9-11
9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
John Bradford is ardent in his criticism of the Sacrifice of the Mass, but he kindly interjects a blunt prayer for ‘massers’ in the midst of his fiery words. This article is a bit difficult to read but worth the effort. It was written about a century before Bunyan fought the good fight.
John Bradford (1510–1555) was an English Reformer, prebendary of St. Paul’s, and martyr. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for alleged crimes against Mary Tudor. He was burned at the stake on 1 July 1555. . .For a time whilst in the Tower, Bradford was put in a cell with three other reformers, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer. Their time was spent in careful study of the New Testament. . .Before the fire was lit, he [Bradford] begged forgiveness of any he had wronged, and offered forgiveness to those who had wronged him. ~ Wikipedia
Harm of Attending the Mass: 1. How Evil the Mass is
purely Presbyterian Perspectives
Now, the mass being known to be the device and invention of man, I will briefly shew you that it is the most horrible and detestable device that ever the devil brought out by man.
First, the mass is a most subtle and pernicious enemy against Christ, and that double, namely, against his priesthood and against his sacrifice. His priesthood is an everlasting priesthood, and such an one as cannot go to another. But the mass utterly puts him out of place, as though he were dead forever; and so God is forsworn which said Christ should be “a priest for ever” (Psa. 110), and Paul lieth which affirmeth Christ to live, and to be “on the right hand” of the Father for us (Heb. 7), that by him “we may come to the throne of grace to find mercy to help us in our need” (Heb. 4): for, if these be true as they be most true, the mass priests are to be put down: for, if they be “of the order of Aaron,” then resume they that which Christ hath abolished; if they be “of the order of Melchisedec,” then be they Christ’s. Other orders of priests I read none, save that which all Christians be, to offer up themselves to God and other spiritual sacrifices by Christ, and the order of “priests of Baal,” whose successors indeed the massers be: for else if they were, as they would be taken, of the order of the apostles, then should they be ministers and not massers, preachers and not traitors, as they be both to God and his church: God amend them. . .
If ever antichrist had child or daughter, this mass is the most pestilent and pernicious: under the name of Christ it destroyeth Christ; under the title of God’s service it destroyeth God’s service; under the colour of the church it destroyeth the church. . .”
Wow, I’m going to check John Bradford out. Thank you for the recommendation, sister! It’s so easy to forget that these men risked, and often lost, their lives for the truth. God bless you, dear sister! Grace and peace to you, from God the Father.
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Sister, I just learned about John Bradford too. He belongs to us as believers!
I Corinthians 3
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
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That is a beautiful verse, thank you so much! Yes and amen!!! Wow, glory to God, His Word is truly a blessing.
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yes, it is!
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Take heart, little sister! Jesus has overcome the world!
(I hope it’s okay to call you ‘little sister’. At my last b-day, I was 67.)
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I appreciate your kindness, more than you know! I’m 29, so it’s more than ok for your to call me ‘little sister’. I praise God for the fellowship I have with you.
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Thank you! me too!
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Btw, we bought a paper back copy of Justin Martyr’s First Apology from Amazon.
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That’s wonderful, sister! Let me know what you think of it, there are some chapters that talk about pagan practices that were hard to read. Other then those the book is such an excellent description of how the church behaved at the beginning. Really fascinating history! I hope your blessed by it, dear sister.
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I’m really looking forward to it, and sure it will be a blessing! Thank you!
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Thank you, really, sister this world would be a dark, discouraging, place if not for the love of brothers and sisters. God didn’t have to give the beautiful love and fellowship between us, as if salvation wasn’t enough, He gives us love one for another! On days like today it’s the warmth for the soul in a cold and stony world! Your posts are always a blessing to me, but your words of kindness have been even more of a blessing. I pray one day I can be a help to younger sisters in Christ like you have been to me.
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You’re already an encouragement and help to Christian brothers and sisters. Thank you for being an encouragement to me too! Paul’s words teach us that the Lord will finish the good work He began in us, certainly, truly. Lord bless you, your husband and child!!
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Thanks for this, Maria. Yes, Christians speak casually about the mass, as if to say, “You have your form of worship and we have ours but we are all worshiping God.” They do not understand that sooooo many of the elements of the mass are opposed to the Christian faith.
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True, Tom! It’s completely opposed to the Lord’s Majesty and finished work. Help them see!
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