NO. 388: THE EVOLUTION THEORY – Part One

No. 388

Most of our readers are reasonably familiar with the theory of Evolution – its errors and vagaries; but we are hopeful that a review of some writings on it – along with some of our own additions – may prove interesting and helpful.

Evolution claims to do with the origin of man; and it is freely admitted that the questions of, Whence came I, and whither do I go, have absorbed the attention of the best minds among the human race since any records have been kept. And yet this subject, complex as it may seem, is relatively simple when its weakness  is properly ex­posed. There are a number of different schools of thought on this subject – each one trying to bridge the gap of error which the others expose; but none of them have suc­ceeded, because it is impossible properly to substantiate error.

We start with the overall picture which almost all of them accept; namely, that the first life on this earth appeared in the water of this hemisphere, originating in the Pristine Mud, and gradually evolving into the fish, then the mammals, then the reptile that lives partly in the water and out of the water; then strictly land-ani­mals – and finally man. This all sounds very good on paper until the microscope of truth is directed upon it.

Those who claim that man originated 2,000,000, or even 10,000 years ago, fail to take into consideration certain indisputable facts. One of the strongest of these is history itself. It is well established among scholars that the first date in history on which scholars can agree is 536 BC – the year Cyrus  the Great sent the Jews back to Jerusalem after their seventy years of Babylonian captivity. We do not mean to in­fer here that nothing happened before that date – we know plenty of things did happen ­but the pundits cannot agree on the dates on which they happened – not prior to 536 BC Now, doesn’t it seem odd that some reliable records would have been kept prior to 536 if man has been on this earth for such a long time? And this does not mean that the intel­ligence was lacking back there to do it. Our readers are familiar with the life of Moses; and intellectuals agree that his was one of the finest minds ever to appear among fallen men.

Euclid is admittedly the most prominent mathematician of antiquity, best known for his treatise on geometry – a man of whom we hear very little today. However, there is a city on Lake Erie in Ohio named Euclid for him. His birthplace is not even known, al­though he lived about 300 BC Next to the Bible, his work is the most translated, pub­lished and studied, of all the books produced by the western world. There are other outstanding Greek and Roman philosophers who are much quoted yet today; yet none of them give us any reliable record prior to 536 BC We are told “knowledge shall increase” (Dan. 12:4), but it is self-evident that intelligence hasn’t increased. As we consider the great minds of the past, all the “intelligence” of our day wouldn’t accomplish much without the accumulated wisdom of the ancients. But with the records of these men’s accomplishments, the accumulated knowledge of the past has enabled them to make consid­erable progress. But no king has ever attained the wisdom of Solomon, much less “evo­luted” – that is, surpassed his wisdom. “With all thy getting, get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7)

It is also well established that the smallest of human brains contains about 68 cubic inches; whereas, the best of the simian apes contains only about 34 cubic inches. Quite a difference! It is little wonder they have never found the “missing link.”

It is in order to insert here that David’s fight with the Philistine giant Goliath properly types the conflict that took place after 1874 AD At that time most of Chris­tendom was permeated with the idea that Evolution was the thing – just as they also then believed that eternal torment was the wages of sin. Thus, Brother Russell had as big a fight over Evolution as he did over eternal torment; but he shattered the belief so com­pletely that hardly any well educated people now believe the error. In fact, we have heard over the radio some months ago that a prominent university was conducting a spec­ial course in its curriculum against Evolution.

We might instance another personal experience: We were reasonably well acquainted with an eye specialist; and one day in his office he remarked – without any prodding from us – that the white of the eye does not ordinarily have any blood in it; but, if you should secure some sort of sore in the eye, a tiny blood vessel would creep out from the rim to treat the sore, dissolve it – then disappear. And he made the remark to us that no one could convince him that was merely a matter of chance: there had to be some intelligence back of it.

One publication that is favorable to the Evolution theory makes the statement: “Science cannot comment on the soul.” Of course, a true evolutionist does not believe the Bible, so he receives little or no help there; but the word ‘soul’ occurs hundreds of times in the Bible, and is well defined by the various lexicographers. And it pre­sents little difficulty to understand it once the truth about it is accepted. We have a tract on What is The Soul, which analyzes the subject quite thoroughly; and any of our readers are welcome to a free copy if they request it.

This same commentator makes this statement: “Modern man is so far removed from nature that if he were plunged back into the Paleolithic conditions he would quickly perish. On the other hand, Paleolithic men would not survive long in modern civilized conditions either.” And further: “Also man is the only species in the animal kingdom that will perform wholesale massacres of its own members; animals are protected from do­ing this by innate behavioral control of aggression. Then the excuse is offered, “Perhaps it is because man is a recent species, lately descended from austra-lopithecines who owed their survival in aggressive behavior in bands, with all that that implies in the way of mob psychology.” When we consider the peace and quiet that prevailed in the Garden of Eden until sin entered, it is just impossible to fit this thing together with any sem­blance of logic or intelligence. “The man and his wife were naked, and they were not ashamed.” (Gen. 2:25) But after they were beguiled into sin, “The Lord God called unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, be­cause I was naked; and I hid myself.” Adam showed much more intelligence about right and wrong, obedience and disobedience, than many people do today.

As stated above, man is the only animal that resorts to wholesale massacre of his own kind. Yet we are told that we have evolved from the lower animals; and, now that we have evolved, we are worse than they are. St. Paul properly describes this in his letter to Timothy: “Avoid profane and vain babblings, and the oppositions of science falsely so called.” (1 Tim. 6:20)

Another cult (not naming themselves Evolutionists, but actually teaching the same thing) produces the brilliant conclusion that God is not really a person, just an energy, and that all of us have evolved from that energy. It takes quite a fluid imagination to reach such a conclusion; and it brings the words of David vividly to mind: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God... there is none that doeth good.” (Psa. 14:1)

SOME CORROBORATIVE TESTIMONY

Following are some excerpts from Parousia Vol. 6, with some comments of our own: “‘In a beginning God created the heaven and the earth,’ we are to remember that this beginning relates not to the universe, but merely to our planet. Then it was that ‘the morning stars sang together’ and all the angelic sons of God ‘shouted for joy’ – when the Lord laid the foundations of the earth and ‘made the cloud the garment hereof and thick darkness its swaddling band.’ (Job 38:4-11)”

The King James version of Gen. 1:2 reads that “the earth was without form and void.” This is self-evidently a very loose statement, because a piece of mud in the hand has some form to it; and, if there was any matter at all in the earth’s constitution at that time, it must necessarily have had some form. The correct translation says, “The earth was empty and waste.” There was no living organism on it at that time.

And there was reason for this: From geological deduction we conclude that “in a ­beginning” the earth was simply molten rock, white with heat – which would drive off everything that could be moved at all, leaving simply the bare rock. In Northern Canada this rock (now cool) appears on the surface (known to miners as the outcropping). There is no earth or vegetation on it.

Inasmuch as the sun was not visible until the fourth day of the creative week (Gen. 1:14-19), it follows that the first three creative days were not 24-hour days, ruled by the sun such as we have with us; but they must have been periods of time. And during those days huge trees and other things developed, which is certainly contrary to anything we know now about 24-hour days. A gigantic tree cannot be produced in one 24-hour day. Nor need we argue that anything is possible with God. We believe that is true; but His possibilities lie only within the scope of his own laws as we observe them today. We are told it is impossible for God to lie, the reason being that this is contrary to His own established law of truth.

Therefore, we conclude that those creative days were periods of time; and we find substantiation for this in the Bible. It tells us of the day of temptation in the wil­derness – forty years (Psa. 95:8-10; Heb. 3:9,17), sometimes called a day or “time.” Also, Peter’s statement “that a day with the Lord is as a thousand years.” (2 Pet. 3:8) Also, Psa. 90:4: “A thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” Certainly those creative days could not have been of 24-hours duration; but it would seem a logical conclusion that all of them were of the same length of time, regardless of their duration, being of one creative week.

Here is what Prof. Dana has to say about it: “In calculations of elapsed time from the thickness of formations there is always great uncertainty, arising from the depen­dence of this thickness on a progressing subsistence (irregular sinking of the land). In estimates made from alluvial deposits (soil deposited from water), when the data are based on the thickness of the accumulations in a given number of years – say the last 2,000 years – this source of doubt affects the whole calculation from its foundation and renders it almost, if not, quite worthless. When the estimate is based on the amount of detritus (fine scouring) discharged by a stream it is of more value; but even here there is a source of great doubt.”

Thus, it is unfortunate that at the beginning of this millennium (1874) some of the brightest minds have rejected the thought of an intelligent Creator to the recognition of a blind force operating under a law of evolution and survival of the fittest. That theory had not only found acceptance generally in the highest institutions of learning, but it was gradually being incorporated into the text books of our grammar schools.

We now quote from Parousia Vol. Two, first published in 1889: “It is not many years since the skeleton of a man was found in a former bed of the Mississippi river, and some geologists began to calculate how many thousands of years might be indicated by the many feet of silt, slime, etc., covering the skeleton, and fancied they had a very valuable sample of pre-historic man. But finding later, several feet below the skeleton, parts of a flat boat, such as was in use on the Mississippi less than fifty years ago, it com­pletely upset the calculations, and relieved mankind of another proof that the world is hundreds of thousands of years older than the Bible teaches.” (page 35, par. 1)

Those of our readers who can recall the year 1925 will remember the famous trial at Dayton, Tenn., where the teacher was teaching this evolution theory to his pupils; and it aroused the animosity of many of the Dayton citizens. Eventually, they brought teach­er Scopes to trial, with the idea of discharging him from his position. He engaged Clarence Darrow, the renowned Chicago criminal lawyer for his defense, while the opposition brought William Jennings Bryan on their side. At the turn of the century evolutionism was being badly battered by the truth that was hurled against it; and it is probable that Mr. Bryan read enough of that at that time to give him enough truth to win the Day­ton battle, although many publications at that time severely ridiculed him for his stand on the subject.

However, here is what one prominent publication has to say about it: “Highly pub­licized trial of a Dayton, Tenn., high school teacher, John T. Scopes, charged with vio­lating state law by teaching the theory of evolution: In March 1925 the Tennessee leg­islature had declared unlawful the teaching of any doctrine  denying the divine creation of man as taught by the Bible. World attention focused on the trial proceedings, which promised confrontation between fundamentalist literal belief and liberal interpretation of the Scriptures. William Jennings Bryan led for the prosecution, and Clarence Darrow (a famous Chicago criminal lawyer – JJH) for the defense... The judge ruled out any test of the law’s constitutionality or argument on the validity of Darwin’s theory, limiting the trial to the single question of whether John T. Scopes had taught evolution, which he admittedly had. He was convicted and fined $100. On appeal, the State Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the 1925 law, but acquitted Scopes on the technicality that he had been fined excessively. The law was repealed in 1967.”

One of the clever remarks made by William Jennings Bryan at this trial was when Clarence Darrow handed him a rock and asked Bryan to tell him the age of it. Said Bryan, “I am not interested in the age of rocks; I am only interested in the Rock of Ages.”

REGARDING MULES

The average person considers a mule a cross between a donkey and a horse, which is true; but the definition is not comprehensive enough. A mule is any animal that can­not reproduce itself. And this rule is so rigid in nature that animals will not gener­ally cross their line, but they occasionally do so under the pressure of man. Thus, a dove and a pigeon – looking almost like twins – will mate under pressure, and produce an offspring; but that offspring cannot reproduce itself. This offers the evolution­ists more of a problem than they have been able to solve.

THE MENDEL SYSTEM

Mendel was a monk who did considerable research into this matter of evolution; he did not believe it. Thus, he eventually discovered that the reproduction of animals al­ways followed a well-defined pattern. For instance, if he mated a white rabbit with a black rabbit, the offspring would invariably be 25% black and 25% white, with the remain­der being mottled. He demonstrated this so many times that those who became familiar with it could not do otherwise than believe it. Also, some sixty years or more back some breeders of chickens decided to cross different varieties, with the idea of obtain­ing the best in each strain. But what happened? Instead of the best in each, they produced the worst in each, making the experiment a complete failure. Horsemen have dis­covered the same thing with valuable horses; so they now content themselves with improv­ing the strain they have – without any crossing. All of this is bold and transparent dis­putation of evolution.

THE COSMOGONIC THEORY

Many theories have been advanced on this subject, evolution being involved in some of them. However, we incline to the explanation of Prof. Vale, which we shall offer briefly as follows: First of all, we would say that things unrevealed belong to God, and we do well to wait for the “due time” of His revelation. However, by way of research man has found there are various strata or layers composing the earth’s structure. Nor is this altogether theory. If we go to the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado ­where it is a mile deep – there the various strata are so plainly visible that they al­most look as though they had been put there by the artist’s brush. They not only are varied in thickness, but each has a different color.

Scientists agree that these strata were at one time moist and soft – when the earth was a molten mass of white heat. This great heat drove anything movable away from the earth; but as the earth began to cool these various rings were precipitated producing what we see in the Grand Canyon. That the earth is still far from cool on the inside is shown by the geysers in Yellowstone Park, which erupt regularly with very warm water. This is also corroborated by the gold mines of South Africa, some of which are down about two miles; and the temperature is so warm there it is very difficult to recover the gold.

It is well to insert here that gold is about the heaviest material we know, being nineteen times heavier than water. Thus, being the heaviest, it logically follows it would be the first to be precipitated back to earth. That accounts for gold being so difficult to find, costly to recover, giving it the name of the precious metal. It is generally taught that it is indestructible, which is basically true; but this does not mean that it is always in the form in which we see it. Gold will melt at 2,000° Fahren­heit; and, if it is heated enough, it will dissolve into a gaseous form. Thus, the earth’s gold mines are deepest in the earth – sometimes visible on the surface, and sometimes not. In fact, the gold discovered at Sutter’s mill in California in 1848 was largely on the surface, and is known as placer mining. That found in the quartz stringers goes deeply into the earth, must be blasted loose by highly scientific methods – very expensive to recover; and most of it is thus located.

It is surmised that there were seven rings about the earth – and this is confirmed by the formations in the Grand Canyon. The last of these is believed to have been most­ly water; that it broke at the North and South Poles first, then rushed toward earth’s center, causing the great Flood of Gen. 7. There is some substantiation for this, be­cause in recent years men have found animals in the frozen north with undigested grass in their stomachs, clearly proving that a great change violently and suddenly took place.

It also changed our climate in a marked manner. Quite a few of the antediluvians then lived for more than nine hundred years. But, so far as we know, no one born after the Great Flood ever lived half that long. And there seems to be good cause for this: Before the Flood there had been no rain upon the earth (“There went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground”—Gen. 2:6), which means there was no fermentation in the earth before the flood. Thus, the atmosphere was probably about 80% oxygen and 20% nitrogen, which would he conducive to long life. Now the situation is just reversed: Presently, the air is about 20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen; and water cov­ers about 80% of the earth’s surface.

Geologists claim that the surface gold found in California in 1848 is simply the wash-off, the small residue that was absorbed by the glaciers, then deposited in Califor­nia when the ice melted.     So far as we know, there are no gold mines at all at the equa­tor, but the real deposits are to be found nearer the North and South Poles. The Hollin­ger Mine at Timmins, Ont. (not too far from the Arctic Circle) was at one time the largest gold mine in the world; and those in far South Africa are also unusually large and prof­itable to mine.

Now follows a comment of Prof. G. F. Wright, Oberlin College, Ohio, regarding this matter: “Prof. Wright firmly believes that, at the remote time that North America was covered with ice, Siberia was also covered with ice. And the water and the ice were practically phases of the Biblical flood... All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, Noah only and those with him in the ark remained alive. After 40 days and forty nights of continuous rain – the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days (Gen. 7:17-24).”

Knowing the end from the beginning, Jehovah so times the introduction of man upon the earth that the last of the rings came down in a deluge just at the proper time – in 1656 years after creation – to destroy the corrupted race in Noah’s day, and thus introduce the pres­ent dispensation (“this present evil world”—Gal. 1:4). The removal of the watery en­circlement of the earth not only gave changing seasons of summer and winter, and opened the way for violent storms, earthquakes, etc., but it also made possible the rainbow, which was first seen after the flood, because previously the sun could not penetrate the watery canopy so as to give the rainbow effect. (Gen. 9:12-17) And that bow was set in the sky as a solemn assurance that “all flesh be not cut off any more by the waters of a flood.” (Gen. 9:11) And so it has been since the great Flood, there has been no flood since to “cut off” all flesh.

However, those living at that time did not believe what God had told them, so they attempted to build the Tower of Babel (gateway to God, or Heaven). “So the Lord said, let us go down and confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” (Gen. 11:7) This had the effect of dividing the people into tribes or groups, and eventually into nations as we see them now. But, whereas the Lord wished to scat­ter them then, He is now doing just the reverse: “My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation ... for all the earth (society as presently organized) shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” (Zeph. 3:8) And after that, the kingdom – “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” “I will turn to the people a pure language (a language they can all understand – not cor­rupted with the traditions and foolish imaginations of evolutionists and other errorists – some of which we have mentioned aforegoing), that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.” (Zeph. 3:9)

THE CREATIVE WEEK

It is our understanding that each of the “days” of the creative week was 7,000 years long, the first two of which (14,000 years.) were devoted to the ordering of the earth in preparation for animal life. The next two days (another 14,000 years) were de­voted to bringing forth vegetation and the lowest forms of life – shell-fish, etc. – in the water. The next two epoch days (14,000 years) brought forth living creatures that move in the sea and on the land. It was during the sixth of these 7,000-year days that the reptiles appeared – those animals that lived partly in the water and partly on the land.  And at the extreme end of the sixth day “God said, let us make man in our image.” (Gen. 1:26)

And man in God’s “image” in his physical organism is so vastly superior to the highest member of the brute creation as proves him to be an animal standing immeasur­ably above all of earth’s other animals, which is a pure disproof of evolution. His up­right position – not walking on his hind legs – with all its implications, physical, men­tal, moral and religious, and its guarding him from degradation in these four respects, is one of his marked physical differences from the brute creation. It is well stated that man has four characteristics, or appetites – the alimentiveness (the desire for food and drink); the procreative (the affinity for the opposite sex); the acquisitive (the desire to get and to hold – house to house, field to field); and the spiritual (the desire to worship a higher being). All of the lower animals have the first two of these appetites, some have the third, but none of them have the fourth. And this fourth is so deeply imbedded in our blood that the worst of the heathen – even savages – all have it. If we go to darkest Africa, we find those limited intellects worshiping some­thing that they believe is higher than they are, and which they hold in reverential awe.

A well-made man surpasses in symmetry and beauty the form of any of the brute cre­ation – his expressive eye, his winsome smile, his charming voice and his intellectual and religious countenance.  We once knew a man who had done some prospecting in the Rocky Mountains of the United States.  Inasmuch as a good portion of rock is exposed in those mountains, this man would occasionally just sit on a board and slide down the moun­tain for a hundred or two hundred feet. One day he did this, but at the bottom he slid right into a sort of room enclosed on three sides by an unscalable wall, with a door in the middle of the front wall. But, when he looked around there was a mountain lion very near him, bristling his back hairs and swishing his tail in an angry manner. Of course, the man was quite unnerved; he was defenseless against this brute, and unable to get away from him. So he said he just began to curse the lion very loudly – at which time the lion pricked up his ears, looked timidly at the man, then turned and went out the door. Apparently he had never heard a human voice before, and it completely befuddled him.

Thus, there is nothing in the brute creation that bears reasonable comparison with man. The human skin in complexion, delicacy, softness and informativeness is far above that of any of the brutes. His five senses stand out perceptibly, although dogs and other animals may have a keener sense of smell because of their need for it, whereas, man does not need it. Above all external members, man’s hand is the finest tool that has ever been seen. It can wrap itself around any object. Just contrast this with the fin of the fish, the wing of a bird, the hoof of the horse, cow or sheep, the pedal of the elephant, the paw of the lion, tiger, dog or cat and the combination of the foot-hand of the simian groups, and the difference reaches to high heaven in favor of man’s hand.

Even apart from Adam being in God’s image and likeness, his body stands out as al­most infinitely superior to that of any member of the brute creation. Well could David exclaim: “I am  fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works.” (Psa. 139:14)

Surely man’s body, apart from his intellectual, moral and religious endowments, in contrast with the bodies of earth’s lower creatures, is a strong disproof of evolution, a strong proof of his being a special creation, and a wonderful credit to his Creator’s wisdom, power, justice and love.

Another telling argument against evolution is the assertion of Acts: “God hath made of one blood all nations of men.” And this is borne out by the results we see. It matters not what races intermingle, their children are able to reproduce themselves. A white man and a Chinese; a Chinese and a Negro; an Indian and an Eskimo – all come within the scope of Gen. 1:24,25: “And God said, Let the beast of the earth bring forth after his kind.” In certain places the races have interbred, without any of them pro­ducing a sterile offspring – a statement which cannot be truthfully said about any of the lower animals. This certainly proves the unity of the human race and disproves evo­lution. Some philologists claim that all languages are derived from one basic language – proven by the similarity of their chief roots, words, and grammatical constructions.

This has reduced our languages to five linguistic groups, and these five in turn may be reduced to one original language. Inasmuch as there are thousands of different animals, it would mean thousands of different languages if the human family had origi­nated as did the brute creation.

Part Two of this treatise on Evolution will be concluded in a future paper. We trust what we have given will be a help and blessing to all God’s people who read it.

“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, not such as turn aside to lies. Many, 0 Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” (Psa. 40:4,5)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint No. 296, February 1980)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Was Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus, an Ancient Worthy?

ANSWER: – So far as we know, this question never came up under Brothers Russell or Johnson; otherwise we would quote their opinion rather than our answer. We have the same attitude toward both messengers that Brother Johnson had toward Bro. Russell: If the Scriptures didn't give him an unmistakable answer to such questions, he always took Brother Russell's opinion rather than his own.

While the Bible does not definitely say Joseph was an Ancient Worthy, it would seem from the general setting, and the things said about Joseph, that he was one of them. Some might think that he would have been mentioned in the 11th Chapter of Hebrews if he were an Ancient Worthy, but there were other prominent Ancient Worthies not mentioned in that Chapter – John the Baptist, Isaiah, Hosea and "the prophets" (Heb. 11:32). So the fact that he was not mentioned in that Chapter would be no criterion. The Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream with instructions concerning Mary; and Joseph followed very carefully what he was told to do. (Matt. 1:20,21) Undoubtedly he was faithful in carrying out all the Lord told him to do.

So far as we know, there is nothing in the records to tell us whether Joseph was alive or dead when Jesus died, but the commentators infer that he was dead; otherwise Jesus would not have given the Apostle John the custody of His mother. Since Joseph was faithful in all the Lord told him to do, caring for Mary until Jesus was born, then caring for Jesus until He became the anointed One ‑ Jesus Christ ‑ Jesus would not have ignored His stepfather to give John the custody of His mother. The Jewish family arrangement was a very strong one; thus, Jesus would hardly have told Mary to leave her husband, and make her home with John.

Matthew 1:19 says Joseph was "a just man"; and this identical expression was given concerning Cornelius (Acts 10:22). Galations 3:11 and Rom. 1:17 tell us that the "just shall live by faith"; and it would seem that Joseph lived by faith. According to Acts 24:15, which uses the same Greek word 'dikaios' translated "just," then he would receive "a better resurrection" ‑ the resurrection of "the just." He had the supreme privilege of caring for the boy Jesus; and this in itself was a great honor. Joseph believed God, and Gal. 3:6 says "Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Reprint 261, March, 1977)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

To Sister Hoefle and Brethren: Christian love!

I am happy to know your operation was successful. It is good to know that the brethren at the Bible House continue to give us "meat in due season," so that our Elders can give us the Truth in its purity.

I am not so well – have arthritis with all the other pressure. I am preparing for the Memorial. I wish all at home and abroad a blessed and peaceful Memorial. Excuse hurried writing.

With Christian love, ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Sister Emily,

Your nice letter was received and I was glad to hear from you. So glad you are feeling better. I ordered most of the books on the list except for Tabernacle Shadows. I will send for that when I have more finances.

What are your thoughts about what is going on in Israel? Does it signify Bible prophecies for our time? I read in one of the books I ordered that Pastor Russell wrote "Photo Drama of Creation." How could I obtain a copy of this book?

I am getting the monthly papers and enjoy them very much. Also have received the Israel Bulletin. I am thankful to know that I am in your thoughts and prayers. I need your prayers very much. Today my daughter has been gone for one year. It feels like it was yesterday. But I pray and read my literature and that consoles me.

Christian love, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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NO. 387: “THE GIFTS AND CALLINGS OF GOD”

No. 387

(Genesis 12:1‑8)

“I will bless thee and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing.” Our lesson relates to the call of Abram (high father), whom God renamed Abraham (father of a multitude), although indirectly the special point of the lesson refers to the calling of Abraham’s seed, natural and spiritual, and the Divine bestowments to them, constituting them the centers of hope to the world of mankind. Already they have been greatly used of the Lord, but the Scriptures indicate that their influence and usefulness toward their fellow‑creatures have only begun, and will reach their glorious culmination during the Millennium.

Abraham’s early life was spent at Ur of Chaldea, the ruins of which (now known by the name of Mugheir) are being excavated and explored. They indicate that it was once a seat of business activity, and Professor Sayce says that the name Abram (Abu‑Ramu) is found on early Babylonian contract tablets, and some tablets recently unearthed at Ur contain part of the story of the deluge. Scholars are hoping to find in these ruins the Babylonian library, containing the original tablets from which the narratives of the creation and flood were copied for the library at Ninevah.

We are to remember that Abraham was born two years after the death of Noah, and that Noah’s father, Lamech, was born fifty‑six years before Adam’s death – hence the chain of tradition had few links up to Abraham’s time, even though the period was nearly 2,000 years long. It is not strange, therefore, that the story of the creation and of the flood are found in the land of the Chaldeans at a date prior to Moses’ writings the Pentateuch. It should always be borne in mind that the Scriptures make no claim that Moses was present at the time of creation or at the time of the flood, nor that the writer was a witness of the other incidents recorded in Genesis. Moses was merely the recorder who, under Divine supervision and direction that enabled him to be the Law‑giver and commander of typical Israel, was used as God’s amanuensis in recording for our benefit such events in the lives of individuals, as well as their chronologies, as would help to perfect the chain of previous history. We should remember, also, that the records of God’s doings would be appreciated by those who are loyal to him, amongst whom must be included Noah and his family, and that Abraham, as we have seen, was directly in this line – a scion of one of the best branches of Noah’s immediate posterity.

THE REIGN OF SIN

The indications are that idolatry and immorality had taken firm hold upon that branch of Noah’s family (Shem) of which Abraham came, and which is recognized to this day as the highest and noblest branch and the one most favored by the Almighty. The assumption is not unreasonable, therefore, that Abraham’s father, Terah, and his two elder brothers, Haran and Nahor, were considerably influenced by this spirit of idolatry. The record is that God first communicated with Abram while he resided at Ur, indicating the propriety of a change of residence to Canaan. Apparently he (Abram) had considerable influence with the family, so that they all removed from Ur, a distance of about six hundred miles northward to Haran, possibly a place of their own establishment and named after Terah’s eldest son, who died about that time.

Whether it was God’s revelation to Abraham or the death of his son Haran that influenced Terah and the family to remove from Ur we cannot know – possibly both incidents had their influence. However, it was not God’s design to call Abraham’s entire family but merely himself. Hence, apparently with the Lord’s approval, Abraham remained in Haran for five years, until the death of Terah. Then, with his share of the property, with his wife Sarah, who was also his half sister, and with Lot, the son of his deceased brother Haran, Abraham carried out the Divine arrangement by removing from Haran into the land of Canaan, a journey of about three hundred miles more. The clear intimation of the Scriptures is that in this matter Abraham acted in harmony with God’s directions, along the lines of faith and obedience. We may infer that this obedience was rendered at the cost of earthly name and fame, and that Abraham must have been out of record with the idolatry and licentiousness and immorality of his native place, as well as full of faith in God and fully in harmony with the Divine principles of righteousness, and glad to be obedient to the Lord.

ABRAHAM WAS WEALTHY AND POWERFUL

A lesson for us here is, God first, righteousness first – before earthly prosperity, especially that which might be obtained through evil methods or other fellowship with the unrighteous. True, as the Apostle says, to have no dealings with the unrighteous might imply that we need to go out of the world, since unrighteousness is so prevalent; but as in Abraham’s case the Lord’s invitation to us to separate ourselves as much as possible from people and circumstances and conditions whose tendency is downward toward sin, and to affiliate ourselves as much as possible with those influences which would help us to a closer walk with God. Although Abraham had no children he had a large number of persons under his care. These were his servants, and how numerous they were may be judged from the fact that a little later Abraham was able to muster 318 fighting men amongst them – the company who went after those who had taken Lot’s property. This number of fighting men would imply a considerably larger number in the aggregate. It would appear, therefore, that Abraham was a very powerful sheik or prince of the time, the number of whose flocks and herds, requiring so many servants, must have been large indeed. No wonder his servant was able to tell Rebecca that Abraham was very rich. Much of those riches, of course, was gained in Canaan, but a considerable portion of it evidently went with him into Canaan.

FURTHER SEPARATION FROM IDOLATRY

When Abraham and his company had come into the land of Canaan under the Lord’s direction, he settled for awhile at Shechem, that portion subsequently known as Samaria. But he did not remain there long, for, as we read, the Canaanite was still in the land. It was doubtless to be free from the immoral influences of the Canaanites, and to have his people separated from these, that Abraham removed subsequently to the mountainous country near Bethel. There he established his home, there he reared an altar to the Lord and prayed. Would that each head of a family were thus careful to look out for the interests of those under his charge, that these interests should be advantageous to their welfare everywhere! Would that more could realize how indispensable it is to have an altar to the Lord in their home, where the prayer incense would ascend to the Father through the merit of the Redeemer. The true altar not having been provided of the Lord, Abraham and others of his time reared altars of stone for use in the Lord’s worship. But we have the golden altar of the Holy, and are permitted to offer thereupon, as members of the body of the great High Priest, under Him as our Head and glorious representative.

THE DIVINE PROMISE

Whenever God calls any for any purpose He sets before the called ones an object, a reason, a motive, and this He did with Abraham. He not only called him out of his own country to a life of separation from sin, but He attached to that a great promise, which had a mighty influence upon the mind of Abraham and his children and all the Jewish nation, and since then upon all the Spiritual Israelites, the Israelites indeed. The promise was that not only would Abraham receive a blessing, but that in and through him “all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” This must have seemed a very obscure promise to Abraham, and his obedience to it was the more remarkable, so that he is held up to be an example of a proper unquestioning faith in the Word and Wisdom of the Almighty – “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” He might have objected that he could do more good in Ur, where wickedness prevailed, than he could accomplish in the mountains of Palestine, where he and others under his godly influence were comparatively separate from others in the world. His faith was shown in that he did not attempt to argue the matter with the Lord, but obeyed implicitly. So it is with many of God’s Spiritual Israel of the present time: the call of the Lord comes, and His direction of Word and Providence seems perhaps from our standpoint to be not in harmony with our anticipations respecting His will and the attainment of His purposes.

And alas! how few of nominal Spiritual Israel take Abraham’s course and get Abraham’s blessing. The obedient are only “a little flock,” to whom it will be the Father’s good pleasure to give the Kingdom and its great work of blessing all the families of the earth. Many of them are inclined to resist God’s providences, not exercising a sufficiency of faith. Some determine that it is their mission to convert the world; others that they must engage in political reform; others that their efforts must be used in temperance work, thus bringing about a reign of righteousness. We are not disputing that all of these are good works, and that good motives are behind them; but we do claim that many of the dear friends who are zealous in these ways are not sufficiently attentive to the Word of God to be obedient to it. As a consequence, many of them are disappointed and numbers are sidetracked.

How many temperance workers have become discouraged at the paucity of results they are able to attain! How many interested in foreign missions are disappointed that, whereas the number of heathen a century ago was estimated at about 600,000,000, statistics today tell us that they now number 1,200,000,000. We appreciate, and feel sure that God appreciates, their good intentions, their good endeavors; yet they are liable to make shipwreck of their faith because not heeding with sufficient care the voice of Him that speaketh from heaven and who directs us.

“THIS IS THE WAY, WALK YE IN IT”

The spiritual lesson in the story of Abraham is that God is pleased to honor faith, and that the experiences of life which He permits to come to the faithful are intended for their development in faith and in the graces of the holy Spirit, and that these all are unitedly a preparation for God’s still greater work of the future.

Abraham was not sent as a missionary back to Haran or to Ur, nor indeed to the people who surrounded him. The Lord’s message was, “Walk thou before me and be thou perfect.” God, of course, knew that Abraham was actually imperfect, tainted by the fall, and this command, therefore, signified that his heart should be perfect – his will, his intentions, and his conduct as nearly as possible in harmony with God’s perfect will. The Apostle Paul shows us that he was not justified on account of any righteousness of his own, for he puts Abraham with the list of Ancient Worthies who were justified not by the works of the Law but by faith, and who, because of their faith, “had this testimony that they pleased God.” It was his faith that led Abraham into a strange country away from his kindred, because he trusted God; it was faith that enabled him to stand various tests by the way, including the command to offer up his son as a sacrifice, his only son, in whom centered all the promises.

It was his faith in the promise of God – that in a future time through his seed a reign of righteousness would be established in the earth – that led Abraham to look for that city (government) of sure foundation upon principles of righteousness – the heavenly city, the government or kingdom of God’s dear Son, which is to put down all insubordination and bring everything into subjection to the Divine will. The seed of Abraham, the elect church of this Gospel age, is to exercise Divine power in the earth and cause every knee to bow and every tongue to confess; and after instituting a reign of righteousness and blessings thereby to all the families of the earth, is to deliver up the kingdom, perfect and complete, to God, even the Father, at the close of the Millennial age. This was the promise made to Abraham, “In thee and thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” And he was willing to waive his share in the governmental position and power of the present time under present adverse conditions, that he might have some share in the glorious Messianic Kingdom of the future.

“YE SHALL SEE ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB”

When Messiah’s kingdom, itself invisible, shall establish a reign of righteousness in the earth, it will have amongst men visible representatives, “princes in the earth.” (Psa. 45:16) We are assured that Abraham will be one of these (Heb. 11:17), and will thus have to do actively, prominently, with the establishment of the reign of righteousness and the demonstrations of justice and mercy and love to the world of mankind, “to all the families of the earth.” He is mentioned as one of this class in Hebrews 11:39,40. At one time, in company with others, we surmised that Abraham would have been placed in the heavenly Kingdom of the spiritual class; but a more careful consideration of the matter shows us, to the contrary, that he belongs to the class of Ancient Worthies of whom the Apostle declares that God has provided some better thing for us than for them, although their blessing shall be a great one. Abraham, styled the father of the faithful, the Redeemer says, “rejoiced to see my day: and saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56) By faith he saw the Millennial day, the kingdom well founded; by faith he rejoiced in the glorious reign of righteousness then to be established.

But while this blessing is to come to the world through the seed of Abraham, the Scriptures indicate that a great change takes place by which the seed, the child of Abraham, Christ, becomes greater than Abraham, as it is written, “Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.” (Psa. 45:16)

Abraham, instead of being viewed any longer as the father of Messiah, will be recognized as one of His children, perfect on the earthly plane and made a prince amongst men, to be used as an active agent of the glorified Christ in dispensing the blessings secured by the great redemptive sacrifice. Referring to the matter, our Lord points out the fact that these Ancient Worthies will be visible to men, but properly enough says not a word about Himself and the Apostles or any of the bride class being visible. The statement is, “Ye shall see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the prophets.” The fact that the still more notable ones in the kingdom are not referred to is an evidence that they will not be seen by the world, and this comports with the Lord’s statement to some of His day, “Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more.” It agrees also with the declaration, “We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” Only those changed from human to spirit nature, under the terms of the Lord’s arrangement of this Gospel age, will be spirit beings, and they alone therefore will be able to see, discern, the Lord and other spirit beings.

“WHICH SEED IS CHRIST”

The Apostle points out to us most distinctly that the seed of Abraham according to the flesh was Jesus, our Lord, who is now of the flesh no more, having sacrificed it and received the begetting of the spirit to the new nature. He is now the glorified one, the Christ, Abraham’s Lord and David’s Lord. And the Apostle points out to us as a great mystery the fact that God during this Gospel Age is selecting from amongst mankind some to be joint‑heirs with Jesus in the Kingdom – to be members of the seed of Abraham (Eph. 3:9; Acts 15:17; Rom. 8:17) We ask how could this be, since the Law Covenant was added, and since Jesus alone fulfilled the terms of the Law Covenant and ended all the hopes and prospects it contained? Surely no Jew preceded our Lord in the matter, and surely, since our Lord has finished His course, the offer of the Law Covenant is no longer open to the Jew, as it never was open to a Gentile. Where, then, is the prospect for either Jew or Gentile being joined with Christ, in joint‑heirship with Christ in this Abrahamic Covenant?

We reply that we are accepted of the Lord, as the “bride of Christ,” the “Lamb’s wife.” The Church, composed in the beginning exclusively of Jews, and subsequently almost exclusively of Gentiles, is as a whole accepted by the Lord as His bride, and by becoming joined to Him and by union or marriage with Him these, whether Jews or Gentiles, are made His joint‑heirs. This is the Apostle’s clear statement of the matter, for after telling that Christ is the seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16) he adds a word respecting the Church, his prospective bride, saying “If ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29) In the one figure we are accepted as members of the Lord’s body, that is, when the Apostle says, “Ye brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise;” in another figure we are accepted as members of His bride.

THE WIFE MADE READY

As our Lord was tested in all points yet without sin, so all of these who are counted worthy to be His members must similarly stand the testing to demonstrate their character‑likeness to Him and their worthiness of a share in His glorious Kingdom. Hence it does not surprise us that everywhere throughout the Scriptures appeals are made to the Lord’s people, not so much respecting what they shall do for others as what they shall do for themselves and for each other. We are not opposing the thought of doing good unto all men as we have opportunity, but emphasizing the other thought that we are to do good “especially to the household of faith.” We are to “build one another up in the most holy faith,” we are to “lay down our lives for the brethren,” we are to “comfort one another,” – “edify one another.” In a word the bride, the Lamb’s wife, is to “make herself ready” – not without the Bridegroom’s supervision and assistance, but with it and as a part of it.

As the trial of faith was the most prominent feature of Abraham’s testing, so it must needs be with us, His true children. It is the trial of your faith that is much more precious than gold, as the Apostle says, and he assures us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” For this reason it is required of those who now walk in the narrow way that they shall walk by faith and not by sight. When the time comes for the shining forth of the Sun of Righteousness and the scattering of the darkness and mystery that surrounds the Divine character and Word and the permission of evil, there will be plenty ready and able to walk by sight; but the Lord is now looking for the few, the little flock, able and willing to walk by faith, through evil report and good report, to trust Him where they cannot trace Him, and to demonstrate their loyalty by their faithfulness and their endurance even unto death. The trials of the present time upon the Gospel Church are with a view to testing the character, with a view to determining who are worthy and who are unworthy to constitute the seed of Abraham, which God promised shall ultimately bless all the families of the earth.

SURE TO BOTH THE SEEDS

The Apostle declares that God promised not the blessing through the seeds of Abraham, as of many, but “in thy seed,” as of one. We have already seen that this one seed is the Christ, but we now notice that while there are not many seeds there is another seed beside this Messianic class – a seed’s seed, as it were. The Apostle clearly intimates this in his declaration respecting the Law and Gospel, that the object was “that the promise might be sure to both seeds,” not only that which is according to the spirit, but also that which is according to the Law. This was intimated also in the fact that a promise was made to Ishmael as well as to Isaac. But the promise to Ishmael proceeded through Isaac, the one seed of promise. Similarly the Lord’s blessing on all the families of the earth must proceed through the one seed, which is Christ – the Messianic seed of Abraham.

St. Paul makes very clear that there is a double allotment of Divine mercy and provision – one portion to the spiritual seed and another portion to the natural seed of Abraham. In Romans Chapter 11, where, after describing the rejection of the natural seed of Abraham and the acceptance of the spiritual seed, he points to the fact that at the end of this Gospel Age the spiritual seed will be complete, and then he declares that the Divine blessing shall go to the natural seed of Abraham again – to those who were broken off, rejected and blinded because they were unable to realize and appreciate the spiritual part of the promise. For them then remains an earthly or natural part, and blessing will surely come to them, because God has already declared that “the Deliverer shall come out of Zion and turn away ungodliness from Jacob, because this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes, but as touching the promises of God they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes; for the gifts and callings of God are things not to be repented of.” (Rom. 11:26‑29)

After thus most clearly specifying that God’s gifts and callings from the remote past included the restoration of the Jews to Divine favor at the close of this Gospel Age, the Apostle proceeds to show how this blessing must come through the spiritual seed, saying, “They shall obtain mercy through your mercy” – through the mercy of the Gospel Church, the spiritual seed of Abraham, under Christ their Head.

“ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH”

The turning of God’s blessing to Israel at the close of this Gospel Age will include the exaltation to honorable service of the worthy ones of the past dispensation, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets – “princes in all the earth” – ensamples of perfect manhood, leaders of the people. But it will mean more than this, for the promise was not merely that through the seed of Abraham, spiritual, the natural seed of Abraham shall be blessed, but “In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Hence, as the Apostle points out, the Gospel Church is a “first‑fruits unto God of his creatures” in one sense, a first‑fruits on a spirit plane, and natural Israel will be a first‑fruits of His creatures on an earthly plane; and in proportion to their willingness, under the guidance of the Ancient Worthies, they may be helpful to all the families of the earth in spreading knowledge of the great Messiah and the rules and regulations of His Kingdom, for the blessing and uplifting of all the families of the earth.

Mark how the Apostle declared that if the rejections of Israel meant a blessing to the Gentiles, will not the re-gathering of Israel signify life from the dead to the world in general. (Rom. 11:15) It surely will. In order for the seed of Abraham according to the flesh to realize the blessings God has promised, an awakening from the sleep of death will be necessary, since God is no respecter of persons. In a general sense it follows that these blessings which He has covenanted to give first to Israel, He is equally willing and able to give to all mankind in due time. O, how much of goodness and mercy God can crowd into a few words! How little Abraham was able to comprehend the lengths and breadths and heights and depths of Divine blessing that was conferred upon him when the Lord said, “Because thou hast done this, in blessing I will bless thee and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed, and it shall be as the stars of heaven and the sand upon the seashore.”

How little Abraham could have understood that the seed that was to be as the stars of heaven is the spiritual seed, and that the seed that shall be as the sand upon the seashore is the natural seed. In a word, not only those of fleshly Israel who accepted the blessings and favors of the Kingdom, but humanity in general, all the families of the earth will be privileged to become the seed of Abraham through faith and obedience, even as we of this Gospel Age who are Gentiles have been privileged through faith and obedience to become joint‑heirs in spiritual Israel with those Jews who were Israelites indeed at the first advent.

THE GOLDEN TEXT

God’s promise to Abraham was abundantly fulfilled in his own person: it was fulfilled also in his natural seed and his spiritual seed. Surely, of all, the latter is the most blessed. What more could God say to us or do for us than He has already said and done? Lifting us from the horrible pit and miry clay of sin and condemnation, He has placed our feet upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and put a new song in our mouths. Yea, more, He has adopted us into His family and made us heirs of God, joint‑heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Pet. 1:4,5)

The declaration is added, “I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse him that curseth thee.” This does not refer to blessing by the lips or cursing by the lips merely, but rather appertains to conduct – he that does good to you, who favors you, I will favor; he that injures you I will permit to be injured. How this has been fulfilled in the case of the natural Jew, even in his outcast condition! Those nations which have maltreated the Jew have suffered, those which have treated him with kindness have been more or less blessed. And if we apply this to the spiritual seed of Abraham, does it not fit even better? Has there not come a blessing of the Lord to all those who have either said or done kindness to His faithful? and has not blight followed upon those who in any sense of the word have sought to do injury to the Lord’s Anointed? “If God be for us who can be against us?” (Pastor Russell – Reprints 3935‑3938, February 1, 1907)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Will the heathen and others be saved by their ignorance?

ANSWER: – We believe not; for there is no power or anything else good in ignorance to save anyone. Instead of ignorance being Scripturally a ground for salvation it is Scripturally set forth as a reason for alienation from God. (Eph. 4:18; Hos. 4:6; Rom. 2:12) Furthermore, the Scriptures show that knowledge is essential to faith and salvation.(Rom. 10:14‑17; Acts 4:12) This is likewise implied in the fact that obtaining salvation presupposes personal acts by the intellect, sensibilities and will, i.e., a matter pertaining to the domain of character, requiring, as it does, on our part the steps of repentance, faith and consecration. It is for this reason that the Church was commanded to teach, i. e., make others know, that those taught might by their knowledge gain salvation. (Matt. 28:18‑20 – also see 2 Pet. 1:2,3; 2:2‑21)

Indeed the theory that the heathen and others are saved by their ignorance is a patent absurdity – although some good people want to believe they will be thus saved believing as they do that they will have no opportunity of salvation otherwise. But, why send missionaries to teach them salvation, if they are saved by ignorance? According to this theory to teach them would cause most of them – those who will not believe to be lost who otherwise would have been saved by their ignorance. So all through the generations of the Gospel Age to preach to them would have been the cause of perdition to almost all who heard the message. Are we to believe that God who desires that the people may gain life (Ezek. 18:32) is so lacking in common sense and practicability as to institute the office of teaching the Word of God as the means of saving people – when only a comparatively few are saved by that method – when leaving them in ignorance would have resulted in the salvation of all of them. Manifestly the thought that the heathen are saved by ignorance is unbiblical, unreasonable and unfactual.

Actually the purpose of the Gospel Age is to take out a people for His name. (See Acts 15:14) There are comparatively few who become “footstep followers of Jesus,” as He has said: “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) The only ‘way’ open for salvation in this Age is a “narrow way” – becoming footstep followers of Jesus, and bearing “witness to the Truth” as did Jesus. (See John 18:37) Our Lord said, “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” (Matt. 5:11) Not many are able to “drink of His cup”: they don’t have sufficient faith; “For all men have not faith.” (2 Thes. 3:2)

After He has selected a people for His Name, He will return, “and will build again the tabernacle of David... That the residue of men might seek after the Lord.” (Acts 15:14‑17) This “people” will bless the residue of mankind, which includes the heathen: “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Gal.3:8) And the seed is expressly mentioned in Gal. 3:29: “And if we be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29) Instead of a “narrow way” unto life as it is in this Age, there will be a Highway of Holiness. (Isa. 35:8) “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” (Isa. 35:5) It will be the reverse of what it is today when “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” (2 Cor. 4:4) “Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness [error] the people.” (Isa. 60:2)

In the Kingdom there will be no error there: “For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” His way of saving the residue of mankind in the Millennial Age will be by the power of teaching – and by such teaching enabling them to use for their uplift the restitution processes (Acts 3:21) whereby all may be saved – but only the willing and obedient – and no others – will be saved. There will be no “night” (error) there. (Rev. 22:5)

(John J. Hoefle – Reprint No. 258, December 1, 1976)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

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

Recently I received a copy of the January‑February, 1988 EBSA publication and came across a letter from Mr. Jack Zilch of Minnesota. I would be interested in acquiring Mr. Zilch’s address, phone number, or any information you might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the book of PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL. I also read “Crisis of Conscience” and have provided copies to some Jehovah’s Witnesses. What a revealing documentary of the JW organization! It should serve as a reminder to all Bible Students the danger of following men rather than our Head. As the Apostle Paul says, “For no other foundation can we lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.” (1 Cor. 3:11 – Amplified)

Our class is presently studying Vol. 6 and Matt. 24. Both are such interesting and worthwhile studies. We are a small group... but we are all aware of our Master’s words, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” May our Heavenly Father continue to bless your studies and your walk!

Warm Christian love, ------- (MINNESOTA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle,

Thank you so much for the Numbered papers that you have been sending. We are truly rejoicing in the Lord and His Truth.

Do you still have any books left about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL? If so, would you please send me a copy? Also, would you please put me on your mailing list to receive your monthly articles? We’d appreciate this.

Everything is fine with us here. We are in the “New Beginning,” non‑denominational church, so we are growing spiritually.

We love you all. Love, ------- (CONNECTICUT)

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My dear Emily,

No word from me does not mean that you have not been in my thoughts. You have been very much so! Thank you for sending along the packet of literature.

A couple of Sundays ago a little 15‑year‑old girl popped in with my granddaughter. She wanted to learn how to “find out more about God.” She goes to the Lutheran church with her parents – but is not satisfied. She lives in Iowa City about 200 miles southeast of here. I told her to read the Bible just to learn the stories first of all, and then I would send her other literature. So I shall choose from among the Epiphany newsletters which you so kindly sent me – will make copies and send them to her. It is an unusual experience to have one so young to show such interest.

My son and his family moved to another town and have not been able to spend time with the young woman whose father took his life. Added to the grief over her father’s death, was the worry about eternal torment. But they will see her often and will pass along the articles. Thank you very much!

But in spite of the bitter cold, cruelty and sorrow, there’s still a “wonderful world of happiness” out there – even at the door! Have you noticed the number 6 seems to belong to man and his affairs? Six days of work – 6000 years of the Adamic rule and death, six pieces of armor on Goliath, six musical instruments to play as a command to worship the image which Nebuchadnezzar caused to be built, etc. And I am wondering 6 wars of Israel, 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973 and 1982 – whether Ezekiel 38 and 39 is the next one, which will lead to God’s victory!

The present rioting is orchestrated by the PLO – to regain their dying power, and disrupt the many, many tours and conferences planned for Israel’s 40th Anniversary. What assurance we have in knowing our Lord is sovereign!

Elva left California just ahead of the rough weather. She is at Boynton Beach with her sister. God bless!

With love, --------- (IOWA)

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NO. 386: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 386

Comes again the Memorial of our Lord’s crucifixion, the correct time this year 1988 being after 6 p.m. March 30. The date is determined after this manner: The moon nearest the Vernal Equinox comes new at the Thirtieth Meridian East, Jerusalem time, at 4:02 a.m. March 18, thus establishing 6 p.m. March 17 as Nisan 1, Bible reckoning. Counting to Nisan 14, we arrive at 6 p.m. March 30; and any time that evening after 6 p.m. would be proper for the celebration. We here at Mount Dora shall commence the service at 7:30 p.m.; and we issue a cordial invitation to any one in this vicinity to join with us if they be of one mind on the matter.

THE MEMORIAL’S MEANINGS

In this Memorial, commonly known throughout  Christendom as the Lord’s Supper, we have one of the sacraments. The Roman Catholic and some eastern churches recognize seven different services as sacraments: baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, extreme unction, holy orders, and matrimony. Protestants hold to only two: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The word ‘sacrament’ is from the Latin sacramentum, and in early ecclesiastical usage was used in a wide sense to denote any ritual observance or sacred thing. In everyday usage it had been applied in two ways: (1) as a pledge deposited in public keeping by the parties in a lawsuit and forfeited to a sacred purpose; (2) as the oath taken by a Roman soldier to the emperor, and thence to any oath. These ideas later combined to produce the concept of a sacred rite which was a pledge or token – an oath of loyalty – which in time led to limiting the word to baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

While the Roman Church observes seven sacraments, we believe the Protestant concept to be more in harmony with the Scriptures, because the Lord’s Supper and baptism are the antitypes of the two Old Testament sacraments; namely, the Passover and circumcision. In Matt. 28:19,20, the risen Jesus specifically gave the disciples “the great commission” – to “baptize into [according to the Diaglott] the name of the Father, and of the Son, and by the Holy Spirit”; and in His last words to those same disciples on the night before He died He commanded them to “do this in remembrance of Me.” This latter is stressed by St. Paul in the 11th chapter of 1 Corinthians as obligatory upon all who clearly recognize that “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us,” which sacrifice is declared every time we partake of the bread and the wine in the Lord’s Supper.

When the sacraments mentioned foregoing are rightly and sincerely observed, they bring rich spiritual blessing to those who participate. The elements themselves – the bread and wine – in the Lord’s Supper are of themselves only dead material; thus, it is only their faithful and sincere use that have any efficacy at all for the participants. The same would be true of the water used in baptism. It is only when we are “buried with Him in baptism” (Col. 2:12) that the water takes on an added significance not discernible to the ordinary onlooker.

THE SPECIFIC SYMBOLS

In the Lord’s Supper there are especially three thoughts symbolized, and they prove to be the three most important things to the Lord’s people in this life: (1) by our breaking the bread we symbolize our dear Lord’s Ransom‑sacrificial death on behalf of the Church and the World; (2) by our partaking of the bread and wine we in the first place symbolize faith‑appropriating Justification through the death of Jesus; and (3) by partaking of the bread and wine in the second place we symbolize our consecrated humanity and our pledge to “walk as He walked.” It is readily self‑evident that these three things are the main things to us in this life; and these three things should be kept acutely in mind in our preparation for and participation in the service just as did the Jews in their scrupulous preparation to observe the Passover. In this latter, the day before the Passover the head of each house took a feather brush and a napkin and very carefully swept every evidence of leaven from the corners and remote places of the residence, which, when completed, he then burned the napkin and its contents – to be sure there would be no leaven remaining anywhere. With us, we do not scrutinize our home; rather, we adhere to St. Paul’s counsel, “Let a man examine himself,” rather than the structure in which we abide.

St. Paul stresses the first of the above points when he tells us, “As oft as ye eat of that bread and drink of that cup ye shew the Lord’s death till He come.” The words “as oft as ye eat” do not obligate us to do this often, as some mistakenly think, any more than observance of a birthday should be celebrated every day, or week, or month, even though we might say of such an occasion that we also show forth our birth as often as we perform a celebration of the event. Any memorial should be kept on its anniversary once a year. Nowhere does the Bible tell us to celebrate the Lord’s birthday (which would occur but once each year), but we are directly commanded to observe the date of His death – which also can occur but once each year. By our participation in the Memorial of our Lord’s death we declare, or preach His sacrifice, which is one meaning of the word ‘shew’ in the text. However, it is in order here to mention that we ‘shew’ the Lord’s death in the Memorial by act rather than by words, because we maintain a silence during the sharing of the loaf and the cup.

And by what act do we ‘shew’ His death? After blessing of the bread, it is stated that it was broken; and, since all of the accounts make mention of this, it must be an essential part of the performance. Indeed, the breaking of the bread is the very act that declares the breaking of our Lord in death; “He hath poured out His soul unto death.” Once this is clearly seen, we can immediately recognize that the giving of the individual wafers to the participants, or the breaking of the bread before it is passed about by the one conducting the service, must be contrary to the underlying spirit of the service. The breaking of the bread by each individual says by that act that he is willing to be broken with Him in like manner as He was. “As He was, so are we in the world.” And as often as we engage in the service, just that often do we ‘shew’ forth the Lord’s death till He come – shew His Ransom‑sacrifice for us, which is truly the rock foundation of our faith. Without it we would be as the heathen – without God and without hope in the world.

When St. Paul told the Corinthians (1 Cor. 2:2), “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified,” he in effect was saying that the two things uppermost in his mind were Jesus the Christ – who gave Himself a ransom for all and Him crucified. His narrow way began at Jordan and ended in fullness on the cross. “He left us an example that we should follow in His steps.”

In Matt. 26:28 Jesus said His blood was shed “for many for the remission of sins.” Therefore, when we partake of the bread, and especially of the cup (His blood), in clear understanding of their import, we may rest secure that we have forgiveness of sins. “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:7,9) And this is our strong assurance regardless of what other men may think of us. It is sound doctrine that “Man looketh on the outward appearance”; and quite often what men see is colored by their prejudices, their selfishness, or their evil minds.

We are justified by faith in His blood; and, as such, we receive His righteousness – vitalized in some, reckoned in others. “Abraham believed God, and it was counted (reckoned) to him for righteousness.” Thus, we no longer have the Adamic condemnation (the disobedience by which many were made sinners), but we are participants of His obedience whereby many are made righteous. Speaking specifically to the saints at Rome and through them to the entire Christ Company during the Gospel Age ‑ St. Paul declares, “We are buried with Him by baptism into death ... in the likeness of His death.” (Rom. 6:4,5) These words some attempt to accept literally, and this causes them to adopt very foolish customs and beliefs. Say they, What was the likeness of His death? And they proceed to reason that He was nailed to the cross; and, with the cross at the back of His head, He could not allow His head to fall backwards, it necessarily must fall upon His chest, as practically all pictures of the crucifixion show Him. Therefore, if they are to be “baptized in the likeness of His death,” they must be baptized face down in the water. Of course, this presents a very contrary view to what baptism should really give.

The third feature relative to drinking of the cup has to do with participation in the sin‑offering, a privilege reserved exclusively for the Christ Company. During the Age many have offered themselves thus, only eventually to fall by the wayside, losing their part in that offering. But to all who partake of that cup in sincerity and in truth we may be certain that the fiery trials of the Great Example will be passed on to them, each according to his ability to bear. During the Dark Ages, when the Roman Church was in its heyday, the participation of the cup was much more severe and brutal than it is today ‑ although much the same spirit still prevails in the world, and may yet touch those who would follow in His steps. But in this we may accept the axiom, We know not what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future; and a few lines from the poet tends to emphasize this:

Serene, I fold my hands and wait,

Nor care for wind nor tide nor sea;

I rave no more ‘gainst time or fate,

For lo! my own shall come to me.

What matter if I stand alone?

I wait with joy the coming years;

My heart shall reap where it has sown,

And garner up its fruit of tears.

The stars come nightly to the sky;

The tidal wave unto the sea;

Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,

Can keep my own away from me.

Let us keep in mind that those who despised our Lord the most were the ‘good’ people of His time. It was because He had such perfect answers to their criticisms that the Scribes and Pharisees came to despise Him so badly. He proved Himself to be their Master at every controversy, they who were putting themselves forth as the teachers of Jewry – who claim to sit in Moses’ seat. And having pampered their pride for so many years, they were sadly lacking in the humility which was necessary for them to receive Him. In addition, He was ever ready to give fellowship to the ‘untouchables’ the publicans and sinners; and this, too, was anathema to the religious leaders of the nation. They were angry because He taught the people, which caused them to ask embarrassing questions of those who had been teaching them previously. And similar conditions exist today in Big and Little Babylon, which should not surprise us. “All that walk godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” If this is not a part of our own experience, then we should begin to question whether or not we actually are following “in His steps.”

However, this matter probably needs some clarification ‑ the spirit of a sound mind. It is quite possible to bring disrepute upon ourselves through our own foolish acts – things that appear right at the time, but which are motivated by poor judgment. Perhaps none of us are without some of these experiences – some more, some less. Often such situations are the manipulations of Satan. We know he tried that on Jesus Himself, when he told Him to jump from the temple and that God would bear Him up. Had He heeded this unsound suggestion, and found Himself disadvantaged physically because of it, His suffering would not have been ‘for righteousness,’ but for foolishness, an act of sheer presumption. The years should teach us all something; the chastenings of the past should sober us for the present – and they will to those who are rightly exercised thereby. Such stabilizing influences usually keep pace with our growth in knowledge and in grace.

THIS IS MY BODY ‑ IS MY BLOOD

In Matthew 26 and in Mark 14 we find the recording of the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Among Christians – many of them sincere and honest – there has been conducted the sharpest controversy about the meaning of the words that head this section of our article. Satan has spread error on almost all Scripture, but especially has this been true of the words given above. The worst of all these errors has been the one concerning the Mass, being the basis of the doctrine of the same being the central feature of the “abomination that desolate.” In a broad sense there are two general views on the meaning of these words: (1) Those who teach the real presence of the body and the blood in the loaf and the cup; and (2) those who hold to the representative meaning of those expressions. Much ingenuity has been displayed in the defense of both positions; some of the ablest of Christian minds have been on both sides of the controversy. As most of our readers know, our own view is that there is no actual presence of His Body and Blood in the bread and the wine; we regard them merely as representations of the same.

TRANSUBSTANTIATION

Let us consider first of all, that view which holds to the real presence – namely, that the words, This is My Body, This is My blood, teach that the actual body and blood of Jesus are present in the bread and wine, and are imbibed by the communicants. There are three main views on this feature of our subject, the first of which is that of the Roman Catholic Church. That system holds to what is commonly known as transubstantiation, which means the actual body and blood of Jesus are substituted, or changed into what before was merely bread and wine. This transformation is produced by the priest performing what is commonly known as the Mass. To make this position at all tenable, Roman teachers admit that the emblems retain what it termed “the accidents” – that is, they still look the same to the human eye, they taste the same (that is, no difference whatever can be noticed after the so‑called change), have the same form, color, weight, etc., of bread and wine. But, despite the “accidents,” they contend the bread and the wine are actually lost and take on the essence of the body and blood of the crucified Lord. And this substitution, this transubstantiation, the priest proceeds in the Mass to sacrifice afresh for the sins of the living and the dead. Thus, “the daily sacrifice was taken away” (Dan. 8:11), and “it cast down the truth to the ground.”

By the way of refutation, we would say of the foregoing view, if it were correct, the wording should be changed to, This has been changed into My Body; this has been changed into My blood. To teach a doctrine which would require a change in wording to make good sense is of itself an admission of something badly wrong with the teaching. Furthermore, the Bible contradicts their view. If they were right, they should no longer speak of the bread and the wine – now changed into the body and the blood – but should then speak of those emblems in new phrase ‑ as the body and blood. But five different times does the Bible itself refer to ‘bread’ after its consecration and during its eating. (See 1 Cor. 10:16,17; 11:26‑28) And in these same verses, using the container for the thing contained, the reference is to the ‘cup,’ describing the cup as “the fruit of the vine” – wine, and not blood. Therefore, by calling the elements bread and wine during their appropriation the Bible itself directly contradicts transubstantiation.

The physical condition of the bread and wine after consecration also contradicts Both still taste exactly the same; and enough of the wine will still intoxicate the drinker, which blood will not do. It is generally known that priests often do become tipsy, or even intoxicated, if they must perform several masses in one morning, drinking a full glass of wine on each occasion. One of the vilification’s that the Roman Catholics hurl at Martin Luther is that he got drunk – which is probably true, and it is probably true of very many other priests for the reason just stated concerning multiple masses in one morning. In that service the priest does not minister any of the wine to the communicants, but drinks it all himself. Chemical analysis also confirms this – not only of the wine, but also of the bread. They are both exactly the same as they were before consecration and this leaves a wide spread between the chemical contents of a human body and the sacramental wafer that is given the communicant. In lesser degree, the same may be said of different kinds of bread – rye bread, white and whole wheat bread, black bread, etc.

CONSUBSTANTIATION–INSTRUMENTALIZATION

Some sections of Christendom teach consubstantiation, which carries the thought of a mingling of the bread and wine with the body and the blood; that is, both are present in the emblems. The Lutherans and Episcopalians teach what may be termed instrumentalization, although they do not use that term itself. Their thought is that by means of the bread and wine – which remain bread and wine during the service – the actual body and blood of Jesus are communicated to those who partake. Thus, it may be properly stated that transubstantiation, consubstantiation and instrumentalization all teach that the real body and the real blood are conveyed to those who partake during the service.

Therefore, the arguments that apply against one of the foregoing would apply against all three, and it is our thought that the Bible directly contradicts all three of them. (1) The Bible account of the original institution of the Lord’s Supper on the night before His death is certainly contrary to these views. The body and blood of Jesus could not possibly have been in the bread and the wine He gave the Disciples because He was not yet dead; He was still very much alive. Thus, when He held in His hand unleavened bread He had taken from the table, it was self‑evidently quite a different thing from His body. Nor did He give any indication in the words He used that any significant change had taken place in that loaf.

With the exception of the two disciples on His right hand and on His left, none of the Disciples even touched Him in that service; nor is there the slightest hint in the wording that His body and His blood were being fused into the bread and wine. Thus, such an assumption is based solely upon pure imagination. There is not the slightest suggestion in the whole event that would indicate that Jesus or the Disciples thought there was actual presence of body and blood in the bread and the wine. Also, the Mosaic Law expressly forbade the Jews from drinking even the blood of animals; and Jesus had told them He had come not to nullify the Law but to fulfill it. We may be certain some of the Disciples would have raised that question immediately, as they were all very scrupulous in their dietetic habits. Therefore, to claim that subsequent observance of the Lord’s Supper should be different from its original would in itself declare that they are not the same thing; that is, they are not the Lord’s Supper at all.

Jesus had told His followers, “My flesh I give for the life of the World.” That being true, the implication would be that He has now taken His flesh to Himself again for this new purpose, and such a procedure would be a contradiction of the Ransom; He would be taking back the Ransom price. The Scriptures also tell us that The Lord is that spirit, which, being true, He is no longer human; that is, He does not now have His human body and blood with Him to disperse in the services mentioned above.

This teaching also has unreasonable implications, one of which is that we must believe that the body and blood of Jesus must be in many places at the same time. On certain occasions, such as Easter, etc., practically the whole Christian world celebrates the Lord’s Supper; and He would have to be present in every one of them if we are to accept the three teachings set out foregoing. Also, when we consider the millions of persons who have observed the Lord’s Supper over the centuries, and even today, we must conclude that His body and His blood are inexhaustible elements if we are to believe these elements are present in every such service. This immediately reveals the absurdity of the teaching. There is nothing at all reasonable about it; we must accept it as one of the great unexplainable ‘mysteries.’ This also is contrary to Scripture which tells us, “Come, let us reason together, saith the Lord.” And, whenever we are asked to accept with blind belief what is contrary to our reason, we may certainly conclude that the Father of Lies must be its author; and not the great Teacher of Truth. Such an attitude always encourages superstition, ignorance and credulity with accompanying degrading results.

THE UNDERLYING ERROR

The chief reason for these errors is that their propounders accept the position that there is but one meaning to the word ‘is.’ But, like many words in our language, it has more than one meaning. However, as noted above, those who hold to but one meaning of the word, have come up with three varying views of it. There are especially two literal meanings of the verb “to be”: (1) it is the predicate to denote actual existence; (2) it is the predicate to denote actual representation; but the meaning is literal in both instances. Thus, if we should say, A dog is an animal, we express actual existence; but, if we should say, as is so often done, of a picture on the wall, This is my father, my mother, brother, or what not, we would then mean an actual representation. And this would be true even if the picture represented one long ago dead.

The question now properly arises, Do other Scriptures substantiate this view? Take, for example, some of the parables. Before giving specific examples, we would stress that in a parable the thing said is never the thing actually meant: In Matthew 13 Jesus gave the parable of the wheat and the tares, which He explained in response to the disciples’ questions. There He repeatedly used the verb ‘to be’ in various of its forms, saying that he who sowed is (represents) the Devil, and the reapers are (represents) angels.

The same may be said of types in the Bible, which are also representative things, presenting hidden meanings. For example, “This is [John the Baptist – represents] Elias [the Church] that is to come.” “That rock was Christ [represented Christ].” (1 Cor. 10:4) “These women [Sarah and Hagar] are [represents] two covenants.” (Gal. 4:24) In each of these examples the verb ‘is’ means ‘represents’ because a representative thing is interpreted.

Some Biblical institutions are representative things; and, whenever the Bible explains them and uses the verb ‘to be’ to predicate the interpretation, it always means ‘to represent.’ “He [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision” (Rom. 4:11); and Gen. 17:10 says “This [circumcision] is [represents] My covenant.” Clearly enough here, circumcision could be nothing more than a representation when it used the word ‘is’; and much the same may be said of the Passover. When the Jews in subsequent years would be asked by their children what mean these things, the head of the house was to tell them, “It is [represents] the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover.”

Another consideration proves that the word ‘is’ in these texts is used to predicate actual representation and not actual existence: It is the language that Jesus uses in connection with the cup, “This is the New Testament.” (1 Cor. 11:25; Luke 22: 20) Certainly in this expression the word ‘is’ cannot be the predicate of actual existence; the New Testament, or Covenant, is not a cup at all – it will be a contract between God and man, and mediated by The Christ during the Millennium. Hence, the word ‘is’ here means representation, and not actual existence. It would follow, then, that the same meaning is carried in all the places where Jesus discusses the subject of the bread and the wine.

There is yet another point in proof: It is St. Paul’s direct explanation of the meaning of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Cor. 11:26. Immediately after quoting our Lord’s language in explanation of the bread and the wine, he explains it and the Church’s participation in it by these words: “For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do shew [preach, reveal] the Lord’s death.” Preaching, revealing are done in two ways ‑ in words and in acts. When we keep the feast we do not speak; therefore, the announcement must be in acts, not words – in pantomime; and this is done in the breaking of the bread, and in the drinking of the wine. Thus, these acts are a representation of something else. Since the breaking of the bread and the pouring of the wine represent Jesus’ death, the bread and wine must then self‑evidently represent His body and His blood. Therefore, all of the foregoing is clear proof that the word ‘is’ does not mean existence, but actual representation.

STILL DEEPER THOUGHT

The Lord in Luke 22:20, and St. Paul in 1 Cor.10:16,17; 11:25 teach a still deeper meaning to these words. By the language, “We, being many, are one bread, one body,” the Apostle shows that the one bread to be broken represents the Church as well as Jesus, for the Church is the body of Christ. (Rom. 12:4; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:24) In 1 Cor. 10:17 the Apostle calls the Church both the one bread and the one Body of Christ, which in the preceding verse he says is represented by the bread of blessing. Hence, the bread, in addition to representing the body of Jesus, represents the Church also as Christ’s body. That being true, it would be equally correct to say the bread and wine represent the actual body and blood of the Church, the participants in the service, if that statement were true of our Lord. But no one with the spirit of a sound mind would think to suggest such a meaning to the Apostle’s words.

It is well here to stress the words of Jesus in Luke 22:20, Diaglott: “This cup is the New Covenant in My blood, that in your behalf being poured out.” As the authorized version translates this, the average reader would conclude that the clause, “which is shed for you,” modifies and explains the word blood; but the Greek grammar forbids such a construction. The participle translated ‘poured out’ and its governing article do not modify the Greek word for blood. The participle translated ‘poured out’ with its governing article sustains the same grammatical relation to the word ‘is’ as the Greek words translated New Covenant. Therefore, our Lord’s statement means that the cup by His blood (merit) represents two things: the New Covenant, and that being poured out for us. What is meant by the latter? Since a cup in Biblical symbols represents experiences that the Lord pours out for His people, we would understand that the cup in this connection also represents the sufferings unto death of the Church with Him.

Much of what has been presented herein has been gleaned from the writings of others, with some of our own thoughts interspersed; and it is our hope that our effort will prove a blessing to all who endeavor to “walk in newness of life.” Also, we would stress that it is not our intention to supplant the Passover article in Volume 6, the reading of which we heartily recommend to all. Thus, we pray for all a special blessing in the preparation for, and participation in this 1988 service, as we “do this in remembrance.” The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace!

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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“This is my body,” the Master said,

“Which is broken for you this day;

And this is my blood, which is being shed

To open for you the way.”

Oh, the pain that the Savior bore,

And the grief that the Pure One knew!

By men depraved He was bruised sore‑­

Though not for Himself, but you.

Man could not grasp His wondrous thought,

Nor the matchless love that was shown.

It was an unfriendly race He sought;

He suffered and died alone.

And now comes the call to His faithful few:

“You may share what is left behind

Of the grief and suffering the Loved One knew

For the blessing of all mankind.”

So may each to the table worthily come‑­

Nor earthly loss bemoan

Till he finally hear that sweet “Well done!

Sit down in my Father’s throne.”

(Reprint of No. 201, March, 1972 with the exception of dates)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings through His dear Name!

Was very glad to learn of your successful operation – and now we all anxiously await, in God’s due time, your recovery as this is permitted. Be assured of our warm Christian love for you all! God bless and care for you in His own way and due time.

Your brother in His Name ------- (TRINIDAD)

PS ‑ Sister especially sends her wishes for your early recovery.

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace through our Beloved Redeemer!

Hoping this letter finds you in good health. My aunt (Mrs. Florence Warnock) has had surgery recently and is making good progress.

All here are enjoying good health and are looking forward to a family fellowship for the holidays. I don’t believe that I told you that the Fresno Free Library accepted 12 additional CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL BOOKS for distribution in their other branches. After reading the Epiphany Bible Students articles and David Horowitz’ writings, it seems the book is still receiving widespread acceptance.

The Epiphany articles continue to bless and give us a spiritual boost of encouragement. In these troubled times we find many reasons to be discouraged, especially when we find so few to share the Truth with ‑ and fewer yet that appreciate it when they hear it. [Our Lord indicated a scarcity of Truth by His question: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find the faith (the Truth) on the earth?” – Luke 18:8]

How we long for the day when the Good Tidings of Great Joy which shall be to all people, will be appreciated by all.

Our Christian love and prayers go with you and yours through this holiday season and coming New Year. Please use the enclosed check in any way you see fit.

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

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Dear Emily,

What a lovely surprise to receive your letter. .... The Lord bless you for your generosity. To answer your questions ‑ I did in fact write you that I was receiving David Horowitz’ Bulletins which I have taken time to read. Also Bible Light Star. I have read Michael Pragai’s FAITH AND FULFILMENT and have recommended it to many.

Malcolm Hedding who wrote For The World’s Sake and For Zion’s Sake which we sent you – has been appointed Honorary Chaplain of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. I have been doing a lot of traveling including two recent overseas trips. The year seems to have passed very quickly but we Praise God for His provisions and in His keeping power upon our lives and ministry.

May the Lord richly bless and encourage you as you enter 1988.

With kind regards, ------- (AFRICA)

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Dear Sister: Peace and blessing in Jesus’ dear Name!

Thank you for your lovely card and also for your good letter of January 4. I haven’t received the January Epiphany paper yet. ...

I received a good letter from Michael Pragai. He said he was back home (Dec.13) “after a lengthy hospital stay for major surgery”... He said he appreciated my letter and card – said though he was back home he was not yet fully recovered.

The enclosed news article is about Prof. Ivan F. Martinov, a non‑Jew living in Israel who suffered much in Russia. I thought it interesting. His address is at the end of the article. ... I was wondering if he would like a Pastor Russell book and a Divine Plan of the Ages. Step One is interesting ‑ the work is a little like Michael Pragai wrote about ‑ only Prof. Martinov is especially dealing with Russian Christians. ...

The media is really into “Israel bashing” as to the unrest in Israel, etc. Tonight Ted Kopel on NiteLine has Arafat. NBC is one of the channels that has a lot of anti‑Israel commentary.

I seem to feel quite good most of the time. I am trying to keep going to be a better person. I pray God will watch over you and bless you in Jesus’ dear Name. Amen.

With love from your sister in the Truth, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Sister,

Please correct my address. I wish you all Blessings and Health, dear Sister.

Thank you for the papers. Please send me two issues each mailing if possible. Thank you!

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

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NO. 385: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT (PART TWO)

No. 385B

THE JEWS

“Jews Laud Pope’s Remarks On Homeland, Holocaust: The Pope sat on an upholstered armchair next to Mordecai Waxman, the spokesman for the Jewish leadership. ‘After the tragic extermination of Shoah [Holocaust], the Jewish people began a new period of history,’ John Paul said. ‘They have a right to a homeland, as does any civil nation, according to international law.’

“‘What has been said about a right to a homeland, also applies to the Palestinian people,’ he continued. ‘While all concerned must honestly reflect on the past – Muslims no less than the Jew and Christians – it is time to forge these solutions which will lead to a just, complete and lasting peace in that area.”‘ (Orlando Sentinel, September 12, 1987)

Yes, the Jews have a right to a homeland ‑ the homeland that God gave to them, and not to just any homeland. Any ‘civil nation, according to international law’ if able to give other nations and peoples a homeland, we are sure it will be agreeable to all concerned. God’s promise to the Jews is stronger than what any nation can give to any other peoples or nations ‘according to international law.’ They have an unbreakable claim to their homeland. When any one says that other nations have equal rights with the Jews to the homeland that God gave to them, they are doing despite to God’s Word, whether knowingly and willfully, or ignorantly.

God’s promises to the Jews are unconditional: “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean [a proof that the Jews will be regathered into their homeland in an unclean condition]: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will put my spirit within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezek. 36:24‑28)

Self‑evidently, the Pope is not a racist. When God selected the Jews from all the heathen nations around them to be their God and bless them, was God a racist? “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:2) God’s punishment of 1845 years to the Jewish nation is over. He has pardoned all their sins and iniquities of the past. The Jews’ difficulties – whatever they may be – are nothing more than what is common to all nations in this time of the “great tribulation.” (Matt. 24:21) They are still imperfect the same as all mankind. Isa. 63:4 describes this situation: “The day of vengeance is in mine heart.”

God is faithful that promised.(Heb. 10:23) “I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.” (Jer. 24:6)

The Pope suggests that ‘all concerned must honestly reflect on the past,’ so we will reflect a little on Papacy’s past: During the reign of the Papal system, when the Popes claimed to be the vicar of Jesus even as they continue to teach, the Jews were hunted, hated, tortured and murdered. The Papacy tried to eliminate the Jews altogether, but God would not permit them to do that. The Bible, too, was burned, but its Author preserved it. The Bible is still the world’s best seller. Not only were the Jews tortured and murdered, but faithful Christian who were called heretics, were also persecuted, some being burned at the stake while others were banished. The Dark Ages under the Papal dominion was indeed a bloody and disgraceful history.

The Inquisition first established by Pope Innocent III, in 1204, was only a part of the bloody history of the Papacy. Torquemada gloats over their success as he records, “Men and women burnt alive, 10,220; burnt in effigy, 6,840.” Diego Desa, Cardinal Jimminez de Cisneros and Adrian de Florencia, adds to Torquemada’s list which brings the number to 347,704.

The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31) will be made with the Jews who will bless all the families of the earth. Christians who become Jews at the beginning of the Kingdom will join the natural Jews in their missionary work to the world. Christ’s Kingdom will be Israelitish. As our Lord said, “Salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) When the real Kingdom is established: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters that cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9)

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isa. 60:1,3)

“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: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3)

“Vatican Recognition Of Israel – Missed Opportunity In Miami: The rabbis smiled and the pope smiled, but they were thinking different thoughts.

“For a while it looked as though the Jewish delegation might boycott Friday’s meeting with Pope John Paul II in Miami. Jews were hurt and angry because the pope had received Kurt Waldheim, Austria’s president who stands accused of Nazi activities during World War II, with full ceremony at the Vatican. ...

“Was anybody satisfied in Miami? Would John Paul choose this occasion to announce that Vatican City state, which has diplomatic relations with 51 countries, finally had decided to recognize the state of Israel?

“The answer was a crushing disappointment to Jews and to Christians who do not understand the intricacies of Vatican diplomacy. ...

“But instead of granting diplomatic recognition, which has been anxiously sought moments earlier in an address to the pope by Rabbi Mordecai Waxman, chairman of the International Jewish Committee, John Paul II repeated a longstanding observation that both Palestinians and Jews need a homeland.

“This came after Rabbi Waxman had said candidly that the Waldheim disagreements had not been ‘totally resolved.’ He said that ‘hatred of Jews and Judaism is on the rise in some part of the world,’ but he did not speak of the hostility of the Arab countries with which the Vatican does exchange ambassadors. They include Iran and Syria.

“The Miami confrontation, friendly in the face of disagreement, was more than a public‑relations exercise. But it points up some of the difficulty of interfaith dialogue. ...

“The Roman Catholic Church is first a religion, but not much like religious denominations familiar to non‑Catholics. It is a church and state. Most churches do not issue passports, operate a postal system, exchange ambassadors with other states, engage in international banking and enter directly in diplomatic negotiations, as in Central America.

“Anti‑Semitism now is officially and convincingly denounced by the Catholic Church, but that has not always been so. ...

“It is why‑many Christians are embarrassed and befuddled by the reasons, still unknown, for a popular pope to pass up an opportunity for reconciliation that existed for a hopeful hour in Miami.” (A.E.P. Wall, Orlando Sentinel, September 16, 1987)

“Cardinal’s Anti‑Jewish Utterances Jeopardized Repeal Of UN Anti‑Israel Draft: While the Zionism‑racism’ or ‘hate‑the Jew’ resolution is still on the books here at the UN and efforts are made by some Member States to have it erased, some delegations influenced by rigid Catholic doctrine in the spirit of the anti‑Jewish remarks which the Vatican’s Joseph Cardinal Ratainger recently made are likely to withhold their support for such a move.

“The Cardinal, known as having a great deal of influence on Pope John Paul II, is quoted as having declared that, in dialogue with the Jews, Christians should pursue the ‘theological line’ that Judaism finds its fulfillment in Christianity and, for Jews to be ‘saved,’ they have to accept the cross.

“No wonder Rabbi Marc Tanenbaum of the American Jewish Committee reacted in anger by stating that the Cardinal had failed to acknowledge ‘the vitality and autonomy of Judaism. He simply provides no place for Judaism and hence no space for dialogue.’ Tullia Zavi, president of the Union of Italian Jewish communities in Italy, reacted in a similar vein. ‘The Cardinal’s remarks,’ she declared, ‘appeared to be an invitation to conversation’ rather than dialogue.

“Jewish leaders, no doubt, are embarrassed by this new manifestation of the leopard never changing his spots and the Pope’s continued propagation of the Faith, i.e., his own contempt for everyone else’s. While only the overly optimistic and unduly submissive of our leaders will be surprised by this reaffirmation of the obvious, it is more important to analyze if this new outbreak of anti‑Jewish directives by the Vatican will also manifest itself here at the UN and elsewhere on the international scene.

“To counteract this ‘evil empire’s’ influence, Christian theologians who are friendly toward Israel and the Jewish people should be mobilized.

“In this context, it is important to note that on the very day that the news of the Cardinal’s provocative statement was reported in the press, your correspondent received a communication from a noted Christian scholar, Kenneth W. Rawson, who heads the Bible Students Congregation of New Brunswick, New Jersey. This communication, touches upon a statement he made at Sukkot at a unique ceremony held in a North New Jersey Sukkah ... Representing the voice of a true Christian, its contents are worth noting, especially in the light of the current negative Vatican message. ‘I have a sense of shame,’ Bible Student Rawson stated, ‘that in the name of Christianity your people were persecuted for centuries. I can only say that this was not true Christianity, but churchianity. I have come to you in the Bible Student tradition of Pastor Charles Taze Russell, whose early Zionist work has been documented in David Horowitz’ book, ‘AN EARLY AMERICAN CHRISTIAN ZIONIST.’ Until his death in 1916, he was held in high esteem by the leaders of American Jewry. The tradition continued as the clouds of the Holocaust began to gather in the late 1930s.

“‘In this era of mass assimilation, I have a dream. Through the audio‑visual media, I want to say to my Jewish friends: don’t convert to Christian denominations, don’t assimilate; rather cherish the Torah, cherish your heritage and support Israel. By Divine Providence, the Star of David is rising in the Middle East. ... Shalom.”‘

“In an effort to clarify the controversial statement he (the Cardinal) had made and which brought sharp reactions from Jewish leaders around the world, the Cardinal via his office released several points of explanation the next day. Among these were: ‘A Christian should acknowledge his heritage from the Old Testament (mazal tof) and know that, according to the Christian faith, ‘the Old Testament was fulfilled in Christ ...When Jews become Christians, they should not forget their Jewish heritage.’ (A missionary appeal!)

“For information about scholar Rawson’s audio‑visual projection, ‘Israel – Appointment With Destiny,’ and his 32‑page pamphlet, ‘The Time to Favor Zion is Come,’ write to Kenneth W. Rawson, 60 Jersey Avenue, Edison, N. J. 08820.” (Behind The Scene At The United Nations, by David Horowitz – 3 December 1987)

Messianic Age Birth Pangs –‘Spark’: During our recent 7‑months’ residency in Jerusalem (marking an aggregate 8‑years residencies) we received a letter from a friend in the U.S. telling us of a CBS TV news special ‘informing’ the public of the situation inside Israel. The producers, no doubt believing themselves to be authorities in such matters, undertook to give a report on the struggle between the secularists and ‘the religious’ within Israel. In so doing they likened the religious revival in Israel to ‘Khomeinism’ in Iran. By such comparison, this CBS news team has revealed their dapple understanding of the people and State of Israel. To make such an assertion explodes a self‑inflicting bomb that to say the least, destroys much of their media credibility.

“NO OTHER people have contributed so much in true knowledge of (and from) Creation, Redemption and the World to come. As Jesus declared, ‘Salvation [deliverance of all types] is of the Jews.’ (John 4:22)

“There is only one authoritative Word and that is the Word of the Almighty. One has to be totally lacking in understanding, or blinded by prejudice, to read the Hebrew Scriptures in the light of today’s happenings and not realize that ‘God has returned to Zion and is uttering His voice from Jerusalem’ (Joel 3). ...

“‘Desire‑to‑be‑like‑the Gentiles’ mentally is engrained in many, especially among the secularists, many of whom are lacking in knowledge of their God‑given heritage. They fear their identity as a Jewish State will be termed ‘racist’ by the rest of the world, and bring on another holocaust from which few might survive.

“BUT THE God‑fearing, Torah (Law)‑observing Jew recognizes God has preserved His people through the ages for such a time as this. There is a great return (repentance) movement on foot whose ranks are swelling to the extent the Yeshivot (Jewish Bible Schools and Seminaries) are bursting their seams. There is a great desire for holiness and to be pleasing in God’s sight (not mere man’s). ...

“Now In The Light of these undeniable truths, for Dan Rather of CBS to compare the religious revival in Israel to Khomeinism, reveals a terrible lack of knowledge, not only of the true situation in Israel, but of the international scene as a whole. Iran has a one‑man, despotic dictatorship. Israel is ruled by law through her parliament, the Knesset. The inner conflict in Israel is the God‑fearing, Bible‑believing versus some rebellious secularists who seek to disregard the order of rule by God’s law for Israel. This can in no way be compared to Iran under Khomeini’s iron fist.

“NOT ONCE in all the Scriptures, including the New Testament, did God ever commission a Gentile to call Jews to repentance. Their own prophets are doing that. This is an internal event, privately conducted by the Lord Himself with His own people, Israel – and no ‘outsiders’ should seek to interfere, or even interpret the events until ‘all facts are in.’

“AS WE APPROACH the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom Age, we will hear more and more clearly the Lord saying, ‘Hands off.’ For ‘all that burden themselves with it [i.e., take upon themselves to judge and call Israel to account] shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it’ (Zechariah 12.3).” (Bible Light Star, Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 2,31)

“THE ANSWER TO MARK TWAIN’S QUESTION: Mark Twain made no claim to godliness or biblical expertise. Nevertheless, the Jewish people fascinated him like none other. More than that, they left him mind‑boggled. In 1899, Mark Twain wrote an essay called: ‘Concerning the Jews.’ What he wrote is all the more remarkable considering the fact that there would be no Balfour Declaration for nearly twenty years nor an Israel for almost fifty years. Twain said:

“‘If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one per cent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly the Jew ought hardly to be heard of; but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk. His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abstruse learning are also way out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused of it.

“‘The Egyptian, the Babylonian and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendour, then faded to dream‑stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in the twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?

“Mark Twain was right. All pass into history except the Jew, who lives on. Jewish contributions continue to enrich the world. Israel survives and even thrives. And new enemies of the Jews still arise to buck the odds. My hope is their numbers will decrease as more Christians like me remind the haters of Mark Twain’s riddle and the biblical answers that a baffled Twain never found!

“But the answer to Mark Twain’s question is simple – emblazoned across the pages of Scripture. The God who gave birth to Israel through its progenitor, Abraham, also guaranteed its preservation and destiny. Prior to Abraham, there was no promised land or chosen people – just self‑destructing pagans whose collective heart was ‘only evil continually.’(Gen. 6:5)” (The Shalom Letter, October, 1987)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle,

I received the book, “The Time Is At Hand” about one week ago, and I have finished reading it. I wondered what the Anti‑Christ was, and now I know. I don’t remember whether I told you I want to be put on your mailing list, but I do want to be placed on it.

Also, the book about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL was an eye‑opener [she is a former JW]. I have read it about twice now. I am sending $‑‑ to help with the literature you sent me. Maybe I will be able to send more later on.

Does your organization have a church name or should I send a check to Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n? Thank you so much for the literature. It’s the only thing that has helped me to be able to cope with my daughter’s death.

Sincerely, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Mr. Horowitz: Greetings in the precious name of Jesus!

Christian Research Institute is an evangelical Christian ministry with branch offices in Canada and Brazil. We publish a magazine three times a year called Christian Research Journal.

Recently we learned about your book, CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL ‑ An Early American Christian Zionist. We would very much be interested in receiving a review copy for review in our journal.

If you are able to supply us with a review copy, please send it to my attention. We will send you a copy of the review when it is published.

Thank you very much, and may God bless you.

Sincerely in Christ, ----------------- (CALIFORNIA)

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My dear Friend David:

Thank you heartily for the latest news in Behind the Scenes at the UN. I have read with much interest your book on Pastor Russell. Many years ago when Mr. Russell was alive he said someone would set him up before the world, and I do believe the Lord made you as that instrument, to have his purpose accomplished, and well written.

I do, with much interest, enjoy your news. Till we both rejoice to see Jerusalem the Capital of Israel, I remain your dear friend. Yours, -------------- ....

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Dear Mr. Horowitz:

I have heard about your book, PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, and am interested in receiving it if possible. I understand the hard cover edition is $15.95, plus $1.50 shipping cost. So I am sending you a check for $17.45.

Thank you very much! Yours sincerely, ---------- (MINNESOTA)

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Dear Friends in Christ:

I have received the literature which you sent me, and I got a lot out of it. I would like to know more about your relationship to other Bible Student groups.

If possible, please send me one of each copy of the last piece of literature that you have. I will be more than happy to reimburse the postage.

Yours in Christ, ------- (LOUISIANA)

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Dear Friends: Greetings!

I am writing to request some information about your organization. First, it would be much appreciated if you could send along some material about your origin and statement of faith.

Also I would be interested in obtaining a catalogue of any tracts, pamphlets, periodicals, books, tape, etc., that you may produce or distribute. Should there be a cost to these catalogues, etc., do feel free to bill me for them.

I would be very grateful for any help you could give me concerning this request.

I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, ------- (CANADA)

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We want to express our thanks and appreciation for the many beautiful Christmas cards – especially the assurance of their love and prayers. We wish all our readers a blessed New Year! “The Lord preserveth all them that love Him.” (Psa. 145:20)

THE PROPER DATE for the Memorial for 1988 is March 30, after 6 p.m.

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NO. 385A: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT (PART ONE)

No. 385A

At the beginning of another year, we thank the Lord for all His benefits toward us, and again express our gratitude in the words of David: “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” (Psa. 65:11) It grieves us that there were so many people during the past year who suffered tragedies from calamities, accidents and diseases. But all these things will be changed in His “due time.” When our Lord says, “Peace be still” (Mark 4:39), there will be a great calm. He will adjust all iniquities and will bring “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10) ‑ to all who will learn to love righteousness and hate iniquity. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend [stumble] them.” (Psa. 119:165)

Crime is rampant not only in the United States but in all countries: terrorism, robbery, murder, the illegal drugs and alcohol problems. Young people are committing suicide, as well as older people. Their problems are more than they can cope with. There are many good people doing a commendable work for such people and helping the poor and needy ‑ also there are quite a few good organizations reaching out to help people.

Medical science continues to do a noble work in research to find a cure for AIDS and ALZHEIMER, and other incurable diseases. In performing AIDS research, a technician was infected himself in his efforts to help others. Secretary Otis Bowen said, “At least 1.5 million Americans are infected with the AIDS virus but display no symptoms of the disease. More than 40,000 people in the United States have contracted the disease, which killed 28,000 of them. By 1991 the disease will have struck 280,000 people in the United States, and 179,000 of those will have died.” (Orlando Sentinel, October 10, 1987)

“A Rip Van Winkle Waking Today Would Find Few Changes For The Better: Just as a vehicle for putting things into perspective, let’s imagine that the Rip van Winkle story really could happen and that old Rip is just awakening from a 20‑year nap ...

“Rip might be interested to learn that folks are still threatening each other with war and that the major nations of the world have gained enough military might to blow up the Earth several times without having made one inch of progress in relieving the tensions among themselves. And he would find that there is still no danger that peace will break out and throw the world’s military‑industrial economy into chaos. With terrorism on the increase, Rip would find virtually no nation on Earth threatening to wage peace.

“While the past 20 years have brought a few significant inventions, such as smaller computer chips and bigger computers, Rip probably would take more notice of sociological and philosophical changes than industrial advances. ...

“Rip probably would observe that medical science has not found magical cures for diseases like cancer and arthritis during his absence, even though hospital bills and insurance costs might lead him to believe otherwise. And he would learn that the prospects for remedies are mixed: New diseases have appeared, so researchers now have even more problems to solve.

“In some ways Rip might be pleased with what he would learn on awakening. In other ways, he might be led to believe that he died and had gone the wrong way.” (Dick Marlowe, Orlando Sentinel, May 27, 1987)

IN FINANCE

We are in the Time of Trouble as given in Daniel 12:1 and Matthew 24:21. Conditions in the whole world today confirm this. Especially since “Black Monday,” October 19, financial writers are very pessimistic regarding the near future and the long‑range prospects. Many are using the terms such as recession, depression, disaster, chaos and even anarchy.

One newsletter writer states: “Black Monday left Wall Street and Main Street in a state of shock. Nobody has ever seen anything like it. In ferocity it far exceeded any of the three major crash days of 1929 (i.e., October 28 down 12.8%, October 29 down 11.7% and November 6 down 9.9%).”

Writing on this bear market, this same writer continues: “The reason bear markets are deflationary is that during bear markets billions of dollars of assets are lost they disappear into thin air. Already over a trillion dollars in values have been lost in the U.S. markets VIA stocks, bonds, futures, options, mistaken speculative overseas stock exchanges. The U.S. authorities are aware that this nation is so loaded with debt that they see that a recession or depression in the face of the debt‑logged U. S. would be a disaster.”

The U.S. is not alone with these problems. Losses in many foreign markets were severe. The Mexican stock average lost 58% of its value, Australian stock lost 44% from their peak, London was down 33%, Hong Kong 44%, Singapore 48%, Tokyo only 17%.

Another writer states: “Black Monday, October 19 was the largest one‑day percentage decline in the recorded history of the stock market. That is now common knowledge. What has not been recorded is that the day witnessed the most negative daily advance decline ratio in the recorded history of the U.S. stock market. For every stock up that day 38 were down – a 1;4 ratio is normally considered a rout. Black Monday was ten times as bad.”

This same writer states that, “The present condition is only the first phase of the trouble which will proceed to a second phase of deteriorating business conditions and then proceed to a third phase which will witness the final collapse.”

Excerpts from three financial writers follow: (1) “The Great American Stock Market Bubble of the 1970’s has burst, and there is no way to put it back together.” (2) “The U.S. banking system, by most sensible accounting standards, is for the most part broke. This is due mainly to the tremendous loans made to third world countries which will never be paid back.” (3) “At the IMF meeting, no one had any meaningful answers, because there are none ‑ except bankruptcy.”

Such statements make many gloomy, but as Bible Students we know God has a set time for this Time of Trouble; and the Old Order may yet be able to survive longer than any one is able to estimate. However, we know that this Trouble will include War, Revolution, Anarchy and Jacob’s last trouble. Jacob’s last trouble will precede the establishment of Christ’s Mediatorial reign. When Jacob (the Jews in Jerusalem) call upon the Lord in their trouble, “He saveth them out of their distresses.” (See Psa. 107:17‑21)

God has a set time for the duration of this Time of Trouble. We are to wait and be guided by the “signs of the time” for each phase of these troubles. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen shine heart.” (Psa. 27:14) “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28)

Many financial advisers are recommending to sell stocks, bonds, and securities, and invest in gold, indicating their fear of the future. “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven [the present ruling powers ‑ ecclesiastical and civil] shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26) “They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day           of the wrath of the Lord.” Ezek. 7:19) (Contributed)

“Seek ye the Lord, 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)

“Crash’s Full Impact Will Hit Much Later: Monday began like any other working day ‑ a cup of coffee to my left, a stack of mail to my right. The first envelope proved something of an omen.

“Dow Theory Forecasts, a market letter that polls the nation’s 30 ‘leading advisers,’ revealed that 50 percent of the select group were advising investors to buy common stocks. Twenty‑five percent were advising clients to sell, and 25 percent were advising clients to hold. The first sentence under the digest of opinions said, ‘Despite a volatile market, many advisers remain decidedly bullish.’ It was dated Oct. 19, 1987.

“On Tuesday, Oct. 20, headlines said in the boldface type reserved for world wars and other disasters, ‘DOW DIVED 508.’ Included in the reasoning of experts was one line that is commonly heard but always perplexing: ‘The fact that so many people are worrying about the market is one of the best indicators that life remains in the market.’...

“The stock market had its worst day in history, and only one expert in four saw it coming. One adviser was right on the mark with the comment, ‘The correction is all too real and will be with us a lot longer this year.’

“Lest we be made overconfident by the huge rebound of the market on Tuesday, it might be wise to review history. Alan McConnell, a stock market technical analyst who is president of A‑Mac & Associates, puts it this way: ‘History teaches us that the initial decline is very seldom the final blow. A lower low after a bounce usually takes place some weeks or months later ‑ on consistently less volume.’ ...

“A lot of people have a misconception about the stock market crash of 1929. ... The economy bounced right along for some time following the crash. The soup lines did not form, the Apple Annies did not appear on street corners of the nation’s large cities, and the nation’s depression did not reach disastrous proportions until late 1932. Unemployment, at 3 million in October 1929, reach 10.5 million in March 1933. ...

“The similarity between 1929 and 1987 is well pointed up by a familiar jingle expressing the opinion of common folks in 1930s, that the nation got into the mess it was in by the combination of bad politics, bad banking and a lunatic fringe eager to get in on overnight profits in the stock market.

“It went like this:

‘Hoover blew the whistle

Mellon rung the bell

Wall Street caught the signal

And the country went to hell.’

 “You can still make it work if you insert the words Reagan (Congress if you prefer) and Chemical or Citicorp in the proper places.

 “Not all experts have been wrong. Several warning blasts have been given by people whose opinions should have been respected, among them economist John Galbraith and 1986 Nobel Prize winner James M. Buchanan. Both have sounded alarms that something is wrong with the economy.

“Most timely of the warnings came this month in The Atlantic Monthly in an article titled ‘The Morning After.’ Peter G. Peterson, former U.S. secretary of Commerce, wrote, ‘America is about to wake up to a painful new economic reality, following the biggest binge of borrowing and spending in the history of the nation.’

“Monday ended on a discouraging note. Someone I know had a call at 4 p.m. from someone wanting to sell him an investment. ‘You try to sell me stock on the day when the market is off 500 points!

“‘Geez,’ the caller said. ‘No kidding?”‘ (Dick Marlowe – The Orlando Sentinel, October 25, 1987)

Other Predictions – In our January‑February 1987 article, we stated that the economy in this country and in the world is steadily declining. The United States’ trade deficit has gone from disastrous to catastrophic.

October 19, 1987 will long be remembered as “Black Monday” because the Dow had a 36% drop in one day. In the month of October the Dow dropped from a high of 2722 to a low of 1763. Stock prices fell because they were too high. This was because institutions and individuals had so much cash on hand they didn’t know how to invest it.

Looking back on that day, there was one trillion dollars worth of stock market profits erased in one “whack.” People say these losses were only on paper, but this does not hold up as we continue to have bank failures. This means people are not paying their debts. Building and Loans have been having problems for the past two years. This is due to higher interest rates than people can afford.

It didn’t come out until the first of December that on Tuesday, October 20, the stock market – by extension all the world’s financial markets – faced one of the greatest crises. Stock options and future trading all but stopped during a crucial interval. Many major blue chip stocks, such as IBM, couldn’t be traded. Large and small investors couldn’t sell their stock as there were no buyers.

The Dow Jones average was meaningless because there was no trading. Many investment banking firms urged the New York Stock Exchange to close, and only the intervention of the Federal Reserve and the announcement of corporate stock buy‑back programs saved the market from a total melt down. The story of that Tuesday disclosed major weaknesses in the United States’ financial system and raises the specter that such a crises could arise again. The full details on what happened that fateful week are the subject of major inquiries by a Presidential Commission and a Congressional Committee.

Economists are predicting that during 1988 the inflation rate will be about the same as this year ‑ a shade over 5%. The weaker dollar will make imports more expensive (cars, electronics, etc.). A Presidential election year makes political unrest on both sides. Precious metals should hold their own. The consumer price index from December 1986 to December 1987 should be around 4.7% (est.). In 1988 it should be approximately 5.0%, which will be the highest since 1981 when it was 8.9%.

Economists are also predicting 1988 will be a “roller coaster” when it comes to finances. The stock market will edge up the beginning of the year, and then it could drop again during the balance of the year. They do not expect a high rise as it was before October 19.

IN RELIGION

“Old Fight Over Bible Takes On New Intensity: For millions of Christians, a literal belief in the Bible – with all the miracles, bloody battles, inspiring teachings and hymns of praise – is their main defense of God and Jesus, the man they believe was God’s son. ...

“Disagreement over the concept has: Nearly torn apart the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, the 14.6‑million member Southern Baptist Convention.

“Sparked an investigation of three professors at the Christian Reformed Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Barred women from the ministry in many churches. Left more than 3 million Lutherans outside the new Lutheran church being formed this year.

“Caused pain and confusion in other denominations. ‘That’s a very bitter debate, and it goes to the very heart of Christianity,’ said the Rev. Truman Dollar, pastor of the 8,000‑member Temple Baptist Church in Redland Township, Michigan. ...

“Rev. R. L. Hymers says, ‘The liberal theological professor, the prostitute, the drug addict, and the murderer – all agree on one thing” – that the Bible is not the Word of God.’ ...

“The Gallop Organization reports about one‑third of all Americans believe the Bible is the literal ‘Word of God,’ but it is dramatically lower since 1963, when two‑thirds of Americans surveyed described it as literal.

“‘The proportion of Americans who have some college education has just about doubled since mid‑1960s and this kind of change is related to that,’ said Jim Castelli, co‑author of a syndicated newspaper column for Gallup...

“Many other Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, have felt the heat of this battle of the Bible. ...

“‘The increased interest in Bible study has made inerrancy a burning issue for Catholics,’ Rev. Harry Benjamin said.” (Orlando Sentinel, September 12, 1987

Many Christians take symbols, parables and types literally, but they are not literal statements. There are many texts in the Bible that are literal, however. Our Bibles are only the translation of God’s inspired Word – the real Bible. We believe that most of our translators were sincere in their efforts. But all of them were prejudiced because of their belief as to how it should be translated.

The Emphasized translation by Dr. Rotherham, is one of the best. The King James version is one of the most beautiful, although it contains many mistakes. Most all of the translations contain some of God’s inspired Word – enough that we will find God has a Plan of Salvation for all mankind. In Eph. 3:11 the Diaglott translation gives “Plan,” but the King James translation gives “Purpose” in this text.

When a text does not harmonize with God’s character of WISDOM, LOVE, JUSTICE AND POWER, it is either misinterpreted, or spurious. The mistakes are not inspired. Only God’s Word is inspired. There are seven axioms we should follow: (1) A doctrine must harmonize with itself; (2) With all Truth; (3) With all Scriptural doctrine; (4) With God’s character; (5) With the Ransom; (6) With facts; (7) With the purposes of God. There is much confusion on the interpretation of the Bible. God is not the Author of confusion – man is. He is a God of Truth and harmony. We are thankful for these texts: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:3‑6) These texts are literal. God is faithful that promised. (Heb. 10:23)

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Upon calling at a house recently, a JW told the lady of the house that the Witnesses no longer objected to the reading of the Studies in the Scriptures by Pastor Russell – that, in fact, they were republishing the Studies in the Scriptures. Whether her information is true or not, there is some implication in their Watchtower that they are continuing the work started by Pastor Russell in 1885: “In 1892 missionary work in foreign countries was considered. Today, the Bible Students (?) – well known as Jehovah’s Witnesses – preach ‘this good news of the kingdom’ in 208 countries and territories and in some 200 languages – Matthew 14:14).” (Watchtower September 15, 1987, page 29)

Pastor Russell taught “Glad Tidings of Great Joy” to all people, whether they joined his organization or not. The Witnesses teach “Bad Tidings of Great Misery” to all who do not join their organization before Armageddon. The majority of people will not join them. The Witnesses claim that they are “God’s organization on earth.” Pastor Russell made no such claim for his organization. He simply used the Watch Tower, and other literature, to teach what he believed to be the Truth. Evidently, the Witnesses have cast Jesus’ Words aside – that there would be a resurrection of the good and evil. (John 5:29) Also they have cast aside Acts 24:15: “There shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.”

As they continue with their gross errors, they are attempting to “pains their faces” as did Jezebel. (2 Kings 9:30) The Pope, too, is attempting to “paint his face.” Jezebel is a type of the Catholic Church, as well as the Jehovah’s Witnesses – the prototype of the Roman Catholic Church. Antitypical Jezebel will be destroyed from within, and we see this happening in both these “systems of error.”

The JWs advertise their purity by telling us they have disfellowshiped 37,426 of their former brethren – mostly because of “sexual immorality.” Whether they disfellowshiped all these people, or whether they left of their own accord is debatable. Some may have been disfellowshiped because they questioned some of the claims of the Witnesses. (See Watchtower, September 15, 1987, page 13)

When any one was disfellowshiped during Pastor Russell’s day, it was mainly done by the various classes, who were the mistresses in matters pertaining to Matt. 18:17. Pastor Russell did not advertise these disfellowshipment cases in the Watch Tower, even though he no doubt knew about them.

“His punishment is not at all the object. Punishment is not ours but God’s... Indeed, even if the transgressor refused to hear (obey) the decision of the entire Church, no punishment is to be inflicted or even attempted. What then? Merely the Church is to withdraw from him its fellowship and any signs of manifestations of brotherhood.

“At no time in these proceedings are the faults or failings of the offender to be made public property – scandalizing him or the Church. Nor is he to be harshly spoken of even after the separation; just as we are not to berate, or rail against, heathen men and publicans, but are to ‘speak evil of no man’ and to ‘do good unto all men.’ (Titus 3:2; Gal. 6:10)” (Volume 6 of Studies in the Scriptures, p. 290)

The above is quite different from the way the JW’s treat their disfellowshiped brethren. We know of cases where such brethren were persecuted and railed against by the Witnesses. These disfellowshiped brethren are not permitted to visit their families – and some of these families won’t receive the ex‑JWs in their homes, and won’t even speak to their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters who are disfellowshiped. The following letter is more about the JWs and ex‑JWs:

“Dear Andy, Bill and Doug,

Since you say you love Jesus, why do you not obey Him?... In Matt. 6:33 Jesus said ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom.’ So it is sad indeed that you ‘reach out’ to the JWs and others, only to lead them down the path into deeper and deeper pagan darkness. Yes, Bill – I now have 12 Bible studies in ex‑JWs in Ghana and Nigeria, and I am involved with a group who are sending food and clothing to our brethren in Africa. Jesus died to save us and to assure us of life in the Kingdom here on earth. It is a sin to teach the devil’s lie of a ‘soul’ floating off to heaven or hell at the moment of death.

“Have not the JWs suffered enough at the hands of the Watchtower? It is double cruelty to add to this pain. I just want you to know that many are working to help the ex‑JWs – not to hurt them. Joan Ashley, N. H.” (The New Creation, Sept‑Oct 1987, pp. 23 and O)

No doubt our readers are well acquainted with the PTL‑TV Evangelist scandal, but they may appreciate the following reports from our local newspaper which puts the matter in proper perspective:

“TV Holy Wars Are Hardly God’s Work: Those televangelists smiling through their telegenic teeth as they talk of love and knife one another in the back have little to do with religion and everything to do with market shares and cash flow. It is not a holy war over doctrine or even sin. It’s a corporate takeover fight to determine who will get to fleece the sheep. ...

“As entertainment, it is a great show. Jerry Falwell and John Ankerberg make J. R. Ewing and Angela Channing look like benign bunglers. The sincerity that drips from Jim and Tammy Bakker is Emmy‑level acting. ...

“Those who peddle religion for personal profit have done far more harm than picking the pockets of their supporters. In a nation that has an increasing hunger for moral guidance and spiritual comfort, they have made religion a dirty joke. They have exploited the generosity with which their followers have given money and made it seem a foolish naivete.” (Joan Beck, Orlando Sentinel, June 3, 1987)

“Signing Off: The Rev. Jerry Falwell is pulling his Old‑Time Gospel Hour off nearly 50 TV stations. Spokesman Mark DeMoss said donations from viewers were down $5.3 million over the past six months, apparently because of the publicity about the PTL scandal.” (Orlando Sentinel, October 6, 1987)

“He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.” (Psa. 2:4) “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand and seek God.” (Psa. 14:2)

“The Time Has Come For Prayer Tower World: Oral Roberts’ award‑winning evangelistical  rendition of P. T. Barnum – ‘a sucker is born every minute’ – is causing more than casual interest in prayer towers.

“Roberts climbed his Oklahoma prayer tower to fast until the faithful poured into the coffers of Oral Roberts University. Therefore, I predict a flourish in the construction of prayer tower time‑share condos around the country. Moreover, Disney World; make room for Prayer Tower World. ...

“Full page ads in newspapers and magazines could boast: ‘Buy one week or more of this innovative lifestyle. First 10 buyers receive lifetime subscription to syndicated Jim and Tammy or Jimmy and Oral programs.

“When Prayer Tower World is complete, Oral Roberts – for a nominal donation, of course – might consider coming to cut the ribbon during the grand opening. Or better, he could buy one of the units – say the last week in March – and perform an annual reenactment of his now famous ‘God will kill or else routine.”‘ (Bill Bond, Orlando Sentinel, March 27, 1987)

“Takeover Talk Makes TV Religion Sound More Than Ever Like Big Business: The  argument over whether some religion is big business in disguise has been going on a long time, and those who argue that it is are getting a lot of ammunition as the electronic‑evangelist wars gain momentum. But recent events are showing us that cable TV evangelism should never be confused with pious religion. ...

“Oral Roberts sees a lot of visions these days, including a 900‑foot Jesus. Oral also revealed that he once wrestled with the devil in his own home. He didn’t say who won.

“And then there is Pat Robertson, the great soldier and hernia healer who once changed the direction of a hurricane. Pat doesn’t want to spoil and damage his budding political career by taking sides in the Jim and Tammy vs. Swaggart & Falwell tag match. Honestly, Folks, I didn’t make up this stuff. I only know what I read in the newspapers and what I see on television. ...

“The more ludicrous the plot gets, the more money people send in to keep the ‘ministries’ going so that the devils can be chased away from the safe deposit box. ... (Dick Marlowe, Orlando Sentinel, March 27, 1987)