NO. 251: THE THREE WORLDS - CONDITIONS AND PEOPLES - (PART FOUR)

No. 251

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

(Continued from No. 250 – April 1, 1976)

As explained in previous papers, the first world – “the world that was” – con­sisted of but one Age or Dispensation; the second world – “this present evil world” ­has been comprised of three Ages: (1) the Patriarchal Age, (2) the Jewish Age, and (3) the Gospel or Christian Age. The latter is now rapidly drawing to a close, and will immediately he followed by a new order of affairs “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Pet. 3:13)

In Eph. 2:7 St. Paul speaks of “the Ages to come”; and the Bible reveals that the first of these will he the Millennial Age. The words Millennial and Millennium at such are not in the Bible, but the idea contained in those words is very clearly taught there­in. Millennium is a Latin word – an adjective meaning thousand–yeared. In Latin it is combined with the noun regnum (kingdom). Therefore, the expression regnum millennium means thousand-yeared kingdom. The Latin adjective millennium has been accepted liter­ally into English, but as a noun instead of an adjective – and refers to that period of time in which Christ and His Church will reign over the earth and mankind – the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth.”

This thought is clearly demonstrated in many Scriptures, such as 2 Tim. 4:1, Jas. 2:5, Rev. 3:21, 11:15, 20:4-9. In Rev. 20:4 it is expressly stated that “they (the Church) lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” And Rev. 5:10 states, “We shall reign on the earth”; thus, the earth will have to be here for that thousand years if the Christ Company is to reign on it during that time. And Rev. 11:15 states further, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever” (throughout the “Ages to come”). The set­ting of this last text clearly shows that the setting up of this “reign” is to be pre­ceded by much turmoil and violent disorder, after which time “He maketh the storm a calm” (Psa. 107:29, Matt. 8:26). This Matthew text is a striking demonstration of how it will be then. That thousand-year reign is also described in the Bible as “the day of the Lord” – “the day of God” – “that day,” etc.; which infer the Millennium, because “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day.” (2 Pet. 3:8; Psa. 90:4)

The Millennial Age immediately follows the last Age (The Gospel Age) of “this present evil world,” and is, therefore, the first Age or Dispensation of the “world to come,” and will be the first thousand years of the third world. It will be followed by the “Ages to come.” How many of such Ages there will be we do not know, because the Bible is silent on the matter; but we do know that the “world to come” will be endless; “Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation... world without end” (Isa. 45:17) – “He shall reign for the Ages of Ages.” (Rev. 11:15, Dia.) Therefore, apart from the Millennial Age – the first Age of “the world to come” – we know almost nothing about the Third World, except that its many Ages will be completely devoid of evil – with all beings in Heaven and on earth in harmony and peace with each other ­“They shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” (Zeph. 3:13)

God’s revealed “Plan of the Ages” (Eph. 3:11, Dia.) covers the period of Creation in “the world that was” to the close of the Millennium (the “world to come”); therefore, it would profit us nothing to attempt to delve into that which has not been revealed. We are told in Rev. 20:12 that “another book was opened,” and it would seem from this that a third division of the Bible will be added to the Old and New Testaments, which will offer some enlightenment on a future that is now very dim to us.

We would be better occupied here to consider some of the workings of the Millennium as they are revealed to us now. Rev. 22:3 says that when the Throne of God is estab­lished in the earth “there shall be no more curse.” However, it is clearly stated in various Scriptures that presently we do experience the effects of the curse – the curse that was pronounced upon Adam as a result of his disobedience. (Gen. 3:16–19; Rom. 5: 12–21; 8:19,20,22; 1 Cor. 15:21,22) This curse affects mankind physically, mentally, morally and religiously. The imperfect conditions that now prevail in the earth have placed a great burden on man physically. As we see things today, the great majority of the human race is engaged in a vicious struggle just to keep alive – to have food, cloth­ing and shelter sufficient for survival. It is axiomatic that man lives in hope, and dies in despair. Heat and cold, myriad of disease germs (it is stated that man is sub­ject to about 2,000 different maladies), major calamities such as earthquakes, violent storms, etc., continually sap man’s vitality. Man’s inhumanity to man, coupled with “the darkness that covers the earth, and gross darkness the people” (Isa. 60:2) hangs over the human race like a black night without stars or moon. Over the centuries the hereditary effects of these evils have tended to make man weaker and shorter of years in life.

The imperfect condition of the earth (including fermentation, extremes of climate and very poor quality of air) has greatly dwarfed man’s mental powers. While there has been great dissemination of general knowledge during the past hundred years, we do not have any minds on earth today that would compare with men such as Moses, Solomon, Euclid, St. Augustine, Shakespeare, etc. The rigors of life have been so severe that man has been so forced to neglect his mental development that ignorance has been widespread; and it still continues so with the great majority – even in the more enlightened countries. Error, too – both secular and religious – has made inroad upon the intellect, so that many openly admit they do not know what to believe. St. Paul was acutely conscious of this: “Henceforth walk ye not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them.” (Eph. 4:17,18)

While the untamed earth has taken heavy toll upon man’s physical, mental and moral powers, it has been even worse on his religious perceptions. Many disregard religion entirely, which has caused atrophy in this the finest of his faculties. As we view the multifarious religious cults today – all of them contradicting each other in major doc­trines in Christendom, and even worse in heathen lands – it would produce in us gross dis­couragement were it not for the grand promise that “In this mountain (His Millennial king­dom) the Lord will destroy the face of the covering cast over all people (the death pro­cess which collects its unrelenting toll from all), and the veil (of ignorance and super­stition) that is spread over all nations.” (Isa. 25:7) This will be the overall grand result of the thousand–year reign just ahead of us.

That there is great need for relief from all of the foregoing all will agree; and many well–intentioned persons and organizations are making great effort to assuage the various evils that afflict mankind; but each century seems to make things worse instead of better, so that St. Paul describes this present time as “the evil day.” (Eph. 6:13) However, man’s effort to rid himself of the evils that afflict the race will continue in failure; his effort is a feeble attempt to lift himself up by his own bootstraps – an impossible thing. This was vividly demonstrated in the Jewish Age through failure to keep the Law; and it has been even more so in the Christian Era, despite the great enlighten­ment and spiritual blessings that Christianity has wrought.

But, what man has been unable to do for himself, the Millennial kingdom will accom­plish when the prediction is realized: “We give thee thanks, 0 Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to thee Thy great power, and hast reigned.” (Rev. 11:17) That power will remove the curse from the earth, and will restore Edenic conditions – perfect life in perfect surroundings. All error shall then vanish from the earth, and Truth will prevail in secular and religious matters. Death and the death process will be lifted. “The creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption.” (Rom. 8:21) “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev. 21:4) “These words are true and faithful.” (Rev. 21:5)

False religions shall disappear under that reign; oppressive governments shall be eliminated; no more back–breaking labor to enrich the few and enslave the many. The Millennial reign will accomplish all of this in the centuries immediately ahead; and bring it to full conclusion by the year 2874. Self–evidently, these good operations will com­pletely overthrow “this present evil world,” whose history since the flood has been filled with gruesome records of blood, cruelty and tears.  “Man’s inhumanity to man makes count­less thousands mourn.” This has been pronouncedly true since “the time of the Gentiles” began in the Fall of 607 BC, and which continued for 2520 years to the Fall of 1914. “Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.” (Dan. 4:16) A “time” is a Jewish year of 360 days; and “seven times” would be 2520 literal days, or 2520 actual years.

Concurrent with the foregoing, Satan has “blinded the minds” of the many, so that “the whole world (Kosmos – present social order) lieth in wickedness.” (1 John 5:19) He has concocted especially six great errors: Divine right of Kings, Divine right of the Clergy, Divine right of the Aristocracy, Consciousness of the Dead, Transformation of the Dead into spirits, and Eternal Torture in the Lake of Fire. Thus, “His kingdom was full of darkness” (Rev. 16:10), which has produced a “night of weeping” (Psa. 30:5); but joy of the Millennial morning will shortly dissipate all this.

RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS

The Apostle Peter says this Millennium will accomplish “the restitution of all things.” (Acts 3:21) Restitution means a return to an original state, which implies (1) an original state; (2) a leaving or a loss of that original state; and (3) a restora­tion to that original state. If man is to have Restitution, we are forced to three con­clusions: (1) his primeval perfection in the image and likeness of God at his creation; (2) his fall through sin under the curse to his deficiencies as we see them today; and (3) his uplift out of present adverse conditions, and his restoration (Restitution) to his original state.

The Scriptures are very clear in substantiation of the foregoing. “God saw every­thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) “As for God, His way is perfect.” (Psa. 18:30)   As for man’s sinful condition, the evidence of it is ev­erywhere about us. His relief from the present undone condition is the declared purpose of restitution, which is synonymous with the Millennial kingdom. One of the first steps in this matter will be to eliminate “the father of lies,” that is, the Devil (John 8:44), which in turn will allow free and fluid teaching and understanding of the Truth. “Satan bound for a thousand years (the Millennial kingdom)... that he should deceive the nations no more.” (Rev. 20:2,3)

The means of accomplishing this has already been provided by the sacrifice of Jesus the giving of His life and life rights for Adam and his descendants. Jesus kept the Di­vine Law perfectly, which would have secured for Him the right to perfect existence, per­fect environment (home, food, air, water, fellowship with God and man, with dominion over the earth, its atmosphere and creatures). In sacrificing all of these things through His death on the cross He was able to purchase the race in perfection as Adam had enjoyed these things in Eden. This purchase guarantees restoration – restitution – to all who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity.

By opportunity we mean faith and obedience to the Divine Law. Restitution will not be forced upon any one; it is a privilege, not a command, to be consummated gradually during the Millennium with all the assistance necessary to acquire it. Imperfect man at that time will be no more able to keep the Divine Law perfectly than he is able to do so now; but he will be aided in all proper ways to enable him to gain perfection. “An high­way shall be there... The way of holiness....... the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein... the ransomed of the Lord shall return... with songs and everlasting  joy up­on their heads.” (Isa. 35:8–10) This is described otherwise as the “New Covenant” – in contrast with the old Law Covenant – “Saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.” (Jer. 31:31-33)

In “this present evil world” the sins of the parents have been visited upon the chil­dren. Thus, many are brought into this world under unbearable handicaps – through no fault of their own; but it will not be so in the Age just ahead. “In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.” (Jer. 31:29,30) Divine Truth will come freely to all; it will be “the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations.” (Rev. 22:2) Thus man­kind will be shown what to believe, what not to believe, what to do, what not to do – in secular and religious matters – “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9) The cobwebs of error will be swept away, and the people will then desire to render obedience through the inherent reasonableness and inherent strength of the Lord’s Word.

The various Scriptures we have quoted herein witness with harmonious and powerful voice that the Millennium will bring to the living and the dead the privileges and bless­ings of restitution.  “All that are in their graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth.” (John 5:28,29) The first three chapters of Genesis treat of the original para­dise (“The Lord planted a garden – paradise – eastward in Eden”), man in the image and likeness of God, their possession and loss. The last three chapters of Revelation tell of the image and likeness of God restored, the new paradise in “the world to come.” In between these six chapters the Bible is vocal with the grand message of restitution. The patriarchs spoke of, and hoped for it; the Mosaic Law prefigured it; the Biblical histories typed it; the Jews longed and prayed for it; the Apostles and their followers proclaimed it; Jesus by His death guaranteed it; and Jehovah by His oath unchangeably pledged it. When Jesus told the Apostles to pray “Thy kingdom come” it was not intended as a request for something then uncertain; it was rather a yearning petition for the ar­rival of something that was already irrevocably assured.

The clear truth on the foregoing was completely lost in the deluge of error  that developed after the Apostles fell asleep – overruled by the Lord until the “due time” for its understanding. We have already mentioned that the Apostle Peter spoke of “the times of restitution” (Acts 3:21); and we now quote some from what the Apostle  Paul has recorded about it: “I knew a man in Christ (Paul himself) .... caught up to the  third heaven.” (2 Cor. 12:2) This third heaven is the same one mentioned by the Apostle in 2 Pet. 3:13: “new heavens and a new earth.” Paul then continues in 2 Cor. 12:4: “He was caught up into paradise (“God planted a garden – a paradise – eastward in Eden—Gen. 2:8) and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” The “paradise” which Paul saw was the restored earth; and, while he says he was not per­mitted to speak fluently about it, he was undoubtedly much illuminated by what he saw in that vision, giving great force, shading and depth to his writings.

TWENTY–ONE EVILS – TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES

It is our understanding that twenty-one evils are revealed in the Bible as afflict­ing the human race, and that God has provided twenty-one remedies – a cure for each of them – through the ministry of Jesus. Some of these cures have been operative since the Christian Age began; all of them will have been operative by the full end of the Millen­nial kingdom. By that time most of them will have accomplished their purposes, and will pass out of existence – although a few of Jesus’ titles will never terminate; they are eter­nal. We  list the twenty-one evils, with brief comment on each of them as follows:

1. Enslavement of the race under the curse unto death. The remedy for this as provided by Jesus is the Ransom.

2. Law-condemned convicts. Jesus acts as Advocate for them.

3. Destitution of righteousness (Isa. 64:6): “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness as filthy rags... our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” But, “Jesus is made unto us righteousness.” (1 Cor. 1:30)

4. A selfish and worldly life.  Jesus, as Bridegroom, shows us a “more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31)

5. Alienation between God and man. Jesus, as High Priest, forgives and blesses.

6. Ignorance. Jesus  “is made unto us wisdom.” (1 Cor. 1:30)

7. Captives of Satan. Jesus is made unto us deliverance. (1 Cor. 1:30)

8. Enmity of truth, righteousness and holiness. Jesus is “the Captain of our salvation.” (Heb. 2:10)

9. Inability properly to think God’s thoughts, feel His affections and will His will. “The head of every man is Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:3)

10. Distrust between God and man. Christ as Mediator will mediate these differences.

11. Dying and death. Jesus is “the everlasting Father.” (Isa. 9:6)

12. Lack of a perfect law and lawgiver. Jesus is the Perfect Lawgiver. “The law of the Lord is perfect... making wise the simple.” (Psa. 19:7)

13. Worry and strife. Jesus is “The Prince of peace.” (Isa. 9:6)

14. Unruliness. Jesus is King.

15. Without knowledge of Divine Truth. Jesus is a Revealer and Teacher of the Truth. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psa. 32:8)

16. Impracticability as to saving arrangements. Jesus will cure this as God’s Executive.

17. Physical, mental, artistic, moral and religious sickness. Jesus the Physician: “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases.” (Psa. 103:3)

18. Owned and controlled now by Satan. Jesus will be Lord. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow... in heaven... in earth... Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Phil. 2:10,11)

19. Not able to stand before the judgment seat unaided. Jesus is our understand­ing and merciful lenient judge. “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” (Psa. 103:4) “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” (John 5:22)

20. Impurity.  Jesus the Purifier and Refiner. “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Truth); and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver.” (Mal. 3:3)

21. Impoverishment, Jesus the Provider. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

    It will be noted that the foregoing 21 evils are all-inclusive of the afflictions that presently beset the human race; and that Jesus, “Who learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8), is well-qualified and empowered to correct and fully cure all of them. And this He will do when He takes to Himself His great power and reigns throughout the Millennial Age – the first Age just ahead in “the world to come.” By the time that reign ends the death that “has passed upon all men” (Rom. 5:12) through Adam’s disobe­dience, and the dying process that has afflicted the human race for more than six thous­and years, will have been fully destroyed and “there shall be no more curse.” (Rev. 22:3) Also, the “goats” in the parable that Jesus spoke in Matt. 25:31-46 will have gone into everlasting destruction – the Second Death, symbolized by the Lake of Fire; “they shall be as though they had not been” (Obad. 16).

    Then “the righteous shall see it and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth” (Psa. 107:42).  Sin shall never rise again. God will be glorified forever and ever by perfect creatures, both in heaven and on earth. “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13) May this presentation prove a rich blessing to all our readers!

    Sincerely your brother,

    John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – The Jehovah’s Witnesses are teaching that all who do not now join with them will be forever annihilated in Armageddon. How do they harmonize that with the words of Jesus (John 5:28,29): “All that are in the graves shall hear Jesus’ voice, and shall come forth”?

ANSWER: – They don’t try to harmonize the two; they just ignore the words of Jesus on the subject.  They also ignore the words of Jesus in a couple of other Scriptures, as instance Matt. 24:30: “They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven.” This statement was made concerning the Jews, particularly their leaders. Yet the Witnesses are telling us that those people have already experienced annihilation. If they be forever dead, just how will they “see” the Son of Man in any way whatever?

Then another Scripture (Luke 13:28): “Ye shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” Here again, just how will those unbelieving Jews see this Kingdom array if they are never to return?

These people also deny a resurrection for Adam, which in effect is a denial of the Ransom – whether or not they are aware of that fact. In 1 Tim. 2:4-6 St. Paul gives us the inspired statement: “Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all.” And further in 1 Cor. 15:22: “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Inasmuch as the word Ransom is an exact equivalent, the only one for whom the perfect man Jesus could provide a ransom was the perfect man Adam. The only way any of Adam’s fallen race could be ransomed would be through Adam – in his loins. So there could be no ransom for the im­perfect human race if there is no ransom for Adam. And, while the record is clear that Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden, there is no indication whatever in the Bible that Adam resorted to evil after his ejection from the Garden.

Let us consider now St. Paul’s words in Acts 24:15: “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” How shall we classify these two sets of people? In John 5:28,29 Jesus gives us a pretty good idea: “They that have done good” and “they that have done evil.” This would self-evidently include Adam, the Jews who failed to keep the Law of Moses, all the heathen – and all who will not join the Witnes­ses now, as well as the Witnesses themselves who do not believe these words of Jesus. If we agree with the Apostle Paul, it should need no argument that both the just and the unjust are to have a resurrection; and this was to be a future event – after Paul’s death. The word resurrection in this text is from the Greek ‘anastasis,’ which means not merely a resuscitation, as revival from a fainting spell, or some such, but a raising up to life again from the death state.

“A ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Tim. 2:6): Even the Witnesses would hardly contend that this “due time” was any time in the past; but they are declar­ing the “due time” has now arrived; and they tell us we may take their word for that! They are contending that the Kingdom was established through them in 1914; and shortly there­after they began to preach that the “due time” would arrive in 1925. But when 1925 came and went without anything at all occurring to support them, they lost sight of the “due time” for many years; it is just rather recently that they ‘discovered’ that the “due time” is now with us.

“In those days (when the due time, arrives) they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge, but every man shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.” (Jer. 31:29,30) The sins of the fathers are still being visited upon the children in our day; even the Witnesses would probably not deny that. At present many are being brought into the world with loathsome diseases which incapacitate them mental­ly and physically; and many who have no outward physical infirmities are woefully lack ­in mentality. And of those who have average mentality, many of them cannot read or write – all through no fault of their own.

Furthermore, we are told in 2 Thes. 3:2 that “all men have not faith.” And of those who “have not faith,” many have more than average intelligence otherwise. Faith is deter­mined by certain organs of the brain; but its lack does not specially impair the other parts of the brain. So what shall we say of these – who cannot presently believe in a resurrection, etc.? Their present condition is certainly the result of the fallen state of their forebears: “the fathers have eaten a sour grape.”

Jesus is the Great Physician – “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” (Psa. 103:3) This “forgiveness of iniquities” has already been ac­complished for all – even though the vast majority do not know it. But the “healing of all diseases” will not be accomplished for any until He takes unto Himself His great power and reigns in the Mediatorial Kingdom. Diseases in the human race are simply the dying process working in men. “In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen. 2:17) The marginal reading says “dying thou shalt die” – indicating a gradual process.     This cannot possibly be stopped until the Great Physician has fully set up His Kingdom, at which time “death and hell will be cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:14) Hell in this text is from the Greek hades, which means the death state – the tomb; whereas, “death” means the dying process. Casting death and hell into the lake of fire simply means the total extinction of the death state and the dying process which are now everywhere apparent; but there is not the slightest evidence to indicate that this destruction has yet even begun.

There are many evidences of normal parents bringing children into the world who are woefully deficient in mind and body – the same being due to numerous causes of the curse. There may be some such parents who now belong to the Witnesses’ organization, and the Witnesses tell us that such parents will be happily saved, although they are to witness the annihilation of their children in Armageddon because such children didn’t have the men­tal capacity to accept them. We are still in the faith Age; and the Apostle Peter counsels us to add to our faith—2 Pet. 1:5. But just how can any one add to something he doesn’t have? All men do not have faith. For  all such we may apply the words of Jesus: “All that are in their graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth.” This is the inheritance for all – those that now have faith, and those that don’t have faith ­regardless of whether they are Jehovah’s Witnesses or not.

The Witnesses also are quite vociferous in telling others to “Study the Word of God’ they place great emphasis on this feature. Well, all the texts we have quoted herein are the “Word of God” and in substance exactly as they have them in their own Bible. Therefore, we suggest they study these texts in their own Bible – and correct the errors they are presently circulating. Perchance for some of them, “God will give them repent­ance to the acknowledging of the Truth” (2 Tim. 2:25), thus enabling them to become faith­ful “witnesses” of the true “Gospel (good news) of the Kingdom” – Glad tidings of great joy that shall be unto all people. In their “study” of the Bible, the Witnesses follow the exact technique of Babylon; they study it to fit it into their creed – to make it fit what they believe, as they vehemently condemn other systems who do the same thing. “Their folly shall be manifest unto all men.” (2 Tim. 3:9)

On p. 107 of the February 15, 1976 Watchtower there is the following, which fits very well with the foregoing: “The more we read the Bible, the more the churches ap­peared to be condemned by the very book they professed to follow.” And we would say the same for the Witnesses: “The more we read the Bible, the more the Jehovah’s Witnesses appeared to be condemned by the very book they professed to follow.” “Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee,” says Jesus (Luke 19:22).

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace!

Your very welcome letter is received... I surely wish to thank you for all of the good literature you sent me last year. It is sure good for volunteer purposes. They are well written, plain and to the point – and well understood by the readers, which is what we need right now...........

As to Rev. Chas. H. Spurgeon, I have a book of the Life and Works of Spurgeon – a memorial edition which belonged to my Grandmother; was given to her for a Christmas present in 1901... It is a very good book and a lot of good thoughts in it. I see in the nominal church articles that Spurgeon is quite popular now........

Yes, I think Bro. Jolly would better serve the brethren in issuing articles in the Bible Standard more like the one in the February issue, which I see is a reprint of Chapter 6, E Vol. 17 – and also reprint of H.E. 9–15–50.

Wishing you all there the Lord’s richest blessings and the best of Christian love to you all, I remain, Your Brother in Him ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Friends:

Praise be! ‘you-all’ are some better. That’s better than “no change,” which is the frustrating hospital remark. That or – “as well as could be expected.” I often wonder what aches and pains caught up with Methuselah after 900 years! I bet the first 500 were a breeze! Imagine it! We know Moses was spared until the very end at least.

His eye was not dim – (he didn’t know about cataracts and glaucoma) nor his nat­ural force abated – 120 years of virile manhood. What a life!

Have had a very enriching time studying and summarizing E Vol. XI. I might ask your “candid comment” some day. We expect to continue our Sunday study... We’ve almost finished T.S. I could go through it again right now, but am sure I need time to absorb what I’ve read and studied this time through,

Take an extra look at the sunrise on your lake  –  for  me. And  may  we  all  be  able and willing to say, Thy will be done!  Love to all at Mount Dora ------- (FLORIDA)

NO. 250: THE THREE WORLDS - CONDITIONS AND PEOPLES - (PART THREE)

No. 250

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

(Continued from No. 245 ‑ November 1, 1975)

In Part One of this subject we offered synoptic analysis of “The World That Was”; in Part Two we offered comment on “This present Evil World,” with detailed information concerning the origin of the various heathen religions before the Patriarchal Age; then the description of that Age, the Jewish Age and the Gospel Age, which latter we have treated in some detail concerning the erroneous religious beliefs that have arisen. since the beginning of the Christian era. Especially did we stress the elective salvation that has prevailed during the Gospel Age, with the extreme misunderstandings that have arisen concerning it.

Now we begin Part Three by stating that much of this misunderstanding is the result of a sad confusion concerning predestination and condemnation which has been applied to this Christian Age – this “good news” Age – with one extreme view by John Calvin, who taught that all not predestinated to salvation in this Age (and this would include the majority in Christian countries, and the entire population in many heathen lands) were predestinated to an eternity of torment in the fires of Hell. By no stretch of the imagination could this be a “good news” Age to those who would inherit eternal torment when this life is finished – nor would it be “good news” to those who are predestinated to know that many of their loved ones will have that fate. While the Bible definitely does teach predestination and condemnation, this does not mean that any individuals were predestinated to salvation or condemnation at birth; the confusion arises from the mistaken belief that the call of this Age is final and determinate a misapplication of the elective and non‑elective salvations.

The elective salvation of this Age is for the very purpose of blessing the non elect in the next Age – in “the world to come” – which we shall discuss later. St. James makes this quite clear in his statement as recorded in Acts 15:14‑17: “God at the first did visit the Gentiles (who had been ignored all during the Jewish Age) to take out of them a people for His name (Christians)... After this (in the Age to come) I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David... that the residue of men (all the non‑elect in Christendom and all the heathen) might seek after the Lord.” This will occur when the Lord’s prayer becomes fact: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth.” Then the present “blindness of Israel” will be healed; then the “ransom for all men” will be available for all men – if they choose to have it so. Then will apply the words of Rev. 22:17: “The Spirit and the bride say, Come.... And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Some sects in Christendom have embraced the foregoing Scriptures, and have carried them to the opposite extreme of eternal torment. They contend every person who has ever lived will experience salvation – that even the Devil and his demon angel cohorts will be saved. Of course, they are forced to keep silent on such texts as Heb. 2:14: “Through death He (Jesus) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the Devil.” The doctrines of election and free grace have greatly perplexed Christians for centuries – the result of their inability to “rightly divide the Word of Truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15)

All during this Christian (good news) Age the selection of the Church has been taking place – gathered from all nations, but especially from the nations of Christendom. “Thou has redeemed us by thy blood out of every kindred, and nation, and people and tongue.” (Rev. 5:9) But we stress again that this has been a call – not a command; it has applied only to those who would “follow in His steps.” (1 Pet. 2:21) This call has now been substantially completed, and preparation is being made for the introduction of the next Age – “the world to come” – in the very near future. All of this has been progressing in orderly fashion “according to the Plan of the Ages, which God hath formed for the anointed Jesus our Lord.” (Eph. 3:11, Diaglott translation)

The sowing of the glad tidings of this Gospel Age should logically conclude with a reaping, a harvest – just as was true at the end of the Jewish Age. In the 13th Chapter of Matthew Jesus offered the parable of the sower, the wheat and the tares; and in verse 36 the Disciples asked him to explain the parable. In concluding His explanation Jesus said, “The harvest is the end of the world.” The word world in this text is from the Greek aion, and means the Age or Dispensation. In other words, the “harvest” is the end of the Christian or Gospel Age. Jesus also explained to them that the tares would be first gathered into bundles for the burning; and this burning has been proceeding in ever‑increasing severity since the outbreak of the World War in 1914; and will proceed to a completion in the very near future.

This bundling for the burning began first with the nations, then proceeded to various organizations, and will find finality with individuals before this present generation passes away. (“This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished.” – Matt. 24:34.)

Illustrative of the foregoing, we mention the Triple Alliance, formed in 1882 between Germany, Austria‑Hungary and Italy; and the Triple Entente, formalized in 1893 between Great Britain, France and Russia, and fully in existence in 1907. At the outbreak of the World War in 1914 these six nations were pitted against each other in the greatest conflict in history up to that time. After the completion of the war these bundles fell apart – were fully “burned” – so much so that they are seldom mentioned now; many people who were not yet born in 1914 do not understand what we are talking about if we mention the Triple Alliance or the Triple Entente. And this same situation will eventually prevail with many of our present organizations – after which individual “tares” will be destroyed to a completion.

One of the evidences that the foregoing statement is true is to be found in Dan. 12:1: “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” The World War, which began in 1914, was up to that time the world’s greatest calamity; and Dan. 12:4 tells us that this would be one of the evidences of “the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” During this present century the automobile and the airplane have accelerated transportation in a manner not dreamed of one hundred years ago. The average cruising speed of the ordinary commercial plane is now about 600 miles per hour, or ten miles per minute. A hundred years ago it took a real good horse drawing a carriage to make ten miles in one hour; and it was not possible for such a horse to continue that speed for several hours without intermittent rest.

And the increase in knowledge has kept pace with the increase in travel. Prior to the year 1800 there were just two inventions of any consequence – the printing press and gun powder. But after “the time of the end” began in 1799 the steamboat (in 1803) and the railroad train (in 1813) came into being; with a great flood of inventions appearing later, and especially so since 1874. The first hand carpet sweeper appeared in 1869; the first commercial typewriter in 1874; the Bell telephone was patented in 1876. Shortly thereafter came the electric light, considered by some to be the most beneficial invention in all history for the human race. Pages could be written on this subject; but we believe enough has been said to prove that we are in “the time of the end” of this Gospel Age, the end of “this present evil world”; and that we are on the threshold of “the world to come” – that kingdom for which Jesus taught us to pray. We are now in 1976, just 6102 years from the beginning of “the world that was.”

However, hand in hand with the mechanical contrivances has come a tremendous increase in Biblical knowledge, history, and critical translations, most of which have come in the past hundred years. Brilliant Greek and Hebrew scholars have given us vastly improved works, compared with the common King James version of the Bible, which latter is known to have about 20,000 mistakes in it. One of the most enlightening bits of knowledge came in the Fall of 1874, when it became clear that the “Lord is that spirit (2 Cor. 3:17), invisible to the human eye; and, as such, He would establish His kingdom on earth in the near future.

Also along with the great increase in knowledge – secular and biblical – there came “the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world” (Rev. 3:10), which began in 1878 and continued concurrently with the harvest work. This hour produced a great scourge of insidious errors – such as Christian Science, Spiritism, Materialism, Evolution and various faith‑healing counterfeits, along with a surge in Higher Criticism, Rationalism, Agnosticism, Atheism, Deism and Pantheism. During this same time there developed much political radicalism, which had its first great national victory in Russia in the Fall of 1917 – when the Czarist regime was toppled by Kerenski, et al with many similar movements operating since that time. Furthermore, “the heavens (the present religious systems) shall be rolled together as a scroll” (Isa. 34:4; Rev. 6:14), with great effort being made to combine the various systems into one great universal church, largely ignoring loyalty to principle and striving to win great numbers and gain great favor.

But in the face of all this, many sectarians claim that the people are now more ready for the truth than ever before. We would mention especially the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who make this contention, even as they in the same breath admit that Satan is still “The god of this world, who hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” (2 Cor. 4:4) Especially is this true, they say, since 1914, when they claim Satan was cast out of Heaven; yet they contend those “blinded” ones must join them before Armageddon if they are to experience any salvation. Along with this “strong delusion” they also advertise “A BIBLE YOU CAN UNDERSTAND.”

In the foregoing they are directly contradicted by the Bible itself – in language any one can understand who knows how to read: “In the time of the end .... none of the wicked shall understand.” (Dan. 12:4,10) The Apostle Paul corroborates this in 2 Tim. 4:3,4: “The time will come (in the end of this Age) when they will not endure sound doctrine... And they shall turn away their ears from the truth.”

During this period there arose also great social reform movements, such as prohibition, crusades against vice, denunciation of the drug traffic, uplift from slum, poverty, disease, etc. Many of these cared not that they ignored sound doctrine, made little or no effort to follow the Bible teachings. One outstanding effort in this line is the abolition of capital punishment, which now has the jails in America so overcrowded that many of them are in very dire straits. These various evils have so undermined sound government that it is well‑nigh impossible to succeed in any political campaign without resorting to rash promises which are impossible of fulfilment, which in turn has eroded the respect which the ordinary citizens once had for their rulers.

The treaties between nations are experiencing similar deterioration. Before the czarist regime fell in 1917, when the Czar would ride down a dusty road, the peasants would rush out into the road and kiss the dust over which his carriage had gone. This was not good, of course, but the same class of people have now gone pretty much to the other extreme, and do not extend even common courtesy to those in authority. Along with the harvest of the “wheat” (the Lord’s faithful followers) there has also been fulfilment of Jesus’ words: “In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn.” (Matt. 13:30) Further confirmation of this thought is to be found in Dan. 7:11: “I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame” – in the trouble that has been steadily increasing since 1914.

The “chaff” of the Jewish Harvest and the “tares” of the Christian harvest bear a relationship – both are sentenced to be burned; but this should not be construed as a literal fire. Fire in the Bible often indicates a destructive influence; and that is its meaning here. John the Baptist had said, “Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16) The “fire” in this prophecy was the terrible destruction by the Roman army in the year 70 AD (“the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable”); and the burning of the tares has a similar meaning here in the end of “this present evil world.” Literal tares are imitation wheat; and the tares of the parable represent imitation Christians, as note the following by one writer:

“In passing through the country of the ancient Philistines, on the south of Palestine, I asked the guide one day, a native Syrian, if he knew of a plant which was apt to make its appearance among the wheat, and which resembled it so much that it could hardly be distinguished from it. He replied that it was very common, and that he would soon show me a specimen of it. Shortly he pointed out to me some of this grass growing near our path; and afterwards, having once seen it, I found it in almost every field where I searched for it. Except that the stalk was not so high, it appeared otherwise precisely as wheat – just as the ears begin to show themselves, and the kernels are swelling out into shape. I collected some specimens of this deceitful weed, and have found, on showing them to friends, that they have mistaken them quite invariably for some species of grain, such as wheat or barley.”

This bundling of the tares has been quite prominent since 1874. Various human combinations, such as national bundles like me Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente, which were largely responsible for the 1914 war; capitalistic bundles like trusts, etc.; proletarian bundles such as unions; ecclesiastical bundles like federations, etc. The “fire” of the 1914 war unmasked many of these; e.g., Who now rates the Kaiser or Hitler as Christians? This burning of the tares will continue to a completion in the years immediately ahead.

Another item of interest here in “the time of the end” is the prophecy that Israel’s “blindness” will be cured. “It shall come to pass in that day (the end of this Age) that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem..... and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn because of it.” (Zech. 12:9, 10) Israel is established as a nation now, and is prominent in world affairs, and world troubles.

In 1878 two events occurred which cast “a shadow before” of the greater things we witness today. In that year Delitzch’s Hebrew translation of the New Testament began its work among the Jews; and in June 1878 the Berlin Congress of Nations (presided over by Disraeli, the first Jew ever to be Prime Minister of England) passed some resolutions that made things much more tolerable for Jews in Palestine. In the years that have followed, the Jews have become measurably reconciled in their age‑old prejudice toward Christ; and many consider Him one of the greatest of Jewish prophets. His sayings are often quoted in Jewish pulpits, seminaries and social circles; and many Jews now accept Him as their Messiah.

In ancient times Palestine was truly a land flowing with milk and honey, a goodly land; and it is becoming once more highly productive under the present ambitious Jewish leadership. The second largest industry is the citrus fruit production. Israel’s prosperity is already exciting the envy of the nations round about; and skillful military techniques have become a vicious irritant to their neighbors. These irritants are certain to increase in the immediate future; and the anarchistic elements of the Gentile nations will ultimately make a desperate attack upon them Ezek. 38:10; 39:29), which will terminate in the second phase of Jacob’s Trouble. (Jer. 30:4‑8) “Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle” (Zech. 14:3) – “the day of battle” here having reference to those times of major triumph under Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, etc. Thereafter the land that was promised to “the fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,” will be forever theirs.

Thus as a nation in the promised land – having accepted Christ as their Savior they will be the nucleus of the world of mankind waiting to receive the earthly phase of Christ’s Kingdom – to be set up first in their midst. This will be the final purpose of this Christian (Gospel) Age – the greatest of the three Ages of “this present evil world” – to be followed immediately by the Millennial Age of “the world to come,” wherein will be accomplished “the restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets.” (Acts 3:21)

It is well to emphasize here that there have been, broadly speaking, two kinds of Jews. At the time Jesus came, they were described as the “wheat and the chaff,” that being a small picture of the “wheat and the tares” in Christendom at the end of this Age. As said, at that time John the Baptist spoke of them thus: “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire... will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” (Luke 3:16,17) This was markedly accomplished when the Roman army under Emperor Titus leveled Jerusalem in the year 70 AD. They had said, “His blood be upon us, and on our children” (Matt. 27:25); and God took them at their word. When Titus had finished his work, there was a circle of crosses around Jerusalem, with a dead Jew on every one of them.

But of those that escaped they were scattered hither and yon throughout the earth, and they lost not only God’s favor, but they lost also much of the virility and truth which had been theirs under Moses and Aaron. “Your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matt. 23:38) This desolation was so thoroughly accomplished that the Jews do not now have a High Priest, because that priest must come from the Tribe of Levi; and that Tribe was so thoroughly dissipated during the dispersion that the Jews do not now know which of their number are of that Tribe. Therefore, their Passover and Day of Atonement services are simply exercises in futility because they do not have a High Priest to officiate therein – although the orthodox Jews who are trying to keep the Law Covenant to the best of their ability are to be commended for their sincerity and efforts to keep the Law.

And of the “chaff” of that time St. Paul wrote: “Not that which is external makes the Jew... but the Jew is hidden within, even circumcision of the heart – spiritual, not literal; whose praise comes not from men, but from God.” (Rom. 2:28,29, Dia.) That is, certain facial features sitting in a synagogue are not to be reckoned as the real Jew; but only that which is produced by a proper adherence to the Law and the Prophets is the only real Jew to whom the promises belong. And there are very few of these indeed! The great majority give only token recognition and observance of the true Jewish religion. Their motto over the centuries has been “Get the money”; and at times they have shown a savage ruthlessness in doing that.

Although the Jews played a very prominent role in the Old Testament and in religious lore up to the time of their rejection of the Messiah, and His pronouncement of desolation upon them as a nation, their decline began immediately with Jesus’ death, and judgment was violently meted out to them in the year 70 AD. And, when their nation was thus desolated, so that their national unity was completely dissolved, the Gentile “dogs” (Matt. 15:26,27) took over earth’s authority. This has continued throughout the Age – until the Times of the Gentiles ended in 1914 – since which date the Gentile nations have been declining, and the Jews are once more in the picture of nations; and this condition will prevail unto a completion in the years immediately ahead.

And with this summary we conclude Part III of The Three Worlds; and this series of articles will be completed with Part IV in the near future. It is our hope that the three sections provided thus far have proven enlightening and profitable information to all our readers. “If ye continue in My word... ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31,32)

Sincerely your brother,  John J. Hoefle; Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – In John 3:16,17 it is stated that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son... that the world through Him might be saved.” But in 1 John 2:15 we are told, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Skeptics seize upon these texts as one instance where the Bible contradicts itself. What is the correct thought on these texts?

ANSWER: – The Bible is harmonious with itself. If this were not true – even in a single instance – it could not be regarded as “the Word of Truth.” In both these texts the word “love” is from the Greek agapao; but the word “world” is from the Greek kosmos. Agapao in both texts carries the thought of duty love; but the word kosmos has two different meanings – just as many of our English words have two or three different meanings. In the first text the kosmos means the inhabitants of the earth; whereas, in the second text it carries the thought of the present social order or arrangement.

In the Bible we are told to love our neighbors as ourselves, but nowhere are we told to love the present social order. It was the present social order that crucified our Lord; and it was the present social order that has shed “the blood of the prophets and of saints,” and it has been condemned to destruction “by fire,” the fire being a figurative expression used to denote complete annihilation.

In 2 Pet. 3:10 we are told that “the earth (another expression for the present social order) and the works that are therein (the selfish and depraved acts of men) shall be burned up.” The whole chapter from which we have quoted one small text is written in highly figurative language, but much confusion has resulted by men attempting to accept these figurative statements as literal. If they were literal, it would indeed be a sore and unexplainable contradiction of many other Bible statements – such as “The earth (the planet on which we live) abideth forever.” (Eccl. 1:4) This “burning” began in 1874 in a broad sense; but it actually began in a narrow violent way in 1914 with the outbreak of the World War; and has been steadily progressing since 1914 – so much so that it is now apparent to many persons of sharp discernment. As one outstanding instance, we quote President Woodrow Wilson, who said concerning the great war, “The world is on fire.” Thus it becomes apparent that God has arranged for the salvation of the people living in this present social order, although He has condemned the social order itself to destruction.

It is our thought that the Jehovah’s Witnesses would be well advised to ponder this point in their present proclamations, because they are heralding just the reverse of what the Scriptures teach on the subject – also it is just the reverse of the error which they taught for 1925 – Millions Now Living Will Never Die. These people change their teachings just as easily and just as readily as the chameleon changes his color. They reverse themselves when their predictions fail; and their “dedicated” adherents close their eyes, open their mouths, and swallow any new delirium that they present to them. For the past few years they have been very vociferous in their declaration that the large majority of earth’s inhabitants now living WILL DIE – be annihilated in Armageddon when the present kosmos is overthrown. They now have about two million “saved” persons in their organization; and it is only those who accept them that will survive Armageddon. While the Bible does teach that large numbers of the human family will perish in Armageddon, nowhere does it teach that such death means their eternal annihilation; but the Bible does teach clearly and emphatically the eternal annihilation of the present kosmos – the present social order.

The Witnesses’ present teaching is indeed a far cry from what they were teaching some fifty years ago, at which time they placed great stress upon Zech. 13:8, 9: “It shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, the Lord is my God.” When they were using this text, they tried to give it a very literal explanation; namely, one‑third of earth’s population would survive Armageddon, which would mean by present reckoning that over one billion living through 1925 would live right on through Armageddon, and into the Kingdom, which is how they arrived at their slogan “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” – after the year 1925. Of course, time itself made them look quite ridiculous, so they were forced to come up with some new hocus‑pocus. Now only their “dedicated” devotees will live on into the Kingdom; all others will be annihilated by that seething cauldron. Thus through fear they have persuaded many to join them – just as did the Roman Catholic Church in the Dark Ages gather numbers to avoid the fate of eternal torment.

When the lawyer asked Jesus which is the great commandment (Matt. 22:37‑40) He answered him in this manner: The first “thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all the heart, soul and mind... and the second, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” From this it is very clear that the requirements of the Law given through Moses are a duty, and many of the Jews tried to keep it, but could not do so because of their fallen condition. And in this connection it should be noted that when “the restitution of all things” (Acts 3:19‑23) is fully established under the Kingdom reign, perfect duty love will be required of all who gain life under that arrangement – a “new heavens and a new earth (a new social arrangement) wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Just the opposite of that condition prevails now, which is the reason for its “burning,” which will proceed to a completion in the very near future.

As stated aforegoing, the word “love” in both texts in the question is from the Greek agapao, which conveys the thought of duty love. There are a number of other texts which contain the word love, but are translated from different Greek words. One of these is the Greek agape, which carries the thought of a sacrificial love, and has been in operation specifically since Pentecost; but it has not been required of the world in general during this Gospel Age, nor will it be required in the next Age when “the restitution of all things” becomes operative. The only ones required to practice sacrificial love during this Age have been those who have accepted Jesus in the full sense determined by His words: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) But this has been an invitation – and not a command.

Such persons as the foregoing have been a very small minority, and they have not loved the world as it refers to the present social order. This is graphically typified by the acts of the Prophet Elijah in his attempts to reform the Jews – especially so as respects Ahab and Jezebel. He there typed the Gospel‑Age Christians who have attempted to reform the present social order, and have failed badly in their efforts. However, the reformers have shown great love for the people, the inhabitants, of this “present evil world,” and have done much good for them in their ministries.

me Jews under the Law were not required to practice agape love; in fact, they knew little or nothing about it. This is clearly stated by Jesus (Matt. 5:43,44): “Ye have heard that it hath been said, m Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate shine enemy, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you’“

The foregoing, however, applies only to those who have come into the Christian family; it is not now required of the “world” (the inhabitants of earth), nor will it ever be required of them in the next world. Much confusion has resulted as Christians all during the Age – since shortly after the demise of the Apostles – attempted to apply these words to every one now, which error came about through the loss of the Truth on the two salvations – the “common salvation” (Jude 3), and the “great salvation.” (Heb. 2:3) The “common salvation” is not available during the Gospel Age; and the “great salvation” will not be available in the next Age. Any attempt to mix the two salvations is certain to result in rank confusion.

Love for our enemies was not required under the Law Covenant, such love being sacrificial love – from the Greek agape. Our Lord was the one who brought this agape love into focus – just as He also “brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” (2 Tim. 1:10) Had “the ancients” in Old Testament times been instructed in agape love, David and Samson would not have prayed for the death of their enemies.

The inhabitants of this world who will receive restitution in the world just ahead are not now required to practice agape (sacrificial) love in this Age – nor will they be required to do so in the next Age, or at any time in the future. However, we would stress in conclusion that a proper understanding and analysis of love in the two texts is not the real crux of the problem; it is rather the two meanings of the word “world” (kosmos) that make them readily understandable. All who “follow in His steps” also love the world (its inhabitants).

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace be multiplied!

Enclosed is a few dollars of the Lord’s money to help in spreading of His Truth. With the demands of the present, it isn’t very much. This seems to be the day when no man can work. May the Lord bless you and yours real good. I appreciate your writings and agree with them. Your brother in Christ, ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace be multiplied!

Your good letter of the 7th is here, and as always very glad to hear from you. I was quite surprised that Brother Jolly shook hands with you both. I wonder if he is having second thoughts about his Campers Consecrated. Let’s hope so! Of course, he has been warned very thoroughly by you, Brother Hoefle, and if he does not change it will not be because you haven’t tried. But we leave it with the Lord.

Yes, I can imagine you have nice weather all year round. I visualize your lovely place since seeing it last winter. May God grant you good health to carry on His work. Be assured of my prayers and Christian love to you and all the dear ones with you.

Your brother by His Grace, ------- (NEW JERSEY)

NO. 249: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 249

Comes again the Memorial of our Lord’s death, the correct time this year being after 6 p. m. April 12. The date is determined in this fashion: The 1976 Vernal Equinox arrives in Jerusalem at 1:50 p.m. March 20; and the moon following that comes new at 7:08 p.m. March 30, thus establishing Nisan 1 at 6 p.m. March 30. This brings Nisan 14 at 6 p.m. April 12; and any time that evening would be the proper time for what is commonly designated as The Lord’s Supper. We here at Mount Dora shall com­mence the service at 7:30 p.m.; and we extend a cordial invitation to any one who hap­pens to be in this vicinity to join with us who are of one mind on the matter.

THE CORRECT DATE

While the absolute time for observance is not a requirement, we should certainly have the right time if we can determine it. This is in keeping with St. Paul’s coun­sel in 1 Cor. 14:30: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” However, as v. 38 says, “If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” – on non-essential teachings. it is an established fact that most of the truest and best of the Household of Faith dur­ing the entire Gospel Age have kept the Memorial on the wrong date; and this was true for some years after 1874 – when the Harvest Truth began to clarify many of the mistakes in teaching and practice that had accumulated after the demise of the Apostles. There­fore, we would emphasize that observance on the wrong date should never be a test of fellowship. “Let every man be persuaded in his own mind.”

However, with those who are guided somewhat by the newing of the moon, once Nisan 1 is properly determined, the Bible is then emphatic that the observance should be an Nisan 14. “Ye shall keep the lamb up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening” – between the two evenings (see margin of Ex. 12:6). The Jews – as well as some Truth groups – usually try to hold the service when the moon comes full; but the moon this year does not come full until 1:49 p. m. April 14, making such participants a day or two late with the service.

Also, some groups use a location other than Jerusalem as their starting time ­some using Greenwich, England, and others Philadelphia, Pa., etc. However, this is simply an arbitrary conclusion. The Bible was all written in Palestine; and the lo­cations just mentioned had not yet been named until hundreds of years later. Therefore, it would be exactly proper to use Jerusalem as the correct place for reckoning the time. The moon may have been at the full on the evening that Jesus and the Apostles ate the Passover together for the last time, because the moon is typical of the Jewish nation; and their polity began immediately to wane after they crucified Jesus, and it passed completely out of existence in the year 70 AD. when the Romans destroyed the temple and either killed or dispersed all Jews from Jerusalem.

It might be well here to explain how the confusion for reckoning this date had its beginning. Innocently enough, the Christians under the Apostles began to assem­ble on the first day of the week to break bread and fellowship together – in memory of the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week. This eventually made a dis­tinct cleavage between Jew and Gentile on the Sabbath. Thus, Sunday eventually be­came firmly estab­lished as the Christian Sabbath, and some countries even at this time are very rigid in holding to Sunday, although there is no Biblical support for it other than what we have just mentioned. And, as the early Christians were breaking bread together, they in no sense were attempting to commemorate the death of Jesus (the cup is not mentioned on those Sundays); and it is His death that is the crux of the Memo­rial, and not His resurrection.

Along this line, we might digress somewhat, and state that similar confusion has arisen on the date of Jesus’ birth. Nowhere in the Bible are we told to celebrate His birth, although much ado is made over Christmas in Christian countries. The correct date of His birth is the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishri), which corresponds approx­imately to our October 10 – more than two months before December 25. How came this situation to exist? We answer that as the Papal system grew in numbers and influence and with the “wandering Jew” universally in disrepute – the observance of Christmas on the same date as the Jewish Day of Atonement became decidedly objectionable, so the Papal system produced a cunningly devised fable for December 25 by a reasoning devious and intricate: They began with the premise that the Vernal Equinox is the time for all vegetable life to spring forth – about March 25 – therefore, that must be the time the life in Mary’s womb had its animation. And, counting nine months from March 25 we have December 25. Here again was given a blow to Jewish prestige – although there is just noth­ing in the Bible to support the theory.

It will be readily recognized that great respect would accrue to the Jews if we now celebrated the birth of Jesus on the very day when they sit in sackcloth and ashes, fasting and repentant for the sins of the year on the Day of Atonement. Such action would certainly incite much comment and inquiry to determine this phenomenal coincidence – even as it now goes by unnoticed under present arrangements. On this point also there is no command to make special celebration of Jesus’ birthday; in fact, we are not told even to notice it at all, so we have no particular quarrel with those who choose to do so on December 25. As the Manna says, “Upon this day, so generally celebrated, we may properly enough join with all whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God and toward the Savior.”

How, then, is the date for Good Friday determined? Here again the Papal system produced an arbitrary decision which would always have Good Friday on Friday. Good Friday would be the first Friday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox ­with Easter the following Sunday. There is also no Bible support for this; and it not only has the effect of having Good Friday on Friday, but it also tends to sever all relationship between Good Friday and the Passover, so that these two dates are some­times separated by almost a full month. Rarely do they occur on the same date. With this arrangement Easter could come as late as April 23; but it would never be possible for the Passover to come as late as that.

The institution of the Passover as given in Exodus 12 emphatically states that the lamb must be killed and eaten on Nisan 14, and that the “memorial throughout your genera­tions” should be kept on the same date – that Nisan should begin when the moon comes new – nearest the Vernal Equinox. This would always make the Passover festival a cere­mony in the Spring, with the Day of Atonement a festival in the Fall. Thus, the Jewish Encyclopedia clearly states that the Passover is a Spring festival.

THE SERVICE

As there was but one Passover in type, so there is but one “Lamb of God” in anti­type. But, just as the Jews were told to keep the Passover each year “as a memorial throughout your generations,” so we are told to observe the feast each year “in remem­brance of Me.” And the service for the occasion is unique; there is no other service like it in Christian ritual throughout the earth. When our Lord gave command that we ob­serve it, He did so in simplicity of speech, and with few words. “He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: THIS DO in remembrance of Me. Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19,20) Yet, upon these two forthright and uncomplicated sentences great rituals have been erected by the various sects of Christendom – some more, some less, so there are now about 200 different ideas of when, how and why the service should be conducted. Fundamentally, no more would be required of us than our Lord’s statement; although it is certainly in keeping with decorum and orderly procedure that a preparatory foundation be laid for partaking of the bread and the wine by reading and explaining the various elements involved - when more than one person keeps the feast. However, it is equally good decorum and orderly procedure that we avoid the pompous play upon words and “stage” performance, which is to be found in some quarters.

The solemnity of the occasion should be stressed, however, that all be done “de­cently and in order” – not shabbily, nonchalantly, as of some “common thing.” It is commendable that the Christian world overem­phasize the feast with impressive service, and sedate and select speech, rather than by the other extreme of no propriety at all. The Roman Catholic system requires each participant to attend ‘confession’ – usually the previous afternoon or evening – before receiving the emblems; and, until recently, nothing was to be eaten or drunk on the morning of the service. While this in itself stresses the great regard the system attempts to display for the service, it also over-­awes those present in a manner never intended by Jesus when He instituted it.

Here we need not discuss the errors that have been superimposed over the centuries by such nicety of display and demand, as that feature has been well set forth by both Messengers. Blessed are we if we may arrive at that balance of mind and heart that does not overdo or underdo the service – greatness in simplicity, inspiration in solem­nity, uplift and virtue in a “good and honest” participation.

GENERALITIES

They who approach the service as aforementioned are they of whom St. Paul writes – they who judge themselves that they be not judged and chastened of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:31) – the fully faithful in whatever Elect Class they may abide. Such are “more than conquerors” – “buried with Him” – “dead unto sin, but alive toward God.” (Rom. 6:11) To such obedient and watchful, as “little children,” the promise is sure, “I will guide thee with mine eye.” “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” And to these the promise is sure, “No good thing will He with­hold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psa. 84:11). Strengthened by such assurances, each worthy participant may confidently review the year past and anticipate the year ahead” in newness of life.”

Quite often, immediately before or after doing this “in remembrance,” the Fully Faithful are made specially mindful, through having to drink of His cup, that the bread and the wine carry weighty implications for them. As our Lord “poured out His soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors,” so have His faithful followers done during the Age. “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Tim. 4:6), wrote St. Paul to his ‘son’ Timothy; and the Diaglott makes this even more emphatic, “I am already being poured out, and the time of my dissolution has come near.” Thus, this “good soldier” realized with full clarity and calm anticipation that his own life would soon be “poured out” – when the Roman executioner would chop off his head, just as one might pour water from a pitcher – as he drank to the full that “cup” which the Lord had given him. And in this we find not the slightest evidence of whining or reviling of his persecutors – no scheming to escape. “Theirs not to make reply; theirs not to question why; theirs but to do and die.” And having reached that grand pinnacle of victory, he could say with all confidence, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.” (2 Tim. 4:8)

“CONSIDER HIM”

In all of this – particularly at this Memorial season – the words of St. Paul are most timely: “Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye he wearied and faint in your minds... faint not when thou art rebuked of Him.” (Heb. 12:3) In that eloquent and touching discourse which He gave His disciples on the same night in which He instituted the Memorial of His death, He had said among other things, “They hated Me without a cause.” (John 15:25) And let us never forget that “they” who thus hated Him were the so-called ‘good people’ of that day – those who claimed to be longing for the appearance of their Messiah – Him whom they hated ‘with­out a cause’ when “He came to His own,” but His own received Him not. “He (the Jewish High Priest Caiphas) that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin.” (John 19:11) And be it remembered that He whose speech was “full of grace and truth,” so that never man spake like this man, said exactly the right thing, in the right place and at the right time; so that there was in truth no cause for any to hate Him. Yet, hate Him they did, as He wept over their undone hypocritical condition.

And in all this “He left us an example that we should follow in His steps,” (1 Pet. 2:21), bearing ever in mind that it is often the Measurably Faithful who add to the af­flictions of the righteous – “your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name’s sake.” (Isa. 66:5) Concerning such the Scriptures exhort us: “Let not thine heart envy sinners, but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.” Comments on this text are to be found in E-11:655 – “He (the Epiphany Messenger) charges them (the fully faithful) not to be envious of Great Company members, who are violating their cov­enant of sacrifice, however much they may seem to prosper.” And to this we would add the words of Prov. 17:1: “Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” Therefore, “Let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Cor. 5:8)

THE BREAD – THE CUP

The institution of the ‘Lord’s Supper’ is succinctly stated in Matt. 26:26-28, in Mark 14:22-24, and in Luke 22:19,20, the first of which verses we now quote: “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disci­ples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new Testa­ment, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Over the meaning of no other Biblical words have there been more and sharper con­troversies than over those just quoted above. As on all other Scriptural doctrines, so on this, Satan has produced cunning error – from one extreme to the other. The Ro­man Catholic Church is among the foremost of such perverters in its creation of the Mass, the basis of which is transubstantiation, the performance of which by the offi­ciating priest supposedly actually turns the bread and the wine into the body and blood of Jesus.

Although there are about 200 different views on various features of the Lord’s Sup­per, broadly speaking, there are two general views on the meaning of the words, “This is my body – this is my blood”: (1) that group of views that teach the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus in the Supper; and (2) that group which teach the rep­resentative meaning of the bread and wine. The Roman Catholic Church has had some of the ablest minds of the Age in their organization; and they have presented very inge­nious arguments in their support of the Mass – in transubstantiation.

As most of our readers know, we ourselves do not believe that there is any real presence in the body and blood of Christ; but we regard them as representations of those items. Let us take a brief look at both views: Those who accept the Mass con­tend that the actual presence of Christ is contained in the bread and the wine; in fact, they contend that the emblems are no longer bread and wine at all. The Roman Church concedes however, that the bread and the wine retain what they term “the accidents” ­the appearance, form, taste, color, weight, etc. of bread and wine after the supposed transubstantiation; but, say they, the elements actually lose the essence of bread and wine, and take on the essence of the body and blood of Christ. The body and blood of Christ – so created, the priest proceeds in the Mass to sacrifice afresh for the sins of the living and the dead. Thus we have the basic relation of transubstantiation to the Mass. Against this view we offer the following refutation:

The Romanist view implies a change in the words of Jesus, which means the language should read – if their view is correct – “This has been changed into my body; this has been changed into my blood.” The fact that they must make a change in the wording to make their view acceptable is in itself an admission of error.

Further, the Bible contradicts their view. If they are correct, it would then be wrong – after the consecration of the elements – to speak of partaking of bread and wine, as the Bible does. They should then speak of partaking of the body and blood of Christ. But the Bible five times calls one of the elements bread after its consecration and dur­ing its eating (1 Cor. 10:16,17; 11:26-28); and in all of these passages, except the second, using the familiar figure of the container for the thing contained, it calls the other element “the cup”; and elsewhere defines the contents of the cup – after its con­secration and during its drinking – as the fruit of the vine, i.e., wine (Matt. 26:29; Mark 14:25). Therefore, the Bible, by calling the elements bread and wine after their consecration, and during their appropriation, contradicts the doctrine of transubstanti­ation and proves it to be false.

Again, facts prove that the bread and wine remain bread and wine after the conse­cration of the elements – some of which are as follows: Blood does not make drunk, but wine does. Frequently, priests in their frequent masses must drink so much wine that they become drunk. No amount of blood would do this; therefore, it must be wine they drink. Further, chemical analysis will demonstrate that there are exactly the same amount and same proportion of certain chemical elements in a given amount of bread after consecration as there were before; while the same amount, proportion and kinds of chemical elements will not be found in a human body. The chemical analysis of the wine proves the same thing. Hence these facts prove that there has been no change in the substance of the bread and wine after consecration by the priest.

OTHER ERRORS

Somewhat akin to the transubstantiation error is the one held by some Oriental Christian sects, which hold to the view of consubstantiation – a mingling of the bread and body and the wine and blood. The Lutheran Church and some Episcopalians teach what may be defined as instrumentalization, although they do not use that exact wording. Their idea is that by means of the bread and wine – which they believe remain bread and wine throughout the service – the actual body and blood of Jesus are administered to the communicant. Thus it will be seen that all three of these views have the mutual error of “real presence.” Therefore, the following applies equally against all of them:

The Bible account of the original supper the night before Jesus died proves that He did not give His actual body and blood, because His blood was yet in His veins, so it could not be in the cup which He offered the disciples. The same applies to the bread. When He blessed it and said, “This is My body,” He was not yet dead; His body was intact. He did not go around the table and put Himself into the hand of each dis­ciple; rather, He remained reclining on the couch, with the Apostle John reclining in His bosom. Thus, the disciples did not handle His body and blood, for all of them re­mained in their respective places about the table. Therefore, it is very clear that they did not receive His actual body and blood.

There is not the slightest suggestion in the entire ceremony that night that any of the disciples or Jesus thought there was an actual giving of His body and blood to them. Had they entertained such a thought we may be sure that some of them – especially Peter – would have presented questions to be answered before they could have intelli­gently participated in the service. Hence the conclusion is unavoidable that in the original Lord’s Supper Jesus did not give His actual body and blood to the Apostles to eat and drink. Therefore, it properly follows that this was not done in any of the sub­sequent observations – only what was given them that night did they receive in the years that followed. And to claim that they did receive actual body and blood in later years implies that they are not the same as the original – they are not the Lord’s Supper at all.

These three views of the “real presence” contradict certain Scriptural doctrines ­especially the central doctrine of the Ransom. “The Son of Man came not to be minis­tered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Tim. 2:6) The doctrine of the “real presence” would imply that Jesus had taken back His body and blood (His humanity), thus voiding the ransom price. Also, these doctrines of the real presence dispute our Lord’s resurrection as a spirit being (1 Cor. 15:45-49; 2 Cor. 3:17; 1 Pet. 3:18), for they imply He arose a human being. Since the ransom is the hub – the central foundation – of the great Plan of the Ages, that great Plan would be nullified by elimination of the Ransom. Hence the idea of real presence is rank error.

Belief in the real presence contains other unscriptural implications. First, it places Jesus’ body and blood in many places at the same time – every place on earth where the Mass, etc., are performed at the same time of day. Wherever the Lord’s Sup­per would be observed the actual body and blood of Jesus would necessarily have to be present. This is self-evident impossibility. Also, this doctrine implies that Jesus has millions of bodies and rivers of blood; for, according to it, each communicant re­ceives the complete body of Jesus and some of His blood. Thus, billions have received them – millions of them at the same time – implying that Jesus had millions of bodies and rivers of blood. Hence the “real presence” is self-evident absurdity.

The doctrine of the real presence is contrary to facts. Not one fact in connec­tion with the original supper or its subsequent celebrations implies it; but all the facts connected with them contradict it. Also, it is contrary to reason: There is nothing reasonable about it; there is nothing reasonable that favors it; reason must be suspended to believe it. It therefore belongs to the “mystery of iniquity” (2 Thes. 2:7), not to the mystery of God; and is a counterfeit.

Further, it contradicts our five senses – especially in transubstantiation and con­substantiation. And, since these five senses were given us to help us ascertain cer­tain facts (Isa. 1:18; Luke 24:39,40), the “real presence” must be untrue, and should be rejected.

THE UNDERLYING ERROR

All who claim the real presence in the body and the blood base their conclusion ­they say – upon a literal acceptance of Jesus’ words; but they fail to recognize that the word “is” – like many other words – has more than one meaning. The verb “to be” has especially two literal meanings: (1) it is the predicate to express actual exis­tence; (2) it is the predicate to express actual representation; but in both cases the meaning is literal. So, if we should say, A dog is an animal, the word “is” would be literal, designating actual existence. And, if we would say of a photograph, This is my father, that statement also would he literal, but meaning actual representation. In both statements “is” may be taken literally.

Therefore, when Jesus said, “This is my body; this is my blood,” He certainly did not mean actual existence; but He meant those things represented His body and blood. The Scriptures are in full agreement with this conclusion; and, when we understand that the Lord’s Supper is the antitype of the annual Passover, we have Biblical proof of the matter. If we keep in mind that there was only one Passover – the one slain in Egypt – with all subsequent ones being symbolic, we can readily see the beauty and symmetry of the antitype. There was but one antitypical Passover Lamb – “Christ our Passover” (1 Cor. 5:7) – with our partaking of the bread and the wine being simply a re­membrance of that one Passover: “This do in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) The Jews have never been confused in their observance of the annual Passover; they know it is merely “a memorial... throughout your generations.” (Ex. 12:14)

Another emphatic proof that the above is correct is to be found in the statements of Luke 22:20 and 1 Cor. 11:25: “This cup (the wine) is the new testament in my blood.” In these texts the word “is” cannot mean actual existence; for the New Testament is not a cup at all. Therefore, we are forced to conclude that the cup was merely a rep­resentation: “This cup represents the new testament in my blood.”

In this connection we do well to consider St. Paul’s explanation of the service as given in 1 Cor. 11:26. Immediately after quoting our Lord’s language in explana­tion of the bread and wine, he relates our participation in it with these words: “For as often as (whenever) ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do shew forth the Lord’s death.” The Greek word here translated “shew” means to announce, as for ex­ample, to announce the Lord’s word. (Acts 13:5; 15:36; 1 Cor. 9:14, etc.) Announce­ments are made in two ways – in words and in acts. When we partake of the bread and the wine we do not speak at all; therefore the “announcement” must be in the acts them­selves – in pantomime – which we do in the breaking of the bread and the pouring of the wine – a representation of something else. Since the breaking of the bread and the pouring of the wine “shew forth His death,” they must represent His body and blood.

WHO MAY PARTAKE?

There is also much difference of opinion on who may partake. The Roman Catholic Church is most rigid that one must be a member in good standing; must make confession before partaking, and usually a member of that particular church in which the service is being held. At the other extreme, some sects make no exactions at all. Often do we see the sign before some church: The Lord’s Supper – All welcome. Thus the man in the street may come in and partake if he wishes. We do not subscribe to either of these positions. We take rather St. Paul’s words in 1 Cor. 11:27,28: “Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” We believe this is a most commendable and just requirement. We need not pass judgment upon the person sitting next to us. There are only two rea­sons why we should object to any one partaking: They are gross immorality, or gross doctrinal deflection. Either of these – but only these – are grounds for disfellow­shiping any one. In all other things we may accept St. Paul’s statement: “Let a man examine himself.” This places the responsibility squarely where it belongs – on each individual participant.

WHEN

Much confusion also exists on the proper time for observing the Lord’s Supper. Some churches say once a week – on Sunday – which, they say, is the way the early church observed it. Others have once a month, or once every three or four months. The Roman Catholic Church says it should be done when any one of their seven sacra­ments is performed. Thus, when people are married in the church, the Mass is always performed. This means it might be used two, three, perhaps four times in one day. And, since they contend that the Mass contains the actual body and blood of Jesus, the participants are forbidden to masticate the wafer; and they do not partake of the wine at all – lest in passing the cup from one to the other something might occur to spill some of it – now actually the “precious blood” – which would he a major calamity. Therefore, the priest drinks the entire goblet of wine himself, which accounts for many of them becoming intoxicated. In fact, the report is current that about ten per cent of the priests in the United States are pretty much alcoholics.

When we remember that the Lord’s Supper is the antitype of the Jewish Passover, then we have no difficulty at all in seeing that the service should be but once each year. “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew forth the Lord’s death till He come.” (1 Cor. 11:26) The Lord’s death occurred on a certain day of the year; and it should be “remembered” by the special service but once each year on that particular day. The Lord left no instructions at all for remembering His birthday; but Christendom generally makes no effort to commemorate His birth more than once a year; therefore, it should logically follow that His death – which we are specifical­ly told to remember – should be observed but once each year; and this is our practice.

THE WINE – There is considerable divergence of thought respecting “the cup” also. In the annual commemoration of the Passover the Jews used intoxicating wine of excel­lent quality, beginning with a cup before any food was taken, continuing with two more cups during the meal; then a fourth cup “after supper” (Luke 22:20). This fourth cup was the one the Lord used to establish the Memorial. Most of the Christian churches today – and especially so the Roman Catholic Church – use intoxicating wine of excel­lent quality; but some, being opposed to alcohol in every way, use simply “the fruit of the vine” without fermentation. Should any resent this latter custom – as contrary to what Jesus and the Apostles did – we would say that a teaspoonful of alcoholic wine could be poured into the cup. This should satisfy every one, as there is no Scriptural law on the amount of alcohol the cup should contain.

What has been written herein is in no sense to be taken as a substitute for “The Passover of the New Creation” (Study Xl) as found in Parousia Volume Six. Rather, we would urge all our readers to give sober reading to that chapter; and we thus wish all the Lord’s rich blessing in the preparation for and participation in this Memorial on the evening of April 12. “The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting coven­ant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.” (Heb. 13:20,21)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother: Grace and peace!

I have just read #246 and got a new viewpoint on Jesus Christ as prophet, priest, king and “Judge.” Somehow I never included “judge” as one of His offices..... Your article broadens my vision and clinched the idea by quoting 1 Cor. 6:2. Then you clear­ly delineated the difference between outward and inner appearance. At the end all will appear perfect before the Father gives the final test (for graduation). Thank you! I enjoyed the article... Enclosed is a check for the Lord’s work.

With Christian love, ------- (FLORIDA)

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

Dear Brother Hoefle: Loving Christian greetings!

First of all, thank you for the greetings and encouragement when I was depressed recently – which did help lift my spirits. God must want me here on earth yet, as I still enjoy life. Bro. and Sr. ------- visited us Sunday. He asked if I read your last letter. He is so pleased the way you explain the articles. He is a wonderful brother. Praying God will continue to watch over you and yours.... Please keep up the good work. ..... Enclosed is a contribution for your work.

Christian love ------- (FLORIDA)

NO. 248: THE 1975 LABOR DAY CONVENTION

No. 248

At the Question Meeting on Monday morning a large number of questions had been presented; and, true to his usual performance, RGJ said he would have to be very brief, then gave his practiced “profusion of words” to avoid answering the majority of them. Some of those he answered he handled quite well; but some of them were so loosely handled that we are forced to conclude that he either never had the Truth on them, or that he has lost it since he was abandoned to Azazel.

Question 1 – Does the Great Company share in the sin offering? We shall not analyze his “profusion of words” on the question, but try to expose his erroneous understanding of the matter. In Lev. 16:11 we are told “Aaron shall bring the bul­lock of the sin offering... and shall make an atonement for himself and for his house.” RGJ stated, “The blood of the bullock... representing the merit of our Lord Jesus Christ's humanity that was sacrificed for us, namely, the Little Flock, the Body members of the World's High Priest – and then for His House, representing the Great Company, the house of Levi.” On p. 13, of the 1940 Present Truth, Brother Johnson outlines the Gospel-Age Tabernacle picture – in which he states the Court contains the tentatively justified.

And here's what we have in Tabernacle Shadows, p. 55: “And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin-offering which is for (represents) himself, and make an atone­ment for himself (the members of his body – the underpriests) and for his house all believers, the entire 'household of faith' – the Levites).”

When He offered Himself, the bullock, there was no such Class as the Great Com­pany – so He offered Himself for all who were spirit-begotten in the Gospel Age, in­cluding the crown-losers. When they were begotten they were members of His Body ­crown-retainers. There is no special “spirit-begetting” of the Great Company as such – all New Creatures were primarily begotten into His Body! Is RGJ now contending that they are begotten again when they lose their crowns – begotten to be crown-losers?

Inasmuch as Aaron was contaminated with sin – as were his sons, and all Israel ­he did actually make atonement for himself personally; but this was certainly not true of antitypical Aaron. St. Paul makes this very clear in Heb. 7:26-27: “An high priest became us who is holy... separate from sinners... Who needed not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's, for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” Inasmuch as Jesus was “without sin,” and needed no atonement, the offering “first for his own sins” could not apply to Him personally, but must refer to the members of His Body – typified in Aaron's sons and the “house” would thus include “all believers,” the entire 'household' of faith the Levites. The Levites in that picture typify the tentatively justified of the Gospel Age. The Great Company and the Little Flock are of the Gospel-Age Church of the Firstborn – and they were all begotten as members of His Body – thus “for Him­self” includes all the spirit-begotten at consecration – under the High Calling.

It is quite clear that RGJ is now going into increasing darkness on the Taber­nacle. At one time he was apparently clear on the Most Holy, the Holy, the Court, the Camp, and the Wilderness. But he has now grossly REVOLUTIONIZED against the Truth on the Holy, the Court and the Camp. He who discerns clearly teaches clearly – and it is now evident to all instructed in Parousia and Epiphany Truth – especially on Tabernacle Shadows – that he is not now “teaching clearly.”

The foregoing paragraph also applies to another part of his answer to the same question: He says, “The justified humanity of Azazel's Goat was not a part of the offer­ing that was pictured in the Lord's Goat. The humanity was to be destroyed!” Here again he makes much ado about the 'humanity' of the Great Company in the wilderness. He says they don't want their fallen humanity saved. “Let it be destroyed! It is the New Crea­ture that is to be saved!” Well, well, the humanity of the Little Flock is fallen also, but covered by Christ's merit – in the Court – not for destruction in the wilderness. The humanity of the fully faithful is all they have to offer in sacrifice, and they do this gladly, in loving submission as a sacrifice upon the altar in the Court. The hu­manity of all the fully faithful is in the Court. The Epiphany Messenger often stresses – the fit-man experiences of Azazel's Goat are for the purpose of destroying their flesh­ly minds. Of course, in the process of destroying the fleshly mind while in the clut­ches of Azazel, some of their justified humanity will also be destroyed – but certainly the fit-man experiences are not for the purpose of destroying all their humanity! After the destruction of their fleshly minds, they are then cleansed and they will use their humanity in the Court to “offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” (Mal. 3:3)

While undergoing their fit-man experiences in the wilderness they are all double­minded – out of the good side of their minds they try to serve the Lord; but out of the bad side of their minds they serve Azazel. “As these evil qualities grow in them under Satanic manipulation they lead their followers into increasing errors and Satan­-given wrong arrangements for the Lord's work. These revolutionisms arousing the oppo­sition of the faithful, controversies set in, wherein, to defend themselves against the Scriptural truths that the faithful bring against their errors, to maintain a semblance of consistency in their errors, they give up one truth after another.” (E-15:520, middle). This has been markedly true since 1917; and is still clearly manifest in the present­-day controversies.

It is self-evident that here is another picture of the tabernacle on which RGJ is either not clear, or is now revolutionizing against it. If he is now cleansed, as he claims, he would not gloat about his humanity being destroyed in the wilderness; he would know that his humanity has been returned to the antitypical Court, where he could, and would, use it as an “offering in righteousness” unto the Lord. And we are fully persuaded that he would not now be “offering” such nonsense that the 'house' represented the Great Company during the Gospel Age: that “Himself” was for His Body, and the “House” for the Great Company! And if he were no longer in Azazel's clutches he would not have “offered” the other errors he did at this Question Meeting.

This thought is confirmed in Mal. 3:1-3: “Purify the sons of Levi... that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” The “offering in righteousness” is performed by crown-losers after their purification – after the destruction of their fleshly minds; but, if that purification would result in physical death, the only “offering in righteousness” would then have to occur in Heaven, which is ridiculous, of course – confusion worse confounded! Their humanity also suffers in these experiences, but not to the extent of bringing them to death. This is clearly shown in the case of the Corinthian brother (1 Cor. 5:1-5), who eventually returned to the congregation after his cleansing. (2 Cor. 2:1-8) However, RGJ once more made quite a stage performance of how much he desires the humanity to be destroyed in the wilderness. But after they are cleansed their humanity is eventually restored to the Court condition, with the humanity of all the faithful, if they are to gain life at all; otherwise, their New Creature is not saved. “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh (the fleshly mind – not the humanity!), that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus,” (1 Cor. 5:5)

Question No. 2 – Brother Russell says in the 1913 Watch Tower that Christ must reign until all the wicked are destroyed. When the Goats enter the Little Season, are they counted among the wicked?

Answer: “I don't think the Lord would render a decision on them before the trial of the Little Season, Would He? I think this question would suggest something back­ward. If the judge would pronounce sentence and say you are condemned to go to the electric chair before the trial the man would say, Well, aren't you going to give me a trial first? If the Goats are counted among the wicked when they enter the Little Sea­son, this would imply that the reign ends in the final sense at the beginning of 2874 ­at the beginning of the Little Season - and that's not correct!” The balance of his voluminous words occupy more than two typewritten pages, so we shall not consider all of it – the little bedtime stories, innuendoes, etc. – the part just quoted being suffi­cient for our purpose. Bedtime stories may be amusing and appreciated if the sober Truth is given to the questions submitted first – but to take up time for this sort of meeting, when he has to leave many questions unanswered because of the time for such anecdotes, is not appropriate for the sobriety of a Bible Question and Answer meeting.

Before comment, let us remind our readers that RGJ has been most emphatic for many years that “the end” of 1 Cor. 15:24-26 comes at the beginning of the Little Season ­and in this teaching has strong support from a reliable (?) Channel – the Jehovah's Wit­nesses also teach that “the end” of 1 Cor. 15:24-26 comes at the beginning of the Little Season. He even palmed off a “faulty disc” to prove his contention. Now he is openly contradicting that, and telling us “the end” is the end of the Little Season, with which latter we agree. However, it seems that RGJ doesn't know from one year to the next what he does teach and believe. Of course, this is in keeping with the Epiphany teach­ing that part of the punishment meted out to those in Azazel's clutches is that the Lord gives them error to defend. “On this account the Lord will send to them an energy of delusion, to their believing the falsehood.” (2 Thes. 2:11, Dia.)

However, when RGJ says that the wicked have not had their judgment before enter­ing the Little Season, we reply that all who enter the Little Season will do so with perfect organisms, with the Goats lacking only a righteous character – also all the Restitutionists will be fully instructed in righteousness by the time they have at­tained perfect organisms. It will only be due to their refusal to have the Adamic Death Process plagued out of their characters, that they will have unholy heart's con­dition at the end of the Mediatorial reign, and the beginning of the Little Season. Here again RGJ is revolutionizing against Parousia and Epiphany Truth, which we will prove from quotations from That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger.

Consider now John 5:28,29, where the resurrection and trial time are clearly ex­plained in the Berean Comment: “those that have done evil (the goats, etc.—JJH)..... the resurrection of damnation; krisis, by judgment, gradually, under the disciplines and rewards of the Millennial Age.... If raised to instantaneous perfection... there would be no need of a thousand-year trial day”. Apparently, RGJ is now telling us this “trial day” does not include the Goats of the Little Season.

Brother Johnson also agrees with That Servant. He tells us that all who enter the Little Season (the Goats) with unholy heart's condition will not be able to stand the tests of the Little Season. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life (whoever will not have conformed his character to the New Covenant regulations during the Millennium) was cast into the lake of fire (utter, complete and eternal an­nihilation; comp. Rev. 21:8)” (E-17:425, bottom)

Also, “The Goats placed on the left hand represent those who externally reform during the Millennium, but who neglect to do good from the heart – the old men who have not filled their days with good – and who as a result fall more and more into the Lord's disfavor, until at the end of the Millennium they will be in His complete dis­favor, fully on His left hand...

“That those who are found in the King's full favor are in such favor because of the good they will have done, is evident from verses 24-40.” (E-16:179, past middle ­also see E-16:184,185)

Certainly the Goats – those who enter the Little Season with unholy heart's con­dition – will not reform during the Little Season; neither will those who enter the Little Season with good heart's condition fall in the tests of the Little Season: the Sheep have inscribed their names in the Book of Life during the Mediatorial reign. Each Class will make clearly manifest in the tests of the Little Season what their true condition was when entering the Little Season. This is also true during the Epiphany in regard to the Great Company – they make manifest during the Epiphany their heart's condition when they entered the Epiphany: they were crown-losers at the beginning of the Epiphany, but not manifested as such until later in the Epiphany when the tests were applied.

As with the courts of our land – trial, conviction and sentencing do not all occur at one time. The execution of a criminal may not occur for many months after his sen­tencing to death; but the delay does not in any way enter into the trial, conviction and sentencing. And this is exactly what will happen with the Goats. By the end of 2874 their eternal future will have been set – even though it will not become manifest un­til the testing of the Little Season. As Brother Johnson says, the “old men who have not filled their days with good” – and who as a result fall more and more into the Lard's disfavor, the Little Season simply reveals – makes manifest – that destiny, and carries out the execution. “God hath appointed a day” – from 1874 to 2874. (Acts 17: 31 – see Berean Comments)

The Little Season is the final separating time, just as the Epiphany is the final separating time of the New Creatures – as well as the final judgment of all the elect. Just as in the case of the Second-Deathers of the Parousia and the Epiphany, God had already sentenced them before they were made manifest as such by denying the Ransom, etc. Also, all the Great Company had lost their crowns by September 1914, and none of them can regain their crowns in the Epiphany – so the judgment was final at that time between the crown-losers and the crown-retainers. Even though this judgment was not known to us, it was certainly known to God. They were all sentenced as such by the be­ginning of the Epiphany, but their condition as such was not revealed to us until the bright shining of the Epiphany manifested them. So it is with the Goats of the Little Season, “the old men who failed to fill their days with good” during the Mediatorial reign will not be counted among the “friends of God”: they are the enemies of God and He keeps no record of them. All those who refuse to have the Adamic Death Process (the unholy heart's condition) plagued out of them by the benevolent influences of the Medi­atorial reign, will continue with such a character into the Little Season when they will be “cast into the Lake of fire.”

All during the Kingdom reign the “sheep” will be inscribing their names into the Book of Life as they progress up the Highway of Holiness, just as the Youthful Worthies are now inscribing their names (character) into their Book of Life as they faithfully walk a “narrow way”; but not so with the “goats”: their names will not be found in the Book of Life, as are the Sheep, at the beginning of the Little Season – and it will then be too late to do that once the Little Season has fully arrived. As Brother John­son clearly explained, it is during the Mediatorial reign - the trial day – that all names ever to be recorded in the Book of Life will be there; but none will be added after the beginning of the Little Season.

Also the Sheep, who inscribe their names into the Book of Life during the Medi­atorial reign, are the friends of God (Rev. 20:12 – See Berean Comments) – while the Goats, the 'old men who did not fill their days with good,' will not be recorded: God keeps no record of His enemies. If God did not consider them of the wicked, their names (character) would have been inscribed in the Book of Life at the begin­ning of the Little Season.

Question 3 – In attempting to answer a question as to whether the New Covenant will be made with the Consecrated Epiphany Campers or the Jews, RGJ gave quite a dis­course – went over in detail the same errors he had previously presented in the Present Truth. His answer was “BOTH”! Had he given the Truth on this question, as taught in the Scriptures and by the two Messengers, it would annihilate his position that Campers Consecrated come first in the Kingdom blessing. His answer was confusing, and left some of his sectarian devotees just as confused on the subject as they were before. But we believe some of the brethren could see through his “profusion of words,” and “sleight of hand” – especially those who are reading, with unbiased minds, the clear teachings of the two Messengers on the subject. They both taught that the New Covenant will be made exclusively with the Jews – the natural Israelites who have been faithful to the Law Covenant insofar as they are able. All others who come under the New Covenant will have to become proselyte Jews! So his answer, to be in harmony with the Truth, should have been, With the Jews; and all who are in heart harmony with the New Covenant arrangements will have to become Jews if they are to receive the New Covenant blessings. As stated in previous papers, a “New” Covenant could be made only with those who had been under the “Old” (Law) Covenant; and this is clearly set forth by That Servant in Reprint 4575, some of which we quote as follows:

“Under the new regime of the New Covenant and its Millennial kingdom (in the hands of the antitypical Moses, the Mediator of the New Covenant), the Law will go forth from Mt. Zion (spiritual Israel) and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem (nat­ural Israel). The result will be wonderful blessings – mental, moral and physical uplift, freedom from pests, the elimination of disease, etc. The start on the high­way of holiness will there be made and the blessings of the Lord will fill the whole earth. Many nations will perceive and take note and desire to share those earthly good things with Israel. But the New Covenant will be made only with Israel. And the only way in which the other nations can receive a share of those restitution fa­vors will be by becoming Israelites – coming under the laws, regulations and disci­plines of the New Covenant... (col. 2, par. 2)

“The justification of the Millennial age will not be a faith-justification, but an actual-justification, gradually attained under the New Covenant conditions......... With the conclusion of the Millennium all mankind will have reached the condition of actual justification, or perfection through the merit of Christ applied as Mediator of the New Covenant through Israel. And all the world of mankind then perfected will be Israelites, just as all nationalities come to the United States and here become citizens. Thus all nations during the Millennium will gradually flow to Israel and come under the obedience to the New Covenant regulations and thus become Israelites in­deed on the earthly plane.” (col. 2, par. 4)

“And so all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” (Rom. 11:26) And the Berean Comment on this - “From Jacob... The natural seed of Abraham first.” Yes, all nations, all quasi-elect, including Epiphany Campers, will be able to come under the New Covenant – but not as Campers Consecrated: they will all come under the New Covenant as JEWS! In all his “much speaking” on this question he clearly manifests his gross revolutionism against Parousia and Epiphany Truth – because at one time, before inventing his non-existent Class of Campers Consecrated, he taught the Truth on the Jews and their God-given promises to the brethren. And when he taught the Truth on the Jews and their promises, he was quite forceful in his attack against the non-existent Class of the Jehovah's Witnesses – Jonadabs, or Great Multitude.

As stated, there was a large number of questions, regarding which RGJ said he “would have to be brief”; but he apparently forgot that promise. As Brother Johnson tells us, the Good Levites, of which RGJ was a part, were “loquacious and repetitious.” And in E-10:588 is this: “Then these crown-losers proceeded to read more lectures to J., who in silence let them go on, knowing all the while what they did not know – that they were crown-losers and he was the Divine mouthpiece..” And in many of his answers to the questions on Labor Day, we believe it is a sound conclusion that, after his volu­minous discoursing, many in his audience did not even know what question he was discuss­ing.

THE CHICAGO CONVENTION (Oct. 24-26, 1975)

At the Question Meeting at the Chicago Convention the same situation prevailed as at the Labor-Day meeting – RGJ just did not “have time” to answer a large number of the questions; but he did handle two questions (probably put in by himself) that corrected some of his errors at the Labor-Day Question Meeting. One asked was where the New Crea­tures of the Great Company are shown in the Gospel-Age Tabernacle; and he correctly stated that they are not shown anywhere in the Gospel-Age picture, since there was no Great Company as a class during that time; they were all counted as priests in the Holy. At the Labor-Day session he had said that Aaron making atonement for “his house” (Lev. 16:11) pictured the Great Company. We have given details about this on pages 1 and 2 of this paper.

The second question asked was with whom the New Covenant will be made. To this he also answered correctly – in keeping with the teaching of both Messengers – that it would be made with Israel. At Pottstown he had said it would be made with the Jews, the Con­secrated Epiphany Campers and all nations, etc. In the March-April 1973 Present Truth RGJ raised quite some dust about “this sifting errorist” (meaning JJH) for attacking his errors on this subject; but it would seem he is now agreeing with our contentions. His cleansing on these subjects is indeed fondly welcomed by us.

In the 1973 Present Truth he said we were attacking both Brother Russell and Bro. Johnson's teaching that “present-day consecrated believers of Gentile lineage (counted by God as Israelites)” would be given precedence over the fleshly Israelites in the Kingdom; but he has never-produced any statement from either of them to prove his con­tention. Nor will he be able to do so. There is nothing anywhere in their writings that would even hint that consecrated Gentiles in the Epiphany Camp are viewed as Jews; although they both taught that such consecrated Gentiles in the Court during the entire Gospel Age are viewed as spiritual Israelites. This is clearly corroborated in Rev. 7: 4-8.

As respects the Jews in the Kingdom, he discussed Isa. 19:23-25: “In that day there shall be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria... Israel the third with Egypt and Assyria.” He said Egypt here referred to the world in general, and Assyria to the quasi-elect. In E-6:558 we have this explanation: “Egypt here standing for heathen, Assyria for nominal Christians, and Israel for Jews in the Millennium, when only these three classes will become God's people.” RGJ cited “Amos 5:5,” which was probably an inadvertence; it should be Micah 5:5,6. In explaining this text in E-10:114 Brother Johnson states that the Assyrian refers to the errorists of the entire Gospel Age. These were to be found chiefly in the nominal church, which also has contained the quasi-elect; and, while it is true that the quasi-elect have been among the nominal Christians, it is just as patently not true that every nominal Christian has been one of the quasi-elect, because the hypocrites, politicians, etc., in the nominal church have been legion – there only for selfish reasons.

Here are some questions that he should “have time and space” in his Present Truth to answer for the benefit of his readers:

1. Are you revolutionizing against Epiphany Truth (See Epiphany Vol. 15, p. 261) when you teach there will be a tentative justification during the Mediatorial reign? If not, Was Brother Johnson teaching Epiphany error when he said there will be neither a tentative nor a vitalized justification in the Millennial Age?

2. Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:4). Does this occur at the beginning or the end of the Little Season?

3. Both Messengers taught that the Merit would be on embargo in the Court until after the Great Company finishes their course in complete physical death. Is the em­bargo now lifted while the Great Company are still in the flesh, and the Merit now available in the Epiphany Camp?

It should not put too much of a strain upon RGJ to answer the foregoing questions concisely and clearly in his Present Truth – especially for the benefit of his faithful adherents, that they may be “always prepared with a defense for every one demand­ing an account of the hope that is in” them (1 Pet. 3:15, Dia.)

He has been telling us that those Jews who become Consecrated Campers will be among the first in the Kingdom – but the real truth is that those “Consecrated” Campers who become proselyte Jews in the Kingdom will be among the first to receive the New Covenant blessings – after that Covenant has been made with faithful fleshly Israel in Palestine, and after they have “cried unto the Lord.” (Psa. 107:17-20)

It is a gross revolutionism against Parousia and Epiphany Truth to mix the two salvations; it is joining hands with the nominal church that has attempted to do this all during the Gospel Age, which has resulted in Babylon – CONFUSION! There is no doubt but that Brother Russell considered Cornelius a consecrated person long before the visit of St. Peter in Acts 10; but it is also equally clear that the consecration of Cornelius could not win for him any visible recognition from God until “the due time.” Even the Jews who were the intimate followers of Jesus could not receive the Holy Spirit and induction into !he Christ Company until the due time – namely, at Pentecost. What­ever of error may be found in other Truth groups, so far as we know, none of them have attempted to mix the two salvations except the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement, the Jehovah's Witnesses, and possibly J. W. Krewson.

It is our hope and prayer that our efforts to uphold and defend the “faith once delivered unto the saints” on the Two Distinct Salvations, as well as the God-given promises to natural Israel, etc., will better enable the faithful brethren to “rightly divide the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) “But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.” (Isa. 29:23,24 – See Be­rean Comments on Isa. 29:22,23)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: Loving greetings in the name of our Dear Redeemer!

We are sending ten pounds to Brother ------- for your use, two pounds of this is from Sister ------- Sister wishes to thank you most sincerely for your lovely “get well” card.... She is now at home with her natural sister, and walking with the aid of a stick, discarding the double aid for hands. Sister ------- is her natural sister, and they both do the best they can to cope with the daily work. Sister ------- goes to see them whenever she can.

Sister ------- has asked if we can supply her with the Berean Comments, which we have sent to her. In her letter she said she would be sending to us for you the “widow's mite,” so we quoted Mark 12:41-44 and Vol. 6, “The New Creation,” pages 343­-345 to her. She mentioned that you were sending her “Life-Death Hereafter” booklet.

Brother ------- mentioned in his last letter to us that the Epiphany is lasting longer than we expected, and quoted the end might be in 1994..... So it is in the second presence of the Son of Man, and we must be watchful and faithful – and wait on the Lord. We have everything to thank the Lord for – the Knowledge of His Divine Plan, seeing the prophecies being fulfilled in front of our eyes..... Our King is marching on!

Your papers are well written and appreciated by us. Your defense of the Truth against the Error, is right and just. The Lord bless you richly as you seek to honor His Name and Plan. Sister joins me in love to you and all with you, and our prayers. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf! hymn 340.

Sincerely your brother, ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace in the name of our Beloved Master!

I do not know how you got my name and address, but I prayerfully hope it was in answer to my most earnest prayers for guidance in the Truth. My parents were led to the Truth many years ago and, as a child, I was thrilled and excited by the banner across the doorway of our third-floor meeting place in Erie, Pa. The banner pro­claimed “Millions Now Living Will Never Die!” And I still thrill to the message of the Truth. However, my parents, my husband and two of my children have already been eliminated from that “million.” I am so everlastingly grateful that our Beloved Mas­ter has been gracious enough to enrich my life with His Truth.

I must admit to being extremely puzzled. When I was in high school, the name was changed from International Bible Student's Ass'n to Jehovah's Witnesses. I would truly like to aspire to being recognized by Him as being one of His Witnesses, but I know I am so very human and so unworthy that I cannot insist that I qualify – but must only pray that He grants me that designation. I remembered being taught only a short time before to “add not to the borders of your garments,” and I feel they not only added to their borders, but they created a whole new garment cut out of whole cloth to a strange new pattern. So for a number of years I did not attend classes. I don't know the steps of the transition to the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement. Some time after my marriage, my husband and I joined a Bible study conducted by my father, and we were happy in our studies. (This was after Mother died.) Since then, Dad has died and there was no one to lead the studies. My husband and I moved to Arizona and he died three years ago.

In the meanwhile, I have been adrift, searching for guidance in the Truth – and being amazed at things like bumper strips proclaiming “Honk if you love Jesus,” and “In case of rapture, this car will be driverless....... I even heard Ted Armstrong, who, at least, emphasizes the true state of the dead, seeming to proclaim the “meet­ing in the clouds.” I surely would like some enlightening on that!

I am enclosing a small check to be used in your work and will try to send more as the Lord sends me. I must work to support myself, and am selling real estate, so I have no regular income, and my donations will be spasmodic. Please send some of your literature to the following names and addresses.

Is there an existing class meeting in Phoenix? May the Lord bless you richly in your work!

Sister ------- (ARIZONA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle:

I received the packet of Herald of the Epiphany and appreciate very much your sending them at Sister ------- request. I am both enjoying them and learning from them – ­find them very easy reading. Your meanings are always clear, and well expressed.

In appreciation for your kindness in sending me such fine material and in order to help, in the only way I can, I am enclosing a check to help defray the expenses of carrying God's message to a chaotic, troubled world.

Best wishes to you and all the brethren there. May you remain in His love and care.

Sincerely, ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Family in Christ:

Thank you for the literature and book you sent me. I have studied the book and literature, and it is all great! Please send me any other books and literature you can. Please write me soon.

Sincerely, ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

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Dear Mr. Hoefle:

Thank you for the literature you sent. I would like to have the book “The Divine Plan of the Ages.” Thank you! I am a member of that Disciples of Christ Church ­and have been since I was 13 years old.... Please enter my name on your mailing list.

Thank you again! Mrs. ------- (MISSOURI)

NO. 247: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

No. 247

Another year gone – with scientific advancement occurring at a speedy pace. Probably the outstanding feat of the year was the United States and Russian astronauts meeting in outer space and visiting with each other for a number of days.

In agriculture also tremendous progress. One of our acquaintances in Michigan told us he secured 159 plus bushels of corn to the acre; and Michigan is not consid­ered as one of the corn-producing states. When we were a boy on an Ohio farm fifty bushels per acre was considered a sensational yield.

IN FINANCE

In contrast to the foregoing, the financial condition in many countries is de­teriorating perhaps more rapidly than science is advancing. In England, the finan­cial center of the world prior to 1914, there is now 22% of the people unemployed, with heavy trade deficits occurring regularly. In Italy 25% of the people are out of work. Here in the United States (written Nov. 4, 1975) a number of the larger cities are insolvent, with New York City being the outstanding spectacle, and Detroit running a close second. This situation has developed because of the bungling manage­ment and thievery of past politicians. For more than fifty years we have had first­hand reliable information about the thievery that has been perpetrated; and the won­der of it all is that some of these cities have not collapsed years ago. This brings forcefully to mind the words of St. Paul: "They shall perish... they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed." (Heb. 1:11,12)

Inflation – This condition has now advanced far out of control; and no amount of financial ingenuity can cope with it. Labor has priced itself out of most mar­kets. In Detroit we are personally acquainted with a carpenter who receives $9.85 per hour, with double time for Sundays and holidays. Thus, on one holiday his wages amounted to $157.60; and he told us he just could not afford to pass that up, much as he would have preferred to spend the holiday otherwise. To secure the services of a plumber, the price is $20 per hour from the time he leaves the shop until he returns; but he requires the services of a helper at the same rate. Thus, $40 per hour for a house call. And this goes double time for Sundays. We know of one business man who had to have some work done on Sunday – two plumbers and two helpers at $160 per hour. He told us that these men took a coffee break in the forenoon, another in the afternoon; that those two respites cost him just $120. It is little wonder that such expense will be tolerated only under the most demanding conditions.

It is no longer possible to reduce wages. Not only so, but labor is constantly crying for even higher wages. Thus it is impossible to reduce costs; and reducing cost is the only way prices can be lowered. Recently on a downtown street in Detroit we were accosted by a beggar with the request: Can you spare me a dollar for a bowl of soup? A good pair of shoes cost $12 sixty years ago; now that same brand, with the quality reduced, costs $75.

Elevator operators in New York City are currently paid $30,000 per year; and trash pick-up men receive $19,000 per year. Interest alone on the United States na­tional debt is now thirty-five billion dollars per year. The interest item now in our national budget is almost equal the entire budget in 1958. Along with such situations unemployment is on the increase. In the County of Los Angeles, California, there are 870,920 people on welfare; and this staggering load must be borne mostly by business. The US Department of Health, Education and Welfare now requires eighty-one billion dollars a year to operate; another item that must be borne by business. Very few of our politicians have ever had any real business experience; and they are therefore disinclined to sympathize with our businesses.

One financial publication carries this item: "In 1965 (just ten years ago) about 480,000 people were on welfare in New York City; a decade later the figure is 1.2 mil­lion. In 1974 the Welfare Agency accounted for $3.4 billion of the city's $12 billion budget – more than education, more than hospitals, more than anything else. (It is im­portant to remember, however, that 50% of the welfare outlay is reimbursed by the fed­eral government, and 25% by the state.) The agency served 263,000 meals a month; kept 28,000 people in foster homes; it bought 35,000 gallons of liquid detergent, 48 tons of powdered soap, 10,000 mops and 18,000 brooms to clean up its 5.5 million square feet....... " Nobody can agree on the extent of welfare fraud (an especially sticky point with bond buyers), or on whether it makes any sense to try eliminating what fraud there is, or on how to go about doing it. And according to the US Commissioner of Welfare, the Human Resources Administration continues to misspend about $600 million a year by giv­ing welfare to people who shouldn't be getting it and by giving incorrect amounts to people who should."

In another direction one financial expert has this to say: "It is important to recognize what has and what is happening here if there is ever to be a return to a rea­sonable degree of price stability. Much of the inflation now being experienced by in­dustrialized nations has originated in the way governments have taken more out of the economy to finance their programs, than the economy had to give. The central banks in making up the difference by expanding the money supply have progressively diluted the value of the currencies WHOSE FUNCTION WAS THEIRS TO PRESERVE.............

"The assumption that the Fed will go a long way toward making new money available underlies the present expectation of resurgent inflation through 1976. As US Treasury Secretary Simon said: 'We hardly ever do anything in Washington for the long-run good of the country; most everything we do is aimed at the next election.'"

Surplus Intellectuals – "What do we mean by surplus intellectual? Surplus in the sense of there being far more intellectuals than there are employment opportunities with income and prestige and duties appropriate to the self-evaluation of those of us who are intellectuals. There are not enough jobs of the kind that we believe ourselves to have been created to fill, at incomes we believe appropriate to our true worth.... The in­tellectual finds it reassuring to say that the businessman gets his money by luck, or monopoly, or exploitation, or dishonesty, or what have you."

All central banks in industrialized countries will have to obey their political masters, the welfare statist governments, which are desperately spending what they do not have and can only get by creating money from thin air through monetary expansion. It has been wisely stated by some pundits: Listen carefully to what the politicians have to say; then do just the reverse, and you will win most of the time. As we have often remarked in the past – The American dollar is a promise to pay NOTHING. One writer has put it this way: "Further strength in the US Dollar can be expected during the next few months (written Aug. 1, 1975). However the inevitable weakness will reappear in 1976 that will launch the dollar on a downward path climaxing in collapse."

Germany - Says one publication: "Thanks to the Keynesian-age bred bureaucrats in Western Countries and the disastrous influence of Washington on German economic plan­ning, West Germany is suddenly becoming the 'sick man' of Europe. The West German gov­ernment, faced by a continuing recession, plans to start a $2 billion program of public works. Despite a $6 billion tax cut and $24 billion in deficit financing by federal, state and local governments, there are still more than one million unemployed. Forum readers are not surprised to see the chancellor of West Germany running to French Pres­ident Giscard D'Estains for help. France has the strongest economy in Europe.

"The west Germans are so desperate that they started talking about a sort of NEW DEAL ­building schools, bridges, railroads – anything to pump money and jobs into the economy. Last month the German Central Bank lowered reserve requirements on foreign liabilities, adding another $600 million to the funds private banks keep available for lending. To cap it all, the Central Bank lowered interest rates to 4½%. What happened to the Ger­man economic miracle? The same as that which happened to the U.S., Canadian, or any other welfare statist Keynesian economy. Government 'tuned' economy does not work."

Capitalism – Continuing along the foregoing lines: "The Free Market economy of the post World War II of West Germany was turned and turned and tuned in the sixties into a welfare statist 'managed' economy – the poison of capitalism. We have reached the stage now, in this fast deteriorating world economic picture, when more and more people question the survival of capitalism. These critics of capitalism largely con­trol the world of the academy, the news media of the pulpit and of the stage. The greatest enemy of capitalism – provided by capitalism itself – are the intellectuals. It has nothing to do with whether you are bright.... The intellectual's main chance of asserting himself lies in his actual or potential nuisance value."

Said the French President concerning the United States: "It is unbelievable that the most important economic country in the world has no economic leader in the Govern­ment." It requires no great intellect to agree with this appraisal. The prime intel­lects of the country are engaged in operating the businesses of the country; and, as we have observed on occasion: If the businesses of the country were run like the poli­ticians are running the government, capitalism in the United States would have been down the sewer years ago. The capitalist countries of the world seem absolutely unable to manage their economic and monetary situations. And the financial genius that exists in such countries is never given chance to furnish such supervision. Says one commen­tator: "The State of Illinois is going broke. The extravagance of the demagogues is crucifying the taxpayers and rendering the public treasury penniless."

Follows now a summation from another publication: "It is this world that produced the New York City crisis. Those who wanted 'theirs' with no regard to the ability of the city to pay. Greedy politicians who wanted only one thing – to be reelected and then to move on to higher office with a parting cry of 'apres moi le deluge.' Greedy bankers who satisfied the frantic cravings of the politicians for more and more and more money through short-term loans that were death to the city but fabulous profits for the money-lenders. Greed and material selfishness were the ingredients that make up all of the characters of this modern American tragedy and the people who lived for 'now' and who mortgaged tomorrow with the cynical knowledge that their children would pay, are now trapped by tomorrow that arrived off schedule too early.

"Tomorrow is today, and New York City is dying, and so are tens of other urban communities; and soon it will be the states, and after that the federal government bowing before the law that knows no repeal – one cannot indefinitely pay out more than comes in, no matter how insatiable the greed, the passion for material wealth, the crav­ing for 'more.' The disaster is compounded by the frightening reaction to it. A total unwillingness or inability to sacrifice, to cut the living standards to which we have become accustomed and which always were unreal and mad. Unions refuse to consider pay freezes, and bankers turn a cold shoulder to lower interest rates. A city is dying and its population prefers that to an unilateral sacrifice. And more. We have seen the re­action of the police who were laid off. They openly broke the law, blocking traffic just as the demonstrators they, only yesterday, so brutally beat in defense of 'law and order.' They smashed cars, and their ugly hating faces were chilling reminders of how shallow democracy is. Indeed it is at the mercy of an empty pocket, and civi­lization is an army that marches on a full stomach. Woe unto it when that stomach is empty.

"The economic crash that is coming with its unemployment and despair will join the political, psycho­logical and social crisis that grips the country. It is the Jew who will be the primary target of the anger, frustration, fear and hate that will come as a tidal wave across the country, sweeping before it the vaunted system. Now! Now is the time to go home."

Italy – Akin to the foregoing is this about Italy: "Italy has a shortage of coins, so bills in taxis and restaurants often are rounded – up, of course. Some shops and highway toll booths give hard candy or chewing gum as change. In 1974 there were 200 crimes – reported crimes – per hour. That is one per year for every seventh Italian family. Purse snatchers on motorcycles are responsible for many of the hun­dreds of daily thefts from tourists in Rome. The national crime rate is rising ten per cent a year, uninhibited by a court system that can take ten years to come to trial.

"Some cotton firms have quit supplying gauze bandages to the 1,300 government-run hospitals which owe the firms $47 million in bills dating back to 1967. The govern­ment health insurance program owes the hospitals about $5 billion which, when the bu­reaucracy pays it, will help the hospitals pay some of the more than $1 billion they owe creditors.

"The French newspaper LeMonde has said, 'Italy is the only country besides Tibet in which it is impossible to communicate through a postal service.' That is an exaggeration, but many Christmas cards from the U.S. arrive at Easter, and letters can take six months to get from one Italian city to another. Many Italians who live near Switzerland drive there to mail letters to Rome. Last year some enterprising mail man sold 400,000 pounds of mail to a processing plant as scrap paper."

During the past year the Communist party in Italy has made substantial gains, poll­ing almost as many votes as the Christian Democrats, which is the largest party in Italy and sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church. This has caused the Church much more con­cern than meets the eye, and here is what one paper says about it: "Communism holds as one of its prime doctrines the elimination of all aspects of religion. Therefore, it has been understood for years that one of its objectives is the destruction of the Ro­man Church. Because of the economic turmoil in Italy, which could lead to complete chaos, the Church authorities have good reason for their contingency plans for the relocation of the Vatican."

IN  POLITICS

The erosion in the American political arrangement has proceeded very markedly dur­ing the past year; and the future holds little hope for improvement. In fact, things figure to take a decided turn for the worse in the year ahead. Vice-President Rocke­feller has already declared he has had enough; and, while much has been said about his reasons for such decision, we venture an opinion of our own along this line: If we can rely on press reports, he is presently worth about one-third billion dollars; and his annual income is ten million (in tax-exempt bonds). Inasmuch as he was governor of New York State for sixteen years, we may be certain he is heavily involved in the secu­rities of the State and the City. With our President adamant that he is not going to bail out the City, it is quite probable that Mr. Rockefeller will be badly pinched in the squeeze that is certain to follow. In fact, according to reports that are coming to us, it is just impossible to obtain any kind of a bid for New York securities.

A similar situation existed during the depression. We recall very clearly that in 1931 the City of Sarasota, Fla., did not even make provision for payment of interest on their bonds in their annual budget, because, said they, the city had no money with which to meet the payment, so why show it in the budget at all. At that time the bonds they had sold at $100 could be purchased for $20. We are not familiar with the final dispo­sition of the obligation.

However, not all is criticism for our politicians. When the Cambodian Communist pirates grabbed the American ship Mayaguez from the high seas, it was an act of piracy of the rawest sort, and President Ford speedily dispatched sufficient force to recapture the ship and crew intact. Similar seizures were taken by the Tripoli Pirates right af­ter the War of Independence; and this is what history says about it: "For exactly forty years after the Declaration of Independence the United States engaged in a tortuous se­ries of negotiations with the piratical despots of North Africa and at last learned that the only effective argument with a buccaneer was force. In the end, the United States set an example to other maritime nations by exacting at the point of cannon a lasting peace from the corsairs."

But the peace above mentioned did not come until military force was applied. For a number of years a politician by the name of Col. Lear tried negotiations with the Barbary Coast raiders, actually paying them huge sums of money to free our ship­ping from molestation; but those pay-offs brought only more demand for further pay­offs. All of this was clearly seen by soldier General William Eaton, but his advice was not followed until the American government learned from grueling experience that the payment of money only whetted the appetites of the pirates for more money; and it is recorded that General Eaton became so disheartened with the mess that he came home and drank himself to death over the folly of the politicians. Being familiar with Ameri­can history, Mr. Ford was probably fully aware of the North African affair, and profited by it in his handling of the Cambodian pirates.

Another black mark against our politicians is to be found in the following state­ment: "Thousands and even millions of people are now beginning to realize that the Vietnam war was scientifically lost. We were defeated on purpose of the design of men of authority in our own government. Veterans of that war are now coming back tell­ing their neighbors and their friends how they were told, during the Johnson regime, to bomb empty swamps and unpopulated areas – to create the impression of fighting a war." A similar situation prevailed in the Korean war in 1953, when President Truman ordered General MacArthur not to oust the North Korean raiders. The dissension over this mat­ter became so heated that the General was summarily dismissed, which evoked the state­ment from him, when he addressed the Congress: "In war there is no substitute for vic­tory." The present unsound condition in Korea may be placed directly at the feet of the politicians. Had the General been allowed to proceed in a sound military manner, that country would now be a peaceful unity.

Follows now a statement from another writer: "Politics has nothing in common with morality. The ruler who is governed by morality is not a skillful politician; there­fore, is unstable for public office. He who wishes to rule must have a recourse to cun­ning and make-belief. Great national qualities, like frankness and honesty, are vices in politics, for which they bring down rulers from their thrones more effectively and more certainly than the most powerful enemy.... In order to operate with satisfaction it's necessary for us to hold in high regard such characteristics as rascality and slack­ness which produce instability in the population and create a lack of capacity to under­stand even the status of its own welfare. We must never forget that the mind of the mob is blind, senseless and unreasoning. The blind cannot lead the blind without bringing them into the abyss."

As the great Gladstone once said, when asked what essentials are necessary to be a successful politician, that one major item was that he must be a man without self­-respect. This is not universally true, of course, because President Lincoln was known as Honest Abe – and properly so. One of the things that has engraved his name in the history books is that he was just an honest man. During the Civil War, when things looked very bleak, one of his cabinet officials said, I hope the Lord is on our side; to which Lincoln replied, I would rather hope that we are on the Lord's side.

IN RELIGION

The same moral decay is to be found in many religious systems and individuals. Note particularly this quotation: "I groaned and wept when I read a statement from Billy Graham; who has pyramided himself into the reputation of being America's lead­ing evangelist – when he issued a statement to the effect that he would not object to the ordination of men who are homosexuals if they were properly trained for the ministry. Sex perversion among men and women has taken on such epidemic proportions that literally millions of people are using this perverted practice as a substitute for matrimony. One ordained preacher, who confesses that he is a sex pervert, organized a church in Los Angeles not long ago to which hundreds of perverts have flocked, and he gives the community to understand that he wants to limit the members of his church only to homosexuals and lesbians."

A Point Of Law – As is well known to most of our readers, various religious sys­tems have been very determined in securing public tax money in support of their own schools; but others are just as determined that this shall not be so. Says one publi­cation: "In a landmark decision of sweeping significance, the United States Supreme Court, on May 19, 1975 ruled unconstitutional two of the few remaining plans for provid­ing public support for parochial schools. In a 6-3 ruling in the case of Meek V. Pitten­ger, the Court invalidated a $26 million per year Pennsylvania program of providing in­structional equipment, materials and auxiliary services' to parochial and private schools. The Pennsylvania parochiaid laws were passed in 1972 after the Supreme Court had held the state's 'purchase of services' parochiaid plan unconstitutional in 1971, and Americans United and other groups had gone to court to challenge the state's tuition reimbursement parochiaid law."

RELIGION AND MONEY – "Lutheran Agency hit by financial crisis." Under this news heading then appears the following: "A very severe financial crisis, similar to that facing the Lutheran Council in the USA, has hit the Lutheran council in Canada. At its eleventh annual meeting here in early February, the LCIC was informed by the Lutheran Church Synod that its financial grant for 1975 will probably be $25,000 instead of the requested amount of $46,443, a difference of $21,443. The Council's operating budget for the current year totals $173,500."

At Last The Truth Comes Out! Serious involvement of the United States began under Roman Catholic President Kennedy, and we follow with a quotation from another publica­tion: "While the United States supported the French in Vietnam, our country's deep in­volvement began when our support was placed behind the dictatorship of Ngo Dinh Diem, a protégé of the late Cardinal Francis Spellman of New York. Under the Diem regime, the small Catholic mandarin class held most of the political power, top government and military jobs, and wealth, and received a disproportionately large share of American aid. Repression of the Buddhists resulted in Diem's overthrow in 1963. Diem was eventually replaced by another dictator, General Nguyen Van Thieu, also a Catholic, whose corrupt regime was so unpopular that without American assistance it collapsed like a house of cards when attacked earlier this year by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong....

"The century of church-state entanglement under French rule was largely responsible for the 1946-1954 Vietnam war, which this country helped to pay for. Cardinal Spellman and other Catholic Church officials were deeply involved in getting and holding US support for the Diem dictatorship following the defeat of the French. For 21 years after 1954 our country spent the lives of its young men and billions of dollars to support an inept, corrupt dictatorship which represented not the people of South Vietnam, but very little more than one faction within one small, non-indigenous religious group ....

"Nor was Vietnam the only time that clerical interests influenced or tried to in­fluence American foreign policy. Elements in the leadership of the Catholic Church tried to involve the United States in civil wars in Mexico in the 1920s and Nigeria in the 1960s. They failed, but their efforts in the 1930s were influential in prevent­ing our country from doing anything about the clerical-fascist insurrection in Spain that turned out to be prelude to World War II.......

"And now it has become known that the Catholic dioceses of Milwaukee and Brook­lyn, and perhaps others, require parochial school teachers to sign statements pledg­ing their commitment to Catholic values and the Catholic philosophy of education."

The Roman Catholic Church – In further detail on some of the foregoing, we offer this quotation from another writer: "This church demands support from the taxpayers, but refuses to tell the taxpayers what it already has. But the taxpayers are not alone. The members of the Roman Catholic Church themselves receive no financial re­ports from their church's headquarters. It is a well kept secret. The Vatican which houses the central authority of this church has vast wealth and far-flung investments of its own throughout the world. The $75 million Watergate Towne in Washington, D. C., and the projected multimillion dollar Italian Center in San Francisco are examples .....

"The Vatican hides its assets and operations behind a veil of secrecy, and in this it provides an example which is followed by its American branch. A spokesman for the New York archdiocese has even asserted that no record exists as to the total assets and revenues of the 149 Roman Catholic dioceses and archdioceses in the United States...... It is abundantly clear, however, that this church has tremendous financial resources which belie its cry of poverty. What makes the totals vastly more impressive is the fact that all its wealth and income are tax-exempt. All religiously used real estate is exempt and all church business profits escape tax even though they may be totally un­related to the work of the church. Since a corpus can easily double or triple in a generation if it can only escape taxes, it is no surprise that the wealth of the Catholic Church is increasing at about the rate of $3 billion a year... Some of its assets and revenues are as follows:

Religiously used real estate                             $54,000,000,000

Passive income (stocks & bonds)                        650,000,000

Active business income                                     1,200,000,000

Grants from governments                                 4,500,000,000

And this is the organization that is crying for the taxpayers to pay its bills."

It needs no great stretch of the imagination to believe that the Communists in Italy are well aware of all the foregoing, and that they are only waiting for the op­portune time to seize control. This is vividly forecast in Rev. 18:21: "A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea (a picture of the anarchistic masses of humanity), saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all."

Jehovah's Witnesses – This organization has had a meteoric rise from a small be­ginning of about 40,000 in 1917 to about two million staunch supporters now. This has been due mainly to two of their teachings: One, a doctrine of fear – proclaiming that all who do not join them will be annihilated in Armageddon; and they have been preach­ing impending Armageddon for more than fifty years now. Two, by telling their converts what they want to hear; namely, by joining them they will not die, but live through Arma­geddon into the coming Kingdom. Of course, very few people went to die, so they are being told what they want to hear; and this makes it much easier for them to believe this "strong delusion." (2 Thes. 2:11)

But along with their increase in numbers has come a great increase in the errors they are promulgating. The first general public false teaching was produced about 1920: "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" – after 1925. Most of their followers don't know anything about that; and those of them who do remember do not wish to be reminded of it – like the Roman Catholic Church does not wish to hear about their own evils of the Dark Ages, etc. Just forget the past, they say, and take what we are telling you now. The Witnesses adopt the same technique. However, their present teachings on this related subject are showing open sores of decay, because quite a few of their most earnest "dedicated" devotees have died even before Armageddon has arrived; and this requires some slippery explaining. Necessity has forced them to modify this teaching. But they are still adamant in their teaching that all who fail to join with them before Armageddon will be forever lost – that is, be annihilated in Armageddon. So even if they increase their membership to four million – twice the number they now have – by Armageddon, then there will be quite a large number of people who will die in Armageddon, with no prospect of a resurrection, according to them, with only a small number of Witnesses to survive. Gospel means Good Tidings, but their "gospel" is bad tidings indeed to several billion people living today.

In their technical gymnastics of the past fifty years they have almost totally lost the chronology, which they received from their so-called founder – Pastor Russell. About 1920 they made a praiseworthy defense of the correct chronology against some of the deflectors from that chronology, who were advocating a 19-year mistake for the Gen­tile Times, claiming those Times would not expire until 1933. Of course, time itself has proven that the change was in complete error; however, we wish to be fair with the Witnesses by stating they still do teach correctly that the 2520-year Gentile Times began in the Fall of 607 B.C. and ended in 1914. We agree, of course, as this is cor­rect chronology; and we are in full agreement that Armageddon is imminent, although we have set no date for it. However, we emphatically disagree that to survive Armaged­don one must join with the Witnesses or join with any other religious group. There will be some from all religious groups, as well as some who are not affiliated with any religious group, who will survive Armageddon – and we predict there will be many times more of these survivors than there are Jehovah's Witness survivors.

For some years now the Witnesses have been giving 1975 as the date for Armageddon's beginning; but since 1975 is now almost gone (written Nov. 12), they must once more produce another alibi. They quote Matt. 24:36: "Of that day and hour knoweth no man, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only." This text does not say that no man would ever know. We know from the Scriptures that Jesus later did know; and the Prophet Daniel (12:10) tells us that "in the time of the end (the time in which we are living)... the wise shall understand." However, they hold to the Truth that the end of the Gentile Times is 1914, a prediction made by a man – That Servant – thirty years before that date arrived; and Matt. 24:36 was quoted, prior to 1914, from many pulpits throughout Christendom to condemn him although the events of 1914 fully vindicated his pre­diction. In one breath they admit that a "man" who derived this date from the correct chronology, did know the end of the Gentile Times; but in the next breath, to alibi their erroneous prediction for Armageddon, based on incorrect chronology, they tell us "no man knoweth"! "Consistency, thou art a jewel." Thus, once again they are proving themselves "unstable as water." (Gen. 49:4)

General – Big city buses are being held up in the tradition of old-time train rob­beries. About a half dozen such have occurred in or near Detroit in 1975. Also, crimes are being committed so rapidly in the United States the police departments cannot even process the reports. In the one-time beautiful and valuable office buildings in Detroit the tenants are now working behind locked doors, with peepholes to determine if the visitor should be admitted. Also in Detroit bank robberies have increased 50% over the previous year. Indeed, the prophecy of Ez. 7:23 comes vividly to mind: "The land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence."

Among the more cheering items of recent times there has been the discovery of The Dead Sea Scrolls, which establish the authenticity of the Old Testament book of Isaiah. It has been hailed by some as the greatest discovery of modern times.

Due to extra heavy work and some illness, we have not made acknowledgment, and expressed our thanks and appreciation, of the Holiday greetings, good wishes, love and prayers received from many brethren. We now gratefully acknowledge these greetings and heartily reciprocate to all. All here at the Bible House join in wishing our readers cordial good wishes for your good health throughout 1976 – both spiritually and physically. "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Psa. 84:11)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

Epiphany Bible Students Ass'n

Dear Sirs: Would you please provide me with information about any literature you may publish. I am also interested in the background, the history, and the doc­trines of your organization. Any information along this line will be appreciated.

Sincerely yours ------- (SOUTH DAKOTA)