NO. 152: THE ANTICHRIST

No. 152

My dear Brethren: Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

When “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” He provided the foundation for two religions – the Christian and the Antichristian. The first of these set forth the highest of ideals for His followers, to perfect them in every good word and work; the second did pretty much the exact opposite, often arousing the basest of human inclina­tions toward heinous crime. The ideal of the true Christian is to attain equality in character and vision with their Leader, an ambition which none of the human race has ever achieved. Had any of them ever been able to do this, the ideal would then be largely dissipated – no more hills to climb, no more conquests to accomplish. Thus, throughout the writings of the Apostles the ideal of “Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2) is ever prominently in their writings, “Christ” being the ransom price for our justifi­cation, and “Him crucified” being the narrow way in which “He set us an example that we should follow in His steps.” All of this is summarized in perfect love for the Lord, the Truth and the brethren, which, when properly comprehended and practiced, delights in doing good unto all men as we have opportunity, but especially to them which are of the Household of Faith.

Thus, St. Paul counsels “Husbands, love your wives, even as the Anointed One loved the congregation, and delivered Himself up on her behalf.” (Eph. 5:25, Dia.) And among the last of the Lord’s thoughts on the night before His death was toward those who would cleave to Him in spirit and in truth – “That they all may be one... that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” (John 17:21-23) All who know anything at all about Christianity admit that its fundamental precepts are good; but, they say, no one lives up to it. And, while it is true that the vast majority of those calling themselves Christians deserve such criticism, yet it is equally true that there have been some outstanding “examples of the believers” throughout the Age. Aside from the twelve Apostles, mention may be made of John Wesley, founder of what is now the Methodist Church. The focal point of all his teaching was that disinterested good will toward all men is the ideal for Christians; and there is little doubt that he practiced what he preached. Much the same may be said for George Fox, founder of what is now the Quaker Church. Similar appraisal may be made of Balthasar Hubmaier, founder of the Baptist Church. And the preaching of these three men, along with others throughout the Age, was potent and magnetic enough to cause many of their adherents to exemplify true Christian principles in their daily lives.

But alongside the few throughout the Age there have been great multitudes who did other­wise, many of the latter with such wealth, education and mental brilliance that they have almost completely eclipsed those faithful few who held “the testimony of Jesus, and the spirit of His Prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10, Dia.) This deplorable situation was already making its first glimmering appearance in the early Church, so that St. Paul was prompted to write: “The secret of lawlessness is already working.... then will be revealed the law­less one... whose coming is according to the energy of the Adversary, with all power, and signs, and wonders because they admitted not the love of the Truth (true Christian­ity) in order that they might be saved.” (2 Thes. 2:7, Dia.)

Here is an excellent description of the Antichrist that would appear after the Apos­tles had left this earth; and, while we stated in the first sentence of this treatise that our Lord had laid the foundation for this monstrous apostasy, it should be kept in mind that such was not His design; it was merely that He provided the opportunity for “evil men and seducers” to join a good cause for their own selfish purposes – much the same as the Bible itself has also provided a very convenient conveyance for those to en­hance and enthrone themselves who in fact were really motivated by most selfish and un­holy ambitions.

It is well for us to keep in mind here that Antichrist not only means opponent, but it also means “in the place of” Christ. St. Paul had warned in 2 Thes. 2:3-5 that Jesus would not come again until “there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be re­vealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God... so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” The attempts to interpret St. Paul’s words here are legion, quite a few would-be interpre­ters – being very emphatic that this refers to an individual. During the 1914-1918 war there was quite some agitation to the effect that St. Paul’s words were just another de­scription of the “Beast” of Rev. 13:2-5: “The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet as a bear’s, and his mouth as lion’s mouth... and they worshipped the beast. saying Who is like the beast, and who is able to make war with him? And there was given to him a mouth speaking great and blasphemous things (note the close similarity to St. Paul’s words); and authority was given him to act forty–two months.” The theory gained quite some followers back there that this was a prophecy of the German Kaiser, which meant that the war would end in forty–two months. But when the war went on for nine months more than the forty–two, and the Kaiser suffered complete defeat, was forced to abdicate and flee to Holland, that theory died as quickly as it had been born. Their mis­take, of course, lay in their failure rightly to comprehend one of the basic rules for the understanding of The Revelation; namely, that the numerals in that book are literal, but almost all the common nouns are symbolic. Those months are 30-day months, making a total of 1260 days, as can be readily seen from Rev. 11:2,3: but, applying the principle of “a day for a year” (Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6), the period of time then involved would be 1260 literal years.

THE PAPACY

That the foregoing Scriptures could not possibly refer to an individual will, we be­lieve, be apparent from certain considerations, one of which is that no individual has ever survived for 1260 years. Also, the Antichrist, the Man of Sin, The Beast, all sim­ply portray different characteristics of the same thing: Antichrist being “in the place of” Christ – Man of Sin (in place of “Son of Man” – Mark 2:10), the degrading disposition and influence – The Beast, the vicious destructive and inhuman qualities. The beast “was like unto a leopard.” A leopard is black and white spotted, indicating that in some places the beast would be black as night, but in others appearing lily white in hypocriti­cal manner – professedly Christian! This latter has been outstandingly true of the Papacy; e.g., Spain, Mexico, Italy, tolerance has been foreign to their teachings. Not long back they tried to chase the YMCA out of Italy – revealing the black spots of the leopard. But in America, where they are much in the minority, they are very outspoken for tolerance – for them, that is – ­manifesting the white spots of the leopard.

In 2 Thes. 2:1–5 St. Paul states that the Lord would not return to earth again “ex­cept there come a falling away first.” Certainly, this would not mean just one indivi­dual; the very construction of Paul’s expression shows he was meaning many individuals ­a great apostasy – that would be influenced, deceived, and overawed by “the man of sin” – “the son of perdition” (destruction) – yet professedly Christian. The only entity in Gospel-Age history that properly fits this description is the Papacy; it meets all the requirements perfectly – its own record is enough – we need not go to its opponents or critics for argument to sustain this conclusion. But, in coming to this conclusion we do not wish to convey the impression that every Roman Catholic is included in this opin­ion – any more than every Protestant should be held accountable for the vagaries of the various protesting systems. There have been, and still are, many noble and magnanimous individuals among Protestant and Catholic churches, who for various reasons have failed to recognize the true situation; but this does not alter the fact that the Lord Him­self referred to certain features of the Roman Church as “the abomination of desolation.” (Matt. 24:15)

Giant oaks from little acorns grow; so also the Roman Church came to its present prominence from a very small beginning – at first meekly bowing to the powers that be, but gradually, very subtly, telling them what to do, until from 799 to 1799, the Papacy “as God sitteth in the temple of God (“Ye – the true church – are the temple of God” – ­1 Cor. 3:16), showing himself that he is God.” Said Pope Innocent III: “The pope holds the place of the true God.” Innocent and Jacobatius state “the pope can do nearly all that God can do – none dare say to him any more than to God, Lord, what doest thou?” We here present a mere fragment of what has been written about this subject – enough, we hope, to establish a firm base for our position.

MARTIN LUTHER

In our paper No. 145 we offered quite some detail about Luther’s problems and wars with papal error and intrigue – a member of antitypical Elijah against antitypical Jez­ebel; and we now offer some of his statements about Antichrist as taken from the book of Roland H. Bainton, first published in 1955:

“The faith and the Church are at stake, I rejoice to suffer in so noble a cause. I am not worthy of so holy a trial. I feel much freer now that I am certain the pope is Antichrist.” (p. 124) “If he is inviting me to my death, then I will come. I hope none but the papists will stain their hands in my blood. Antichrist reigns. The Lord’s will be done.” (p. 139) “I was wrong. I retract the statement that certain articles of John Huss are evangelical. I say now, ‘Not some, but all the articles of John Huss were condemned by Antichrist and his apostles in the synagogue of Satan. I say freely that all the condemned articles of John Huss are evangelical and Christian, and yours are downright impious and diabolical.” (p. 128) And on page 120 is a print showing “On the left Christ is washing the disciples’ feet. On the right Antichrist, the pope, is having his toes kissed by monarchs.”

In their efforts now to embrace Martin Luther, to praise his teachings and work, are the Roman Catholics also accepting what he taught about the pope being Antichrist, sitting in the synagogue of Satan? Let us not forget that the very book from which we quote aforegoing was banned by Catholics shortly after it appeared just twelve years ago (written in 1968 – now in 1979 23 years ago), and many stores were intimidated from further sale of it. And those who continue to pay homage and worship at the feet of Antichrist are in truth also “sitting in the synagogue of Satan” so long as they assemble in the same company with Antichrist. No sane human being would logically do this, of course; but the eyes of many are being opened, and they forsake such company. And we have the “sure word of prophecy” that many others will shortly do likewise. Thus, this writing is no indictment of Roman Catholics as individuals; and we urge all our readers to follow St. Paul’s counsel: “A servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but be gentle towards all, fit to teach, patient under evil; in meekness correcting the oppos­ers; perhaps God may give them a change of mind in order to a knowledge of the Truth; and that they may be recovered from the snare of the enemy, who have been entrapped by him for his pleasure.” (2 Tim. 2:24-26, Dia.)

PSALMS 75:6–7

Psalms 75 carries fitting application to our subject matter – the true Christ and to Antichrist. Verses 6 and 7: “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge; He putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Here is veiled reference to Baal, the sun God of the nations round about Is­rael. The sun rises in the east, swings to the south, and sets in the west. And the Psalmist is telling us that those who “bow the knee to Baal” (1 Kgs. 19:18) need expect no recognition from the true God of Israel.

Almost from the beginning of Israel’s conquest of Palestine, after their deliver­ance from Egypt, there was constant conflict between the Lord God of Israel and the false Baal of the Heathen round about. In our paper on The Great Reformer we gave some detail of Elijah’s engagement with the Prophets of Baal, who received equal recognition in Is­rael because of Queen Jezebel, the wife of Ahab; and Elijah’s complete victory over them forecast the complete victory during this Gospel Age of antitypical Elijah (the true Church attempting to reform this “present evil world”), over antitypical Jezebel (the Ro­man Church) before this Age comes to a close.

The Heathen Baal was typical of power-graspers in the Christian Church during this Age; and those who “bow the knee to Baal” refers to all who do obeisance to that Anti­christian system. Thus, an identical conflict has transpired during this Age to the one that raged in Israel in the centuries preceding the Christian era. And those on the side of Baal have received no “promotion” – no lasting recognition – from the God of Heaven. In fact, in almost every instance when the Pope asks special blessing upon some event or locality or populace, the very reverse occurs: Great calamity is often the result. We instance just one example: We detailed in The Great Reformer how King Philip II of Spain is said to have laughed for the first time in his life over the horrible massacre in France on St. Bartholomew’s Day. It was this same King Philip who a few years later prepared the Invincible Armada to annihilate Protestant England for rejecting the papal domination. And that Armada received the very special blessing of the Pope for its mission – a mission which culminated in complete failure and the destruc­tion of a major part of the ships and men in that expedition.

Thus, the warning is given in Psa. 75:5: “Lift not up your horn on high; speak not with a stiff neck.” The “horn” in the Bible is often used to symbolize power (see Psa. 18:2): “The Lord... the horn – power – of my salvation”; also Mic. 4:13, “I will make thine horn (power) iron.” This exhortation is companion to St. Peter’s words: “God resisteth the proud” (1 Pet. 5:5); and then the Psalmist warns: “for promotion com­eth neither from the east, nor from the west” nor from following the course of Baal and his devotees; but God will exalt whom He will exalt – those who resist the power-grasp­ing system of Baal.

Inasmuch as the Psalmist is here contrasting “the horns (powers) of the wicked” and the “horns (powers) of the righteous” (v. 10), it is certainly no strain on the imagina­tion to conclude the “promotions” of the righteous must come from the north, since they do not come from the east, west or south. This is quite clearly confirmed in Isa. 14:12-­14, where the power-grasping course of Lucifer is described – identical twin to the course of the Papacy. Note the very similar language of v. 14: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High,” to that of 2 Thes. 2:4: “Who (the Papacy) exalteth himself above all that is called God... he as God sitteth in the temple (con­gregation) of God (“ye are the temple of God” – l Cor. 3:16,17), showing himself that he is God.” And Lucifer would make his attempts “upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north” (his abode would rival that of the Most High).

THE DARKNESS HATETH THE LIGHT

It needs little argument that throughout the Age true Christians have been much in the minority.   The Lord had promised, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the Truth” (John 8:31, 32); but this promise “to know the Truth” would not apply to the vast majority who did not “continue” to keep it. To such came the “strong delusions” – also promised to those who “received not the love of the Truth.” (2 Thes. 2:10) But it is a sad commentary concerning the many that they were not content to lose the truth, they must also persecute those who did faithfully retain it. Thus developed the monstrous crimes, the heinous tortures by the Antichrist against those who “protested” against their errors. Some of this was given in our No. 145, so we need not repeat it here. However, the Antichrist was not the only system that re­sorted to the persecution of those who retained Present Truth; and we now catalog some of these:

Michael Servetus was one of those true Christians who accepted, and defended the truth that there is but one God. This aroused the ire of John Calvin (strong advo­cate of, and chief organizer of, the Presbyterian Church), so he tricked Servetus into Geneva, had him arrested for ‘heresy.’ The trial lasted about 2½ months, with Servetus thoroughly defeating Calvin on the Truth that there is but one God. But the judges, being also in error as was Calvin, found Servetus guilty, sentenced him to be burned at the stake. The next day, October 27, 1553, Servetus was taken from the city, made to sit on a block. Instead of using dry wood, green timber was used, placed some distance from him, which subjected him to a slow roasting of over a half hour duration. Also, in mock­ery – like the crown of thorns that was placed on the brow of Jesus at His crucifixion by the errorists of His day – a chaplet of straw and green twigs, besprinkled with brim­stone, was made to encircle his head. This ‘crown’ was ignited first, and produced such a cry of anguish that it struck terror into the hearts of the spectators. That was his only expression of pain.

Perhaps the saddest part of the above recital is that John Calvin himself had strong­ly denounced the persecuting spirit of Antichrist in France; had addressed a noble publi­cation to the King of France in defense of religious tolerance – tolerance for him, that is. But he readily forgot all about tolerance when he could not meet the Truth that came from Servetus, and blackened his memory with one of the worst examples of cruel intoler­ance ever to be recorded. This is indeed a sad record against Calvin, who was considered one of the most brilliant religious minds of the entire Gospel Age, and a zealous cham­pion of his idea of Christianity.

“Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents. and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mark 13:12-13)  And, “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Cor. 2:16) “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” (Psa. 24:4)

Coming a little further along in history, there is the case of the pilgrim fathers who left England because of religious persecution; but, hardly had they landed in New England in 1620, than they began to heap much the same abuses upon those who disagreed with them. But let us keep in mind that, while Wesley and his adherents were sorely per­secuted in England, he himself and those who fully embraced his teachings, never perse­cuted, or recommended persecution of those who disagreed with them. The same could be said of George Fox and the Quakers; the same for Balthasar Hubmaier and the Baptists. And this is definitely our own position now.

By the time the Parousia had arrived the physical manhandling of dissenters had pretty much become out of date, but those who embraced the Harvest Truth were subjected to considerable verbal abuse and vilification, with considerable vicious slander heaped upon That Servant. This increased in severity as the 1914 war began, during which time some of the Truth people did incur actual physical violence, with even a few of them dy­ing from that abuse. During that time those in “present truth” were a unit in advocat­ing religious tolerance; and it would seem the lessons of the past, plus their own un­toward experiences, should have taught them thoroughly the quality of tolerance. But, sad to say, hardly had That Servant died than quite a few of them took up the very unchris­tian weapons against their former brethren that had been previously used against them. Were we not personally witness to this, it would be difficult to believe.

And from 1916 on those brethren who were being defamed by the Society also were loud in their acclaim of tolerance, the Executive Trustee of the LHMM being one of the fore­most in denouncing intolerance; and he did an excellent job of declaring the evils of intolerance. It was easy enough for him to do that, too, because he had the Truth as his ‘shield and buckler’: and it was no problem to prove that it was once more error perse­cuting truth. But scarcely had the Epiphany Messenger left us until the Executive Trustee began to cudgel his opponents with the same weapons that had formerly been used against him and others – with the situation now reversed: The former champion of the Truth on tolerance was now forced to intolerance by the Truth which appeared against his error – just as was true of those intolerant ones in the Society after 1917. Here is a sad illustration indeed of human frailty – the accumulated experience of the Age, coupled with extreme brilliance of Harvest Truth, availed them little as those who still retained Parousia Truth began to expose their decline into error. The formerly excommunicated became the excommunicators in very pronounced fashion: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” (Isa. 66:5)

In so many instances the founders of present-day religious organizations – John Wesley, Martin Luther, William Miller, Thomas Cranmer, Robert Brown, George Fox, Bal­thazar Hubmaier, Michael Servetus, Zwingli, Charles T. Russell, et al – were mercilessly opposed because of the truth they presented; a number of them were actually burned at the stake. Yet, quite often those who were outraged witnesses to such abuses, adopted the tools of the persecutors when the situation became reversed. However, the underly­ing cause of such conduct was largely due to the fact that they themselves had departed ­in whole or in part – from the teachings of those they claimed to follow. All during the Age it seems it never took long until the examples of the respective reformers were for­gotten, and much of the truth they presented was perverted or lost completely; and, as the truth was lost, so also was lost the spirit of true Christianity which had actuated their leaders. “Strong delusion” (2 Thes. 2:11) regarding the truth usually inculcates “strong delusion” in conduct also, which in turn develops fanaticism in those who fall prey to it. It is certainly sound appraisal that religious fanaticism is the deepest, wickedest and most conscienceless of hatreds.

THE TOWER OF BABEL

Some years after the deluge, when the population had begun to increase, men said, “Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto Heaven” (Gen. 11:4). They would have insurance against another flood (in spite of the promise that another flood would never be – Gen. 9:15); they would build Babyl (Gateway to God). As retribution for this affront, the Lord confused their tongues; they could no longer understand each other. Thus, the effort became known as Babyl, meaning confusion, the same being typi­cal of the Roman Church’s effort also to build a “Gateway to God”; that is, We are the one true church – no salvation outside of us – no other access to God – their popes are now the successors to St. Peter (despite the fact there is no evidence whatever that St. Peter ever once visited Rome). But their shibboleth over the centuries has been, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” (Matt. 16:18)

In further explanation, we quote this text from the Emphatic Diaglott: “I also say to thee, Thou art a rock, and on this rock I will build my Church.” Reference to Peter as ‘a rock’ is from the Greek Petros; and ‘this rock’ as the foundation for the Church is from the Greek Petra – the difference in meaning being Petros is a small stone, with Petra as a huge boulder. Once this is clearly understood, it is easily comprehended that Jesus was not referring at all to Peter as the rock upon which He would build His Church, but to the great indisputable Truth that Peter had just spoken: “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Indeed, in the words of the hymn, “My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” He is truly the Christ; and “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11) He is the Petra, the unlovable rock, upon which the Church has been built. “There is none other name (neither Peter, nor any other) under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) But the Roman interpretation is TRULY ANTICHRIST – “in place of” Christ. And to them also God sent confusion of tongues – a “Babyl”; their teachings today are completely foreign to the truth given us by the Lord through St. Peter.

In identical manner, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have made similar pattern; they claim also to be the “Channel for present truth’“ no salvation apart from them – they, too, would build “Bab-El.” And to them also has come retribution: a confusion of teachings so far removed from that presented by their founder that there is almost no similarity now to their beliefs of fifty years ago. And they also – in true Roman spirit – would suppress the truth presented by us; they have actually seized our papers from the hands of their dedicated deluded devotees and trampled them in the street. Yet they still boast of their founder, just as the Catholics boast of St. Peter. Was such conduct ever in evidence by the Master, Apostles, or by those true reformers mentioned aforegoing? Indeed, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:20) The spirit of Antichrist readily reveals itself to all unbiased observers. The following excerpt from Reprints 5172 (Feb. 1, 1913) is most appropriate here:

“All down the Gospel Age, those who have been faithful to the truth of God have been put ‘out of the synagogue.’ The creeds of men have been barriers to keep out those who understood the word of God.”

And there is sound logic in explanation: The Truth always brings out the best in the faithful, but it often brings out the worst in the unfaithful or measurably faithful. “We (the faithful) are unto God a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death (as they go deeper and deeper into error); and to the other the savour of life unto life (as the Truth per­fects them in every good word and work).” (2 Cor. 2:14,15) “The light (Truth) shineth in darkness (amid error); and the darkness (error) comprehended it not.” (John 1:5) It is an evidence of human frailty that physical force is usually applied when the intellect is not sufficient. Thus, for a thousand years the Antichrist resorted to the rack, boil­ing oil, hot lead in the ears, etc., against the ‘heretics’ whose truth they could not gainsay or resist. But there is no record of the fully faithful ever using such weapons against Antichrist. St. Paul also had counseled “Resist not evil with evil” – “the wea­pons of our warfare are not carnal.” He also wrote in 2 Cor. 3:17: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (tolerance).” Con­versely speaking, we may draw the ready conclusion that without liberty there is none of the Spirit of the Lord. And from such we are advised to turn away! Woe unto those who fall prey to the spirit of Antichrist!

“For we are not like the many, trafficking the word of God; but really from sincer­ity, and as from God, in the presence of God, we speak concerning Christ.” (2 Cor. 2:17, Dia.)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

======================

Supplement to No. 152

QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – In your January paper you say “It is God that justifies.” Will this also be true in the next dispensation?

ANSWER: – No. While this Gospel Age is a faith dispensation, and the next will be a works arrangement, there is another dominant feature that is the de­termining factor – namely, the Mediator (the Christ) will then be officiating. A Mediator serves between two parties at variance with each other, and the Mediator’s purpose will be to effect reconciliation between God and man, both of whom are at variance with each other. Once this arrangement is clearly seen, it is then no problem to understand that God will have nothing to do with the human race by way of giving them a reckoned (faith) justification, because the Mediator will operate to bring them gradually to perfection of physique and character, which, when it is accomplished, will enable each individual to stand in his own justification – just as was true of Adam in his perfection. He needed no intercessor with God, needed no other merit than his own inherent capacities to have direct fellowship with his creator.

This being the case, it logically follows that any attempt to teach a tentative (faith) justification in the next dispensation is simply some more Levitical nonsense of the worst order. To declare that both Messengers were in error when they taught opportunity for new Youthful Worthies until restitution sets in is a revolutionism of both the Truth and its Arrangements, and clearly manifests such would-be teachers as revolutionists, perverters and repudiators of the “faith once delivered unto the saints.” They have failed to “continue in His Word,” thereby measurably losing the Spirit of the Truth and the Spirit of understanding. (See 2 Thes. 2:10,11; also Berean Comment: “All, in the end of the Gospel Age, who, having been favored with the Word of God, have failed to appreciate and use it.... Strong delusion... That which, from certain standpoints, has the appearance of truth.”)

This is further emphasized in Rom. 3:26: “To declare at this time God’s right­eousness: that He might be just, and the Justifier of him who Believeth on Jesus.” In previous verses St. Paul also states that it is “by the faith of Jesus” (the faith­fulness that He manifested, and by the faith we have in His redemptive purposes toward us) that we now have “this Grace wherein we stand.” While this teaching is “Present Truth” now, it will have no bearing whatever in the next dispensation; and quoting it then, as applying then, would be just as much out of order as it would how be for us to preach Noah’s message of an impending flood.

Here is something from Reprints 5164, col. 2, par. 2, that is directly to the point:

“During the Millennium God will not recognize the people, because of their im­perfection, their weakness; but all of their dealings will be through the Medi­ator. until they shall have been brought up to perfection. At the end of the thous­and years they will be delivered up to the Father, unblamable before Him.(l Cor. 15: 24) God will then receive them as sons, heirs of the earthly blessings which He has provided for mankind – the things given to Adam. The very moment when the merit of Christ is applied for the world is the same moment when they will be turned over to the Mediator. (Is the world now turned over to the Mediator?—JJH) Then they will be in covenant relationship with God, but only through the Mediator, until they have reached human perfection and shall enter into his relationship directly with the Father.”

In this connection, we recall R. G. Jolly’s parrot-like quotation from E-4:346 – ­“The doctrine of Tentative Justification operating from the time of Abel, Enoch and Noah until Restitution begins.” This he presented as ‘proof’ that Tentative Justification is now operating in the Camp – since 1954. But when we quoted from that very same section of Volume 4, pages 337/347, showing Brother Johnson’s emphasis that Tentative Justification would be available UNTIL RESTITUTION BEGINS for the very purpose of winning new Youthful Worthies, as companions in honor and service with the Ancient Worthies, he was then forced to other errors to support his “strange fire” (false doctrine) of Campers Consecrated, claiming that they receive Tentative Justification in the Camp. As Brother Johnson has said, when such error­ists are forced from their original erroneous position by the Truth against them, they then resort to more and more error, as RGJ is now doing with his claim that Tentative (faith) Justification will continue throughout the Millennium. And it should be noted, too, that he no longer quotes the Truth (on Tentative Justifica­tion operating until restitution sets in) from Volume E-4. He is afraid to do this because even his sleepy adherents might just awake to the real situation.

In this entire treatise in Epiphany Volume 4 of the Youthful Worthies and Tenta­tive Justification, Brother Johnson was proving that the two are inseparably linked here in the end of the Age – until Restitution begins - Tentative Justification for Youthful Worthies, and Youthful Worthies for Tentative Justification. This faith justification is for the very purpose of winning a faith class – an Elect class; and is merely added structure to what Brother Russell has already taught. It dis­putes nothing that That Servant taught – merely elaborates and clarifies that teach­ing. Yet RGJ is now telling us that the teaching in Volume 4 is all wrong; he has found ‘new Light’ (?) on the subject – the same kind of ‘new light’ that JFR found when he decided to eliminate Tentative Justification altogether from the Bible and from That Servant’s declaration of the subject, to make room for his non-existent class – impudently claiming that the Bible and That Servant supported his error; even as RGJ also impudently claims the same support from That Servant and the Bible for his present error, now ignoring the Epiphany Messenger’s teaching altogether. And the same kind of people will now be led astray by RGJ as were led astray by JFR!

Following is some more from E-4:342, top: “If our dear readers will keep in mind that The Tower’s denial of Tentative Justification during this Age is the founda­tion of its rejecting the Scriptural doctrine that those faithful consecrators from 1881 until Restitution sets in (Has Restitution set in?—JJH).... will be the Millen­nial Associates of the Ancient Worthies in reward and service, they will be able by Scriptural, reasonable and factual thinking completely to overthrow every argument that the article under review presents to defend its thesis.”

And substantially the same may be said now for RGJ’s perversion of Tentative Justification, as he desperately attempts to avoid exposure of his present error. We have indeed been able by “Scriptural, reasonable and factual thinking completely to overthrow every argument” that he has presented to defend his erroneous contentions.

Even though we cannot judge the heart, God can — and when we see brethren depart­ing from the Truth that once sanctified them, revolutionizing, perverting and repu­diating certain vital doctrines and arrangements to justify their “path of error,” we know there is something wrong with the heart – otherwise the Lord would not per­mit them to go into such errors. It is those who have received the Truth and not appreciated it, and departed from it, who pose as “angels of light.” They are far more dangerous than those who have departed completely and become moral renegades. The latter class can’t exert much influence upon the upright, but the former often do wield much influence over the Lord’s people who fail to heed the warnings of That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger. All of this, of course, if for “the trial of your faith.”

----------------------------------------------------------

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: – I have read The Herald of the Epiphany Edition No. 7, which was given me last Sunday at the ------- Civic Center showing of Martin Luther... This reading of The Herald of the Epiphany is so good that I am keeping for re-reading and I want you to please send me the other six, No. 1 – Where are the Dead, No. 2 – What is the Soul, No. 3 – The Resurrection of the Dead, No. 4 – The Three Babylons, No. 5 – Two Distinct Salvations, No. 6 – God’s Great Sabbath Day.

Thank you very kindly, Mrs. ------- (FLORIDA)

.............................................................

Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace be yours through our blessed Lord & Master!

We have been enjoying your well written articles in defense of the Truth. The Lord knoweth them that are His, and provides bountifully for all their needs. I have been unable to write you – also Sr. Hoefle who wrote such lov­ing and helpful letters. This year, as it draws to a close, finds us still with you in Spirit. We rejoice also with the others who are always on the look-out for your monthly Truth articles. The Truth is precious indeed!

I appreciate your prayers – also dear Sr. Hoefle’s. I remember you and the brethren in prayer. Enclosed is a small contribution. lt’s not much, but the best I can do. Much love in the Lord to all with you.

By His Grace ------- (OHIO)

..................................................................

Dear Brother Hoefle:

I sit thinking of the many things I would like to tell you. Then it occurs to me to do some typing – get if off my chest! You surely must be busy. Don’t feel under obligation to answer. I shall watch in your papers (No. 148 was marvelous!). Hope ------- got one.

It certainly surprises me Mr. Jolly taking the attitude against you as he does. Never dreamed he had gone SO FAR as to disfellowship you!....... I noted my letter also printed recently...... I don’t mind if you give my address to the brother who wondered about the Sister from Michigan. I do not use the English Language as well as you do. You are a Master at it!

Joe ------- wrote me a letter some years ago – rather kindly though – suggesting I transfer to another unit. At that time he had a thousand-dollar loan from my hus­band. I called them – in class – over every error in the Watch Tower. And so they wanted to get rid of me! But they all KNEW MY STANDING BEFORE MY LORD. Of course, I returned his letter with notations added to it. My husband signed, too. His wife told a friend Joe was furious (the friend repeated it to me).

I look back many years – amazed to think many of them thought they were for the High Calling! It staggers my imagination that we could ever dare hope to see our Saviour as He is – to be LIKE HIM – live and reign with Him 1,000 years! I shall leave my Judgment to my Saviour. He died for me! ....

So many times I long to serve my Maker. But as I review over the 40 years gone by, we did our best, with the help of Jesus Christ – the Beloved of God. How very earnestly I pray nightly for my Lord to NEVER TAKE AWAY THE DEEP LOVE I have for Him – for the Truth, for the thankful Heart I enjoy – to comfort me.

At times my whole frame trembles with joy and appreciation. The Watch Tower does not even tell the people – at this time of the year – what that super birth of Jesus, by the Virgin Mary, means for mankind...... The enclosed for postage help.....

Concluding with Christian love from ------- (MICH.)

..................................................................

My dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings of Christian love!

The Christmas season is approaching, and we wish you, Sister Hoefle and all the dear ones with you, a happy Holiday – and endeavoring to continue faithful in the days ahead.

We both thank you for your letters and prayers. Daily do we remember you, Sr. Hoefle and the supporting brethren in our prayers.

Quite a number of people have appreciated the No! 7 tract – and we believe it will bear fruit in due course. We have posted it to relatives and friends in various parts of the country, too, and to Protestant ministers. A few Gideon Extras have been distributed, but we find an apathetic spirit abroad. Church workers are so busy trying to amalgamate. Some of our neighbours, who have had the tracts (and who realize we know somewhat of the Bible), appreciate the message to some extent –invited us to a ‘bring and buy sale’ at their home, in aid of the Roman Catholic Church, The Church of England, The Methodist Church, The Congregation Church and The Pentecostal Church. Brother pointed out we could not uphold anything we know the Lord was not desiring.... Since our refusal to go, they have treated us as usual ­not like the Society, the LHMM, who, to say the least, treat us as if they never knew us. God bless you all! Sister joins me.

Your brother by His Grace, ------- (ENGLAND)

..................................................................

Dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings in the Master’s Name!

Sir! I want to thank you for sending me the literature which you have done...... Are you acquainted with Brother Goodrich and his works there at Fort Lauderdale?...... I had never heard of the term Youthful Worthies until I read your literature! I don’t remember whether Brother Jolly uses that term or not. Also, am I to understand that you don’t approve of the ....Group?..... Now this term – or name – Azazel? In all the twenty some years I’ve been reading so-called Truth literature, that’s a stumper to me! We are not really associated, or belong, to any of the so-called Truth groups. But I do get and subscribe to a number of them.

I will admit that I first came in contact with the Truth through the Jehovah’s Witnesses – and Oh! I thought I had found the way – only to be very abruptly dis­allusioned about five or six years later. Then I had and kept my eyes and ears open to the things that happened about us – and our so-called brothers’ attitude. We gradually dropped out..... I must admit that you are very nearly right when you call them Little Babylon, which is also a term I hadn’t heard before. My husband and I and our 15-year-old son have our own Bible Studies in our own home..... I am trying to give my son a firm foundation to fall back on as he grows and enters into life..... It’s like Jesus said in His prayer to the Father that last time: We are in the world, but are not a part of it....

You sent me a copy of Where are the Dead. I read it and sent it to an Aunt of mine who believes in Spiritism. It was such a good paper! I would like to have a few more to give to people... It is my desire and hope to be of service to the Lord..... A Sister in the Lord, ------- (NEBRASKA)

.............................................................

My dear Brother Hoefle: Fond Christian love and Greetings!

The year is at its close, and as a little encouragement I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed your articles. Not in the sense of “rejoicing in iniquity,” however – nor in the perversions of the Leaders you have exposed – but in the pure unperverted Truths you have brought out in your refutations. Any true and honest heart – who compares your writings with the Star Members’ writings – must agree they correspond, and help in character development.

I was young and unconsecrated during the JFR sifting, but I paid great heed to it because of my love for God and His Plan. I counted the cost before I entered His vineyard – and that is why I thank God for you. We all need a pointer where we can seek after His Word..... He will not leave Himself without a witness, so it is for us to make the effort to find out His true witness...

I saw the letter from the Brother in Trinidad. I pity the poor Brother, making himself a ledling – blindly following another without proving who is right and who is wrong. See Manna Comments August 18 and December 20.

Warm Christian love.... Yours by His Grace, ------- (JAMAICA)