NO. 312: "THINK IT NOT STRANGE"

No. 312

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you,” is the counsel of the Apostle Peter in 1 Pet. 4:12; and in v. 16 he appeals further, “If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” It is often most help­ful to the proper understanding of any text to discern its back­ground, the basis which prompted its expression; and such is definitely true in the present instance. It will be noted in v. 1, chapter 1, that the Apostle is addressing to “the strangers” of the Black Sea Provinces. The Diaglott expresses it much clearer: “Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the sojourners of the dispersion.” Who were these “sojourners of the dispersion”? Apparently, they were such Jews as had been exiled from or about Je­rusalem, or those who had left because conditions there were more or less unbearable for them. It would seem these are the same ones mentioned in John 7:35, when the Jews who were hearing Jesus, “said among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? Will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles?”

Among such dispersed ones, those who had suffered afflictions for some cause or other, there would certainly be found some who were ready listeners to the message that Jesus was indeed the Christ, their Messiah; and it would seem St. Peter had been among them, had convinced some, and was striving to “establish them in the Present Truth.” Of a certainty, those Jews had never seen Jesus personally; therefore, their acceptance of Him had been prompted by the testimonies of St. Peter or others. (1 Pet. 1:8) The prophecy (Isa. 8:14) that “He shall be for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel” was not without purpose. Those Jews who received Him gladly did so from the heart; but those Jews who rejected Him likewise hated Him from the heart – hated also their former brethren who then accepted Him. To some He was the savor of life unto life; to some the savor of death unto death; and the latter snarled the opprobrious name “Christian” at their former fellows, as they spat upon the ground in the same breath, the worst of all insults they could express toward the new converts. Thus, St. Peter was telling such who had become His disciples that if they suffered under the offensive name “Christian” to be not ashamed, but to “Glorify God in this name.”

The expression “fiery trial” in our text is from the Greek purosis, meaning literal­ly “a burning,” being the same word found also in Rev. 18:9 and 18:18 (the word occurs but three times in the Bible), where the “burning” of that Great City which is called spiritually, Sodom, is described. This may be regarded as a fitting sarcasm in contrast that the same word should be used to describe the “sweet-smelling savor unto the Lord” which comes from the “burning” – the sharp and faith-developing trials of the true Christians on the one hand, and the “burning” – the utter destruction of the “vine of the earth” on the other hand. And all of this is emphasized further by St. Peter in v. 17 of chapter 4: “Because the season is coming for the judgment to begin from the house of God; and if it begin first from us, what the end of those who are disobedient to the glad tidings?”

Today the name Christian is often spoken with respect, even by many Jews in the more enlightened countries; the name itself is no longer “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” Now Christians in name only must find other insulting terms for “Chris­tians indeed” (“Israelites indeed” – John 1:47) To many who received “Present Truth” under That Servant, to be a “Russelite” was the most insulting term to apply to those “Christians indeed.” To some, who believed Brother Johnson and his ardent adherents were in the second death, the epithet “Johnson-ite” would bear similar meaning to their fellows as did the name “Christian” in Apostolic times. Thus, we might substitute the words, “If any man suffer as a Johnson-ite, let him not be ashamed” – that is, if he suf­fers such epithets as a faithful footstep follower of Jesus Christ. Let us keep in mind that if we “suffer as a Christian,” because of the Truth, we need never be ashamed – whether it be labeled Russellism, Hoefleism, or whatever opprobrium erstwhile brethren may use in contempt – the same as did the Jewish brethren of Jesus in contemptuous use of the name “Christian.” “As He was in this world, so are we.”

“THAT OLD SERPENT THE DEVIL”

All of the “burning” – fiery trials – of God’s people under the reign of evil have been instigated by “the God of this world,” the evil one; and this has been markedly true of the difficulties of all new creatures during this Gospel Age. This is appar­ent at the very outset of the Age, when “the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession, Christ Jesus” was “led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil.” (Matt. 4:1) The word here translated “Devil” is from the Greek ‘diabolos,’ and is a specific name for the individual Satan – the Devil. It is the same word as found in Rev. 20:2: “He laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Sa­tan.”

We believe the words dragon, serpent, Devil and Satan portray the four unholy at­tributes of Azazel – the personification of evil in completeness – just as Power, Wis­dom, Justice and Love describe the four character attributes of Jehovah – the personi­fication of Goodness and true Holiness in perfection. As the “dragon,” the Evil One, has attempted to devour the Gospel-Age saints by the unholy use of power, just as he through Pagan Rome actually did “devour the child”—Rev. 12:4. Honest opponents are de­voured and crushed by the unholy use of power, just as that great apostate “woman Jez­ebel” used unholy power to become “drunken with the blood of the saints”—Rev. 17:6. But in all of this seeming victory, God’s holy use of power has preserved the fully faithful, has “laid up for them a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give them in that day ... to all those who love His appearing.” As the “ser­pent,” the evil one has been the deceiver, the beguiling tempter, of the Age in a per­verted use of wisdom – Azazel means perverter. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any living thing”—Gen. 3:1, Rotherham; and “The woman was deceived”—l Tim. 2:14. But the “pure wisdom which is from above” has kept the fully faithful during the Age from being “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

As the “devil,” the Evil One has been the false accuser, the calumniator (so the Greek) of God’s people, especially so in the Parousia-Epiphany in the persons of anti­typical Jannes and Jambres, the slanderous false-accusing sifters described by St. Paul in 2 Tim. 3:1-9. And slander, lying, false statements, misrepresentations, bad conscience manifested toward the fully faithful, are they not all an abuse of justice, i.e., “in”-justice? But here again, the “Justice that is laid to the line” has spoken – or will eventually speak – in vindication of all those “whose righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.” Then, finally as “Satan,” the Evil One is the adversary, or opposer of God’s fully faithful people – often using the measurably faithful to oppose the fully faithful – the “buckwheat” class meddling in the affairs of the wheat class, attempting to usurp their office powers. They frequently use the Truth given by God through His faithful mouthpieces to their own advantage, often palming it off as their own – all motivated through a lack of love – those persons “who received not the Truth in the love of it,” and who have been given an “energy of delusion” in return. “Thou hast given them blood (error) to drink”! (Rev. 16:6) But the true love, coming from the One “altogether lovely” provokes to good works (Heb. 10:24) – just as the lack of it opposes such good works, and attempts to promote evil works. Thus, there is clearly depicted the “High and Lofty One, who inhabiteth eternity, whose Name is Holy,” as contrasted with the Evil One who will be “bound a thousand years, cast into the bottomless pit, that he should deceive the nations no more” – and eventually annihilated.

THE PATTERN OF TEMPTATIONS WELL DEFINED

If we “consider Him,” it becomes clear enough that Jesus had His most severe trials at the very outset, and then at the end of His walk on the “narrow way.” After His anointing “with the spirit without measure” at Jordan, He was possessed of a consuming zeal, which so engrossed Him He did not even stop to eat for forty days. It would seem reasonable to believe that, knowing the great import of His mission on earth, and that “the King’s business required haste,” He memorized the entire Old Testament in those forty days, as well as to “rightly divide the word of Truth” on the various Tabernacle types, etc., of which He Himself would be the central figure in the antitype. Accord­ing to His own words a little later, He had instructed those who have followed Him dur­ing the Age that every Tabernacle type had to continue until its antitype appeared ­“Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matt. 5:18; Luke 16:17) Then, at the extreme end of His earth­ly ministry came the most severe trial of all – Gethsemane and the Cross; and this pat­tern is also clearly marked in the experiences of the Apostles – much persecution immedi­ately after Pentecost, with greater climax toward the end of their lives. James was killed with the sword (Acts 12:2), Peter crucified head downward, John thrown into a vat of boiling oil, Paul having his head chopped off, etc. – with all of them having their most severe testings at the beginning and at the end of their narrow-way experiences.

And Satan, master of psychology makes his boldest and strongest attempts when his intended victims are weakest. This he did in the case of Jesus, when He was weakened from His fast and arduous concentration at the end of the forty days. And this he did by evidencing real concern for His physical welfare. “You are hungry and weak,” he had implied, “but You have received the Holy Spirit without measure; you have power to pro­vide your every need; command that these stones be made bread.” This would not only try out the new power He had received, but would provide His temporal necessities at the same time. It might even decide Satan to repent and be converted, to join hands with Him in the work He was about to undertake.

Inasmuch as “He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin,” we may be certain His followers all during the Age would be similarly tried – tempted to use the power of the Truth to their own present advantage; yet accomplish just as readily the work given them to do. Numerous are the examples along this line: Balaam, who suc­cumbed to the temptation (Num. 22); St. Peter “offered money” for the power he had, but emphatically responding that “the gift of God is not to be purchased with money” (Acts 8:18-20); the Gospel-Age builders of Great Babylon becoming “rich., and increased of goods, and in need of nothing,” as they foolishly determined to bring to earth the King­dom of God before “due time” – “my Lord delayeth.” “Money is power,” says Solomon; but it does not bring the power that maketh wise unto salvation; yet it has deceived many into believing they could be the “rich man” in this world, and “Lazarus” in the next. Just a cursory look at our Lord’s course should convince then of their fallacious reason­ing.

TEMPTATION TO USE UNLAWFUL METHODS

At Jesus’ prompt rejection of Satan’s first bit of sophistry, he took up a second mode of attack: “If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. (Matt. 4:6) This task of redeeming, uplifting mankind from the mire of sin, from relieving the poverty and human frailty, so apparent on every hand, just could not be done without some sensational methods; and this has been the thinking of the minds of worldly men throughout the Age. One outstanding weakness of the “great multitude” all during the Age has been this very mistake; thus, they become “doubleminded” – a mind to serve the Lord while using Satan’s methods. They would do great works, win great num­bers, gain great favor with their fellows, yet bask in the smile of Heaven at the same time – a combination never parried by the fully faithful, but readily grasped by those be­fuddled by Azazel, attempting to juggle the “pearl of great price” with one hand, as they juggle “the pleasures of sin for a season” with the other hand. “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare” (1 Tim. 3:6) “The Kingdom of Heaven cometh not with outward show,” said Jesus, and He set us the example of being “meek and lowly of heart.” There can be no argument with the statement, “The entrance of thy word giveth light,” and the great “quickening” that comes upon entrance of the Truth into the human mind has caused the large majority to “think more highly of themselves than they ought to think.” But the jester spoke a great truth when he declared, “Oh, if you would only know how much you have to know that you don’t know nuthin.”

It is a common fallacy of professional men – doctors, lawyers, preachers, techni­cians – to consider others stupid because the general knowledge of their particular vo­cation is so limited in the general mind. This is a mistake, of course, because many uneducated people could have made excellent doctors, lawyers, etc., had they been given the opportunity. It is a sage observation that the big difference between the profes­sors and the students is that the professors read the books first. Therefore, it is sound counsel to all, and especially to the leaders in the church, to consider St. Paul’s words: “Who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now, if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not re­ceived it?” (1 Cor. 4:7)

TEMPTATION TO COMPROMISE

With Jesus’ positive rejection of Satan’s suggestion, there came immediately the third temptation – the temptation of Combinationism, which has overcome vast multitudes throughout the Age, and especially so here in the end of the Age. Satan would have Jesus to join with Him to accomplish His mission. Could not the two of them do it better than one of them alone? Would not two heads be better than one? Satan made it clear, of course, that he himself would be chief of the two heads: “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” This temptation of Combinationism to God’s people has been among the most alluring all during the Age – not stated in ex­actly the same words, of course, but with the same underlying principle. “Money is power,” says Solomon; and this influence is stronger today than at any time in history, because there is so much more of it in the hands of so many more people of differing ideals and desires. The person today who contributes, say, $10,000 per year to his particular church, will not be lightly considered when he states his wishes to the preacher. One great source of strength with the last two Principal Men was their de­cision, SEATS FREE – NO COLLECTIONS. Since they asked no one for money, they could afford to tell them the truth; there was no need to compromise. This revives the story of an Admiral from the American Navy: Deciding to go to church one Sunday morn­ing as he returned from the sea, he walked to a pew near the front, occupied by one lone old man. As he joined the party, he was given reproachful glances, which, how­ever, he ignored. The old man, not to be thus disregarded, took one of his personal cards from his pocket, wrote on it, “I paid $1,000 for this seat.” The Admiral turned the card to the other side, handed it back to its owner with the answer, “You paid too much.” And certainly Jesus would have “paid too much” had He succumbed to the tricky deceit of Satan.

TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION

It is a sound observation that truth is stranger than fiction; and this is illus­trated all about us today. Who wishes to hear the Truth? Even some among former brethren – those who once claimed to love the Truth more than life itself – there is very little of the “hearing ear” any more. And this situation is very evident in Churchianity everywhere; they are willing to listen to and receive almost any kind of hokus-pokus just so long as it isn’t the Truth. Thus, to the vast majority, the Truth is indeed a “stranger,” which emphasizes the truth of Jesus’ inquiry: “When the Son of Man cometh, will He find the faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) And the Berean Comment is most fitting: “The question implies that at that time the true faith (the Truth) would be almost extinct.” (Luke 18:8 – Berean Comment) But for those who do have the faith – the Present Truth – there is the comforting assurance of Psa. 89:15: “Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound (that have an ear for the Truth); they walk, 0 Lord, in the light of thy countenance.” Such have meat to eat that others know not of; to such the Aaronic blessing is sure: “The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” – the peace of God, which passeth understanding.

All of the three temptations of Jesus, which He met and rejected without wavering, have come in principle to all of His followers during the Age, added to which they have also been tempted to sin. It is well to bear in mind that temptation is an appealing suggestion. Without appeal, there can be no temptation. Thus, the statement, “God can­not be tempted of evil” – evil is distasteful to every pore of His Being; just the re­verse of Satan, whose characterization of The Evil One is indicative of the full corrup­tion of evil that pervades every pore of his being. Nor is it any sin to be tempted; sin enters only when we are “overcame of evil.” Therefore, “be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” In all of their temptations, the fully faithful eventuate as “more than conquerors” – they gain the “crown of righteousness” which wins for them a throne. “He that overcometh shall sit with me in my throne, even as I overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne,” is the sure promise of the fully faithful new creatures.

But the Scriptures are very clear that the new creatures who are measurably faith­ful – a “great multitude” – are not such overcomers; they will never gain a throne. At best, they will serve “before the throne” – the throne being the heritage of their fully faithful brethren. After they have “washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” it will also be their privilege to become a kind of police force in the spir­itual realm. And we believe it is sound and just observation that every one of the Great Multitude leaders today has failed in at least two, and probably in all three, of those temptations which came especially upon Jesus – selfishness, error, worldliness ­with the additional charge against some of them that they also fall under the fourth temptation, Sin. As the Epiphany Messenger has taught, Sectarianism is a great sin. During the Gospel Age Great Company leaders have built the sects in Big Babylon, and have perverted the Star Members’ teachings they embraced for their sects. The Great Company is one of the elect classes, but as a class they are not counted as overcomers of sectarianism and clericalism, even though they all must overcome their sins of teaching and practice as individuals if they receive the “palms” of victory. (Rev. 7:9) Thus, we offer St. Paul’s counsel: “Exhort each other every day, while it is called Today, so that no one among you may be hardened by a delusion of sin.” (Heb. 3:13, Dia.)

Another class of faithful overcomers are those who consecrate between the Ages, after the “door is shut” to the High Calling and before the full opening of the Millen­nium – that is, before the New Covenant is inaugurated, and opportunity to consecrate for restitution purposes is available. That Servant taught there would be such class in the end of the Age when no more crowns would be available – a class that would be similar to the Ancient Worthies, and would receive a “better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35) and be rewarded in partnership with the Ancient Worthies. He also saw in later years that they would be rewarded with spirit nature at the end of the Kingdom reign. The following respecting “Those Consecrating Between The Ages” is from That Servant’s writ­ings in the September 1, 1915 Watch Tower, Reprint 5761:

“It is our thought that with the closing of the ‘door’ of this Gospel Age there will be no more begetting of the Holy Spirit to the spirit nature. Any afterward com­ing to God through consecration, before the inauguration of the restitution work, will be accepted by Him, not to the spirit plane of being, but to the earthly plane. Such would come in under the same conditions as the Ancient Worthies who were accepted of God. The Ancient Worthies came in, no call being opened to them – the High Calling not being yet open. But they freely gave themselves up to God without knowing what blessings their consecration would bring, except that they had the intimation that they would, in the future life, have a ‘better resurrection’ than would the remainder of the world.

“Our thought is that whoever under such conditions as these (during the time when sin and evil are in the ascendancy, such as in this our day—JJH), will make a full con­secration to the Lord, to leave all to follow in His ways, and will live up faithfully, loyally, to that consecration, may be privileged to be counted as a similar class to those who preceded this Gospel Age. We know of no reason why the Lord would refuse to receive those who make a consecration after the close of the Gospel Age High Call­ing and before the full opening of the Millennial.”

And it is reasonable to expect a God of Love, Justice, Wisdom and Power to reward such consecrators above restitutionists – those who are faithful and obedient and walk a narrow way when sin and evil are in the ascendancy. The Epiphany Messenger accepted That Servant’s teaching, and was privileged to bring out additional light and much con­vincing Scriptural support for such a class; and we also “continue in what we have learned and been assured of,” and heartily believe that such consecrators between the Ages after the “door is shut” and before opportunity for consecration for the non-elect will, if faithful, be rewarded with the Ancient Worthies with a “better resurrection” and become “princes in all the earth.”

Like the Ancient Worthies, the Youthful Worthies are on trial for faith and obedi­ence, and not for life, but they will be tested and proved worthy if they achieve their goal – the visible rulers of the Kingdom, under the invisible Kings and Priests of God. (Rev. 20:6) “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Cor. 15:24-26)

J. F. Rutherford taught in harmony with That Servant at the outset of his career, but later reversed himself. He later produced a class of his own imagination, calling them Jonadabs, which later became the “great multitude.” RGJ also continued in the Truth on Youthful Worthies in the beginning of his career, but has now replaced such consecrators with a non-existent class of his own imagination, a class he calls conse­crated Epiphany Campers. Both of these groups are now enmeshed in a “quagmire of er­ror” because they have “rebelled against the words of God” (Psa. 107:11) – revolution­ized against the Truth they once received and taught.

We believe that all the Lord’s people would be greatly benefited if they would take heed to That Servant’s admonitions and warning in the Feb. 15, 1912 Watch Tower, Reprint 4970:

“The Lord’s followers are to note how these same temptations are the very ones by which the adversary assails them: (1) He would be their friend and helper and would thereby induce them to violate their covenant of sacrifice by requests for physical healing, physical blessings, which they have agreed to sacrifice. (2) He would suggest to them some wild, foolish way of capturing the world for God by some great exploits or prayer tests. (3) He would have them compromise with the world and its spirit and its methods of church federation and otherwise. We are to resist the adversary courageous­ly that he may leave us permanently, seeing no hope of winning us.”

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” (Eph. 6:13,14,24)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Who is represented by the man with the writer’s inkhorn of Ez. 9:2?

ANSWER: – Quite a few of our brethren believe that That Servant is the only one that is represented in this text; and Volume VII, the Finished Mystery, teaches that Brother Russell is the only one represented in the man with the writer’s inkhorn. We believe that he is the most important part of the man with the writer’s inkhorn; but we also believe that others are included therein – and the following states our reasons for so believing:

(1) If the “six slaughter-weapon men” represent six classes, it is only logical that the “inkhorn man” represents a class also; (2) “That Servant” alone did not put the ink on the foreheads of all that “sighed and cried in the city,” nor did he put all of it on some foreheads; e.g., some who could not read got the Truth from others, and not from him. This is also true of some of the blind. So, too, many were too preju­diced to read until orally they had been taught much of the Truth by others than “That Servant”; while others who did read his writings did not understand many things in them without help of other brethren. Thus the facts prove that he did not, by the writ­ten, printed or spoken word, put the ink on all that sighed and cried in the city. Hence he alone does not seem to be symbolized by the inkhorn man. Although he furnished us with the horn, the Truth literature, and put the ink, the Truth into it, and put it upon in­comparably more foreheads than any one else, yet he did not put it on all foreheads, nor all of it on some foreheads, where it was put. In this, all the faithful brethren under Brother Russell cooperated with him; hence, the symbol includes others than himself.

Doubtless the writer referred to in the expression, “a writer’s inkhorn,” is “That Servant,” for he furnished us with the inkhorn, i.e., he wrote for us the Truth litera­ture, and put into it the ink, the Truth. (3) The seal of God (Rev. 7:2,3) represents the same thing as the ink. The angel here is a multitudinous one – “until we have sealed the servants of God on their foreheads.” This angel represents God’s people in their capacity of ministering the Truth to their brethren who did not yet have it; there­fore, for the end of the Age, this angel represents the reapers, and not Jesus alone, as Volume VII teaches; and for the end of the Age symbolizes the same thing as the man with the writer’s inkhorn, who, therefore, represents all of God’s people in the reaping time in their capacity of teaching their brethren the Truth.

The above is our understanding, but we allow others to have their own opinion of it. It is another matter when some believe that “That Servant” is not individually meant in Matt. 24:45-47, because That Servant had charge of the Household and minis­tered to others of the Household. Our Lord pointed him out individually. So we do op­pose those who think That Servant is a class, because the Scriptures and logic tell us they are in error.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and Peace!

Many thanks for the circulars that we receive so regularly, and which we enjoy very much. The January and February issues are now to hand – and we would like to express our sympathy to you and all at the Bible House in your sad loss of Sister Dunnagan, one of your valued helpers. How providential for you to have Brother Vrooman officiate at the funeral, as a true friend in need.

It has been a long time since I wrote to you when I mentioned H. W. Roberts’ name. We have now received the Winter UN Bulletin and notice another quote from him, as well as your own. Also, his address in Hyde would seem to confirm this is the LHMM brother that we met so many years ago. How time does pass by so quickly! And how true we are living in wonderful times, whether 1984 fulfills something or not. Our King is marching on, and we can have no doubt as to the outcome of the present distress of nations.

We trust your health continues reasonably good, and that Sister Hoefle keeps well ­also your co-laborers. We have had quite a reasonable winter up to now, although Betty’s angina has been playing up rather more than usual, which has kept us more confined to the house than usual. However, we do manage to see Brother Cyril in Darlington most weeks, and he was able to spend Christmas with us here, which we all enjoyed. We have had no other news of Brother Dixon, other than your brief statement that he is now in Ireland.

Please accept the enclosed for you to use as you see the need. Brother Cyril joins with us to send you our Christian love and prayers for your health sufficient to enable you to continue to minister to all with the hearing ear and receptive heart the words of Truth. God bless you and yours!

Sincerely ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Sir:

Some time ago I received Article No. 303 titled “The Law of Moses – Part One.” It was a most interesting article, I must say. I never did receive Part Two, and I would like to know if you could possibly send it to me? I assume it would be No. 304. Thank you very much!

Sincerely in Christ ------- (VIRGINIA)

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Dear Brother:

Please send volumes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Epiphany Studies. Enclosed is $5.50. Do you have any materials by Brother Johnson exposing Rutherfordism other than Vol. 6?

Can’t wait for your next newsletter!

Sincerely ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and Peace!

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I sure appreciated your calling me, and it did seem good to hear your voices.

I was quite surprised when I read the January-February PT that Brother Gohlke published in the Annual Report the same figures he did a year ago. For several years I have set down the figures of the receipts and expenditures, PT and BS subscriptions and Book Fund and comparing them more or less. I had to put the last figures on another sheet of paper, and I was surprised when I found they were the same as last year. How­ever, he stated they were the year before, but the French, Polish and Danish were cur­rent figures. What made me mad was that he insulted you in his article on the Epiphany Campers – that you should be straightened out. I think it applies to him.. Did you notice this in his Annual Report? Some one should write him and ask him about the cur­rent figures.

I think that the trouble on the Memorial began in Epiphany circles in 1951 when Brother Jolly had Brother Krewson determine the Memorial date. Krewson then answered Brother Roy Schnee in the PT. Brother Schnee put out a circular in which he proved from Brother Russell’s Watch Towers that he never celebrated the Memorial before the Spring Equinox. I don’t have a copy now. I think I gave it to Brother ------- years ago – and he may have it yet.

We had some warm weather here last week and the snow is all gone. But it is a lot colder this week. Sure hope all is well down there. Give our love to all the brethren there.

Your brother in Him ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dearly Loved Ones: Loving greetings in our precious Savior’s Name!

You are in our thoughts often and in our prayers. What a privilege to observe the stately steppings of our God! We have been reading Brother Russell’s and Eaton’s debates. What a Wise Servant he was! How beautiful the Truth in contrast with the doctrines of Devils of the Dark Ages.

We enjoyed “Retrospect and Prospect” – also 70 Years Desolation. Hymn 171 is a joy to sing.

 With warm Christian love Always ------- (MASSACHUSETTS)

NO. 311: LOOSING THE FOUR WINDS OF HEAVEN

No. 311

The subject for this paper is to be found in Rev. 7:1-3, which we quote from the Diaglott: “After this I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, re­straining the four winds of the earth, so that no wind might blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the sunrising, having the seal of the living God; and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to injure the earth and the sea, saying ‘injure not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the bond-servants of our God in their foreheads.”‘

Companion to the foregoing is Dan. 7:2: “The four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea.” And related to these two is Dan. 3:19: “Then the form of Nebuchadnezzar’s vision was changed against Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego... he commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.”

It is our understanding that the “four winds of heaven” in these texts refer to the fallen angels – the evil spirits of Jesus’ day, which are counterfeited in the Greek and Roman heathen teachings of the “demigods” – creatures that were assumed to be half God and half man. They are the “giants” (the Nephilim) of Gen. 6:3 and Num. 13:33 ­the demons that were formed through the union of “the sons of God and the daughters of men” – “giants (Nephilim) in the earth in those days... mighty men – men of renown.” The ten spies that brought back the evil report said, “There we saw the giants (Nephilim), the sons of Anak ... we were in our own sight as grasshoppers.” “And the people wept that night” (Num. 14:1), for they were terrorized at the mere mention of those demigods, which permeated most of the heathen religions of that day.

First, to explain the incident in Dan. 3:19-25: The golden image represented mil­itarism in the end of this Age, which demanded obeisance from all sections and groups in the various nations. Of course, many of the Truth boys refused to do this; and the treatment accorded many of them was something to contemplate. It is stated that the fiery furnace was heated seven times worse than had ever been done before; and those of us who were involved have vivid memory of the truth of that statement. Quite a few of the Truth brethren were put to death in some European countries; and, as we recall, a couple of them were slain here in the United States. But many others here were given most inhuman treatment. When some of the objectors came into that detachment they were so bruised they could not sit down, a few of them having to stand while eating for sev­eral days. It is difficult to believe that such abuse went on here in this great United States; but it did!

Names given to the people in the Old Testament often revealed certain characteris­tics or positions among the Lord’s people; and we believe the names of the three Hebrew youths are some of these, and they represent three classes living in the end of this Age the Little Flock, the Great Company and the Youthful Worthies – all of whom had to cope with Militarism, Sectarianism and religious hatred in the warring nations: Shadrach means ‘royal,’ and offers a strong hint to the “royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9); Meshach means ‘guest,’ with allusion to those who are to be “guests” at the marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9); and Abed-nego means ‘servant of the prophet,’ referring to the Youthfuls who are in the same class with the Ancients (Moses faithful in all his house as a ser­vant – Heb. 3:5). Much could be said about the treatment accorded to all three class­es during the first World War, but that is not the purpose of this article.

However, we would emphasize here that the meaning of the Hebrew names is strongly indicative of the truth of these types here in the end of the Age, because there have been ONLY THREE such classes in the END OF THE AGE, the Ancient Worthies having no part whatever in the events that have taken place, because they were not here. Never­theless, we have other very strong types that prove four elect classes – the Little Flock, the Great Company, the Ancient and the Youthful Worthies. These types are to be found in the Tabernacle picture; and especially so in Noah’s Ark, which are defi­nitely and clearly pictured there: Noah and his wife – Christ and His Church; Shem and his wife – the Ancient Worthy leaders and the lesser lights among them; Japheth and his wife – the Great Company leaders and ledlings; and Ham and his wife – the Youthful Wor­thy leaders and ledlings.

Also 2 Tim. 2:20 is a very clear picture of the four elect classes: “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.” The gold – the Little Flock ­and the silver – the Great Company (see Berean comments on Mal. 3:3 and 2 Tim. 2:20); the wood – the Ancient Worthies and the earth – the Youthful Worthies. The great House of typical Aaron, Lev. 16:6; Num. 17:2, 3; 3:6-9, 17-20, consisted of his sons and the three typical class of Levites; accordingly, in the great House of our Great High Priest, there are four classes antitypical of these. And (additionally) vessels of honor (the faithful Restitutionists) and dishonor (the Goats of the next age).

It should be remembered here that That Servant emphasized that the six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures are a direct outgrowth of the Truth to be found in the Taber­nacle. Also, that the Ark types “Christ and the power in Him which will replenish and reorganize society.” The great deluge was a type of the Time of Trouble here in the end of this Age; and, just as Noah and his family began an entirely new Society after the flood, so these four elect classes will also develop an entirely new social order ­“which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people” (Dan. 2:44) – the four elect classes mentioned above shall be the benevolent absolute rulers of that Kingdom.

REV. 7:1-3 – Much confusing error has been produced by faulty interpretations of this text. As example, The Finished Mystery (JFR, et al) explain “the four angels of the earth” as God’s chosen people; but v. 2 says of these four angels “to whom it was given to hurt the earth (the present social order) and the sea” (the restless masses). At no time under present evil conditions are the Lord’s people ordered – or permitted ­to hurt the earth. They are never messengers of wrath; but rather, they are told to “follow peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14); and in Gal. 5:22 we are told that one of the fruits of the spirit is peace.

It is our understanding that these four angels of destruction represent four class­es of humanity, the same having been led into destructive error by a false teaching: (1) the Divine right of kings; (2) the Divine right of the clergy; (3) the Divine right of the aristocracy; (4) and the Divine right of labor. Our readers are all prob­ably familiar with the Divine right of kings, and the evils that have resulted from that obsession. Then with the clergy that same evil has produced the BIG I and the Little You. Don’t try to read your Bible; let us do it, and tell you what it means. We our­selves have known some Catholic priests who have gone into quite a flutter when some member of his congregation dared to ask some questions the priest could not answer. Also, in some countries, the aristocrats consider themselves the stewards and almoners of the earth, whose duty and privilege it is to mark out the domestic course of their hirelings. And with Labor, their outstanding fault is their belief that earth’s prod­ucts belong to their producers.

But these very evils did restrain the “four winds” (the fallen angels) from precip­itating the nations into destructive combat before the “due time”; namely, 1914 ­when the time had come for the glorified Lord to take to Himself His great power and to “rule the nations with an iron sceptre – as the earthen vessels it is breaking them to­gether.” (Rev. 2:27, Dia.)

However, it should be carefully noted that this restraint was to be only “that no wind (the great war) might blow on the earth ... till we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads” (7:1-3) – giving them sufficient knowledge of “Present Truth” to enable them to “come out of her, My people” (Rev. 18:4). But as each respective nation became involved in that war either directly or devastatingly indirectly – then the words of Jesus became painstakingly obvious: “The night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) It should not be difficult to understand that when the three Hebrews (God’s Harvest work­ers) were cast into the fiery furnace, the thought of any more Harvest work was definitely forced from their minds; they had more than enough to “Hold fast that which thou hast.” The time had indeed arrived “That the plowman (the Time of Trouble) shall overtake the reaper...; and the mountains (autocratic governments) shall drop sweet wine, and the hills (liberal democracies) shall melt.” (Amos 9:13) And the progress continues with ever-increasing fury to this day.

THAT SERVANT’S COMMENTS

At the outset it had been our intention to use mainly in this paper quotations from That Servant; and the foregoing introduction has been much longer than we anticipated; but we now offer the following from the Watchtower of May 15, 1911, keeping in mind that the world at that time seemed in such a peaceful condition that only a handful of earnest believers accepted the idea of a world conflagration in 1914, which probably caused the following comments:

“Our recent visit to Europe revealed no more unrest amongst the people than our previous one. Indeed, we were surprised to find so many evidences of prosper­ity everywhere and so few manifestations of violent discontent. Some residents con­firmed this view, while others thought that there is a deep undercurrent of discontent not manifest on the surface. Our readers know that for some years we have been expecting this Age to close with an awful time of trouble, and we expect it to break out with sud­denness and force not long after October 1914, which, so far as we can understand the Scriptures, is the date at which the Times of the Gentiles – the lease of earth’s domin­ions to the Gentiles – will expire; the time, therefor, when Messiah’s Kingdom will be due to begin its exercise of power, which the Scriptures declare will dash the nations in pieces as a potter’s vessel. By that time we think the Scriptures indicate that the Church will be complete and will have passed beyond the second veil into the “most holy” and to perfection of spirit nature by a share in the First Resurrection. Nevertheless, how this is all to come about, as we have heretofore declared, is not plain to us – how it will be that all of the Church class will die before that date, changed in the moment of their dying – “in the twinkling of an eye.”

“But while considering these perplexities, and considering also the fact that we have no fault to find with the chronological features of the Bible, our mind is directed to an old Scripture which suddenly seems to have a new importance. We refer to the statement, “I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth that the wind (the World War—JJH) should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree ... Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” (Rev. 7:1-3)”

Here we would inject the thought that the war did not break out in any country until the saints there had been “sealed in their foreheads.” Although the United States did not become officially involved until April 7, 1917, all the plans had been made by the middle of 1916 to become officially involved, and all our industrial resources were engaged in helping our friends to carry on. President Wilson was wholeheartedly on the side of the Allies, but he used the slogan “He kept us out of war” to gain re-election in November 1916; then almost immediately after his second inauguration in March 1917 he declared war on the Central Powers.

Now more from the Tower quotation: “We have long seen that these symbolic winds rep­resent strife, anarchy, the great Time of Trouble which is held in check by Divine power until the completion of the harvest work, sealing of the living members of the elect class with Present Truth. We long ago pointed out that these four winds let loose, coming together, will constitute a whirlwind, which is the symbolical figure used in the Bible to represent the great Time of Trouble approaching. And this whirlwind corresponds to the typical one by which Elijah, the prototype of the Church, was taken away. Winds always represent false doctrines. (Eph. 4:14)

THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR

“Nothing that we see further contradicts any of the foregoing, but rather, corrob­orating it, throws a light upon it. The additional thought is that these winds or pow­ers of the air, held in restraint, represent the fallen angels, whose prince is Satan, “the prince of the power of the air.” Our thought is that the evil angels would long ago have done injury to the symbolic earth, sea and trees, had it not been for the re­straint of Divine power. Symbolically, the earth represents organized society; the sea represents the disorganized masses, and the trees represent the Household of Faith (or prominent ones in organized society—JJH). The letting loose suddenly of the fallen an­gels will account well for the suddenness of the coming trouble, which everywhere in the Scriptures is one of its particular features – ‘in one hour’ – ; ‘suddenly as travail upon a woman’ ; ‘as it was in the days of Noah,’ and ‘as it was in the days of Lot.’

“Again there is a resemblance between the days of Noah and the days of Lot (the flood burst suddenly upon ‘the world that was’ – just as the fire and brimstone fell sud­denly upon the Cities of the Plain—JJH), not merely in respect to the suddenness of the calamity which came, but also in regard to the violence of the calamity which came, but also in regard to the violence and licentious­ness of those periods. Already human prej­udice and passions are manifesting a heat such as never before was known – and this, not­withstanding the much greater provision of army and police regulations for the control of society. If discontent, selfishness, passion, frenzy, can sway mankind under present conditions, what may we expect when the ‘powers of the air’ shall be allowed to gain a temporary liberty for the very purpose of manifesting the evil tendencies of the unregen­erate heart; for the very purpose of demonstrating that no liberty can bring true happi­ness, except that which is in full accord with the Divine requirement.” (Reprints 4822,4823 – May 15, 1911)

When That Servant emphasizes the suddenness with which the war would come, he did not fully realize just how suddenly it would be. The Archduke of Austria and his wife were driving through the quiet peaceful countryside of Servia, when they were both assassinated. Within two days the armies of Germany, Austria, Russia, England and France were being mobilized. Then Germany gave Russia twenty-four hours to explain why they were mobilizing; and, receiving no answer, Germany then declared war on Russia; and in a few days England, Austria and France all declared war. The armies of Germany swept through Hol­land and Belgium with unbelievable rapidity; the whole European world was precipitated into a holocaust never before seen (“a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation”); the New York Stock Exchange was closed for ninety days; no one could buy or sell regardless of how pressing that necessity might be. And here it might be well to state that the date 1914 clearly pointed the finger to that Servant as the one mentioned in Jer. 1:5: “I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

It should be noted here that “God spared not the angels that sinned, but... deliv­ered them into chains of darkness [the atmosphere about this earth], to be reserved unto judgment [the great day of wrath]” – 2 Pet. 2:4. Since which time they have been abus­ing their freedom; will abuse it yet more in Armageddon; and will abuse it yet more in the fire of the great day, when Anarchy will prevail – “no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction.” (Zech. 8:10) At the end of this tribulation the Devil and all the fallen impenitent angels will be spirited away for a “thousand years.” (Rev. 20:2) However, there will be some penitent angels, which will not be spirited away for the “thousand years.” The Epiphany is the time for the separation of the penitent and impenitent angels, as well as for the impeni­tent spirit-begotten and the penitent ones.

MORE FROM THE WATCH TOWER

“Spared In The Day Of Trouble – ‘They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.’ Like many other prophecies, the words of the Prophet Malachi seem to have a general application throughout the Gospel Age and a particular one at the close of the Age. Eighteen hundred years ago the Lord Jehovah began to make up His jewels. The first of these jewels was our Lord Jesus Christ, who was polished, perfected and taken on high. Jehovah did not cease His work with the perfection of His Son, our Lord. He has arranged that other jewels be cut and polished after the similitude of His Son, that they may shine with Him in the heavenly glory and Kingdom; as it is written, ‘We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.’ (Eph. 2:10)

“The Messenger of the Covenant is, primarily, our Lord Jesus, Who came more than eighteen hundred years ago and presented Himself to those who were heirs of the New Cov­enant – the Jews.

THE PRESENT WONDERFUL TIME

“In the closing scenes of the Gospel Age will be the most remarkable of the world’s history, the Church will then be completed. We are not at liberty to guess when the end of the trouble will be. Whether all of the trouble will come in the next two or three years we do not know. But we think that he most serious part of the trouble will occupy a very short time.

“Let us remember that we are living in most wonderful times. More can be accom­plished in one month now than could have been done in years sometime ago – more in one hour than in days formerly. (The cruising speed of our present-day passenger airplanes is about 625 miles per hour. When Jesus was here the finest of horses could do little more than ten miles per hour; and that they could not continue for more than an hour or two—JJH) We are still in the waiting attitude, so that the Lord can indicate His will in the matter for us. We believe that the year 1915 will be even more wonderful than the present. We fully believe that the year 1914 will see the end of the Gentile Times for we cannot find even one flaw in our Bible chronology. (Because of the great calm that prevailed in 1913, we were told by some brethren that Brother Russell selected some of his leading helpers, and asked them to check minutely as it is compiled in Parousia Vol. 2; but they could find nothing wrong with it—JJH)

“We do not claim infallibility. To err is human. If, therefore, the Father per­mits us to blunder in respect to His word in this matter, nevertheless, He will undoubt­edly have a great blessing for us. And if it should be that the year 1914 should not mark the close of the Gentile Times, we would still believe that the time could not be far distant; for the nearer we come to that time, the nearer we see the fulfillment of the things which the Scriptures indicate will then occur.” (Reprints 5119, Oct. 15, 1912)

And in Parousia Vol. 2, p. 101, par. 1, there is this: “Be not surprised then when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, and it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A. D. 1878, and that the battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14) will begin in A. D. 1914, and that it will end in the complete overthrow of earth’s present ruler­ship. The gathering of the armies is plainly visible from the standpoint of God’s Word.”

“Since the Church of Christ, which has been developing during the Gospel Age, is to be associated with her Lord in the great restitution work of the Millennial Age, the first work of Christ at the Second Advent must be the gathering of His elect Church, to which reference is made by the Prophet (Psa. 50:5), saying, ‘Gather my saints together unto me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.’ This gathering or harvest­ing time is in the lapping period of the two Ages. As will be shown, it is a period of forty years, which both ends the Gospel Age and introduces the Millennial Age. (Vol. 1, pp. 219-221, & Chart of the Ages) This harvest period not only accomplishes the separa­tion of wheat from tares in the nominal Gospel Church, and the gathering and glorification of the wheat class, but it is also to accomplish the burning ‘destruction) of the tares, or imitation wheat, not as individuals (the fire is symbolic as well as the tares), and the gathering and destruction of the corrupt fruitage of the Vine of the Earth (human ambition, greed and selfishness), which has been growing and ripening for centuries in the kingdoms of this world and in the civil and social organizations among men.” (Par. Vol. 2, pp. 104-105)

Also from Par. Vol. 2, p. 77, par. 5: “Fifthly, that by that date (the end of the Gentile Times—JJH), or sooner, Israel’s blindness will begin to be turned away (pub­lished in 1889—JJH); because their ‘blindness in part’ was to continue only ‘until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in’ (Rom. 11:25), or, in other words, until the full num­ber from among the Gentiles, who are to be members of the Body of Christ, would be proba­tionally selected.”

Further from p. 78, par. 1: “Seventhly, it will prove that before that date (em­phasis by That Servant—JJH) God’s Kingdom, organized in power, will be in the earth and then smite and crush the Gentile image (Dan. 2:34) – and fully consume the power of these kings. Its own power and dominion will be established as fast as by its varied influ­ences and agencies it crushes and scatters the powers that be, civil and ecclesiastical­ly, iron and clay.”

From the above it is clear enough that Brother Russell believed when first publish­ing Vol. 2 in 1889 (25 years before 1914) that all the saints would be selected by the end of the Gentile Times. However, after 1914 he did say the High Calling was still open. He came to that conclusion because so many were then coming into the Truth; but he did not realize that most of those were members of antitypical Lot, who began to flee from that “great city, which spiritually is called Sodom” (Rev. 11:8) when the fire and brimstone began to fall on Christendom with the outbreak of World War One. We are told of quite a few who had been waiting to see if Brother Russell’s 1914 date would prove correct – and they then left Babylon when the happenings did prove the date to be correct.

Here we should keep in mind, however, that not all of such were of antitypical Lot, as some of the saints did not come into the Truth until Passover 1916; but those saints were all sealed in the forehead before their native country was engulfed in the War; but the “night wherein no man could work” arrived when the respective countries became in­volved, at which time “the plowman (the plowshare of Trouble) overtook the reapers.”

But Brother Russell still taught that the Kingdom began to be set up in the Spring of 1878; and we agree with that conclusion. Most of our readers know than the “stone” is the Little Flock; and Brother Russell says this in Par. Vol. 1, p. 255:

“The stone cut out of the mountain without hands, which smites and scatters the Gentile powers, represents the true Church, the Kingdom of God. During the Gospel Age this ‘stone’ kingdom is being formed, ‘cut out,’ carved and shaped for its future posi­tion and greatness – not by human hands, but by the power or spirit of the truth, the invisible power of Jehovah. When complete, when entirely cut out, it will smite and de­stroy the kingdoms of this world. Not the people, but the governments, are symbolized by the image, and these are to be destroyed that the people may be delivered. Our Lord Jesus came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.—John 3:17.”

In view of the fact that the kingdoms of this world are being scattered and smitten after the end of the Gentile Times – 1914 after World War One began – we conclude that the reaping part of the Harvest was indeed a forty-year period – from 1874 to 1914. (To be concluded in Part Two.)

“Therefore, Beloved, seeing ye know these things Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.” (2 Pet. 3:17,18)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Would you please give your comments on “A Reply to Attacks on Tabernacle Truth” in the January-February 1981 PT, pp. 11-14?

ANSWER: – At first we thought to ignore August Gohlke’s attempt to substantiate his errors on Tentative Justification, Campers Consecrated, etc., since we have ably refuted these errors in our past papers. AG is simply repeating the errors he learned from RGJ. However, since some of our readers would like to have our comments, we will give them as briefly as possible.

On p. 12, col. 1, par. 6, AG says we (JJH) “follow a course similar to JFR.” JFR made a total denial of Tentative Justification, saying it was not taught in the Bible. AG knows that we have defended Tentative Justification and upheld it as taught by That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger, so he makes this statement knowing it to be a false and slanderous accusation. We have repeatedly cited Rom. 4:9-11 in proof of Tentative Justification, just as did the Epiphany Messenger in refuting JFR’s error. To refresh AG’s memory we are sending him our September 1976 article, No. 255, “Justification in This Age and in the Next Age.” Copy of this issue will be gladly sent free to any who request it.

AG cites E-10:209 in proof of his contention, just as other errorists have done – ­cite Scriptures and quotations that refute their errors. And this very citation by AG should be one Epiphany Truth that he should shun, in view of the perversion of Tenta­tive Justification and consecration the LHMM upholds. In E-10:209 it is stated that “in the finished picture the Epiphany Camp will consist of the repentant and believing UNCONSECRATED Jews and Gentiles.” We accept this Epiphany Truth, “knowing of whom we have learned it.” (2 Tim. 3:14) AG should make it clear whether he teaches we are in the “finished picture” of the Epiphany or whether we are not. Either way he chooses, ac­cording to the teaching of the Epiphany Messenger, the LHMM has been teaching gross error since 1954. If we are in the “finished picture,” then the Camp now contains only the “repentant and believing” UNCONSECRATED Jews and Gentiles; and if we are not, then the gate to the Court is still open, and Youthful Worthiship is available.

Brother Johnson often stressed that only the Star Members (God’s special Mouth­pieces) could bring forth a new doctrine – that others attempting to do this would bring out error; but that didn’t bother RGJ as he saw new Light (?) and produced a new doc­trine – Epiphany Campers Consecrated, which has set aside opportunity for Youthful Worthi­ship before restitution sets in, as taught by That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger. His Campers Consecrated will be first and chief in the Kingdom, he says, setting aside the teaching of the Apostle Paul, That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger. No Levite, whether cleansed or uncleansed, is permitted to bring forth a new doctrine. However, ac­cording to the Epiphany teaching all Great Company members must be fully abandoned to Azazel before they can be cleansed; and to be fully abandoned they must have brotherly fellowship withdrawn from them. (See E-15, pp. 525,526) Brother Johnson only withdrew priestly fellowship from RGJ, but never brotherly fellowship. So RGJ was an uncleansed Levite at the death of the Epiphany Messenger.

That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger both taught that restitution would be “to the Jew first” – at the beginning of the Kingdom and its end – that all restitutionists will have to become Jews if they get eternal life. As Brother Russell has repeatedly taught, the Kingdom will be Israelitish. (See Parousia Vol. 1, p. 294, par. 1) Even if we had no clear teaching from the last two Star Members, we have the inspired Scriptures which are crystal clear. The Apostle Paul’s words would be sufficient to refute the JW’s on their “Great Crowd,” and the LHMM on their Campers Consecrated – “to the Jew first.” (Rom. 1:16) The fully faithful Little Flock of this Gospel Age are recorded as Jews (Rev. 7:4-8) – although the majority of them have been Gentiles, And to this we would add the words of Jesus Himself: “Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship: for salvation is to the Jews.” (John 4:22)

Let our readers note carefully that AG makes copious reference to the teaching of RGJ, just as RGJ referred to his past errors to support his present errors. It gives us no pleasure to refute the errors of our erstwhile brethren, with whom we have had sweet fellowship, but “necessity is laid upon me” (1 Cor. 9:16) if we would faithfully “con­tend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3) – not the “faith” that was delivered to the Levites, the Great Company.

It would encourage AG’s adherents if he would tell them how many Jews have joined up with him, and have become Epiphany Campers Consecrated in order to become “first” in restitution blessings. We have tried to be brief, but we trust not too brief to make our position clear. However, it will be our pleasure to send some of our back papers on the subjects to those who request them.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren:

Please continue sending me the month publications as you have done in the past. Hope this contributes to some of the expense connected with it. Thank you very much! it is a privilege to receive and read them.

May the Lord’s blessings continue to be yours. ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Brother Hoefle:

Hopefully this letter finds you and all at the Bible House in good health. We continue to enjoy, and are spiritually nourished by your news letters. Please continue to send them.

Could you please send us a copy of the book on Pastor Russell’s sermons? Please answer. What significance does the 1980’s hold in Bible prophecy ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

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Dear Brethren:

Just a note to thank you for your Christmas greetings and extend to you our best wishes for the New Year.

Thank you for the monthly papers. I am well pleased with the articles you write. I am looking forward to the forthcoming issues. May God continue to give you strength and grace to present these to the brethren. Thank you and God bless you all!

With love ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Shalom!

May I again thank you for your welcome letters of recent date and the enclosures “Retrospect and Prospect.”

Please also thank your beloved wife to her goodly words. What a blessing to have such a dear partner as YHVH has so lovingly guided your way via her parents by medium of your Zionist article. And having been associated with a Jewish Judge only goes to prove how our Creator prepared her for the sacred work she is presently engaged in with you.

Recently, your brother David was elected president of the UN Correspondents Asso­ciation. The attached article by Richard Yaffe may interest you.

May this find you and yours joyfully in good health doing the Labors of our King and Redeemer YHVH of Hosts who is today judging all nations.

Faithfully ------- (NEW YORK)

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Dear Hoefle Family:

You would have heard from me earlier except that I was somewhat under the weather. Gertrude and I have been having the same symptons – not a cold or flu but just felt tired and aching. We both feel better today. What I really want to know is how you all are getting along.......

The March and April papers just came and I’m anxious to get into them. January and February numbers were so full of good things! Just wish I could remember everything from one month to another..........

Christian love ------- (OHIO)

NO. 310: THE LAW OF MOSES - PART TWO

No. 310

The Scriptural analysis of The Law of Moses is much more extensive than we had an­ticipated, believing at the outset that one paper would be sufficient; later events have determined us to now offer the second paper on the subject. So we proceed with an analysis of the 2nd Chapter of Galatians:

“I went up (to Jerusalem) by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preached among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation (the other Apostles), lest by any means I should run or had run, in vain. (v. 2) But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised (not be­ing under the Law of Moses): (v. 3)

“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus (freedom from the Law of Moses), that they might bring us into bondage. (v.4) ‘To whom not even for an hour did we yield by sub­mission; in order that the truth of the glad tidings might remain with you, not entan­gled again with the yoke of bondage’ (yoke of the Law of Moses – v. 5, Diaglott transla­tion: also see Gal. 5:1,13)

“Those who seemed to be... somewhat in conference added nothing to me: (v. 6) But contrariwise, when they saw the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me (freedom from the Law of Moses), as the gospel of circumcision was unto Peter; (v. 7) For he – the Lord – that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circum­cision – the Jews – the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles): (v. 8)

“And when James, Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship (knowing that these two were preaching freedom from the Law of Moses); that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision. (v. 9)

“When Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face in that he was to be blamed (v.11 – for trying to make distinction between the Jews – under the law – and the Gentiles, who were not under the Law). Before certain persons came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated him­self (forgetting the truths he learned at the time of the conversion of Cornelius—­Acts 10:44-48), fearing them which were of the circumcision. (v. 12)

And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was car­ried away with their dissimulation. (v. 13) But when I saw that they walked not up­rightly according to the truth of the gospel (that the Gentiles were not then, and never had been under the Law), I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? (v. 14 – Paul had a very fine logical mind, and he was emphat­ically demonstrating it here)

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even as we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (v. 16 – There could be no plainer words to express this truth) I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. (v. 19 – “We walk by faith”) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”); and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. (v. 20) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (v. 21 – No need for a savior if we are al­ready justified by the works of the Law)

There are numerous other Scriptures that could be given here, but we believe the foregoing are quite sufficient to any one reading without prejudice. Jesus and the Apostles are very clear in enumerating what our conduct should be – covering the moral concepts of the Ten Commandments – but they never at any time said that we should keep the Ten Commandments, which would have all the sins we should not commit. Nor is our purpose to tell any one they should not keep the moral laws of the Ten Commandments (ten words) as best they can, just as did the faithful Jews, because it is a perfect law. However, keeping Saturday, or the Sabbath, is not a moral law – although it would be well for us to keep a day out of every seven to rest and have more time for the wor­ship and study of God’s word. There is no emphasis by Jesus or the Apostles to “keep the sabbath day holy” – although Jesus was born under the Law and He kept the Sabbath, as well as all the Ten Commandments, as only a perfect man could do. But the Pharisees criticized Him, saying that He broke the Sabbath.

CONCERNING THE SABBATH

In the fourth “Word” of the decalogue we are told, “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.” (Ex. 20:8-11) Thus, it needs no argument that the Sabbath is an indis­pensable part of the Ten Words. And, if the other nine “Words” are binding upon us (Gentiles and Christianized Jews), then this fourth “Word” is also binding upon us. But here again, we find no place in the New Testament where we are commanded to keep the Sabbath. Nor is there any record that the Apostles kept it after the departure of Jesus. In fact, no Commandment was given by Jesus or the Apostles to the Church to keep the Sabbath.

But the record is very clear that the Apostles and others did observe Sunday in much the same manner as the Jews attempted to keep the Sabbath, altho, even here, none of them advocated the exacting restrictions for Sunday that the Jews had been doing for Saturday. However, it is very clearly of record that this fourth “Word” was cre­ating some uproar among the early Christians, which prompted the Apostle Paul to write: “Let no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day... or of the sabbath days.” (Col. 2:16) In 1 Cor. 16:2 there is something that clearly militates against the Saturday Sabbath: “The first day of the week (Sunday) let every one of you lay by him in store,” etc. Also, Acts 20:7: “The first day of the week (Sunday) the disciples came together to break bread.”

Furthermore, Rom. 14:5: “One man esteemeth one day above another: another es­teemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Some Chris­tians have what is almost a fanatical obsession about observing Saturday as the Sabbath; but it should be clear enough from these Scriptures that the Apostle Paul was not one of them. However, we would not advise vituperative wrangling with those who hold to Saturday; rather, we would lay hold upon Paul’s words “esteem every day alike.” We believe this is sound solid ground for all who name the name of Christ in sincerity and in Truth, although we are very much in favor of having at least one day each week – Satur­day if you like; Sunday if you like – for rest from physical labor or business a rec­ognized arrangement throughout every sect of Christendom

So strongly had this Sunday observance become fixed in the minds of the Christian world, that it had become impossible to dislodge it. After the French Revolution ­which followed rapidly upon the heels of the American Revolution – the atheistic revo­lutionairies determined to obliterate every vestige of Christianity, so they decreed a ten-day week; but they soon learned that their ten-day week was fully unworkable; and the French are now back on the seven-day week and the general observance of Sunday as the day of rest.

Not only do we have seven days in a week, but we also have seven churches and seven spirits (Rev. 1:4; 3:1); seven seals (Rev. 5:1); seven horns and seven eyes (Rev. 5:6); seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2; seven thunders (Rev. 10:3); seven last plagues (Rev. 15:1); and seven vials (Rev. 21:9). From all these citations it should be apparent that the figure seven is a Divine number, and should not quickly be set aside in any of our calculations.

And, in a final effort to stop all argument about this matter, we now quote Rev. 1:10: “I (John the Apostle) was in the spirit on the Lord’s day” – not Saturday, but Sunday. And this is that “disciple whom Jesus loved,” who was reclining in His bosom on that last night when He gave those sweeping instructions to His “friends.” Indeed, to the Christian every day is Sabbath, every day should be used as holy to the Lord, and nothing should at any time be done contrary to the Divine will or the principles of right­eousness and the Divine government. Jesus’ declaration that He was Lord of the Sabbath reminds us afresh of St. Paul’s declaration that God the Father rested from His work on the seventh day; He left the work entirely for Jesus to do. The seventh day of Jeho­vah’s rest was one of the great days of the creative weeks – each being seven thousand years long. “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” (Heb. 4:10) And those who have thus entered will have “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding” – and He shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)

SOME TELLING COMPARISONS

It needs little argument that the Law of Moses is among the most prominent of Old Testament teachings, the Ten Commandments being the central point of this Law. And with this great truth staring us in the face, is it not most strange that the Ten Command­ments – as such – are not even mentioned in the New Testament? It is true that Jesus referred to them when He speaks of the Law; and they are indirectly recognized in a few other instances, but without specific declaration of the Ten Commandments. Is it indeed not strange that Jesus would have definitely stressed them, had it been the Divine purpose that we are now judged by the Ten Commandments as was true with the Jews in the Old Testament? Yet we have this in John 14:21: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them he it is that loveth me.” And the question properly injects itself here: What are His Commandments?

Before discussing His Commandments, we would stress once more that the Law given to Israel at Mount Sinai – and summarized in the Ten ‘Words’ – was not given to any other nation or people. However, we would emphasize that it is upon the Jew still (ex­cepting those that have accepted Jesus and become Christians), and is a bondage upon them only because it was made a part of God’s Covenant with that nation. That Covenant was to give them certain special and exclusive blessings – if they would keep it; and certain punishments if they would not keep it. As to the Gentiles, they have been more or less a Law unto themselves, regulated somewhat by the exacting laws of nature, and the sins of the fathers have been visited upon the third and fourth generation. (Ex. 20:5) Most of us have witnessed some of the terrible results of such visitation, but we shall not discuss them here.

However, we make note here once more that none of the Jews received the blessings promised by that Law – because none of them could keep it, try as some of them honestly did. St. Paul says of himself that he was “a Pharisee of the Pharisees”; and of the three prominent sects in Israel – the Pharisees, the Saducees and the Essenes – the Pharisees were most zealous in their attempt to keep the Law. But, as the great Apostle says of himself – What he thought was life unto life for him, proved death unto death un­to him. Thus, we find in his writings, as above described, why he was so outspoken in his discussions regarding the inability of the Jews to keep that Law. And Jesus Himself had said unto them, “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?” (John 7:19) But we would add here also that those Ancient Worthies who strove faithfully and loyally to keep the Law will in due time receive their reward therefor. (Heb. 11:38-40)

THREE COMMANDMENTS FOR CHRISTIANS

Followers of Jesus from amongst the Gentiles – true Christians – never were under the Law of Moses. Such come into God’s family under a different covenant – the one which reads, “Gather my saints together unto me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Psa. 50:5) Jesus, after keeping fully all the conditions and require­ments of the Law Covenant – under which He was born – was permitted to respond to this Covenant of Sacrifice. He was the first, the Chief, the Head of the Household of Saints who entered into this covenant of sacrifice with God – agreeing to sacrifice His earthly life and all its rights in the doing of the Father’s will even unto death. It was His faithfulness in this that gained for Him the better resurrection to glory, honor and immortality.

THE FIRST AND SECOND COMMANDS

Speaking of the spirit of the Law, applicable to angels, to the world of mankind, and to Christians, Jesus declared it to be briefly comprehended in two commandments. The first of these is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, being and strength.” The second is, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Every Chris­tian and every angel recognizes that law and feels a responsibility to it to the extent of his ability; but neither angels nor Christians are under the Law Covenant – that Cov­enant was made only with the nation of Israel.

Every follower of Jesus should realize that if he has enlisted under the banner of Divine righteousness and truth, he has pledged his very life in this service as a soldier of the cross. How then could he do less than his very best in loving and serving his heavenly Father with all his mind, being and strength? How could he decline the Divine requirement to love his neighbor as himself – to be kind, generous, and not selfish? True, he may find difficulty in devoting all of his mind and strength to the Lord, and in dealing in perfect fairness with all his fellow-creatures. But this is the true Christian’s desire and intention; and to accomplish this he must strive daily, and war a good warfare against his inherited and acquired weakness.

OUR THIRD COMMANDMENT

At first it might appear that the two commandments mentioned above include every­thing that could be required by justice; and so they do. Justice requires nothing more than what these two commands include. Why then a third one – a new one over and above anything required by justice? In answer we would reply that this third command­ment is only to those who become the disciples of Jesus. He voluntarily put this regu­lation upon Himself, and offered His life sacrificially – something that was not justly required of Him.

Jesus, therefore, did more than the Mosaic Law required of Him. Therefore, when ex­plaining to His disciples what would be required of them – something which would grant them a share in His kingdom – He declared a third commandment: “A new commandment I give unto you – that ye love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) This was a part of His last comments to them the night before He died on the cross. St. Paul points out that Christ loved us to the extent of dying for us – “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” – and “Ye are my friends.” Thus all of the true followers of Jesus – Christians to the fullest degree – should likewise count it a joy and a privilege to lay down their lives in the service of their brethren. “Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.” (1 Pet. 2:21); “We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)

This commandment goes far beyond the requirements of the Mosaic Law – a law of strict justice toward all men. But toward those of our brethren in the Household of Faith we must go beyond the strict requirements of justice: We are to love them, as He loved us, and gave Himself for us. This may at first seem an easy matter; but, when we consider that “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called (to be “footstep followers”)... but God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (l Cor. 1:26, 27); then it becomes much easier for us to understand this third commandment. Jesus Himself was far superior to those humble fishermen He had attracted unto Himself; yet St. Paul tells us, “He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” (Heb. 2:11) “Hereby we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” (1 John 3:14) This sort of conduct is not even mentioned in the Law at all. The Ten Commandments are a very far step be­low the “new commandment,” which Jesus gave the night before He died; and a proper appraisal of this point will enable us readily to analyze properly the Law of Moses and place it in proper perspective with the “new commandment” given us by Jesus. We must remember that a faithful Christian not only keeps the moral laws of the Ten Commandments to the best of his ability, but in addition to that he should live above the Law of justice, sacrificing his all in the service of the Lord, the Truth and the breth­ren. No one is commanded to do that except those who have made a “covenant by sacrifice” with God.

GOD’S GREAT COVENANTS

The Old Testament offers three great covenants between God and man. The first of these was the oath-bound covenant made with Abraham: “By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, because ... thou hast not withheld thy son ... In blessing I will bless thee, .... thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand of the seashore ... And in thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 22:15-18) Of the three covenants, this one is the only unilateral covenant. Herein God promises to do certain things without demanding any agreement of price or cooperation. Also, we should keep in mind that at the time this covenant was declared there was no written Bible. That did not come until Sinai, the Law Covenant made with Moses as Mediator. And the third is the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34). Thus, Abraham had no written precedent for what he did ­simply because the angel of God told him to do it.

St. Paul writes of Abraham that he was “the father of the faithful” (Rom. 4:16), and that faith would be the justifier of all who followed in his steps. Also in Rom. 4:15 the same Apostle says “the Law (of Moses) worketh wrath” to all who seek justifica­tion under it. Paul eulogizes this unilateral covenant with Abraham (which should even­tually bless us all through faith): “When God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swear by himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee.” (Heb. 6:13, 14)

But there was some purpose in the Law Covenant, and let us not overlook that: It not only manifested the pathetic weakness of the Jews, but it also provided certain typ­ical transactions and prophecies, which benefited the Jews; but benefited even moreso those who would accept Jesus – become Christians – during this Gospel Age.

The Abrahamic Covenant needed no mediator; it was unilateral and self-sufficient. But such was not the case with the Law Covenant. Moses mediated that covenant, because it offered certain advantages to the Jews, as it also required from them certain compli­ances – which they promised to do, but were unable to comply because of their inherited weaknesses. Moses – great intellect and grand character that he was – recognized this vaguely; and St. Peter comments on this in Acts 3:22,23: “Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like un­to me (Jesus primarily, and those who would truthfully and faithfully join His Chris­tian army); him shall ye hear.” That “prophet” has been developing during this Gospel Age, but will not become operative in its grandest fullest sense until the New Covenant is established, with the Christ as Mediator a better, a perfect antitype of Moses at Sinai.

The New Covenant will have a Mediator until all Adam’s race will have been per­fected physically. At the beginning of the Little Season the Mediator will step out and the perfected race will stand trial for life or death as did Adam. All found worthy of eternal life will be a king – “inherit the kingdom.” (Matt. 25:34) That Kingdom which begins at the start of the Millennial reign under the New Covenant, will continue throughout all eternity. There will be no need of an additional New Covenant after the earth is restored to its Edenic condition – just as there would have been no need of any other Covenants if Adam had not violated his obligation in Eden; God had emphatically told him, “In the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.” But when the New Covenant has accomplished its purpose, “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, or crying... for the former things are passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)

However, during the progress of that reign, until it has fully accomplished its purposes the world will be under a Mediator – exactly as was the case with Israel – except that the Mediator will accomplish what Moses could not do. Then, “The spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) During the Mediatorial reign the Mediator – better than Moses – will have absolute control of the whole human family. It will be an absolute monarchy; but a benevolent monarchy. “There shall be no night (error) there ... The Lord giveth them light.” (Rev. 22:5)

BY ONE MAN’S DISOBEDIENCE

“By one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men.” Here is a clear statement that we are all dying, but not because of anything specially that we have done; it is something we have inherited. Therefore, the Apostle states further, “Death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression.” Adam knowingly invited the sentence of death – something none of us have done. But there is provided a way of es­cape for all of us: “By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedi­ence of one (Jesus) shall many be made righteous.” (Rom. 5:19)

Clearly enough, each of us will have an individual chance, a trial for everlast­ing life – free from the injury that “passed-upon us” through the transgression in Eden. Full provision has been made for this – Christ tasted “death for every man.” (Heb. 2:9) The “due time” for some for this has been in this Gospel (Good News) Age; but for the large majority it will be in the next Age – when the Kingdom reign will eliminate all the evil that has been passed on to us.

In the next Age those only will die who have had a full trial, based upon their own cooperation and choosing. They will be the unconverted, those who willfully and knowingly prefer evil to good. But none will die because of ignorance – as is the case with so many now. And along with their education will come the ability to obey – which to obey perfectly is beyond all of us in this Age. One of the finest intellects of this Age said of himself, “When I would do good, evil is present with me.” (Rom. 7:21) And all of us may say the same!

The same Apostle also wrote, “God desires all men to be saved, and to come to an accurate knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4, Dia.) In Isa. 65:20 we are told that “the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.” Thus all will be given a hundred years to make some progress toward perfection; but those who reject that hundred-­years trial will be considered hopeless – “shall be accursed.” There are still many in Christendom who believe that those “accursed” ones will be sentenced to an eternity of torment in the fires of Hell, but a little reflection will dislodge that belief. None of us are here because of anything we have done – “the gift of God is life” (Ram. 6:23). To offer a practical example easy of understanding, we might suggest that a wealthy man would give a poor one $25,000, which he would expect the recipient to use wisely. But, instead, the recipient embarks upon a spree of hilarity and debauchery ­very displeasing to the donor. However, since the $25,000 was not invited by the poor man, the only reasonable and fair way for the giver would be to ask for the return of what is left of the $25,000. And that is exactly what the Lord will do with willful sinners: “The wages of sin is death,” (Rom. 6:23) This statement leaves no logical argument against it!

Such willful sinners are described as the messengers of Satan and sin; and all such will go into eternal extinction – they will die the second death, from which there will be no resurrection. The whole “plan” of salvation is designed to rescue all who will be amenable to it. “According to the eternal purpose which he hath purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Eph. 3:11) Note now the Diaglott translation of this same text: “According to a plan of the ages, which he formed for the anointed Jesus our Lord.”

SUMMARY OF THE THREE GREAT COVENANTS

As stated, the Abrahamic Covenant is first in order of time and importance. This covenant has two parts. The first applies to the spiritual seed of Abraham, the Christ, head and body – the antitype of Isaac (“We, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise” (Gal. 4:28); or, in another figure, of Isaac and Rebecca. These are the seed of Abraham – the seed of promise – not fleshly, but spiritual.

The second part of that covenant applies to the world of mankind – “all the fami­lies of the earth.” These are to be blessed by the spiritual seed with an opportunity of becoming Abraham’s natural seed, and heirs with him, of the earth and the fullness thereof. The conditions upon which they may obtain God’s favor, and a restitution to all that was lost, are that they shall exercise faith, and render obedience to the Divine provision which shall be represented in Messiah’s kingdom, when it shall be inaugurated.

The seed of Abraham – Jesus and the Church, His Body – is the legitimate heir of this Abrahamic Covenant, wholly regardless of the Law Covenant, which was made with Is­rael at Sinai, or of the New Law Covenant that is to be made with Israel at the close of the Gospel Age – after Jacob’s Trouble has run its full course, and the new Kingdom is officially declared at Jerusalem. As stated, the Law Covenant and the New Covenant are essentially different from the Abrahamic Covenant, in that the Abrahamic Covenant – the first covenant – is unilateral, whereas the last two are bilateral – a fact that is well to keep in mind at all times. Also, the Abrahamic Covenant had no mediator; but the Law Covenant had Moses as its mediator, and the New Law Covenant will have Messiah – the spir­itual heir of the Abrahamic Covenant – as its Mediator.

The Abrahamic Covenant needed no mediator; for there are no terms and conditions upon which to base a mediation. In it God merely declared His purpose to develop a seed of Abraham, by certain selective processes of His own, and to bless and honor this seed in connection with the remainder of mankind. This selective seed of Abraham, as the Apostle points out, is Christ and the Church – God’s elect. (Gal. 3:8,16, 29; Rom. 8:29, 30) This selective process has been proceeding during this entire Gospel Age; and is now nearing its final declaration and completion.

SECOND AND THIRD COVENANTS – TYPE AND ANTITYPE

The second covenant, in order of time, was the Law Covenant. (Ex. 19:3-8) It was an addition to the Abrahamic Covenant, which addition, however, did not interfere with the original covenant. It was typical – typical mediator (Moses) – typical sacrifices of Bulls and goats, a typical Atonement Day, a typical Holy and Most Holy in the taber­nacle made with hands.

The third and last is the New Law Covenant – to be instituted in the future. (Heb. 8:6-13) This will not set aside, or make null or void, the original Abrahamic Cove­nant of grace, any more than could the Law Covenant of Sinai. However, the New Law Covenant cannot be introduced, sealed, made operative, until the Abrahamic Covenant shall have produced the seed of Abraham and invested Him with glory, honor and Divine majesty. Then this antitypical Moses – the Christ complete, Head and Body – will mediate between God and the world of mankind for a thousand years. (Rev. 20:4) The basis of this New Covenant’s blessings will be the merit of Jesus (the Messiah) – as against the blood of bulls and goats in the Law Covenant. But this merit will not become operative and insti­tute restitution (Acts 3:19-21) until first the entire seed of Abraham – Head and Body ­shall be complete; and it cannot be completed until all the sacrificing has been com­pleted – in exact duplication of the sacrifices of the Law Covenant. In this New Cove­nant the Head was completed over nineteen hundred years ago – typified by the bullock of the Atonement Day sacrifices of Israel. The sacrifice of the antitypical goat (Lev. 16:8 – “one goat for the Lord” – the Little Flock, His body) has been going on all during this Age since the year 33 A.D., and is just about completed.

Very shortly after this sacrificing has been completed there will be ushered in the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom – “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” These blessings will be secured to mankind by the great Mediator’s ap­plication of His sacrifice on their behalf. Then the “Lord’s Prayer” will have its an­swer! “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it. Then indeed it will be, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

MORE ON THE SEVENTH DAY – Reasonable people, regardless of their religious convic­tions, are ready to admit the wisdom, the expediency, yea, the necessity, for a Sabbath day, a day of rest once a week. But those of us who are not Jews by nature and not under the Law Covenant are not bound by its limitation that the Sabbath should be on the seventh day of the week. Indeed, neither Jesus nor the Apostles ever placed the Gospel Church under the Law Covenant at all. They tell us that those under it were the “house of ser­vants” in bondage, and that we are the “house of sons,” if we “stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.”

This does not mean liberty or freedom to do wrong. But since Christians are not limited to the land of Palestine, it leaves us free to follow the spirit of the Law rather than its letter. This is true of the entire Ten Commandments, as well as of the fourth. The Heavenly Father does not address His children of the Gospel Age with commandments not to kill, not to steal, etc., because such commandments to them would be unnecessary. They love God and reverence Him alone, and would not think of homaging images, nor of profaning the Holy Name, nor of doing injury to a neighbor or a brother. Faithful Christians’ love for God would lead them to honor His Name, to serve His Cause. And their love for their neighbor as for themselves would prompt them to render him service – “doing good unto all men as we have opportunity, especially to the Household of Faith.” (Gal. 6:10) All the faithful in other groups also are of the Household of Faith, and therefore are our breth­ren, regardless of our differences of opinion regarding the Word of God. This love, the Apostle assures us, is the fulfillment of the Law, so far as we are concerned – the ful­filling of the spirit of the Law – for “ye are not under the Law (Covenant), but under (the) Grace (Covenant).” (Rom. 6:14; Gal. 3:29)

There is this in the Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. One, p. 45: “The Decalogue is a brief synopsis of the whole law. Those Ten Commandments enjoin a code of worship and morals that must strike every student as remarkable; and if never before known, and now found among the ruins and relics of Greece, or Rome, or Babylon (nations which have risen and fallen again, long since those laws were given), they would be regarded as marvelous if not supernatural. But familiarity with them and their claims has begotten measurable indifference, so that their real greatness is unnoticed except by the few. True, those commandments do not teach of Christ; but they were given, not to Christians, but to the Hebrews; not to teach faith in a ransom, but to convince men of their sinful state, and need of a ransom. And the substance of those commandments was grandly epitomized by the illustrious founder of Christianity, in the words: ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy mind, and with all thy strength’; and ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ (Mark 12:30,31)”

In this connection, we consider a little more from Col. 2:14, Dia.: “ordinances which was against us.” We stress here that the “us” in this text refers exclusively to the Jews, and to no others. But to those who accepted Christ that “handwriting” was lifted from them, although it did not do so to those Jews who refused to accept Him. Thus those Ten Commandments were not abolished, nor will they ever be abolished. When the New Covenant is inaugurated, those same ten “Words” will be the basis for that Covenant. Dur­ing that Kingdom, “He shall send Jesus Christ...... Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” (see Acts 3:19-21) Mankind will then be fully able to keep that Law, because they will have perfect bodies and minds before they are required to do so – exactly as was Adam before his transgression, and exactly as was Jesus when He was here. So when He said, I come to “fulfill the Law,” He was telling us that He could do it; but at no time did He ever tell His Disciples that they too should keep the Law, because He knew they were unable to do so.

It is our fond hope that our two articles on the Law of Moses have been informative and a blessing to all our readers. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean NOT TO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING.” (Prov. 3:5)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

NO. 309: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 309

Christ Our Passover – “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” (1 Cor. 5:7) The “memorial” of the Passover in Egypt in 1981 will be exactly 3596 years since that awesome night; and it still has an inspiring grip on many orthodox Jews. This is one part of the Law of Moses that they can keep perfectly; and they are very scrupulous to see that they do it.

And when St. Paul says Christ is “our Passover,” he is telling us very plainly that that miracle in Egypt 3596 years ago was a type of our Christ. And we here stress that every antitype is greater than its type; and that type and antitype must corre­spond in every detail. If it does not do that, then we should conclude that there is something wrong with our understanding of it. Not many years past we were listening to a prominent preacher talking over the radio; and he emphasized Lev. 16:8: “Lots upon the two goats, one for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.” He then proceeded to give prolonged and emphatic detail to ‘prove’ that the scapegoat in that picture represented our Lord Jesus, because our sins were laid upon Him, thus making Him the scapegoat. Had the preacher taken the trouble to read the marginal reference in his Bible, he would than see that ‘scapegoat’ is a very faulty translation; the text should really read “one goat for Azazel.”

Azazel is the Hebrew word for the evil one – the Devil and Satan. Surely, our Lord was not chosen to serve the Devil; and a proper understanding of this text demon­strates how ridiculous was the preacher’s interpretation, and how faulty his understanding ­of types.

CHRIST OUR PASSOVER AN INSTITUTIONAL TYPE

Not only is the Passover a type in the general sense of the word, but it is also an institutional type. An institutional type is one in which a certain event insti­tutes, or forms it. There are two such types in the Old Testament – the Passover, a Spring festival held on the 14th day of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish year; and the Atonement Day type, held on the tenth day of the seventh month Tishri in the Fall. Being about six months apart, the one is a Spring festival, with the other a Fall festi­val. Both of these types are an integral part of the all-embracing institutional type – The Moses Law Covenant. But an institutional type has some features not found in many ordinary types: An institutional type must continue until its antitype appears, and must be observed on the same date in antitype as is used in the type itself.

Further, there was only one Passover, the one in Egypt – when the Angel of Death passed through Egypt and slew every firstborn of man and beast. The annual observance of that occurrence is simply a memorial of the original one – “ye shall observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.” (Ex. 12:17) And self-evidently, the memorial should be kept on the same date as the original – just as birthdays are ob­served once a year, weddings, etc. The Jews were told, “When ye come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.” And we have the evidence abundantly with us to this day that the Jews have scrupulous­ly attempted to “keep this service.” And so should we all keep the memorial of Christ our Passover on the 14th day of Nisan each year – even as Jesus and the Apostles had done with their Passover.

But our Lord and the Apostles kept that memorial for the last time the night before He died, at which time He gave us the “Lord’s Supper” – the bread and the wine, which was to replace the lamb and unleavened bread that Jesus and the Apostles ate that night before He died. And certainly our antitype is incomparably greater than was the type in Egypt.

In Egypt the lamb served two very important functions: (1) the sprinkling of its blood upon the lintel and the doorposts kept all the Jews alive that night as the Angel of Death went through and destroyed the firstborn of man and beast in every Egyptian house­hold. And not only did it preserve the Jews alive that night, but their eating of the flesh of that same lamb that night gave them the necessary strength to embark on their journey to Canaan. And Christ our Passover does the same thing for us; “The blood of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin”; and the feasting upon His flesh – His sacrificed human­ity – continually strengthens us for our journey to the Millennial Canaan. And this has continued from the crucifixion unto this day.

When Jesus said, “this do in remembrance of me” He was telling His followers to dis­continue the memorial of the Passover in Egypt, and thenceforth to use the bread and the wine in memory of Him. And there is no record that the Apostles ever again partook of the lamb and the unleavened bread in observance of the Passover in Egypt.

Also, our understanding of the Atonement Day type enables us to conclude that Jesus was born on the tenth day of the seventh month – Tishri – approximately our tenth of Oc­tober, instead of the 25th of December, as is generally recognized. However, as we have stated on many occasions, the exact date of His birth is not a vital truth; therefore, we may join with others on December 25 to “remember” Him, without causing any uproar about it.

However, Jesus presented Himself as the antitypical bullock on His thirtieth birth­day – exactly on the same date on which the type was instituted. Again, we would em­phasize that the Passover is a Spring festival (never before the Vernal Equinox), and the Atonement Day is a Fall festival. And if we keep these thoughts in mind, it will enable us to receive much grander and more comprehensive blessings on each of these observances; and especially so does this apply to the Memorial, which we observe this year 1981 after 6 p.m., April 17.

THE PROPER METHOD

In view of the great divergence of opinion that is now present with us, we believe it is timely to offer our reason for stating that April 17 after six p.m. is the correct time for keeping the Memorial. According to information we have from a reliable source, the moon comes new in March at 12:31 p.m. March 6, thus establishing 6 p.m. March 5 for the first of Nisan. However, if we should use that date for Nisan 1, it would then place the Memorial after 6 p.m. March 18, which is about two days before the Vernal Equi­nox, which occurs at 7:03 p.m. March 20. All of these figures apply to the 30th Meridian East, which is the nearest the City of Jerusalem.

On p. 48, Parousia Vol. 6, there is this: “For Centuries it was the custom to count the date of our Lord’s crucifixion according to the Jewish calendar, as we have already explained it; but subsequently, with a desire to cut loose so far as possible from Jewish institutions, a change in the method of counting the date of the death of Christ, our Passover was instituted. ‘The Ecumenical counsel’ (325 A.D.—JJH) of Nice decreed that thenceforth the Memorial should be celebrated an the Friday following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. (Note that the Counsel was determined to have the Memorial after the Vernal Equinox – for which they are to be commended—JJH) This not only fixed the celebration of the Lord’s death universally on a Friday, called ‘Good Friday,’ but additionally it insured that the celebration would very rarely indeed be exactly in accord with the Jewish celebration of the Passover. The difference in the method of counting, be it remembered, is that the Jews then waited and still wait until the Spring Equinox, and begin their month with the first new moon thereafter, and keep the Passover at the full of that moon, or the 14th day ...

“It is not for us to say which is the superior method, but our preference is to hold to that which the Lord and the apostles practiced – not with a subserviency which would make us feel that we had committed a crime if we erred in the calculation, and cel­ebrated on a wrong date, but nevertheless with a satisfaction that we had endeavored to follow as closely as possible the Divine institution, the pattern... The Lord evi­dently had a reason for arranging the Jewish calendar as He did, and we prefer in this matter to continue to recognize his institution.”

The Epiphany Messenger also emphasized “never before the Vernal Equinox” for keep­ing the Memorial; and we consider the instruction of both the Messengers as superior to any that others may offer.

This year our Memorial falls upon the same date as Good Friday – a coincidence that we have never before experienced. However, the Jewish Passover will not be observed un­til April 19, as the moon becomes full on Easter Sunday. But we explain here that ­due to the different methods used in the Gentile calendar and that of the Bible – Good Friday begins at midnight April 16, and ends at midnight April 17; whereas, the Bible reckoning starts Nisan 14 at 6 p.m. April 17, and ends it at 6 p.m. April 18.

THE ANTITYPICAL LAMB AND HIS BLOOD

When Jesus was 33½ years old, the “fullness of time” had come for fulfillment of the type that was established in Egypt. He was to be our Passover Lamb. By faith the merit of His sacrifice was to be sprinkled upon the door-posts of His people’s hearts; and His flesh, the merit of His earthly human perfection, was to be eaten or appropriated by them in their minds. With it they were to eat the unleavened bread of the Divine promises and the bitter herbs of trials and adversities, and withal they were to drink wine – the blood of the grape – symbolically implying their participation with the Lamb in His ignom­iny and sufferings.

The Lamb of God, Jesus, the antitypical Passover Lamb, was slain more than nineteen centuries ago – on the exact anniversary of the killing of the typical lambs. The sacri­fice of Jesus needs not to be repeated, for by faith we all sprinkle this same blood to­day, and in our hearts feed upon the merit of the same earthly sacrifice, and have plenty of bitter herbs of persecution, and drink of the blood – share the Master’s spirit and its reward of suffering for righteousness’ sake.

Not many have appreciated these privileges during all these nineteen centuries – just a “little flock” have appreciated them fully and in the proper spirit. However, “a great multitude” (Rev. 7:9) have made loud profession – often more loudly than the truly inoculated – to which the Lord will eventually say, “I never approved of you.” (Matt. 7:22, 23 – Dia.) Nor are there many who envy the fully faithful their present experiences, or appreciate how great will be their reward when the Kingdom is established in power and great glory.

THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME

Jesus, about to begin the fulfillment of this institutional type by dying as the antitypical Passover Lamb, instituted for His followers an annual remembrancer, which in their minds would take the place of the type and continually remind them of the great Anti­type. Thus, we would emphasize, “This do” – that is, do this – partake of the bread and the wine – instead of the lamb and unleavened bread. Instead of the literal flesh of the lamb, the Master used bread, and instead of the blood, the fruit of the vine; and instead of a further commemoration of the type, He directed that this new ritual be observed in remembrance of the great Antitype – “The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world”; and the passover coming to the “Church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23), as prece­dent to the great blessings to result for Israel and all the families of the earth.

Our Lord as a Jew was obliged to keep the typical remembrance – eating of the lit­eral lamb, etc., first; but after that had been done, He instituted with the bread and the fruit of the vine His substitutionary memorial of Himself, saying, “Take eat; this is (represents) my body. And he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them; and they all drank of it. And he said ... Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God” – UNTIL His second coming in power and great glory to receive the Church as His elect Bride and joint-heir in His Kingdom and to shower blessings richly upon Israel, and through Israel upon the whole world of mankind. The initial preparation for this is now being manifested in the turmoil of the Middle East and Palestine in particular.

THE DATE

The date in which we should “do this” is in much dispute throughout Christendom; with many because they do not understand “Christ our Passover.” Even when St. Paul uses this expression, many fail to make the proper connection with the Passover in Egypt. In 1 Cor. 10:11 the Apostle tells us, “All these things happened unto them (the Jews) for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” The Diaglott offers a much better and more instructive translation: “These things occurred to them typically, and were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

There are two ways in which “the ends of the ages” may be understood. First, it applied to the Jews at the first Advent, for they had come to the end of the Jewish Age and the beginning of the Gospel Age – the end of two Ages; secondly, it applied to the end of the Jewish Age then, and it applies now to us, who have come to the ends of the Ages – the end of the Gospel Age, and the beginning of the Millennial Age. And the text tells us that those Jews had at the Passover subse­quently experiences that were special­ly for the admonition of the Jews in Jesus’ day; and they were also specifically for our admonition who are now living in “the ends of the Ages” – the last end of the Gospel Age and the first end, or beginning, of the Millennial Age. This fact should lend a very sobering thought to our interpretation of the real meaning of the Passover, typical and antitypical.

And thus we note the very meticulous care for every little detail of this unforget­table event that night in Egypt. “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.” (Ex. 12:2) That first month was then known as Abib; but about a thousand years later – after the Jews returned from their cap­tivity in Babylon – it was changed to Nisan, and is the name by which we now know it.

But how do we arrive at Nisan 14? It is determined by learning the date for Nisan 1 – and that at Jerusalem. Why Jerusalem? Because all of the Old Testament was written in Palestine or that immediate vicinity. When the Old Testament was written, Greenwich, England was unknown; and this applies, too, to North and South America. Therefore, se­lecting any of these localities reveals a very meager understanding of the real facts. Also, we should bear in mind that the Bible day of the Jews began at 6 p.m., and contin­ues to six p.m. the next day. Thus, Jesus could keep the Memorial, and yet die on the cross all in the same day, Assuming that the moon comes new at 9 a.m. Friday, the date for Friday’s beginning is actually 6 p.m. Thursday.

Once we determine the proper beginning for Nisan 1, we simply count off fourteen days to bring us to 6 p.m. of Nisan 14. And the Bible is clear and emphatic that it is on Nisan 14 that the Memorial should be kept. The moon is no longer a factor once we determine Nisan 1. The moon is usually substantially full by Nisan 14; but is sometimes two or three days before becoming completely full. But this does not mean that we should observe the Memorial on Nisan 15, 16, or 17. It means just what the Bible tells us to do – to keep it on Nisan 14.

In this picture the moon, however, does represent the rise and fall of the Lord’s favor to the Jews. Five days before they crucified the Lord of Glory, Jesus had told them: “Your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matt. 23:38) This referred, of course, to their religious house; their civil house did not become desolate until the year 70 A.D., when the Roman Emperor Titus destroyed their magnificent temple, and dispersed them throughout the Roman Empire. By the year 70 the Jewish polity had waned fully – just as does the moon when it reaches the nadir of its decline.

As Jews “born under the law,” it was obligatory upon Jesus and His Apostles to ob­serve the great type – and at precisely the right time. As we have explained in pre­vious papers, four cups of wine were drunk during the service – one before any food was eaten, and one after the eating had been completed. And it was this fourth cup that Jesus used to institute the Memorial of His own sacrifice – Christ our Passover. Like­wise also the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:20) Jesus tells us that the Apostles on that night repre­sented the entire Church during this Gospel Age: “neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” (John 17:20)

When Jesus performed this simple ceremony “after supper,” He was telling His dis­ciples – and us, too – that this new thing was to take the place of the old Memorial of the occurrence in Egypt. The bread and the wine were to replace the lamb and the un­leavened bread that had been used for all the years after leaving Egypt. And the fact that we yet see this observance on the part of the Jews is one of the strongest proofs that the Bible is the Word of God. Yes, “Christ our Passover” has been sacrificed for us!

WHO MAY MEMORIALIZE

This question also has been subject to much heated discussion throughout the Gospel Age. In the Lutheran Church one must be a member in good standing in order to participate. The same is true in the Roman Catholic Church; and in this latter church they must be in good standing, must make confession the day before to their priest, and neither eat nor drink the next morning before the actual service. This routine has been largely abrogated here in America. Confession is no longer necessary unless one has committed a mortal sin. Just what the present condition is in other countries where the Roman Church is still dominant, we do not know.

However, the power of excommunication has been a club over the heads of members; the priest or the Pope, in dealing with rulers in various countries, took to themselves the power to “call down fire from heaven” (Rev. 13:13). This was also vehemently done against various Protestant organizations as the Reformation progressed. The claim of be­ing God’s vicar on earth, and the issuance of “great swelling words” (2 Pet. 2:18) by the Popes often caused much agony in the hearts and minds of their victims.

The gradual enlightenment of the masses, and the positive action of rulers such as Napoleon, has moderated this condition in large degree; and is contrasted in extreme de­gree in some Protestant churches, who now display signs before the church with the words, to the Lord’s Supper, which means the man in the street may walk in and partake with the ­regular members, without even asking what the visitors’ professions may be.

The more serious organizations of believers, such as most of the organizations that have emanated from the Harvest Truth movement, use a healthy medium between these two extremes, although ­That Servant stressed that only those should participate who had covenanted to “follow in his steps.” Of course, this has largely been set aside – or grossly per­verted – by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Only their “remnant” (less than 10,000 persons) are now permitted to partake, although their thousands of dedicated adherents are permitted to observe the service of the “remnant” who partake of the bread and the wine.

In our own position, we maintain a certain rigidity in our exactions for the service, yet allowing generous liberality, leaving it in large measure to the individual conscience. This is in harmony with St. Paul’s words, “Let a man examine himself.” (1 Cor. 11:28) Not the slightest hint about a priest or any other person examining us – “He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself.” From this it is clear enough that the righteousness of some will not avail for the evils of others; nor will the evils of others contaminate the righteous – though they might be sitting elbow to elbow in the same pew in the church, That Servant accepted that premise, while making very straight paths for his own feet.

At no time did he seek out the companionship of those whom he knew to be uncleansed Levites; yet, when such came into his service, he did not command them to leave. His attitude was in true keeping with that of our Lord, “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen, my Beloved ... A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench.” (Matt. 12:18-20) Thus he ministered to the weak and fallen, as well as to the strong and upright, lest the weak “should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.” (2 Cor. 2:7)

However, we adhere to his counsel that it is far better to keep the Memorial alone than for us to congregate with those who have elected a measurably faithful leader to conduct the service. And, if we clearly recognize the condition of such a leader, yet sit at his feet to “show forth the Lord’s death,” it would be repellent to all good principles. “Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith (possessing the “peace of God which passeth understanding”), than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” (Prov. 17:1) During the Memorial season the Adversary is usually most active to discourage, belittle, betray, abuse and falsely accuse the fully faithful; and his best tools for such occasion are almost always measurably faithful leaders; but the advice of St. Paul is very timely here; “From such turn away.”

And, while extending leniency to those who have need of leniency, each one should strive for himself to consider again the Apostle’s words: “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged”; let each use that rigidity of self-examination which is in keeping with “the spirit of a sound mind.” Along this line That Servant has offered ex­cellent counsel:

“To be of this class requires fullness of consecration; and these are and will be deemed worthy of joint heirship with Christ Jesus their Lord in His Kingdom. To this class, obedient and watchful, the Lord says, ‘I will guide thee with mine eye” – ‘Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to Glory.’ Those who can be guided only by continual scourging are not of the overcoming class, and will not be ac­counted worthy to be of Jesus’ Bride, and have such a witness from the Lord through the Spirit of the Truth – contrast Psa. 32:8, 73:24 and Rev. 7:9,14.’”

Therefore, let us keep the feast in simplicity of deportment, with sincerity of pur­pose, with malice toward none, but with charity toward all.

WHY THE CONFUSION?

According to historical records, our Memorial was observed for many years on the date as described above; but at the Council of Nice in 325 A.D. the error on the Trin­ity was officially ratified; and the date for the Memorial was also badly jumbled. There are two reasons for this: First, the then growing apostate church wished to get as far away as possible from anything that smacked of Jewry; Second, they wanted the Memorial always to be on Friday. And to make this “law,” they decreed that the Memo­rial should always be observed on the Friday following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox; thus, we now have “Good Friday” every Spring throughout Christendom.

Of course, there is no Biblical reason for adopting such a date; but we do not in­dulge in heated debate about it. It should not be a test of fellowship with others who have their own method for figuring the date. All through the Gospel Age some of the very best of Christians have used the wrong date. It was not the “due time” for the truth on this item to be clearly revealed until the Harvest, when the Lord has been sitting “as a refiner and polisher of silver” (the Truth).” (Mal. 3:3)

However, we would stress here that the Jews have always waited until the Spring Equinox, and begin their month with the first new moon thereafter. And the Jewish Ency­clopedia practically verifies this when it states that the Passover is a Spring Festival. Also, it should be remembered that the entire Passover Season continues for eight days ­the first day stressing the sacrifice of the lamb, and the seven remaining days the feast­ing and rejoicing over the freedom from bondage from which the Passover had freed them. In the actual eating of the Passover Supper the Lamb is stressed, with the unleavened bread a secondary item. In the Festival the unleavened bread is foremost, with the flesh being incidental. In those seven days the Jews were allowed to eat any clean meat, but definitely no leaven of any kind should be eaten.

In a particular sense we see that as the sun is the symbol of the spiritual King­dom of God, the moon is the symbol of the Law Covenant, and of the people who were under that Law Covenant. Thus there was a special appropriateness in our Lord’s being cruci­fied by them when the moon was substantially full, and that by God’s predetermination as concerned the time, so that they could not take Him previously (“My time is not yet come” – John 7:6,8; Matt. 26:18; also “When the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem” – Luke 9:51 – though they desired to do so, but “his hour was not yet come.” John 7:30; 8:20) His crucifixion at the full of the moon, and the fact that the moon immediately began to wane, points a lesson to the effect that there Israel brought upon itself as a nation a Divine rejection, or casting off for a season – symbolized by the waning of the moon – which represented their national de­cline.

And there, as the Jewish polity began to be submerged into the Gentile world, the Gentile kingdoms began their ascendancy, which came to a full climax in 1914, since which time the Gentile nations have been declining – much as did the Jewish nation after the crucifixion; whereas the Jewish nation has once again begun its revival and accept­ance to God’s favor, which process will continue until the Gentile nations are fully sub­merged as the Jewish nation once more becomes exalted – an exaltation which will be far superior to the glory of David and Solomon’s reign, at which time “the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matt. 13:43)

GRAND INTIMACY IN THE BREAD AND THE CUP

In giving the disciples the bread that last night (which bread represented His flesh – and the cup which represented His blood). the Master pictorially offered them justifi­cation and sanctification; and, as St. Paul explained, He did more than this: He offered them a participation with Himself in the sufferings of the present and in the glories of the future (1 Cor. 10:16; Matt. 26:29). The antitype of the cup in its higher sense will be the new joys of the Kingdom which all the faithful in Christ will share with the great King of Glory, when He shall take unto Himself His great power and reign.

What has been presented herein is in no sense intended to replace the excellent presentation of the Passover to be found in Volume Six of The Studies in the Scriptures – which we commend at this time to all our readers. But it is our fond hope and prayer that we may “stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” And it is in this spirit we wish one and all the Lord’s rich blessing in preparation for, and participation in this service.

“May 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, to whom be glory forever and ever.” (Heb. 13:20,21)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Mr. Hoefle:

Thank you for your letter of Dec. 1 and for your kind words of congratulations and encour­age­ment. I am obliged to my friend ------- for having introduced you to me.

In these difficult days when dark forces again rear their head, the people of Israel and Jews world over look for friendship and support among those with a sense of history and an under­standing of the currents at work. Bible-believing Christians have a special role to play.

I am happy in the knowledge that even in Mount Dora there are well-meaning and de­voted friends.

I hope we shall meet personally one day. Best wishes to you and you associates.

Yours sincerely ------- (WASHINGTON)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Shalom!

Many thanks for your loving greetings during this season of the year, commencing with the Rosh Hashana-Yom-Kippur period and winding up this week with the historic Succoth-Feast of Tabernacles – a period in which the Mighty Lord of Hosts, the Everliv­ing King, has brought retribution upon the two negative nations which betrayed the val­iant Kurds by selling them out. Succoth is a time of decision.

Thank you also for the five subscriptions to our publication. The new subscribers will be notified this week and the Bulletins will be mailed to them. Your feature on “The Jews” is excellent. I plan to reread it and give you my comments. Glad you have the right meaning for YISAREL (Israel)... YI is future tense; SAR means rule, and EL is God, namely, GOD WILL RULE.

Heartiest best wishes from all of us here to you, your dear Emily and to your be­loved colleagues.

Dear Jochanan, we should consider ourselves blessed that our Creator, YHVH of Hosts, has opened our hearts and minds to His Truth ere the Day of YHVH, the Great and the ter­rible! Rav Shalom.

As ever, ------- (NEW YORK)

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Dear Brethren:

As fellow supporters of Zion, I feel I should call your attention to the appoint­ment of Mr. ------- as Israel’s Minister of information, USA based at the Israeli Embassy, Washington. He is a good friend and supporter of Christian Zionism. He and I together representing our two communities (Jewish and Christian) in South Africa, joined hands to promote Jewish-Christian contact in South Africa and later in Israel where he was Begin’s Information Advisor for two years before being moved to the USA.

He is an extremely good speaker and should be invited to address your groups, spec­ially when in your area. You should also write to him encouraging him in his job, and pray for him for guidance in his extreme task of relating not only to the Christian Church but mainly to the American Government and the American Jewish community. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the political welfare of that country which will have an election later in 1981 – and that God would have His way regarding the Government which will rule Israel in the years of 1982 onward. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem – they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalms 122:6)

With kindest regards to you in Him ------- (AFRICA)

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My dear Brother Hoefle: Loving greeting through our Lord and Savior!

Please excuse the delay in writing. I would like to thank you and all at the Bible House for sending me your papers. I shall be 80 soon, and my health is beginning to let me know that I am no longer sweet 16. But God is good, and He is helping me to keep my memory of things of the past, and above all the wonderful Scriptures of my Bible. I miss the old brethren whom I used to meet with, and I cannot get about to any meetings ­but through your writings, along with my Bible, the Volumes, both of Pastor Russell and Brother Johnson, they keep me going. In fact, if it were not through your papers, my Bible and the Volumes, together with the Grace of God and His wonderful Son, we would all go “round the Bend,” as we say in England. To all my brethren in America, God bless you! My warm Christian love to you and all the brethren with you,

------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Mr. Hoefle:

Please send the 17 volumes of the “Epiphany Studies in the Scriptures.” Enclosed is a check.

I am 21 and of Dutch, Armenian and Jewish descent, but was born a Roman Catholic. I’ve studied with Fundamentalist Christians, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Christadel­phians. I speak Hebrew as I’ve lived in Israel, and am presently studying Koine Greek at California State University, Fullerton.

My interest in the Epiphany Bible Students is basically where you differ from the Jehovah’s Witnesses in belief. There are many things in which I disagree with the Wit­nesses and it is for this reason I am looking elsewhere.

Sincerely ------- (CALIFORNIA)

NO. 308: THE 70 YEARS' DESOLATION OF THE LAND

No. 308

On page 45 of the May-June 1980 Present Truth, there is an article with the above caption; and we have been asked to publish our comments on it, which we now do.

It is written in 2 Chron. 36:21, “To fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths, for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfill threescore and ten years.” This text relates to the seventy years of captivity of the Jews in Babylon, which had its inception in the Fall of 607 B. C., and continued to 536 B.C., when Cyrus the Great issued his proclamation that the Jews be permitted to return to Palestine; but still to be subject to him. The Jews were to have 2520 years of servility under the Gentiles; and this was to con­tinue until 1914 A.D. – when the Gentile governments began to be evicted from their do­minion of earthly affairs. And that eviction has been progressing with increased vigor until the present; and will increase in intensity in the years immediately ahead.

But the statement in 2 Chron. 36:21 is not to be found anywhere else in the Bible; and it has reference to the fifty-year Jubilee cycles as given in Lev. 25:8-17. The PT article mentioned above is substantially a reprint of the one to be found in the Jan.­-Feb. 1962 PT, in which it is stated that both Messengers did not consider those seventy years in Babylon as a portrayal of seventy literal years here in the end of the Age. Their conclusions may be right – or they may not be so; but in this we should make gen­erous allowance that neither the two Messengers – nor any one else, so far as we know ­ever visualized the great length of time that the Time of Trouble is consuming. It is very clear now that this Trouble will not be nearly completed at the end of the seventy years. It will continue for some years further – although at present we have no date to suggest for its ultimate completion. This “present evil world” is passing away, but we shall first see Armageddon – world-wide revolution – and Anarchy before present gov­ernments totally expire – “as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers.” (Rev. 2:27)

It should be stressed here that the religious systems of Christendom are to go down first, to be followed by these governments in their present form. And, while there will be some forms of Gentile government after Armageddon, we have the “sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet. 1:19) that the present religious systems will never rise again. “A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, say­ing, thus with violence (the approaching violence is most apparent on every hand) shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” (Rev. 18:21) “The sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee... And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” (Rev. 18:22-24) Further on, we shall elaborate upon this feature; but history abundantly testifies to the brutal atrocities that were perpetrated upon faithful Christians all during the Age, but particularly so during the Dark Ages. “The blood of all the proph­ets... may be required of this generation. From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zacharias... shall be required of this generation.” (Luke 11:50,51)

The Anarchy will culminate with the termination of Jacob’s Trouble (a very severe trial that will come upon the Jews in Palestine—Zech. 14:1-3). That will end the Time of Trouble, after which the “New covenant” (Jer. 31:31-33), and Christ’s Kingdom will be established to “bless all the families of the earth.” (Gen. 12:3)

Some may raise the objection that the Jews are still suffering – even after the Times of the Gentiles have ended. And we have no argument with this. However, their present afflictions are simply those that are “common to man” throughout the whole world in this great Time of Trouble. Their present difficulties are not any special punish­ment upon them because “they crucified the Lord of Glory”; and their present troubles should be viewed from that standpoint. This great Time of Trouble is upon the whole world, including the Jews – whether in Palestine or in the various nations. “When ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place... (Dan. 12:1,2). Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt. 24:15,21) And we are most grateful for the last clause: “No, nor ever shall be.”

Both Messengers taught that the Time of Trouble and the Epiphany are identical; thus, so long as the Time of Trouble is here, self-evidently the Epiphany must also be with us. If Armageddon – world-wide revolution – should begin in 1984, then we would have reason to believe that the seventy years are literal (of which more later). If it does not come in 1984, then we will be forced to the conclusion that we must look to a still further date in the future for the destruction of present systems. However, we do know the “times and seasons” (1 Thes. 5:1,2), even though we may not know beforehand the exact date for the completion of Christendom’s desolation. Spiritually, Christendom was made “desolate” in 1878, when God spewed the various sects out of His mouth (Rev. 3:16); that is, He rejected them then as His mouthpiece to the world; and appointed That Ser­vant to be a “prophet unto the nations” (Jer. 1:5), as well as the steward of His House­hold (Luke 12:42-47) – “ruler over all His goods.” (Matt. 24:45,47)

But Babylon became much more spiritually “desolate” when all the saints were re­moved from their midst by Passover 1916. Today all of the faithful Truth brethren can see Babylon’s corruption; and this is also apparent to many of the more enlightened children of this world.

When some of the vital expectations of That Servant failed in 1914-18, quite a few of the measurably faithful forsook the Truth and its Spirit. We believe these mistakes were permitted for a “trial of your faith” (1 Pet. 1:7); and it adds striking force to the words of Jesus, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matt. 10:22) The Mes­sengers understood very clearly the “times and seasons,” and gave us Scriptural proof what events to expect during this Time of Trouble. And we now behold very vividly the occurrence of those events – even though the time is much longer than had been anticipated. The evidence is clear enough that we are living in “the Day of Vengeance of our God” (Isa. 61:2), a “Day of Wrath” (Isa. 63:1-4; Psa. 110:5).

THE EPIPHANY

The Epiphany as a period of time (2 Tim. 4:1) – the last special period of the Gos­pel Age is with us; and is certainly making “manifest” – epiphanizing – persons, prin­ciples and things, through the press, radio and TV. The following is a quote from Parousia Vol. 2, pp. 140, 141:

“There will be a time of retribution upon all who by fraud or force, sometimes in the name of law and under its sanction, have unjustly grasped the rights or property of others..... Ultimately every eye shall discern the change and recognize that the Lord reigneth... But not until the great day of trouble is about closing, nor until the Gentile kingdoms are ground to powder and utterly removed, no place being found for them after 1914 .... not until Babylon is utterly overthrown and her influence over the world broken, will the great mass of mankind come to realize the true state of the case... The battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14); that in proportion as they have aided error and wrong, they have been battling against the Law and forces of the new Empire and Ruler of earth; that in proportion as their tongues, pens, hands, in­fluence and means, were used to support the right and the truth on any subject, they have been to that extent fighting on the Lord’s side.

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” (1 Thes. 5:4) So all the Lord’s faithful people do know the “times and seasons.” The Lord’s faithful Mouth­pieces did correctly know the “times and seasons” and so taught us, even though they did not know the length of time it would require completely to destroy this “present evil world.” Nor do we yet know that time, although we do know we are much closer to this destruction than we were in 1914 or 1954. However, we consider it very probable that we shall find the correct date once things have progressed some further ­maybe after Armageddon.

As we read in Parousia Vol. 2, p. 99: “In view of this strong Bible evidence con­cerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the over­throw of the kingdoms of this world begins in 1914, preparatory to the establishment of the Kingdom of God.” (written in 1889)

On p. 47 of the May-June 1980 PT it is stated, “We will be glad if the Time of Trouble ends in 1984.” We know of no one in Present Truth who expects the Time of Trouble to end in 1984, although we, too, would be glad if it does end then. We shall offer more on the desolation of Christendom later in this article. We know that God is an exact time keeper; and His Word tells us, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Hab. 2:3) “When the fullness of time was come (on the exact date prophesied), God sent forth his son” (Gal. 4:4); and His ministry began just at the right time! Also, the Times of the Gentiles ended in 1914 – exactly on time.

CHRISTENDOM – BABYLON

Some may consider that Christendom and Babylon are synonymous, which is not fully true, although Babylon is inseparably linked with Christendom – an integral part of it; in fact, it is Babylon that has attached the name Christendom to many of earth’s govern­ments. We do not refer to China, India, Japan, etc., as Christendom; they are heathen­dom. Most of our readers know that Babylon is to be destroyed first; and, while the present governments will collapse, others will succeed them – in various forms, accord­ing to the stature of the people of each country. However, when that time comes, it will no longer be proper to refer to our government and others of like construction as Christendom; they will then simply be classed with the heathen nations – all except Israel. “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle;... and the residue of the people shall not be cut off... And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.” (Zech. 13:2, 9)

Once the foregoing is properly understood, we can then have a clearer understanding of “the desolation of Christendom.” Certainly none of our informed readers will deny that the desolation of Christendom began in 1914. And in the Fall of 1917 – when Ke­rensky toppled over the Czarist regime of Russia – a most decided blow of desolation oc­curred there. The Czar of Russia had been the titular head of the Greek Catholic Church for many centuries; but that Church has been without a head since 1917, which is potent suggestion that at least partial desolation has come to that section of Christendom.

It is now a matter of history that when the Bolsheviks (Communists – Atheists) came to power, they took the dead bodies of saints that had “never decayed,” out on the front steps of the various churches, picked them apart before the eyes of the populace, and proved that those bodies were nothing more than stuffed cotton. There the Scripture was very clear: “The day of vengeance is in mine heart.” (Isa. 63:4)

Similar action occurred in other countries. When the Communists seized power in Cuba, the Roman Catholic Church received great “desolation.” The same may be said for Nicaragua. And in Brazil – the largest Roman Catholic membership in the world – it is reported that seventy or eighty million Roman Catholics have left that Church and have affiliated themselves with the demonized cults of Eastern Asia.

JEZEBEL IN THE BEAUTY PARLOR

However, the Roman Church still makes great display of power in a desperate effort to avoid annihilation. This is graphically typified in 2 Kgs. 9:30: “When Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face (a beauty-parlor effort), and tired her head, and looked out at a window.” One commentator describes it this way: “She painted her eyebrows and eyelids with kohl, a compound of antimony used by women in the East then and now to add to the beauty of their eyes. Jezebel’s intention is, like Cleopatra’s, to ‘die a queen.’” The antitype of this is going on now by the present Pope as he visits various countries, pleading the cause of “the poor” – the rich should give them of their wealth, but let the Church retain its five billion dollars of wealth.

In 2 Pet. 3:7-10 there is some detail on the desolation of Christendom; and vs. 10 says, “the heavens (present Christian religious systems) shall pass away with a great noise.” Even the poorest intellects of these countries realize that we are experienc­ing a “great noise.” Note the Berean Comment on this text: “A great hissing noise; uproar and confusion.”

BABYLON THE GREAT

The meaning of Babylon is “confusion”; and this confusion is apparent on all hands. The various sects of Christendom all contradict each other on one or more fundamental doctrines; and this produced great uncertainty in the minds of thinking men, some of them even going so far as to reject the Bible as a source of Truth – although the Bible is not responsible for the erratic conclusions that have been reached by many. The Bible is a fiddle to many people; they play any tune with it that appeals to them. This is graphically typified in Jer. 51:7: “Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine (false doctrines); therefore, the nations are mad.” The nations are so “mad” in their drunkenness that they have been exerting all their energies since 1914 to tear each other apart; and this effort will eventually result in the collapse of all of them.

The Jeremiah text is very closely quoted in Rev. 17:4: “The woman (Babylon) hath a golden cup in her hand full of abominations.” The Jewish nation, with the religion given to them by the Lord through Moses at Sinai, was typical of Christendom. They had been blessed with “the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2); but they had so shamefully rejected those “oracles” by the time that Jesus arrived that He said of them: “Woe unto you, hypocrites... have omitted the weightier matters of the Law, judgment, mercy and faith... appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones.” (Matt. 23:23-27)

And Jesus said the same situation will prevail in Christendom when He comes the second time. And the same punishments will come upon “this generation” that came upon the Jews, when the Romans under Emperor Titus destroyed the magnificent temple and dis­persed the Jews throughout the world in the year 70 A. D.; and they have since been de­scribed as “the wandering Jew,” forced from nation to nation, despised, robbed, merci­lessly persecuted by their “Christian” rulers. When they yelled, “His blood be upon us, and upon our children” (Matt. 27:25), God took them at their word: and they have paid a horrible price for “crucifying the Lord of Glory.” But St. Paul tells us they are yet “beloved for the fathers’ sake.” (Rom. 11:28) Abraham was faithful to God, and it was “counted to him for righteousness” (Rom. 4:3); thus, we see them once more established in that land promised to Abraham, and his seed after him forever’

JEZEBEL

JEZEBEL – Of Old Testament record (1 Kgs. 16:31; 2 Kgs. 9:7-37), is described thus in the writings of one authority: “Daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Zidonians and former priest of Astarte (1 Kgs. 16:3l). She became the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. She was a woman of masculine temperament and swayed her husband at will. She was a devoted wor­shiper of Baal, and intolerant of other faiths. To please her, Ahab reared a temple and an altar to Baal in Samaria, and set up an Asherah (ch. 18:4-13). Though legally only the king’s consort, and not the ruler of the country, yet she slew all the prophets of Jehovah on whom she could lay hands (ch. 18:4-13) When she planned the death of Elijah (ch. 19:1,2), and afterward effected the judicial murder of Naboth, who similarly ig­nored the king’s authority, though he condoned the deed (ch. 21:16-22).

“On account of these murders and other violations of the moral law, the divine sen­tence was pronounced against her that the dogs should eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel (ch. 21:23). The prophecy was literally fulfilled. When, eleven years after Ahab’s death, Jehu executed pitiless vengeance on the royal household, Jezebel painted her face, attired her head, and, looking out at a window, called to him as he approached, ‘Is it peace, thou Zimri, thy master’s murderer?’ Jehu looked up at the window and said, ‘Who is on my side? Who?’ Two or three eunuchs looked out. ‘Throw her down,’ he cried, and they unhesitatingly obeyed. She fell in front of his chariot, which he intention­ally drove over her, and her blood bespattered the horses and the wall. About an hour later, recalling that the dead woman was a king’s daughter, he gave directions to bury her; but it was found that dogs, the scavengers of Oriental cities, had anticipated him, and had left her nothing but the skull, and the feet, and the palms of the hands (2 Kgs. 9:7, 30-37).”

The only text that Jezebel is mentioned in the New Testament is Rev. 2:20: “I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth her­self a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants.” This Scripture is part of the remarks concerning the “Church in Thyatira.” Thyatira means, “the sweet perfume of a sacrifice”; and is most appropriate because that area of the Church did experience ex­treme persecution as she sacrificed upon the Altar of the Lord.

Thyatira existed some eight centuries after the death of Jesus, so the reference here to Jezebel cannot possibly be addressed to the woman, because she had been dead for more than 1500 years. Therefore, Jezebel must have been a type of the apostate Church to whom the text is addressed. In these Revelation statements it is well to keep in mind that they apply partly to the Apostate Church and partly to the true Church.

Every antitype is greater than its type; so we may expect the story of the typical Jezebel to be enacted on a much larger scale than the record says of her. In 2 Kgs. 9:35 there is this: “They went to bury her (Jezebel – See 2 Kgs. 9:30-33): but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.” When told about this Jehu remarked: “This is the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel.”

Jezebel’s death types the destruction of the apostate Church – only the memory of her teachings (skull, intellect); her practices – (evil deeds) – palms of her hands; and her conduct, the memory of her treatment of true Christians throughout this Age; her feet remaining after the revolution­ary dogs (rabid sectarians, partisans – “beware of dogs” – Phil. 3:2, quarrelsome partisans: “they are all dumb dogs” (Isa. 56:10) – will have overthrown her.

THE COMING DESOLATION

Forgoing we recited some of the difficulties that have come upon some sections of the apostate Church, but they are mild indeed to what awaits her in the very near future, when she will be so completely “desolated” that her only remains will be her erroneous and deceptive teachings, her evil deeds, and her treatment of the Lord’s true people.

Here we would emphasize that we are not offering any set date for these events, although we are thoroughly convinced that all of the events stated herein will see their ful­fillment in the near future. If that should occur by 1984, then we can state with cer­tainty that the Seventy Years of Desolation of the Land (606-536 B.C.) is a parallel to the seventy years of desolation of Christendom here in the end of the Age. If Babylon is annihilated in that time, then there will no longer be any Christendon as we under­stand that expression now. So we shall wait and see! To offset somewhat this gloomy prediction, we would quote Mal. 3:17 for the encouragement of our readers: “They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his only son that serveth him.” This is a sure promise to all those who truly reverence God. The closing scenes of this Gospel Age will be the most remarkable of the world’s history. While we do not attempt to predict any exact dates, we are persuaded that the most serious part of the trouble will occupy a very short tine. “I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” (Hab. 1:5)

More can be accomplished in one month now than could have been done in years some time ago. “A short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” (Rom. 9:28) We have full confidence in the Bible Chronology as given in Parousia Volume 2; and the “signs of the times” abundantly confirm our expectations for the consummation of this Age and the in­auguration of the Kingdom; and all the hopes of those who have prayed “Thy Kingdom Come” in sincerity, will be more than they have wished for.

“O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.” (Psa. 66:8,9)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

 QUESTION: – If only the elect are now inscribing their names (characters) in the Book of Life, is there no remembrance of the noble characters of the world?

ANSWER: – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3) The residue of mankind will be awakened with the same character qualities they had in this Age, which will be a wonderful “remembrance” for the noble of this world. However, the “repentant and believing” of the finished Epiphany Camp holds a better position, although all restitutionists will receive the resurrection of the unjust whatever character qualities they may have. But we believe the “repentant and believing” who offer “prayers and alms” in this Age are in relatively the same position as was Cor­nelius before his consecration was acceptable. See Acts 10:1-4. The following is a quotation from Brother Johnson’s teaching on this subject:

“Question: – What is the book of life? Answer: – The expression, “book of life” is found seven times in the A.V. (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; 22:19, the Greek word Xulon used here, should be translated tree or wood). In order to under­stand more clearly what is meant by the “book of life,” we want to state, first of all, that there are, generally speaking, two books of life – one for the elect and another for the non-elect class (Rev. 20:12). According to this passage, during the Gospel Age the books (the 66 books of the Bible) are opened to our understanding as the Lamb’s book of life; but in the Millennium another book of life (the New Covenant revelations) will be opened (made clear). Since the Bible is really an elaboration of the Covenants, the two books of life may, generally speaking, correspond to the all-embracing Abrahamic Covenant, especially in its Oath-bound features, and the New Covenant.

“Question: – What is meant by names being written in the book of life? Answer: – Sometimes it may refer to one’s office activities in God’s arranged plan (Ex. 32:33,34), but the usual meaning is that of one’s character being inscribed into a Covenant. By this we mean developing a character in harmony with a covenant, thus en­abling us to become a partaker of the covenant’s promises. During the Gospel Age, every consecrated and Spirit-begotten one (except the 12 Apostles, who, before Pentecost, Luke 10:20, because of their pre-anointing, were treated in the same way as the Spirit-­begotten) at the time of his entrance into the High Calling began to inscribe his char­acter into the Covenant in its Sarah features, which develop the Christ class. Some failed to continue this work, through allowing sin, error, selfishness and worldliness to interfere to such an extent that they fell into the Great Company. Thus they were blotted of their places as Little Flock members. If unfaithful as Great Company members, they will be blotted out of their places as such, and out of existence entirely, i.e., go into the Second Death; but if faithful as Great Company members, they will inscribe their characters into those features of the Covenant typed by Rachel. The Ancient Wor­thies began and Youthful Worthies also at consecration begin to inscribe their characters into the earthly features of its Oath-bound phase. If faithful, they will have their names written in heaven (Heb. 12:23) at the beginning of the Little Season, for they are among the antitypical Millennial-Age firstborn (Levites) who had no inheritance in the land (Ex. 12:11-13, 21-23,27; 13:1,2, 11-15; Num. 3:40-51) Thus all the elect will ul­timately have their characters inscribed into the all-embracing Abrahamic Covenant in one or another of its features.

“In the Millennium, the non-elect, the restitution class, will have to develop their characters in harmony with the new book of life, the New Covenant revelations, which will then be given. As they progress up the highway of holiness, they will be symbolically writing their names in this other book of life – inscribing their characters into the New Covenant. Of course, those who die the Second Death will have their names blotted out of that book. Surely as we consider this matter and its importance to all of us as God’s people, we can indeed rejoice as Jesus said, “in that our names (either actually, or prospectively in the case of the Youthful Worthies) are written in heaven!

“Question: – Does Rev. 22:19 apply to the Gospel Age or to the Millennial Age? Answer: – This verse contains a warning which has applied all during the Gospel Age and it will also apply in the Millennium. We pointed out above that the Greek word for book in the expression, “book of life” should be translated tree or wood. In Rev. 2:7 the tree of life refers to something in which the Christ class is to share. The world of mankind has another tree or grove of life (Rev. 22:2) in which it is to share. Therefore the warning in this text is applicable to any in either Age.” (July 1950 PT, pp. 110,111)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

 Dear Mr. Hoefle:

I am writing for myself, and on behalf of a friend of mine... I am an alumni of Berean Bible College here.. and my friend is a teacher there. He teaches a course which involves the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Both he and I would like to learn more about these people and would appreciate your aid.

Could you send each of us your price catalogs, any free literature, and any references as to where to look for more information? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. Sincerely ------- (CANADA)

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The Herald of the Epiphany:

Last November of 1979 I lost my father and one week later my dear brother 23 years old. I found your pamphlet in my mailbox. Well, today I found out a close friend of mine passed away. He left his wife alone and I thought if she received one of your pam­phlets it would help her adjust. Where are the Dead? or any of the others. I’d really appreciate this. Also, I’d like to become a Bible Student. Enclosed is my friend’s address.

Thank you! ------- (NEW JERSEY)

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 Dear Sir:

I am very much interested in learning more about the Epiphany Bible Students. Please send some information about your organization and a list of books and prices.

Sincerely ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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 Dear Sirs:

I understand you have free on request “What is the Soul?” Enclosed is $5 which I trust will take care of any expense.

Sincerely ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Shalom!

Have your goodly letter of the 12th with the enclosure in aid of our labors of love to the glory of YHVH. Many thanks.

In today’s mail I am sending Mrs ------- a copy of the Summer issue of the UIB with a covering note telling her of your gracious act in subscribing for her.

As soon as the Winter 1980 UIB is out containing the continuing of your report, we’ll be happy to mail you the number you request. And since you have already distributed the Summer issue, I am mailing you some extra copies.

Yes, some of your people have contacted us. Am reading you Letter No. 306 with inter­est. Heartfelt thanks for your encouraging words and loving greetings.

Faithfully ------- (NEW YORK)

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Our dearly beloved Brother & Sister:

Loving greetings in Jesus’ precious Name! I have received the paper you sent me about our beloved Pastor Russell, as well as your good letter; and I can see that in spite of all your trials and difficulties, God is certainly giving you all the strength, comfort and courage to carry on this grand and wonderful work and labor of love, not only for us but for all His dear people everywhere.

Harold and I truly enjoyed reading the paper but appreciated most of all the article of our beloved Pastor Russell. I am sure you will be richly blessed for your great inter­est. It gave me a wonderful feeling in that I, as one of the “not many wise,” God in His great mercy and love took me from the dunghill and put me among His chosen, calling me out of darkness into His marvelous light, that today I am free and know the Truth. How I do thank and praise Him through our most precious Savior Jesus Christ – not only for our be­loved Pastor Russell but also for our beloved Pastor Johnson whom God has chosen, His last two Star Members...

In last August paper I read where you got some news about Oral Roberts. We do thank God that the time of exposure has come, that all may see who is who and what is what. We have also noticed that there is a new teaching called Charismatic, which seems to have captured many religions. All these things indicate that the Kingdom is not far away and that we all need great strength and courage to continue to keep our consecration vows faithful to the end. So my dear Ones, we need your prayers.

I have just received another parcel of tracts in good order, which I am always happy to receive; and I am glad to know that you will be sending me more from time to time. Thank you very much....

You all are very dear to us on this side, and we pray for your continued strength and well being. I haven’t seen the brethren for some time, but when I do they will be reading your letter. Harold and all here join with me in sending our true Christian love and prayers as always.

Lovingly yours ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Brother Hoefle:

It has been a long time since I have written you. Please forgive the delay. But you and all there have always been in my prayers. Hope this will find all in good health. I have had some bereavement here. My husband passed away three weeks ago with a heart attack. He went out to mow the lawn and never returned to the house. So I am now too old to keep up the place, and will move in with my daughter. I wouldn’t want to miss your papers, as they mean so much to me. I am now 82 years old and not in too good health, but I am still able to do my house work and read my books and papers.

Am enclosing a small gift to help the Truth.

Remembering you always in my prayers, I am Faithfully yours ------- (OHIO)

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