NO. 228: THE RIVER JORDAN - TYPES AND ANTITYPES

No. 228

The land, the terrain and the peoples of Palestine are all markedly typical – ­this being especially true from the Exodus from Egypt to the overthrow of Jerusalem by the Romans under Titus in the year 70 AD. Outstanding among these types is the River Jordan, some of which we shall treat in detail as to type and antitype.

Today this river pretty well marks the eastern boundary of Israel. When the Jews came to possess Canaan they camped east of Jordan not far from the City of Jeri­cho. That city was located about five miles from the north end of the Dead Sea and about seventeen miles from Jerusalem – at the foot of the ascent to the mountainous table-land of Judah. By previous agreement, the Tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half Tribe of Manasseh accepted their inheritance to the east of Jordan, with the remain­ing 9½ tribes locating to the west of the River and to the Mediterranean Sea. Since the Jews crossed the river on that momentous occasion it has been prominent in history to the present day. This prominence is now especially marked, as the Jews and Arabs continue to glare at each other from their respective sides – actually engaging in ex­tensive armed conflict once again in the Autumn of 1973.

Its rise is in the upper hill country from clear water springs. This is aug­mented considerably in time of harvest (March or April) by the melting of the snow on Mount Herman. This explains why “Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest” (Josh. 3:15). Some of its characteristics are among the most peculiar of any stream on earth. So far as is known, it stands absolutely alone among the rivers of the world in the fact that throughout the greater part of its course it runs below the level of the ocean. At its headstream, when it issues from the cave at Banias, it is 1,000 feet above the level of the Mediterranean. By the time it enters Lake Hulah, twelve miles away, it has fallen to within seven feet of sea level. From Hulah to Gal­ilee is 10½ miles; and as it enters the Sea of Galilee it is 682 feet below sea level; and when entering the Dead Sea it is 1,292 feet below the ocean’s top.

There is no outlet to the Dead Sea, and its low level and the warm climate have tended to make this sea the saltiest water on earth – about 27% salt. In such heavy brine an egg will float, and it is not possible for a human being to sink; in fact, when a man lies on his back he stretches straight out like a plank of lumber, and some effort is required once again to reach an upright standing position. Its main supply of water comes from the Jordan River, which empties into it an average of 6,000,000 gallons of water every 24 hours. The sea is about 47 miles long. It reaches about 1,300 feet depth, so that its own surface level is almost exactly half way between its bottom and the level of the ocean. Like the Jordan River, this sea is also one of the most remarkable bodies of water on earth. No other is known to occupy so deep a hollow on the surface of the globe.

The Biblical associations with the Jordan attach mainly to the stretch from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. The river was fringed in ancient times, as it still is, with a thicket of trees and shrubs, principally tamarisks, oleanders and willows, among which lions lurked (Jer. 49:19; Zech. 11:3). It was never bridged until Roman times, but was forded. The fords are frequent and easy in the upper stream and so far down as the mouth of the Jabbok, where Jacob crossed (Gen. 32:10; 33:18). Below that point the river is rarely fordable, and then only at certain seasons of the year. The current is so rapid near Jericho that the numerous pilgrims who go thither to bathe are always in danger, and not infrequently are swept away.

When Joshua led the Jews across Jordan some miracle or extraordinary hap­pening occurred which checked the waters long enough for the Jews to pass over with great ease. The river has been occasionally blocked by landslides, which sometimes damned up the waters for many hours; and this could have occurred in Joshua’s case, but we cannot be certain about that. Including the two lakes, and taking no note of the windings, the river from Banias to the Dead Sea is 104 miles long. Immediately north of the Dead Sea there is virtually tropical country, and produces crops of tropical lux­uriance when properly irrigated. Gen. 13:10 tells us it is “even as the garden of the Lord”; and it had such appeal to Lot that he chose to settle there, disregarding the reprehensible character of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah – “wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly” (Gen. 13:13). Also, it was at Jericho that Elijah smote the Jordan, and he and Elisha “went over on dry ground.” (2 Kgs. 2:8) Shortly after reaching the east bank of the river “Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (v.11)

A GRAND TYPE

Having such a steep fall from its source to the Dead Sea, Jordan’s name is well adapted to its action, the same meaning “The Descender,” or “Judged down.” It is a tortuous attempt to travel by river from Galilee to the Dead Sea; and one United States Navy officer who made the effort in 1848 wrote as follows: “In a space of sixty miles of latitude and four miles of longitude the Jordan traverses at least 200 miles.. We have plunged down 27 threatening rapids, besides a great many of lesser magnitude.”

With such facts as the foregoing to guide, it certainly requires no great stretch of imagination to state that the Jordan (Descender) types the course of the human race in its sinful activities. Of the first man Adam it is recorded, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him.” (Gen. 1:27) Nor does it require any argument that man is presently far from “the image of God.” “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” ­inventions of evil things (Ecc. 7:29). This is graphically set forth in Dan. 4:16: “Let his heart be changed, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.” The whole history of man is largely occupied with a story of blood and tears. Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn. And this has been intensified especially during the passing of the “seven times” – the Times of the Gentiles (“Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled”—Luke 21:24). Since the “times of the Gentiles” began in 607 BC., and have continued to their end in 1914 (a period of 2520 years) the violent and the brutal have dominated the affairs of men – “The Most High hath dominion over the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Dan. 4:17)

This is well portrayed in the Metal–Man dream as recorded in the second chapter of Daniel. In that dream the King saw the image with the “head of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.” In giving the interpretation of the dream, Daniel said to Nebuchad­nezzar, “Thou art this head of gold.” Babylon was the first univer­sal empire. “The God of Heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell... He hath made thee ruler over them all.” it is said that the streets of Babylon were literally paved with gold; thus, the brilliance of the empire was well portrayed by the head of Gold.

Babylon in turn was succeeded by the Medo–Persian empire – represented in the breast and arms of silver. But silver is much less valuable than gold, indicating the increase of evil in the second universal empire. “After thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee.” Following the Medo–Persian came the universal empire of Greece under Alexander the Great. “Another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.” Came then the fourth universal empire – Rome – with two legs of iron, showing the two divisions of the Roman Empire – one in Rome, and one in Constantinople. “The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron... As iron breaketh all these, so shall it break in pieces and bruise.” The dominion of Rome was well described as “the iron rule.”

Then follows the description of Rome’s decline. “The feet and toes, part of pot­ter’s clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it the strength of iron... As the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.” Here we have an excellent de­scription of the nations of Europe – some very strong, as instance Russia under the Czars, and the British Empire under Victoria; with some of the other governments of lit­tle consequence.

At the time of the 1914 war there were about 22 governments in Europe, with many more than that today; but there are only ten language groups, as shown by the ten toes of the metal–man feet. These groups are the Scandanavian, the Anglo–Saxon, the Teuton­ia, the Gaulic, the Hispanian, the Latin, the Greek, the Turkish, the Slavic, and the Magyars. These are the divisions of the old Roman Empire in Europe – the ten toes of the image, “iron mixed with miry clay.” “But they shall not cleave one to another (no longer one dominion, as was true of the previous Babylonian, Medo–Persian, Greecian and Roman rules) even as iron is not mixed with clay.” “And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom (“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, even as it is in Heaven”), which shall never be destroyed... It shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms (their disintegration has been steadily proceeding since 1914), and it shall stand forever.”

It is well to emphasize here that the iron toes were “mixed with miry clay.” Very dry and hard clay may be easily mistaken for stone, and this point is not without pur­pose in the picture, because the various governments of Europe have combined with the different religions of Christendom – in counterfeit of the real Kingdom of God and the real religion (“Then will I turn to the people a pure language – not the imitations that we see today – that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent.” (Zeph. 3:9) And this is to be accomplished by the “stone cut out of the mountain without hands” – by the Christ Company that has been gathered “without outward show” (Luke 17:20) all during this Age. The stone “cut out without hands” is slowly but surely breaking in pieces and consuming all these counterfeit combinations.

THE TIME OF THE HARVEST

“Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of Harvest.” (Josh. 3:15) In Matt. 24:3 the Disciples asked Jesus, “What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world!” in addition to the answer given there by Jesus, there is this in Matt. 13:39, “The harvest is the end of the world.” With Jordan typing the race under the curse, and overflowing its banks “all the time of harvest,” we should expect to see a marked increase of sin, error and death during harvest. This was markedly true dur­ing the Jewish harvest, when the Jews were under the Roman yoke, and were eventually expelled from their homeland, with great numbers of Jews being slaughtered in the dis­persion; and we are witness to its great increase since 1874 in Christendom, when the harvest began. It requires no great intelligence to note the facts as they abound all about us. Greatly increased is vice in the form of white slavery, unnatural sins (as evidence the immorality and rowdy debauchery in many of the ‘hippy’ gatherings), drunken­ness, gluttony, gang lawlessness, vicious narcotics and dope addiction on the part of many – even among teen–age school children.

Many of our elite educational institutions are markedly on the downgrade, details of which come to us from time to time from friends who are acquainted with the condi­tions. In statecraft the same condition prevails. One wit has stated it quite well when he commented, “Politics is running the public’s business for private interests.”

With so much money being handled in all places, it is only logical to expect that the temptation to dip into the public treasury would be just too much for the politicians to withstand. One prominent man had had his portrait made by a noted artist; and he asked Will Rogers what he thought of it. Rogers answered, It’s the first time I’ve ever seen you with your hand in your own pocket.

Militarism has likewise become much more active. The war that began in 1914 was up to that time the world’s greatest calamity. Then came the 1929–1932 depression, which may not have caused so many deaths as the war, but it caused more suffering in general over the world, which would classify it as a greater calamity than was the war. This was followed by the 1939–1945 war, which was worse in every way than the two calam­ities we have just described. And, following logically on, we may expect the next hol­ocaust to be even worse than anything that has yet transpired “in the time of harvest.” We hear much talk about treaties between nations that will bring “peace and safety,” but we know from experience that many nations today are interested only in a treaty that will be kept by the other party, but not by them.

In the financial and industrial world we see similar conditions, such as huge and fraudulent stock manipulations and outright swindles. One has recently appeared in California where it is said about a quarter of a billion dollars is involved. “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man.” (Luke 17: 26) In Noah’s time “there were giants in the earth” (Gen. 6:4). ‘Giants’ is from the Hebrew ‘Nephilim,’ which means a bully or a tyrant. When the ten spies brought back their evil report about Canaan they said, “There we saw the giants (Nephilim), the sons of Anak... and we were in our sight as grasshoppers.” (Num. 13:33) And when the Jews heard this “the people wept all night.” (Num. 14:1) Clearly enough, legend had thoroughly inoculated the Jews with the tales of the giants (Nephilim), so that they were terrorized at mere mention of the name.

Today – “in the time of harvest” – we have the antitype of the giants in the giant corporations that have developed, mainly since 1874. Some of these giants may have been in existence before that date, but they were then as grasshoppers compared to their present size and crushing power. Laws have been passed to curb their power, to prevent the destruction of competition; yet they continue to increase in size and pres­tige. Today they pretty well control the news agencies by the advertising they place with them, the agencies knowing they will lose this source of income if they antagonize the giants. We know of one instance personally where a newspaper writer had exposed a certain stock fraud; and he stated, I am practically a prisoner in this place now; I don’t dare to open my mouth. Such situations have tended to increase greatly class hatreds, of which we shall treat a little later. Concerning these matters, Mr. F. Sim­onds, the Historian, writes:

“Seventeen years (since 1914) of almost continuous conflict, inter­rupted only by incomplete truce, have reduced the whole European Continent to a state of economic and social disorder unparalleled since the Thirty Years’ War. Nations are bankrupt, trade is reduced to barter, money has lost its value, even the pound sterling has faltered. (This is even more true now than it was in 1931—JJH) The unemployed millions are meagerly fed by public treasuries, themselves filled by taxation which is extortianate. The miseries of the so–called peace of today, miseries reaching to every human being within national limits, defy exaggeration. It is clear that what has been going on since 1914 cannot continue.”

Along this line family life should also receive attention. Selfishness has in­creased greatly; divorces have increased greatly; children are disobedient to par­ents in greatly increased numbers. Often children do not receive proper support and care from parents. The Law of Moses offers quite a contrast to conditions today: “If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father... they shall say unto the elders of the city... Our son is stubborn and rebellious... he is a glutton and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die – so shalt thou put away evil from among you.” (Deut. 21:18–21) Such a suggestion today would produce screams to high heaven; and we would stress that we are not offering such counsel to our readers now. Today capi­tal punishment of the most vicious and depraved criminals is ruled to be inhuman.

The foregoing vices and dereliction of morale are graphically portrayed in the downward course of the River Jordan, which broadens to a width of 200 feet as it enters the Dead Sea. And the Dead Sea is most appropriately named, because it is indeed “dead.” The increasing corruption of the human race will eventually produce a “dead” condition on earth. “These days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; ­neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I have set all men every one against his neighbor.” (Zech. 8:10) When such a con­dition arrives, commerce will be “dead”; and peace will be a scarce article – all of which is vividly portrayed by the Jordan ending in the Dead Sea.

ANOTHER DISTINCTIVE TYPE

The Prophet Elijah was much occupied in his criticism and attempts to reform the wicked rulers of Israel – especially so with King Ahab and his heathen Queen Jezebel. In this he typed the true church of the Gospel Age in its attempt to reform this “present evil world.” And just as Elijah failed completely, so also the Christian Church has failed completely. As related in the foregoing pages, practically all the evils known to man have been accentuated here in the end of the Age.

Since Elijah was such a prominent type of the Gospel–Age church, anything he had to do with the River Jordan would also be typical. The most outstanding example of this is found in 2 Kings 2:1–12, wherein Elijah was taken by “a chariot of fire, and horses of fire... by a whirlwind into heaven.” Just before this occurred, however, Elijah, accom­panied by Elisha, had taken his mantle and had smitten Jordan, which parted the waters “so that the two went over on dry ground.” In this picture the Jordan types the peoples of Christendom undergoing a condemnatory sentence in their organized capac­ities. Water in Bible symbols represents people: “The waters which thou sawest are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” (Rev. 17:15); and this same thought is inferred in Rev. 16:12, where it is stated that “the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great River Euphrates, and the water (popular support of the people) thereof was dried up.”

The waters of Jordan, then, would represent the nations – especially the nations of Christendom – viewed from the standpoint of their political, ecclesiastical, finan­cial and industrial organizational aspects; hence, the rulers, the clergy, the aristo­crats, the labor leaders and their supporters. Therefore, the nations as organized in these four relations are represented as being severely censured and given a condem­natory sentence by antitypical Elijah (the true church – as it existed in all parts of Christendom), which is what is meant by Elijah taking his mantle and smiting Jordan. Elijah’s mantle was emblematic of his power as God’s Prophet to Israel; and it typi­fied the power of antitypical Elijah in the Truth messages that were given right after the outbreak of the war in 1914, because that war was the direct result of the many evils enumerated aforegoing. The word mantle in this text is from the Hebrew ‘ada­reth,’ and carries with it the idea of an insignia of honor, power, splendor.

Just as the mantle was symbolic, so also was its wrapping, which would represent the combination and concentration of all the truths pertinent to the case, coupled with the financial and intellectual ability to accomplish the purpose. Thus, the “Divine right” of kings and clergy to occupy their offices was given devastating ex­posure by those members of the church who clearly understood the situation. This was carried on by lectures and the printed page, with such subjects as “The World On Fire,” “Distress Of Nations Preceding Armageddon,” “Why Financiers Tremble,” etc. Anent this last, the New York Stock Exchange was closed for three months after August 1, 1914, so that no one could buy or sell their stocks.

The smiting of Jordan that followed outbreak of the war involved several things: First, a truthful and irrefutable presentation of the evils, violative of the Golden Rule by those claiming to rule by Divine right; Second, a passing of the sentence of destruction upon all those institutions claiming Divine right; Third, the announce­ment of dismissal from office, and pronouncement of future punishment of all who made claim to Divine right. This work is accurately, literally and figuratively set out in Psa. 149:5–9: “Let the men of lovingkindness (the true church) exult as they glory.... a two–edged sword in their hand (the sword of the spirit – the Word of God): to exe­cute an avenging among the nations; rebukes among the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their honored ones with iron bands; to execute upon them the sentence written.” (Rotherham transla­tion) This work was done so thoroughly and clearly that very few indeed in America continue to believe in the Divine right of rulers or clergy. The Kaiser himself was much obsessed with that idea; but very few in Germany continue to harbor such belief today.

As stated, the “waters” of Jordan represent peoples; and the dividing of those waters would represent the division of the peoples involved into two classes – The Conserv­atives, and the Radicals. It certainly places no strain upon the imagination to recognize that this condition is sharply present with us now; and has become increasingly so since 1914. It is now pretty well admitted by responsible men that the 1914 war was nothing more than a com­­mercial war; but no one dared make mention of such a thing while the war was on. At that time both sides in the conflict had their sub­jects aroused into a frenzy of patriotism perhaps never before equaled in the history of man. Certainly not with so many involved on each side. But, as 1918 passed, the cooling–off began to appear, at which time large numbers arrived at the humiliating re­alization that they had been merely dupes and pawns in the conflict.

In the purely secular conflict that developed between the Conservatives and the Radicals the church stood aloof, not joining with either side, realizing, as they did, that both sides held sadly distorted views of the cause they championed. This is typi­fied in the picture by Elijah and Elisha walking “over on dry ground.” However, that dividing of the waters of Christendom produced great changes. The Czar of Russia and his family just disappeared in late 1917. Up to that time Russia had been one of the most autocratic and powerful governments in all history. Also, the German Kaiser was forced to abdicate; and in both instances new governments were formed that were far removed from those they replaced. And this continues to proceed in the various coun­tries of earth; and it is well portrayed in the division of Jordan into two bodies of water as shown by the smiting by Elijah with his mantle.

In all of this it should be noted that the true church (“the elect”) has stood aloof from the conflict between the two elements of society, knowing as we do that even­tually both factions will come to utter ruin. This “time of trouble” is especially for the purpose of chastising and humiliating the evil elements in the world (the present social order) and in the church – that part of the church “coming out of the great af­fliction” (Rev. 7:14). But so long as we “continue in the things we have learned and been assured of” (those true teachings of the faithful Messengers here in the end of the Age), we may repose “in quietness and confidence” in the blessed promise of Psalms 91:7–11:

“A thousand shall fall at thy side; and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, and the most High, thy habitation. There shall no evil befall thee.... For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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

QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – The February 15, 1974 Watchtowers says that “all Israel will be saved,” in Romans 11:26 does not refer to natural Israel. Do you agree with that?

ANSWER: – We do not agree with that! Even a cursory look at Rom. 11:25,26 should convince any novice that the Witnesses are in total blindness regarding the status of Israel: First of all, the Roman Epistle is written to “the invited ones” (1:6, Dia.) – that is, to spiritual Israel. Therefore, when he says to them in Rom. 11:25 that “hardness in some measure has happened to Israel,” he is self–evidently not referring to those to whom he is writing – that is, spiritual Israel – but to Israel after the flesh. Thus, his statement in 11:26, “all Israel will be saved,” is also a reference to natural Israel. We refer our readers to Brother Russell’s Berean Comments on these texts: “Happened to Israel... natural Israel, the whole twelve tribes........ shall be saved... restored to favor, recovered from their blindness.. from Jacob... The natural seed of Abraham first... Spiritual Israel is never called Jacob.”

Of course, the Witnesses change their teachings from year to year as a chameleon changes its color from minute to minute. Shortly after That Servant’s demise – and while they still retained some of the clear convincing Truth he presented – they pub­lished their book in 1925, “Comfort For The Jews’“ which is in full accord with the aforegoing. If their claim is now correct that they are “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” just what should be said of them in 1925 – when they taught the exact opposite of what they now declare to be the Truth! They claim God’s Kingdom has been operating through them since 1914; thus, consid­ering their teachings in 1925 with their teachings in 1974, the Kingdom is truly a counterfeit of Babylon the Great – confusion in the extreme!

There are quite a few groups today who claim to be “all Israel,” although the Jeho­vah’s Witnesses and the LHMM are the main two emanating from the Harvest Truth who have revolutionized against That Servant’s teaching regarding natural Israel. The Jehovah’s Witnesses no longer believe that the Jews returning to their homeland is a proof that they are no longer under condemnation – that their “double” is finished. To all who have “continued” in the Harvest Truth, the return of the Jews to their homeland confirms our faith in what “we have learned and been assured of.” The LHMM has revolutionized against That Servant’s teaching, although not nearly so much as have the Jehovah’s Witnes­ses. They continue to teach that the Jews returning to Palestine is God’s favor return­ing to natural Israel, but they teach that the Jews will have to become Campers Conse­crated if they are to receive their Scriptural promises – “first and chief” place in the Kingdom. In other words, instead of the Campers becoming Jews, as That Servant teaches will be required of all Restitutionists, the Jews must become Campers Conse­crated. This is a gross revolutionism against the Harvest Truth, because That Servant taught, with Scriptural proof, that the Kingdom will be Israelitish, and that all would have to become Jews if they go up the Highway of Holiness – because the New Covenant is made with them: it is not made with Campers Consecrated. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them... After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer. 31:31–33)

In this same Watchtower, they tell us that the “apostle Paul made it clear that the natural descendants of Abraham through his grandson Jacob were in line for being ‘adopted’ as sons of God.” This is an unfortunate expression – because when the Jews were spirit–begotten, they were not adopted, they were God’s begotten children – and the same is true regarding the Gentiles when the door was opened for them. During the Kingdom, under the New Covenant, all who come into harmony with that Covenant – become Jews – will be the children of Christ. He will be their Head.

The Law Covenant given to natural Israel was a perfect law, and required a per­fect man’s ability to comply with its rules and regulations – but so long as they made a sincere effort to comply with the Law, God’s favor was with them. The Law Covenant did not require sacrifice of their natural rights, although there were some – ­the Ancient Worthies – who did sacrifice their natural rights to do God’s will above that which was required by the Law Covenant. They were “Israelites indeed.” The New Covenant will not require sacrifice either – but when He puts the Law in “their inward parts, and writes it in their hearts” they will be given the ability to obey that Law as they go up the Highway of Holiness. So God’s favor was to natural Israel first during the Faith Age, and His favor will be to natural Israel first during the works Age.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses do not exclude the individual Jews from coming with them, although it is not likely that many, if any, Jews take advantage of their invitation ­nor will the Jews who have been instructed in the Harvest Truth be likely to take ad­vantage of the favor that the LHMM offers them, to become Campers Consecrated to in­sure the blessing promised them. However, the LHMM does not condemn all Jews to an­nihilation if they do not join with them – they just demote them to a secondary place in the Kingdom arrangement, if they don’t become Campers Consecrated.

There are groups in Christendom who now teach they are “God’s chosen people,” and like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, they do not offer the Jews much chance of survival if they do not join with them. Nor will the Jews be likely to join with them either, because they are prominent in their Hate–Jew publications – publicizing all the un­complimentary news they can of the Jews whom they believe to be the main cause of the “time of trouble” now upon the earth. However, there are some groups in Christendom who put the two groups emanating from the Harvest Truth to shame, in their sympathy and help to the Jews, believing they are God’s chosen people. They do this, not hav­ing the knowledge of God’s plan as was given to these groups at the outset. As Bro. Russell has said, all who aid and comfort the Jews will not fail of a reward – and we believe that is true of these groups, even though they don’t understand the Plan of Salvation as do those who have continued in “Present Truth.”

However, the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the LHMM, as well as the other groups in Christendom described above, are not offering the “comfort of the Scriptures” to the Jews – rather they are perverting the Scriptures by applying these promises to them­selves, or to a section of their respective groups: to the “great crowd” in the Je­hovah’s Witnesses, and to Campers Consecrated in the LHMM. Of course, this ‘comfort, is to the faithful covenant–keeping Jews, and not for the renegade Jews who are clas­sified as Gentiles in God’s sight.

There are quite a few of the Lord’s people who received the Harvest Truth on the “Hopes and Prospects” of the Jews, who continue to uphold and defend the “faith once delivered unto the saints” but there are many of our brethren bewildered by their leaders into accepting the “pestilence that walketh in darkness” (Psa. 91:6) ­of this Epiphany night. It is for the purpose of helping these brethren that we continue to reassert and reaffirm the Harvest Truth on the Jewish promises, as well as on other doctrines we have received from that “Wise and Faithful Servant.”

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

LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle:

Thank you so much for the continued blessings received through your circulars. I have read No. 224, and would like six copies of ... also of L–D–H.

I hope to start a Bible study with dear friends who are showing a real interest in the Truth. If copies of the Divine Plan of the Ages are available, they would help in starting this study. Any suggestions you may have, will be appreciated. Enclosed is a check to help defray costs of shipping and for help in the Lord’s work.

With Christian love, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

NO. 227: "THE THIRD WATCH"

No. 227

In Luke 12:37-38 Jesus said, “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching.... And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.” These words were ad­dressed primarily to the Saints, but “What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:37) During the ministry of Jesus the Roman army maintained a strong guard in Jerusalem, a fresh troop probably being installed each evening at six o’clock, the same as is true with the American army. The individual guards were relieved every three hours, each relief being known as a “watch,” the first watch being at six p.m., the second at nine, the third at midnight, and the fourth at three a.m. When the watch was changed at midnight and at three a.m. a trumpet sounded, the same being re­ferred to as the first and second cock-crowing. Therefore, when Jesus said to Peter (Mark 14:30), “Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice,” He was telling Peter that before the sounding of the second “cock” at three a.m. that same Peter would have denied Jesus three times.

Jesus never used words idly or without special significance; therefore, He did not do so in this instance. “The morning cometh, and also the night” (Isa. 21:12), the reference here being to the Millennial morning and the night of trouble that would come abreast of it. For those awake to its significance, this morning has given light of great brilliance; but to those not understanding it, it has been a “day of trouble, of clouds and thick darkness.” For those on the alert it would seem proper to observe that they have been in a watching attitude, the first one of these watches being the period of forty years from 1874 to 1914. During that watch the hopes were high and certain that by its end the Household of Faith would all be gathered to their Lord and the King­dom established; and great was the disappointment of many when 1914 did not confirm all they had expected.

But those whose faith failed not, girded themselves for the second watch – the forty years from 1914 to 1954; and early in this watch the “signs of the times” seemed to point with certainty to the fulfillment of many Kingdom prophecies before that watch would be completed. Surely, the fall in 1917 of Czarist Russia was of great portent; it was one of the greatest and most absolute governments in all his­tory. And other events brought into clear focus Isa. 24:20, “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage.” So convincing were some of the happenings at that time that good sober brethren, well “established in the present truth,” were heard to remark that we were no longer walking by faith alone; we were walking by sight. During the years 1914-1918 “the furnace (of persecution against Bible Students) was heated one seven time more than it was wont to be” (Dan. 3:19) But the virility of the Old Order is not to be denied, nor is “The Strong Man” easily bound. Thus, the second watch has come and gone; and the third watch is already twenty years with us.

When Jesus said, “If He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch,” it would seem a reasonably strong inference that He would come for His own be­fore the third watch is completed. It should be noted that the expression “shall come” does not always refer to His second advent to earth. Note, for instance, Matt. 24:50: “The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him.” The reference here is to That Evil Servant, who did not appear as such until over forty years after Jesus had returned in 1874; yet a superficial reading might cause us to conclude it was something that would occur at the same time as the Second Advent. But during the first watch, and again in the second watch, and now in the third watch, those who are faithfully watching will still embrace the words of the Psalmist (63:6) – “My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips... when I meditate on thee in the night watches.” In Vol. E-12, pp. 368-369 Brother Johnson says that in 1914 “Satan began the antitypi­cal 70 years’ depopulation of Christendom”; and it would seem almost certain that some of God’s elect will remain until toward the end of that work – just as Jeremiah was one of the last to leave Israel during the desolation of Israel.

THE FIGURE FORTY IMPLIES TRIAL

We have repeatedly stressed that the Bible does not use words unnecessarily; and we know the destruction of the first world is typical of the destruction of this Pres­ent Evil World. Therefore, when we are told in Gen. 7:12 that “the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights,” we are hardly warranted in giving that just a 40­-year antitype. The figure forty in Scripture is used to designate a trial time ­“tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years” (Heb. 3:9). In substantiation, we quote Brother Edgar’s observations, as published in Reprints 3574, col. 2, par. 2, June 15, 1905 Watch Tower:

“When we turn back to the early history of the typical kingdom, we find that Saul, David and Solomon each reigned 40 years. It is clear that the reign of Saul represents the Jewish Age, that of David the Gospel Age, and that of Solomon the Mil­lennial Age. The fact that the duration of each reign was 40 years indicates that it represented a complete period of testing and sifting. This would appear to be the thought underlying the number 40 in all instances in which it is used in the Scrip­tures. For instance, there were the 40 years’ temptation of the children of Israel in the wilderness, Christ’s 40-days’ temptation (Moses’ 40-days stay in the Mount, which allowed for severe temptation to Israel—JJH), etc. They all seem to fore­shadow the years of harvest at the end of the Jewish, of the Gospel, and (possibly) of the Millennial Ages.”

The life span of Moses also had three forty-year divisions: (1) the first 40 years which he spent in Pharaoh’s Egyptian palace; (2) the second 40 years in Midian, which was a region in the Arabian desert near the gulf of Akabah (recently given prom­inent news mention because of the war between the Arabs and the Jews); (3) the third and final 40 years in which he led Israel from Egypt to The River Jordan preparatory to their entrance into Canaan land. We believe all will agree that those three 40-year periods were extremely trialsome to Moses.

Therefore, if we construe the three “watches” as the three forty-year trial times beginning with 1874, we note some interesting conclusions: (1) The Parousia forty years had to do mainly – though not exclusively – with the trial time of the Little Flock. By the time it was over at September 16, 1914 every crown-retainer of the Harvest had his name written in that “book” from which none can ever be “blotted out.” At the con­clusion of that forty years many others murmured because of unrealized expectations ­“and they walked with Him no more.” (John 6:66) To such the Truth speedily lost its appeal; they had built their house upon Christ “as sand,” and this was quickly made manifest.

(2) The first forty years of the Time of Trouble beginning with 1914 – or the first half of the Epiphany, represented by the “forty days” of rain (The Epiphany and the Time of Trouble are identical) had to do mainly – though not exclusively – with the trial time of the Great Company. By the time that forty years was finished in September 1954, every crown-lost leader in Little Babylon – and the great bulk of les­ser lights among the crown-losers in the various Truth groups – had been manifested by the sixth Slaughter-weapon Man of Revolutionism, the last leader of whom was R. G. Jolly. His 1938 deflection was merely against arrangements; but his deflection after the de­mise of Brother Johnson was persistent and numerous revolutionisms against Parousia and Epiphany Truth; and this became clearly manifest to some of us by September 1954.

The conclusion of that trial time also gave severe trial to some because of un­realized expectations. One of the more prominent leaders in Truth circles was unyield­ing in his prediction that the Ancient Worthies would return by 1956; and he, and those who accepted his foolish conclusions, have since faded pretty much into the Limbo of spiritual inactivity – just as was true of many who had been so positive in their predic­tions respecting 1914. In 1914 and 1954 the Scripture was forcefully apparent that “judgment must begin at the House of God” (1 Pet. 4:17); the depth of the profession of their faith was manifested in those claiming to be in “present truth.” And this was more apparent with the Epiphany Truth Movement at 1954 than with any others.

(3) The second forty years of the Epiphany, and the third “watch,” represented by “forty nights” of rain, beginning in 1954, is having to do mainly – though not exclusively ­with the trial of Youthful Worthies; and this will run to its logical completion. The world in general is also being more severely “tried” in this second forty years – these “nights” of the antitypical “rain” (the third watch). This is evident on every hand in international affairs, where Governments are being toppled by the “sea” (the lawless, restless elements of Society) with increasing regularity. Also, in ways not known world­wide, conditions internally are becoming unbearable – even here in the United States, as an example: In many Detroit public schools it is now necessary to have policemen patrol­ling the corridors all day long to prevent lawless students from knifing the teachers and­ other students. Such a condition was unheard of – would have been considered unbeliev­able – in the “second watch” from 1914 to 1954, the forty “days” of rain of the Time of Trouble.

The third watch had scarcely begun before the Cuban Government was overthrown by a Communist regime, which added considerably to the problems of the United States. And during these twenty years we have experienced serious and devastating riots in many prin­cipal cities of the U.S.; along with crucial disorders on college campuses; aggravated increase in vicious drug traffic, and multiplied major crimes. In 1973 there were 750 murders in the City Detroit, and its main street is practically a ghost town immediately after dark.

Despite the serious implications of the foregoing, the politicians are once again mouthing “peace and safety” – just as they were doing before the holocaust of 1914. And those of us who remember the situation can testify that “sudden destruction” came upon them (1 Thes. 5:3); and the predictions of “peace and safety” now will meet similar fate.

Immediately after the completion of the Parousia trial time there appeared a Le­vite (JFR), who usurped to himself all the prerogatives of That Servant – he professed to “sit in Moses’ seat.” Those who disagreed and resisted him were speedily and un­justly labeled “sifters,” and the decree went forth to “avoid them.” And, as should be expected from such a reprobate power-grasper, he quickly brought forth much error and was the chief offender in Revolutionism (the sixth Slaughter-weapon man). One of his principal and primary errors was the denial of Tentative Justification, which so perverted the teachings of Tabernacle Shadows that he was eventually forced to reject that book in toto. This “overthrew the faith of many” among the Great Company.

At 1954, after the completion of the second trial time (at the end of the “second watch”) appeared another Levite (RGJ) who also professes to “sit in Moses’ seat.” He also labels as “sifters” –and decrees that his adherents “avoid them” – any who resists his Revolutionisms. And, in true style with the perverter after the first 40-year trial time (JFR), we find also with him that one of his main perversions is on Tentative Jus­tification. He now has that teaching outside the linen curtain (the righteousness that cometh from Christ alone in this faith dispensation) and in the Camp. This also is “overthrowing the faith of many” among the Youthful Worthies, as this perversion forces him to other perversions, prominent among such being his denial of further opportunity to enter the Youthful Worthy Class - in direct contradiction to the teaching of both Messengers that Tentative Justification inside the linen curtain for Youthful Worthy opportunity would be available even after Armageddon – and “until Restitution sets in” (E-4:342). Yet in this spiritual bedlam he continues to “Herald the Epiphany” (see front cover of the Present Truth magazine), although claiming we are now in the Basileia. The Epiphany Bible Students (our own group) is now the only group adhering to the Truth on Youthful Worthies as given by Brothers Russell and Johnson, as we continue also to “herald the Epiphany” – the same being identical with the Time of Trouble (See E-4:54)

Be it noted that Tentative Justification was a dominant factor in the teaching of revolutionistic Levites at the end of both trial periods, the main difference is this: After 1914 That Evil Servant eliminated Tentative Justification entirely for any Age; whereas, RGJ now has it in EVERY AGE – right on through the Millennium! But note also: It was after tampering with Tentative Justification that each Levite brought forth his “strange fire” (false doctrine), JFR immediately with his “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” and his specially invented class of Jonadabs – and RGJ with his Campers Con­secrated, who may also live right into the Kingdom – or, so he says. Of course, time itself has completely eliminated the “Millions” doctrine – it is no longer even mentioned in those words; and time will also demonstrate the “folly” of R. G. Jolly and his kin­dred Campers Consecrated.

THE HOURS OF REVELATION 18

As a companion thought with the foregoing, it would seem in order to consider Rev. 18:8 10, 17 and 19. In E-5:422 (28) Brother Johnson states that the “one day” of v. 8 is the Millennial Day, and an hour of which would be 41 years 8 months. At the time he wrote that he could not see clearly the conditions existing today – anymore than we can now see clearly the conditions five, ten or twenty years hence. It is now only too apparent that much of what Brother Russell expected in 1914 and what Brother John­son expected respecting 1954-56 have not materialized; and this should sober us all in our attempts to pry into the future in too much detail – “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

However, if we consider the “hour of judgment” of v. 10, the “hour” of v. 17, and the “hour of desolation” of v. 19 as three different hours – instead of all of them be­ing the same hour – we may reach some informative conclusions. But just as Brother Johnson eventually saw much detail respecting 1914-1916 that was not at all apparent at the time, so we too may eventually see much detail respecting 1954-1956 that is not now readily apparent. A pointed example in this respect is Brother Russell’s observations on Psa. 149:7-9, “to execute upon them the judgment written” – which event he discussed as a future matter, although it was going on right at the time he was talking about it.

It is stated that in one hour Babylon’s judgment came. If that hour began in 1874, it would end 41 years 8 months later at Passover, 1916; and it was at that date that the last Saint was brought into Present Truth. While the judgment had been pronounced early in the hour, it was not until its full end that it could be truly said, “The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee” (in Babylon the Great). At that date the judgment had come to the full.

Then at Passover 1916 began the second hour (v. 17) – “so great riches is come to naught” (“in one hour such great wealth is laid waste”—Dia.); and the hour ended about January 1958. Have we seen any evidence of the wasting in this second hour? Yea, ver­ily – much more than appears on the surface! The rule of ‘hard money’ has almost com­pletely disappeared; Governments have issued so much worthless paper that no one with any financial intelligence believes it will ever be redeemed with gold, which is still the only international money of any value. Few governments today want the paper of other governments; and there is not nearly enough gold even to transact international trade in its present-day volume. There are only three ways to do business – namely: (1) By cash – Gold; (2) by credit – paper promises to pay; (3) by barter. At best the barter system is cumbersome; and then it is only workable when governments have mutu­ally desirable commodities. It cannot work at all between, say, two agricultural countries, since they cannot trade wheat to each other for agricultural machinery; nor can it work between two industrial countries, as they cannot trade each other machinery for foodstuff. It should here be noted that it was the failure of the Austrian Reichs­bank in late 1931 that caused such international turmoil as to force England off the Gold Standard, which in turn forced the United States to do the same some months later.

The amount of paper issued in various countries is staggering beyond comprehension. In France today the Franc is about 400 for one American dollar; and this is the same Franc that was the unit of value in France before the second hour of wasting began ­just as our dollar is the unit of value here. With the Franc deteriorated to 1/4 cent, one may buy little more than a toothpick or a match with one of them; and even the Frenchmen do not want them except for day-to-day convenience. It is well known that the peasants of France have their little gold hoards, which the government has repeat­edly tried to tempt into exchange for paper Francs; but the peasants will have no part of a rotting and wasting currency, which gives every evidence of being worth even less in the days ahead. About fifteen years ago in Czechoslovakia the people awoke one morning to be greeted with the news that the currency unit had been shrunk to one for fifty; thus, a man having $5,000 in the bank was given $100, and told to start all over accumulating more. It caused widespread riots, resulting in many deaths and injuries.

In the United States the overall debt today is about 1½ TRILLION DOLLARS, and this staggering figure is increasing about 70 billion more each year. This includes national, state, municipal and private obligations. If we figure just four per cent interest on that, the yearly interest is forty billion – over $200 for each man, woman and child in the United States. Thus, a man and wife with three children faces an an­nual interest burden of over $1,000 – as an average. To express a solid cold opinion on this might involve “things not lawful for a man to utter”; but it should not require a very vivid imagination to arrive at certain conclusions, and it would indeed be an iron­ic fate should we eventually see the capitalistic system “wasted” by the Frankenstein of its own creation – caused to collapse by a top-heavy interest system of its own making. Of this there will be more to say in “due time.”

Coming to the hour of v. 19, the hour of desolation, which began about January, 1958: We have often been asked when the violent features of Armageddon will begin. It did not begin in 1958, and it has not started yet; but it is our opinion that it will certainly be accomplished to the full in the third hour. But its start will not be advertised ahead of time. We shall wake up some morning to find it with us. This is in keeping with the “sudden destruction” of 1914. Twenty-four hours before it began all was serene – no indication whatever that the next day would bring the explosion that tottered the whole world, so much so that the New York Stock Exchange was tightly closed for three whole months – although the United States was not then embroiled.

It is pointedly significant that governments never fall so long as the army remains loyal. It seems almost certain that Armageddon would have overtaken some countries ere this had it not been for the American army which is there to preserve order; nor is there any likelihood of violent disturbance in any countries where a loyal American army continues to police it. And, since the “hour of desolation” is now only about half over, the spirit of a sound mind should forbid us from making conjectures about details yet fu­ture. We may relax in the assurance that “the vision is yet for an appointed time..... it will surely come, it will not tarry”; and it is for each of God’s people to order his affairs in keeping therewith. (Hab. 2:3)

Therefore, Dearly Beloved, let us not be weary in well doing, but strive earnestly to “maintain the true word in our teaching, so that we may be able both to exhort by the sound instruction, and to confute the opposers. For there are unruly persons, foolish talkers and deceivers... whom it is necessary to silence.” (Titus 1:9-11, Dia.) It is certain that if we “maintain the true Word in our teaching” that the promise of Luke 21:15 is ours: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adver­saries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” Nor will it ever become necessary for us to “flee” from our adversaries’ attacks. Thus, shall you “sanctify the anointed Lord in your hearts, and be always prepared with a defense for every one demanding an account of the hope that is in you; but with meekness and fear, having a good conscience that in what they speak against you, they may be ashamed, who slander your good conduct in Christ.” (1 Pet. 3:15, 16)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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

QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Will Restitutionists have “peace with God” during the Mediatorial reign, after they accept Jesus as their Savior?

ANSWER: – No – they will not have “peace with God,” nor will they be of the House­hold of Faith when they accept Jesus. God does not deal with Restitutionists at all during the Kingdom reign. That Servant confirms this in Parousia Volume 5, p. 458: “Similarly, the world of mankind, the children of Christ, must all report to Him, as their Head, nor will they have any intercourse with God, nor be recognized by Him at all, until after the Millennial Age shall have restored and brought back to perfection those who will avail themselves of those privileges.”

However, at the end of the Millennium, God will justify the physically, mentally, morally and religiously perfect sheep, at which time they will have “peace with God.” Even though the sheep are willing and obedient, they cannot be justified until the end of the Millennium. It is God that justifies. They are taking the proper steps when they accept Jesus as their Head, and are willing and obedient to the Kingdom requirements. Justification is instantaneous, although there are progressive steps to be taken before we reach instantaneous justification. Even in this Faith Age, those in the Camp take progressive steps toward the gate of the Court. They must desire harmony with God, become repentant and believing, and accept Jesus as their personal Savior. But when they enter the Court they are instantaneously tentatively justified, and have “peace with God.” Tentative justification is an imputable thing.

As Brother Johnson has taught and repeatedly emphasized: “During that Age there will be neither a tentative nor a vitalized justification, since both of these kinds of justification operate on the basis of the imputed ransom merit, as distinct from the applied ransom merit.” (E-15:261) And That Servant has this to say in Question Book, p. 571: “There will be no imputation of Christ’s merit during the Millennial Age. Not a bit.”

During this Faith Age, justification can be obtained only in the Court. “There was only one gateway to enter the ‘Holy Place’ or ‘Court’; the type thus testifying that there is but one way of access to God - one ‘gate’ – Jesus. ‘I am the way...... No man cometh unto the Father but by me; ‘I am the door’—John 14:6; 10:9.” (Taber­nacle Shadows, p. 18)

The invitation of Rom. 12:1 is an invitation only to those in the Court: “I be­seech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” No one in the Camp is invited to sacrifice; none of the Restitutionists will be invited to make a sacrifice unto God. God’s justice prohibits that. He will reward all con­secrators, if faithful – “between the Ages,” when sin and evil are in the ascendancy ­with a ‘better resurrection,’ in honor and service with the Ancient Worthies.

Brother Johnson has made this very clear in his refutation of JFR, as he proved from the Scriptures that a class of unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages” would receive tentative justification – who, if faithful, will be rewarded with the Ancient Worthies, in harmony with what That Servant taught. JFR disposed of tentative justi­fication, as well as the unbegotten class taught by Brother Russell. RGJ does not dis­pose of tentative justification, nor Youthful Worthies, altogether: he extends tenta­tive justification to include the present Camp as he closes the opportunity for conse­crators to enter the Court. He does this in order to “justify” his invented class of Campers Consecrated.   Of course, JFR’s denial of tentative justification was to make room for his non-existent class – Jonadabs or “great crowd.” It is “strange fire (false doctrine) offered before the Lord” that produces such revolutionisms against the Truth and its Arrangements.

The Gospel-Age Court contains the Household of Faith – and the Tabernacle Court of the Millennial Age also contains only the Household of Faith. When the embargo is lifted from the Court, the merit of Christ will be applied for the world of mankind in “due time” – no longer imputed as in the Faith Age:

Brother Johnson did not change anything That Servant taught on tentative justifica­tion – nor did he dispose of the class of unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages”; but JFR and RGJ have revolutionized and changed his teaching on both doctrines. They have invented classes of their own. However, RGJ does not dispose of tentative justi­fication and That Servant’s unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages” altogether; he simply extends tentative justification to the present Camp to make room for another class of consecrators “between the Ages,” as he closes all opportunity to enter the class taught by both Messengers. Brother Johnson simply elaborated and brought forth further Scriptural proof of such a class; he did not dispose of, pervert or revolutionize against these doctrines – nor did he invent a class to replace this unbegotten class of consecra­tors, taught by That Servant.

Tentative justification during this Age is primarily the result of faith, but dem­onstrated by works; justification of the next Age will be primarily the result of works, accompanied by some faith.  There would be no need for a Mediator if Restitutionists were reckoned perfect. Those who receive tentative justification now have no need for a Mediator – because they have “peace with God” so long as they continue in the Court condition. A place in the Tabernacle is a condition in antitype.

“There will be no more faith justification working during the Millennium, no more Gospel-Age study, spread and practice of the Truth then.” (E-11:169) RGJ says all who accept Jesus during the Kingdom will be of the “Household of Faith.” How can they come into God’s Household of Faith when they cannot have “peace with God,” when God does not even recognize them until the end of the Millennium? “For when this Age ends Christ’s merit will cease to be an imputable thing.” (E-11:170)

The leaders in the 1908-1911 sifting tried to put the Church under the New Cove­nant, which would place them under a Mediator; whereas, they have an “Advocate with the Father.” Restitutionists will not have an Advocate in any sense of the word, be­cause they have a Mediator who stands between them and God’s justice, as a shield of protection until they become perfect at the end of the Millennium. They will have no need of an Advocate. At the end of the Millennium God will recognize them – they will then have “peace with God.” We repeat – It is God that justifies. “Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God” (1 Cor. 15:24) – at which time the sheep will be fully restored; they will be kings as was Adam in the Garden of Eden.

It is our fond hope that the Truth reasserted herein, as taught by both Messengers, will strengthen and bless all who are “of the Truth.” And we are assured that the faith­ful will not be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men” (Eph. 4:14) contrary to “the things which thou hast learned and been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14); and in so doing let us “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” as opportunity presents itself.

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

LETTERS OF GENERAL  INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle:

This is to inform you that my Dad, Adam Rykala, passed away last Friday. He had been living in Fort Wayne since July. We brought him here in an ambulance...... to a hospital here.. He was never strong after that... He was so tired – and was ready to go. But that doesn’t make it any easier for me. I miss him very much! He left a list of people to notify... My Dad’s funeral was in Chicago..... Please notify Brother Now, as I understand he lives near you. God bless you and Sister Hoefle and keep you in His care!

Sincerely ------- (INDIANA)

NOTE: – Brother Rykala’s name should be added to the list given in our No. 224 paper, page 8, as he, too, was a faithful supporter of Brother Johnson and the Epi­phany Truth. He was also our good friend and supporter of the work we are doing. He contributed in more ways than one. Several years back he drew our attention to our in­correct Memorial date, which we immediately corrected accordingly. He said he also brought this mistake to the attention of JWK and RGJ, but they would not ‘hear.’ He gave us a very valuable book to help us in attacking the errors now emanating from the LHMM – especially the “strange fire” of Campers Consecrated.

The following names were also inadvertently left out of our February paper: Sisters Henz (whom we have known and loved for many years – who gave us moral support in a debate with a “hellfire” preacher in Dayton, Ohio, some 50 years ago), McNeil (who withstood RGJ at Crofts Hill in 1957), Campbell, Holcomb and Carson; Brothers Wells, Dunnagan and Campbell. We believe the following text applies to some of these dear brethren: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13) Some, we believe, were faithful Youthful Worthies, who also “rest from their labours,” awaiting the ‘better resurrection’ as “princes in all the earth,” in partnership with the Ancient Worthies. All of these dear brethren have left a void in our lives, but their memory is ever fragrant with us, as we pray, God bless their memory!

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

Dear Brother in Christ: Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

I have read one of your graphic Gospel New Paper, which I received from a friend in Guyana. It interests me a lot, and I would be grateful if you could send me a copy when you have a print.

I will be praying for the Bible Students Ass’n, and I trust that this letter will bring a close fellowship and friendship with each other. Thanks a lot. God bless you all!

All because of Christ, ------- (SOUTH AMERICA)

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

Beloved Brother Hoefle: Greetings of love in our dear Redeemer’s Name!

Yes! England has had – and is still having – troubles. So far air mail hasn’t been affected. Thank you so much for the January paper. We have enjoyed reading it, and we are going to re-read the January 1973 paper. They are all so very wonderful ­and we thank the Lord for all your efforts on our behalf in keeping us in touch with the things that matter. It will be our privilege to send any spare papers to others – and we will let you know if we get the Jan.-Feb. papers by ordinary mail.......

Much love in the Lord to you all ------- (ENGLAND)

NO. 226: TWO CLASSES IN THE RESURRECTION

No. 226

We have been asked, in view of the fact that some will never reach the condi­tion of perfection, which the word resurrection means, how shall we understand the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 24:15, that both the just and the unjust are to be resurrected? This Scripture seems very plain and simple if we give careful attention to what we read. Those Jews who stood by and heard the defense of the Apostle before Governor Felix, of which the words of Acts 24:15 are a part, believed that all of the just would have a resurrection, and that an opportunity of the resurrection would be given the unjust. That is what they had been taught from their forefathers. (Their forefathers had a much better understanding of this text than do a large majority of Christians today – including many Truth people—JJH) And now the Apostle Paul was reiterating this, their conviction. He says, ‘There shall be a resurrection of the just and the unjust’; that is to say, the resurrection for which God has provided, and which is yet to come, is not only for the good, but also for those who are now evil.

The thought is not that those who remain in an unjust condition (refuse to have the Adamic death process plagued out of their hearts—JJH) will be granted a full res­urrection. The text does not state that all the unjust will be resurrected, brought to perfection of life. There are some now justified who will have a share in the res­urrection, even as there are others who are not now justified who will also have a share in the resurrection. And all mankind will have a share in God’s provision for a resurrection. The just will have a special resurrection, which will be a reward for their special obedience.

“So we have the resurrection of the highest class of the just – the “little flock” on the Divine Plane; that of the Great Company, on a lower spirit plane; that of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, on the earthly plane – four classes who pass their trial, their testing, in the present life. But it has been provided in the Divine Plan that the remainder of men may gradually be raised fully up, out of every frailty, back to the original perfection that Adam had in the beginning. They are unjust now: they have never come into relationship with God...

“They that have done good will come forth to a resurrection of life. Some of these will receive a resurrection of life on the human plane (the Worthies – to be “princes in all the earth”—JJH), others on the spirit plane, still others on the high­est order of the spirit plane – the plane of the Divine nature. Then Jesus tells us about the other general class – those who have done evil. This includes all whom God cannot approve and accept (all those outside the antitypical Tabernacle Court during the reign of sin and evil – during the Faith Ages—JJH). Those who are not accepted are those who have not done good, according to God’s standard (His standard for the elect during the Faith Ages—JJH); they have done evil; they are unjustified. Many of them have been respectable, moral people, but they are not worthy of the ‘better resurrection.’”

The foregoing is in full agreement with the faithful teachings of the Two Messen­gers; and was also the teaching of R. G. Jolly himself for sometime after the demise of the Epiphany Messenger. The above is a verbatim quotation from the March 15, 1951 Her­ald of the Epiphany published by RGJ, so we feel justified in concluding that he fully approved of it then. Our inserts in the article are clearly labeled. Self–evidently, RGJ had not at that time invented another class of “the just” – a justi­fied consecrated class in the Camp. Nor had he then discovered that the Epiphany Mes­senger had taught such a class.

That Servant set out all four classes of the just – the Little Flock, Great Com­pany, Ancient Worthies, and the unbegotten consecrators here in the end of the Age (from 1881 until Restitution begins) who would be rewarded in honor, service and a “better resurrection” with the Ancient Worthies , although he did not give a definite name to them, so far as we know. And we have copious Scriptural support for the four classes of the just. Thus, the Epiphany Messenger merely elaborated on these four classes; he did not invent them. Especially did he enlarge on the Great Company and the Youthful Worthies during the Epiphany period. In some sections of the Truth groups they do not recognize a Great Company class as being in their midst. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have perverted the Great Company into an earthly class; but the LHMM still offers much com­ment on this spiritual class – rating it as the highest class of the Just now living on earth.

Some of the groups ignore Brother Russell’s teaching of a class of consecrators “between the Ages” who, if faithful, will be rewarded in honor and service with the Ancient Worthies. (See Hebrews Chapter 11) They continue to teach the High Calling open to new consecrators – although they do teach correctly that Armageddon is imminent, etc. Apparently they have forgotten about this class of unbegotten consecrators here in the end of the Age. However, so far as we know, the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Lay­men’s Home Missionary Movement are the only groups who have invented a new class never taught by That Wise and Faithful Servant. The Witnesses do not claim support from That Servant for their invention; but the LHMM declares that the Messengers do support their notion – although they have been unable to produce anything from their writings to support their claim. Should they attempt a Class study of Epiphany Vol. 4, and teach just what that book says, that would be error – according to RGJ’s present teaching. The same would also hold for Tabernacle Shadows, because it also is silent on a class of conse­craters in the Camp before the New Covenant is inaugurated.

The Law of Liberty given to the Household of Faith during this Age applies only to the Fully Faithful. However, the world in general has a certain amount of liberty to do either good or evil, some of the evils being restrained by the laws of our land. The world is also restrained from any evils which would hinder God’s plan, or unduly interfere with His people. But the very opposite will be the case in the Mediatorial Kingdom. Under the works Salvation they will be put under martial law; they will not be permitted to do evil to others, either willingly or unwillingly. That will be a very pronounced change from being under the present Grace Covenant, which is now the Law of Love and Liberty for the Household of Faith so long as they are faithful. If the Household of Faith were under the same law now that will prevail in the Mediator­ial Kingdom, the Great Company would not be permitted to perpetrate the evils they have committed all during this Age.

In Parousia Vol. 6, p. 378, there is this: “The world will not be left to the law of love during the Millennium, but will be ruled with justice and mercy under a law of obedience to the Kingdom... Those having become pupils in the school of Christ now... these, and these alone, can be safely put under the Law of Liberty (only the fully faithful of the Household of Faith are under the Law of Liberty now—JJH). If they lose the spirit of sonship, they cease to be sons, cease to be under this Law of Liberty.” (Such crown–losers die a constrained death – not a sacrificial death as do the Fully Faithful: they are forced to do what they should have done willingly—JJH)

Follows now a statement from E–3:108: “The Little Flock comes out from under this merit by the completion of its sacrificial death; the Great Company by the com­pletion of its constrained death.” (And, while the latter are in Azazel’s hands, they persistently pursue a “path of error”—James 5:20, Dia.; they can no longer dis­tinguish clearly between truth and error, which causes them to lead others astray with them—JJH)

These elementary truths should protect all in the Household of Faith who have “good and honest hearts” from such gross errors now emanating from these two groups ­the Witnesses and the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement – who are flagrantly mixing the Two Distinct Salvations, the Resurrection of the Just and Unjust, as described at the outset of this article. The LHMM also mixes the imputative Merit for the Faith class, and the applied Merit for the Restitution class. According to RGJ, the Camp now receives tentative justification – a faith justification that requires the impu­tation of Christ’s Merit to give it any validity; whereas, the Camp never receives the imputative Merit – either now or during the Kingdom. When the New Covenant is in­augurated there will be an actual application of the Merit. Thus, RGJ not only mixes the Two Distinct Salvations, but he also perverts the doctrine of the Merit as he gross­ly revolutionizes against the teaching of That Servant on the Merit of Christ – for the Faith class now, and for the world of mankind in the Kingdom. He is now teaching that all who accept Christ in the Kingdom will be of the Household of Faith, during a works dispensation!

MORE ON TENTATIVE JUSTIFICATION

In the Jan.-Feb. PT we have another verbose attempt by the Editor to give credence to his contention that – “According to the Two Messengers there will be no interval with­out tentative justification.” By this he means that tentative justification will con­tinue right on throughout the Mediatorial reign – although he does put the one in this Faith Age, and one by works in the next Age.    Before we offer any analysis of his position, we would stress that the statement itself is a transparent falsehood when he says, “the Two Messengers” agree with him. At no place in Brother Johnson’s writings is there the slightest hint of any kind of tentative justification during the Mediatorial reign. On the contrary, he is very emphatic in his statement that such teaching is error, as evi­dence the following in E–15:261,262:

“Let us see the conditions that will prevail during the Millennial Age. During that Age there will be neither a tentative nor a vitalized justification, since both of these kinds of justification operate on the basis of the imputed ransom merit... Unlike the Gospel-Age justification, which is instantaneous in both its kinds, the Millennial justification will require the entire Millennium to complete, because it will be an actual as distinct from the reckoned justification of the Gospel–Age. The conditions on which this will be bestowed will be faith and obedi­ence unto perfection...

“In a word, faith is the justifying instrumentality and thus the condition of justi­fication in this Age, while obedience will be the justifying instrumentality and thus the condition of justification in the next Age. These Ages’ purposes account for this.”

The foregoing is also quoted in our paper No. 221, but we repeat it here for em­phasis, and to convince our readers that the “Two Messengers” do not agree with RGJ at all in his contention that there will be “no interval without tentative justification.” However, on p. 12, col. 1, of the Jan.-Feb. PT, part of the above is also quoted by RGJ to “prove” his error, which simply demonstrates that there is no limit to his bra­zen efforts to foist his errors upon his readers. Therefore, we now quote once more from E–7:370: “Why do they so often quote passages... to prove points positively dis­proven by these very passages? Is it not because they are in Azazel’s hands, and are thus blinded by him, and at his direction palm off his errors on the dear unsuspecting sheep of God’s flock?” The same condition applies to his continued use of the writings in E–10:114, pp. 209 and 672. This is a familiar ruse of men with “bad conscience” (See E–10:585,591); just repeat, repeat, repeat in parrot-like fash­ion, knowing that “the unstable and the unlearned” will be swayed by their “much speak­ing.” Note E–10:585: “They claim to be full of teachings and their disposition forces them to speak.... They began, continued and completed their speech with multiplied apologies, and not a few misrepresentations (“false-accusing Epiphany crown–losers pour out their partly wise and partly foolish effusions”—p. 591, par. 1), which betray approbativeness and a bad conscience.”

That Servant, the other Messenger referred to by RGJ, has this to say about con­sciences: “Only those with tender consciences will keep their garments unspotted. The failure to do this seems to be the reason why many fail to make their ‘calling and election sure.’... Instead of being members of the temple class, they will be ser­vants in the Temple.”

Here it is pertinent to note that many of J. F. Rutherford’s errors early in the Epiphany involved tentative justification; and it was so annihilative to his perver­sions that he was forced to deny it altogether. But RGJ now goes to the other extreme he enlarges upon it to include the Millennial Age; and he has the effrontery to say that Brother Johnson agrees with him, whereas, the above quotation emphatically contra­dicts him. Then, on p. 13, under the caption “The Epiphany Camp In The Finished Picture,” there is this E-5:420, supposedly quoting Brother Johnson:

“The Lord is now erecting His Epiphany Tabernacle, whose Most Holy is the spirit­born part of the Little Flock, whose Holy is the crown–retainers, whose Court is the Great Company and Youthful Worthies and whose Camp will be those who will persist in believing in Jesus as Savior and King (surely therefore tentatively justified).” We call attention specifically to the last four words in brackets – “surely therefore tentatively justified.” Any casual reader would have to accept those words as from Brother Johnson, because they are included in the quotation; whereas, the Epiphany Messenger does not use them at all – they are RGJ’s injection. And here is just one more illustration of how low errorists will sink to support their errors when God “sends to them an energy of delusion.” (2 Thes. 2:11, Dia.) Thus, “All may be judged who believed not the Truth, but approved the iniquity.” (v. 12)

While it is true that Brother Russell did make the statement that “the world may be said to be tentatively justified in the next Age,” just a little reflection will prove that the world cannot have tentative justification. Tentative Justification is instantaneous, and actually gives its recipient something – it reckons him perfect and available for consecration. The Tentatively Justified are not on trial for life ­only the vitalizedly justified and the actually justified are on trial for life. The wholly willful sinners – the new creatures – are destroyed during this Age the same as the willful sinners of the Mediatorial reign: “And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” (Acts 3:23) The same condition will exist in the Mediatorial reign in that respect that exists for the vitalizedly justified in the Faith Age: no one will go into the Second Death for any sins that he doesn’t have the ability to overcome. God’s justice demands the life of a willful sinner – when they are on trial for life. None of the Tentatively justified are on trial for life.

“We have been introduced into this favor (faith justification through our Lord Jesus) in which we stand.” Just how long an individual in this Age continues “in this favor in which we stand” is not revealed in the Scriptures, so far as we know. However, this “favor” is an instantaneous act; as soon as one steps from the Camp into the Court through the Gate (“I am the way” – the Gate) he is tentatively justified; and he may continue to stand in that condition for some time – for many years in the case of the children of the saints – before it is taken from him – “having received the grace of God in vain.”

But there will be no tentative justification (reckoned perfection) in the next Age – because they will have a Mediator to stand between their imperfections and God’s justice. However, the Mediator does not stand, even during the Mediatorial reign, between the willful sinner and God’s justice, because when they are given every gracious opportunity to overcome, and willfully refuse to have the Adamic death process plagued out of them, they will be in the same relative condition of the goats of the Little Season: they will be “destroyed from among the people.” And for RGJ to inject his “profusion of words” into this discussion cannot do otherwise than confuse and mis­lead “the unstable and the unlearned” among his readers.

Since the Gospel–Age justification is an instantaneous work, and comes from God in Heaven, any attempt to compare the justification of the two Ages finds no support whatever in Scripture or sound logic. In the next Age no sort of justification will be required in order to make a consecration. When the world is awakened they will have the same character they had when they died. “Where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” (Eccl. 11:3) When any one makes progress up the Highway of Holiness, he is advancing toward actual justification, which he will receive instantaneously from God at the end of the Millennium.

On p. 12, col. 1, there is reference to Reprint 5959, but a complete reading of that article will corroborate what we have just said above. Here is the last paragraph of that citation: “Justification to the world, as already explained, will be attained differently. It might be said that the world’s justification, under the Mediator, will be a gradual one – a gradual making right as each individual will come into harmony more and more with the Divine requirements and receive more and more of restitution perfec­tion. Nevertheless, it must be remembered that ‘It is God that justifies,’ and that the world will not be in God’s hands until the conclusion of the Millennial Age. Then all approved of the Father and accepted of Him to eternal life will be justified in the full sense. That will be an instantaneous act.”

On p. 396 of the Question Book, there is this: “Justification by faith is the only justification that God has arranged for during this present time... Consequently, this justification is not a matter for the world in general, but merely for those who desire to approach God for the purpose of making a sacrifice with the Lord.” And fur­ther on p. 571:

“There will be no imputation of Christ’s merit during the Millennial Age. Not a bit. Because it will all have been given at the beginning... And so Jesus with the inauguration of the Millennium will turn over the full merit of His sac­rifice. It will all be given to justice. Justice will have turned mankind over to Jesus.”

Here the question is pertinent: Just what justification is RGJ now offering to his Campers Consecrated – the present faith justification, or the future works justi­fication? He who discerns clearly teaches clearly. Both Messengers emphasized that there will be no imputation of Jesus’ merit in the next Age – and surely all know that tentative justification is an imputable thing. There is no hint by either Messenger that it may be found in the Camp.

On p. 13, col. 2, top, of this PT, there is this:

“They were remanded into the Epiphany Camp... Note carefully that Bro. Johnson did not teach that they lost all tentative justification.” Is RGJ now telling us, too, that those ejected from the Court into the Camp will retain a part of their justification? If so – and his statement indicates just that – then what percentage do they lose, and what percentage do they retain?

Then in the paragraph following the above: “Obviously, therefore, those in the Epiphany Camp in the finished picture are not the nominal people of God, less than tentatively justified.”

All during the Gospel Age – and until its finish at the end of the Epiphany ­the nominal people of God in the Camp never had any kind of justification – although it contained those ejected from the Court who at one time did have tentative justification, which they gained when they went through the Gate into the Court. Does RGJ teach that they retained a percentage of their justification in the Court? is he telling us they bring a part of their imputed justification with them from the Court into the Camp? With all his citations from Brother Johnson, he hasn’t produced one that even hints that the Epiphany Camp in the finished picture will contain the conse­crated formerly faith justified, or any other consecrated class. Just the reverse; he does say on p. 209, Vol. 10, that it will contain the unconsecrated in the finished picture.

MORE CONFUSION ON THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH

Further to reveal the confused condition of RGJ’s mind on this subject, some one asked the question at the Chicago Convention last October: “Who will be the Household of Faith in the Millennium?” His answer: “All that accept Jesus as their Savior.” If they are to be the Household of Faith, then theirs would be a faith justification; whereas, in this Jan.-Feb. PT it is said they will have a works justification. This item is very clearly explained in E–4:405,406:

“We use the expression, the Household of Faith, from a variety of standpoints: (1) In the Old Testament times all believers in the promises were of the Household of Faith. (2) All Gospel-Age believers in Jesus are of the Household of Faith, when we have the Gospel-Age Household of Faith in mind (Rom. 4:11, 12). This was typed by all the children – the afterborn as well as the firstborn – in each family in Israel par­taking of the Paschal Lamb in Egypt (Ex. 12:3–17, 21–28) – (3) All new creatures, as a finished work, in the end of the Gospel Age, especially during the Epiphany, are the Household of Faith. Aaron and his sons on the Atonement Day typed this Household of Faith. The Little Flock, the Ancient Worthies, the Great Company and the Youthful Wor­thies will be the Millennial House of Faith (2 Tim. 2:20) The Priests and Levites dwelling about the Tabernacle type this Household of Faith. The Youthful Worthies, of course, are not of the New Creature Household of Faith, because they are not New Crea­tures. But from the standpoint of having the ‘faith of Abraham’ (Gal. 3:7,8) they are, of course, like him, of the Household of Faith. They are among the believers referred to under (2). They are, however, somewhat different from the tentatively justified who do not now consecrate (those forced out of the Court into the Camp in the end of the Age—JJH). The latter during the Epiphany cease altogether to be of the Household of Faith, having used the grace of God in vain; while the former, consecrating and prov­ing faithful, retain their tentative justification, and are thus of the Gospel-Age Household of Faith who persist into and during the Epiphany. The reason why they are of the Household of Faith is that they are a faith class; for all that are of the faith of Abraham are of the Household of Faith.”

Emphasis should be placed on the foregoing statement: “The latter (those forced out of the Court into the Camp—JJH) cease altogether to be of the Household of Faith, having used the grace of God in vain.” These are the “former faith–justified” stressed in the paper under review as still retaining “a part of their justification.” If they cease altogether to be of the Household of Faith, could they possibly have any justification at all. Certainly not! And let us keep in mind, too, that neither of the Two Messengers ever hinted at a class of consecrators in the Epiphany Camp; that is impure invention by RGJ. And his desperate perversions of the writings of the Two Messengers are simply some more of his symbolic witchcraft – especially deceptive false teachings.

In E–11:473 we have this: “We understand that Jesus’ pertinent work as Executive for the antitypical Tabernacle and its appurtenances will continue with the Little Flock, the Great Company and Youthful Worthies until they respectively finish their courses, but will cease with the faith–justified when their faith–justification lapses.” This is because Jesus’ Executorship for all faith classes is to be found only in the Court where Christ’s merit is available, and where justification also prevails.

Let us keep in mind that both Messengers emphasized a class of consecrators be­tween the Ages who would share in honor, service and reward with the Ancient Worthies; but RGJ is now setting that aside to make way for another (newly invented) class of his own – just as did JFR, who disposed of a Youthful Worthy class altogether to make room for his own invented class. Both of these groups are now attempting to mix the Two Salvations. The Witnesses are separating the Sheep from the Goats; and the LHMM is now separating the Chief Sheep from the ordinary ones. Both organizations insist that their proselytes be dedicated, or consecrated. Consecration is always in order, they say; but there are two parts to any consecration – its offer by the consecrator, and its acceptance by God. The dealing with Cornelius (Acts 10:19–48) is a case to the point; and no consecration will ever be accepted – in this Age or the next Age ­without Jesus as Executor. “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.”

In the meticulous and copious analysis of tentative justification Brother John­son gave no hint of any change whatever from the teaching of That Servant; all his efforts were to prove that tentative justification was for the purpose of consecrators “between the Ages” – or until Restitution begins – who, if faithful, will be rewarded with the Ancient Worthies. JFR denied there was such a class. RGJ denies there is opportunity to enter that class now; he teaches that tentative justification is avail­able only in the Camp for his Campers Consecrated class. They will supersede the Jews, he says, and will be “first and chief” in the Restitution class. So we now find it necessary to reassert, uphold and defend the “faith once delivered unto the saints,” to refute the errors of RGJ, just as did Brother Johnson with JFR’s errors.

Again we quote from E–4:342: “If our dear readers will keep in mind that the Tower’s denial of tentative justification during this Age is the foundation of its re­jecting the Scriptural doctrine that those faithful consecrators from 1881 until Resti­tution sets in, for whom there are no crowns available, and hence no Spirit–begetting for Gospel-Age purposes possible, will be the Millennial associates of the Ancient Wor­thies in reward and service, they will be able by Scriptural, reasonable and factual thinking completely to overthrow every argument that the article under review presents to defend its thesis; for through Tentative Justification alone can God now deal with this class in preparing them for association with the Ancient Worthies.”

We say the same regarding the Jan.-Feb. Present Truth: If our dear readers will continue to accept the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers’ teaching, they will “be able by Scriptural, reasonable and factual thinking completely to overthrow every argument that this paper presents to defend its thesis.” And armed with this “sword of the spirit” (sharp penetrating Truth), the Lord’s faithful people will have no trouble in penetrating the effervescent flummery of Campers, and continue to assail this pseudo class – just as did Brother Johnson with JFR’s Jonadabs, which he styled a “Non–exist­ent class.”

On p. 14, col. 2, there is this question: “Was not the opportunity to become Youthful Worthies to remain open until the time that restitution begins?” And here is part of RGJ’s answer: “No. Nothing in the Scriptures teaches such a thought. At the time Bro. Johnson wrote E 10.. he stated plainly that ‘after 1954 no Youthful Worthies will be won.’”

Both Messengers taught that such a class of consecrators who would be rewarded in partnership with the Ancient Worthies, would have opportunity “between the Ages,” or until Restitution sets in – and the above quotation from the Epiphany Messenger tells us that we can prove this teaching by “Scriptural, reasonable and factual think­ing.” To date we have been able to do this, just as Brother Johnson was able to do so and ably refute JFR. Neither Messenger taught a consecrated class in the Camp “between the Ages.”

Then consider RGJ’s quotation as given above: “Bro. Johnson stated plainly that after 1954 no Youthful Worthies will be won.” Note now the complete statement by Brother Johnson: “After 1954 no Youthful Worthies will be won; and after 1954 no more persons will enter the tentatively justified state.” Here is the legal definition of fraud:

“A false misrepresentation of a matter of fact. It includes all omissions or concealment by which one person misleads another to his disadvantage.” RGJ’s omission of one important part of Brother Johnson’s statement is a good example of the above description. In Reprint 5493, col. 1, par. 6, That Servant used 2 Tim. 2:20 to prove there are but four classes – the elect – of the Household of Faith: “The consecration of the Lord’s servants is unto death, and those who fear death are fearful of perform­ing their covenant vow. They will not be worthy of the Lord’s approval as faithful servants. Nevertheless, there are many vessels in the house of the King – some to more honor and some to less honor—2 Tim. 2:20, 21.” (In 2 Tim. 2:20 we have four classes – “vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth” – the Little Flock, Great Company, Ancient Worthies and Youthful Worthies—JJH)

Now from E–4:330: “2 Tim. 2:20 proves that as a part of the household of the faithful the Youthful Worthies will be honorably used, and will be next to the An­cient Worthies on earth in Christ’s family.” We now repeat the statement on p. 406 of E–4: “The Little Flock, the Ancient Worthies, The Great Company and the Youthful Worthies will be the Millennial Household of Faith (2 Tim. 2:20).”

These citations are proof that both Messengers saw only four classes in the Household of Faith in the “finished picture” – that is, the four elect classes. But RGJ says he can see Five classes in the “finished picture” of the Epiphany – and he can see that all who accept Jesus as their Savior in the Kingdom, will also be of the Household of Faith!

However, it is pertinent to our subject to emphasize that many – perhaps most ­of the quasi–elect were at one time in the Court, and were at that time of the House­hold of Faith when there in the Gospel-Age and Epiphany Tabernacles. The Camp con­tains the nominal people of God, and Brother Johnson said that the tentatively justi­fied in the Court, if they failed to consecrate, were no more than nominal Christians. His reason for this statement, of course, is the fact that their eventual standing would be in the Camp. There is an adjustment in the Court and in the Camp in the finished picture of the Epiphany. The Court will contain only the consecrated, and the Camp will contain only the “truly repentant and believing.” All in the Court will receive a special resurrection – and those in the Camp will receive the general resurrection. Those “truly repentant and believing,” but unconsecrated Jews and Gentiles will be in a better condition to receive the Kingdom blessings than the others. All the “truly repentant and believing” will be among the first to come into harmony with the Kingdom requirements. This is in harmony with the Two Salvations, and with the Resurrection of the Just and Unjust, as taught by That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger.

Those in the Camp in the “finished picture” will be in the same relative posi­tion as Cornelius was before consecration was available for the Gentiles. As Bro. Russell has said, “We note also the remark of Peter, when preaching Christ and His Gospel to Cornelius (Acts 10:37), to the effect that Cornelius already knew the word which Jesus had preached throughout all Judea... This would also explain why the Holy Spirit was poured out on Cornelius and his house even while Peter yet spake, and be­fore it is even stated that Cornelius accepted Christ; for apparently he had already done so.” So many of those in the Camp have already accepted Christ, and perhaps in many cases know something about the Kingdom and God’s Plan of Salvation, even as was true of Cornelius before it was “due time” for Gentiles to consecrate.

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31,32)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

NO. 225: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 225

Comes again the commemoration of our Lord's death, the correct time this year 1974 being after 6 p.m. Friday April 5. The date is determined by this method: The moon nearest the Vernal Equinox comes new at 11 p.m. March 23 at the 30th Meri­dian East, Jerusalem time, thus establishing 6 p.m. March 23 as Nisan 1, Bible reck­oning. Counting to Nisan 14, we come to 6 p.m. April 5; and any time that even­ing after 6 p.m. would be proper for the celebration. Here at Mount Dora we shall commence the service at 7:30 p.m.; and we issue a cordial invitation to any one in this vicinity to join with us if they be of one mind on the matter.

THE MEMORIAL ESTABLISHED

To memorialize our Lord's death, means to observe the memory of it, as the word indicates.   The ritual for this memorial was established by Jesus Himself as recorded by the various Gospel writers; and we offer the record from Luke 22:19,20 in this instance: “And Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, saying, This is My Body which is given for you – this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” According to the Matthew account, when Jesus gave them the cup He said, “Drink all of you out of it.” (Matt. 26:27, Dia.) Thus, the drinking out of the one cup emphasized the oneness of those that night, as well as all those through­out the Gospel Age who would partake of it “till He come.”

The institution of this service was given after the Passover supper, which the Jews observed each year on Nisan 14 – just as Jesus and the Apostles were doing that night. Even to our time the Jews still observe the Passover once each year, although they are often a day or two off in determining the time; but the orthodox Jews still keep the feast with a solemnity befitting the memory of that awesome night in Egypt, when the Angel of Death passed throughout the land and smote the firstborn in every Egyptian house – from the least to the greatest of them; but at the time “passing over” every Jewish house where the blood had been sprinkled an the doorposts and lin­tel, and none of them were slain that night so long as they remained “under the blood.” There is nothing in the record to indicate that any of them disobeyed that edict that night.

TYPE AND ANTITYPE

That the entire ritual that night was typical is clearly emphasized by St. Paul in 1 Cor. 5:7,8, Dia.: “Even our paschal lamb, Christ, was sacrificed. There­fore, let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of vice and wickedness, but with the unleavened principles of sincerity and truth.” Reference is not made here to the eating of the actual lamb, but to participation in the bread and wine as commanded by Jesus. Thus we now set out some of the salient features of type and antitype.

The house (Ex. 12:7) in which each Israelite family ate the lamb (as well as those within the house) types God's Gospel–Age family from the standpoint of the container being put forth for the thing contained, somewhat after the example of the temple and the priests ministering therein. It is also from this standpoint that the word “house” in this picture is used interchangeably for the family and for the dwelling where the family lived. The blood of the lamb types our Lord's life laid down – “He hath poured out His soul unto death” (Isa. 53:12) – hence His human merit which consists of a perfect humanity, with its right to life and its life rights ­His perfect righteousness. (1 Pet. 1:18,19) The sprinkling of the lamb's blood rep­resents the imputation of our Lord's merit (Rev. 1:5). Let us keep in mind that there is a twofold imputation of that merit – an imputation for us on the mercy seat by our Lord (typified by Aaron sprinkling the blood of the bullock on the mercy seat—­Lev. 16:14), and an imputation to us by God after our Lord imputed it for us, thus offering a robe of righteousness to all during this Age who became members of His Body.

The difference between the two imputations is this: The first satisfies God's justice for the Adamic sin and sentence and its resultant imperfections in all the members; and the second reckons a righteousness to such, the same being demanded by God's law of perfection in any offering brought to Him. But God's law is not fully satisfied with mere sinlessness; it demands a positive righteousness, which God gra­ciously provides because none of the fallen race can provide such righteousness of themselves. However, Jesus makes the first imputation; God makes the second. The first works forgiveness of sins; the second satisfies the Law in its demands for per­fect obedience. Further, the first frees from the Adamic sentence; the second reck­ons righteousness in deed and character, such as Adam had before the transgression.

The charge to eat the lamb's flesh the night of Nisan 14 (Ex. 12:8 –”that night”) types the charge throughout the Gospel Age to partake by faith of Christ's perfect human­ity. This symbolic eating is paralleled with believing, the figures differing only in the things eaten – the lamb that night in Egypt, and the bread and wine during this Gospel Age – our Lamb by representation. As the lamb in Egypt could be eaten only on Nisan 14, 1615 B.C., so the imputed merit of “our Passover” can be obtained only during this Gospel Age by faith alone. In the next Age it will be secured by faith and works. Eating the lamb fire–roasted carries the thought that the Gospel–Age Lamb must pass through fiery trials in the extreme, which the record clearly reveals that He did do. The Jews were specifically commanded not to eat the lamb raw or boiled; it must be roasted.

Two other things were eaten with the lamb that night – unleavened bread and bit­ter herbs, also typical. Leaven is typical of mental, moral and religious corrup­tion – sin, error, selfishness and worldliness (Matt. 13:33); and such corruption would be evidence of paucity of Truth, justice, love and heavenly–mindedness. Unleav­ened bread, therefore, would represent a condition not tainted with sin, error, etc. The implication here is that we should study the Truth to make it our own, spread the Truth and practice it, which is done by each one as he appropriates the merit of “Christ our Passover.”

The bitter herbs (literally, bitters or bitter things), which modern Jews under­stand to be horseradish (an exceedingly bitter thing) were also typical – something connected with the Christian life. Since eating the lamb types appropriation of faith justification, and eating unleavened bread types about everything else of the Christian life. In fact, apart from the things represented by the lamb and the unleavened bread, there is only one other thing connected with the Christian life, the same being its pas­sive features – trials, sufferings, persecutions, etc., incidental to the other two things. And it is these experiences that are typed by the bitters in the picture. Thus viewed, the lamb, the unleavened bread and the bitters type everything connected with the Christian life.

The charge to roast – not to eat, as some misunderstand the last part of verse 9 the lamb entire – his head, legs and pertinence thereof, types that our Lord had to be tested at every point and proven faithful and sinless therein (Heb. 2:10,17,18; 4:15). Thus He could completely nourish unto eternal life all who would accept Him. The charge in verse 10 to leave none of the eating of the lamb over until the morn­ing types the teaching that we should not leave our justification and sanctified feasting over into the Millennium; for there will be no more faith justification working during the Millennium – no more Gospel-Age study, spread and practice of the Truth then in the sense of suffering for righteousness in the next Age. Thus, our appropriation of our Lamb must be a thing fully completed during the Gospel Age. Those who begin, but do not finish it (the antitypical feasting) in this Age must go into the Second Death (Heb. 3:13; 10:25,26–29). Therefore, all who begin the feast­ing in this Age must also finish it if they would gain life – i.e., all who are spirit-­begotten.

The charge of verse 10 – “that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire” – might seem to contradict the foregoing, but it does not really do so. The real thing forbidden was the prolonging of the eating until morning – not that they should eat all of it. It could easily occur that some houses would have fewer feasters than others, in which case the command to eat all of the lamb could be well nigh impossible; and the Lord never orders any one to do the impossible. Thus, in every house the entire lamb would be consumed by the morning – either eaten or burned. Each one was to eat only to his full capacity – to strengthen sufficiently for the exodus from Egypt. But the eating of the lamb with bitters would sharpen the appetite for more of the lamb than would otherwise be the case.     This conclusion is well illustrated in Rev. 10:10, Dia.: “I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel, and did eat it; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey; and when I ate it my belly was embittered.” Here is the Berean Comment on this text: “The after effects are always more or less a blending of the bitterness of persecution with the sweetness.” It is well to remember here, too, that all of Christ's merit is not imputed to any one individual during this Age, because that would mean the recipient is totally depraved; and such persons are not called “to follow in His steps.”

And what is typed by burning those parts of the lamb that remained uneaten? The answer is making it cease to exist as an imputable thing; there will be no imputation of the merit in the next Age, because it will then be actually applied. And the ac­tual application of it then will consume entirely all of the merit, so that by the end of the Millennium none of the merit will remain – i.e., at the beginning of the Little Season. Then will be applied to the full, “I am the living bread which came down from Heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51) And all of this will be needed to “ransom from the power of the grave” (Hos. 13:14) the entire dead world in Adam. Therefore, the full bringing to a close at the end of this Gospel Age the imputation of Christ's merit is what is typed by burning the remain­ing parts in the morning.

THE MANNER OF EATING

Not only were instructions given in minute detail for the preparation, but simi­lar regulation was given for the manner in which it should be eaten. “With your loins girded, with your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's passover.” (Ex. 12:11) When the time arrived for them to depart from Egypt, they were to be fully prepared for the immediate journey. And this same condition applies in the Gospel Age to those who would make the journey from antitypical Egypt (type of the world in sin) to the heavenly Canaan. “The king's business requires haste” (1 Sam. 21:8); and those inclined to tarry awhile – to “bury the dead,” or whatnot – usually fail to join the Elect of this Age. “Seest thou a man prompt in his business? Before kings shall he stand, he shall not stand before men who are obscure.” (Prov. 22:29, Rotherham)

“With your loins girded” – indicating a willing and ready mind to serve in what­ever capacity our talents and worldly resources may allow. “With your staff in your hand” – typifying especially the “precious promises” being made our own. It would be impossible for any one to complete the journey from antitypical Egypt to the heavenly Canaan without the strength that comes from those promises. This is also set forth by the High Priest eating the shewbread contained on the golden table of the Taber­nacle Holy. “Your shoes on your feet” – typifying conduct in keeping with all the re­quirements of the journey, assimilating the Truth and the spirit of the Truth.

“It is the Lord's Passover” is given for emphasis – not a thing to be regarded shabbily. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” (Rom. 12:11) Thus were the Jews impressed with the dangers and difficulties of the jour­ney ahead of them – just as the meticulous instructions for the preparation were also vividly lodged in their minds. This same logic is to be seen in the fact that they were to select their lamb on Nisan 10, which would allow them four days of meditation and sober examination, all of which was very strictly followed in the Memorials in the years that followed, even to the time when Jesus arrived.

All of this has applied in antitype during the entire Gospel Age, the antitypi­cal night of that Passover in Egypt; but we may place special emphasis upon it here in the end of the Age. Although some of the Lord's people during the Age have had a fairly good understanding of the meaning of the bread and the wine, many more of them did not have it. But even of those who saw the “representation” in the emblems, none of them saw it with the clarity that it received during the Harvest time. As the Jews observed the typical Passover with girded loins, sandaled feet, staff in hand, and with energy (“in haste”), just so the Lord's people since 1874 “kept the feast” in antitype of all these stipulations.

“Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment.” (Ex. 12:12) The “gods of Egypt” typify the great ones of Satan's empire – visible and invisible, the fallen angels and the civil, ecclesiastical, capitalistic, educational and social great ones of the present Kosmos. All of these will be cast out of their positions of power and influence and will be otherwise punished through the instrumentality of the antitypical “tenth plague” – in antitype of Jehovah's judgments executed upon Egypt's rulers here in the end of the Age. The tenth plague is brought about by the violent features of the Time of Trouble; and we are told in the type, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you” (Ex. 12:13). So also in antitype, those who are “under the blood” need have no fear of the antitypical tenth plague. “When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble.” Abiding in God's Household ­“under the blood” – provides full safety to all who continue in that station; the destroyer can have no power over them.

After giving the charge to Israel to keep the Passover, He then gave command for an annual commemoration: “This day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.” (Ex. 12:14) “Forever” meaning 'age–lasting,’ the ceremony was to continue each year until the end of the Jewish Age – when the antitype would appear. Here we should emphasize that there was only one Passover – the one in Egypt; in subsequent years its observation was simply a memory – much the same as we observe birthdays, wedding anniversaries and the like. In the memorials the Jews did not sprinkle the lamb's blood on the doorposts because none of them were in danger of dying then. Also, the Jews drank wine in the Memorial, but there is nothing said whether or not wine was consumed in the Passover in Egypt.

So also, there was but one antitype – “Christ our Passover”; the bread and the wine once each year being merely a Memorial of Him who perished on the cross. And, as the annual Passover was to be celebrated once each year throughout the Jewish Age, so the annual Lord's Supper should be kept throughout the Gospel Age – even “till He come” (1 Cor. 11:26) in the sense of being the Deliverer of all His own, even of the last member of the “Church of the firstborn.” And upon such would rest the obliga­tion so long as they remain on earth, regardless of the overlapping of the Ages since 1874. Some contend that after our Lord's Second Advent had arrived, then the obli­gation to keep the Memorial would no longer apply. As in the annual Passover the feast was one to the Lord, so is the annual supper a feast to the Lord.

As to the keeping of the Memorial, there are many divergent views – perhaps as many as 200 different understandings of the meaning and the proper time for keeping it. If we follow the simple program of a Memorial, then it could be but once each year if we wish consistency in our act. With the institution of the Mass, and the idea of transubstantiation, which is performed by the Roman Catholic Church at any one of its seven sacraments, it would readily follow that even one Catholic priest might keep the memorial several times in any one day – in as many services involving the sacraments as might come before him.

Others conclude that once each week is proper, based upon the early Church meet­ing on Sundays to break bread together. Such a conclusion is clearly shallow and un­sound, because there is just nothing in the record that the Lord's death was involved in those meetings; nor is the wine ever mentioned – which certainly would have been done had those meetings been intended as a “Memorial.” Then there are others who con­sider once a month as appropriate, with still others establishing the time as every three or four months. For such conclusions there is just nothing in the Bible to support it.

There is also some argument that Jesus and the Disciples kept the Jewish memorial in general one day before the Jews kept it – based upon John 18:28, Dia.: “It was now morning; and they went not into the Praetorian so that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.” We believe this seeming difference may be reconciled when we consider that there was the Passover Memorial and also the feast of un­leavened bread, the latter being seven days long, but with special convocation on the first and the seventh days of that feast. Including the time for the Memorial, the entire Passover was eight days, not just one day, or seven days. Furthermore, on that particular year the crucifixion was on Friday, with the regular weekly sabbath begin­ning at 6 p.m. that night. Thus, from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday had a double significance that year – it was the regular Sabbath day, as well as the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, the latter being “an holy convocation.”

When Jesus introduced the bread and the wine as a Memorial of His Body broken and His life poured out, there was no mention that His followers should also include the seven-day feast that immediately followed. This is easily understood when we consider the significance of the seven-day feast. Seven being a Divine number, it would represent the complete feasting throughout this life of those who conscientiously and intelligently partake of the bread and the wine. Thus, their feasting an the Manna which came down from Heaven continues throughout their entire Christian life – so long as they faithfully adhere to its requirements. This involves the joy and “peace of God which passeth understanding” which come from the conscious freedom from the slavery of sin, error, etc., with which they had been burdened in the bondage of anti­typical Egypt. Thus do we exult in the deliverance from Satan's empire during our en­tire life.

Let us emphasize that the feasting on the lamb was the principal thing in the type on Nisan 14, and the eating of the unleavened bread and bitters were the inciden­tals; yet throughout the seven days' feasting after Nisan 14 it was unleavened bread that was given the chief emphasis. It was not commanded that they eat any lamb at all during those seven days. Ex. 12:15 emphasizes this: “Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day (a special festival day, the one for which the Jews did not wish to defile themselves) shall ye put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.” Their week's feasting of unleavened bread types in the individual the putting away of the antitypical leaven at the very beginning of the Christian life; and for the Church as a whole means from the beginning of the Ephesus period.

THE JEWISH PREPARATION

For years before Jesus had come, the Jews have had a regular ceremony whereby the leaven is searched for, gathered and destroyed, and thus the houses made free of leaven. A piece of cloth, usually of linen, or a napkin, is in the late afternoon of the day before placed on the table and the leaven is collected and placed on it. The gathering is of this manner: The head of the family lights a candle, which through­out the search he holds in his left hand, using it to lighten every nook and corner of the house, especially so where leaven would likely to be found. In his other hand he carries a brush, usually a goose wing full of its feathers, with which he sweeps together all the leaven that the candle brings to sight. He carefully takes it to the cloth and places it thereon. After he has completed a very thorough and care­ful search of the entire house, even under beds, etc., and deposited the last crumb of leaven on the cloth, he then gathers its four corners, ties them securely so that none of the leaven may fall out. He then proceeds to throw the container into the fire, where it is entirely burned. Try as the householder would, however, he could not pos­sibly locate every vestige of leaven in his domain, as, for instance, such minute par­ticles as rats or mice might have carried into their holes; and this would typify that the Christian may try with all diligence to eliminate all sin from his make-up, but cannot succeed in doing a complete job of it under present conditions.

It is not certain when the foregoing ritual originated, whether it is of Divine origin or not, the Bible being silent on the matter, though commanding the thing itself that is accomplished by the performance. However, considering its fitness, it is quite probable that God originated the use of this ceremony, since its every detail pictures forth a set of things that antitypical Israelites are commanded to do – espec­ially so, as they prepare for and partake of the Lord's Supper. In the picture the Israelite's house types the human house of the Gospel-Age Israelite – in keeping with St. Paul's exhortation, “Let a man examine himself.” Thus, the symbolism of this ceremony is entirely Biblical.

As with most Scriptural doctrines and teachings, we find all sorts of notions in between the two extremes. Some religious sects place a sign before their meeting place inviting the man in the street to join in the service. At the other extreme, the Roman Catholic Church will not allow even its members in good standing to partake without extreme scrutiny beforehand. In days gone by, it was necessary for the mem­ber to appear before the priest for confession the day before the service. Then, on the morning of the service, he should neither drink water nor taste food – although this stringency has been lessened somewhat in recent years in various parts of the world. In other sects the participant must at least be a member in good standing of that par­ticular body with which he wishes to commune.

“Whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.” (Ex. 12:15) Thus were the Jews impressed with the sobriety of the occasion; and, while it meant just what it said to them, it was not nearly so serious for them, had they violated the command, as it would be for the Gos­pel-Age Israelite to indulge in willful sin, because such disobedience in this Age would have meant more than just the temporary extinction that would have come upon any Jew who violated the ordinance; it would mean permanent death, the Second Death, to new creatures who willfully sin during this Age (Heb. 6:4–8; 10:26–29). And to those mere­ly justified but not spirit-begotten it would mean the loss of their justification and consequent disadvantage in “the judgment to come” in the next Age.

“In the first day (the day after eating the Passover lamb, etc.) there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you” (Ex. 12:16). This ordinance seems to carry a double antitype: one referring to Gospel–Age Israel as a whole throughout the Age; and the other to each individuals Christian life. In the larger picture the seven days would correspond to the seven epochs of the Church, with the first day representing the Ephesian period, (the Jewish Harvest), and the seventh the Laodicean period (the Gospel Harvest), in both of which there have been holy gatherings and special solemnities, such as were never found in the interim five stages of the Church. In both Harvests “the plowman (a severe time of trouble) overtook the reaper” (Amos 9:13); the work also changed from sowing seed to reaping the results of previous sowings. The abstention from work is not specifically mentioned in the intervening five days; and the same fervent effort was not in evidence in the Gospel-Age during the interim that was in the Jewish and Gospel Harvests – the effort in both Harvests being not a sowing work, but a reap­ing of which had already been sown.

This same relative condition is to be found in the individual life of those in this Age who make “the covenant by sacrifice.” Usually, there is very zealous activ­ity at the outset on the part of those who embrace this covenant, which tends to ease off somewhat as time drags on; but the initial zeal is usually manifested anew in each one toward the close of his life. It may be said also that the trials of the narrow way are most severe in the beginning and at the ending of the course. This is clearly apparent in the case of Jesus Himself, Who was immediately tempted by the Devil as soon as He emerged from His forty days in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1–10); and it was even more apparent as He ate the last Passover, the trial that night, and the cross the next day.

The sober contemplation of these various items should stimulate each one to “keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of vice and wickedness; but with the unleavened principles of sincerity and truth.” (1 Cor. 5:8, Dia.) And with this thought we pray the Lord's special blessing upon all our readers in their prep­aration for and participation in “the festival.” What has been presented herein is not intended in any way to displace the reading of the Passover chapter in Parousia Volume 6; it is rather our hope that this may stimulate a more avid reading of that particular chapter.

And “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... And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of ex­hortation.” (Heb. 13:20–22)

Sincerely your brother

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Our dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings of love in our dear Redeemer's Name!

Just sent $––– to Brother for your funds.... I am enclosing Sr. Davies' let­ter. We are glad she still believes in the Second Presence of our Lord, and has never deviated from the teachings of Bro. Russell, and appreciates coming in contact with Bro. Johnson – and now your sound articles, refuting the errors of RGJ. We be­lieve that you are one of the special leaders of God's people in this ending of the Epiphany time..... We pray the Lord to give you His promised grace and strength to continue refuting the errors from whatever source they come.

Sr.------- came in contact with two of RGJ's adherents – and she couldn't answer about RGJ getting the cup, so she asked us. We gave her references to look up in E. Vol. 10 and said, Yes RGJ was the recipient of the cup, but what has he done with it! The contents he hasn't kept clean, therefore the Epiphany revealings are mani­fest and very serious for leaders who persist in wrong doing.

We trust you and all with you at the Bible House keep as well as possible. Brother joins me with love to you and all the dear ones with you.

Sincerely, ------- (ENGLAND)

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

Dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings in our dear Redeemer's name!

As soon as I received your letter I got a message to ------- and saw him today... He has promised to write you again.....

We here are reasonably well, and are still quite blest. Indeed the Lord has been wonderful to us! My sister's health is not of the best, but she manages to work every day. She has a lot to thank God for.

You all are always in our prayers for the wonderful work that you are doing in defending the Lord's cause. As we survey the world scene we can see the breaking up of Satan's kingdom, and the setting up of Christ's Kingdom. Even here in our little island we are experiencing turbulent times, but we are not afraid, nor do we wonder at it as the world does. I am trying to be as diligent as I can be, and with the pray­ers of the Household of Faith I know I shall grow from strength to strength.

Warm Christian greetings to all of you. Your sister ------- (TRINIDAD)

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

Dear Brother Hoefle: Christian greetings!

I trust you and all there are enjoying good health. We here are all fairly well. We would like you to send us some Parousia volumes as follows..... We will give Sister ------- cash in payment at our next general meeting.

We all join in sending Christian love to you and all the friends there.

By His Grace ------- (TRINIDAD)

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

Dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings through our Beloved Lord!

Your good letter is to hand, and contents carefully noted. I have replied to Brother -------, but he no doubt did not receive it. I have since re–acknowledged his letter, and I hope he will receive the same. May the good Lord continue to bless us in the years ahead as we strive to be faithful to the end.

With best Christian wishes to you and the Bible House family...

Yours by His Grace, ------- (JAMAICA)

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

Epiphany Bible Student Association

Please send me the following pamphlets: No. 3 – The Resurrection of the Dead; No. 4 – The Three Babylons; No. 5 – Two Distinct Salvations; No. 6 – God's Great Sabbath Day; No. 7 – The Great Reformer; No. 8 – The Permission of Evil; No. 9 – The Day of Judgment; No. 10 – God's Standard; and No. 121 – The Roman Church and Its Little “Twin.” Thank you!

Sincerely ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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

Dear Mr. Hoefle:

I appreciate your letter, answering my many questions, very much. I also am deeply appreciative of your sending me “The Divine Plan of the Ages.” I am slowly but surely working my way through it.

I am enclosing a small check to help you in your most important work. Please accept it as a small token of my gratitude for the comfort God has seen fit to give me through your letters, pamphlets, and book.

May God always bless you and your Association! Sincerely ------- (N.  CAROLINA)

NO. 224: THE LABOR DAY CHICAGO CONVENTIONS

No. 224

At each of these Conventions RGJ continued to stress his “advancing truth” on his Consecrated Epiphany Campers, declaring the Hill Ophel in Jerusalem as a type of that Class. Often in previous papers have we stressed the fact that only Star Mem­bers were permitted by the Lord to bring forth a new doctrine; but this has not de­terred RGJ – he goes right on. Thus, we consider it timely now to set forth the Truth on the wilderness Manna and its typical significance for our day. The Manna typified the Truth for the entire Gospel Age; and there were two specific instruc­tions given to the Jews about it. “Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwith­standing they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morn­ing, and it bred worms and stank.” (Ex. 16:19,20) Gathering it six days typified the Truth as due in each epoch of the Church in the Gospel Age from the first through the sixth epoch. We offer here a quotation from E-11:319 on this subject:

“In all six periods the Lord’s people studied and appropriated the Word..... It prevailed as long as due... During the sixth, Philadelphia period, an unusually large amount of Truth was due, as can be seen, among other things, by the fact that ten of the twelve stewardship truths, as well as much refutative truth, became then due. Moreover, all the previously due Truth of the four preceding epochs was seen in the sixth epoch, as well as much of the first epoch’s truths.....

“Our Lord declared (Ex. 16:23-29)... The Millennial Sabbath, whose first period was the Laodicean time, was coming, and that it was to be a period of rest from a work that had previously been pleasing to the Lord, but that in the time following the Phil­adelphia time would be counted speculation for all except our Lord and His special mouthpieces.”

Clearly enough, RGJ has been revolutionizing against the foregoing, as he attempts to foist upon his readers his “advancing truth” concerning the Hill Ophel and the Neth­inims as ‘proof’ of his newly-invented Campers Consecrated doctrine. The explan­ation of the type as given in E-11:318 (bottom) is this: “It corrupted in their minds into error (bred worms) and in their hearts into sin (stank), which naturally displeased our Lord (Moses was wroth with them) unto His casting them off from His special favor.”

During Laodicea the ledlings were not to attempt to gather the antitypical Manna (due Truth); for no new Truth would be found then by the Lord’s people in general. The Lord’s design in this restriction is wise, just and loving, because He knew that by speculating the brethren would give room to the Devil to produce all sorts of errors; for the Laodicea period has been the special time of his inciting to frenzies of delu­sion (2 Thes. 2:9-12). Those that observed this charge were shielded from error and temptation to that pride that Satan incites in alleged “discoveries of new truth” (such as Campers Consecrated, etc.) by speculation.

Here is a little more on the subject from E-11:321: “Despite the Lord’s perti­nent warnings on direct study of the Bible after ‘the sixth day,’ some have been in­dulging in it, as experience proves in the Parousia and, especially, in the Epiphany, and perhaps some will attempt it among the restitution class in the next Age. Espec­ially have the six sifting classes been guilty of this evil (there went people on the seventh day to gather – Ex. 16:27). And despite their professions of discovering ‘won­derful light,’ these speculators got absolutely no new truth at all from such study, be­cause the Lord for the antitypical seventh day will not give any by that method. Such forbidden course led God to tell Jesus (Lord said unto Moses – v. 28) to expostulate with those who have so refused. This expostulation was made orally and in writing dur­ing the Parousia, especially through that Servant, and during the Epiphany, especially through the Epiphany Messenger.”

It is public record that RGJ confessed to some of these “besetting sins” in his letter of Nov. 15, 1910, in the Watch Tower – saying he was “enjoying the Bible as one would enjoy a picture book or Grimm’s Fairy Tales.” He then freely admitted to picture making: “My faculty for seeing pictures and types became so developed that my eye would skim over a chapter, jumping at a chance picture here and there, and missing nearly all the original meaning and proper application of the text.” It would seem that such pic­ture-making and typing (“gazing”) has reasserted itself since 1950 – after the restrain­ing hand of the Epiphany Messenger was removed from him. If we were remiss in expos­ing his “path of error,” we would receive the condemnation of Ez. 3:18: “And thou giv­est him not warning... to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” And we are persuaded, too, that others who make loud professions of love for him, will also share in his guilt – come under the condemnation of this text – if they fail to resist his “gazing” and wayward course. “My brethren, if any one among you wander from the truth, and some one turn him back; know you, that he who turns back a sinner (the Great Company) from his Path of Error will save his Soul from Death (the Second Death), and will cover a multitude of Sins.” (James 5:19-20, Dia.) Once more we repeat, we do this only because “necessity is laid upon me.” (1 Cor. 9:16)

We would much rather praise him than expose him; and we do commend him for some of the good “witness” work he is doing toward the world. Thus, we are pleased to state that in many instances he is doing a good work of “witnessing” to the world. This was quite evident by the testimonies of some of our zealous brethren at the Chi­cago Convention. They reported their good efforts at the Billy Graham crusade in Min­nesota, which resulted in the distribution of a number of Divine Plan of the Ages. Since this book contains the “faith once delivered unto the saints,” those testimonies warmed our hearts. As Brother Johnson has so aptly said, the Great Company do much better work toward the world than toward the brethren – which was amply manifest by the effort at this crusade. In their efforts to “witness” with the Divine Plan of the Ages, they are to be encouraged; and it is certainly not our wish to impede such good works in any way whatever; rather we would lend a helping hand as opportunity may arise – as is evidenced by some recent correspondence we have had with RGJ along this very line.

At the Labor Day Convention the question was asked about the beginning and the end of the Time of the End. RGJ tried to pinpoint 1954 in his answer, saying the “sifters” (meaning JJH) contend nothing happened in 1954; then he insisted that plenty of things happened in 1954, but he failed to name even one of them. Our own observation on this point is that Parousia Vol. 3 tells us that the Man of Sin will be completely annihi­lated during the Time of the End. However, at Chicago RGJ spoke on this same question, and gave there a much different answer than he did at the Labor Day Convention; so we believe he would be well advised to state in the Present Truth just what his thought is on the subject.

At the Chicago Question Meeting we ourselves put in the following question: “Let us see the conditions of justification that will prevail during the Millennial Age. During that Age there will be neither a tentative nor a vitalized justification.” (E-15:261) Please harmonize this with your statement in the July-August Present Truth that, “Thus according to the two Messengers there will be no interval without tentative justification.” Signed: John J. Hoefle (He did not “have time” to answer this question!)

In our November paper No. 221, top of page, we quoted much more from Volume 15 than is given above, and we shall repeat just a little from that quotation here:

“In a word, faith is the justifying instrumentality and thus the condition of jus­tification in this Age, while obedience (consecration faithfully carried out—JJH) will be the justifying instrumentality and thus the condition of justification in the next Age. These Ages’ purposes account for this.”

How do these Ages’ purposes account for this? Rom. 4:1-12 clearly tells us that justification must precede consecration during this Age. This is set forth markedly in the Atonement Day type, in which the animals had to be “without blemish.” Since they typified the “better sacrifices” of this Gospel Age, it follows that the sacri­fices of this Age must also be “without blemish.” But this is not possible with men in their present fallen state. Therefore, they are reckoned perfect – “without blem­ish” – in order to make them acceptable as parts of the “better sacrifices.” Thus, we emphasize that there cannot possibly be any acceptable consecration during this Age without the offerer being first justified. “Having been justified, therefore, by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; through Whom, also we have been introduced into this favor in which we stand.” (Rom. 5:1,3—Dia.) Having come to this standing by faith, St. Paul then counsels such to consecrated (see Rom. 12:1).

But in the next Age the situation will be just the reverse. Then not even tenta­tive justification (prospective justification is Brother Russell’s thought, and in no sense a justification by faith as we have it in this Age) cannot be obtained in the slightest degree without consecration. Without consecration – works – the dead world in the next Age will have no better standing than they have now in this Age; they won’t even have prospective justification then without consecration. Once this situ­ation is clearly understood, our readers will have no difficulty at all in seeing through RGJ’s flummery on this subject – a ruse he has injected into the discussion to bolster his decayed “manna” – his “strange fire” of Campers Consecrated.

At the Labor Day Convention this question was raised: Who are the Household of Faith in the Millennium? His answer: Those who accept Jesus. As the Epiphany Mes­senger has so well stated – In this Age the predominant feature is faith, accompanied by works. In the next Age the predominant feature will be works, accompanied by some faith. In the Millennial Tabernacle picture the Court represents the condition of the Ancient Worthies (Kohathite Levites), of the Great Company (Merarite Levites), and of the Youthful Worthies (Gershonite Levites). The world undergoing restitution is represented in the Camp; and in no sense of the word are of the Household of Faith. This has been clearly explained by Brother Johnson in treating of 2 Tim. 2:20: “The Little Flock, the Great Company, the Ancient Worthies and the Youthful Worthies are the Millennial-Age House­hold of Faith. The Priests and the Levites dwelling about the Tabernacle type this House­hold of Faith. (Bro. Johnson does not say, as did RGJ, that all who accept Jesus are of the Household of Faith—JJH) From the standpoint of having the faith of Abraham the Youthful Worthies are, of course, like him, of the Household of Faith. They are, however, somewhat different from the tentatively justified who do not now consecrate. The latter during the Epiphany cease altogether to be of the Household of Faith, having used the grace of God in vain. All that are of the faith of Abraham are of the Household of Faith.”

Then there was a question asked at the Chicago Convention as to whether RGJ’s friends should burn the sifters’ literature, or return marked “Refused.” He said it was each one’s stewardship: if they wanted to read enough of it to know that it is error, that was for them to decide. We commend him for giving an answer based on true Christian principles – as we also commend him for his mollified demeanor during the entire Chicago Convention. This is quite a change for the better, and also quite a contrast to his advice and attitude a few years back when a similar question was asked him. At that time he yelled: “If the Devil wrote you a letter, would you read it?” and regarding shaking hands, “Would you shake hands with the Devil?”

We trust he will continue to advocate Christian principles – and this change means that he will seek to serve the Lord in “sincerity and in truth.” That is our hope and prayer for him.

Those of us familiar with the situation know that Brother Johnson never warned his supporters not to read what JFR presented, even though he knew those papers were filled with subtle errors; and all know that we have never warned our readers not to read what RGJ or the “Apokalypsis” writings present. Nor have we read RGJ out of the Household, as he has done with us, which we have accepted without great ado. We well realize that his actions as described in previous papers were prompted by “strong delusion” of 2 Thes. 2:10-12 – the punishment meted out to those “who received not the love of the Truth” ­especially during this Epiphany period. However, it gives us much pleasure to note the improvement in his decorum and speech from the platform in Chicago. His mild and soft-spoken delivery was quite a change for the better over his past performances.

God’s faithful people have always been more generous with the measurably faithful than the latter have been with them. That Servant was much more generous toward Big Babylon than Big Babylon was toward him. The Jehovah’s Witnesses also relegate JJH and all his supporters to the “evil servant class,” much the same as has RGJ done ­although he uses milder language: the “sifters” have lost their class standing, and may lose out altogether in the Kingdom, if they continue in their course, he says. Such accusations do not embitter us in the least – rather, we would “think it strange” if such calumny were not directed toward us. Despite this, we are persuaded there are quite a few among the Witnesses, as well as among the adherents of the LHMM who are mak­ing sincere effort to serve the Lord.

THE “END” OF 1 COR. 15:24

On p. 78 of the Sept.-Oct. 1973 Present Truth is the following question: “How do we know that ‘the end’ in 1 Cor. 15:24 is at the end of Christ’s Millennial Mediator­ial Reign, at the beginning of the Little Season, and not at the Little Season’s end? And how do we know ‘the last enemy’ (v. 26), the Adamic dying process, will be destroyed before the beginning of the Little Season?”‘

In his answer RGJ once more attempts to nullify the clear teachings of the Epiphany Messenger, and the impressive Red Sea type – in which the Egyptians were destroyed; so we now follow here with Brother Johnson’s treatise in the Nov. 15, 1949 Herald, p. 48, cols. 1 and 2:

“The results of the coming Universal Empire are illustrated in 1 Cor. 15:20-26, our last passage on this subject. We quote from the Improved Version: ‘But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become a firstfruit (Jesus) of them that slept. For since by man (Adam) came death, by (a) man also (Jesus) shall come the resurrection of the dead. For as all in Adam die (Jesus did not die in Adam, for He was not in Adam, and therefore our correction of the translation), even so all in Christ shall be made alive (e.g., the Little Flock is in Christ; they shall be made alive first and pri­marily). But every man in his own order: Christ a firstfruit (the Church is here meant); afterward they that are Christ’s at (during) His presence (those who are shown to be our Lord’s faithful followers during His presence, these also shall be made alive). Then cometh the end (the end of the Little Season, when He shall have ruled over all the earth and given every man the opportunity to gain eternal life, which His ransom sacrifice, a corresponding price, enables Him to give), when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father (for God will be the final Judge over the earth and will execute His judgment through Christ, the Head, primarily, and secondarily, the Church, His Body, as His vicegerent); when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and (all) power (every vestige of the governorship and of the pretended au­thority and the pretended might of Satan (We know that Satan will ‘pretend to have authority and might during the Little Season’—JJH), all of this will be put down by the almighty hand of Christ, the Head, and the Church, the Body, using God’s power as the almighty power in their hand). For He must reign till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Thus we see that not only persons are these enemies, but also things. Death (the Adamic death pro­cess—JJH) is an enemy – it was an enemy to Jesus while He was in the flesh, it sought to destroy Him; it sought through the Jews (the Adamic death process in those Jews—JJH) to destroy Him, but He was faithful unto death; and by that faithfulness He was pro­nounced the One who could put to death the last enemy, even the dying process and the death-state. Glory be to God forever and ever for this glorious hope that Jehovah, our Heavenly Father, has given us; and let every one say, Amen and Amen; Amen and Amen, forever and ever, Amen.”

It will be noted that the above is a direct contradiction of what RGJ is now con­tending; and we would impress upon our readers the fact that RGJ proof-read that Her­ald, and offered no objection to it in 1949. In his summation of the above question there is this statement: “We will continue to reaffirm and defend the correct under­standing of 1 Cor. 15:24 as given in harmony with the Greek text.” If he approved of the teaching as quoted above in 1949, is he now “continuing” in that teaching – or is he now revolutionizing against that teaching?

Again we quote from the Epiphany Messenger as given in E-17:124,125: “Then cometh the end (the end of the Little Season, when he shall have ruled over all the earth and given every man the opportunity to gain eternal life, which His Ransom-sacrifice, a corresponding price, enables Him to give), when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father (for God will be the final Judge over the earth and will exer­cise His judgment through Christ, the Head, primarily, and secondarily, the Church, His Body, as His Vicegerent); when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and the pretended might of Satan, all of this will be put down by the almighty power in their hand). For He must reign till he hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death (thus we see that not only persons are these enemies, but also things. The Adamic death in the sense of the dying process is this last great enemy, and, because of His faithfulness, Jesus became the One who will after the close of the Millennium finally destroy it).”

The above is also a direct contradiction to RGJ’s present teaching; and he him­self published this teaching in Vol. 17 in 1956. He proof-read that, too; so the question properly arises: Is he “continuing” to reaffirm and defend the correct under­standing of 1 Cor. 15:24 as taught by the Epiphany Messenger and approved by him – or is he now revolutionizing against the “correct understanding of 1 Cor. 15:24”? Truly, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways”! (James 1:8) Surely the teachings re­garding 1 Cor. 15:24 quoted above are crystal clear that the Epiphany Messenger taught the “end” of this text is at the “end of the Little Season”! Nor can RGJ or any one else set aside this clear teaching by a “faulty disc,” or any other “sleight-of-hand.”

To give some semblance of credibility to his symbolic witchcraft (especially de­ceptive false teachings – such as JFR with his Jonadabs, also a non-existent class) he offers the “foolish” conclusion: “If the Goat class will not have ridded them­selves by use of the gracious opportunities of the Mediatorial reign, they will by the beginning of the Little Season be chargeable only to their own account, and not to Adam or any one else.” (Emphasis by RGJ) We wonder if he believes the Goats of the Mediatorial reign who refuse to have the Adamic death process plagued out of them, die the Second Death with their unholy hearts’ condition “chargeable” to Satan, Adam, or some one else, instead of to themselves! It is an elementary truth that all who are awakened from the tomb – the Death state – will never go into the Second Death with their unholy hearts’ condition “chargeable” to any one except themselves. But, when they go into the Second Death, the Adamic death process in them (their unholy hearts’ condition) will also be forever destroyed. Those “accursed ones” during the reign who die at 100 years because they refused to rid themselves of the Adamic Death pro­cess (Isa. 65:20), as well as those who survive into the Little Season, have no one to blame but themselves. The Adamic Death process is the “last enemy” – and it will not be destroyed until its possessors are destroyed. In essence RGJ admits this – then injects the flimsy statement of who is “chargeable” for it. This contention is simply a “red herring” injected seemingly to mislead the “unstable and the unlearned.” He is setting up a ‘straw man’ – “chargeable” – to avoid the self-evident truth, that such responsibility is “chargeable” to the Goat class of the Mediatorial reign, as well as “chargeable” to the Goat class of the Little Season. During the Mediatorial reign the Goats are sentenced to the Second Death because of their failure outwardly to obey; and the Goat class of the Little Season, who have outwardly obeyed during the Mediatorial reign, will also be sentenced to the Second Death during the Little Season because they do not outwardly obey. At that time their unholy hearts’ condition (the Adamic death process) will be manifested. We repeat, the Adamic death process cannot be destroyed until its possessors are destroyed – at the end of the Little Season ­regardless of any twist given by RGJ.

Note now the statement in the foregoing paragraph to the effect that whatever of the Adamic death process the Goats may have in the Little Season “will be chargeable to their own account”; and compare with his statement in the question itself that, “The Adamic dying process will be destroyed before the beginning of the Little Season.” These two statements are in direct contradiction of one another – so we would ask now: “Will he “continue to reaffirm and defend the correct understanding of 1 Cor. 15:24,” that the Adamic death process will be eliminated before the beginning of the Little Season; or will he “continue to reaffirm” the teaching that the Adamic death process will still continue in the Goats of the Little Season, but will be “chargeable to their own account,” as given in his first statement? This is a classic example of “the unprofitable servant” of Matt. 25:30, who was cast into outer darkness (error). In the Berean Comment there is this: “Sorrow, disappointment and chagrin in every sense.”

We repeat, concerning the Goats of the Mediatorial reign who go into the Second Death, the Adamic death process (their unholy hearts’ condition) was “chargeable to their own account,” just the same as will be true of the Goats in the Little Season who will have the Adamic death process “chargeable to their own account.” In other words, the Goats who outwardly obey during the Mediatorial reign, but still retain their unholy hearts’ condition (the Adamic death process) will be no different from the Goats who enter the Second Death during the Mediatorial reign: when they die, the Adamic death process in them perishes with them.

For emphasis, let us repeat some of the Nov. 15, 1949 Herald, as given aforegoing: destroy Him; it sought through the Jews to destroy Him.” Certainly, it was not the Adamic death state that sought to destroy Jesus; those Jews in their graves gave Him no concern whatever. But those living Jews – badly diseased with the Adamic death process (all the evils inherent in fallen man) – did their best to destroy Him; and did finally succeed in destroying His flesh-and-blood body. It was the Adamic death process in those sinful Jews that brought Him to the cross. Those persecuting Jews that died before Jesus was crucified could no longer harass Him, because the Adamic death process (the evils within them) ceased when they went into the Adamic death state; but those evil tendencies will yet be present in them when they are awakened from the tomb. “Where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” (Ecc. 11:3) If they do not avail themselves of the “gracious opportunities of the Mediatorial reign” within 100 years – to the extent of outward obedience – they will experience the Second Death even before the Mediatorial reign is concluded; and the Adamic death process in those individuals will perish with them. However, the Goat class who outwardly obeyed dur­ing the Mediatorial reign will still have the Adamic death process in them – the men­tal, moral and religious depravity in their hearts – which will not be destroyed until their possessors are destroyed at the end of the Little Season. Be it noted in both the quotations we have offered from Brother Johnson, he states the Adamic death pro­cess applies not only to persons, but also to things; and the things cannot be de­stroyed until their possessors are destroyed.

The truth of the foregoing quotation will be deeply impressed upon us if we keep in mind that the Adamic death process is inseparably linked with the “curse.” Thus, the curse (the Adamic death process) will be present in the Goats until the full end of the Little Season; although the part of the “curse” represented by the Adamic death state will have been eliminated in all of them many years before the Little Season even begins – and the “curse” insofar as physical infirmities are concerned will also have been eliminated from all by the beginning of the Little Season. All will enter the Little Season with perfect physical bodies – but the Goats will still have the men­tal, moral and religious depravity – the Adamic death process – in their characters. And, as Brother Johnson has stated, All who enter the Little Season with imperfect characters will not be able to stand the crucial tests of the Little Season. In sup­port of this, we quote from Parousia Volume 5, p. 439:

“This assurance that God’s love and justice operate in fullest harmony gives us confidence that the same principles will continue to rule the universe forever, satis­fies us that the ‘wrath,’ the ‘curse’ (the Adamic death process—JJH), will be lifted from all who come into harmony with God through Jesus the Savior, and that all who do not avail themselves of this grace will be swallowed up of the Second Death – for the wrath (the “curse”—JJH) of God abideth on them. (Acts 3:23; John 3:36; Rev. 22:3)”

From the foregoing by That Servant, it should be clear enough that the “curse,” or the Adamic death process, is never eliminated from the Goat class; but continues with them until their destruction at the full end of the Little Season, when the Goats go into the Second Death. The Harvest of the Millennial Age will probably bear close re­semblance to the Harvest of this Gospel Age, in which we are told to “judge nothing be­fore the time.” During the 40-year reaping period the more perceptive among the Truth people may have had reasonable suspicions that some had fallen from Grace sufficiently that they were no longer of the Very Elect; but they were cautioned not to express themselves on the subject. Doubtless That Servant was aware of that in certain indi­viduals, but he did not express his opinion to any one, so far as we know. Just so, during the Mediatorial reign – especially so as it draws near its close – it may be reasonably clear to some that many will not survive the Little Season, because some of the faults of the Goat class will probably become manifest. Nevertheless, it will re­main for the developments of the Little Season to make this certain; and the Sheep class will not be able to sing the song of deliverance until the Goat class has been eliminated from their midst. This is remarkably clear in the song of Moses and the children of Israel as given in the 15th Chapter of Exodus – which was not sung until they were safely on the opposite shore of the Red Sea – after the Egyptian hosts had been annihilated in the resurging waters. This is further confirmed in E-17:426 under the heading “THERE SHALL BE NO MORE CURSE”; and on p. 427 there is this:

“And there shall be no more curse (the Adamic death state and dying process will have been destroyed): but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there (after the Little Season’s night has ended there will be eternal day), and they need no candle, neither light of the sun (the Bible); for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever (when every member of the Sheep class shall have become a king in his own right—JJH).”

It is elementary that all who come under the benign influence of the Mediatorial reign will never again be subject to the Adamic death state. That part of the curse will be forever destroyed for them the instant they come from the tomb; they can never again die the Adamic death. “Every one shall die for his own iniquity.” (Jer. 31:30) This applies during the Mediatorial reign as well as during the Little Season. Thus, for all such the only part of the curse that will exist for them during the Little Season will be the Adamic death process – the imperfect mental, moral and re­ligious degradations that are now inherent in the human race. The opportunity will be generously available for all to rid themselves of these evils during the Mediatorial reign; but those of them who do not avail themselves of the saving processes will enter into the Little Season with imperfect characters (the Adamic death pro­cess still with them), and will be unable to stand the tests. They will be destroyed at the end of the Little Season – when “the last enemy” (the Adamic death process) will be destroyed. Both the Sheep and the Goats will enter the Little Season physi­cally perfect, the great difference being in their heart condition.

Brother Johnson lists 21 offices of Christ for the cure of 21 evils suffered under the curse. As we all know, His Mediatorial office will be completed at the begin­ning of the Little Season. However, there are some offices that will not be completed until the end of the Little Season – among which are Judge, Revealer and Deliverer. The Christ will reveal (manifest) the unfaithful, sentence them to the Second Death, and Deliver the Sheep. His office of Prince of Peace will continue throughout all eter­nity.

It has been well stated that in controversy the Truth comes out; and in this pres­ent controversy we trust that our readers will have no problem in determining for them­selves who is now presenting the Truth on it. However, we believe Brother Johnson saw and gave the Truth on 1 Cor. 15:24 in the 1949 Herald and other places, because he was persuaded by the Red Sea type, which is probably the grandest type of the entire Old Testament, and which indisputably supports the “end” of 1 Cor. 15:24 as being at the end of the Little Season.

In our efforts to uphold the Truth and refute the error of this and other sub­jects, we derive much satisfaction from the fact that many of the very best support­ers of Brother Johnson have also wholeheartedly supported us in our activities since 1955. Some of these are still with us, so we would not mention their names; but we take pleasure in naming some who have finished their course, and concerning whom we would say it has been impossible to replace them: Brothers Cotton, Price, Alger, Roach (who was Brother Johnson’s representative in Trinidad for nineteen years), and Brother and Sister Baxendale of England; also, Sisters Pickering, Fowler, Evans, Atkins, Jordan, Oldham and Condell (widow of Brother Condell who was Brother Johnson’s representative in Jamaica). Some of these dear brethren we had met during Brother Johnson’s life; others of them were known only by the praise he had given them to us in private conversations. And we would say of them, as we say of Brother Russell and Brother Johnson, God bless their memory!

“Preserve me, 0 God: for in thee do I put my trust... I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night season. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” (Psa. 16:1, 7-8)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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

ANNOUNCEMENT OF GENERAL INTEREST

Our Memorial date for this year is April 5, after 6:00 p.m., and we suggest for our Special Effort in Antitypical Gideon’s Second Battle Sunday, March 24 through Sunday April 14, for our volunteer and sharpshooting in the slaying of the two King Errors – Zebah (Eternal Torment), and Zalmunna (Consciousness of the Dead). Our tracts, Where are the Dead, What is the Soul, and The Resurrection of the Dead may be used, as well as the L-D-H and The Divine Plan of the Ages, if ordered in time. So place your orders early if you desire to participate in this good work. The Battle is not over, so “Let us not be weary in well doing.” Be assured of our spec­ial prayers that all may have blessed experiences as they participate with us in this Special Effort – an Arrangement made for the Epiphany by the Epiphany Messenger.