1. What kingdom matches all characteristics of the little horn?

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These are the characteristics of the little horn:​

1. Located in Western Europe (Daniel 7:8)

2. Arising after the 5th century or AD 476 (Daniel 7:24)

3. Different from the ten barbarian tribes (Daniel 7:24)

4. Subduing three of the ten barbarian tribes, namely Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths (Daniel 7:24)

5. Speaking great words against God (Daniel 7:8; Daniel 7:11; Daniel 7:20; Daniel 7:25)

6. Persecuting and ruling over the saints for 3 1/2 prophetic years, or 1260 literal years (Daniel 7:21; Daniel 7:25)

7. Thinking to change God's times and laws (Daniel 7:25)

 

There is only one kingdom that matches all characteristics of the little horn, the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church. This little horn symbolizes the Roman Catholic Church system, not the people or believers, not the leaders. 

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Characteristic 1: Located in Western Europe (Daniel 7:8). 

2. Where was the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church established? Where is it now located?

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The Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church is located in Western Europe. It was established and is remaining in the city of Rome, Italy, which is the remain of Lombards, one of the ten barbarian tribes.

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After three centuries of persecution against early Christians, following Roman Empire Constantine's profession to be a Christian, the edict of Constantine gave them freedom. Roman Christians acquired increased influence and began to establish church organization. Bishoprics were established in various parts of the empire.

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In AD 533, Roman Christian Emperor Justinian declared the Bishop of Rome the head of all Christian churches. In the same year, the emperor repeated the decree, that all affairs touching the church shall be referred to the Bishop of Rome, that the Bishop of Rome shall be the head of all bishops, and that that the Bishop of Rome shall be the true and effective corrector of heretics. By this decree, Rome handed a political power to correct heretics to the Bishop of Rome.

 

But due to the presence of Arianism, Justinian's decree was not effective until AD 538 when General Belisarius, under the direction of Emperor Justinian, set Rome free from the siege of the last Arian Ostrogoths. The Ostrogoths withdrew from Rome in defeat, leaving it in the Emperor's control, and Vigilius, a confidant of Empress Theodora, as the Bishop of Rome. In time the title of Pope, or father originally borne by all the bishops indiscriminately, began to be restricted to the bishop of Rome.

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Characteristic 2: Arising after the 5th century or AD 476 (Daniel 7:24). 

3. When did the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church rise to power over all the churches? 

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The ten barbarians tribes had been converted to Christianity through the efforts of missionaries like Ulfilas (AD 311-AD 382). While preaching the gospel, Ulfilas also preached a form of Christianity called Arianism, which believed that Jesus, as the Son of God, was neither equal with God the Father nor eternal. Three of the ten barbarian tribes, namely Ostrogoths, Vandals, and Heruli, held this belief.

 

In AD 486, the relationship between Roman Christian emperor Zeno (AD 474–AD 491) and Heruli king Odoacer, who ruled the land of Italy, became strained. With the help of Ostrogoths king Theodoric, Odoacer was murdered in AD 493. The Heruli was conquered and never again rose as a nation. The Ostrogoths under Theodoric had controlled the land of Italy since AD 493, and had even imprisoned Pope John I, who died in Ostrogoth custody in Ravenna in AD 526.

 

In AD 533, Roman Christian Emperor Justinian declared the Bishop of Rome the head of all Christian churches. However, due to opposition from two Arian tribes, Vandals and Ostrogoths, this decree could not effectually be implemented throughout the Roman empire.

 

Emperor Justinian then commissioned his General Belisarius to destroy these two Arian tribes. In AD 534, Vandals were defeated in the battle of Tricamarum.

 

Turning his attention to Ostrogoths, General Belisarius took Rome in December of AD 536, and under the direction of Emperor Justinian, deposed and exiled Pope Silverius who had been installed by the last Ostrogoth King of Italy, Theodahad. Silverius died a prisoner. Belisarius installed Vigilius, a confidant of Empress Theodora, as the Bishop of Rome in March of AD 537. In quick reply, Ostrogoths laid siege to Rome. When the siege was finally broken by General Belisarius in March of AD 538, Ostrogoths withdrew from Rome in defeat, leaving it in the Emperor's control, and Vigilius as the Bishop of Rome until AD 555. So it was in AD 538 that Emperor Justinian's Decree of the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome over the church could effectually be implemented throughout the Roman empire.

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Characteristic 3: Different from the ten barbarian tribes (Daniel 7:24). 

4. How did the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church differ from the ten barbarian tribes?

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The Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church came on to the scene as a religious power, while the ten tribes came on to the scene as secular-political powers. 

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The Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church morphs into a religious and political power, while seven of the the ten tribes continues as secular-political powers.

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The Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church was much smaller in size than the ten tribes. Now the Vatican is geographically and demographically the smallest country in the world, measuring less than 0.2 square miles and a population of about 825 people. Although smallest in land and population, its estimated GDP per capita of $21,198 makes the Vatican the 18th wealthiest nation in the world.

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Characteristic 4: Subduing three of the ten barbarian tribes, namely Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths (Daniel 7:24). 

5. How did the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church subdue three of the ten barbarian tribes, namely Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths?

 

Seven of the ten tribes accepted and supported Roman Christianity and its theology. However, three tribes, namely Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths, did not. Instead they believed in Arianism, that taught that Jesus, as the Son of God, was neither equal with God the Father nor eternal. So the Roman Christian emperors decided they must be subdued or destroyed.

 

The Roman Christian emperor Zeno (AD 474–AD 491) arranged a treaty with Ostrogoths in AD 487, which resulted in the eradication of Heruli in AD 493. And the Roman Christian emperor Justinian (AD 527–AD 565) exterminated Vandals in AD 534 and significantly broke the power of Ostrogoths in AD 538.

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Characteristic 5: Speaking great words against God (Daniel 7:8; Daniel 7:11; Daniel 7:20; Daniel 7:25). 

6. What does 'speaking a word against God' mean?

Read: Matthew 12:32; Luke 12:10​

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And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever __________ against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him. (12:32)

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And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that __________ against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. (12:10)

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NOTE: Matthew 12:32​ says that whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven. A parallel passage, Luke 12:10, says that he who blasphemes against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven. And hence, the word 'speak against' is the same as the word 'blaspheme.'

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7. What does 'blasphemy' mean according to the Bible?

Read: Mark 2:5-7; John 10:33​

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5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can __________ sins but God only? (2:5-7)

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The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, __________ thyself God. (10:33)

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NOTE: In Mark 2:5-7, the scribes ​accused Jesus of blasphemy because He, whom they thought to be a mere man, claimed to forgive sins.

In John 10:33, the Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy because He, whom they thought to be a mere man, made Himself God.

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8. Did the Roman Catholic Church claim to forgive sins?

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Catholic Catechism No. 982: There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive. "There is no one, however wicked and guilty, who may not confidently hope for forgiveness, provided his repentance is honest. Christ who died for all men desires that in his Church the gates of forgiveness should always be open to anyone who turns away from sin.

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Catholic Catechism No. 983: Catechesis strives to awaken and nourish in the faithful faith in the incomparable greatness of the risen Christ's gift to his Church: the mission and the power to forgive sins through the ministry of the apostles and their successors. The Lord wills that his disciples possess a tremendous power, that his lowly servants accomplish in his name all that he did when he was on earth. Priests have received from God a power that he has given neither to angels nor to archangels.... God above confirms what priests do here below. Were there no forgiveness of sins in the Church, there would be no hope of life to come or eternal liberation. Let us thank God who has given his Church such a gift.

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Catholic Catechism No. 986: By Christ's will, the Church possesses the power to forgive the sins of the baptized and exercises it through bishops and priests normally in the sacrament of Penance.

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Catholic Catechism No. 980: It is through the sacrament of Penance that the baptized can be reconciled with God and with the Church. Penance has rightly been called by the holy Fathers "a laborious kind of baptism." This sacrament of Penance is necessary for salvation for those who have fallen after Baptism, just as Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn.

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Catholic Catechism No. 1493: One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience. The confession of venial faults, without being necessary in itself, is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.

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Catholic Catechism No. 1495: Only priests who have received the faculty of absolving from the authority of the Church can forgive sins in the name of Christ.

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9. Did the Roman Catholic Church claim to make Himself God?

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Compare: Ephesians 1:20-23​​ with Catholic Catechism No. 882

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20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the __________ over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (1:20-23)

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Catholic Catechism No. 882: The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, "is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful." "For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered."

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NOTE: Ephesians 1:20-23 says that Jesus is the head over all things to the church. Catholic Catechism No. 882 says that the Pope has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.​

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Compare: John 14:26​​ with Catholic Catechism No. 891

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But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (14:26)

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Catholic Catechism No. 891: "The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful... When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine "for belief as being divinely revealed," and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions "must be adhered to with the obedience of faith." This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.

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NOTE: John 14:26 says that the Holy Ghost shall teach us all things. Catholic Catechism No. 891 says that the Pope is the infallible supreme teacher of all the faithful.​

 

Compare: 1 Peter 2:25​​ with Catholic Catechism No. 937

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (2:25)

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Catholic Catechism No. 937: The Pope enjoys, by divine institution, "supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls" 

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NOTE: 1 Peter 2:25 says Jesus is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. Catholic Catechism No. 937 says that the Pope enjoys supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls.​

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Characteristic 6. Persecuting and ruling over the saints for 3 1/2 prophetic years, or 1260 literal years (Daniel 7:21; Daniel 7:25)

10. Did the Roman Catholic Church persecute and rule over the saints for 1260 literal years?

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NOTE: For historical account of Roman Catholic Church's persecution over the saints, read Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe. 

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Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe, Chapter 4: Papal Persecutions: Thus far our history of persecution has been confined principally to the pagan world. We come now to a period, when persecution under the guise of christianity, committed more enormities than ever disgraced the annals of paganism. Disregarding the maxims and the spirit of the gospel, the papal church, arming herself with the power of the sword, vexed the church of God and wasted it for several centuries, a period most appropriately termed in history, the "dark ages." The kings of the earth, gave their power to the "beast," and submitted to be trodden on by the miserable vermin that often filled the papal chair, as in the case of Henry, emperor of Germany. The storm of papal persecution first burst upon the Waldenses in France.

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Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe, Chapter 5: An Account of the Inquisition: When the reformed religion began to diffuse the Gospel light throughout Europe, Pope Innocent III entertained great fear for the Romish Church. He accordingly instituted a number of inquisitors, or persons who were to make inquiry after, apprehend, and punish, heretics, as the reformed were called by the papists. At the head of these inquisitors was one Dominic, who had been canonized by the pope, in order to render his authority the more respectable. Dominic, and the other inquisitors, spread themselves into various Roman Catholic countries, and treated the Protestants with the utmost severity. In process of time, the pope, not finding these roving inquisitors so useful as he had imagined, resolved upon the establishment of fixed and regular courts of Inquisition. After the order for these regular courts, the first office of Inquisition was established in the city of Toulouse, and Dominic became the first regular inquisitor, as he had before been the first roving inquisitor.

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NOTE: It was in AD 538 that Emperor Justinian's Decree of the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome over the church could effectually be implemented throughout the Roman empire. 1260 years later, in the year of 1798, French troops under Napoleon Bonaparte occupied northern Italy. The French general Louis-Alexandre Berthier entered Rome practically unopposed and declared a Roman Republic. By this he wanted to make Pope Pius VI renounce worldly authority over Rome and the Papal States. When he refused to do this, he was taken prisoner and died in exile. Though a new pope was soon afterward elected, the papal hierarchy has never since been able to wield the power which it before possessed. Hence, the 1260 years of papal supremacy began in AD 538 and terminated in AD 1798.
 

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Characteristic 7. Thinking to change God's times and laws (Daniel 7:25)

11. What are the ten commandments according to the Bible?

Read: Exodus 20:2-17; Deuteronomy 5​:6-21

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2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 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: 11 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.

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

13 Thou shalt not kill.

14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

15 Thou shalt not steal.

16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. (20:2-17)

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12. What are the ten commandments according to the Catholic tradition?

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NOTE: The ten commandments according to a traditional catechetical formula of the Roman Catholic Church are:

1. I am the LORD your God: You shall not have strange Gods before me.

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.

4. Honor your father and your mother.

5. You shall not kill.

6. You shall not commit adultery.

7. You shall not steal.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

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13. What commandments are missing or changed in the Catholic's traditional catechetical formula?

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NOTE: This is the commandment that is missing:

• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.

This is the commandment that is changed:

• 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: 

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14. What commandment relates to time - God's 'times and laws'?

Read: Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5​:12-15

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8 Remember the __________ day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the __________ 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: 11 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 __________ day, and hallowed it. (20:8-11)

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12 Keep the __________ day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. 13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: 14 But the seventh day is the __________ of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the __________ day. (5:12-15)

 

NOTE: Both Exodus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 5:14 ​say that "the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God" - the seventh day, or Saturday, is God's times. This commandment is changed in the Catholic's traditional catechetical formula into "Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day," which is interpreted Sunday. 

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