A Brief Commentary on the Apocalypse · Sylvester Bliss
1. This mouth uttered blasphemy against God by claiming to be Christ’s
Chapter 2 of 7 · 1 min read
vicegerent—usurping the prerogatives of the Almighty. The Pope claimed that he was “Judge, as God’s Vicar, and could himself be judged by none.” In A. D. 799, a Roman council declined to hear accusations against the Pope, declaring that “he who was Judge of all men, was above being judged by any other than himself.” Febroni wrote of the Pope: “He is the Prince of princes and Lord of lords. He is, as it were, a God on earth. He is above right, superior to law, superior to the canons. He can do all things against right, and without right. He is able to free from obligation in matters of positive right, without any cause, and they who are so released are safe in respect to God.” Assuming such prerogatives, and the power to forgive sins, the Holy name of God was blasphemed.
2. He blasphemed the tabernacle of God by “exalting himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God,” 2 Thess. 2:2. The Pope claimed to be the head of the church and that from himself was derived the authority of all bishops and other clergy. He usurped the powers in the church, which only Christ, its Supreme Head and Lawgiver can exercise.
