20    The Bible and the Future of the World 

    In every age, there are some religious leaders who have gone astray from 

Christ's teaching in their hearts, but who still pretend to follow Christ. They 

maintain the appearance of worshipping God, so that they can in this way 

obtain power over others. They think that God will not correct them because 

He delays His punishment. But God always casts such as these down from 

the lofty heights to which they have exalted themselves. 

    Jesus also speaks against the scribes, who are like the theologians of our 

time. Some theologians faithfully interpret God's Holy Infallible Scripture 

and the true unerring teaching of God's Holy Catholic Church. But many 

theologians today (and again in future ages) devise clever arguments and 

explanations in order to weaken, nullify, or contradict the teaching of the 

Church. They do this to justify their own sinful lives and to please their 

listeners. For a short time, they receive the honor, praise, respect, and 

authority which they seek from the weak and the lost. But then God shall 

make His Truth clear and they shall be utterly cast down and dishonored. 

Glory Be To God Alone. 

    God is Truth. Whoever loves truth, loves God. Whoever hates truth, and 

loves lies and deceitfulness, hates God and will be punished by Him. 

    Jesus speaks against the scribes and Pharisees by seven times saying the 

words,  woe to you.  Jesus is not only speaking against the Jewish leaders 

of His time, He is also speaking against the leaders of the Church in a future 

time. These words apply to some Christian leaders in every age, but 

particularly to many leaders of the Church in the 24th century A.D., leading 

up to the time of the ten kings. (The 23rd  chapter of Matthew refers 

especially to the A.D. 2300's; the 24th chapter of Matthew refers especially 

to the  A.D.  2400's.) This time of increasing sin among Christians will see 

many unfaithful leaders in the Church, including some priests, nuns, monks, 

and even some bishops. 

    Yet in every age God will provide the Church with some leaders 

bishops, priests, and religious who are faithful and true to the teaching of 

the Church. And even in this time of sinfulness among many Church 

leaders, the teaching of the Church will remain true. Thus, Jesus tells us in 

Holy Scripture to obey the teaching of the Church. 

     Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, `The scribes and the 

Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, 

but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.'   (Mt 23:1 3). 

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem (Mt 23:37 39) 

      `O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are 

sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a 

hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your