Those words were the cry of the French Revolution in 1794. The “wretch” as they called Him was none other than Jesus Christ. The tyrannical rule of Roman Catholicism in France led the people to remove the Christian faith altogether (for a time). They blamed Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible for the church’s atrocities that were declared by the clergy to be sanctioned by the will of GOD. (I personally know of many, even in my own family who blame GOD and the Bible for the church’s abusive stewardship of the Gospel of Jesus Christ). When we examine the events of history we see the non-stop aggression against the truth “as the truth is in Jesus” (Eph.4:21). Both in and out of the church there is seen a fundamentally immoral mindset, as Paul warned of men’s rebellion, even in the church: “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” I Tim.4:2.

     What paved the way for the bloody uprising was the singular fact that of all the nations of Europe that embraced the Reformation of the church, France remained shackled to Roman Catholic rule. The Reformation was never allowed to sustain a foothold in France. And yet, history shows that wherever the Gospel Reformation took hold the number of crimes in that nation was dramatically reduced. We could learn something from that fact here in America.

     The bloody slaughter of the Protestant Huguenots keenly illustrates the long history of violence employed by the papal church against all “heretics.” The character of Rome as chronicled in this event shows how Satan ruled the church of Rome and not the LORD Jesus Christ. The St. Bartholomew massacre in France illustrates Rome’s cold-blooded murder of faithful Christians. Beginning at midnight, 70,000 Protestants were suddenly raided and murdered in a fury of bloodshed. The Protestant Huguenots were promised by the king of France that their civil liberty was secure. But the cowardly king yielded to Rome’s demand. Little old ladies and babies, all inhumanely butchered through the coming days and weeks. To commemorate the slaughter, Rome commanded every Catholic church to ring their steeple bells in triumph! Three fresco paintings by Vasari were commissioned for the occasion. And a commemorative medal was struck, along with celebrations and a parade. This morbid celebration was held by hypocrites of unsurpassed evil: men who claimed to serve Christ (See Henry White, The Massacre of St. Bartholomew, ch.14, par.34).

     Every time a "heretic" was burned at the stake, imprisoned, beheaded, starved, tortured, or sent out naked in the middle of the night during a winter’s blizzard, "Praise be to God" was the pope’s happy declaration. It is no different than militant Muslims saying today, "Praise be to Allah" when jetliners full of passengers slam into skyscrapers.

     It must always be remembered that the Roman church did not relinquish her civil authority willingly, but was forced to forfeit her “iron” fist of tyranny through the many wars that have existed throughout the 2000 years of European history. Every war that has ever existed in both Europe and America has been over the authority of Rome to rule the lives of men. This is easily verifiable, and is why the prophet Daniel identified Rome as the final power of world history whose goal is to do the will of Satan (Dan.2:40,41; 7:7,8; Rev.13:2) and eradicate the faithful servants of Christ: those who obey all His Commandments and not just a select few (Rev.12:17). “And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments.” Deut.26:18. With all the verses in both the Old and New Testaments admonishing obedience to the Ten Commandments, for the churches to circumvent them through theological wrangling shows a rebellious spirit that is akin to the French Revolution.

     Historically, the church of Rome has done such a disservice to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that atheism is prominent today. The French Revolution signified the dawn of atheistic philosophy and science whose momentum has caused incalculable harm for the kingdom of heaven no less than the abuse of Rome. “If this is Christianity I don’t want it” is the just claim of men who live more compassionate lives than those claiming to serve the LORD Jesus Christ. Even in the 20th century, professing Christians leave many with a bitter taste in their mouth. Eager to rebuke - slow to love is the theme so often displayed. There are many cold hearted men and women in the churches, void of the tenderness of Jesus Christ. Satan takes great delight in men slandering the methods Christ used to win hearts. Mahatma Ghandi once said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." “If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today."

     Such is the character that many Christians display to a dying world. But all is not said and done. The LORD of Heaven is preparing hearts to receive Him. He is arranging circumstances in the affairs of men that are paving the way for one last and grand appeal before the end. It will be a revelation of His love and how it stands in total contrast to the ways of men. And as this momentum picks up steam the contrast between the godly and the ungodly in the church will be seen more and more: being clearly evident to anyone with a discerning heart.