ENDTIME ISSUES NEWSLETTER No. 116

“WILL MARY UNITE ALL RELIGIONS?”

Jim Tetlow, Founder of Eternal Productions

Author and Producer of Christian Documentaries

EDITORIAL

Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.,

Retired Professor of Theology and Church History,

Andrews University

Each newsletter has an element of surprise for me, because I never know what the next topic is going to be. I try to be alert to significant developments that should be addressed from a biblical perspective. Sometimes it seems that the Spirit of the Lord impresses me at the last minute to substitute the essay I have prepared with something more timely. This is what happened this time.

My plan was to post Chapter 1 of the manuscript on THE PASSION which I have just completed. This chapter offers an informative historical survey of the origin and theological developments of the Passion Plays. The survey shows how the Passion Plays began in the thirteen century in response to the catastrophes caused by wars and the Black Plague, that ravage Europe, killing over twenty million people. Such tragedies were seen as a manifestation of God’s wrath for human disobedience.

In the midst of multiple calamities people staged Passion Plays to atone for their sins and to avert God’s judgements. They were motivated by the misconception that God is a harsh and punitive Judge, whose justice can only be satisfied through the cruel suffering and death of His Son, and the intercessory role of Mary and the saints. This view of suffering as a way of salvation is graphically portrayed in Gibson’s movie where Christ is brutally tortured unto death to meet the demands of God’s justice. Mary also plays a prominent role by supporting her Son through the ordeal of the Cross.

While I reading some articles on the prominent role of Mary in Passion Plays as partner in Christ’s suffering, I came across a well-documented essay on the influence of recent Marian apparitions on Christians and non-Christian people. The article explains how the thousands of messages received from Marian apparitions clearly reveal her plan to unite all the major religions under the spiritual leadership of the pope.

The essay helped me to understand the evolution that has taken place from the past modest efforts to portray Mary in Passion Plays as a partner in Christ’s suffering for our salvation, to the current international Marian Movement committed to exalt Mary as the co-redeemer and mediator of mankind. The essay quotes Marian theologians, like Ted and Maureen Flynn who predict that “the last major event will be the proclamation of the Blessed Mother as Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate —the last and final Marian dogma of the Catholic Church.” (Ted and Maureen Flynn, The Thunder of Justice,” Sterling, VA, 1993, p. 231).

The lengthy essay you are about to read is excerpted from the book Messages from Heaven by Jim Tetlow, an author of several books and producer of Christian documentaries. Most of his productions may be viewed or ordered online at: www.eternal-productions.org or they may be purchased by calling 1-877-370-7770. I highly recommend especially Tetlow’s book, Messages from Heaven.

Tetlow shows with compelling documents and arguments how the veneration of Mary ties together Catholicism, Islam, and the New Age movement. I discussed briefly these developments in Endtime Issues No. 86, but this essay contains much more valuable information. Take time to read at your leisure this lengthy essay, because as Adventists we need to be aware of the final deceptions that will lead the world to the false worship of God (Rev 14:9).

I did call Tetlow to ask permission to use his essay in this newsletter. We had a most pleasant half-an-hour conversation. I found him to be deeply committed to uphold Bible truths, especially the Ten Commandments. Regarding the Sabbath he holds the dispensational view that sees the Sabbath as a Jewish institution nailed to the Cross. I replied by pointing out two things. First, Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for mankind, not just the Jews (Mark 2:28). In fact, the Gospels tell us more about Christ’s Sabbath teachings and ministry, than about any other aspect of His ministry. Why? Obviously because what Jesus said and did on the Sabbath, was important for NT Christians.

Second, I pointed out that Hebrews 4:9 explicitly states that a sabbatismos, that is, a seventh day Sabbathkeeping remains for God’s people. The latest research of this text done by Sundaykeeping scholars at Cambridge University and published in the symposium From Sabbath to the Lord’s Day, acknowledges that sabbatismos is used in Christian and secular literature to denote the literal observance of the Sabbath. I offered to mail him two of my Sabbath books, which he is eager to read. I will keep you posted about future developments.

NO TAPING AT 3ABN

In the last newsletter I announced that I was invited by Adventist Attorney Nicholas Miller, the legal counsel for 3ABN, to participate in two discussions on “Religion and Politics” and on Gibson’s movie on “The Passion,” to be taped at 3ABN studio. Two factors caused me to change my mind and to decline the invitation. First, the discussion on The Passion was cancelled because of scheduling problems at 3ABN. Second, I felt that to drive 7 hours each way for a total of 14 hours, just to tape a half-an-hour discussion, hardly seem justifiable in this moment when I am under great pressure for time. Perhaps I should have asked if Danny Shelton was willing to come to pick me up with the 3ABN’s leer jet (please laugh!), which lately has stirred up considerable controversy.

At this point I am eager to see if 3ABN will air some of the 10 PowerPoint lectures on the Sabbath and Second Advent that were professionally recorded last January 16-18, 2004, by a TV crew at the brand new Michiana-FilAm SDA Church at Andrews University. We sent the 5 DVD disks to 3ABN four months ago, but in spite of several calls, we never heard from them.

The quality of the taping is exceptionally good, especially since the editor, Lawrence Brown, a former student of mine who works for Channel 16 of Notre Dame University, spent a month to insert manually each of the 1000 PowerPoint slides used for the 10 lectures. You can preview few minutes of five lectures at my website: www.biblicalperspectives.com

In lecture 4, entitled FROM SABBATH TO SUNDAY: HOW IT CAME ABOUT? I share the highlights of the discoveries I made in Vatican libraries on the change of the Sabbath. With the help of 100 slides I show some of the significant documents that I found revealing the role of the papacy in changing the Sabbath to Sunday. Incidentally, the lecture includes also the picture of Pope Paul VI with the gold medal he awarded me for earning the summa cum laude distinction in my studies and research.

Attorney Nicholas Miller, who serves as legal counsel for 3ABN, was impressed by the recording and has promised to encourage 3ABN to air the lectures. If that happens, many viewers will have the opportunity to learn from a competent scholar how the change came about from Sabbath to Sunday in early Christianity. Let us pray that 3ABN may see the light to invite committed Adventist scholars who can open the mind of viewers to the deeper meaning and experience of biblical truths. Until now, committed Adventist scholars have been conspicuous for the absence at 3ABN, but it appears that things may change.

BED AND BREAKFAST IN LONDON, ENGLAND

Are you planning to travel to London, England? If you do, you will be pleased to learn about a most gracious Adventist couple who offer the best accommodation and breakfast I have ever enjoyed. During the past two years I have been in London a dozen times, as a guest in several homes that offer bed and breakfast at a reasonable price. They all offer good service, but the home of Gary and Araxi Keshishian where I stayed few days ago, is by far the best. They treated me so well that I promised that I would announce their services in this newsletter. Let me give you five reasons why I like their service:

1. THE ROOMS: The two rooms for guests have a new carpet, new furniture, and large windows overlooking a splendid manicured garden with an incredible variety of flowers. The bathroom, next to the bedrooms, is modern with an efficient shower–a feature often missing in other homes I have stayed.

2. THE LOCATION: The location is very convenient, just five minutes walking distance from the Main Street shops and the Eastcote Underground (tube) that takes one directly to the Heathrow airport or to Central London.

3. BREAKFAST: Sister Araxi goes out of the way to prepare the breakfast of your choice, with cereal, juices, nuts, fruit, and cooked food.

4. INTERNET SERVICE: The house has a wireless service. Arthur, their son, spent considerable time and money to install a wireless service for me and future guests. For me internet service is a must. If your lap top has an airport, you can be on line from your room all the time without wire connections.

5. ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere is pleasant and homely. Gary is a Cypriot who has worked until recently as an official translators for the government. Araxi is Armenian who has worked as an accountant for the past 17 years, until her company closed down. Both of them speak several languages and are very active in their local Adventist church.

6. COST AND CONTACT: The cost for Bed and Breakfast is only £20.00, that is about $35.00 per day. You can contact them by phone: 011-44-20 8866 8821; cellular 011-44-7956-156-544. Their email address is: [email protected]. Their postal address is: 155 Woodland Avenue, Eastcote, Middlesex HA4 9QX, England.

A NEW HITACHI PROJECTOR AT A BARGAIN PRICE

Few days ago was released the new 2700 LUMENS HITACHI PROJECTOR CP-S420. This projector will thrill pastors who have been looking for a low-cost PROJECTOR able to compete with the large amount of light present in their sanctuary.

On June 28, 2004, I tested for the first time the new 2700 LUMENS HITACHI projector CP-S420, in my well-lighted office which has 8 florescent lights and a large sliding door opening on the outdoor. I placed the 2000 LUMENS HITACHI CP-X328 that I have used with great satisfaction until now, on the top of the new 2700 LUMENS HITACHI CP-S420. I projected both images against the same wall, superimposing one over the other. The results were immediately evident. The image of the new HITACHI 2700 lumens was so bright that it overshadowed and eclipsed the image of the HITACHI 2000. I could not believe that an extra 700 lumens could make such a world of difference.

Until now I have highly recommended the 2000 LUMENS HITACHI CP-328, which has won the 2004 award as best projector in its class. Over 300 Adventist churches have bought this outstanding projector. I will continue to recommend it especially to persons who need a light 6 pounds projector to carry in their briefcase. But for churches that need a permanent projector, able to compete with large amounts of outdoor and indoor light, the new 10 pounds, 2700 LUMENS HITACHI CP-S420 is the solution. There will be no longer a need to close the blinds and turn off some of the lights to improve the quality of the image. This projector performs brilliantly in a well-lighted environment. From now on I WILL CARRY THIS NEW 2700 LUMENS PROJECTOR WITH ME FOR MY WEEKEND SEMINARS.

What makes this new projector very attractive is the incredible low price of only $2,195.00 granted to our Adventist churches and institutions. This represent over 65% discount over the factory suggested retail price given at the HITACHI.COM website as follows: “Priced at $7,495.00, the CP-S420 series is currently available through Hitachi’s network of nationwide resellers.” You can read the complete news release at: http://www.hitachi.us/Apps/hitachicom/content.jsp?page=PressReleases/details/Hitachi%20Announces% 20New%20Fully-Loaded%20SVGA%20Projector. html&path=jsp/hitachi/aboutus/Press-Media/

HITACHI has reassured me that they are giving me the lowest price for our churches, because I have become one of their best 10 producers in North America, by selling over 300 projectors during the past few months. As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, the price for the 2000 lumens HITACHI CP-X328 has been reduced four times, from $2,500.00 to only $1795.00. The special price I negotiated for the brand new 2700 lumens HITACHI CP-S420 is only $2195.00. This means that for $400.00 more now you can purchase a projector with 700 more lumens, able to deliver a clear, crispy pictures even in a well-lighted sancturies. All the projectors come with a 24 hours replacement warrantee for a period of three years.

To order a projector or to obtain more information on any of the 16 different projectors manufactured by HITACHI, feel free to call me at (269) 471-2915 or (269) 978-6878 or email me your request for a catalogue at: [email protected]. To avoid possible shipping delays, we keep a supply of both the 2000 and 2700 lumens HITACHI projectors. We can ship your projector on the same day you call us.

SPECIAL OFFER ON CD-ROMS AND VIDEO/DVD RECORDINGS

For the FIRST TIME I am offering at a special price the complete package of my recent recordings. The package consists of the following items:

ONE CD-ROM with all my 16 books and 150 articles, for a total of over 7000 pages of research. With the Global Acrobat search engine you can find immediately what I have written on any given text or topic. Regular price $100.00

ONE CD-ROM with all my PowerPoint lectures on the Sabbath, Second Advent, Marriage, Drinking, Dress, Music, etc. Each lecture consists of about 100 PowerPoint slides with the text of my presentation. Over 2000 slides altogether. Regular price $100.00

FIVE VIDEO TAPES ALBUM or FIVE DVD DISKS ALBUM with 10 live, dynamic PowerPoint lectures on the Sabbath and Second Advent. The recording was done last January 16-18, 2004, by a TV crew at the brand new Michiana-FilAm SDA Church at Andrews University. The quality of the taping is exceptionally good, especially since the editor, Lawrence Brown, a former student of mine who works for Channel 16 of Notre Dame University, spent a month to insert manually each of the 1000 PowerPoint slides used for the 10 lectures. You can preview few minutes of five lectures at my website: www.biblicalperspectives.com The regular price of the VIDEO or DVD albums with the 10 lectures is $150.00

SPECIAL PACKAGE OFFER

Your SPECIAL ONE-TIME OFFER for the TWO CD-ROMS and the FIVE VIDEO TAPES ALBUM or FIVE DVD DISKS ALBUM, is ONLY $100.00, postage paid, instead of the regular price of $350.00. This represents a 70% saving of $250.00. To order your package, call us at (269) 471-2915 or email us your credit card number and expiration date at: [email protected] We guarantee to process your order immediately.

UPCOMING WEEKEND SEMINARS

By Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.

As a service to our subscribers, I am listing the date and the location of the upcoming seminars for the month of July and August 2004. Every Sabbath it is a great pleasure for me to meet subscribers who travel considerable distances to attend the seminars. Thank you for informing your friends about the time and place of the seminars.

JULY 9-10: NEW YORK CITY

First Ghana SDA Church

45 Goble Place

Bronx, New York 10452

For information call Pastor Hermann Kuma at (718) 994-1332

JULY 30-31: TOTONTO, CANADA. TWO RALLIES

Apple Creek SDA Church

Friday Evening, July 30, at 7:30 p. m. and Sabbath Morning, July 31, at 11:30 a.m.

Kingsview Village SDA Church

Sabbath Morning, July 31, at 9:30 a. m. and Sabbath Evening, July 31, at 7:00 p. m.

For information call Pastor Mansfield Edwards at (905) 665-6466 or Pastor Allen Chichester at (416) 291-5711

AUGUST 7-8-9: READING, ENGLAND

Reading (Whitley) SDA Church

c/o Maiden Erlegh School

Silverdale Road, Early,

Reading, Berks, RG6 7HS

For information call Pastor Everett Picart at 01189 755 110

AUGUST 13-14-15: BRISTOL DISTRICT, ENGLAND

Gloucester SDA Church on August 13-14

Cromwell Street, Gloucester, GL1 1RE

For information call Pastor Stephan Burton-Schnull at 01452 619 454

Bristol North SDA Church on August 15

c/o United Reformed Church

Muller Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 9RB

For information call Pastor Richard Daly at 01452 423 089

AUGUST 20-21: CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA

Campbell SDA Church

600 West Campbell Avenue

Campbell, CA 95008

For information call Pastor Gary Jensen at (408) 378-3878

AUGUST 27-28: NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Norfolk SDA Church

1099 Kempsville Road

Norfolk, VA 23502-2743

For information call Pastor Glenn Holland at (757) 421-7584

“WILL MARY UNITE ALL RELIGIONS?”

Jim Tetlow, Founder of Eternal Productions

Author and Producer of Christian Documentaries

Ecstasy!

She appears as a living, breathing, three-dimensional lady enveloped in exquisite light. Visionaries and seers describe a beautiful, young woman glowing in radiant splendor. Seers, while describing her as brilliant to behold and arrayed with every splendor, admit that the “Queen of Heaven” transcends human description.

Visionaries also report seeing strange lights and glorious visions that often accompany an apparition. Visions of angels, glowing orbs, tongues of fire, mysterious solar phenomena, and peculiar luminous clouds have been sighted. Because of the tremendous pleasure and joy experienced by seers during an apparition, the term ecstasy1 is the word most often used to describe this event. Those who have witnessed her, admit that they are paralyzed and enraptured by her beauty and charm.

Numerous healings and miracles have been reported at apparition sites around the globe. In addition, the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary has repeatedly announced that the most significant signs and wonders are yet future! She admits that she has not yet revealed her full glory to the world. She predicts heavenly signs and events that the whole world will witness in the very near future. Consider the following two examples:

“My sign is emerging. God wills it thus. Only my children recognize it, as it reveals itself in secrecy, and they praise the Eternal One for it. Today I cannot reveal my power to the whole world. I must withdraw with my children. In secrecy I will perform miracles on the souls until the number of sacrifices has become full. . . .Then I can reveal myself to the whole world2

“Soon, I will come, my children! Soon, I will be in your midst with a great light. I will enlighten the entire world. Many souls will cry because they did not listen to my call.. . . I will pass above everyone in a cloud and everyone will see me. What will become of those who insulted me and made a laughing stock of me? . . . I will come soon, my sons, to travel through the entire world. I will give a great sign in the sky for those who will still want to be saved. All those who have recourse to me, who have a look of repentance, this will be sufficient to save them.3

The Numbers are Staggering

Consider that 15 to 20 million Marian followers visit a single shrine in Guadalupe, Mexico, every single year! The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared in 1531 to seer Juan Diego. On December 12, 1999, the anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s appearance, five million pilgrims visited the shrine to pay honor to Our Lady.4 In addition, 1999 marks the first time in church history that the feast of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe is being celebrated by all bishops and priests in the Western Hemisphere. In an apostolic exhortation delivered during his visit to Mexico in January, Pope John Paul II elevated December 12 to a holy day for the Catholic Church.5

In war-torn Bosnia, an estimated 30 million pilgrims have visited Medjugorje since the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary began in 1981.6 Besides the six visionaries who regularly receive messages from the Virgin, thousands of pilgrims claim to see signs and wonders; experience healing; and hear the voice of Mary at Medjugorje. Visiting Medjugorje is a painstaking task involving many hours by bus over war-torn roads. The millions of pilgrims who venture to Medjugorje do so with the knowledge that their pilgrimage will be difficult and dangerous - yet they continue to come in droves.

In Conyers, Georgia, seer Nancy Fowler has received up to 100,000 visitors to her farm on a single day.7 The pilgrims come from all over, many traveling great distances to hear the most recent message from the Blessed Mother. At the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, attendance has increased to 500,000 per year.8

Marian Apparitions Everywhere

Marian apparitions from almost every state in America are being reported - many of these sites are drawing thousands. From New York City to San Francisco numerous reported visitations from the Queen of Heaven have been documented.9 The sheer number of Marian followers and their determination to hear from the Virgin reveals that these individuals are not merely curious sightseers, but rather a huge, growing flock of Marian disciples.

Five and one-half million pilgrims visit a single apparition site in Lourdes, France annually.10 Poland’s Marian shrine Our Lady of Czestochowa (a favorite of Pope John Paul II) draws an estimated five million pilgrims a year.11 A single apparition site in Knock, Ireland, has drawn millions who come to pray to Our Lady of Knock and visit the Apparition Gable. This Marian shrine in Ireland has been honored by four popes this century, including Pope John Paul II, who went on pilgrimage to Knock in 1979.12

In Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, a location where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared more than 40 years ago, multiplied thousands of religious devotees come from all over the world. The site has become so popular that preparations are underway to construct a statue of the Virgin twice as high as New York’s Statue of Liberty. A local newspaper reports that “The grand scale heroic statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, part of the projected 500-acre Mystical City complex, will top at 1,500 feet. It will have room inside to contain radio and TV stations, various chapels, apartments, a food court, conference rooms and an observation deck”.13

At the famous apparition site in Fatima, Portugal, pilgrims numbering more than one million are in attendance during the October 13th anniversary of the 1917 apparition. Total annual attendance at Fatima is estimated to be 4.5 million, and growing.14 The list of major apparition sites goes on and on.

On May 31, 1999, thousands gathered in Amsterdam to celebrate the 3rd International Day of Prayer of the Lady of All Nations. Dozens of priests, bishops and cardinals presided over the event, where thousands of participants from over seventy countries and six continents converged to honor the Lady of All Nations.15 This apparition of the Virgin Mary appeared to visionary Ida Peerdeman numerous times. Her main message was that she wants the Church and pope to officially proclaim the Lady of All Nations as Co-Redemptrix.16 To date, millions of faithful Marian advocates have petitioned the pope to officially name her Co-Redemptrix.17

Growing Worldwide Popularity

The popularity of the Virgin and her messages has grown to mammoth proportions. Marian historians are quick to point out that apparitions of Mary have been recorded throughout the centuries, but never in the history of Marian apparitions has she appeared with such consistency and frequency as in our day.

In 1997, Newsweek ran a cover story on the Virgin Mary. In the article they write: “In many ways, the 20th century has belonged to Mary. From almost every continent, visionaries have reported more than 400 ‘apparitions’ of the Virgin - more than in the previous three centuries combined. Taken together, these visions point to what the Marian Movement believes is a millennial ‘Age of Mary.’”18

We might expect this phenomenon to occur in countries that are predominately Catholic, but apparitions are being reported from Japan to Africa, from Korea to Australia, from Iraq to Israel, from Egypt to Syria. Whether looking deep within the former Soviet Union or among the peoples of India, one thing is found in common - they are all allegedly being visited by a woman who calls herself Mary, the Queen of Heaven, Our Lady. Father Robert Faricy, quoted in the book Queen of the Cosmos, states: “Never in the history of Christianity has the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to so many people over so long a period of time with such regularity. Moreover, it seems that the apparitions at Medjugorje have ushered in a new Marian age. There are reports of her appearing everywhere.”19

In his book Call of the Ages, author Thomas W. Petrisko writes: “Millions and millions on all continents of the globe have heard and responded to the Virgin Mary’s apparitions and messages. Indeed, there is a significant upswing in attendance at Marian shrines everywhere.”20

The Rev. Charles Dickson, Ph.D., a Lutheran minister, reported this trend in Queen Magazine: “People around the world are traveling enormous distances to demonstrate in person their veneration of the Mother of Our Lord.”21 He goes on to state that France alone has 937 pilgrimage shrines and that at the most popular Marian shrine in France, attendance has increased ten percent in two years. And while devotion to Mary is most noticeable in Catholic countries, Marian devotion is attracting an enormous following from every religion, race and nation.

Our Lady’s Ecumenical Peace Plan

A consistent message given by the hundreds, and possibly thousands, of apparitions currently appearing worldwide is one of peace, unity, and tolerance. At Medjugorje, the apparition of Mary has stated: “Dear children, today I invite you to peace. I have come here as the Queen of Peace and I desire to enrich you with my Motherly Peace.ƒ I invite you to become carriers and witnesses of my peace to this unpeaceful world. Let peace rule in the whole world.”22

In another message, Mary told the seers: “Tell this priest, tell everyone, that it is you who are divided on earth. The Muslims and the Orthodox, for the same reason as Catholics, are equal before my Son and I. You are all my children.”23 Mary’s message of peace and unity is one that a distressed and perplexed world craves.

Her reported messages in Betania, Venezuela typify her words of hope given around the world: “My children, I am giving you a piece of Heaven.ƒ Betania, Venezuela. It is for everyone, not only Catholics.ƒ My message is of faith, love, and hope. More than anything, it brings reconciliation between people and nations. It is the only thing that can save this century from war and eternal death.”24

Charles Dickson, author of A Protestant Pastor Looks at Mary, writes: “A Muslim student visiting Rome wants especially to see the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Surprised? The poetry of a Syrian mystic is replete with Marian devotion. Surprised? Martin Luther recommended prayer to Mary. Surprised? An American Pentecostalist minister begins to visit shrines of Marian apparitions. Surprised? Muslims refer to Mary as il-Sittneh, or Our Lady. Surprised? A chapter in the Koran is named after her. Surprised? Mary’s deep kindness as a mother is portrayed in Chinese art. Surprised? And now a presbyterian minister has written a book recommending praying the rosary. Still surprised? . . . a closer investigation of both past history and current events points out that Mary has a universal appeal that transcends our cultural, geographical, and even religious boundaries.25

“Mary” Promises Unity

Almost all of the apparitions have stated that Mary is going to usher in a new era of peace and unity. Under her mantle all people will gather in peace and solve the problems facing the world. Her emphasis on unity and ecumenism has garnered attention from the media. The Los Angeles Times reported in their December 25, 1998 issue in an article entitled “Mary’s Rising Popularity Goes Beyond Faith” that: “A growing number of Americans from all Christian denominations are reaching out to the Virgin Mary as a comforting conduit of spirituality and a symbol of peace in troubled times.ƒ Reported sightings of Mary have steadily increased across the globe in recent years.ƒ Her maternal gaze seems to have an ecumenical appeal.ƒ It’s not just Roman Catholics who are interested in Mary and following the apparitions.ƒ Each day, thousands of people bring their troubles to the sites where the Virgin is claimed to have appeared.”26

One of the best witnessed series of apparitions occurred at a Coptic Orthodox church in Zeitoun, Egypt, a suburb of Cairo. People from many countries and of varied religious backgrounds witnessed the apparitions from 1968 to1973. It is estimated that the total number of witnesses numbered in the millions! Moslems, Copts, Roman Catholics, Protestants, and others were overwhelmed by the Lady who seemed to be composed of light. Moslems chanted from the Koran: “Mary, God has chosen thee. And purified thee; He has chosen thee above all women.” At Zeitoun, as well as countless other sites around the globe, the phenomenon attracts people from every conceivable background and the message seems to clearly be one of unity and ecumenism.

The Queen’s Appeal

In 1996, Life Magazine featured Mary on the cover and asked these questions: “Why are two billion Hail Marys said daily? Why did five million people, many non-Christian, visit Lourdes this year to drink the healing waters? Why did more than 10 million trek to Guadalupe to pray to Our Lady? . . . Why the apparitions? Why are Mary hymns creeping into Methodist songbooks?ƒWhat is it about Mary?”27 The Life article goes on to list numerous apparitions and to quote various statistics. For instance, Life notes that “In Italy, 50 weeping Madonna statues have been reported in the past two years.”

Life Magazine notes that Mary’s popularity is not just among Catholics: “One of the intriguing aspects of the latest rise of Mary is this: The emotional need for her is so irresistible to a troubled world that people without an obvious link to the Virgin are being drawn to her. It’s not news that Muslims revere Mary as a pure and holy saint - she’s mentioned 34 times in the Koran, ƒbut to see large numbers of Muslims making pilgrimages to Christian Marian shrines is a remarkable thing. Interdenominational Marian prayer groups are springing up throughout the world.”28

Why does she appeal to so many? Is it possible that many are drawn by the numerous reported miracles, signs, and wonders? In a world that seeks interaction with the supernatural, it is no surprise that many flock to the miraculous. These miracles, if true, would rival the miracles performed in Moses’ day. Consider that at several apparition sites, a phenomenon known as “the Miracle of the Sun” has been seen by hundreds of thousands.

Miracle of the Sun

At Fatima, on October 13, 1917, 70,000 people claimed to have witnessed the sun fall from the sky. These eyewitnesses said that they watched as the sun fell from heaven toward the crowd and then return to its normal position in the sky. Many thought this was signaling the end of the world and were sure they would perish. Here is a brief recount of the events at Fatima: “Just when it seemed that the ball of fire would fall upon and destroy them, the miracle ceased and the sun resumed its normal place in the sky, shining forth as peacefully as ever. When the people arose from the ground, cries of astonishment were heard on all sides. Their clothes, which had been soaking wet and muddy, now were clean and dry. Many of the sick and crippled had been cured of their afflictions.29

The Miracle of the Sun is a common, albeit fantastic, event at many apparition sites. It happened before a crowd of 100,000 in Puerto Rico on April 23, 1991, which was the 38th anniversary of the apparitions there,30 and it happened again in the Philippines on March 5, 1993, in front of a crowd of 300,000.31 Similar events have been recorded at such apparition sites as Medjugorje, Bosnia; Denver, Colorado; Lubbock, Texas; and Conyers, Georgia.

The Miracle of the Sun is one of many supernatural phenomena reported at apparition sites around the globe. Here is an abridged summary of the miracles reported at just one apparition site: “The appearances of the Mother of God in Medjugorje have been accompanied by a number of miracles, including physical healings (now numbered at 360), reports of the sun dancing or spinning in the sky, rosary links and medals that apparently change from silver to gold, and other phenomenon. . . . Just as Christ worked miracles during his earthly life to authenticate his teaching and ministry, so Our Lady of Medjugorje seems to be using them to validate her presence and messages, which, as always, direct us to her Son.”32

When Mary Speaks, Rome Listens

These apparitions and the supernatural phenomena associated with them, have not gone unnoticed by high level Church officials. In 1984 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the head of the Roman Catholic Church’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), declared that, “one of the signs of our times is that the announcements of ‘Marian Apparitions’ are multiplying all over the world.”33

Even the current pope has stated, “If I wasn’t a Pope, I’d be in Medjugorje already.”34 The pope has visited numerous Marian shrines and apparition sites and his Marian devotion is truly remarkable. In his book, Crossing The Threshold of Hope, the pope writes: “I think what I have said sufficiently explains the Marian devotion of the present Pope and, above all, his attitude of total abandonment to Mary - his Totus Tuus.”35

Pope John Paul II believes that if victory comes to the Universal Church it will be brought by Mary. In his book, Crossing The Threshold of Hope, he makes this revealing statement: “After my election as Pope, as I became more involved in the problems of the universal Church, I came to have a similar conviction: On this universal level, if victory comes it will be brought by Mary. Christ will conquer through her, because he wants the Church’s victories now and in the future to be linked to her. “I held this conviction even though I did not yet know very much about Fatima. I could see, however, that there was a certain continuity among La Salette, Lourdes, and Fatima - and, in distant past, our Polish Jasna Gora. And thus we come to May 13, 1981, when I was wounded by gunshots fired in St. Peter’s Square. At first, I did not pay attention to the fact that the assassination attempt had occurred on the exact anniversary of the day Mary appeared to the three children at Fatima in Portugal and spoke to them the words that now, at the end of this century, seem to be close to their fulfillment.36

Consecration to the Apparition

The pope credits the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima with saving his life during the 1981 assassination attempt.37 Shortly after the assault on his life, Pope John Paul II, consecrated the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.38 The pope’s consecration was done in response to the request made by Our Lady of Fatima.

Furthermore, in October 2000, the pope ordered the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Fatima to the Vatican for the Great Jubilee. On Sunday October 8, Pope John Paul with 1500 bishops - the largest group to assemble since Vatican II - entrusted humanity and the third millennium to Our Lady of Fatima.39 This is extremely significant. Over one-third of the Catholic Church’s bishops, and the pope himself, entrusted the world to Our Lady of Fatima!

Certainly the apparition has the pope’s and Rome’s attention. It seems more than coincidence that apparitions of Mary have increased substantially during this pope’s pontificate. Unquestionably Pope John Paul’s many visits to Marian shrines and apparition sites around the world indicate that he believes Mary is appearing and that her appearances are of utmost importance. Furthermore, the pope’s strong Marian devotion has strengthened Marian devotion worldwide. Just consider the following statistics.

Marian Movement of Catholic Priests

Globally, Marian groups and conferences are mushrooming. One group alone, the Blue Army, boasts over 20 million members.40 Another group known as the Marian Movement of Priests is supported by at least 400 cardinals and bishops, and more than 100,000 priests, and millions of religious and faithful around the world.41

Keep in mind that there are only an estimated 400,000 priests in the entire Catholic Church. This means that over one quarter of all priests are active members of the Marian Movement of Priests! And this is only one Marian group.

Father Stefano Gobbi, the head of the Marian Movement of Priests, often receives messages from Mary. In many of her messages, she confirms the inextricable link between her apparitions and the Catholic Church, particularly in these last times: “But in the furious struggle of these last times, this struggle between heaven and earth, between the heavenly spirits and the demons, between the Woman and the Dragon, I appear as a great sign of my greatest victory. . . . For this great victory, I have formed for myself the cohort of all my little children who, from every part of the world, have responded to me with a yes. With my Marian Movement of Priests, I have brought my invitation to the farthest confines of the earth, and I have formed for myself my victorious army.”42

No one could deny that the Roman Catholic Church – its head, and multitudes within it - are enlisted in Mary’s army. Yet, throughout history, the apparition has been central to the Church.

Mary’s Influence in the Church

Without doubt, the apparition of Mary has always had Rome’s attention. For over a thousand years, many previous popes were devout followers of the apparition of Mary. For example, an apparition appeared to Pope John XXII and ordered him to make known to all that in the Saturday after death she would deliver from purgatory all who wore the Carmelite scapular. This was proclaimed by that pontiff in a Bull, and it was confirmed in subsequent years by Alexander V, Pius V, Gregory XIII and Paul V.43

The apparition of Mary has even assisted the papacy in times of need. For example, when Pope Pius IX proclaimed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, there was concern that the new doctrine would not be well received by many Catholics. However, in 1858, just four years after this doctrine was declared, Our Lady of Lourdes appeared with the salutation, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” No apparition up to that time had ever referred to herself in that manner, and in so doing, the Immaculate Virgin herself gave supernatural confirmation to the declaration.44

In 1870, just before Pius IX introduced the doctrine of Papal Infallibility, he received confirmation from an apparition that he should proceed with the new proclamation. She even assured him of her assistance at every step of the way.45 Of course, Pius IX is just one of a long list of popes who were reportedly aided by the Queen of Heaven during difficult times.

In his encyclical entitled Le Pelerinage de Lourdes, Pope Pius XII recognized the inextricable link between the popes and the apparition of Mary. On July 2, 1957, this pope declared, “This century of Marian devotion has also in a certain way woven close bonds between the See of Peter and the shrine in the Pyrenees, bonds which We are pleased to acknowledge.”46 His official encyclical was given at Rome, from Saint Peter’s, on the feast of the Visitation of the Most Holy Virgin. In it, Pius XII explains how the apparitional appearances at Lourdes played a crucial role in confirming Catholic dogma:

“The fiftieth anniversary of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin gave Saint Pius X occasion to bear witness in a solemn document to the historic connection between this act of the Magisterium and the apparitions at Lourdes. “Pius IX,” he wrote, “had hardly defined it to be of Catholic faith that Mary was from her very origin exempt from sin, when the Virgin herself began performing miracles at Lourdes.”

The Virgin Mary herself desired this tie: “What the Sovereign Pontiff defined in Rome through his infallible Magisterium, the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, blessed among all women, wanted to confirm by her own words, it seems, when shortly afterward she manifested herself by a famous apparition at the grotto of Massabielleƒ”47

Pius IX, Pius X, and Pius XII are among the long list of popes who relate the importance of the Queen of Heaven’s apparitional manifestations, and how these supernatural appearances have helped guide the Roman Catholic Church through the centuries.

Global Network – Global Power

Father Stefano Gobbi, the head of the Marian Movement of Priests, often receives messages from Mary confirming her global manifestations: “With extraordinary signs which I am giving in every part of the world, through my messages and through my so frequent apparitions, I am pointing out to everyone the approaching of the great day of the Lord.”48

Wherever she appears, the Queen of Heaven makes it clear that she has come for ALL her children, not just Catholics. Protestants, Muslims, and individuals from other religious affiliations often go to apparition sites skeptical, only to find that they too have been touched by Mary. Many non-Catholics have actually converted to the Roman Catholic faith after an apparition experience. As Medjugorje visionary Ivan Dragicevic has conveyed, Mary has come for all of us. “It is very important to emphasize that the Blessed Mother came for all of us. Mary’s messages refer to the whole world. Her messages throughout have been that we must pray for all religions, because we know that we have divided ourselves by religion.”49

Concerning the growing number of apparitions worldwide, noted Marian author Michael Brown wrote: “[During the second half of the 20th century Marian apparitions] grew to remarkable proportion ƒ if every daily or weekly apparition is counted in cases where a seer had more than one, the number would not be calculable. . . . the French periodical Le Monde once estimated twenty-one thousand apparitions between 1976 and 1986!”50

Twenty-one thousand apparitions! If true, that would constitute the greatest display of paranormal activity in the history of the world. With hundreds of millions of followers and thousands of alleged apparitions taking place in our generation, could heaven be sending us a wake-up call?

Testing the Spirits

Those who are familiar with the Word of God know that we are to be cautious when dealing with alleged heavenly visitors. The apostle John reminds us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). The apostle Paul adds this warning: “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15). Furthermore, the New Testament repeatedly warns of deception, in the name of Christ, in the last days. “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24) “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

The principal way to test these reported “Messengers From Heaven” is to test their messages with the Bible. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Messages From Heaven?51

We will examine several messages from apparitions which have received full Church approval or carry the Imprimatur of the local Catholic bishop. Those messages from apparitions which have received full Church approval are preceded by a ** Those messages from apparitions which carry the Imprimatur of the local Catholic bishop are preceded by a B. Each message is followed by, and contrasted with, the Word of God. The source of the apparitional message is given in the footnotes.

** I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach. Those who place their confidence in me will be saved.52

I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior (Isaiah 43:11).

**I boldly assert that His suffering became my suffering, because His heart was mine. And just as Adam and Eve sold the world for an apple, so in a certain sense my Son and I redeemed the world with one heart. . .53

“As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 47:4).

**[Jesus] wishes to establish in the world devotion to My Immaculate Heart.ƒ[Lucia recalled,] Before the palm of the right hand of Our Lady was a heart encircled by thorns which seemed to have pierced it like nails. We understood that it was the Immaculate Heart of Mary outraged by the sins of humanity, for which there must be reparation.54

“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. ƒthere is no longer an offering for sin” (Hebrews 10:12-14, 18).

**It is for this, that, as Mother, as Immaculate Mother, Mediatrix of all Graces, that I call you to this placeƒso that my union with you may be more intimate and vital, through the Holy Spirit, permitting you to live deeply in the spirit of the Gospel.55

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

B - Do not let yourselves be seized by fear or discouragement. Have great confidence in the powerful work of intercession and mediation of your heavenly Mother.56

“It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).

B - The world is degenerating, so much so, that it was necessary for the Father and the Son to send Me into the world, among all the peoples, in order to be their Advocate and to save them.57

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1, 2).

B - Until I am acknowledged there where the Most Holy Trinity has willed me to be, I will not be able to exercise my power fully, in the maternal work of coredemption and of the universal mediation of graces. . . . Sons, let yourselves be transformed by my powerful action as Mother, Mediatrix of Graces and Coredemptrix.58

“You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood . . .”(Revelation 5:9).

B - I am she who is related to the DIVINE TRINITY - I am the Virgin of Revelation.59

“I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6).

Effective Deception

These are just a few of the countless messages showing that the Marian apparitions clearly contradict the teachings of Scripture. The apparitions’ thousands of messages portray a Queen who possesses all of Christ’s distinct characteristics. She is said to be our Mediator, our Intercessor, our Advocate, our Co-redeemer, our Suffering Servant, and many other titles that reveal her deceptive agenda.

Some proponents of the Marian apparitions might protest this line of reasoning. Is it fair to focus only on those messages that contradict Scripture? Shouldn’t we applaud the apparition of Mary for the good, biblical messages she has sent? Shouldn’t we focus on the transformed lives and the good fruit?

To answer, let’s consider how Satan has tempted in the past. When tempting Jesus, Satan accurately quoted Scripture.60 Satan knew that he couldn’t deceive Jesus with an outright lie, but that he must use subtle deception. Likewise, Satan often mixes a subtle lie in with truth. He is the master of deception. And the grandest of all deceptions are those that are mostly true.

While the bulk of the apparitions’ messages seem harmless, even biblical, is it possible that subtle deception mixed with truth might lead many down a pathway that leads to eternal destruction? Satan may encourage good and noble deeds as long as they ultimately compromise our relationship with Jesus and His Word. The Bible states emphatically that God will not share His glory with another: “I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images.” (Isaiah 42:8).

The Queen’s Agenda

Who then is this impostor? Certainly she is not the humble and blessed Virgin Mary of the Bible. Ironically, the apparition herself reveals her origin: “I am Mary, the Queen of Heaven and the Queen of Angels.”61 Those who are familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures will immediately recognize this Queen as the false goddess of Jeremiah’s day. In Jeremiah chapters 7 and 44, the prophet Jeremiah commands the children of Judah to repent of their idolatrous worship of the Queen of Heaven. As we search the Scriptures, we find that this demonic entity has sought to deceive God’s people for millennia. And as Solomon reminds us, if it has happened in the past, it will happen again.62

As history comes to a close, the Queen of Heaven, who is posing as the Mary of the Bible, has a specific agenda. She has made several remarkable predictions, but perhaps none so controversial as her proclamation that the Roman Catholic Church will declare her Co-redemptrix. The Lady of All Nations, as she is called by the faithful, made this remarkable prediction to visionary Ida Peerdeman: “Once more I am here. - The Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate is now standing before you. I have chosen this day: on this day the Lady will be crowned. Theologians and apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, listen carefully: I have given you the explanation of the dogma. Work and ask for this dogma. You should petition the Holy Father for this dogma. . . . On this date “the Lady of All Nations” will receive Her official title of ‘Lady of All Nations.’”63

Pope John Paul II Refers to Mary as “Co-Redemptrix”

Additionally, the present pontiff, Pope John Paul II has applied the title “Co-Redemptrix” to the Blessed Virgin Mary on at least five occasions, including papal teachings accompanied by profound theological treatments on the unique participation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the redemption of humanity by Jesus Christ.64 It is rumored that the pope may announce Mary as “Co-Redemptrix” very soon.65

According to many Marian theologians, the Co-Redemptrix doctrine will be the last and final Marian dogma, and it will usher in her triumphant reign promised at Fatima. Authors Ted and Maureen Flynn explain what they and many other Marian theologians believe will soon take place.” The last major event will be the proclamation of the Blessed Mother as Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate - the last and final Marian dogma of the Catholic Church.”66

Dogma, then Peace

As we have briefly highlighted, the Queen has promised to bring peace and unity to all her children. This will not occur, however, until she is proclaimed the Co-redemptrix.

** When the dogma, the last dogma in Marian history, has been proclaimed, “the Lady of All Nations” will give peace, true peace to the world. The nations, however, must say My prayer in union with the Church. They must know that “the Lady of All Nations” has come as Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix and Advocate. So be it!67

Once she is proclaimed Co-Redemptrix by the Pope, the Queen will unite all religions under her mantle.

Queen Over All

Marian advocates often quote Saint Louis de Montfort, who was a great devotee of Our Lady. Saint Louis de Montfort predicted that: “The power of Mary over all devils will be particularly outstanding in the last period of time. She will extend the Kingdom of Christ over the idolators and Moslems, and there will come a glorious era in which Mary will be ruler and queen of human hearts.68

Catholic visionary Mary of Agreda, who wrote the classic Mystical City of God, conveyed what was told to her about the final era of peace: “Before the Second Coming of Christ, Mary must, more than ever, shine in mercy, might and grace in order to bring unbelievers into the Catholic Faith. The powers of Mary in the last times over demons will be very conspicuous. Mary will extend the reign of Christ over the heathens and Mohammedans, and it will be a time of great joy when Mary, as Mistress and Queen of Hearts is enthroned.”69

Rome will Rule

When the apparition of Mary speaks of unity, she means unity under the Roman Catholic Church. It is under the Church of Rome that “Mary” wishes to establish world unity. “Both humanity [the whole world] and the Church [the Roman Catholic Church] will experience this new era . . . you will as of today see my light becoming stronger and stronger, until it encircles the whole earth, ready now to open itself to the new day, which will begin with the Triumph of my Immaculate Heart in the world.”70

“A true reunification of Christians is not possible unless it be in the perfection of truth. And truth has been kept intact only in the Catholic Church, which must preserve it, defend it and proclaim it to all without fear.”71

Furthermore, Pope Pius IX made this remarkable prediction in 1878 concerning Mary’s role to establish the world under her Church, the Roman Catholic Church:

We expect that the Immaculate Virgin and Mother of God, Mary, through her most powerful intercession, will bring it about that our Holy Mother the Catholic Church will gain in influence from day to day among all nations and in all places, prosper and rule from ocean to ocean, from the great stream to the ends of the earth; that she will enjoy peace and liberty—and there will be then one fold and one shepherd.72

Queen of Muslims?

Think of the regions of our world today that are potential time bombs - powder kegs waiting to be ignited by some religious dispute. Can anyone imagine how religious differences could be resolved in these areas? Who alive on planet earth today could act as a mediator or diplomat that has the ability to bring about a peaceful resolution? Certainly for such an historic event to occur, a supernatural miracle would be required. There are some who are saying that Marian apparitions and the messages that “Mary” gives from heaven provide such a possibility.

While the title of this section may seem strange to the reader, it is appropriate, as we will see. How could “Mary” have any influence on the millions of Muslims who follow Allah? Those who have studied the Muslim’s holy book, known as the Koran, may be aware of the answer. First, the Koran portrays Jesus Christ as a prophet, unique in His pre-incarnate nature, miraculous birth, miracles and moral stature. Muslims revere Jesus Christ. As the Koran states:

“The angels said to Mary: ‘God [Allah] bids you rejoice in a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary. He shall be noble in this world and in the world to come, and shall be one of those who are favored. He shall preach to men in his cradle and in the prime of manhood, and shall lead a righteous life.’”73

It is interesting to note that in the Koran, Jesus is almost exclusively referred to as “Jesus son of Mary,” rather than “Son of God.” The Koran vehemently denies that Jesus is the Son of God, yet it holds both Jesus and Mary in high esteem. More important to our context, is the fact that Mary is arguably more highly honored than Jesus in the Koran and in the Muslim world. The Muslims, like the Catholics, refer to her as “Our Lady.” She is also venerated as a pure and holy saint in the Islamic world.

Mary in the Koran

Furthermore, Mary is mentioned no less than 34 times in the Koran. In addition, the 19th surah (chapter) of the Koran is named after Mary. Based on these facts alone, it is apparent that “Our Lady” is surely seen as blessed above all women by orthodox Muslims. In addition, consider the following three quotes taken directly from the Koran:

“And remember the angels’ words to Mary. They said: “God has chosen you. He has made you pure and exalted you above womankind.”74

“The Messiah, the son of Mary, was no more than an apostle: other apostles passed away before him. His mother was a saintly woman. 75

“Whereupon he [Jesus] spoke and said: ‘I am the servant of God. He has given me the Book and ordained me a prophet. His blessing is upon me wherever I go, and He has exhorted me to be steadfast in prayer and to give alms as long as I shall live. He has exhorted me to honor my mother and has purged me of vanity and wickedness.’”76

Muslims and Apparitions of Mary

While it is apparent that Mary is considered by adherents of the Islamic faith to be the most blessed woman ever, does this necessarily imply that Muslims would respond to Marian apparitions or signs and wonders as many Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians have done? Would Muslims listen to these apparitions and heed the messages? In order to answer this question, we can consider an apparition of Mary that appeared to millions of Muslims in the 20th century.

At a Coptic Orthodox church in Zeitoun, Egypt, a suburb of Cairo, a remarkable series of events occurred. A woman that onlookers believed was Mary, appeared in the form of an apparition, performing signs, wonders, and healings. This same woman appeared several nights each week for years. The vast majority of spectators were Muslim. Here is a description of the events surrounding the Zeitoun apparitions: “The Zeitoun apparitions were seen by everyone present ... the persons present at apparitional events there varied from several thousand to over two hundred thousand per night. Total witnesses perhaps numbered into the millions.

“Several nights each week, thousands of Moslems (who constituted most of the crowds) fell to their knees on prayer rugs spread wherever space permitted, and wept before the magnificent, wondrous, glorious form of Our Lady from Heaven. All witnesses agree that the Lady seemed to be composed of light that usually was intense, yet lessened occasionally.

“The apparitions of “Mary, the Mother of Jesus” were serenely animate, moving from one side of the church roof to another, as if to provide a direct view to all the surrounding throng, from which many called to her to come their way. She often responded to the singing or chanting of the crowd, appearing to bow in acknowledgment, greeting and blessing. Sometimes she made gestures of prayer, or held out and waved what appeared to be an olive branch. At other times, thousands watched her radiant form, which was often aglow with bluish white light, as she held in her left arm what certainly appeared to be the baby Jesus.

“The Zeitoun apparitions seemed to affect all witnesses, including hundreds who were spontaneously healed. Many such cases have been documented by Dr. Shafik Abd El Malik, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, who headed a commission of seven doctors to study the miraculous cures.77

A Sign to Mankind

Think about the implications - millions of Muslims responding to an apparition of Mary, falling to their knees and quoting from the Koran. Why did these followers of Allah respond to these signs and wonders? Why were they so sure that this apparitional woman was Mary? If events like these repeat in the 21st century for the entire world to behold, will the Islamic community follow the Queen of Heaven? While we can’t state with certainty what will happen, the following quotes taken directly from the Koran may lend some insight:

“We [Allah] made the son of Mary and his mother a sign to mankind, and gave them shelter on a peaceful hillside watered by a fresh spring. Apostles! Eat of that which is wholesome, and do good works: I have knowledge of all your actions. Your community is but one community, and I am your only Lord: therefore fear me. Yet men have divided themselves into factions, each rejoicing in his own doctrines. Leave them in their error till a time appointed. 78

“And to the woman [Mary] who kept her chastity, We [Allah] breathed into her of Our spirit, and made her and her son a sign to all mankind. Your community is but one community, and I am Your only Lord. Therefore serve Me. Men have divided themselves into factions, but to Us shall they all return.”79

Unity through Signs

In addition, the Koran appears to lay a heavy emphasis on past and future signs as evidence that the Day of Judgment is at hand. The Koran states: “The Day of Reckoning for mankind is drawing near, yet they blithely persist in unbelief. They listen with ridicule to each fresh warning that their Lord gives them: their hearts are set on pleasure . . . Yet though We showed them signs, the communities whom We destroyed before them did not believe either. Will they believe?”80

Concerning this “Hour of Doom,” which appears to be the Day of Judgment, Allah states: “We will show them Our signs in all the regions of the earth and in their own souls, until they clearly see that this [The Koran] is the truth.”81

Is it possible that signs from “Mary” will persuade Muslims that she is a sign from Allah? Could this be one of the “lying signs and wonders” that Jesus warned about?82 Is it reasonable to speculate that the Queen, through signs and wonders could convince many Muslims to become part of a world religion that contains the name of Christ? Might these same false signs and wonders deceive the world?

Muslims and Catholics

The Koran infers that Allah inspired the Bible, though Jews and Christians have corrupted the text.83 Also, it is interesting to note that both Muslims and the Roman Catholic Church believe that Allah and the God of the Bible are the same. Quoting from the Catholic Catechism we read: “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”84

How will the Muslims be included in this plan of salvation? Could the apparitions that perform numerous signs and wonders, impact “Christians” and Muslims who worship the same God? Could they possibly unite on this basis? Insight from the late Catholic priest Father Malachi Martin, in his popular book, The Keys of this Blood, may help answer these questions:

“In reckoning the future of Islam, Pope Paul takes into account that as a genuinely religious faith, it preserves certain fundamental truths that the Holy Spirit reveals to all people of good will; and that, in God’s providence, Islam can be a threshold from which its adherents can be prepared to accept the only historical revelation made by God in this world. There will come a day, John Paul believes, when the heart of Islam – already attuned to the figures of Christ and of Christ’s Mother, Mary–will receive the illumination it needs. In the meantime, the Pontiff knows that Islam will stand against him and his church and his geopolitical vision.”85

An Old Mother for a New Age

It is one thing to see how Muslims and Catholics could find common ecumenical ground based on signs, wonders, and miracles associated with Marian apparitions. No doubt this would be one of the greatest religious miracles in history, encompassing over a third of the world’s population. But there is another large group that would need to be tied into the one world religion.

There are hundreds of millions of people in the world today who believe in the gods of Eastern religion. These would include the millions who have converted to Eastern religion through what is commonly called the New Age Movement. It is interesting that Hindus, Buddhists, Native American Indian religions, New Agers and other similar groups already emphasize goddess worship and the earth as our living, breathing “Mother.” These groups teach that all religions are similar and that we must unite to solve the myriad of problems facing mankind.

The book entitled Mary’s Message to the World contains hundreds of revelations from “Mary,” which fall in line with both New Age thinking and Eastern religious beliefs. Though many Catholics would deny that this is the same Mary that appears at Catholic apparition sites, the major Catholic Marian apparitions have never discredited a single apparition around the world. On the contrary, all apparitions emphasize that she is appearing everywhere with the same message. Mary’s Message to the World can be found at almost any New Age bookstore and may represent one of the bridges between the Catholic Mary and the “Mary” who espouses New Age thinking. Here are a few of “Mary’s” messages to the world:

“Each religion is worshiping, underneath the outer trappings, its Creator. It is the same Creator! Whether you pray facing the east or facing an altar, or on Saturday or Sunday, it is all worship . . .Allow us to view the world as a whole and each nation, each religion, as part of this Great Whole. Be tolerant, one of the other. All religions are man-made, inspired by the Creator. All words which have been written in the Holy Books have been written by men in unity with the Creator. 86

Once more, not surprisingly, “Mary’s” message is to unite: “It is imperative that the world join together at this time to pray to God. Pray for peace on Earth and among men. I seek to embrace all people with my love. I wish to encircle all people on Earth in a safety net which will save your souls.” 87 And finally this proclamation: “It is only as a whole unit that mankind can advance. Soon a giant leap forward will occur.” 88

Reemergence of the Goddess

Within New Age and Eastern religious circles, many acknowledge the great importance and reemergence of the goddess. She has always played a major part in their beliefs and worship. And accordingly, books like The Goddess Re-Awakening are predicting her triumphant come-back: “But the presence of the Goddess herself has never departed from her holy place in our consciousness, and now, as we enter what many feel to be a “new age,” we sense that the Goddess is somehow making her way back to us. But in just what guise is so far unclear.”89

Furthermore, those who hold Eastern and New Age beliefs are open to whatever form this returning goddess might assume. According to Caitlin Matthews, author of Sophia Goddess of Wisdom, this goddess has appeared in many varying forms in the past, and is sure to return soon. Matthews writes:

“I have accordingly looked for the Goddess of Wisdom under many names and titles, including Nature, the World-Soul, the Blessed Virgin and the Shekinah, as well as her more usual designations. Each of them has retained some part of the Goddess’s image which, like a shattered mirror, waits to be reassembled . . . Nothing is going to delay the Goddess’s second coming, whether in the guise of Sophia or under any other form.90

“The re-emergence of the Divine Feminine - the Goddess - in the twentieth century has begun to break down the conceptual barriers erected by orthodox religion and social conservatism. For the first time in two millennia, the idea of a Goddess as a central pivot of creation is finding a welcome response.91

Author Carol Christ explains more about this enthusiastic response for the re-emergence of the Divine Feminine in her book Rebirth of the Goddess: “One of the most unexpected developments of the late twentieth century is the rebirth of the religion of the Goddess in western cultures . . . In America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, hundreds of thousands of women and increasing numbers of men brought up in biblical religions are rediscovering the language, symbols, and rituals of the Goddess.92

The Queen’s Disguises

With these quotes fresh in our minds, the following revelation from Catholic visionary Sister Maria Natalie is quite illuminating. Regarding the Queen of Heaven’s coming reign, Sister Natalie said: “I saw that when the glorious peace arrives and love reigns, there will be only “one fold and one shepherd.” Mary, the Mother of all believers, will guide the life of the souls, appearing under various forms. She will be the Queen of the Coming Age. The Queen will be white for the white people, black for the black people, and yellow for the people with yellowish complexion. . . . Her mantle will cover the whole earth, her tiara will decorate it. Her Heart will direct the whole world till the arrival of the last Judgment.”93

Buddhist and Hindu Goddesses

An entire book could easily be written describing the rebirth of the goddess currently taking place in cultures and religions around the world. However, for the purposes of this article, a few more examples of the widespread worship and significance of this female deity will be sufficient. For example, Tibetan Buddhists have a profound and intimate adoration for their female Savioress who is called, Goddess Tara.

“Perhaps because such a concept was too abstract for many people, there gradually grew up within Mahayanna Buddhism a need for a female figure. This figure came to be Tara, the Savioress, whose name means star. Veneration of Tara seems to have begun around the seventh or eight century in India. The worship of the Goddess Tara is now one of the most widespread of Tibetan cults ƒ from highest to lowest, the Tibetans realize with Tara a personal and enduring relationship, unmatched by any other single deityƒ Tara, in other words, is the Divine Mother of Tibetan Buddhism, a tender, beautiful, intimately and personally concerned deity who protects all who turn to her. . .94

This description of the Goddess Tara is remarkably similar to the descriptions given by visionaries who see the “Blessed Mother”. And Buddhism is not unique when it comes to their worship and affection given to their beloved goddess - all of the Eastern religions worship female deities. For example, the Hindu religions are unmatched in their veneration of goddesses, as author David R. Kinsley describes: “One of the most striking characteristics of the ancient and multifaceted Hindu religious traditions is the importance of goddess worship. A considerable number of goddesses are known in the earliest Hindu scriptures, the Vedic hymns. In contemporary Hinduism the number and popularity of goddesses are remarkable. No other living religious tradition displays such an ancient, continuous, and diverse history of goddess worship.95

There is no end of documentation with regard to the importance of the female deities to the religions and cultures of the world. Whether we refer to the holy woman of Native American Indians, known as the “White Buffalo Calf Pipe Woman,” or we refer to the “Shing Moo” or “Holy Mother” of the Chinese, one thing is consistent, all are worshipping a powerful, yet loving goddess.

Who Is this Queen?

The Book of Revelation warns about a counterfeit religious system. Bible-believing Christians call this global religion the counterfeit bride. John the Apostle labeled this false church the harlot. The Scriptures also indicate the harlot is associated with a “queen.” In Revelation chapter 18 we read:

“For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, . . . In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, “I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.” Therefore her plagues will come in one day; death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.”96

John is not the only prophet who saw there was a queen and that this queen would be judged for the whole world to see at the end of the age. The prophet Isaiah also warned about a deceiving woman called the “virgin daughter of Babylon” who would be judged by God. In the 47th chapter of Isaiah we read:

“Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; Sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called Tender and delicate. Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers. Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, and I will not arbitrate with a man. As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel. Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no longer be called The Lady of Kingdoms.”97

Who is this “Lady of Kingdoms” that Isaiah is prophesying about? Apparently she is a female entity that has played a deceptive role and is somehow connected to the pagan religious practices of ancient Babylon. Isaiah’s words bring a strong retribution and condemnation upon those who have rejected the true Redeemer, the “Holy One of Israel” - the LORD of hosts is His name.

We know from biblical history that a queen, (the Queen of Heaven) has played a significant role in deluding people of the past.98 Is it possible that this same Queen will delude the world once more? Is the apparition of Mary paving the way for such a delusion?

Return of the Goddess

For those who are still not willing to heed the warnings of the Bible about the reappearance of a Babylonian-like church, consider the following quote taken from the book Myths of the Female Divine Goddess: “But Goddess has never died, and one of the major spiritual and psychological phenomena of our time has been her reemergence as a significant presence in our lives. She has founded a central place in several of the great worlds religions - particularly, Catholicism and Hinduism. Goddess has been revived in modern cults, the spiritual ancestors of which are the earth cults of Demeter, Isis, and Asherah. She has made herself known in the metaphors, the myths, of modern science – particularly, psychology and climatology. She has expressed herself politically and sociologically in the drive for a new wholeness – a new spiritual, psychological, and physical ecology – that is the power behind what we call the women’s movement. Goddess is returning because she is needed.”

“The return of Goddess in the patriarchal religious context is most clearly illustrated in the progress of the Virgin Mary from her original status in the New Testament as humble birth-giver and grieving mother to that of immaculately conceived Queen of Heaven . . .Over the centuries, other folk traditions attached themselves to Mary. Special goddess cakes were offered up to her, as they had been earlier to Asherah.”99

Or finally one more quote from the same book that will further document that Babylonianism is being revived in the name of Christianity: “But as Queen, Mary grew in power. She was the Church itself, in which Christ was contained. She became in a sense the Bride of Christ and was often referred to as such. Once again, Goddess has emerged in union with the sacrificed son-lover. Churches were named for her more often than for other saints or for Jesus. Statues and paintings of Mary became and remain objects for both private and public adoration. In these works, Mary is depicted more often as crowned queen than as humble maiden. Sometimes she holds the crowned Christ-king on her lap, much as Isis held the pharaohs of Egypt on hers. Many of the Virgin Mary paintings and statues, especially in France, depict a Black Madonna, linking Mary to other Black Goddesses whose color reflects the dark earth of Goddess’s origins. To these objects of devotion, magical powers and sometimes strange rituals and celebrations have been attached.”100

Come Out of Her

It is apparent from reading these statements that a revival of Babylonism in the name of Christ is now underway. The Bible indicates that this harlot’s false religion will encompass the globe.101 Her counterfeit church will consist of people from all nations, multitudes, and tongues. But God’s call is to “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).

“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:5-7).

The Good News

Perhaps this booklet has opened your eyes to the idolatry that is happening around the globe. You now see this deception through the lens of God’s Word and you want to know how to escape God’s judgment. Those who follow the Queen believe that they can be saved through pious acts and devotion to her. Praying the Rosary, wearing the Brown Scapular or the Miraculous Metal, receiving the Eucharist, and other religious acts are the means to obtain eternal life according to the apparition of Mary. Yet the only gospel that saves is found in the Bible.

Gospel simply means “good news.” Since the time of Adam and Eve and the Fall in the Garden of Eden, mankind has been under the curse. As helpless sinners we are under condemnation for our sins. Sin demands death, both a physical death and an eternal death in the Lake of Fire. God hates sin and will not permit any unclean thing into heaven. This is mankind’s terrible state. Certainly we all need some good news, and we have it in Jesus Christ! Jesus paid the full penalty for our sins on the cross. He was our substitute – dying in our place for our sins. He paid the death penalty demanded by our sin. As Isaiah states, God made Jesus’ soul an offering for sin.102 Every person on earth has the liberty to accept God’s free gift of forgiveness. This is the good news! By putting our trust in Jesus as the one who has paid our sin debt, we can enter heaven!

In our fallen nature, we feel compelled to merit God’s favor. We imagine that we are good enough to deserve salvation. However, the Word of God is clear, no one can earn salvation. We can’t earn a gift. We can only receive it by faith.

I will declare your righteousness and your works, for they will not profit you (Isaiah 57:12).

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us (Titus 3:5).

Only Jesus Saves

The Good News found in the Bible is presented in clear, indisputable language. From beginning to end, God’s Word declares that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus alone. Here is the gospel of Jesus Christ:103

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:29). “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.’” (Acts 16:30, 31). “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Be Perfect or Perish

Why is Jesus the only way? Why can’t we deserve, earn or merit salvation? Shouldn’t good works and righteous deeds please God?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “ƒyou shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48). Jesus was simply restating what God’s law had already commanded: “Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 27:26). The law, written by God Himself on two stony tablets, demands perfection. In order to merit heaven, a person must obey God’s law in its entirety. “You shall be blameless [perfect] before the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 18:13). “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

Have you been perfect in thought, word, and deed? Jesus explained that if you’ve ever lusted in your heart you are an adulterer at heart (Matthew 5:27, 28). He stated that hatred was equivalent to murder (Matthew 5:21, 22). He explained that every lie ever spoken is from the evil one (Matthew 5:37). Have you ever lied? Hated? Lusted in your heart? If you answered yes to these three questions, then by your own admission you are a lying, murdering, adulterer at heart. Jesus even said that we would be judged and condemned for a single idle word (Matthew 12:36). If your only sin were that you gossiped or slandered another, you would still be found guilty on the Day of Judgment.

The third commandment states unequivocally that, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). Have you ever used God’s name or Jesus Christ as a curse word? Have you used the Lord’s name lightly or disrespectfully? If you have, then you have likened your Creator – the One who gave you your breath, your eyes, your ears, sunsets, flowers, food, family, and friendsƒ, you have likened Him to a four-letter curse word. You have taken His name in vain. All who blaspheme the Creator’s holy name will be without excuse when they stand before the throne of God.

God is holy and He abhors all sin. Every sin will be judged. Whether your sin is idolatry, selfishness, pride, envy, drunkenness or any other transgression, you will be found guilty on the day that God judges the world in righteousness. The Bible is clear, “The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4). And remember, God sees every past thought, word, and deed as if it just occurred. Nothing is hidden from His holy eyes.

Furthermore, there is nothing we can do to blot out or erase the past. No good work will appease God. As a just judge, the penalty for our sin must be paid. The penalty is death and eternal separation from God in hell (Romans 6:23).

Your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you (Isaiah 59:2).

God’s Perfect Mirror

The law is God’s holy mirror. When we gaze at God’s law, we see ourselves from God’s righteous vantage point. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and the words of Jesus, reveal just how far each of us falls short of God’s perfection. As a matter of fact, the Bible explains that our hearts are desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). We are by nature liars, thieves, adulterers, murders, blasphemers, and idolaters at heart (Matthew 15:19). The law simply reveals that we need a heart transplant! No created person is good enough to enter heaven by their own merits or works.

Isaiah tells us that from God’s perspective, “all our righteousness (good works) are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6). This means that our good deeds are rejected by God. Why? Because God will not be bribed or mocked. He has provided His Son as the only payment for sin. If we attempt to earn heaven, then we are rejecting the finished work of Christ.

By studying the law of God, we grasp our need for the Savior. The law reveals the depths of our depravity (Romans 7:13). Yet, God’s commandments cannot save us. A mirror can’t cleanse, but it is able to reveal our true condition as God sees us. “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20). Ultimately, the law was meant to point us to the Savior: “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24).

Christ – The Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets

The wonderful news found in the Bible is that Jesus fulfilled the perfect requirements of the law in our stead (Matthew 5:17). He always did those things which pleased the Father (John 8:29). Jesus was perfect in thought, word, and deed.

All humanity is under the curse of sin. However, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13). Jesus freely offers His righteous robe in exchange for our filthy garment of sin. Jesus purchased our salvation on the cross and offers it as a gift to all who turn from (or give up on) trusting in their own goodness and put their faith and hope in Him. The penalty for our sins has been paid in full. This is why we call it the Good News!

How can we be sure that Jesus is the only Savior? The Bible specifies a number of explicit qualifications that the Messiah must fulfill.

1) He must be fully man to pay for the sins of mankind (1 Corinthians 15:21).

2) He must be fully God to pay the infinite price for mankind’s sins (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19).

3) He must fulfill God’s entire law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).

4) He must fulfill the 300 plus Old Testament prophecies pointing to the Messiah (Luke 18:31).

5) He must shed His blood for the sin of the world (Hebrews 9:22).

6) He must die as our substitute for the sin of the world (Romans 6:23).

7) He must rise from the dead to defeat death and Satan (Psalm 16:10).

The Bible’s requirements exclude all but Christ. No other person, not Mary, the saints, angels, Muhammad, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, or any other created being fulfilled what only the God-man could.

Jesus is the Door

The messages of the apparition of Mary lead followers to believe that there are multiple paths to heaven. This, of course, is well received by the world, but it contradicts the clear scriptural teaching that Jesus is the only way. Throughout history man has attempted to reach God through many means. The Bible highlights the most common. These include outward appearances, religion, rituals, good works, keeping the law, and others. Yet, God rejected these means and pointed His people to the coming Lamb of God who would take the sins of the world upon Himself. His substitutionary death alone can satisfy God’s justice. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says that the way to destruction is broad and many enter it, but few go through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life.

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:13, 14).

Jesus is the door that leads to heaven. “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9). Compare Jesus’ words with the following message from Our Lady of San Nicolas, whose messages have been approved by the local Catholic bishop: “My children: I am the door of Heaven and the help on earth.”104

Tragically, Jesus predicted that many would try to enter heaven through another “door.” Many would seek to enter heaven through a different way other than Christ. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).

“Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity’” (Luke 13:23-27).

The only gate that leads to eternal life is Jesus Christ. Yet, the following message from “Mary,” which also carries the Imprimatur of a Catholic cardinal and bishop, claims that Mary is the gate. “I am the Gate which opens upon your salvation because, through it, every one of you must pass to arrive at your personal encounter with the Lord. For this, my Son Jesus has constituted me true Mother of all humanity. Only if you pass through this, my Gate, can you gain entrance into the heavenly garden . . .”105

On the contrary, only by turning to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only Lord and Savior, will you be saved. If your trust is in any other, you have been led astray. Turn to Him today. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11, 12).

A Final Word

If you have read through this booklet and have considered the contents, then it is the authors’ desire that you would take a moment and consider the following important thoughts. A number of facts have been presented and numerous Scriptures have been stated. Now it would be appropriate for you to draw some conclusions.

Suppose you were a judge or the member of a jury. What verdict would you make if you were asked to come to a final decision? It is obvious that this booklet is only a brief overview of a much larger scenario. Based on the information that has been presented, you have enough information to make an intelligent decision.

Some who have read through this booklet will no doubt be scoffers and refuse to consider the serious consequences for those who embrace the Marian apparitions as holy and from God. Others may realize the significance of the apparitions but still refuse to make any decision. The others will no doubt seriously consider what they have read and be forever changed. Every person has a free will and a mind. Intelligent choices can be made based on the observable evidence. What you do with the information that is found in this booklet is entirely up to you.

It is common knowledge that judges or juries have the responsibility to determine what is true and what is false. Perhaps it would be beneficial to ask you the following question: Is Mary “Queen of All” or is Jesus the only “Potentate (Sovereign), the King of kings and Lord of lords?”106 Are the apparitions of Mary really the Mary of the Bible or could they be part of a satanic delusion designed to deceive the world in the name of Jesus in the last days of time before the Messiah returns?107

While the apparitions claim that the world must accept her plan for peace, the Bible states that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.108 Further, while Jesus stated boldly that He was the “narrow way” and the only way, the apparitional “Queen of Heaven” and the Queen of the Roman Catholic Church, seems to suggest that the way to salvation is quite wide and widening day by day.

Finally, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.”109 Also, in the Bible we read that Mary, the mother of Jesus said, “Whatever [Jesus] says to you, do it.”110 The authors of this booklet agree with these words proclaimed by Mary.

On one occasion Jesus said: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”111 If Jesus said this, and His mother agreed that we should accept everything that He said, then should we not be suspicious when the apparitional Mary makes statements saying that she shares in the redemption process. These statements are not only contradictory to the words proclaimed by Jesus. Such an idea is blasphemous and heretical.

Decision Time

Could the “Queen of All” be an impostor? If so, what should one do? To accept that the statements made by the apparitional Mary are on par with Holy Scripture would be spiritual suicide. Exposing her would be consistent with the biblical mandate to warn people about false teachers and lying signs and wonders. The authors of this booklet have written these pages with this very purpose in mind. They have felt an urgency to cry out a warning.

Now, you the reader must make a choice. What decision will you make? Either Jesus Christ is King alone or the apparitional Mary is Queen of All! If you choose the woman who says she is the Co-Redeemer, you are making a choice that is not found in the Bible. In other words, you have accepted a choice based on an experience beyond the revelation that is given in God’s Word. The consequences of making such a choice, should you not change, will be an eternity in hell according to the Bible.112 If you choose Jesus, you will spend eternity in heaven with Him. Jesus will not force you to make the decision. You must choose.

At this point you may still be wondering, what can I do? Perhaps you sense that you are caught in a trap. Maybe you just realized this is the case and you do not know what to do to get free. The answer is simple. If you are reading this sentence, you still have time. Ask Jesus Christ to forgive you for your sins. Trust Him alone to save you.

The word alone is the key. Remember that for one to be saved there is no other way, than the narrow way. There is nothing else that will save you. Not Mary. Not any man or any man-made dogma. Not a church. Not tradition. Not the sacraments. You are saved only by the grace of God, not the works of man nor manifestations of a woman posing as Mary.

Eternal life is a gift from God. Accept the simple gospel or reject the simple gospel. The gift is for you if you choose. Our prayer is that you will.

ENDNOTES

1 Ecstasy comes from the Greek word ekstasis, meaning trance. In the Book of Acts, both Peter and Paul fell into a trance (Gr. ekstasis) during a vision from God (Refer to Acts 10:10; 22:17).

2 Thomas Petrisko, Call of the Ages, Santa Barbara, CA, Queenship Publishing, 1995, p. 303. Message from “Mary” to Barbara Ruess, Marienfried, Germany, June 25, 1946. [bold not in original]

3 Timothy Green Beckley & Art Crockett, Secret Prophecy of Fatima Revealed, New Brunswick, NJ, Inner Light Publications, 1991, pp. 106, 107. Message from “Mary” to Italian visionary Rosa Quattrini. Compare this Marian message with Zechariah 5, where we are told of a woman, whom God refers to as “Wickedness,” who goes forth throughout the entire earth.

4 “5 Million Pilgrims Visit Virgin’s Shrine,” Orange County Register, Dec. 13, 1999, p. 20.

5 Margaret Rameriz, “Huge Throng Hails Virgin of Guadalupe,” Los Angeles Times, Dec. 12, 1999, p. B13.

6 Wayne Weible, The Final Harvest, Brewster, MA, Paraclette Press, 1999, p. xiv.

7 “Virgin Mary’s Messenger Draws Huge Crowd for Final Sermon,” Los Angeles Times, Oct. 14, 1998, p. A16.

8 Petrisko, p. xxix.

9 Mark Garvey, Searching for Mary: An Exploration of Marian Apparitions Across the U.S., New York, The Penguin Group, 1998, p. 25.

10 Charles Dickson, A Protestant Pastor Looks at Mary, Huntington, Indiana, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing division, 1996, p. 103.

11 Ibid., p. 104. Also known as Our Lady of Jasna Gora.

12 Knock: The Apparition Gable From 1879 To the Present, Cashin Printing Services, pp. 3, 19.

13 Steve Beauclair, “Skyscraper statue slated for Sabana Grande; $42 million Virgin Mary part of Mystical City,” Caribbean Business, Feb. 26, 1998, Late News cover story. Note: The 305 foot high statue will be set on a 1,200 foot base, giving a structure whose total height is 1,500 feet.

14 Dickson, pp.103, 104.

15 3rd International Day of Prayer of The Lady of All Nations, Amsterdam, May 31, 1999, The Family of Mary Coredemptrix, Videocassette, 1999.

16 Josef Kunzli, editor, The Messages of The Lady of All Nations, Santa Barbara, CA, Queenship Publishing, 1996, p. 85.

17 3rd International Day of Prayer of The Lady of All Nations.

18 Kenneth L. Woodward, “Hail, Mary,” Newsweek, Aug. 25, 1997, p. 50.

19 Jan Connell, Queen of the Cosmos, Brewster, MA, Paraclete Press, 1990, p. 4. [bold not in original]

20 Petrisko, p. xxix.

21 Rev. Charles Dickson, Ph.D., Queen Magazine, March-April 1994.

22 “Message given July 25, 1990,” Online posting, http://www.medjugorje.org/msg90.htm, May 1, 2000.

23 Richard J. Beyer, Medjugorje Day By Day, Notre Dame, IN., Ave Maria Press, 1993, April 6th meditation. [bold not in original]

24 “Betania - I come to reconcile them,” Online posting, http://members.aol.com/bjw1106/marian9.htm, Aug. 28, 1998.

25 Dickson, A Protestant Pastor Looks at Mary, p. 60. [bold not in original]

26 Elaine Gale, “Mary’s Rising Popularity Goes Beyond Faith,” Los Angeles Times, Dec. 25, 1998, p. A41.

27 Robert Sullivan, “The Mystery of Mary,” Life Magazine, Dec., 1996, p. 45.

28 Ibid., pp. 45, 58, 60.

29 Our Lady of Fatima’s Peace Plan From Heaven, Tan Books and Publishers, Inc., 1983, pp. 7, 8.

30 Thomas W. Petrisko, editor, “Our Lady of the Rosary in Puerto Rico,” Our Lady Queen of Peace, McKees Rock, PA, Pittsburgh Center for Peace, Special Edition I, 2nd Printing, Winter 1992, p. 13.

31 “Filipinos flock to glimpse vision of Mary,” The Tennesseean, Volume 89, Number 66, Mar. 7, 1993, p. 2A.

32 Beyer, Introduction.

33 “Prologueƒa Context for Marian Apparitions and Eucharistic Miracles - Prologue,” Online posting,

http://members.aol.com/bjw1106/marian1b.htm, Jan. 26, 2000.

34 Joan Ashton, The Peoples Madonna, London, Harper-Collins Publishers, 1991, p. 216.

35 Pope John Paul II, Vittorio Messori, editor, Crossing The Threshold of Hope, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, Borzoi Book, 1994, p. 215.

36 Ibid., pp. 220, 221. [bold not in original]

37 Tad Szulc, Pope John Paul II: The Biography, New York, Pocket Books, 1995, pp. 22-24.

38 Petrisko, Call of the Ages, p. 5. The pope consecrated the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1982 and 1984.

39 “Vatican Dossier - John Paul II Entrusts Third Millennium To Mary,” Online posting, http://www.Zenit.org, June 6, 2001. Go to Archives and click on October 8, 2000.

40 Thomas W. Petrisko, The Last Crusade, McKees Rock, PA, St. Andrews Productions, 1996, p. 70.

41 “The Marian Movement of Priests,” Online posting, http://www.mmp-usa.net/, May 15, 2000.

42 Fr. Don Stefano Gobbi, To The Priests, Our Lady’s Beloved Sons, St. Francis, ME, The National Headquarters of the Marian Movement of Priests in the United States of America, 1998, pp. 923, 924.

Message given to Father Gobbi, Oct. 13, 1996, Tokyo, Japan.

43 St. Alphonsus Ligouri, The Glories of Mary, New York, New York, Alba House, 1990, p. 86.

44 Patrick Marnham, Lourdes: A Modern Pilgrimage, New York, NY, Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc., 1980, pp. 4-9.

45 Rev. Eugene M. Brown, Dreams, Visions & Prophecies of Don Bosco, New Rochelle, NY, Salesiana Publishers, 1986, p. 114.

46 Pope Pius XII, “Le Pelerinage de Lourdes,” Online posting, http://www.vatican.va, May 11, 2002. July 2, 1957, p. 2, encyclical.

47 Ibid., p. 3.

48 Gobbi, p. 419. Message given in Como, Italy, on December 31, 1984 to Father Gobbi.

49 Wayne Weible, Medjugorje The Message, Brewster, MA, Paraclette Press, 1989, p. 344. Quote from seer Ivan Dragicevic.

50 Michael H. Brown, The Last Secret, Ann Arbor, MI, Servant Publications, 1998, p. 281. [bold not in original]

51 For a much more thorough examination of the apparitions’ messages, refer to the book Messages From Heaven listed in the back of this booklet.

52 Teiji Yasuda, O.S.V., English version by John M. Haffert, Akita: The Tears and Message of Mary, Asbury, NJ, 101 Foundation, Inc., 1989, p. 78. Message from Our Lady of Akita to Sister Agnes Sasagawa.

53 Petrisko, Call of the Ages, p. 247. Message from Mary to St. Bridget of Sweden, 14th century.

54 Walsh, Our Lady of Fatima, New York, Doubleday, pp. 68-9. Message from Our Lady of Fatima to Lucia.

55 Sister Margaret Catherine Sims, CSJ, Apparitions in Betania, Venezuela: Mary, Virgin and Mother of Reconciliation of All People, Framingham, MA, Medjugorje Messengers, 1992, p. 42. Message given to Maria Esperanza in Betania, Venezuela.

56 Paul A. Mihalik, The Virgin Mary, Fr. Gobbi and the Year 2000, Santa Barbara, CA, 1998, p. 34. Message number 441i to Father Gobbi.

57 Kunzli, editor, The Messages of The Lady of All Nations, p. 51. Message given to Ida Peerdeman of Amsterdam, Holland on April 29, 1951.

58 Gobbi, pp. 264-265. Message given to Father Gobbi, June 14, 1980.

59 Petrisko, Call of the Ages, p. 11. Apparition of Mary to Bruno Cornacchiola, Tre Fontane, Italy.

60 Matthew 4:6

61 Raphael Brown, Saints Who Saw Mary, Rockford, IL, Tan Books and Publishers, Inc., 1955, p. 63. Message from Mary to St. Bridget of Sweden. [bold not in original]

62 Ecclesiastes 1:9-11

63 Kunzli, p. 83. Message given on May 31, 1954, the Feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces.

64 Mark I. Miravalle, S.T.D., The Dogma and the Triumph, Santa Barbara, CA, Queenship Publishing, 1998.

65 For complete article refer to: “Definition Delayed, but Jubilee still offers hope,” Online posting, http://www.immaculateheart.com/MaryOnLine/html/co-redemptrix.html, Aug. 30, 1999.

66 Ted and Maureen Flynn, The Thunder of Justice, Sterling, VA, MaxKol Communications, Inc., 1993, p. 231.

67 Kunzli, p. 85. Message given to Ida Peerdeman on May 31, 1954.

68 Petrisko, Call of the Ages, p. 449.

69 Ibid.

70 Petrisko, The Last Crusade, p. 27. Message from “Mary” to Father Stefano Gobbi on Dec. 8, 1993.

71 Gobbi, p. 278. Message given in Melbourne, Australia on October 27, 1980 to Father Gobbi. [bold not in original]

72 Thomas W. Petrisko, For the Soul of the Family, Santa Barbara, CA, Queenship Publishing, 1996, p. 92.

73 N. J. Dawood, translator, The Koran, New York, NY, Penguin Putnam, Inc., 1997, pp. 46, 47, surah 3:40-3:46.

74 Ibid., p. 46, surah 3:40. [bold not in original]

75 Ibid., p. 88, surah 5:75. [bold not in original]

76 Ibid., p. 216, surah 19:29. [bold not in original]

77 Ray Stanford, Fatima Prophecy, New York, NY, Ballantine Books, 1988, pp. 44-49.

78 Koran, p. 243, surah 23:49. [bold not in the original]

79 Ibid., p. 233, surah 21:87.

80 Ibid., p. 227, surah 21:1.

81 Ibid., p. 338, surah 41:50.

82 Matthew 24:24

83 Abdiyah Akbar Abdul-Haqq, Sharing Your Faith with a Muslim, Minneapolis, MN, Bethany House Publishers, 1980, chapters 3 and 4, pp. 242-243.

84 Catechism of the Catholic Church, New York, NY, An Image Book, published by Doubleday, 1994, pp. 242, 243, paragraph 841.

85 Malachi Martin, The Keys of this Blood, New York, NY, Simon & Schuster, 1990, p. 285. [bold not in original]

86 Annie Kirkwood, Mary’s Message to the World, New York, NY, A Perigee Book, 1991, p. 145.

87 Ibid., pp. 168, 169. [bold not in original]

88 Ibid., p. 155.

89 Beatrice Bruteau, compiled by Shirley Nicholson, The Goddess Re-Awakening, Wheaton, IL, The Theophical Publishing House, 1994, p. 68.

90 Caitlin Matthews, Sophia Goddess of Wisdom, Hammersmith, London, Thorsons - An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 1992, pp. 11, 332.

91 Ibid., p. 8.

92 Carol P. Christ, Rebirth of the Goddess, Reading, MA, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1997, preface.

93 Maria Natalia, Sr., The Victorious Queen of the World, (second revised edition), Mountain View, CA, Two Hearts Books and Publishers, 1992, pp. 124, 125.

94 Andrew Harvey and Anne Baring, The Divine Feminine: Exploring the Feminine Face of God Around the World, Berkeley, CA, Conari Press, 1996, p. 140.

95 David R. Kinsley, Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition, Los Angeles, CA, University of California Press, 1989, p. 1.

96 Revelation 18:3, 7, 8

97 Isaiah 47:1-5

98 Jeremiah 7 and Jeremiah 44

99 David Leemings and Jake Page, Myths of the Female Divine Goddess, New York, NY, Oxford University Press, 1994, pp. 161-162.

100 Ibid., p. 162.

101 Isaiah 47:5; Revelation 17:15

102 Isaiah 53:10

103 In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Paul defines the gospel as the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and then rose again according to the Scriptures.

104 Messages of Our Lady at San Nicolas, Milford, OH, Faith Publishing Company, 1991, p. 357.

105 Gobbi, p. 703. Message given at Milan, Italy on Dec. 8, 1991 to Father Gobbi.

106 1 Timothy 6:15

107 Luke 21:8; 1 Timothy 4:1

108 Isaiah 9:6

109 John 14:6

110 John 2:5

111 John 3:16

112 Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8