NO. 365B: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART TWO

THE JEWS

“Group’s 40th Anniversary Honors David Horowitz: Both this writer [Jeffrey Ellis Aronin] and Mr. Abrahams addressed the assembled guests in paying tribute to Mr. Horowitz. The writer read out a number of communications from prominent rabbis and others congratulating the honoree. Mr. Abraham’s tribute follows:

“In honoring David, he stated: ‘It is with profound appreciation of David Horowitz’ unique record of righteousness and compassion that the Committee has bestowed this 1982 prize. The founder of the Award, Ambassador Enrico Garda, would have enthusiastically endorsed the choice of Mr. Horowitz, the universally honored creator of United Israel World Union and editor of the Bulletin.

“‘A valiant fighter against cruelty and hypocrisy, he has been a heroic champion of the Torah’s program of justice, facing in the name of God all ecclesiastical or political scoundrels who are abusing biblical texts for devilish propaganda in shameless violation of the Holocaust.

“‘In the United Nations, whose majority are oil‑bribed for heathen irresponsibility, David Horowitz has proclaimed wisely, forcefully and consistently Israel’s rights, Soviet Jewry’s rights to stay Jewish, the right of all God’s children to live in peace and to enjoy basic human opportunity’... ‘We all share in this tribute to our David,’ said Dr. Jung. ‘Shalom.’

“Significantly, Congressman Siljander, a Christian, indicated that he had fallen in love with Israel and the Jewish people to such a great extent that he turned to study of the Hebrew language and that he considers the Hebraic faith as a part of his own religion.

“Thus, as he arrived at the banquet, he began to speak Hebrew with Mr. Horowitz who, he said in his speech, he had met at the UN upon his return from Israel last year and discussed issues held in common. Siljander enthusiastically hailed United Israel World Union for having stood firm to its principles and in its educational activities for forty years on behalf of biblical truths, paying high tribute to Mr. Horowitz and the local unit’s leaders who had found a common denominator in the Sinaitic Code.

“The main part of Congressman Siljander’s speech dealt with Israel, America’s faithful ally in the Middle East, which, he stated, had accomplished miracles in all fields of endeavor. Thunderous applause greeted him when he referred to Judea and Samaria, the so‑called West Bank, as being part of historic Israel. .... He was proud of the role he had played in preventing the UN’s PLO Observer from visiting Washington and addressing Congressmen at the invitation of Rep. Crockett.

“Upon learning of the invitation, he said he was shocked that a representative of a group seeking the destruction of Israel be given the chance to address congressmen. He immediately intervened by sending a letter of protest to Secretary of State Shultz. The visit was called off. There’s a 25‑mile limit for travel for the PLO.

“He noted that what’s happening to Jews in USSR is a tragedy, noting that his wife has joined a group of Washingtonian women on behalf of Soviet Jewry. In pride, he informed the audience that he had marched in New York’s recent Salute to Israel Parade.

“Congressman Siljander is a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and also serves in the Middle East subcommittee. United Israel World Union, in addition to units in the US, has many members in Ghana and other African states, in the Philippines, Mexico and North Africa.” (By Jeffrey Ellis Aronin)

“Behind The Scenes At The United Nations – September 19: Precisely one week before this World Organization opened its 40th session with a minute of silent much‑needed prayer – while at the same time the Jewish people throughout the world assembled in their houses of worship to meaningful worship the second day of Rosh Hashana – a significant event took place here in New York, bringing to‑mind the miracle that is Israel. The inspiring occasion marked the Ninth Annual Dinner of the American Associates of the Ben‑Gurion University during which the phenomenal progress involving the revivification of the Negev desert was brought into full focus.

“What was especially unique about the Ben‑Gurion University Dinner was the presence of two outstanding souls, Rhoda and Rudy Boyko, as the recipients of the Ben-Gurion Negev Award.

“But, more importantly, the name Boyko is synonymous with the resurrection of the Negev. It was Rudolph’s late brother, Hugo Boyko, along with his scientist wife, Elizabeth, who, after settling in the old Palestine in 1935, pioneered in Israeli agriculture, growing crops with saline water from undergound desert sources. They studied the factors enabling desert plants to thrive in an arid environment. Elizabeth Boyko, in her ingenuity, brought vegetation to primitive Eilat, transforming the desert town with more than 180 species of plants. [The desert shall blossom as a rose. Isa. 35:1]            

“In the spirit of Hugo and Elizabeth, Rudolph and Rhoda along with a friend, Ike Schine, as far back as 1959, established an Israeli company known as the Desert Plants, Ltd. The project flourished and today the Ben‑Gurion University, a jewel in the heart of Beer Sheba, is benefiting greatly from the seeds they have sown. The Boyko Institute is directed by Dr. Dov Pasternak, an internationally‑renowned scientist whose pilot project in desert revivification has brought new hope to several African states including Egypt.”

“THE GREENING OF ISRAEL: The economic crisis won’t stop the trees from growing, but it will put extra pressures on the budget of the Jewish National Fund. The JNF, says world chairman Moshe Rivlin, funds its multifaceted operations from contributions, leasing fees on lands and government payments for clearing land and building infrastructure for new settlements... Today, the JNF mountains over 250,000 acres of forest, the majority of which it has planted. ....

“Within four or five years, the city of Jerusalem will be completely encircled by forest, including its outermost suburbs. Once far from the city, forests have come within the city’s expanding borders.

“From Augusta Victoria Hospital on Mt. Scopus, one can see a new forest being planted in the Judean Desert that will eventually forge a link of trees with the town of Ma’ale Adumin. ‘The desert is being pushed away, bit by bit,’ says Rivlin. ‘The forest area will serve both Arabs and Jews.”’ (By Judy Siegel, Jerusalem Post Reporter – September 7, 1985)

“The American Jewish Congress has called Pope John Paul’s assertion that the Moslem view of the future status of Jerusalem is also the Vatican’s view a ‘puzzling and distressing’ remark. Henry Siegman, executive director of AJCongress and an authority on Catholic‑Jewish relations, disputed the Pontiff’s statement in Morocco on Monday (Aug. 19) that Moslems view Jerusalem as ‘the capital of three monotheistic religions’ – Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

“‘We are not aware of any Moslem leader who has ever expressed such a view of Jerusalem,’ Mr. Siegman said. ‘Moslems,’ he noted, ‘have consistently called for the removal of Jerusalem from the State of Israel.’ Mr. Siegman called the Pope’s statement ‘an apparent effort to find some common ground with his Moroccan hosts.’

“The AJCongress official, a founder of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, which includes leading Jewish organizations, acknowledged that the ‘intention and spirit’ of the Pope’s statement may have been misconstrued and said a clarification of his remarks ‘is most urgently needed.’

“The text of Mr. Siegman’s statement follows: Pope John Paul’s statement in Morocco on the subjects of Jerusalem ‘is also the view of the Holy See,’ is puzzling and distressing.

“Either Pope John Paul is uninformed about the Moslem view of Jerusalem, or he has now repudiated the Vatican’s long‑standing position on this subject.

“In an apparent effort to find some common ground with his Moroccan hosts, the Pope attributes to Moslems the view that Jerusalem serves ‘as a central point, the capital of three monotheistic religions.’ We are not aware of any Moslem leader who has ever expressed such a view of Jerusalem. We are aware, however, as Pope John Paul himself must be, that Moslems have consistently called for the removal of Jerusalem from the State of Israel.

“In recent years, Vatican officials have earnestly sought to convey the impression that the Vatican is anxious to improve its relations with the State of Israel. The Pope’s statements in Morocco are hardly calculated to bring that goal any closer.

“It is possible that both the intention and spirit of Pope John Paul’s remarks in Morocco were misconstrued. If so, a clarification is most urgently needed.” (Israel E. Levine, Director of Communications, American Jewish Congress, Aug. 21, 1985)

“Judaism – The ‘Eternal Fire’; Christianity – The ‘Eternal Rays’: Philosopher theologian Franz Rosenzweig, the son of a well‑to‑do Jewish family, was born in Cassel, Germany, in 1886. He spent two years in the study of medicine, then switched to modern history and philosophy. He became deeply interested in Hegel’s philosophic idealism. However, while attending a Day of Atonement service in a traditional synagogue in Berlin in 1913, Rosenzweig experienced a ‘closeness to God,’ and that experience became the turning point in his life. He gained a conviction of the impotence of Hegel’s idealism when confronted with existential problems of human life and life’s ultimate question: Who am I and what is the purpose of my existence?

“While in the Balkan foxholes with the German army in the First World War, he began to compose The Star of Redemption, which became his magnum opus (1921). He wrote it on army postal cards, which he sent on to his mother. During the postwar period, he and Dr. Martin Buber collaborated in a new German translation of the Hebrew Bible, which is said to be the finest since Martin Luther’s translation.

“According to Rosensweig, Judaism and Christianity possess equal religious validity and represent complimentary aspects of God’s revealed truth. Judaism is ‘the eternal fire’ – Christianity, ‘the eternal rays.’ Judaism is oriented inward to the Jews, whereas Christianity is facing outward to the Gentiles. In fact, Christianity is ‘Judaism for the Gentiles.’ Israel stays with God, Christianity goes out into the world to bring the unredeemed peoples to the God of Israel. Christianity’s function is well symbolized by the cross, the vertical beam of which looks heavenward to God and the horizontal beam is outstretched toward mankind. Only in the endtime, when the task of mankind’s redemption will have been completed, will Judaism and Christianity fuse into one faith.

“Rosenzweig is considered to have been the ‘single greatest influence on the religious thought of North American Jewry.’ At one time he came very close to embracing the Messianic faith of Jesus. He carried on an extensive correspondence with knowledgeable Christians, some of whom were his own kinsmen, and gained a sympathetic understanding of the Christian faith.” (The Messiahship of Jesus, p. 56)

Christians who believe in Pastor Russell’s teaching have no trouble in recognizing and approving of the faithful Jews who believe in His promises to them. He never tried to convert the Jews to Christianity, because he knew that God’s promises to the faithful Jew were unconditional. He said, Let us leave the Jew in the future to his God, and let the Christians in general go on in their blindness as the Scriptures foretell, to their destruction.

Salvation is of the Jews. It was to the Jew first at our Lord’s First Advent, and then to the Gentiles; and it will be “to the Jew first” in the earthly phase of the Kingdom – and then to the Gentiles. The New Covenant will be made with the Jews. The Kingdom will be Israelitish. “Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness; I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my Glory.” (Isa. 46:12,13)

“At the inauguration of the New Age of blessing, natural Israel will be granted a special place and privilege; “for the gifts and calling of God are not things to be repented of.” (Romans 11:29) The orthodox Jews will be more ready to receive the blessing of the new dispensation promptly than will other people. Therefore they will have the first blessing – not by reason of partiality on God’s part in showing favor to these people, but by virtue of the fact that He made a covenant with them as the posterity of faithful Abraham.

“This special privilege of preeminence in the Messianic Kingdom, however, will not be granted to all who are Jews by blood; but only to those who prove loyal to the Law and the Prophets – those who are Jews at heart, and not merely outwardly. All others are merely Gentiles. (Rom. 2:28,29)” (By Pastor Russell, Reprint 5964 – October, 1916)

“Bible Not Written By Man Say Scientists In Israel: Researchers at Israel’s Technion say they have discovered secrets hidden in the Bible that can prove to scholars that the Five Books of Moses were not written by man.

“The researchers – in the fields of computers and Bible – have discovered that the Torah contained many names and future bits of history by forming words using every 26th or 49th letter.

“‘We are not presenting any conclusions,” said Yosef Katz, one of the researchers. ‘This is only initial research.” (By Yaakov Rodan)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Emily: Loving Christian greetings! –

We want to compliment you and the brethren on the way you have carried on the Lord’s work. No one could have done better. We hope you are not working too hard. We do appreciate getting the monthly papers. We are as well as we can expect to be, considering our ages. We have some good days and some not so good.

Friday (November 29) is our Mother’s birthday. We are thankful that we were lucky enough to have her for our “Mom.” Now we know what this trouble in the world today is all about, and we are not worried or afraid. Instead we rejoice and look forward to the future. Thanks to her teaching! Am sending a check to the EBSA, but please use it as you wish. Sorry it is not more.

The Season’s greetings to you and the others with you. We think of you often.

You are always in our prayers. With Christian love, ------- (OHIO)

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Dear Brethren: Grace and peace!

We enjoyed your November and December 1985 papers, especially the paper about Casimir Lanowick’s work for the Jews. He was a wonderful and courageous man!

The September‑October Present Truth all about Brother Russell and Zionism is very good. It sounds like the LHMM is now in harmony with the teaching of Brother Russell about the Jews – “To the Jew first.” I earnestly hope they have abandoned the error of Epiphany Campers Consecrated being first, and ahead of the Jews – and are no longer casting God’s Word aside.

Do you think your paper refuting their May‑June 1985 Present Truth on the nonexistent class of Epiphany Campers Consecrated, together with the book coming out “About Pastor Russell,” may have influenced them to write this September‑October 1985 Present Truth? They should know that if they should preach this doctrine to the Jews it would not be acceptable to them. However, they use Brother Russell’s teaching to the Jews.

So keep up the good fight of faith! The Truth is powerful and will eventually overthrow all errors. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two‑edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) Warm Christian love, ------- (MISSOURI)

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We wish to convey our deep appreciation and thanks for the many beautiful Christmas cards received, expressing their love and prayers. We heartily reciprocate these sentiments and regret that we were unable to do so by individual cards. May “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with it” (Prov. 10:22) be your portion.

We wish all our readers a Happy and Blessed New Year! “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowl­edge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5,6)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

On January 11 and 12 Mr. David Horowitz and Ms. Runes, the publisher, will come to Florida to announce the publication of the book “About Pastor Russell.” This announcement will be made in Leesburg January 11 after a dinner party at 6:30 p.m. Also in Orlando after a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. The publication of this book has been joyfully anticipated by many. Much praise has been expressed about the publication of this book.

“David Horowitz sets the record straight about the beliefs and achievements of Charles Taze Russell. A recognition of Pastor Russell’s important role as an early American Christian advocate of Zionism is long overdue. Mr. Horowitz has performed an admirable service in restoring to public knowledge the story of this important Christian Zionist.” (By Ambassador Benjamin Netanyahu

NO. 365A: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART ONE

No. 365A

During the past year there was progress in many fields and retrogression in others. Science has made great strides during 1985. We are told that with today’s electrode implants Helen Keller could have been made to hear. Also some people who would have died of heart failure have had heart implants which saved their lives. Medical science has made great strides, but so far is unable to come up with a cure for AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease. These diseases are plaguing mankind.

“A New Kind Of Terrorism Rattles Western Europe: The sounds of bomb blasts and pistol shots are grimly familiar, but changing terrorist targets and tactics are adding a dangerously different dimension to resurgent violence in Western Europe. …….

“In less than three months terrorists have struck in Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and West Germany. .......

“Common aims: Public statements by key terrorist groups disclose that their common goals are to destabilize NATO, wreck Europe’s defense industries and stir up anti-American sentiment. .....

“In addition to the terrorist’s own statements, American officials say that they have physical evidence and intelligence reports confirming that leftist groups are indeed coordinating their activities. .....

“For Western Europe, the harsh reality of the mid 1980’s is that a new, more complex battle with terrorism already may be under way.” (US News & World Report, February 25, 1985)

However, the “more complex battle with terrorism” did not stop the hijacking in October when one of the citizens of the US was murdered. Crime continues to be rampant everywhere – armed robbery, murder, rape, hijacking, drugs and alcohol, together with many other evils. This is happening not only in the United States, but also in other nations.

We are reminded of Jer. 25:31: “A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with the nations, He will plead with all flesh; He will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord.” Also our Lord tells us, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as not since there was a nation, no, nor ever shall be.” And the Prophet Daniel tells us: “There shall be a Time of Trouble such as never was since there was a nation to that same time.” (Dan. 12:1)

We are happy to note there are many good people in the world today. Recently the Martins and their two young children came from Ohio to Florida to make a new start. They had $640 in cash with them – their life’s savings. Mrs. Martin went to a phone booth and left her purse with the $640. When she went back to get it the purse was gone. They reported it to the police. The press reported it the next day. More than 100 people offered to open up their purses. Jeff Cohen, a disc jockey with the radio, said the station raised $800 to $1,000 in two hours. The Sea World has offered to play host to the Martins once they get settled. But the police department didn’t know where to find them, as they had no address to leave them. They were found a couple of days later. Their loss had become their gain.

Our Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) The giver is blessed in two ways – first in having the resources to give, then in having a generous heart. “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall also be watered himself.” (Prov. 11:25) “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (15:3)

IN FINANCE

The economy of the United States and the rest of the world is deteriorating rapidly. Economists and writers of investment news letters are confused and are giving mixed recommendations to their subscribers. Here is a sample of some of the foremost writers:

“Very critical times! US economy, world financial systems and New York Stock market are all deteriorating rapidly. We are in the final stages of a super cycle top which when complete will be followed by a devastating crash. The second great depression of the 20th Century is about to begin.

“American Banking system is in a crisis. Hope that the problems will be solved without a collapse of the system grows dimmer every day. Savings and Loan industry is in especially bad shape. Savers have recently been withdrawing funds from S & L’s in increasing amounts. Bad loans made by banks and S & L’s of all sizes over the past decade in the agricultural sector, real estate and energy are finally being admitted and written off.

“Bankers feel they are already on the grill for big loans of the past. Fifteen major debtors from Argentina to Yugoslavia alone owe some 437 billion dollars – 63% to commercial banks. Loan rescheduling, threats of default mar the scene.

“We are now in a recession and believe it will get out of control. The government will eventually respond with foreign exchange controls and controls on withdrawals, travel and import restrictions, wage and price controls and controls on withdrawals from bank accounts.

“Double digit inflation will return. It’s not a question of if, it’s only a matter of when. Build up to an international banking crisis is developing. The debt crisis is due to the fact that the banks of the world have made massive loans which cannot be repaid. Some loans made to nations, some to farmers, some to real estate men and some to oil men. Most of this money is lost.”

Politicians do not have the answers. “Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together.” (Psa. 2:1,2) “Men’s hearts failing them.” (Luke 21:26) The Time of Trouble progresses steadily – from war to revolution and finally anarchy. The only solution to the world’s problems is the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom, which will be inaugurated at the end of anarchy.

What should our attitude be? “Wait upon the Lord.” (Psa. 27:14) “Commit thy way to the Lord; trust also in him; and he will bring it to pass.” (Psa. 37:5) “Seek ye the Lord, and all ye meek of the earth which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zeph. 2:3)

IN RELIGION

The following excerpts are from The Kingdom Of God And The KGB: “For decades the radicalization of the Protestant churches has been notorious: huge confederations (the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the Quakers) have become enthralled by a vision of the world in which America has come to represent evil, while the Third World and a wide variety of proteges of the Soviet government shine forth as either themselves absolutely Good or at least well on the way toward it.

“Some elements of the Roman Catholic Church, too, have long since embarked on the same course. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, organized in America generations ago, and the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic have become celebrated, especially since the Second Vatican Council of 1962‑65, as a specifically political expression of Christian theology: at the conclusion last December of two months of meetings, the Rev. John Halbert, Vicar General of the society, summed up its current faith: ‘Maryknoll’s involvement with the poor and oppressed peoples in the Third World has indeed politicized us.’ (The New York Times, Dec. 10, 1984)

“It is evident that the Roman Church, besieged in the modern age by the rise of science, of history mindedness, of humanism’s of various kinds, has at last been eroded from within as well. It has, in effect, been ‘penetrated’ by Marxism.”

We digress here to give the understanding of some Bible students on 2 Kings 9:33: “And he [Jehu] said, Throw her [Jezebel] down. So they threw her down.” They believe Jehu is a type of conservative labor, and Jezebel the type of the Roman Catholic Church. The ‘they’ is a type of those inside the Church; and the painting of Jezebel’s face (2 Kings 9:30) is her attempt to modify the doctrines of the Church to please the people. (See also Rev. 2:20)

More from the kingdom of god and the kgb: “By the Fifties, the Soviet Executive had become a catalytic agency of focused upheaval throughout the world, especially the ‘undeveloped’ world: the Bolshevik apparatus – a monolith manipulating all media and public life – became a model for the striving of elite everywhere.

“From the end of the Second World War on, a restiveness began to permeate the Church: colloquies between Roman Catholics and Marxists became commonplace. This malaise was reflected in the Vatican II deliberations of 1962‑65 which in 1968 achieved a political concentration in the celebrated conference of Medellin, Columbia, where a gathering of luminaries (actual bishops) published a manifesto dedicated to the comprehensive reconstruction of all Latin America.

“The concept and execution of this reconstruction were predicated, explicitly or implicitly, on a Marxist view of society, often expressed in the idiom of Marxism itself or else tacitly inspired by it.

“At first sight this seems bewildering: what can be the basis of a rapprochement of any kind between Marxism – notoriously atheist, with a ‘materialist’ and in any case humanist view of history – and the Christian Church, for which the advent of Jesus Christ, Light of the World, must surely mean something, after all, beyond human striving?

“How can Christians who still believe, one way or another, in a Vale of Tears that except for the salutary action of the Savior is intrinsically irredeemable become fanaticized by a theory that the shortcomings of the civil order can be set right by political action?

“And how can Marxists take seriously the basic Christian proposition that the human condition was transformed by the Incarnation?...

“In its historical origins the Kingdom of God entailed, of course, a better world – i.e., God’s action would restore the fortunes of the Jews, undo the pagan empires and regenerate society [which God’s Kingdom will actually do].

“Yet it was the Church that was designed, as it were, to replace [a counterfeit Kingdom] the Kingdom of God: in the French scholar Alfred Loisy’s words, what Jesus preached was the Kingdom of God – but what happened was the Church. [And what evil and crime has existed during their counterfeit reign!] By guaranteeing salvation in the next world, the Church filled the vacuum created by the failure of the Kingdom of God to appear, and thus encompassed all life. [When the Kingdom of God is established no evil will be permitted: it will be good Tidings of Great Joy to all who love righteousness.]

“It is this potent, anachronistic idea that has blossomed again in the Liberation Theology that sprang up more than 15 years ago in Latin America (which together with the Philippines contains half of the Roman Catholics in the world), and took on the accouterments of Marxism.

“In the words of a Sandinista Minister of Culture, Father Ernesto Cardenal: ‘For me the Four Gospels are all equally Communistic. I’m a Marxist who believes in God, follows Christ, and is a revolutionary for the sake of His Kingdom.’ (Quoted by Michael Novak, The New York Times, October 21, 1984)

“At the end of the Fifties, accordingly, the concrete situation had created a framework for action: Liberation Theology soared aloft. ......

“Throughout Latin America, as indeed throughout the world, Communist Parties present themselves as the natural exponents of mass discontent: all revolts, all civil wars, all upheavals are taken to be an upsurge of the Oppressed Masses, and for that very reason are not only justified but invincible. .....

“These churchmen have swallowed the Marxist Kingdom of God – but they are gullible enough to hope for its realization in the Here and Now. And for that they need agencies – and that alone, in Latin America, lands them squarely in the arms of KGB...

“It is undeniable that the Pope, while distancing himself from specific activist rhetoric, has consistently been attacking ‘capitalism’ – and with increasing passion. An indispensable element in the Pope’s espousal of implicit Marxism is obviously the need for camouflage. His conservative profile as a Catholic theologian requires the elimination of any suspicion of complicity with the Soviet Executive.

“It is the need for camouflage that may help explain the apparent attempt on his life by a 23‑year‑old Turk in May, 1981, well‑nigh universally attributed to the KGB and its (Bulgarian) puppets. .....

“From that point of view, the KGB professionally arranged an unprofessional‑looking assassination, designed to establish in the minds of multitudes a primordial, would‑be fact – the ‘natural’ hostility between the Kremlin and the Vatican. ....

“It is curious, after so many centuries of bitter hostility between Protestants and Catholics, to observe a practical merger on the basis of this intellectual confusion: a merger signalized last September by the new Secretary General of the already marxified World Council of (Protestant) Churches, the Rev. Emilio Castro of Uruguay who said that the ‘struggle of Liberation Theology is my struggle.’ (The New York Times, September 6, 1984)

“Fidel Castro himself, an ex officio member of the Soviet Politburo whose control of the small island of Cuba has made him a premier world statesman, has summed up, perhaps sardonically, the whole process: ‘theologians are becoming Communists, Communist are becoming theologians,’ according to Jose Bonino, the Methodist Liberation Theologian... In the United States this erosion was given a dramatic form last November when a committee of five American Catholic Bishops published a Letter on the Economy proclaiming the ‘moral unacceptability’ of the world economic order and especially that of the United States. .....

“The booklet, which was issued on November 11, 1984 – to avoid influencing the Presidential election – and which gave rise at once to a long‑lasting commotion – had taken the five‑member committee more than four years to produce. Yet it had no substance: the suggestions, which sound specific, are in fact vague: .....

“They admitted, to be sure, some achievements that America could be ‘proud of’: but the ‘massive and ugly failures’ – hunger, homelessness, racial discrimination are indigestible. ....

“The very phrase ‘morally unacceptable’ is a study in silliness: for the Church, the world was never ‘acceptable,’ otherwise why the Church? For Marxism, the phrase is merely stupid, unless it is a euphemism for a revolutionary overturn, since for Marxism, ‘capitalism’ is irredeemable, that is, incorrigible, just as the world is for the Church.

            “The edifice of the Roman Catholic Church…..        is so vast that in the minds of its believers its movements are imperceptible… The Church can sustain its hundreds of millions of believers like the Rock they think it. .....

“There is, to be sure, a Catholic Opposition to Liberation Theology. Grouped loosely under the American Catholic Commission in Washington, D.C., some able Catholics – ex‑Secretary of the Treasury William Simon, Michael Novak, resident scholar in religion, philosophy, and public policy at the American Enterprise Institute of Washington, Alexander Haig, Jr., Claire Booth Luce, AT&T President William Ellinghause are aware of the ‘liberal’ innovations that were rife at Vatican II; they perceive the dangers of Liberal Theology. ….. This opposition is no doubt sincere, though its quantitative assessment is elusive. ……

“It is superfluous to point out the danger to Israel of this rapprochement between the Kremlin – Israel’s most intractable major opponent – and the great Churches, which while fitfully softening their public attitude toward Jews in general are now, in their hostility to the State of Israel, more united than ever

“How strange an irony that the great Churches, on returning to the world, on reviving the ancient Jewish vision of the Kingdom of God in the Here and Now, should have been mesmerized by Marxist ideology into collaboration with a murderous dictatorship – and that Israel is bound to become a prime target of that collaboration!” (By Joel Carmichael)

The names of the true Church are written in heaven (Luke 10:20) – not the names of the various denominations. There are many good people members of these sects, but very few “footstep followers” of our Lord. During the Dark Ages quite a few of these faithful Christians were persecuted, some burned at the stake because they couldn’t accept the false doctrines of Papacy’s kingdom. Today such things are prohibited, but those who forsook these churches to testify to the truth were persecuted in various ways in the past. But the “powers that be” – both ecclesiastical and political – are in so much trouble among themselves that they have very little time for persecution of faithful Christians as they did in the past. “Yet once more I shake not the earth [society] only, but also the heaven [the ecclesiastical powers].” (Heb. 12:26) Also see Joel 3:2 and Hag. 2:6, 7.

“Plight Of Poor Challenges Preachers To Open Wallets: Outside of government, the most galling under performers are some of the telegenic preachers who are so gung‑ho about America’s holy war in Nicaragua and an amendment to balance the budget. I would like to see them better live up to the fifth book of Moses – Deuteronomy – which says, ‘You shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him, and lend him enough for his need, whatever it may be.’

“To the degree that government can’t help all citizens meet their basic needs, I want to hear more about how those who preach against big government will help fill that pain‑riddled gap. If by chance, adequate clothing for the poor meant fewer suits for TV preachers, if adequate housing for the poor meant less‑opulent houses of worship, so be it.” (By Douglas Pike)

“Coming Up Short ‑ The Rev. Billy Graham may have raised the spirits of thousands who attended his week long Southern New England Crusade at Hartford, Conn., but he failed to raise enough money to cover the expenses of the event. Graham: ‘The expenses were higher here per capita than any place I’ve been.’ Total bill: $739,000. Shortfall: $40,000. Graham said a $5 donation per person would help cover expenses for the eight day event at the Hartford Civic Center.”

Billy Graham also made the statement that he had never begged for money – ‘that if he had to beg it would be time for him to quit.’ At the same time he said if the donations didn’t come that they wouldn’t be able to carry on the TV programs.

The Catholic and Protestant churches are having their problems trying to unite. They are wealthy, with opulent places of worship and well paid clergy, but despite that they are having their troubles. The cults boast of their large followings, which have made inroads into the churches. The cults become rich in a short time. The Indian guru, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, is an example with a 64,000 acre commune in Oregon and many Rolls‑Royces which they had while in the U.S. But we don’t know of any such cults doing a charitable work toward the poor and downtrodden. However, the various denominations are noted for their charities to the poor and needy, with many good members zealous workers in this good cause. Prophets and Profits are the order of the day. Religion is a profitable business, so the TV Evangelists have found.

“Bible Supply Can’t Keep Up With Demand In Africa, Asia: Bible translators printed 25 million copies of Scripture in African and Asian languages last year but said that was not enough to keep up with the explosive growth of Christianity in the developing world. .....

“The United Bible Societies donated millions of Bibles last year in six African countries. Each Bible costs $3 to $4 to print and distribute. ......

“Research by Wycliffe Bible Translators in Huntington Beach, California, shows 5,445 languages in use around the world. So far, translators have prepared Bibles in 235 of the world’s languages. Work is proceeding on versions in 750 more languages, spokesman said.”

Atheism is now called a religion in some sections. The Bible calls atheists fools: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psa. 53:1)

“Anti‑Religion – The Freedom from Religion Foundation says that since it filed a lawsuit about the matter, the University of Wisconsin has added agnosticism and atheism to the list of religious preferences from which students check their choices on registration forms. The foundation also says that after its intervention, the Wisconsin Senate substituted a ‘moment of silence’ for prayers by paid clergy at the opening of daily sessions.”

“Catholic Theologian’s Plea For Unity Is Gaining Attention: A groundswell of attention is focusing on a final, dramatic conclusion of Karl Rahner, the late Roman Catholic theologian – that unification of Christian churches is now possible and also is essential to their survival. .......

“Lutheran Bishop James R. Crumley, Jr., president of the Lutheran Church in America, in referring to a recent meeting with Pope John Paul II said: ‘I feel that there is now a kairos (Greek for the ‘right time’) that we must in the best way possible take advantage of.’

“Some participants said that this special time may be running out for some kind of decisive action on the accumulated agreements – a view also advanced by Rahner and another German Catholic theologian, Heinrich Fries, in their book, ‘Unity of the Churches – an Actual Possibility.’

“In the book they say: ‘This unity is a matter of life or death for Christendom at a time when faith in God and his Christ are seriously threatened by a worldwide militant atheism, and by a relativistic skepticism.’

“They say that in once colonial regions, ‘Christianity can no longer afford to encounter peoples and cultures to whom it wishes to convey its message – so far almost in vain – in its splintered and ruptured state.’

“Among Christians in the West, ‘there are no longer any countries where what is Christian could be socially and culturally obvious’ and among Christians, the lack of unity shows in ‘a constant weakening of their faith and of their confidence,’ the book says. ‘On the whole, all churches and Christian communities today exist in a situation in which the ecumenical task has become an urgent matter for the survival of Christianity and the churches.’

“The authors lay out eight thesis for uniting the churches as partners in ‘reconciled diversity.’ It would involve accepting the ancient Nicene and Apostles’ creeds leaving the different churches structurally independent, recognizing the pope’s leadership but without binding authority, making church‑wide decisions in inclusive councils and sharing pulpits and Holy Communion.” (By Associated Press – WS Journal, May 11, 1985)

The Bible puts quite a different construction on the “uniting.” “They shall gather together, but not by me.” (Isa. 54:15) Further from Isa. 34:1‑4: The indignation of the Lord is upon all nations... the mountains [powerful monarchies, such as Russia, etc.] shall be melted [overcome by the radical elements]... the heavens [the present religious systems] shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine.” This is accentuated in Rev. 6:14: “The heaven [present religious systems] departed as a scroll when it is rolled together.” The two ends of the scroll are Protestantism and Catholicism; and these two ends have been making tedious effort to “roll together,” although the intimacy is definitely a vexatious accomplishment.

So we witness what our Lord predicted for this Time of Trouble: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of the heaven [present religious systems] shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26)         ‑

“Catholicism Is No Longer Official Religion Of Italy – The Vatican and Italy exchanged documents ratifying a revised church‑state accord that officially ended the roll of the Roman Catholic Church as the state religion and Rome’s status as a ‘sacred city.’ Socialist Prime Minister Bettino Craxi and the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, exchanged the documents on the new concordat at a ceremony in the Vatican.

“Craxi [Socialist], making his first official visit to the Vatican since he assumed the office nearly two years ago, met Pope John Paul II later in the pontiff’s private study. The pontiff told Craxi that a new era had begun. He said the church would respect the state’s autonomy, but continue its efforts to help deal with such social problems as drug abuse, threats to the family and unemployment.

“The ceremony formally put into effect two pacts on the revision signed last year and later ratified by parliament. The concordat is a revision of part of the Lateran Pacts signed between the Vatican and the government of Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in 1929.

“The new accord officially guarantees religious freedom for non‑Catholics, and Craxi [Socialist] has described it as the formal realization of an article on religious liberty in Italy’s 1948 constitution. [This is a long way from the Dark Ages when those who didn’t join and accept the Papal system as infallible were burned at the stake, or other tortures. Jezebel (type of the Catholic Church) is indeed painting her face! 2 Kings 9:30]

“Cardinal Casaroli said that the accord should not be seen as a break with the past, but as the product of a continuous maturation process. He noted that although Roman Catholicism no longer is the state religion, the pact acknowledges that Catholic principles are an important part of Italy’s patrimony.

“Rome loses its status as a ‘sacred city,’ a title that in the past had led to the banning of plays or books considered offensive to Roman Catholics or the papacy.

“The concordat establishes stricter criteria for state recognition of church institutions eligible for tax benefits and gradually will phase out state subsidies of salaries for clerics.

“Beginning in 1990, Italian bishops will pay the salaries of clerics from funds to which Italians can contribute and claim income tax deductions. Catholic schools maintain their freedom, but religious education in public schools becomes optional. Italy and the church will jointly maintain religious art and buildings in Italy.” (The Washington Post – June 8, 1985)

“Is The Devil Dead? Is Hell Necessary? Hell – For most people the word evoked thoughts of eternal fire and damnation, of darkness and desolation. Writers and theologians, poets and clergy through the ages have offered various visions of hell.

“The early‑American preacher Cotton Mather spoke of children roasting in hell, and the medieval poet Dante wrote gleefully of the seven ring‑like realms where he found the lustful torn apart by winds, hypocrites weighed down by the lead of their own pretenses and traitors frozen in blocks of ice because they could no longer feel loyalty or affection. ...

“But today, fear of hell no longer seems to grip the public imagination. ‘Hellish’ images may continue to show up in books, movies and records, but as religion commentator Martin Marty observed in a recent lecture at Harvard Divinity School, the idea of eternal punishment has practically disappeared from the American cultural scene.

“Not only is it hardly ever talked of, he said, but few people think of hell as a possibility for themselves: Only one percent of ‘Catholic Digest’ readers in 1983 thought there was a chance they might go to hell, compared with 12 percent of the readers in 1952.

“Have people stopped fearing hell because they believe everyone is going to heaven anyway? Or have they simply become indifferent, maybe not even believing in an afterlife.

“The Rev. George H. Webb, pastor of a Methodist church, said he believes the clergy is partly to blame for not preaching sermons on hell. But another factor, he said, is the widely reported stories of near‑death and after‑death experiences. Invariably, he says, such stories have tended to emphasize the peaceful, joyful experiences, with people talking about seeing a great light. Yet, he says, many of the dying see quite different, painful and distressing visions that go unreported.

“‘What happens is that the researchers filter these out,’ Webb said. ‘I’m not saying they do it on purpose. I think it’s unconscious. They are frightened by negative testimony, so they put it out of their minds! Listen, I’ve talked to people near death who have told me, You can’t imagine the beauty and peace I’m feeling right now. But I have been with other people who have screamed and cried and begged not to die because they could see evil demons around the room. So what do we say? That one’s a true spiritual experience and the other a hallucination? I think we clergymen have to state both sides of the case, even though it may be painful.’

“‘Is hell really necessary?’ Most clergymen contend that it is. A Lutheran Church minister says hell is important to Christian theology because it is ‘man’s last guarantee that he won’t be saved against his wishes.’

“‘To assert that all people will be saved,’ Stacy said, ‘is in effect a denial of human freedom, the freedom to choose against God’s will.”’

THE HELL OF THE BIBLE

The Hebrew word sheol occurs sixty‑five times in the Old Testament – three times translated pit, thirty‑one times translated grave, and thirty‑one times hell. The meaning of the Hebrew word sheol (hades is its Greek equivalent) is hard to describe in one English word. It signifies hidden, extinguished or obscure, the condition or state of death. The one word oblivion would more accurately describe the word sheol of the Hebrew and hades of the Greek.

We have been taught the wages of sin is eternal torment, but God’s word tells us that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezek. 18:20) We have been taught that we have a soul that never dies; that our soul is immortal. In that case, God could not take back the life – i.e., his immortal soul – He gave to Adam. When God created man out of the dust of the ground, He “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7) So man is a soul. He can say “My soul,” just as he can say “My being.” When Adam ate the forbidden fruit God had said, “for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen. 2:17) So when Adam died he was no longer a living soul. However, Adam lived 930 years. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Pet. 3:8) Again, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Psa. 90:4) No one has lived over a 1,000 years, nor lived a 1,000 years.

David said, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” We were all born in sin and inherited Adam’s death sentence. “The dead know not anything.” (Ec. 9:5) There would be no need for a resurrection if we were not dead. We are assured of a resurrection – the just and the unjust, the good and the bad. (Acts 24:15 and John 5:28,29) “Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Christ Jesus] whom He hath ordained.” (Acts 17:31) In that day “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” (Isa. 11:9) Today, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of them that believe not.” (2 Cor. 4:4)

Do the clergy know that hell is not eternal torment? Perhaps some of the better educated do know, but they think it wiser to tell the people to “be saved now” and join the church of your choice. The more members they can get, the more prosperous they will be.

NO. 364: JESUS THE CHRIST

No. 364

It is rather a sad commentary that many earnest and sincere Church members to not know the clear meaning of the name Jesus Christ, the One they desire to worship. This is not only true of lay members, but is also true of quite a few of their ministers who are attempting to “preach Christ and Him crucified.” “Thou shalt call His name Jesus,” was the command of the angel to Joseph, His stepfather. Jesus is the equivalent of the Hebrew Jeshua, or Joshua, and means Saviour – “for He will save His people from their sins,” said the angel. Jesus continued with only the given name Jesus all during His boyhood and was known by this name to His family and neighbors. However, when He presented Himself to John at Jordan for Baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him from on High; and from that time onward He was known as Jesus Christ. The word Christ means anointed; and the clear indication is that from Jordan on, from the time the Holy Spirit was poured out upon Him, He was then known as Jesus the Christ – or the Anointed Savior. Thus, the name Jesus Christ and Anointed Saviour mean exactly the same thing.

In a broad sense there are four offices He would hold in the saving process for the human family – that of Prophet, Priest, King and Judge. Be it noted there are also four attributes of the Divine character – Wisdom, Love, Power and Justice; and each one of these attributes finds its full application individually in the four offices just named.

First – The work of a prophet is to teach the people the truth: “I will send you Elijah the Prophet... and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” (Mal. 4:5, 6) And such a ministry is founded upon the attribute of Wisdom.

Second – The purpose of a Priest is to forgive and bless. “We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities... Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy (forgiveness), and find grace (favor, blessing) to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:15,16) Surely, such forgiveness and blessing are primarily a work of the attribute of Love.

Third – As a King (Ruler), Jesus will use particularly the attribute of Power. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and of things in earth, and things under the earth... that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ (the Anointed Savior) is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10,11) It needs no argument that such a rulership, regal authority, is the direct result of the attribute of Power.

Fourth – And as a Judge He will use specifically the attribute of Justice. “God hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained (the Anointed Saviour); whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31) As Judge, the risen Lord will use specifically the attribute of Justice – strict, impartial and perfect Justice. “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him... shall make Him of quick understanding... He shall not Judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears (as must now be done in our courts, thus often resulting in the conviction of the innocent, and more often resulting in the freeing of the guilty): With righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth... Righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins.” (Isa. 11:2‑5)

A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS

While the foregoing gives an overall summary of the Anointed Saviour and His work toward men, there are various details of each of these that may be itemized under 21 subheadings; and some of these we shall now consider:

(1) OUR RANSOMER – “The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28); and this is further emphasized and clarified in 1 Tim. 2:4‑6: “Will have all men to be saved... The man Christ Jesus (the Anointed Saviour) Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” In this latter text the word ransom is from the Greek anti-lutron, and means a corresponding price – an exact equivalent. This word ransom finds a fairly good illustration in our present‑day kidnapping crimes, where a ransom is demanded for the‑release of the victim. When demands are met, the victim is released; and it is much the same in the case of Jesus as Ransomer, one great difference being that Jesus Himself provides the ransom price. In 1 Cor. 7:23 it is stated: “Ye are bought with a price”; and we are further informed in Rom. 5:12: “By one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin: so death passed upon all men.” From the fall in Eden the great enemy has held the human race as in a gigantic vice, from which none could escape. “None can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.” (Psa. 49:7)

But Christ Jesus (the Anointed Saviour) was well able to provide the ransom price; and He did this by “pouring out His soul unto death,” giving His human life and life rights as the exact equivalent of the man Adam in Eden. “Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book... thou wast slain, and hast redeemed (ransomed) us to God by Thy blood... Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” (Rev. 5:5‑12) As such He substituted His perfect human body for the perfect human body that Adam lost in Eden; His perfect life rights for those lost by Adam in Eden. “The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.” (Matt. 18:11) Thus, the question properly arises, What was lost? We answer, Four things were lost. First, Adam lost in Eden his peaceful fellowship with God; second, he lost his perfect home in Eden; third; he lost his dominion over the brute creation; fourth, he lost his right to life. The Dying process lasted 930 years, at which time Adam returned to the dust whence he was originally taken.

The doctrine of the Ransom is the foundation stone of all Biblical teachings; it is the touchstone by which we may gauge the truth or error of every other attempted Scriptural interpretation. If such teachings impinge in any way against this touchstone, we may be sure there is something wrong with that teaching. Thus, a proper understanding of the Ransom immediately annihilates the idea that man is a dual being; that is, that he has a soul and body separate and distinct from each other. “In the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die,” was the clear edict to the man Adam (Gen. 2:17). There are those that contend that Adam died spiritually on that day. But, if he died physically 930 years later, he must then have been both spiritually and physically dead; so just what else would be left of him? However, the record is clear enough, “Man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). Thus, when Christ Jesus (the Anointed Saviour) “poured out His soul unto death,” He provided an exact equivalent for what the man Adam lost in Eden – He became the Ransom, the corresponding price, by which He could “redeem them from death; ransom them from the power of the grave” (Hosea 13:14).

(2) MEDIATOR – In Heb. 12:24 it is stated “Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” In the verses immediately preceding, there is minutely detailed the Covenant with the nation of Israel at Sinai, with Moses as Mediator, and compared with Jesus as the proposed Mediator of the New Covenant; so it is in order first of all to define the meaning of mediator. He is a go‑between for two parties, much the same as a broker in the stock market. When we buy stock on the New York Stock Exchange, the broker who transacts the action not only represents the buyer, but he represents the seller also, and he is legally and ethically bound to give to each a fair and impartial representation. While money is the medium of exchange in a stock deal, the buyer paying and the seller receiving the amount involved, Jesus as Mediator of the New Covenant provides not money, but His blood, His human life and human life rights, to bring the opposing parties into accord. It should be noted also that the parties to a stock transaction need not be enemies – but actually good friends; but the mediation of Jesus will be between two parties actually at variance with each other. The Jews at Sinai were also out of accord with God – because of inherited and acquired sin; thus, in no position to have any direct dealings with God. But, with Moses as the go‑between, the Law Covenant was completed, through the sprinkling of animals’ blood. So also with the New Covenant, the Christ – Anointed Saviour – shall “make His soul an offering for sin.” (Isa. 53:10), as He mediates the New Covenant.

That this New Covenant is not yet in operation should be readily apparent. If it were, man would be unable to continue in his sinful course as he has been doing for the past six thousand years. There is now no command to the Gentile world to forsake sin and follow righteousness. Rather, there has been a call (“Many are called, but few are chosen”) to such as would hear, a call to “follow in His steps.” But, as stated in the opening paragraphs, when the New Covenant and the Mediator (better than Moses) are established, then it will be a command for “every knee to bow, and every tongue to confess that Christ is Lord.” Certainly, all will agree that this condition does not prevail at this time.

The purpose of the New Covenant is to give life to all who will accept it under the terms of that Covenant. “God will have all men to be saved” from the various evils that now afflict the human race; but, once that salvation is accomplished, then it will be a matter of each individual’s choice whether or not he wishes to avail himself of further benefits that will then be available. That will be the “resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29, Dia.), the word ‘judgment’ here being from the Greek krisis, which actually means a trial time – a trial time with sufficient knowledge available to permit those tried to make an intelligent choice between good and evil.

(3) FATHER – In Isa. 9:6 we have the prophecy, “unto us a son is given... His name shall be called Wonderful... The everlasting father.” St. Paul states, “As by Adam all die, so by the Anointed (Saviour) also, will all be restored to life.” (1 Cor. 15:22, Dia.) The first Adam did not give us life; he gave us a sentence of death, which is slowly executed upon each individual until he is finally placed in the tomb. It is a common expression for men to say, I am living in New York, St. Louis, Los Angeles, etc.; but the fact is that they are all dying in those places, of which every funeral procession gives mute evidence.

But the life that will come from the second Adam (the Anointed Saviour) will be just the reverse; it will bring to the race life in perfection – “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death will be no more, nor mourning nor crying; neither will there be any more pain... These words are faithful and true.” (Rev. 21:4,5) Instead of the aging process we now see on all hands, there will be just the reverse at the hand of the “Everlasting Father”: “Man’s flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth.” (Job 33:25) At the present we see men going from youth to old age and faltering steps; under the Mediator, the Anointed Saviour, the Everlasting Father, just the reverse will occur – man shall return to the days of his youth.

(4) LAW‑GIVER – “The Government shall be upon His shoulder.” (Isa. 9:6) And, since all God’s works are perfect, we may expect a perfect Government when the Anointed Saviour takes unto Himself His great power to reign. Under present unfavorable conditions all governments are far from perfect; in fact, most of them have been miserably imperfect due to the vicious, corrupt and selfish men who have been at the heads of the various governments. “To the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Dan. 4:17) Even with the few noble rulers of history, their efforts were much impeded and negated by corrupt and ambitious underlings. As the perfect Law‑giver, the Anointed Saviour will have no selfish motives. “With righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth” (Isa.11:4) – class distinctions will not enter into the administration of justice under the Perfect Law‑Giver.

(5) THE GREAT PHYSICIAN – That the human race is in dire need of better doctors to cure their diseases is apparent on every hand. It is our conviction that many of our better physicians are men and women of high ideals, who work conscientiously and altruistically to ease the ills of the human race; yet they are forced to admit their limitations against the ailments that afflict the race. Not long back a very good and personal friend of ours dropped dead of a heart attack in just a few minutes. He had been a brilliant physician, with a very lucrative practice. We were discussing his sudden demise with perhaps ten fellow members of the Medical Association, when one of them sadly remarked that in instances such as that one they were forced to admit their limitations in their treatment of bodily ills.

The human afflictions are not only physical, they are also mental, artistic, moral and religious. “When I would do good, evil is present with me,” is the open confession of the Great Apostle (Rom. 7:21); and it needs no argument that that noble “example of the believers” exerted all his indomitable will to combat the weaknesses which had come to him through heredity. Said the Prophet Isaiah (1:5,6); “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.” Further on the subject by David (Psa. 51:2‑5): “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity... Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Doctors have listed about 2,000 diseases that afflict humanity – many times more than can be found in any of the brute creation. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” is a further statement by David (Psa. 139:14); but man’s great physique and sensitive nervous system have also subjected him to more numerous and more intricate bodily disorders than can be found in any of the lower animals.

And for all of this the Great Physician (the Anointed Saviour) will in due time produce the remedies that will effect a complete and permanent cure. “The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves in the stall.” (Mal. 4:2) “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities (through the work of the Great High Priest); Who healeth all thy diseases (by the hand of the Great Physician)” – Psa. 103:2. This healing has been partially extended to the faith class during the Gospel Age, and will be given fully and completely to all the non‑elect during the Kingdom reign who will avail themselves of it.

(6) THE GREAT AND JUST JUDGE – Previously we touched lightly the Anointed Saviour’s office of Judge, but we now offer some elaboration because of the confused and extensive misunderstanding that prevails on the subject throughout Christendom. In previous centuries the belief was general throughout Christendom that the Great Judge would eventually put in an appearance in a 24‑hour day, sentence all the sinners to eternal torment, and take His faithful with Him into the heavenly abode. It is a tribute to the increase in knowledge (Dan. 12:4) here in the end of the Age that many Christian believers no longer accept such an erroneous view; but many of them still have only a hazy conception of any different view on the subject. However, if we consider the Judges in Israel, after the entrance into Canaan, we find their most important work was to deliver their fellow Israelites from their enemies; and in this they were but a type of the Anointed Saviour who will deliver mankind in general from their enemies of heart and mind – namely, sin, error and selfishness. “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (the Anointed Saviour) – John 5:22.

Such judgment to be successful will involve several things: First, the human race will be put under providential conditions conducive to accepting the harsh, yet merciful, conditions applicable to such judgment. Such conditions do not now prevail, because all will agree that it now is as easy for man to sin as for the smoke and sparks to fly skyward. Even with the faith class, who have resolutely attempted a better way, a certain margin of failure has accompanied their efforts to keep the perfect law of God. Secondly, it will be necessary to teach the unbelief class just what the law actually is – what is required of them – before they can even make the attempt to keep the law. All will agree that the conflicting teachings of the numerous sects today must carry with them a considerable amount of error. It has been well stated that behind every argument lies someone’s ignorance. And this has been especially true of religious arguments. But the promise is sure to all, “I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.” (Psa. 32:8) And, “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) The people will first be told clearly and certainly what they must do before they will be judged for what they do. It is established law in the courts of our land that “Ignorance of the law excuses no one”; and this may continue measurably true during the reign of the Christ – the Anointed Saviour. But the ignorance will surely and completely first be eliminated before judgment will be meted out. Then, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9)

Such a situation would require, thirdly, that the necessary help be given for the success of the willing, and suitable punishments for willful violations – punishments not too severe, nor yet too lenient for each individual case. Then, finally, the judgment must be pronounced – innocence for the innocent, and guilt for the guilty. “Then will the King say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed ones of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the formation of the world’... He will then also say to those at His left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed ones, into that aionian fire (annihilation), which is prepared for the Adversary and his messengers.’” (Matt. 25:3441, Dia.)

From the foregoing it should be clear that the judgment process and the salvation process are companion accomplishments. As the one occurs, so does the other. Thus, instead of the judgment being a fearful thing, the world is admonished to “sing unto the Lord, all the earth... show forth His salvation from day to day – Declare His glory among the heathen.” (Psa. 96:1‑3) He will “judge the world in righteousness”; and none will be asked to perform more than he is able to do. Such a situation today is impossible – even though the judge may have the most noble intentions. We still are faced with the indisputable truth, “Man looketh on the outward appearance,” and must judge accordingly; but in the judgment process of the Anointed Saviour all will know that “The Lord looketh on the heart.”

(7) THE GOOD PROVIDER – Despite man’s best intentions to improve his condition, the result has been mostly dismal failure. Since the great increase of knowledge in the time of the end – from 1799 onward – almost all the great inventions have been produced, resulting in great freedom from the burdens of the curse. But, “A morning cometh, and a night also.” In the more advanced countries today we find much the same evils as were charged to Sodom: “Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her... they were haughty, and committed abomination before Me; therefore, I took them away as I saw good.” (Ezek. 16:49,50) Jesus compared the world in His first Advent to sheep that have lost their way – without a shepherd; but St. Paul writes of The Anointed Saviour as “That great shepherd of the sheep, who will make you perfect in every good work.” (Heb. 13:20,21) “Our God shall supply all your needs through Christ Jesus, our Lord.” This He has done for the faith class during this Age, and will perform it for all mankind in the Age just ahead, supplying the things needful for them to gain the salvation then available.

At the outset we stated that there are 21 offices, or titles, which apply to the Anointed Saviour; but we have offered detail on only about a dozen of them. Some of those we have not discussed, and which have Biblical labels are the Advocate, the Bridegroom, the Deliverer, the Captain (of our Salvation), the Head (of all things), the Prince of Peace, the Revealer, the Purifier and the Refiner. Some of these operate only during this Age, while others operate now, and will also operate in the next Age. The 21 evils that are rampant among men all find their cure through the person, offices and work of the Anointed Saviour; nor are they to be found elsewhere. Once this is clearly discerned, we may join heartily and with increased fervor in offering the prayer, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth.” That alone will produce “The desire of all nations”; and, as we consider those things already accomplished in that direction, we may have increased confidence in the performance of the remainder, for “He is faithful that promised.”

All of the foregoing may be summarized in the words of St. Peter (Acts 3:19‑23) “The restitution of all things.” The general premise, and the ultimate consummation are also contained in these texts: “A prophet (the Anointed Saviour) shall the Lord your God raise up unto you... Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear (obey) that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” We are told further that when That Prophet occupies His office of Teacher of the people that Satan will be bound – “that he should deceive the nations no more.” (Rev. 20:3) But after that he will be “loosed for a Little Season.” That “Little Season” will be the Time of Trouble at the end of the Millennial Age, just as the present Time of Trouble now marks the end of this Age. “Every man’s work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it.” (1 Cor. 3:13)

However, when the trial time of the Little Season shall arrive – in the eventual separation of the Sheep and the Goats – most of the 21 evils mentioned herein will have been eliminated; thus, there will be no more any need for their corrective offices to be operative. But there are several of them that will find their real prominence during that Little Season. The Anointed Saviour will then act in delivering the Sheep (as Deliverer), even as He destroys the Goats; He will still be their King, because man will not obtain “restitution” of his kingly domain that was lost in Eden until after the full end of the Little Season, when the Lord’s words will apply, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom.” Also, at the end of that Little Season the Judge will pronounce His final judgment upon “the just and the unjust” – after which “cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Cor. 15:24‑26) This “last enemy” cannot possibly mean the tomb, as we understand it today; because, once the resurrection from the death state occurs, in that instant the bonds of the grave are broken, and the healing, instructing, and reviving processes begin to work – all of which must be completed by the beginning of the Little Season.

Both the sheep and the goats will have been perfected physically by the time the Little Season begins, and to all outward appearances they will all be the same. But it will require the trial time – the graduating process – of the Little Season to determine which of them are also perfected mentally, morally and religiously. These may be classed as the concealed vestiges of the dying process – the evils they willfully refused to forsake – even though they were outwardly obedient during the Mediatorial Kingdom. All who enter that Little Season will be perfect physical specimens; most of the 21 offices of the Anointed Saviour will have accomplished their full purpose, and will have passed forever out of existence as such. But a few of these titles and their works will carry right on through the Little Season to its full end. “Then cometh the end,” when all of the 21 offices will cease to operate, as the sheep “inherit the Kingdom” – have had all restored to them that was lost in Father Adam.

Briefly we would recap the 21 offices of the Anointed Saviour as described by the Epiphany Messenger:

1. The Ransomer – “Who gave himself a ransom for all.” (1 Tim. 2:16)
2. The Advocate – for the Church. (1 John 2:1)
3. Our Righteousness – “righteousness of the law... fulfilled in us.”(Rom. 8:4)
4. Bridegroom – of the Bride, the Church, which is His Body. (Eph. 1:22,23)
5. High Priest – who forgives and blesses. (Heb. 4:15,16)
6. Teacher – In the Kingdom the people will learn righteousness. (Isa. 26:9)
7. Deliverer – from sin, error, pain and death. (Rom. 11:26)
8. Captain – of our salvation. (Heb. 2:10)
9. Head – of the Church and of all things. (Eph. 1:22,23)
10. Mediator – He will stand between God’s justice and man during the Kingdom. (See Heb. 12:24)
11. Father – “The everlasting Father.” (Isa. 9:6)
12. Perfect Law‑giver. (Isa. 2:3)
13. Prince of Peace during the Kingdom (Isa. 9:6), but not during this Age. (Matt. 10:34)
14. King – “King of kings” (kings, the Little Flock – Rev. 19:16, and King during the Kingdom).
15. Revealer – to make manifest. (Mal. 3:2)
16. Executive for God. (Isa. 11:4)
17. Physician who healeth all our diseases. (Psa. 103:3)
18. Lord of Lords (Lords, the Little Flock). (Rev. 19:16)
19. Judge – together with the Little Flock – “know ye not the saints shall judge the world.” (1 Cor. 6:2)
20. Purifier and Refiner. (Mal. 3:3)
21. Provider – provides life, perfect home, etc., in restored paradise. (Psa. 103:4)

As said, some of these offices are operative now for the Faith Classes – for the “called” or elect classes, and many of them will continue to operate for all mankind during the Kingdom proper. Also, quite a few of these offices will terminate at the beginning of the Little Season – such as Mediator, Ransomer, Physician, etc. But all who have received Present Truth must know that the Christ will continue all through the Little Season until the end in the offices of King, Judge, Revealer, Deliverer and Provider of the Sheep – until the “end” of the Little Season when He shall have “delivered up the kingdom to God” (1 Cor. 15:24) by transferring Kingship to the Sheep, to those who entered the Little Season with perfect characters. Those who enter the Little Season with unholy heart condition, who have failed to perfect moral and religious qualities – who have failed to rid themselves of Adamic defilements (the dying process) – will be destroyed in the Second Death at the end of the Little Season. Then the Restitution work will be finished, and Acts 3:19‑23 will be fulfilled. At that time He will have “put all enemies under his feet,” and 1 Cor. 15:24‑26 will be fulfilled.

The above is well summarized in E‑17:124, 125, 126: “‘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 (all) power (every vestige of the governorship and of the pretended authority and the pretended might of Satan, 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 that 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 sad tragedy of sin will forever have ceased to be enacted. The ages to come will witness the realization of the angels’ song of Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.” (Luke 2:14)

The foregoing is beautifully summarized in the words of the angel at the time of Jesus’ birth: “Behold, I bring you glad tidings, which will be a great joy to all people; because today was born for you, in David’s City, a Savior, who is the Lord Messiah.” (Luke 2:10, 11, Dia.) This is clearly emphasized by the Apostle Paul: “Now according to a plan of the ages, which He formed for the anointed Jesus our Lord.” (Eph. 3:10,11, Dia.) Thus, the “plan of the ages” is assured of accomplishment through the Anointed Saviour.

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men... the righteous shall see it, and rejoice, and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord” (Psa. 107:31‑43) – through the ministration of the Anointed Saviour.

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

Reprint of December 1975, No. 246

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LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren: Grace and peace!

Your letter reached me Friday and was most welcome. Yes, I get David’s Bulletins and will be watching to see what he writes about the book. He also sends me his News Releases, which I find very informative. It is the type of information I would have no access to otherwise. It seems to me that lying, conniving and evil are increasing at a more rapid pace. With news reports and world leaders frequently contradicting themselves, one cannot know what is really going on. Without the sure knowledge of the Truth that this destruction of the present order of things is permitted by our Lord as a part of God’s plan, I would live in panic.

As we know, the New Testament was written to the Saints. Some object to a class of unbegotten consecrators. The High Calling has a limited time and a limited number. Brother Russell taught a class of unbegotten consecrators after the door to the High Calling is closed; and that such a class will be inspired by the Scriptures written to the Saints. All Scriptures are comforting to consecrated believers. Of course, they cannot apply to themselves Scriptures regarding the Divine nature, the anointing and the aspirations of the Saints – but there are many Scriptures that apply to all the truly consecrated. The Youthful Worthies are on trial for faith and obedience Just as were the Ancient Worthies. They are not on trial for life. The spirit‑begotten are not only on trial for faith and obedience, but are on trial for life. That Servant taught that the unbegotten class would share in reward and service with the Ancient Worthies. (Vol. 6, page 157) It has always seemed to me there is too much emphasis put on the reward, as if one consecrated to a position rather than out of love for God and Christ and the appreciation of His blessings to all mankind. Consecration is the same for all – a heartfelt desire to do only the Lord’s will.

In spite of the fact that the brethren had seen what happened when Brother Russell died, they proceeded to act in much the same manner when Brother Johnson died. There are some who do not go along with the errors now being taught by the LHMM, but they continue to stay with them – some because of the fellowship, some because they feel they can do more service with a large group, and some for other reasons. If these brethren would read the June 8 Manna text and That Servant’s comments, it would seem that alone would show them the way to help the brethren is not to join them in their errors, but stand for the Truth and call to them.

I am thankful and most grateful for your continued efforts to send out the monthly papers. Although Brother Hoefle is no longer with us, his writings from the reprints are still refreshing. His writings attest to the fact that he was faithful to the “faith once delivered unto the saints” – the Truth as taught by That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger. My warm Christian love and prayers are with you.

Your Sister by His Grace, ------- (MISSOURI)

NO. 363: ABOUT CASIMIR LANOWICK

No. 363

Thought you might like to see this copy of an account about Casimir’s work that I have submitted to Alisa Klausner Ber at her request. She is planning to write about Christian workers for Israel and wants to include information about Casimir.

Alisa is related to the late Dr. Joseph Klausner, well‑known author in Israel who wrote, among other things, a book about Jesus. Possibly as a result of this, Alisa told us many years ago that she has always had a special interest in Christians who love Israel. She is a member of the Israel Interfaith Committee.

Alisa comes from pioneer stock in Israel and has known well, from her childhood, most of the early leaders of the Jewish State – David Ben Gurion, etc. She is married to Baruch Ber who has also been active in politics in Israel and on the editorial staff of the fine newspaper called HA’ARETZ.

Some of my friends remember her well as the dynamic personality who spoke to any number of our Israel tour groups. She told us back in 1955 that she considers Christians who work for Israel as “the saints of all the world,” as the Psalmist put it. (By Elva Lanowick)

THE WORK OF CASIMIR LANOWICK – 1917‑1980

Both Casimir and I were raised by Protestant Christian parents who had firm convictions regarding the ultimate rebirth of the Jewish nation as promised by the Hebrew prophets – a restoration that would have profound impacts not only for the Jewish people but also for the blessing of all mankind.

Before we knew each other, separately we read an excellent small book entitled ZIONISM IN PROPHECY, by Professor Franklyn Hudgings, published in 1936 by the Pro Palestine Federation of America. Casimir was so impressed by this well‑documented treatise that, typical of his special character trait of taking action upon his beliefs, at the young age of 19 he purchased and personally circulated many copies of ZIONISM IN PROPHECY – which, incidentally, though written by a Christian scholar, carried the endorsement of Dr. Hirsch Loeb Gordon and was reviewed favorably by any number of leading U. S. Zionists of that era.

So it was only natural that when the United Nations voted in 1947 in favor of a Jewish state, Casimir was deeply moved by this development. That same year he commenced publishing, with my help, a magazine to report news about the prospect of Israel’s reconstitution as a nation, in a passionate endeavor to arouse the Christians of America as to the tremendous significance of the imminent rebirth of Israel. This news digest was entitled THE JEWS IN THE NEWS and later changed to ISRAEL’S RESTORATION NEWS.

Of course, when the dramatic date of May 14, 1948,saw the creation of the official state of Eretz Israel, our excitement grew more intense and we could never find enough space in the columns of our monthly publication to include all the truly meaningful reportage of events in that fledgling nation. Frequent reference was made to the very pertinent prophetic Scriptures which had so graphically foretold, some 2500 years previously, and even earlier, the details of this historic rebirth of the ancient nation of Israel. But it was a down‑to‑earth magazine, reporting on all aspects of life in the new state, whether related to agricultural revival, military achievements, the ingathering of the exiles, etc., so that the readers could hardly gainsay the depth of meaning of it all.

This endeavor to awaken Christians in the U. S. as to the great significance of Israel met, in those early years, with much skepticism among most Christians, and even Jews, who could not conceive that the tiny new nation could survive the tremendous pressures exerted against it by powerful and rich Arab enemies. It was our aim to be one of the voices of assurance.

Subscriptions to our news organ began to come in to our office in Redwood City, California, from all the then 48 states and even from many foreign countries, i.e. Canada, England, East and West Germany, France, Hungary, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Denmark and others. Because Israel was not a popular subject among the average Christians in those years, we never felt that our publication had the scope of readership it deserved. Yet there was a corps of regular readers, including many influential Christians of all denominations, who were eager to be kept informed regarding the progress in the Jewish State, and in looking back Later we realized that our trailblazing efforts were a considerable factor in bringing about the groundswell of Christian support for Israel that began in the 1970’s.

Even as Theodor Herzl paradoxically met strongest opposition from among the rabbinical leaders of his time, so we found that ministers in the United States were least likely to respond to the message of Israel restored. However, in almost every church were the one’s and two’s whose parents and grandparents had told them that when the Jews would go back to their homeland, it would usher in the Messianic era of peace and righteousness for all mankind. These individuals often became firebrands of zeal concerning the historic significance of modern Israel. We derived much encouragement from these ardent readers, counteracting the general apathy and often open hostility of many of our peers. It is no surprise to the initiated that even anti‑Semitism bared its well‑entrenched fangs. Under the circumstances, you can understand that financial pressures were always a fact of life for us.

The Central Zionist Archives in Jerusalem requested, from time to time, that we make sure that a copy of each issue of THE JEWS IN THE NEWS (later ISRAEL’S RESTORATION NEWS) be sent to them, so if you wish, Alisa, you could examine these in their files to get an idea of the nature of our monthly Israel news digest.

In 1950 Casimir and I made our first trip to Israel, equipped with the latest and finest cameras. Between November of that year and March of 1951 we visited almost every important settlement, site, city and village, including Eilat when the only structure there was an army barracks. (We took panoramic motion pictures here and footage all over the country – of immigrants arriving by the thousands at the port of Haifa, of the maabarot camps, youth aliya villages, etc.) As you can imagine, this opportunity to go to Israel during those momentous times of its national beginnings, the days of tzena, the days of euphoria amidst harsh hardship, was a highlight in our lives. We also had the joy of becoming acquainted with many Israeli of diverse backgrounds – pioneers, refugees from the Nazi holocaust, Yemeni recent arrivals on the “Magic Carpet” looking for all the world like they had stepped right out of the pages of the Bible, etc. These early contacts would always be precious to us, even though we returned to Israel many times afterward.

On our way back to America via Europe, Casimir was asked to lecture in Italy, Germany and England regarding his findings in the new Jewish State. We also made a special trip to Basel, Switzerland so as to see the hall in which Theodor Herzl held the First Zionist Congress in 1897 (has since been torn down).

Our illustrated lecture activities began in earnest in the U. S. in July of 1951 when we commenced what would eventually be about ten years of cross‑country engagements – six months of each year presenting the story of Israel by word and film, and then often but irregularly through the years right up until his death. Eventually our lecture work expanded into Canada, England and Wales, and especially to Australia and New Zealand where, in 1960, we were able to carry on an in depth coverage of these two down‑under lands with our Israel presentation, over a six‑month period. Our audiences in this part of the world included many Jewish people.

The films we had taken in Israel, with the aim of more effectively portraying the historic dimensions of the rise of Israel, received fine reviews, but even more important was the exceptional ability Casimir had as a dedicated and dynamic speaker, consistently able to inspire his audiences. His warmth, his vast store of knowledge about modern Israel, the Judicious use of the Biblical tie‑up, always elicited genuinely enthusiastic response. Casimir’s keen sense of humor spiced his otherwise serious but not pontifical delivery. He liked to use the term “educationally entertaining” in publicizing his illustrated lectures.

These film programs were presented in churches of almost every denomination, for service organizations such as Rotary, Lion’s Club, etc., and we were also sponsored at times by the Zionist Organization of America, Hadassah, and even individual lovers of Israel. Then, too, quite frequently we personally engaged auditoriums, placed newspaper advertising and thus sponsored some of our own very successful meetings. We carried along a very interesting display of Israel products and included Israeli folk songs with each program.

Eventually we came to the realization that an even better way to introduce the magic of Israel to the general public would be to escort them to Israel to see for themselves the marvelous achievements of the sons of Jacob restored to their land. Through our magazine readership and our lecture contacts we organized our first group tour in 1955. (This was when we had the privilege of meeting you, Alisa.) We spent a full 35 days in Eretz Israel that spring, determined to give our Christian friends as thorough an overview of Israel as possible under the circumstances.

As you know, after that we took many tour groups to Israel. We were mindful of the deficiencies of the average Christian “Holy Land” tours – the bypassing of much of the miracle of modern Israel in favor of mostly churches and other so‑called “holy places.” Casimir also steadfastly refused to take short tours to Israel, even though we realized that we could have attracted many more tour members by offering cut‑rate 7 or 10‑day tours or by including Arab countries, European stopovers, etc. The testimonials we accumulated after the tours ended convinced us that our traveling companions were indeed returning home well‑informed, deeply impressed and ready to become eager supporters of Israel’s goals and political stance. You are aware, too, that we also put much stress on the importance of introducing our touring friends to the people of the Land – Israeli from all walks of life, Jewish, Arab and Christian, so that they could catch the unusual spirit of the country, ask questions, etc.

By the way, in 1958 and 1959 we took time off to experience living in Israel, renting a lovely home in Talpioth, then a quiet suburb of Jerusalem, continuing to publish our Israel magazine wherever we went (until about 1968); we welcomed this opportunity to get even better acquainted with the Land and with the Israeli. Again new and lasting friendships were forged and our work for Israel took on an added important dimension.

Frequently from the years 1953 to 1979 we also arranged for any number of Israel seminars – both national and regional, at such scenic spots as the Grand Tetons, beautiful Asilomar by the Sea, Rocky Mountain National Park, etc., bringing in Israeli speakers and Christian leaders well versed as to Israel’s modern history in the light of the Bible. We enjoyed our relationship with the late Dr. G. Douglas Young because of his unflagging zeal for Israel and I recall with joy the worthy contribution he made to our 1979 Israel Seminar. Soon after that, in May of 1980, he died, and Casimir passed away only about five months later.

It was about the time that Israel became a state that we heard Dr. and Mrs. Walter Clay Lowdermilk speak at a large Zionist rally in San Francisco, renewing our admiration for their selfless devotion to the concept of a Jewish State, dating back to 1939. Our first tour group had the privilege of being entertained by the Lowdermilks in their fine house atop Mount Carmel in 1955. I mention this to lead up to the fact that when Dr. Lowdermilk died Casimir was moved to do something to commemorate the valuable work Dr. Lowdermilk had done for Israel – devising the national water plan, helping advance Israel’s agriculture in the early years of statehood, establishing the Lowdermilk School of Agricultural Engineering at the Technion in Haifa, using his high station in the U. S. Government to influence administration policy, etc. (As you know, Mrs. Lowdermilk herself had spoken tirelessly on behalf of Israel while they were stationed in Washington, DC. and after their return to Berkeley California, where Dr. Lowdermilk taught at the University of California. Even to this date, at the advanced age of 92, Inez Lowdermilk retains a strong and active commitment to Israel.)

Casimir felt that the most appropriate memorial to Walter Clay Lowdermilk would be a forest planted in his honor in Israel. Always impressed by the work of Keren Kayemeth in planting trees, restoring the land, etc., Casimir proposed to the San Francisco chapter of the Jewish National Fund that such a forest project be commenced. With the help of the California Christian Committee for Israel, the fund‑raising got under way. Casimir and I had the privilege of doing most of the work on this project, and after much persistence the full sum of $10,000 was raised, plus further amounts for a recreation area within the forest at Mrs. Lowdermilk’s request.

So, in March of 1976, Mrs. Lowdermilk was the guest of honor on one of our Israel tours organized specifically to include the dedication of the Lowdermilk Memorial Forest on Mt. Turan in the Galilee. How encouraged Casimir was when Golda Meir accepted his invitation to meet Mrs. Lowdermilk at the airport and Join our tour group for dinner at the Sharon Hotel in Herzlia. It meant so much to Casimir to do something meaningful, to give recognition and encouragement to this valiant Christian woman and to honor the memory of her truly great husband. Needless to say, the hours spent with “Golda” were precious.

Not long after this project was finished we were asked by some Christian lovers of Zion in the U.S. to organize the “Christian‑Israel Friendship League.” So this was done in 1978, but within two years Casimir had died and the loss of his unique leadership meant that the work of this league diminished considerably.

However, Casimir lived to see a new page in the history of Christian Zionism, the emergence of grass‑roots groups of Christian supporters of Israel all around the United States, and, in fact, all around the world. You cannot imagine how excited Casimir was about this development and how enthusiastically he planned to cooperate with them in their worthy endeavors. For instance, Casimir was the U.S. National Coordinator for the First International Congress for the Peace of Jerusalem held in Israel’s capital city in 1978, at which time about 1,000 Christians from many countries gathered to express support for Israel. The next year, when the idea of a Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem was proposed, Casimir got busy and wrote the organizers expressing his delight and started working to organize a tour to take in this first “feast of Tabernacles” Christian gathering.

But it was not to be. In retrospect, I am convinced that Casimir’s work was done and the torch was being passed on to other zealous Christian lovers of Israel. You no doubt know about the 4,000, 5,000, and then Christians from as many as 40 countries who have participated in the subsequent annual Feast of Tabernacles assemblies in Jerusalem. Casimir never considered himself indispensable, and how happy he would be today to see the ever‑increasing numbers of Christians who are espousing the cause of Eretz Israel, the nation of destiny. (Elva)

PS – Are you familiar, Alisa, with the Christian‑Zionist work of the late Charles Taze Russell between the years of about 1881‑1916? He wrote and lectured extensively about the hopes of Israel restored, based on the Biblical record. His weekly articles were carried in hundreds of newspapers around the United States, so whenever he wrote about the Jews returning to “Palestine,” his firm convictions received wide coverage. He also addressed large Jewish audiences in the U.S. at the Hippodrome, in London, and around Western and Eastern Europe, He was aroused by the pogroms at Kishenev and elsewhere in Russia. It is touching to note how eagerly “Pastor” Russell reported the smallest developments in Palestine when the first aliya was taking place. A former student at the Hebrew University told us back in 1950 that when they studied Christian Zionism at this university, Charles Taze Russell was at the top of the list. (Written by Mrs. Casimir Lanowick)

QUOTES RE NATURAL ISRAEL

“Now we are entering the great Time of Trouble which is to inaugurate Messiah’s Kingdom. During this trouble the Church is to be glorified in the First Resurrection. Then the thousand years of Messiah’s reign with the elect, Spiritual Bride, drawn from both Jews and Gentiles, will begin.

“Still God’s favor will pursue the natural seed of Abraham. Their lessons and chastisements will fit and prepare them more quickly than others of the world to receive the Messianic blessing. The earthly phase of Messiah’s Kingdom will be Israelitish, in that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets and saintly ones down to John the Baptist are to be made ‘princes in all the earth’ (Psa. 45:16) – the earthly representatives in human perfection of the Spiritual Kingdom of Messiah.

“Naturally enough, Israel will then in a natural way come first into harmony with the Divine arrangement and be the first to get the blessing. However, during the thousand years of the Kingdom, as the Scriptures declare, all nations shall bless themselves in becoming Abraham’s seed – in coming into relationship with the Kingdom, which will have an Israelitish basis. (Jer. 4:2; Isa. 65:16; Gen. 12:3) Eventually, all will be destroyed who do not thus become true Israelites. Thus Abraham’s seed will eventually include all the families of the earth – all for whom God has provided life eternal. As for Gentiles – strangers from God – none will remain.” (Reprints 5809 bottom, and 5810 top – Dec. 1, 1915. By Pastor Russell)

THOSE CONSECRATING BETWEEN THE AGES

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

“Our thought is that whoever under such conditions as these will make a full consecration to the Lord, to leave all to follow in His ways, and will live up faithfully, loyally, to that consecration, may be privileged to be counted as a similar class to those who preceded this Gospel Age. We know of no reason why the Lord would refuse to receive those who make a consecration after the close of the Gospel Age High Calling and before the full opening of the Millennium.” (Reprint 5761, Sept. 1, 1915. By Pastor Russell)

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WHAT SAY THE SCRIPTURES

God’s Chosen People have been under Divine supervision and care for thirty‑five hundred years so that they have been kept separate from all nations of the earth and are thus a standing miracle testifying to the truthfulness of the holy promises of the Scriptures. This teaches us to look to the Scriptures respecting their future. The same Scriptures which testify to their solidarity as a people inform us that they will become a nation at the close of this Gospel Age when “the set time” for God to remember Zion shall come. St. Paul explicitly points out that Divine favor will return to natural Israel just as soon as the “call” of this Gospel Age to the Heavenly Kingdom class shall have reached fulfillment.

The blessings of the new dispensation about to be ushered in will be earthly blessings, and the Jew knows that all of the promises of God contained in the Mosaic law and writings of the holy prophets of old tell of earthly blessings – not of heavenly or spiritual favors. The Jew will be more ready to respond to the new order of things than his Christian or Gentile neighbors will be. Moreover, according to the Scriptures, the princes or rulers seen amongst men will be of Jewish stock, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the prophets raised from the dead in full human perfection to be the “princes in all the earth” and representatives of Messiah’s invisible spirit Kingdom. That the Jew will be in much better condition of mind to receive the teachings and requirements of those new princes needs no discussion – Psalms 45:16.

Before leaving this subject, we note the prophecy of old which tells that at the time Messiah will manifest the glories of His power and begin His intervention in human affairs in favor of the right and against the wrong, will be a time of “Jacob’s trouble,” a time when the Jews will be in special tribulation from their foes. Then the Lord shall manifest His power on their behalf as in olden times, giving them a miraculous deliverance which they will recognize. In consequence the Prophet declares they shall look upon, discern, “recognize Him whom they pierced” – not by seeing the glorious Messiah (Daniel 12:1), with their natural sight, but they will recognize Him with the eyes of their understanding – Zechariah 12:10.

Let us leave the Jew in the future to his God, that he may in due time receive the blessing which God has promised him. Let Christendom in general go on in its blindness as the Scriptures also foretell to its destruction, but let those of God’s people, sanctified in Christ Jesus, walk circumspectly, not after the flesh, but after the spirit. Let them seek as spiritual Israelites the heavenly things and Joint-heirship with Messiah on the spiritual plane; not begrudging to the Jew the first place in the earthly phase of Messiah’s Kingdom through which all the families of the earth will be blessed.

(Excerpts from p. 116 of What Pastor Russell Wrote for the Overland Monthly.)

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JESUS OF NAZARETH ‑ THE ETERNAL GLORY OF THE JEWISH RACE

Perhaps, too, in this enlightened age, as his mind expands, and he takes a comprehensive view of this period of progress, the pupil of Moses may ask himself whether all the princes of the house of David have done so much for the Jews as that prince who was crucified on Calvary. Had it not been for Him, the Jews would have been comparatively unknown, or known only as a high Oriental caste which had lost its country. Has not He made their history the most famous in the world? Has not He hung up their laws in every temple? Has He not vindicated all their wrongs? Has not He avenged the victory of Titus and conquered the Caesars? What success did they anticipate from their Messiah? The wildest dreams of their Rabbis have been far exceeded. Has not Jesus conquered Europe and changed its name into Christendom?

The whole of the new world is devoted to the Semitic principle and its most glorious offspring, the Jewish faith, and the time will come when the vast communities and countless myriad’s of America and Australia, looking upon Greece, and wondering how so small a space could have achieved such great deeds, will still find music in the songs of Zion and still seek solace in the parables of Galilee.

These may be dreams, but there is one fact which none can contest. Christians may continue to persecute Jews, and Jews may persist in disbelieving Christians, but who can deny that Jesus of Nazareth, the Incarnate Son of the Most High God, is the eternal glory of the Jewish race?

(Statement by Benjamin Disraeli from The Messiahship of Jesus, p. 268.)

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QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Will Jerusalem ever be rebuilt and for what purpose?

ANSWER: – The most remarkable movement ever occurring amongst the Jewish people since the time of the destruction of their capital city, Jerusalem, is now in process of development, and is known as “The Zionist Movement.” The primary object of this movement is the establishment of the Jews in their own land under a government of their own. This would mean the rebuilding of the city in the event of the success of this movement. There are many prophecies which show that the Jews shall return to Divine favor and shall again be established in their own country and that the City of Jerusalem will be rebuilt. We cite but one – Jer. 31:27‑40. The clear intimation of the teachings of the Scriptures is that Jerusalem will become the Capital City of the world – “for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3) “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” (Isa. 2:3) For a remarkable confirmation of this, in the words of the New Testament, see Acts 15:16,17.

(What Pastor Russell Said, p. 790 – no date, but must have been long before 1914)

QUESTION: – Did the Ancient Worthies have a standing in the antitypical Tabernacle Court?

ANSWER: – To gain a clear understanding of this matter, we should first of all stress there wasn’t even a typical Tabernacle erected when many of the Ancient Worthies lived – as instance Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, etc. The typical Tabernacle was erected by Moses at Sinai. Therefore, we agree with Brother Russell’s answer to a similar question in the March 1910 Tower, Reprints 4579:

“No. In their day the Priest had not yet come and the antitypical Tabernacle and its Court established; hence they could not be in it. According to their hearts, as expressed in their conduct, they must have been members of the Household of Faith.” In the eleventh Chapter of Hebrews St. Paul stresses that those named did what they did “by faith.”

The Levites will occupy the Millennial Tabernacle Court – a “better resurrection” than the world, whose resurrection will be in the Camp. The Ancient Worthies were justified by faith, and had a standing before God, even though they could not be in the antitypical Court, which began to be erected for the Household at Pentecost. However, they had an anticipatorial standing in the antitypical Court – even though they knew little or nothing about it. We are told that “God calleth those things which be not as though they were” (Rom. 4:17); and in Gen. 15:6 it is stated that Abraham “believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.” This Scripture is substantially quoted three times by St. Paul in Rom.4:3,9,22 – in his proof of a tentative justification for this Gospel Age.

In Rom. 4:6‑8 the Apostle quotes from Psa. 32:1‑5 to prove that David also had a reckoned Justification, although in his case the typical tabernacle had been erected some five hundred years before he became king in Israel. Abraham and David both had the same kind of Justification – a justification by faith – which gave them both an anticipatorial standing in the antitypical Tabernacle, which began to be erected by Jesus at Jordan, and was begun for His followers at Pentecost.

However, none of the Ancients could have had more than a reckoned justification, because the merit of Jesus did not become available until His death on the cross. Even though many of them knew very little about the Plan of Salvation, they did look for a Messiah – a vague ray of hope was given in Gen. 3:15: “Enmity between thee and the woman... thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head.” As to Abraham, the father of the faithful, our Lord said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” So, even though the antitypical Tabernacle wasn’t established, and the Ancient Worthies could not be in the antitypical Tabernacle Court, they had the same standing before God as do the Youthful Worthies now who have their standing in the Court: BOTH the Ancient and Youthful Worthies had Tentative Justification. (See E‑4:352, 355)

Note particularly Rom. 4:11, 12 (Dia.): “Abraham received the symbol of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness (Tentative Justification) of that faith which he had while in uncircumcision; in order that he might be (1) THE FATHER OF ALL uncircumcised BELIEVERS (consecrated and unconsecrated); that the righteousness may be accounted unto them (ALL uncircumcised BELIEVERS); and (2) a father of circumcision, not only to those who are of circumcision, but to those also who tread in the footsteps of the faith of our Father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.”

Those schooled in Parousia Truth understand full well that there are only two types in the Old Testament that picture forth the sacraments that are obligatory on all who “follow in His steps” – Circumcision, which types consecration; and the Passover, which portrays the Lord’s Supper. But the words of St. Paul clearly and emphatically state that Abraham was counted righteous in uncircumcision, and he is the father of all the faithful. Therefore, it logically follows that all Gospel Age believers would be counted righteous (have tentative justification) before they receive the antitypical circumcision – that is, before they consecrate to do God’s will.

But those Ancients before Moses hold no relation whatever in their standing to Consecrated Epiphany Campers, because the antitypical Court is now established, and represents the only place available for justification in this Gospel Age. Nor can these Campers be placed anticipatorily in the Millennial‑Age Tabernacle Court, because that Court will be occupied by the Household of Faith (See 1940 PT, p. 13) the three antitypical Tribes of Levites: Kohathites (Ancient Worthies); Merarites (Great Company); Gershonites (Youthful Worthies). The Consecrated Campers cannot be said to be anticipatorily in the Millennial‑Age Court because they will not be a part of the Millennial‑Age firstborns, as is true of the Worthies. All the Worthies have been anticipatorily in the Millennial‑Age Court, because that is where they will be resurrected. Their “better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35) will put them in that Court when they come forth from the tomb. The Highway of Holiness will be opened up in the Camp for all Restitutionists, including the quasi‑elect. There will be no ‘narrow way’ in the Camp then, nor has there ever been a narrow way in the Camp – in the Patriarchal, Jewish or Gospel Ages – no ‘narrow’ way in the Camp for Restitutionists to sacrifice at any time.

The marked distinction between the Worthies and Consecrated Campers is very clearly defined in Noah’s Ark – where the six saved classes of human beings are set forth. Noah and his wife type Christ and the Church; Shem and his wife the Ancient Worthies; Japheth and his wife the Great Company; Ham and his wife the Youthful Worthies; the clean animals the repentant and believing Jews and Gentiles; the unclean animals the remainder of the restitutionists. The marked difference between human beings and animals reveals the sharp difference between the elect and the non‑elect; no sane person would mistake one for the other. Yet RGJ is telling us that his Campers (consecrated Restitutionists) are so zealous of good works, serving the Lord, that it is almost impossible to discern the difference in them and the Youthful Worthies! It is almost impossible to discern between the elect and the non‑elect, he is telling us – between the faithful elect and the Restitutionists. His claim makes a complete Jumble out of the picture in Noah’s Ark. The quasi‑elect have an anticipatorial standing in the Millennial‑Age Camp, the same as all Restitutionists. The difference between the quasi‑elect and the other Restitutionists is, they will be better prepared to walk up the Highway of Holiness than the residue of mankind.

(Reprint of question by Brother Hoefle in No. 256, October 1976)

NO. 362: IN MEMORIAM

No. 362

Comes again the time of year that we are vividly reminded of the demise of the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers, and it is our fond hope that our readers will obtain some good information and uplift from what we now present.

Up to his death on October 31, 1916, almost every one in “present truth” was fully persuaded that Brother Russell was “that servant” of Matt. 24:46; and quite a few still hold that opinion – among whom we include ourselves. During the Dark Ages the doctrine of “restitution” (Acts 3:19‑21) had become completely lost, and this lapse injected utter confusion into the Christian fraternity. Without understanding restitution, it was impossible to produce any harmonious understanding of the general Bible structure; the “plan of the Ages” (Eph. 3:11, Dia.) was a meaningless expression. The woman having ten pieces of silver of Luke 15:8 corroborates the fact that the doctrine of restitution was lost. (See Berean Comments on Luke 15:8, 9)

This problem gave extreme difficulty to That Servant, so much so that he on a certain occasion betook himself to three days of intense prayer and study, at the end of which he was rewarded with a clear understanding of the Atonement Day sacrifices as they are outlined in the 16th Chapter of Leviticus. This enlightenment caused him to realize that God was during this Gospel Age merely laying the foundation for the full at‑one‑ment of the entire human race with Himself “in due time” – the delay being caused by God now taking from among the Gentiles “a people for His name” (Acts 15:14), the same to be associated with His Son Jesus as His Heavenly Bride to give the human family a rebirth under a “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pet. 3:13) – in direct contrast to the degradation now prevailing in “this present evil world.” (Gal. 1:4)

However, the radical revelation of this understanding actually frightened him; it was in fact difficult for him to believe this Scripture which seemed so logical and with which he could find no fault. He needed to be doubly persuaded that it was actually the truth, so instead of broadcasting his findings immediately or telling the general Household of Faith about it, he summoned leading brethren to discuss this revelation – which he and they did during a period of eight days. When none of them could find any flaws in the picture, he eventually wrote a small book called Tabernacle Shadows, which some of his ardent admirers have characterized as the biggest “little book” that has ever been written. No one with a clear understanding of that book will ever be confused on the “plan of the ages.”

THE PAROUSIA ELEAZAR

Eleazar was Aaron’s eldest son and in line to become high priest in Israel at his father’s death. But while serving as underpriest with his father, he was given very prominent service, as can be seen from Num. 4:16: “And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.” From certain standpoints the Tabernacle typified the Gospel‑Age Church. Therefore, those people who officiated in connection with it would also typify certain people in the Gospel Age. Considering the sweeping powers that Eleazar possessed – “the oversight of all the tabernacle” – it puts no strain upon the imagination to recognize that he typified the twelve Apostles at the First Advent. ‘whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)

Similar language is used concerning Brother Russell: “Shall make him ruler over all His goods.” (Matt. 24:47) And in Luke 12:42: “That faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over His household, to give them their portion of meat in due season.” From this we do not wish to convey the thought that Brother Russell was infallible, or spoke by inspiration, as did the Apostles; but it is a self‑evident fact that his power over the Harvest work and the Harvest Church was well nigh absolute. In course of time he recognized this; he appointed and dismissed Pilgrims as his Judgment dictated; he was final authority on all Bible House matters, and made all appointments of brethren to important executive positions. And being fully aware of this, he attempted to arrange things in such a manner that after his death would prevent any other individual from “stepping into his shoes,” as it were, by appointing an editorial committee of seven brethren to supervise the Watch Tower publication. Those familiar with the situation know that his wishes were speedily ignored; in little more than a year, J. F. Rutherford had already enthroned himself “in Moses’ seat.”

However, it is not our wish to offer detail on the above statement; rather, we shall treat of the Gospel Harvest Eleazar from the standpoint of the type. In Numbers 4:16 seven executive and teaching functions are set forth, of which the first “pertaineth to the oil for the light” – the lampstand. Among other things, oil represents the spirit of understanding (Matt. 25:3 – “the spirit of the Truth” – Berean Comment). For Eleazar, therefore, to have charge of the oil for the lampstand would typify the privilege Brother Russell had of understanding the Truth as Pastor and Teacher – not only for himself, but also for the brethren as enlighteners of one another, as he conveyed his Biblical interpretations to them, giving them helps to learn and to teach the Truth. He did this orally and in writing. He gave clear and specific instructions for organizing classes, and for organizing distribution of the Truth literature to the general public.

Eleazar’s second duty had to do with “the sweet incense.” The unburnt sweet incense represented the actually perfect choice human powers of Jesus and the reckonedly perfect choice human powers of the Church – “much incense with the prayers of all saints” (Rev. 8:3,4). Brother Russell offered deep and truthful detail on such activities of Jesus from Jordan to Calvary, and on the Church in general in their earthly pilgrimage all during the Gospel Age. As to the Church of his day, he acted directly both as the teacher and executive with respect to the sweet incense. He clearly explained Justification by faith through Jesus’ merit, which justification once fully obtained enabled such brethren to make their own offering of “the sweet incense” according to the providential circumstances of each one. We have been told that on one occasion, when Brother Russell was visiting a city, that a brother asked him to give his talk that morning on Justification – which he proceeded to do, giving lucid analysis of the subject for an entire hour.

Thirdly, Eleazar had charge of “the daily meat offering,” – or, more properly, the meal offering. When the drink offering is not mentioned (and it is omitted in Num. 4:16) it is understood as being included in the meal offering. This offering represents that part of the sacrifice with which the offerer occupies himself – such as setting forth the Truth – lecturing and preaching on the Truth by Pilgrims, Auxiliary Pilgrims, elders, colporteurs and unofficial persons of lesser ability. It also included oral conversation in testimony of the Truth, serving in the Photo‑drama work, serving as laborers of the Bible House and Bethel, doing office and home work in connection with spread of the Truth, and encouraging and supporting others in these various works orally, with the printed page, by lectures, sermons, question meetings, conversation and letter writing. As executive he discharged this phase of his office by arranging for the various forms of service mentioned herein for spreading the Truth, as well as appointing specific persons to their pertinent positions – pilgrims, colporteurs, department supervisors, etc., at Bethel and the Bible House. The fulfilled facts attest that he exercised his authority in all of these features.

Fourthly, Eleazar had the care of the anointing oil. This oil types the Holy Spirit from the standpoint of its qualifying the elect Church to serve each other. The ingredients of this oil are succinctly stated in Isa. 11:2, the contents of which may be stated thusly: the qualities of wisdom, Justice, love and power each developed individually, developed in balance with others, with all of them controlling all our other qualities (2 Pet. 1:5‑8), thus qualifying the various members of the Church for the “work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12) – to the extent of their ability and providential circumstances.

As antitypical Eleazar of the Gospel Harvest, his charge as teacher was to instruct the Church as to the nature of the anointing, of the anointed class, of their duties, privileges in knowledge, service, development, endurance as “good soldiers,” etc. This he did in great detail in the Volumes, the Towers, and by his oral ministry. Especially did he stress the development of the graces. the quickening, development, and balancing of the Holy Spirit. It logically followed that he would appoint qualified persons to the respective forms of service – pilgrims, colporteurs, photo‑drama workers, Bible House and Bethel personnel, managers of the foreign branches and newspaper workers. Inasmuch as the great majority of classes had elected him as their pastor, he had supervisory capacity in their affairs – sometimes acting directly and sometimes indirectly in electing or unseating the officers of those classes – endorsing those qualified, and rejecting those he considered unqualified. All of this he did in efficient and impressive manner.

Fifth, Eleazar had charge of the Tabernacle itself – the whole structure, while it was standing, was under his supervision. The Tabernacle proper in the Holy types the Church in its earthly ministry, and in the Most Holy in its heavenly inheritance. The humanity of such is typed in the Court, specifically with respect to the brazen altar. This typed the Harvest Eleazar’s capacity as Pastor and Teacher, with executive supervision of the Church during the reaping and gleaning time – up to the time of his death. He also had similar authority over the antitypical Court, which contained the tentatively justifies. Thus, he was the eye, hand and mouth of Jesus during his entire office as That Servant. While it is true that he did not produce all the advancing Truth during his ministry, he did produce much more of it than any other person. And, in that which others saw, they were obligated to secure his approval of it before he presented it to the general Church through the Towers. His authority in this respect was also well nigh absolute.

Sixth, he had full charge of the holy furniture in the Holy and the Most Holy “the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is.” This would include the two altars, the laver, the lampstand, the table and the ark, all of which was in the charge of antitypical Eleazar. The antitypical brazen altar in the Court represented the Church’s humanity in sacrifice; and Brother Russell gave great detail concerning this – the privileges of the brethren in using their human all whenever and wherever opportunity afforded. This he did orally and in writing, and by his “example of the believers.” (1 Tim. 4:12) Thus he encouraged and directed the general Church as a “good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Tim. 2:3)

His teaching charge to the Church concerning the golden altar in the Holy had to do with encouraging, comforting, strengthening, correcting, warning, and restraining the sacrificing and suffering Church – which he did by explaining, proving, and illustrating the privileges of the Church toward one another. His executive charge toward the Church was accomplished by his encouraging and directing the Church in such work.

As our readers know, the laver in the Court types the Bible – the base the Old Testament, and the upper part containing the water the New Testament, the upper part built upon and growing out of the lower part. The water in the upper part types the cleansing features of Bible truths. The Harvest Eleazar’s executive charge of the antitypical laver means that the Bible was placed in his care – to preserve it, to commend it, and make it influential in its use for its Divinely intended purpose of furnishing the proper doctrinal, refutative, correctional and ethical teachings, and to direct the use of pertinent Scriptures to his purpose. (2 Tim. 3:}5‑17) His teaching charge of the antitypical Laver implied that he was to declare the doctrine of the Scripture. as well as its teachings in doctrinal, refutational, correctional and ethical respects. Certainly those of us who are familiar with his work know that he harmonized the Bible in a manner equaled by none other since the days of the Apostles.

Here we may properly apply this statement to an error that has circulated among some of the Lord’s people to the effect that there are other books – Pseudepigraphs like the book of Enoch, the Old Testament Apocrypha, etc. – that are inspired writings; thus, a part of the Bible. If they were, Brother Russell would have accepted them as a part of the Bible; and he would wisely and faithfully have shown his teaching and executive functions toward them. But he resolutely rejected them, and it is not difficult for any one who reads them carefully to note their inferiority when compared with the 66 genuine books of the Bible.

The lampstand represents the Church as enlighteners of each other; it teaches them the Truth. Brother Russell acted out his office as teacher with respect to the antitypical lampstand in that he explained the nature, the character, privileges, duties etc., of the Church as enlighteners of each other, and how to go about this good work. He also encouraged them to enlighten each other by providing the means whereby they could do this, and the best method to use in doing it. The table of shewbread types the Church in its capacity of strengthening its members with the bread of life unto every good word and work; especially so, with respect to the Sarah features of the Abrahamic Covenant, this being the promises that mother the Church in its earthly pilgrimage toward the Heavenly Canaan, their entrance into the Moat Holy when their work on earth is finished. Having charge of this table and bread means he taught the brethren the best means of strengthening each other to “fight the good fight,” and to gain eternal life. He also arranged for conventions and organized meetings in the various classes for this purpose.

Much more could be said about the foregoing, but we would not wish our readers to conclude that we be overmuch given to ‘angel worship.’ However, we consider it pertinent to stress here that certain members of the Gospel‑Age Church occupied positions which could apply to them alone. For instance, there were twelve Apostles – and only twelve; thus, they had no successors, as some of the sects contend – prominent among such is the Roman Catholic Church. And with Brother Russell it may be stated with equal emphasis that his office as That Servant and as the Steward was unique to him alone; and the words which Jesus spoke concerning Himself may well be repeated for him: “I have finished the work which Thou gayest Me to do.” (John. 17:4) Therefore, he had no successor; he supervised with full authority and finished the reaping feature of the Gospel‑Age Harvest, which provided everlasting tribute to him as antitypical Eleazar here in the end of the Age. We would qualify this, however, by noting that God did provide other faithful “stars” after the Apostles died; and continued to do this all during the Age, as He also did after the demise of antitypical Eleazar.

SOME SECULAR TESTIMONY

It has just recently come to our attention that one authority offers the following comment: “RUSSELL, CHARLES TAZE, popularly called Pastor Russell (b. Feb. 16, 1852, Pittsburgh, Pa. – d. Oct. 31, 1916, Pampa, Texas), founder of the International Bible Students Association, forerunner of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of Presbyterian and Congregational background, Russell renounced the creed of orthodox Christian denominations and in 1872 organized an independent Bible study class in Pittsburgh. From 1877 he preached that Christ’s second advent would be invisible, and that the end of the Gentile times would come in 1914, followed by war between capitalism and communism or socialism, after which God’s Kingdom by Christ would rule the whole earth. Russell (who was never ordained) dedicated his life and his considerable fortune to preaching Christ’s Millennial reign. In 1879 he started a Bible Journal later called the Watchtower, and in 1884 founded the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, which became a flourishing publishing business. His own books and booklets (notably six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures) reached a circulation of 16,000,000 copies in 35 languages, and 2,000 newspapers published his weekly sermons.”

By way of comparison and marked contrast, this same publication says this regarding JFR: “RUTHERFORD, JOSEPH FRANKLIN, nicknamed Judge (1869‑1942), religious leader and author, president of Jehovah’s Witnesses (also called the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society), 1916‑42.”

The above statement concerning Brother Russell is so strikingly accurate that it sounds as though he himself had written it. From a purely secular standpoint, we would say it is an excellent testimonial; and, as more of his prophetic interpretations are fulfilled, we are fully persuaded that even better tributes will be forthcoming from similar writers. As Brother Johnson has so aptly written of him, Brother Russell will yet appear in the records of men as one of the greatest of reformers and Biblical logicians.

The same publication states further of “Joseph Franklin Rutherford that he was a lawyer who had been closely associated with Russell since about 1910. But he possessed little of the personal magic that Russell had wielded with such success, and, in addition, challenged some of Russell’s views. A number of small schisms resulted, but Rutherford eventually was successful in organizing the work of the Society so that the transition to his successor in 1942 was made without difficulty. Almost nothing is known about the life of J. F. Rutherford. He shunned publicity and toward the end of his life met with members of the Society only at their annual conventions. Russell had written a good deal, and his seven‑volume (?¾JJH) Studies in the Scriptures was widely sold; but it was under Rutherford that the Society work took on its present character of a Publishing house rather than a church. Rutherford claimed to have written 99 books and pamphlets, which appeared in more than 300,000,000 copies.”

When the above publication states that Rutherford “challenged some of Russell’s views,” it is making a major understatement; and the same may be said about the “number of small schisms that resulted.” Those of us familiar with the truth on the subject know that Rutherford challenged the majority of important doctrines in the truth structure taught by Brother Russell, so that at this time there is little resemblance between the teachings of the two men.

The publication states further that Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with Christian Science and Mormonism, constitute the three largest and most significant variants of the l9th‑century American Protestantism. The Witnesses now have in excess of 1,000,000 in their world membership. However, when we consider that Rutherford is cataloged in the same group with Brigham Young and Mary Baker Eddy it presents some considerable light on why he “possessed little of the personal magic that Russell had wielded with such success.” We have been told that Rutherford on one occasion went to a woman photographer, one who had made photographs of Brother Russell, to have a photograph of himself. When he was shown the finished product he remarked that his picture was not as impressive as that of Brother Russell; the woman answered, “That’s because the man isn’t there.”

Just one more quotation from the article: “The Witnesses believe that the Kingdom of God began in 1914. Apparently they expected (as did the Millerite Adventists in 1844) some historical and worldly event to take place at that time, but have since taken the position that in 1914 Jehovah inaugurated the Kingdom in a manner apprehensible only to a believer.” Yes, this last clause is emphatically true; and it is just the extreme opposite of the teaching of Brother Russell, who based his belief upon the true Gospel of Jesus, St. Paul and others: “God desires all men to be saved, and to come to an accurate knowledge of the truth... Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all.” (See 1 Tim. 2:4‑6, Dia.) Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all – not just for those who become members of the Witnesses sect.

In keeping with this, Brother Russell also stressed the words of Isa. 35:5‑10: “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped (those that are now unable to “hear” and understand the Truth)... wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein... and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Instead of “sorrow and sighing” diminishing and disappearing, it has been pyramided out of all proportion to what was the case prior to 1914. And being in full accord with Brother Russell’s clear and sober interpretation of this Scripture, we can enthusiastically exclaim, God bless his memory’

ANOTHER SECULAR EXPRESSION

Last Spring an item was brought to our attention that appeared in the Sunday feature section of a prominent Florida newspaper – the same written by a professor of one of the nation’s outstanding universities. Some of his contentions were so distorted that we were moved to write him the following letter:

My dear Professor: Christian greetings!

The general content of your “Poster Evangelism” treatise in the March 10 paper is read with considerable appreciation – very well written; I would say.

However, some of your statements regarding Russellism are very much askew; and I am persuaded that a man of your erudition and candor would not intentionally put false statements into your writings. For instance, you say Russellism employed the sure fire device of prophesying the imminent arrival of Christ (MILLIONS NOW LIVING WILL NEVER DIE).” At no time did Pastor Russell ever preach “the imminent arrival of Christ,” or use words that would convey such an impression. He did, however, offer elaborate and consummate analysis of such texts as Matt. 24:3: “What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?” He contended that this was a very poor and misleading translation (the King James translation is replete with such mistakes). Present day Greek scholars give it this way: “What shall be the sign of Thy presence, and of the consummation of the Age?” The word world in the text is from the Greek “aion,” and it means Age or Dispensation.

Furthermore, the “Millions Now Living” idea was never even mentioned during Pastor Russell’s life. He died October 31, 1916; was succeeded in the Presidency of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society by J. F. Rutherford, who invented the “Millions” idea; and time had clearly proven that it was simply an odious vagary – hallucination with no foundation in fact or prophecy.

You also say Pastor Russell wrote seven volumes; whereas, he wrote only six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures. The seventh one – The Finished Mystery – is also a figment of Rutherford’s mind. He audaciously declared that it was the “posthumous work” of Charles T. Russell – and the book does contain many quotations from his writings; but the errors injected into it by Judge Rutherford and his assistants offer insult to the clear and sober statements of Pastor Russell.

In Luke 21:24 Jesus said, “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Some thirty years before 1914 Pastor Russell did forecast that the times of the Gentiles would end in 1914, the evidence of which would be a great world war. Even as late as 1913 he was scornfully ridiculed by his critics; but time has clearly proven that he was right, and they were wrong; the war came as predicted – almost to the day.

As a general statement, the Russellites were “moderately educated,” so you say; but they also did have among them a few brilliant Greek and Hebrew scholars – enough to reveal the erroneous translations of the Bible; and this made the Movement generally basically sound in exegetical deductions. The most brilliant of these was Professor Paul S. L. Johnson, who was a master of Greek and Hebrew. He soon voiced emphatic protest against the perversions that the Judge and his companions in error were attempting to inject into the harmonious truth structure that Pastor Russell had left. It was my privilege to be a very close friend of Professor Johnson, and I gave him very substantial support after he left the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society in 1917 – which I continued to do until] his death in 1950.

A pertinent analogy to the Russell Movement may be found among the Apostles, of whom it is written “they were unlearned and ignorant men” (Acts 4:13). But they also had a man named Paul among them, who was brilliant and highly educated. As respects Professor Johnson, I might add that he graduated from Capital University of Columbus, Ohio, with the highest honors ever attained by any student up to his time.

It is my hope that you will find the copies of my papers, Nos. 194‑223 and Special Edition No. 7, interesting and informative; and I send with this letter my cordial good wishes for your health and prosperity. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. Sincerely, John J. Hoefle

In due course we received a courteous reply to the above letter, thanking us for the information we gave him. He also said, “What I wrote was based on intimate contact with Russellism when I was in High School in the 20’s... My uncle could talk of nothing else. He was a fervent follower, first of Russell, then of Judge Rutherford. Of course, my uncle never knew of Paul Johnson’s protests, and I was too young to have been aware of the division of thought at the Brooklyn headquarters.”

From the foregoing we may readily discern how easy it has been to ‘make’ history; and that much of what is in the books today may be far from the truth. But when the record is written in full truth, then we shall have full appreciation of Jesus’ words, “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matt. 13:43) And this will be especially true of those faithful Pastors and Teachers, such as That Servant, the Epiphany Messenger, and others of the Gospel Age, including all the fully faithful.

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

Reprint of October 1974, No. 232

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

Dear Sirs:

Please send a catalog or list of publications and materials that you distribute. Sample copies of literature would also be appreciated. Thank you very much.

Sincerely yours, ------- (CANADA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings in our dear Redeemer’s Name!

We were all very happy when we received your letter on our inability to partake of the Memorial with the other brethren. We were all sad about it, but was thankful that there were three of us to partake together – and, as promised – “the Lord was in our midst.”

Our brother has improved considerably and is able to go to the meetings by himself, and sometimes goes other places. The doctor advised as little activity as possible in the street, as there is likelihood of his collapsing.

This last attack has affected him greatly, and his memory fails him at times. The Lord has been, and continues to be, very mindful of us three. Again we have to thank the Lord for His mercies and the greatest blessing of all – the Truth. What a blessing it is to have the Truth! And your papers are very helpful. May the Lord bless you and the dear ones who are continuing to help with the work. The Lord will certainly help you all to carry on.

Our warm Christian love and prayers are ever with you. May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee!

Your sister by His Grace, ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Mr. Hoefle,

You may change my address to the above address. I’m writing you in Florida where I plan to retire in two years, June 1987. Can you tell me something about the drinking water pollution in Central Florida – and the crime rate?

I’m looking for a retirement home on a golf course, and would appreciate whatever information you can give me. Can a person retire comfortably on $22,000 a year in Florida? I’m really worried about what inflation will do to me. Thank you for whatever attention you can give to my questions.

Sincerely, ------- (ALASKA)

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Epiphany Bible Students

Dear Sirs:

I would like some information on literature concerning your Association. If you would send me something I would appreciate it. Thank you. ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Dear Sister and Brethren: Loving Christian greetings!

Your letter to the Ecclesia was received and read to all the brethren. They were quite happy to get your letter. They thought your letter should be doubly appreciated, as they know how taxing the work is you are doing in defense of the Truth. They send their love and appreciation for your defense of the Truth and righteousness.

Thank you very much for sending me the gift from the two brothers in England. I often wonder how I would have gotten through without the help you have given me from time to time. God bless you! I wish you would be able to know the straits your help has tided me over at times.

I was not able to go to Brother McRenzie’s funeral, but I was told that a lot of strangers were there. Brother Mahoney conducted the service.

Well, dear Brethren, be strong as you have been. We here are with you in defense of what we have learned and been assured of. It can’t be long now – though it tarry it will surely come to pass. Remember the reward is greater than the hardships. The One that promised is faithful. (Heb. 10:23) So be brave!

God bless you and all the brethren with you. Warm Christian love, ------- (JAMAICA)

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Dear Sister Emily: Grace and peace in Jesus’ dear Name!

I hope this finds you and those with you well. Thank you for the very beautiful birthday card and its lovely message. I hope that in God’s eyes and Christ’s eyes I am in some degree worthy of the beautiful words. Also thank you for your good letter.

I heard from David and he spoke of the book with some of Pastor Russell’s writings regarding Israel, etc., so I will be awaiting more news about it. Enclosed is an article about how some of the Truth has infiltrated some sections of the Nominal Churches. Also there is an article about Nigerian Bible Students. Just read as much or little as convenient. I have others, but I didn’t send them, as I know your time is limited.

The Noah’s Ark article, I believe you sent me, was a clipping from a paper. It had Ralph Mehl’s name in the corner. I don’t have it now, as I sent it to Elva Lanowick.

I hope this finds all going well. I am feeling quite good. I am still keeping on – going on – trying to be a better person. With love and good wishes for God’s blessing on you and yours.

In Jesus’ dear Name. Amen ------- (California)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

How time flies! Many thanks for your good letter. The weeks pass so quickly these days. Actually since then we have both been “off color.” Betty more so. But Just now we are improving ......

So sorry to hear of the friends you mentioned. We are all moving into the age when life can become somewhat “untoward.” We can but pray for all the dear ones troubled in the “flesh,” and rejoice in their “spirit” shown as per example quoted in your letter. May we all emulate the sister as she continues to enjoy that peace of mind and heart that passes understanding.

The enclosed note is from Brother and Sister -------. We heard from them yesterday, and they said it could go toward the book.... We look forward to having a copy in due course. Thank you! We do appreciate your labours of love – not only on our behalf, but for all the brethren enjoying Parousia and Epiphany Truth. May the Lord’s rich blessing be your happy portion. With Christian love, we are

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

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