← All studies

Study 14 of 18

Chapter 13: The Transgression and Abomination of Desolation

The Papal substitution of an earthly priesthood for Christ's heavenly ministry.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

A. T. Jones provides a chilling analysis of how the 'mystery of iniquity' worked historically to obscure the true sanctuary and priesthood of Jesus Christ. Identifying the 'little horn' of Daniel 7 and 8 as the Papal power, he explains that this system reproduced the spirit of Rome under a religious mantle. The 'abomination of desolation' was achieved not by a physical destruction of the heavenly sanctuary, but by a functional substitution. By introducing an earthly priesthood, human mediators, and the repetitive 'sacrifice' of the Mass, the Papacy turned the eyes of the world away from Christ's living ministry in the heavenly tabernacle. This effectively 'cast down' the truth to the ground, replacing the gospel of direct access to God with a system of human works and hierarchical control. Jones argues that this usurpation of Christ's daily ministry is the very essence of the apostasy, leaving the soul trapped in an earthly system that cannot perfect the conscience.

Key points

  • The Papacy is the 'little horn' that speaks against the Most High and changes laws.
  • The 'abomination of desolation' substitutes an earthly priesthood for Christ's ministry.
  • The Mass is a 'transgression of desolation' that casts down the truth of Christ's sacrifice.
  • Restoring the sanctuary involves revealing Christ's true ministry in heaven.

Key texts

  • Daniel 8:11-13
  • Daniel 7:25
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

From the book

Chapter 13 · Daniel 7-8 · Read this chapter

  • “This true priesthood, ministry, and sanctuary of Christ in heaven is too plain in the New Testament to be by any possibility denied.” (ch. 13)
  • “The little horn is but the continuation of the dreadful and terrible beast, in its very disposition, spirit and aims, only under a variant form.” (ch. 13)
  • “By a perverse application of the Levitical system of the Old Testament, the authority and eternity of the Roman priesthood had already been established.” (ch. 13)

Put it into practice

  • Identify any 'earthly mediators' you might be relying on instead of Christ.
  • Study how the Papacy historically changed the focus from heaven to earth.
  • Reaffirm your faith in Christ as your only and sufficient High Priest.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What power is represented by the 'little horn' in Daniel 7 and 8?

  2. Scripture

    2. How did the Papacy 'cast down' the sanctuary of Christ?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. What does Jones mean by the 'mystery of iniquity' in this context?

  4. Contrast

    4. How did the Roman church use the Levitical system perversely?

  5. Scripture

    5. What is the 'daily' (continual) service that was taken away?

  6. Comprehension

    6. What was Leo the Great's conception of Rome?

  7. Contrast

    7. Why is the substitution of an earthly priest for Christ so dangerous?

  8. Application

    8. Are there ways you still look to human leaders for what only Christ can give?