No. 407B
IN RELIGION
“Churches Look For Common Ground – Group goal: Unity in spirit. Leesburg – Before the year 2000, the Rev. David Taylor is looking forward to attending an unusual wedding ceremony.
“The service would mark the beginning of a group called Church of Christ Uniting, a show of unity by nine Christian denominations and their 25 million worshipers. But before these churches could unite, they must be prepared to deal with different rituals, church government and the varied racial makeup of their congregations.
“More than 35 people... in Leesburg listened this week as Taylor compared the possible partnership of nine denominations in a marriage. ‘When a man and woman stand together at the altar, they make promises to each other, but they continue to be two separate people,’ he said.
“Likewise, he would like these nine groups to form a ‘covenant communion of churches’ – an agreement that brings them together... but lets them retain their individual identities and forms of government and worship. For the past 25 years, delegates from the following denominations have been working toward such a plan: African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Episcopal Church, International Council of Community Churches, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church.
“Other interested but not committed groups include the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Reformed Church in America. ‘The reason for doing what we are doing is because we believe God wills the unity of the church,’ Taylor said, quoting John 17:21, which states Jesus’ desire ‘that we all be one.’
“If the plan is approved, local churches of participating denominations would see an additional name on their signboards – Church of Christ Uniting – they would also be expected to work together for justice and against discrimination on the basis of race, sex or physical condition. Mutual recognition requires quite a bit of tolerance, given the difference among denominations in worship, ministry and sacraments such as baptism.
“There were some concerns expressed about the plan among the 11 denominations represented at the meeting this week. ‘I can see an alienation coming out of this,’ said a man representing the Quakers. But Rev. Walter Horlander, executive director of the Florida Council of Churches, said after the meeting that he did not share that concern. ‘I think there’s going to be such an openness to dialogue with all non-member COCU religious groups, Christians and non-Christians, that I do not fear alienation at all,’ he said.
“Despite the challenges, Taylor is optimistic about the success. ‘If the churches can’t reconcile their own differences, how can the world live in peace.'" (By Adelle M. Banks, The Orlando Sentinel, November 18, 1989)
It seems there is no doctrinal differences in the 11 denominations, only different rituals, church government, etc. If they would go back to the early Church and agree to the simplicity given to the Church in the Apostles’ day, which is given in the Scriptures, there would be no disagreement on the rituals and Church government.
However, it is a commendable effort by those who are trying to organize all denominations for the purpose of peace. It is the desire of all good people. We are thankful we are living in the United States, a country that is favored of God. We are not at war, but crime is accelerating in our country as well as in all countries. We have the downtrodden, the homeless, the hungry and afflicted, with the increase of disease and natural disasters. As long as these conditions exist, we cannot have “peace on earth.” Despite the efforts of many good people, man is unable to effect a cure. But God beholds the good and the evil in this “evil world” (Gal. 1:4) and will reward the good.
During the Gospel Age God has been selecting a people for His Name (Acts 15:14) from all denominations, nations and peoples. These individuals comprise the “true Church” whose names are written in heaven (Heb. 12:23) – not necessarily written in any religious organization. In the Gospel Age the “way” is “narrow” and “few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) “Many will seek to enter in but shall not be able.” (Luke 13:24) The majority will not be able to “enter in,” because “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not [His glorious Gospel].” (2 Cor. 4:4)
The Lord knows that Satan is the “prince of this world” (John 12:31), and He is compassionate and plenteous in mercy to the unbelievers. “He hath concluded them all in unbelief [of His Glorious Gospel], that he might have mercy on all.” (Rom. 11:32) “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness.” (Acts 17:31) In that ‘day’ He will turn to the people a “pure language” (Zeph. 3:9) – a language all will understand. “When thy judgments [instructions] are in the earth, the inhabitants will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) There will be no error there. Many people are “Ever learning [error], and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7)
Faithful Christians continue to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven,” as the Lord taught us to pray. So we “both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lam. 3:26)
“Catholics, Baptists Find Out They Have A Lot In Common – Southern Baptists and Roman Catholics, the nations two largest denominations, generally have been regarded as doctrinally far apart, but their scholars find they basically agree.
“Despite varied terminology and some real differences, ‘we do share a basic understanding of what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ by the grace of God,’ said their joint report.
“After 10 years of periodic discussions, the Baptist-Catholic dialogue group, quoting Ephesians 4:5 concludes, ‘We not only confessed but experienced One Lord, one faith and one baptism.’
“The talks, sponsored by Catholic Bishops Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and the Southern Baptist Department of Interfaith Witness, involved 18 meetings between 1978 and 1988.
“Dealing with such topics as Scripture, salvation, spirituality, church and ministry, grace, missions and eschatology (end of time), the team agreed ‘that the ultimate authority and object of faith is the triune God’ – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“Participants concurred that the ‘primary source of our knowledge of God’ is the Bible which is ‘the inspired Word of God, authoritative for faith and practice.’
“But the report notes that Baptists, while valuing tradition in understanding the Bible, say tradition must be tested by Scripture, while Catholics say interpretation must be measured by tradition.” (The Orlando Sentinel, September 2, 1989)
It is evident that in Protestant, the PROTEST has been eliminated by many Protestants. Protestants fled from the persecutions of the Catholic hierarchy in bygone years. The Catholic hierarchy is often called the Mother Church and the Protestants the Daughters. “And all the host of heaven [the ecclesiastical ruling powers] shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.” (Isa. 34:4) “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.” (Isa. 54:15)
“My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure... yea I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa. 46:10, 11)
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5,6)
“Whether it is the Church of Rome or the successive Popes who are represented as the woman on the scarlet beast (Revelation 17:3), whether the Papacy is the first or second beast of Revelation 13, we shall one day know for sure. But we can study and seek revelation from God’s Word now. And we can study the Antichrist, Rome and the Jesuits. All these studied Rome and saw the Pope (the many Popes) as the Antichrist: Wyclif, Luther, Zwingli, Latimer, Foxe, Calvin, Knox, Wesley – all names listed previously – and many more equally worthy. We can add later names: Richard Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, Spurgeon, Ryle, Moody – and again many more who are worthy of mention. Rome hasn’t changed. Rather it is THE apostasy, discussed in BULLETIN No. 7, that has these past 100 years been accelerated to the speed we see today. Now there seem few who know the truth of Rome, and still fewer who will warn.” (Christian Action For Israel, September 1989)?
“Gay/Lesbian Caucus Promotes Lifestyle At Triennium – Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, a General Assembly recognized, Chapter 9 organization which has been granted special privileges to promote its causes among denominational groups, set up shop in the exhibit area at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium.”
The article gives details by Rev. Daniel Smith to lesbians and gays, saying it is normal for some – that ‘You are in complete control over what you do sexually and with whom.’ Some of the members of the Presbyterian Church are horrified that Rev. Smith ignores the Scriptures regarding such inordinate desires and activities. We publish excerpts as above to reveal the iniquity in some of the denominations. We notice that the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A. is one of the nine churches seeking to unite. (See p. 5) The whole. article about gays and lesbians is not edifying – nor is it edifying even to mention such iniquities, although we should be informed about such perversions being practiced by Christian organizations.
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with woman kind: it is abomination.” (Lev. 18:22) “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.” (Rom. 1:27) “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.” (Rom. 1:26)
It is unbelievable that any minister who is supposed to preach God’s Word would give such counsel – openly discarding God’s inspired Word. When iniquity reaches its full, God will destroy them as He did Sodom and Gomorrah.
“Large sections of the Church have failed to come to terms with God. Now they are trying to come to terms with Man and calling it Christianity.” Author unknown.
“The Bible states that the victorious will reign with Christ at His coming. It says nothing about the Church reigning with man before Christ’s coming.” Author unknown. (Christian Action For Israel, Newsletter – Third Quarter 1989)
“Hands Across The Sees – His road to Rome was paved with good intentions, but the Archbishop of Canterbury found it rough going back home. Visiting the Vatican to discuss with Pope John Paul II eventual Anglican–Catholic unity, the Most Rev. Robert Runcie preached a homily urging Christians to reconsider the Pope’s primacy as spiritual leader. That threw some of Runcie’s flock into a tizzy: Did he mean to enthrone the Roman Pontiff and dethrone Queen Elizabeth, head of the Church of England? Runcie dismissed any such nonsense, but during his stay – his first official visit to the Holy See – he wore a ring given to one of the Archbishop’s predecessors by Pope Paul VI. It was, he told John Paul, ‘a sign not unlike an engagement ring.’ Ahem!” (Time – October 16, 1989)
Ark Found, Orlando Man, Partner Say – Istanbul, Turkey: Two Americans claimed Thursday to have discovered Noah’s ark on the southwest side of Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey while flying over it by helicopter.
“Chuck Aaron, the pilot, said a square boat shape was spotted 14,500 feet up on the mountain in a place usually covered by a glacier. He said the area was exposed this summer because of high temperatures in the region near the Soviet border. ‘We are 100 percent sure this is the ark,’ Aaron said in a telephone interview.
“Many Christian fundamentalists, who interpret the Bible literally, believe the ark must be on Mount Ararat. The book of Genesis says that after the flood that destroyed the world, the ark came to rest on the mountain with Noah’s family and pairs of every kind of animal.
“Aaron said they plan to return next year for a June climb to the spot with a team of 20 that will include geologists and archeologists. Aaron said that they based their search on information provided by an American pilot, Ed Davis of Albuquerque, N.M., who said he saw the same boat shape at the same spot during a flight in 1943, and on other reported sightings.” (The Orlando Sentinel, September 22, 1989)
“There is one limitation, however, on whom Aaron will take. ‘I don’t want an atheist up there,’ he said.” (The Orlando Sentinel, October 2, 1989)
Jehovah’s Witnesses: – In the August 15, 1989 Watchtower, they quote from the translation of their Bible, which is only a paraphrase of their teaching. “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28,29)
Their ‘memorial’ tombs are those they select to be awakened, in the past and in the present. But the Scriptures tell us that “all in their graves will come forth.” Our Lord tells us: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life [those who have had their judgment in the Faith Age]; and those that have done evil, to a resurrection of judgment [mistranslated ‘damnation’].” (John 5:28,29)
Pastor Russell was very particular that he taught Scriptures that were verified by the oldest manuscripts of God’s inspired Word. The Diaglott translation of these texts is very good – different wording but the meaning the same. The Witnesses do not hesitate to change texts that do not harmonize with their teaching. It is a dangerous thing to tamper with God’s inspired Word. They claim Pastor Russell was their founder, which he was of their organization, but not the founder of their errors.
The text of Acts 24:15 further corroborates the resurrection of all in their graves: “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” But the Witnesses teach that the unjust who do not accept their teaching and join them will not receive a resurrection.
The parable of the Sheep and the Goats is a Kingdom picture. “Then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations.” (Matt. 25:31-46) That day is future, after this Time of Trouble is over. “When thy judgments [instructions] are in the earth, the inhabitants will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) “The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9) Today the people are “Ever learning [error], and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7)
The Witnesses teach that all must “come to the knowledge” of their teaching and accept them if they get eternal life. They teach this knowing that “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not.” (2 Cor.4:4) There are good people in the Witnesses, and plenty of good people in the world today who do not accept the teaching of the Witnesses. In the Kingdom God will turn to the people a “pure language” (Zeph. 3:9) – a language all will understand, the Witnesses and all people.
The Witnesses are separating the Sheep and the Goats in this “evil day” (Eph. 6:13) when people are more blinded by the Adversary than they ever were. God will have mercy on them in the Kingdom: “God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” (Rom. 11:32)
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come ... And let him who is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) The Jehovah’s Witnesses, the same as the denominations, say “Now is the time to come” – “Be saved now or be lost forever.” The Spirit and the bride are not saying Come in this “evil world” (Gal. 1:4). This message will be given in the Kingdom to all Restitutionists.
We quote the comments of Pastor Russell on Rev. 22:17: “And whosoever will receive it – During the Millennial Age – Water of life, Restitution blessings: Truth, clear as crystal.’) The Witnesses set aside Pastor Russell’s comments for comments of their own. If it was the Truth then, it is the Truth now. Advancing light does not set aside former Truth that we have learned and been “assured of.”
The Witnesses are unmerciful to the unbelievers of their teaching – telling them they will not be resurrected in the Kingdom unless they join them. God is merciful to them and all unbelievers, as He knows that the Adversary is the “prince of this world.” (John 16:11)
“To the law and testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20) “Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” (Isa. 8:13)
THE JEWS
“Israel Has Gone Upscale – Pioneering spirit is memory of past – Jerusalem: Gone are the days of poverty and pioneering zeal, barefoot immigrants and tents. Affluence has changed the face of Israel, replacing ill-stocked shops with chic boutiques and cafes.
“Some call it progress. Others lament the loss of simplicity that marked the Jewish state at its founding in 1948.
“No one, however, disputes that new-found wealth, built on agricultural and industrial success and U.S. aid, has given Israelis a lifestyle to match that of many Western countries.
“‘I remember going to the supermarket and feeling there was nothing to buy,’ recalls Stephen Bier, 33, a graphic designer who emigrated from England 14 years ago. ‘Today it’s the opposite. There’s a feeling of luxury. Now when I go to England I don’t bring back food anymore.’
“Even an 18-month-old uprising by Palestinians fighting Israeli rule in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip has had little visible effect on Israeli’s standard of living. Israel’s Arab minority have also become richer, but remain poorer on average than other Israelis.
“The myths of modern Israel are replete with images of near hunger, bare feet and leaking tents ... Hundreds of thousands of Jews who arrived in the late 1940s and early 1950s from Europe and North Africa were housed in muddy shanty towns.
“David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s founding father and first prime minister, presided over cabinet meetings dressed in khaki shorts and sandals. But the leaders of the 1980s wear Western business suits and have abandoned their predecessor’s vision of turning the Jewish people from scholars and businessmen into farmers and laborers.
“Today’s Israel is in many ways no different from any other industrialized Western country. Where once basic restaurants and dusty stores with shoddy clothes stood, glitzy cafes, delicatessens and chic boutiques have appeared.
“Once-barren Israel now exports fruit and other agricultural goods as well as cut diamonds, electronics and arms. Some $3 billion a year of U.S. aid, donations from world Jewry and reparations from West Germany for victims of World War II have also boosted the economy. Inflation, which hit 400 percent in 1985, has been brought down to 17 percent.
“Israeli-born Arie Shovel, 61-year-old deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, says he still feels a rush of excitement at the sight of a basket of Israeli fruit. Fine wines and goat cheeses, once expensive imports, are now Israeli-produced and reasonably priced.
“Despite their wealth, however, many Israelis – faced with annual military duty and a constant threat of war with Arab neighbors – find the country a stressful place to live. Tens of thousands emigrate every year to the United States and Western Europe.
“‘Most of us live in nice apartments, dress well, eat well and hundreds of thousands travel abroad every year,’ Shovel says. ‘But there are many people who can’t stand the stress and leave.’
“Recalling simpler times, he adds: ‘There is no need to look back with longing. I am glad the standard of living is high and there is no hungry children in Israel.’
“In the occupied territories, the 70,000 Jewish settlers generally enjoy a high standard of living. A few still live in spartan prefabricated huts or mobile homes... but most live comfortably in suburban-style villas or apartments bigger than they could afford in the cities.
“Consumerism has been slow to come to Palestinians under Israeli occupation, who have a lower standard of living than their Israeli neighbors.
“However, before the uprising brought a new mood of austerity, shunning conspicuous consumption, the Palestinian ‘yuppies’ had made their appearance, driving fancy cars, wearing latest European fashions and patronizing fancy delicatessen stores in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.” (By Susan Sappir – The Orlando Sentinel, July 9, 1989)
Bonn Germany – “The Palestine Liberation Org. (PLO) has been invited to attend a political convention in West Berlin (Oct, 1989). (Beware Germany! Genesis 12:1-3 says God will bless those who bless Israel, and will curse those who curse Israel.)” (Bible Light International)
“Soviet – Armenia – Last December Israel sent medical teams to help earthquake victims. They treated over 2,000, and the Russians were grateful. The Israeli teams provided all their own medical supplies, and now USSR has given permission for 61 people to be flown to Israel for further treatment and Israel is supplying artificial limbs for those who need them. The plane which went to Moscow was the first direct flight between Russia and Israel and Izvestia, the official Soviet newspaper gave the events on the front page.
“Moscow – The Soviet Union has been grateful for the help of Israeli medical teams who have been helping with the severe burn victims of the train disaster. Israel again supplied the medical needs for their teams, and also used their newly developed ‘Omidern, a type of artificial skin which is successful. Again Israel proves it does have concern to help others in this type disaster. Remember the Lord said, they would be a blessing to the whole world.” (Bible Light International)
“Jerusalem Is Non-Negotiable – United Nations (WUP), ‘Go back to Jerusalem, where you belong!’ This had been the age-long bitter cry [of Gentiles] to the Jew in whichever country he was forced to seek refuge and a place to live during his 2,000-year exile ...
“Now that the Jew has returned to his ancient homeland and established himself in Jerusalem as his capital, these same nations, in rage say, ‘No, you cannot have Jerusalem!’
“But the Jew, having survived the ancient tyrants, the Crusaders, the Inquisitors, the Nazis, and the modern Philistine, remains unmoved, and no power on earth can change his will: ‘I am here in Jerusalem to stay!’ ... Jerusalem is not negotiable! ...
“President George Bush put his hand on the Bible and swore by it when he was inaugurated as President of the United States. It was the very Bible used by George Washington at his inauguration. Bush made his oath as a true Christian, as did his Secretary of State James Baker when he was sworn into his office.
“It may be well for both the President and his Secretary of State to be reminded of what this same Bible says about Jerusalem: Zechariah: ‘Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of staggering unto all the peoples round about ... And it shall come to pass on that day that I will make Jerusalem a stone of burden for all people; all that burden themselves with her shall be severely cut ...’ [“Cut in pieces” – KJV – 12:2, 3]
“The same prophet offers a word of advice: ‘Thus hath said the L–rd of Hosts: I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with great jealousy: and I am sore displeased with the nations that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped for evil...’ (Zech. 1:14)
“And the great Isaiah declares: ‘For the sake of Zion will I hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake will I not rest, until her triumph go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch ...’ (62:1)
“‘But be ye glad and rejoice forever for that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people ...’ (65:18,19).
“And G–d speaks by His prophet Zechariah: ‘Thus hath said the L–rd of Hosts: Behold, I will save My people from the east country, and from the west country, and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be My people, and I will be their G–d, in truth and in righteousness ...’ (8:7,8)
“These are no vain words, Mr. President and Mr. Baker. Our days have already seen partial fulfillment. All attempts to prevent his return back-fired and no future attempts can succeed. The name Jerusalem has a double meaning and, Mr. President, you would do G–d’s will to move the USA Embassy from Tel-Aviv to jerUSAlem. (By David Horowitz – Behind the Scenes, June 8, 1989)
“As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene ... No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.” Dr. Albert Einstein (Christian Action For Israel – Newsletter – First Quarter 1989)
“Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees... Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.” (John 7:45,46)
“Pope Implies Jews Broke Covenant – Vatican City – Pope John Paul yesterday implied that the Jewish covenant with God had been broken, the third time in three weeks he has repeated remarks which Jewish groups say are prejudicial to them.
“The Pope told several thousand people at his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square that God had made ‘a new and eternal covenant’ with Christians through Jesus Christ.
“‘In the old covenant, God chose Israel to be his possession, his chosen people ... but (Israel) was called to become holy, to reflect her consecration to God by the holiness of her way of life,’ the Pope said.
“‘Under the new covenant,’ he said, Christians ‘are consecrated as members of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, through the gift of the Holy Spirit.’
“On three successive Wednesdays, the Pope has implied that God made a new covenant with Christians because of the failure of the Jews to live according to divine laws.
“On August 4, an American Jewish group, the Anti-defamation League of B’nai B’rith, described similar remarks as ‘unavoidably prejudicial.”’ (Christian Action For Israel, September, 1989)
The Pope should fear the wrath of God when he brazenly sets aside His inspired Word and teaches opinions of his own instead. God chose Israel from all nations. His Word clearly states that He knew they broke the Mosaic Covenant; and that it takes a perfect man to keep a perfect Law. Many Jews tried to keep the Law, and some of them may have thought they did. The New Covenant Law will not be changed from the perfect Mosaic Law, but it will have a Mediator that will instruct them, and forgive them until they become perfect and can keep the perfect Law.
The Jews need a New Covenant, otherwise the Lord would not give them one: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the Lord: but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days [after the Gospel Age], saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer. 31:32,33)
The above texts clearly prove that God will make a New covenant with the Jews. “Salvation is of the Jew,” Our Lord says. (John 4:22) It was “to the Jew first” in the Gospel-Age salvation, and it will be “to the Jew first” (Rom. 2:10) in that Kingdom “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)
“And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem.” (Zech. 14:8) The “word of the Lord” (Isa. 2:3) will come from Jerusalem, which will be the capital of Messiah’s Kingdom. All nations will be taught through the Jews.
Those whose names are “written in heaven” (Luke 10:20) will have already been selected in the Gospel Age. The Christian’s covenant is by sacrifice: “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Psa. 50:5) Christians do not need a New Covenant. They will be judged individually – not as a religious organization.
The Jews say that the Pope’s remarks were “unavoidably prejudicial.” His remarks were “unavoidable” for him because his purpose is to downgrade the Jews regardless of God’s inspired Word. Papacy ruled the world in its heyday in the Dark Ages – crowned and uncrowned kings, murdered and tortured the Jews by every conceivable means that could be imagined to exterminate the Jewish nation. However, the Jews are here today. God preserved the Jewish nation the same as He preserved the Bible which papacy tried to destroy.
Here are more Scriptures that the Pope wantonly disregards: “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from your idols, will I cleanse you.” (Exe. 36:24,25)
“Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.” (Ezek. 37:26)
“For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they will cleave to the house of Jacob.” (Isa. 14:1)
The Messianic Kingdom will be Israelitish. The strangers are all peoples who are not Jews and will become proselyte Jews if they get the blessings of the New Covenant. God does not think kindly of anyone who teaches man-made doctrines. “The Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near to me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear [reverence] toward me is taught by precept of men.” (Isa. 29:13) “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20) “The wheels of the gods grind slowly but surely.”
It is wonderful to behold that amidst all the afflictions of the Jews, there are many who still trust in God and rely on His promises to them. So we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, knowing our prayers are not in vain.
“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” (Psa. 125:2)