What most people will never hear in church is
that during the first few centuries after the time of Christ, Mithraism became
one of the chief rivals of Christianity and its influences are still with us
today.
The first Biblical references to the Persian
sun god Mithra are found in the Book of Ezra. The setting of the book opens
with the city of Jerusalem having been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Its
treasures and the former inhabitants of Judaea are in Babylonian captivity.
Darius, king of the Median Empire, had conquered the Babylonians; and Cyrus is
now on the throne of the powerful Medo-Persian empire.
In chapter one we read of a proclamation by
Cyrus that the temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt. Thus saith Cyrus King of
Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and
he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
While on the surface it would seem that Cyrus
respected the God of the Bible, YHWH Elohim, that is really not the case. We
find that when Cyrus would conquer an area it was his policy to restore the
worship of the local gods.
His favor toward the temple in Jerusalem is
not indicative of his knowledge of YHWH: in fact, Scripture plainly states that
Cyrus did not know the God of the Bible. Inscriptions on the famous Cyrus
Cylinder document his worship of Marduk, also known in Babylon as Bel, or Baal.
Even so, God used Cyrus to accomplish His purpose, just as He earlier had used
Nebuchadnezzar.
As we continue with the Biblical account, we
are told, "Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the
LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them
in the house of his gods; Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by
the hand of Mithredath the treasurer; Notice the name Mithredath. The meaning
of that name as found in the Book of Ezra is "The Gift of Mithra."
The influence of Mithraism did not end in Old
Testament times. Today many aspects of Contemporary Christianity have nothing
to do with Jesus and are actually "The Gift of Mithra." Let’s return
that gift back to its rightful owner.
As you may know, I have produced a Book and 5
DVD Study Series entitled Time is the Ally of Deceit. The Study Series exposes
the blending of pagan sun worship with the faith of those who walked and talked
with Christ - a blend that took place step by step - over time - thus the title
Time is the Ally of Deceit. If you’re interested in more information regarding
the Mithraism, the Study Series is available in the World Net Daily Superstore.
The third chapter and third DVD provide a wealth of information regarding the
Persian sun god. You can also learn more by visiting my website www.toolong.com
Earnestly contending for the faith once
delivered to the Saints: I’m Richard Rives with Just the Facts.
