2.   Formalism - Dark Ages. (3rd C - 1300`s)

There were many misleading teachings, such as legalism, (laws) Gnosticism, (secret knowing) spiritism, (connecting to evil spirits) ceremonialism, (traditions) and asceticism, (severe regulations), all of which made void of what Christ had done, and obscured His glory. Paul had addressed these false philosophies in his letter to the Colossians, so the believers had the truth to stand against such errors. (Col. 2: 8 - 23)

State Church. (4th century)

However in 313 AD the Emperor Constantine made Christianity a recognised religion in the Roman Empire and later Emperor Theodosius, in 380 AD made the faith the only official state religion. Thus formal Christianity began, and became known as the Roman Catholic Church, (organisation).

Being connected to man`s political system, a hierarchy of power developed with many erroneous teachings, all connected to the authority of the newly formed Church system. Bishops were substituted for Apostles, formalism instead of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, infant baptism instead of adult believer`s baptism and penance indulgences for salvation instead of belief in Christ.

Those who did not join man`s church organisation were ostracised and even persecuted often leading to death. However the Holy Spirit continued in people`s hearts encouraging them amid terrible persecution. This continued for many centuries.

3.   Awakening of Spiritual Truth. (1300 - 1600)

The Bible Translated into English.

In 1384 John Wycliffe translated the Bible into English. This served as the focal point for a movement of people who roamed England sharing the gospel. Wycliffe was burned at the stake as a martyr not recanting his belief in Christ.

Lutherians. (16th century)

Others like Tyndale, (translator) Calvin and Luther all helped to provide leadership for a growing protest against the Roman Catholic System. Luther worked out the basic `Protestant` doctrines - Salvation by personal faith in Christ, biblical authority, and the priesthood of the believer. Calvin, however differed from Luther, especially not believing in the false teaching of the Eucharist being the real presence of Christ.

Church of England. (16th century)

In England the national Catholic Church without a pope moved towards being the Church of England. In 1611 the King James Version of the Bible was translated under sponsorship of King James 1. 

Baptists. (17th century)

Then there were a group called the Anabaptists who were unlike Luther and Calvin, rejecting the possibility of a territorial or national church. Instead they emphasised the biblical concept of the `gathered fellowship.` The Baptist church came from this group. They believed in full immersion for believers.