Chapter 17

Can a Leopard Change its Spots?

As Constantineís new twist of the ancient Babylonian religion gained momentum
and swept through the civilized world, a problem became evident in converting
those that followed the false gods. The pagans were settled into their particular
cultures, way of life and religious practice. Moreover, they trusted the old gods,
and were uneasy about switching to a form of living they didnít understand, and to
a God that they didnít know.

ìTaking that into consideration, the [ecumenical] Christians

devised a plan to make them feel more at ease.î 1

Christianity was centered on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and had never shown any interest in the celebration of His birth. Honoring
birthdays was a wholeheartedly pagan ritual that the Christian church had shied
away from. Although these early Christians did not have access to what we call a
Bible, they still had the Torah (the Old Testament) along with the teachings of the
Jesus and the apostles that were passed down to them. In our day we have the
opportunity to search the scriptures to verify the truths these believers held to.

According to Godís Word, when a person is born they are dead in their sins!

ìAnd you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and

sins.î Ephesians 2:1

Although the Roman Church practices the rite of infant baptism, the Word of
God refutes the necessity of this practice. According to the Bible, it is when a
person has reached the age where they can comprehend sin, death and eternal
life, that they must be born again and baptized.

ìJesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto

thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of

GodÖVerily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of

water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of

God.î John 3:3; 5b

ìBut as many as received him, to them gave he the right to

become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:

who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh (that of an

earthly father), nor of the will of man (human desire), but of God.î

John 1:12-13