Hmmmm...the Pope and My Thoughts

According to what I understand regarding the Pope, he is the "Vicar of Christ" and as such, is the representative of Christ? Yes, it's a question and I would like clarification if I'm wrong. But in the end, my contention is that he's just a man. As any other devout believer in the world is, so goes the Pope. He's just voted in by the other Cardinals with no divine intervention (other than prayer) involved. Following basic logic, this makes it possible (I didn't say probable) that the Pope could be the Antichrist just as any other man on earth.

I began searching the Bible (NIV) for references of men being treated with respect as you would give Christ and came across Acts 10:25-26...As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."

Also in Acts chapter 14:14-18, But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

Then there's John 14:6, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me. This verse indicating that he wants direct prayer, not prayer through another human or even saints. Also, Hebrews 14:14-16, Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Also, there's Jesus actually telling us how to pray in Matthew 6:6-9,But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name," So Jesus himself tells us to pray "to your Father," not the Pope, not to any saints. He also tells us to address God directly "Our FATHER, in heaven hallowed be YOUR name," again not the Pope, not any saints.

So, at a basic level of logical thinking, the Antichrist could return and sooner or later, become the Pope. Remember that Satan is the "great deceiver" and acting as the Pope would be the ultimate deception. Would God allow such a thing? Like I said, if we hold a man in reverence, it would be easy for us to suddenly say, "Christ came back as the Pope!" and many would be deceived. Seems like I saw something regarding the Antichrist coming from Rome...or similar such language. I'll keep looking....can anyone help?