NO. 433: THE BIBLE

No. 433

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

The request has come to us that we offer a treatise on the Bible, and it is our fond hope that all our readers may benefit from the effort. We have acted upon the suggestion because we believe a clear understanding about the Bible is perhaps as confused and misleading with the majority in Christendom as an understanding of the things taught in the Bible. The word Bible is from the Greek biblia, meaning little books, of which there are 66 in the Protestant Bible – and 80 in the Catholic Bible, which includes the 14 Apocryphal books. Thus, when it states in Rev. 20: 12 “The books were opened,” it may just as properly be said, “The Bible was opened” – that is, the Bible was explained, made clear.

The most popular work among English-speaking people of Christendom is what is com­monly designated the King James Version, which is an elegant piece of work from a literary standpoint, but is admitted by scholars to have about 20,000 mistakes in it. Therefore, it is not the Bible, but a translation of the Bible; and this conclusion may be recorded of every other translation, although some translations show much less defect than others. It was about 1610 that King James of England (whose name attaches to the King James Version) selected 56 outstanding scholars in England, divided them into seven or eight groups, and assigned to each group a certain section of the Bible for translation. Before they had finished seven or eight of them had died, but the work was finally completed. And, considering the material at hand, the difficulties of the times, the deep-rooted errors in the minds of the men involved in the work (such as eternal torment as the wages of sin, the immortality of the soul, etc.), we would conclude that they did a commendable piece of work. The King James Version of the Bible is yet today the world’s best seller of all publications.

The decree of King James was probably instigated by the effort of the Roman Catholics to introduce a Bible of their own – known as the Douay (France) Version – the first edition of which appeared in 1582, reprinted at Antwerp in 1600, and again in 1621, with a fourth edition coming off the press in 1633 at Rouen. The fifth edition – much the same as the previous four – appeared in 1728; but a sweeping revision was attempted by Bishop Challoner in 1749-52. His purpose was “to meet the practical want felt by the Catholics of his day of a Bible with notes more suitable to the time.” His changes were so many and so much different than the original Douay attempt, that Cardinal Newman declared it to be almost a new edition entirely – no longer sensible to refer to it as the Douay Version. Said he: “It has been altered and modified until scarcely any verse is as it was when originally published.” And in all of their editions there are copious footnotes to give the Catholic interpretation of the Scripture involved; but these, too, have had to be revised along with their translation of the text itself.

Akin to the foregoing is the course of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their Bible, which they have translated to fit their own ideas of what they wish the text to say. A classic example of this is their book copyrighted in 1963, and titled All Scripture Is Inspired of God And Beneficial – a pseudo-translation of 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. Even the veriest novice should know that the word “is” is not in the original text at all – because the word “is” is in italics, indicating no corresponding word in the original. Furthermore, Webster’s first definition of scripture is “anything written”; and in later detail he says “Any sacred writing; as Buddhist scripture.” We assume the Witnesses would in no sense consider the Buddhist scripture as “inspired of God and beneficial,” yet their caption on the 1963 book would indicate they do believe it. A proper translation of 2 Tim. 3:16,17 is this: “All Scripture that is God-inbreathed is beneficial.” That is, inspired Scripture – that which results from the Holy Spirit in the sense given by St. Peter, “Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit,” – is profitable. This leaves no doubt about the real meaning and purpose of St. Paul’s word.

There are very many translations of the Bible, some much better than others. Many of them have fewer mistakes than the King James Version, but none of them equal the King James in literary style and fluency of reading. The best of modern translations for both the Old and the New Testament is probably the one by Dr. Joseph Bryant Rotherham. The honesty and humility of the learned Doctor are revealed beautifully in his prefaced statement: “It must be obvious to all, that just in proportion to the importance of these documents must be the obligation to translate them as accurately and adequately as possible; and since in the very nature of things no translation can be perfect, improvement is always possible... It remains only to render in hearty thanks to the scholars whose labors have made this work possible... but first and last – especially in view of preserved life and eyesight and mental freshness – to Him from whom all blessings flow.”

As an example of Doctor Rotherham’s intention to be scrupulously honest in his work, we cite his translation of the word Hell. This word occurs 31 times in the Old Testament of the King James Version. Each time it is translated from the Hebrew Sheol; but this same word Sheol is also translated 31 times by the word Grave, and three times by the word Pit. Thus, Sheol occurs 65 times in all in the Old Testament. In the New Testament the word Hell occurs 23 times – eleven times from the Greek Hades, eleven times from the Greek Gehenna, and once from the Greek Tartaroo. The Hebrew Sheol is the exact equivalent of the Greek Hades; and recognizing the prevailing confusion about the meaning of the sub­ject of Hell (his translation was copyrighted in 1897, after about twenty years of work in its preparation), he did not attempt to provide an English word for it in his Bible. Thus, in the 65 times that Sheol occurs in the Old Testament the Doctor simply uses the Greek word Hades, which is exactly the same in meaning as the Hebrew Sheol; it means oblivion, or the death state. In the New Testament he leaves the eleven occurrences of Hades just as it is in the original, as he also does with Gehenna; although he does give some English words for the Greek Tartaroo: “pits of gloom in the lowest Hades.” (2 Pet. 2:4) From this example it will be noted that he did not attempt to read his own beliefs into his translation, and this tends to make it a superior piece of work.

THE BIBLE WRITERS – OLD TESTAMENT

For the 39 books of the Old Testament (not counting the 14 apocryphal books, which are not in the King James, but are included in the Douay Version) there are 24 writers, the same being styled the “24 elders” in Rev. 4:4, etc. St. Peter says of them that they were “holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet. 1:21) It should be noted that all of them were Jews, and some of them were among the finest intellects ever to appear among the entire human race. We shall consider only a few of them:

MOSES – Just a little reflection should convince us that he was one of the greatest intellects of all time. He spent forty days in Mount Sinai with God, receiving instructions of a wide variety. He could be counted remarkable if we consider only the tabernacle construction, the dimensions, style, construction and material with which the different items of furniture were to be made; and all of these Moses remembered in finest detail – did all exactly according to “the pattern showed him in the Mount.” We need but to read those instructions in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy; then reflect how long it might require of us to fix those things clearly in mind after having them before us on the written page. But Moses remembered all without anything written out for him. As an executive, a law–giver, and administrator he was also among the foremost of all time. And even in his death he was phenomenal. “Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” (Deu. 34:7) And the poet gives sublime expression to that final event in his life:

By Nebo’s lonely mountain,

On this side Jordan’s wave,

In a vale in the land of Moab

There lies a lonely grave;

And no man knows that sepulchre,

And no man saw it e’er;

For angels of God upturned the sod

And laid the dead man there.

That was the grandest funeral

That ever passed on earth;

But no man heard the trampling

Or saw the train go forth;

Noiselessly as the daylight

Comes when the night is done,

And the crimson streak on ocean’s cheek

Grows into the great sun.

This was the truest warrior

That ever buckled sword;

This the most gifted poet

That ever breathed a word;

And never earth’s philosopher traced,

With his golden pen,

On the deathless page, truths half so sage

As he wrote down for man.

God hath His mysteries to grace

Ways, that we cannot tell,

He hides them deep like the hidden sleep

Of him He loved so well.

He may well be regarded as perhaps the grandest character that ever lived, and the Jews have a saying that God kissed him there that final night.

DAVID – He is the greatest religious poet ever to be found in Israel and probably in the entire world. The Psalms which he wrote are in poetry in the Hebrew. Next to Moses, he is probably the greatest intellect among the Jewish race – a great general, a gifted ruler and administrator – a very versatile man. And this is all the more remark­able when we consider his humble boyhood and his phenomenal rise to power. “I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel ... and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.” (2 Sam. 7:8,9) Unlike Moses, who was reared in the palatial surroundings of the Egyptian court, David’s early life was spent in the peaceful hills of Palestine as a lowly sheep boy. To arise from such surroundings to the pinnacle of his nation would self­evidently place him head and shoulders above his fellows, many of whom had greatly supe­rior advantages of physique, birth, family, wealth, etc. He is one not to be easily dis­counted from whatever angle we view him.

SOLOMON – Solomon is familiarly known as “The wise man,” and for good cause. “God said, Lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. God gave Solo­mon wisdom and understanding exceeding much... Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men... his fame was in all the nations round about. And he spake three thousand prov­erbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees ... of beasts, and of fowl, of creeping things, of fishes. And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom. “ (1 Kgs. 3: 12; 4:29–34) While the Proverbs of Solomon are most familiar to the general public, his masterpiece of expression is to be found in the Book of Job, which many scholars regard as the finest piece of poetry in existence. Even Gibbon, an unbeliever, ascribes the supreme place of all literature to the book of Job. It is so superb in the Hebrew that it cannot be properly translated into English; therefore, the poetic force of Job is lost to the English reader. Thus, in some respects Solomon outshone his illustrious father David.

ISAIAH – He is regarded by many as the gentleman of the Old Testament, which is re­flected in his scholarly writings. According to tradition, he was of royal blood – at least of noble descent, but there is no certainty about this. However, the quality of his writings reflect a finely–tuned intellect.  Some of his statements offer proof apparent that he was indeed one of those “holy men of old who spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit,” as evidence Isa. 44:28: “Cyrus, he is My shepherd, and shall perform all My pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” This Scripture was written about 200 years before King Cyrus was born; therefore, it can only be attributed to inspiration. And the same may be said about the 53rd chapter of the book, which offers the very minute details of Jesus’ exper­iences when He was on earth – even forecasting that he would die in company with criminals. “He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors.” This was written about 800 years before Jesus’ appearance on earth, and could have been predicted only through inspiration, as the writer was “moved by the Holy Spirit.” Isaiah, too, must be counted with the great intellects of all time.

THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS

As stated, the 39 books of the Old Testament were all written by Jews; and all of the 27 books of the New Testament were also written by Jews – excepting only the Gospel by Luke. And when we consider that St. Paul dictated that book to Luke, then we may say with assurance that all 27 of the books were written by Jews. Thus, the entire Bible of 66 books has come to us through Jewish writers. And this poses an intriguing theory: Either the New Testament writers also “spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit,” or they were rank frauds. As we examine the record, it is not too difficult to determine which supposition is the correct one. While it is true that most of the Apostles were “ignorant and unlearned men” (Acts 4:13), there is no evidence of this at all in their writings. Thus, their coarse exterior must have received a speedy overhaul, or they wrote what they did by inspiration. But the question logically arises, if they were frauds, what benefit did they receive from their knavery? We know that all of them suffered much privation, and most of them came to a violent end – extremely so in the case of Peter, who is reported to have been crucified head down; Paul who had his head chopped off in Rome; and James was killed with a sword in Jerusalem. It is also rumored that John was thrown into a kettle of boiling oil. However, we shall offer detail on only two of the Apostles:

ST. PAUL – This Apostle was a master logician, a lawyer, a Pharisee, from a wealthy and influential family in Israel – a man who had everything according to the standards of this world. Hear, then, his own statement of his estimation of it: “I esteem all things to be a loss, an account of the excellency of the knowledge of the Anointed Jesus my Lord; on whose account I suffered the loss of all things, and consider them to be vile refuse, so that I may gain Christ.” (Phil. 3:8, Dia.) If this statement be true – and even his critics do not dispute it – then his sincerity is not to be doubted. It is contrary to all human logic and thinking that a man should perpetrate fraud to bring great loss upon himself; so we are forced to the evident conclusion that Paul must be classed with those “holy men of old who spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

ST. JOHN – He is described as “that disciple whom Jesus loved” because of his warm affability and open sincerity. Next to St. Paul, he is the most copious writer of the New Testament – although the Gospel that bears his name, and the Revelation are presumed to have been written during the last ten years of the first century AD That would be about sixty years after Jesus had died and would put John close to 100 years of age. Yes, even at that advanced age, he has given us in minute and fluent detail the happenings of the last night before Jesus died – chapters 13 through 19 of the Gospel bearing his name; and he provides in those chapters an exact reproduction of the prayer given by Jesus that night, along with some of the most sublime and appealing of all Scripture. This, too, we conclude would have been impossible at his advanced age had he not written by inspiration.

CONCLUSION – With this sort of evidence to guide us, we ask in wonder why the Jews have not raised the same questions. With the many keen and brilliant men in their nation since the dispersion in AD 70, it is one of the marvels of the Age that such overwhelm­ing logic should not have persuaded them to inquire into the matter. St. Paul did recognize this situation, and he offers the proper answer: “Brethren [addressed to the Gen­tiles], that you may not be conceited with yourselves, I wish you not to be ignorant of this secret, that blindness in part is happened to Israel.” (Rom. 11:25) In Psa. 107:17 David has offered a proper appraisal of their situation: “Fools because of their transgression [they crucified the Lord of Glory], and because of their iniquities [sins against the Mosaic Law Covenant], are afflicted.” All plainly in evidence during this entire Age since AD 70.

THE BIBLE’S AUTHENTICITY

There is no original text of the Hebrew Old Testament. The originals had been scrupulously preserved by the Jewish priests, so much so that they would have given their lives to preserve them; but Nebuchadnezzar and his army were more than the priests could withstand. Therefore, when he overcame Jerusalem in the Fall of 607 B.C., the sacred writings suffered at his hands, as did also the sacred vessels of the temple. “He broke down the walls of Jerusalem... And took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door, and the principal scribe... and three–score men of the people... and slew them at Riblah.” (2 Kgs. 25:9–21) This account tells what was done with the sacred vessels: they were demolished and carried away to Babylon for their intrinsic value. But nothing at all is said about the sacred writings.

However, it would seem reasonable that some zealous keeper of those writings did suc­ceed in preserving them, because the Massoretes, who were Hebrew scholars during the years AD 450 to 900, worked on the writings then in existence and produced what is commonly known as the Massoretic text. After they completed their work, they destroyed all other texts, leaving only the product of their own minds. But it seems they did a commendable job, so much so that Dr. C. D. Ginsberg used their work in his recension of the Hebrew Bible, the latter being one of the foremost of Old Testament translations.

Then there is also the Septuagint, which is a Greek version of the Old Testament from the original Hebrew. It is so–called because 70 (actually 72) learned Hebrews at Alexandria, Egypt, undertook in 285 BC to produce the Greek copy. All things consid­ered, it is the most valuable of all translations of the Old Testament – with many margi­nal notes, some of which are valuable, but some self–evidently wrong, in view of informa­tion now available. Jesus and the Apostles quoted from the Septuagint, but they corrected it when necessary – when it contradicted well–established teachings.

A s for the New Testament, the three oldest manuscripts are the Vatican, the Sinaitic and the Alexandrine. The Vatican (dating about AD 250) is in the Vatican Library in Rome and considered the Roman Church’s richest treasure. The other two (about 100 years later than the Vatican) are both in England. There is also the Vulgate (about AD 400), which is the Latin translation, by Jerome. Another very influential translation is the one by Martin Luther. There are many others, of course, but we shall not now detail them.

THE BIBLE’S VERACITY

In view of the foregoing, the question properly arises, What are we to believe? Admitting that the originals were by inspiration, they are now lost, so we know not def­initely what the originals contained. Some atheists, scoffers, etc., attempt to make capital of this, which offers the conclusion that men usually believe what they want to believe. Jesus gave us the “Golden Rule”: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (Matt. 7:12) Today we find this high ideal so little practiced that the scoffers attempt to discount it because of human frailty; but the fact still stands: A universal practice of this teaching would make immeasurable improvement in human relations. It would indeed end all wars, all violence, robbery, rapine, etc. Thus, the critics must admit the sound philosophy and the general good that it contains.

This Rule by Jesus is the only all–embracing teaching of known religions. Confucius offered a negative in the same direction: Whatsoever ye would not that men do to you, do not to them. But a little analysis reveals the weakness of the statement. In Luke 10:25–37 is given the parable of the Good Samaritan, in which it will be noted that the

Priest and the Levite passed by the man that had been beaten and robbed. The rule of Confucius would absolve them; they did not attempt further abuse upon the victim, which was a negative attitude. But the Rule by Jesus demands a positive response when distress is in evidence, which the Samaritan indeed did proffer.

As presently composed, the normal man is possessed of four appetites: (1) The eliminative, the desire for food and drink; (2) The procreative, the desire for the opposite sex; (3) The acquisitive, the desire to accumulate, to add house to house and field to field; (4) The religious, the desire to worship something higher than himself. All of the brute creation possess the first two of these appetites, some of them possess the third, but none of them possess the fourth. All normal men have an inherent desire to some form of religion, and this is apparent even among the lowest forms of heathen. It his been so since the dawn of history, but without the Bible we would have nothing more to guide us than what our five senses might reveal. Thus, the need for our Bible, which gives us much of the past, foretells much of the future, and offers elaborate laws for man’s physical, mental, moral and religious guidance. Its inherent strength is apparent by its gripping force upon any who come within its influence. This is noticeable even among the lowly and unlearned, who gain some uplift of heart and mind merely from reading it, which demonstrates its inherent magnetic force. It is the product of the Holy Spirit, operating through the finest minds in history, and its Divine origin is evident in that it inspires and enables men to rise above themselves, an attribute not apparent among the heathen.

One of the outstanding reasons for Christendom’s superiority over the heathen is the help received from the Bible. The laws of Moses were far superior to anything then in existence anywhere else on earth, and can logically be said to have been far ahead of their time. In the case of Jesus Himself, He arose far beyond His natural ability after He received the Holy Spirit at Jordan when He was thirty years of age. Before that time He could not heal the sick, raise the dead, turn water into wine, etc., all of which He did after He received the Holy Spirit. And the same may be said for the Apostles. They, too, arose far above their inherited strength and ability after they were “endowed with power from on high.” Viewed from this standpoint, the words of David are given added force: “The entrance of thy word giveth light”! (Psa. 119:130) Thus, in addition to forecasting events many years in advance of their occurrence, we have here a second reason for believing the Bible to be of Divine inspiration – a superhuman revelation. Its immediate effect upon those who accept it is far beyond the influence of any other religious or secular writing.

THE BIBLE PLAN

A third proof of the Bible’s Divine inspiration is the “plan of the ages,” which it has contained since the year A.D. 100, which plan has been working according to outline before and since that date. In Eph. 3:9–11 St. Paul offers a clear reference to this: “To make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God... according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is much clearer in the Emphatic Diaglott: “To enlighten all as to what is the administration of that secret, which has been concealed from the ages ... according to a plan of the ages, which He formed for the Anointed Jesus our Lord.”

It should be noted that St. Paul says this “plan” has been a “secret” during the ages, and none can dispute this statement. The Bible itself is a book of very moderate size, as small or smaller than most textbooks in any university. Yet the brightest minds have been unable to master it until the “due time” arrived for it to be understood. That is because it is “here a little, and there a little” (Isa. 28:10), with the “secret” ex­pertly kept until it should be made plain. Without offering great detail, we notice that the “plan” embraces three “worlds” (from the Greek Kosmos, meaning order of affairs), the first one described in 2 Pet. 3:6 as “the world that was” – that Kosmos, or order of affairs, that existed from creation until it “being overflowed with water, perished.” The world that was lasted for 1656 years.

The second world, or order of affairs (“this present evil world” – Gal. 1:4), began with Noah and his wife, his three sons and their wives (a total of eight persons), emerged from the great deluge, and has been continuing to the present time. According to 2 Pet. 3:7, Dia., “the present heavens and the earth [this Kosmos, or order of affairs], by the same word [The Bible], are treasured up, being kept for fire [destruction] to a day of judgment and destruction of impious men” – this “destruction” being now in progress, as is evidenced on every hand.

Then 2 Pet. 3:13, Dia.: “We, according to His promise, are looking for new heavens and a new earth [a new Kosmos, or order of affairs, the third world – the Kingdom] in which dwells righteousness” – just the opposite of “this present evil world.” Of that third world it is written (Rev. 21:4 – Dia.): “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death will be no more, nor mourning, nor crying; neither will there be any more pain; because the former things passed away.” This third world we now “see dimly, as through a dark glass”; and it is beyond belief except by those who now have the faith to believe it. The forecast is clear enough: If there be no more death or pain, then there must be perpetual youth, with ideal food, water and climate. “And there shall be no more curse... no night [ignorance, error, superstition] there.” (Rev. 22:3–5) In this “present evil world” it is easier to do wrong than right; in the world to come it will be easier to do right than wrong. It is well to keep in mind that all of the Bible was written at some time during “this present evil world”; yet it is the only book that gives a clear and logical record of the happenings of the “world that was” before the flood – just one more proof of its Divine inspiration. Also, skeptics may declare the “plan” briefly discussed herein is too good to be true; but we answer that it is too good not to be true. No secular fiction writer has ever imagined anything half so good; such a plan could result only from Divine inspiration.

SUMMARY: The Plan of the Ages mentioned aforegoing has its introduction in the first three chapters of the Bible, and its conclusion is given in the last three chapters. In the first three chapters of Genesis we are told what man was, what he had, and why and how he lost it. In the last three chapters of Revelation we are given man’s ultimate des­tiny, and how that is to be accomplished – the grand finale being the “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:19–23), restoration of what was lost in Eden.

In between the introduction and conclusion of the Plan we find seven lines of thought: doctrines, precepts, promises, exhortations, prophecies, histories and types. And St. Paul tells us in 2 Tim. 3:15 that these teachings properly understood “are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” He continues in verse 16 to state that these seven lines of thought serve four teaching purposes: “Doctrine, reproof [refuting], correction and instruction in righteousness. “ Mien clearly understood, it becomes apparent that the Apostle has itemized all the essentials in teaching and character development that man needs for his religious welfare. Doctrine is what we believe; refuting (of error) re­veals what we should not believe; correction, when properly received, rids the faults from our character (tells us what we should not do); and instruction (training) in righteousness informs us of the good things we should build into our character (what we should do). And all of this is “profitable... that the man of God may be perfect, thoroly furnished unto all good works.” It is elemental that religion should make us better; otherwise it fails in purpose and becomes merely a ritualistic waste of time.

Of the foregoing Bible subjects, some of them are relatively easy to understand in certain of their parts, while others are intensely difficult of comprehension. In this respect the Bible allows excellent comparison with the ocean, which is deep enough for a whale to swim in it, and shallow enough for a child to wade in it. It is also pertinent that the Bible is not a text book; it is rather a book of texts. Thus, no subject of importance finds complete clarification in any one section; but it is rather “here a little, there a little.” (Isa. 28:10) This has resulted in the apparent confusion evident in the different Christian organizations – a situation akin to the poem:

It was six men of Hinduston,

To learning much inclined,

Went to see the elephant

Though all of them were blind.

Therefore, they had to rely upon their sense of touch; one touched the leg, one the side, one the tail, etc., which resulted in six vastly different opinions of what the elephant was really like, which produced the result:

They argued loud and long,

Though each was partly in the right,

But all of them were wrong.

A safe rule to proper understanding of the Bible is that it cannot contradict itself. It speaks of itself as “the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2: 15) ; and, if this be correct, then it must be truth, and not falsehood. If our opinion of any Scripture is contradicted by other Scripture, then one of three things is wrong: We do not have the right interpreta­tion; or we may have a mistranslation; or the text may even be spurious. It is certain that ambitious men have attempted to impose their own opinions in some places, which has resulted in much mischief and erroneous beliefs. It is well also to note that manifold schemes of mice and men have tried in vain to destroy the Bible, or to distort its meaning; but all of them have failed. The Bible is still a living book, and as sturdy in its application today as it has been over the past. There is very good reason for this: Its Author, who is perfect in Justice, Wisdom and Power, has been its Preserver; and the promise to those who rely upon it, and who have full faith in it, applies with equal force to the book itself: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” (Isa. 54:17)

It might be well here to note how foolish some of the scoffers of this Sacred Book have been, while those who had faith in its Divine inspiration and truthfulness were not so foolish. Sir Isaac Newton, the celebrated astronomer of the seventeenth century, was greatly interested in the words of Daniel: “But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Dan. 12:4) He declared his belief that in fulfillment of it, human knowledge would so increase that men would possibly travel at the rate of fifty miles an hour. When Voltaire, the noted French infidel, got hold of this statement he scornfully remarked:

“Now look at the mighty mind of Newton, the great philosopher who discovered the law of gravitation: when he became an old man and got in his dotage, he began to study the book called the Bible, and in order to credit its fabulous nonsense he would have us believe that the knowledge of mankind will yet be so increased that we shall by–and–by be able to travel fifty miles an hour! Poor dotard.”

Both of these men died long before the “Time of the End” had brought its wonderful increase of knowledge, which more than fulfils the prediction of the Christian phi­losopher, based upon the Divine revelation. Fifty miles per hour is merely snail’s pace today.

The subject matter herein has been treated very briefly, perhaps too much so, yet it is our hope that enough has been said to generate interest by our readers; and to such we would quote the words of St. Paul: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint No. 284, February 1, 1979)

=======

NO. 432: HOPE FOR THE SODOMITES

No. 432

Genesis 19:12-17,23-29

“Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing.” (2 Cor. 6:17 - RV)

When Abraham was ninety-nine years old - about the year 1900 BC - his encampment was at Hebron. There the Lord and two angels appeared to him as men. He knew them not, but entertained them, and they did eat and talk with Abraham. St. Paul, noting this, urges that the Lord’s people should be hospitable to strangers, and reminds us of how Abraham entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)

The one in this case called the Lord was doubtless the Logos, chief Messenger of Jehovah, who subsequently was made flesh that he might be man’s redeemer and restorer. The Lord on this occasion told Abraham that Ishmael would not be the heir of the promise, but that very shortly Sarah would have a son, notwithstanding her advanced age. Isaac was born the next year.

It was as Abraham walked with his angelic visitors a little distance that he learned who they really were, and that the destruction of Sodom was imminent. Nobly and gener­ously the heir of the promises petitioned God’s mercy on the Sodomites, to spare them from destruction if there were fifty, forty, twenty or even ten amongst them doing as well as they knew how. The Lord gave assurance that if there were ten in the city thus righteous it would be spared.

THE WICKEDNESS OF SODOM GREAT

God’s policy has been to allow mankind during this reign of sin and death to try their hand at self-government, etc. He has interfered to cut off with destruction only those whose iniquity became very pronounced and whose fond enjoyment of life’s privileges would be injurious to themselves and others. Thus of the Sodomites and the antediluvians God made illustrations of the great lesson, “All the wicked will He destroy.” (Psa. 145:20)

We are to remember, however, that these are not illustrations of eternal torment, but illustrations of destruction. We are to remember, also, that these merely passed into destruction a few years sooner than they would ordinarily have done. We are to remember, further, that the death sentence was upon all of Adam’s race from the time when he was cast out of Eden.

We are to remember, further, that Christ Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man; and that in him all the families of the earth will be blessed. This means that all of Adam’s children, under the reign of sin and death and the weaknesses of heredity, will eventually come forth from the tomb through the merit of Christ’s sacrifice. And that sacrifice included the Sodomites as truly as it includes any of us, as this lesson will show.

“AND DELIVERED RIGHTEOUS LOT”

The Apostle Peter informs us that Lot was not in sympathy with the evils of Sodom, in the midst of which he lived. (2 Peter 2:7,8) His family apparently had been all girls. These, except two, had intermarried with the Sodomites. Quite possibly it was the thought of marrying the daughters to prosperous husbands that, under the guidance of the mother, induced the family to settle in Sodom. How many others like Lot and his wife have made the serious mistake of claiming more for the physical and temporal interests of their families than for their intellectual and moral welfare! The story of the flight of Lot, his wife and two unmarried daughters is simply told in our lesson.

Geologists declare that the region of the Dead Sea, the former site of Sodom and Gomorrah, was a gas and oil and asphalt deposit, with a deep crevice which led down to subterranean fires; and that the connection established between these by an earthquake or by a lightning bolt would have resulted in the manner described as the experiences of Sodom. The gas, throwing burning oil and asphalt into the air, would have produced a rain of fire and brimstone - a death-dealing terror. But had there been no such reservoir of inflammables, the Lord would have been quite able to accomplish the same results by other means, or in such a case perhaps accomplished the destruction in another way.

The intimation of the 29th verse is that God’s mercy toward Lot was because of his relationship to Abraham. This view is consistent with all the Bible statements, Adam’s entire race was condemned to death because of his disobedience. Hence Divine justice owed nothing to any of them. Divine mercy entered into a special covenant of favor with Abraham, after he had demonstrated his faith, loyalty and obedience; but the covenant did not extend to any others except to his seed. There was therefore no reason why Lot should be considered more than others except as stated - that God would show favor to him because of his relationship to Abraham.

“THERE’S A WIDENESS IN GOD’S MERCY”

This does not signify that God is merciless to our race, but merely that, having provided a way, or channel, through which he will exercise his mercy, he will but rarely exercise it outside of that foreordained channel.

The channel of all of God’s mercy is Christ Jesus, who declared, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) Of Him also St. Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given amongst men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Since no one could be saved except through Jesus, it follows that no one was saved before Jesus came. To some this may at first seem astounding, until they perceive that it is the clear teaching of the Bible, and the key which unlocks the wonders of God’s grace.

In proof of this, note St. Paul’s words respecting the salvation which God has sent to mankind through Jesus. He says, “Which salvation began to be preached by our Lord and was confirmed unto us by those who heard him.” (Heb. 2:3) Again, we read that Jesus “brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:10)

Abraham and all the Hebrews had the intimation of coming blessing through the promises made to Abraham; but an intimation is one thing, and the blessing itself another. The promise said that the people’s blessing would come through Abraham’s seed. (Gal. 3:16,29) Hence it could not come before. We should rid our minds of the thought that Abraham, Moses, David and others of the holy ones of the past went to heaven, and the remainder of mankind to eternal torture. The Bible most distinctly declares that the ancients, good and bad, were gathered to their fathers and slept with their fathers. They are sleeping still, waiting for the time when Abraham’s seed will be complete, and will set up God’s kingdom in the earth, overthrow all the powers of sin and death, and deliver all the captives from the prison-house of the tomb.

THE FIRST, OR CHIEF RESURRECTION

The first resurrection began with our Lord Jesus and is not yet completed, because all of the faithful elect Bride Class are called to share in his sacrificial death, and to share also in his glorious resurrection to the Divine nature. All sharing in that first resurrection, the Bible declares, will reign with Christ a thousand years, and as the seed of Abraham, fully empowered, will bless all those redeemed by the precious blood of Calvary.-(Rev. 20:4)

St. Paul emphasizes this point in Hebrews 11:38-40, declaring that, while Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the holy ones of the past received indications of God’s favor, nevertheless that favor can come only through Christ.  Consequently they cannot reach perfection in the flesh and everlasting life until the Body of Christ, the spiritual seed of Abraham, shall be completed - “that they, without us, should not be made perfect.” Jesus also attested that the Ancient Worthies had not gone to heaven, saying, “No man hath ascended up to heaven.” (John 3:13) St. Peter specializes in the Prophet David’s case, and declares, “David is not ascended into the heavens.” (Acts 2::34)

HOPE FOR THE SODOMITES

The hope for the Sodomites is exactly the same as the hope for all the remainder of Adam’s race, except a few who, during this Gospel Age, have come into relationship with Christ as members of the spiritual seed. The hope of all the world is the Messianic Kingdom, and the deliverance from the power of sin and death which it will effect. With the setting up of that kingdom the work of salvation will begin, so far as the world is concerned, for the salvation of the Church to a heavenly condition is a separate salvation from that which God has provided for the world in general. The sacrifice at Calvary, however, is one sacrifice for all – the basis of all our hopes. We were all condemned to death through Adam; and justification to life can come to none except through the Redeemer.

Jesus tells us that it will be more tolerable for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment (the thousand years of His Messianic reign) than for the people of His day who heard His message and rejected it – the people of Capernaum, Bethsaida, Chorazin. (Matthew 11:20-24) It will not be intolerable for the people who rejected Jesus; but it will be more tolerable, the Master said, for the Sodomites, because, He explains, “if the mighty works had been done in Sodom and Gomorrah, they would have repented,” and would not have been overwhelmed.

This shows us clearly that the eternal fate of the Sodomites is not sealed. When we turn to the Word of the Lord through Ezekiel the Prophet, 16:46-63, we have abundant testimony that the Sodomites will not only be awakened from the sleep of death, but when awakened will be brought to a knowledge of God and to an opportunity of obtaining everlasting life, through The Messiah, by willing obedience.

For the love of God is broader

Than the measure of man’s mind;

And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind.

(Pastor Russell, Reprints 5178-5179, February 1, 1913)

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

THE WORLD CALLED TO REPENTANCE

“God now commandeth men everywhere to repent; because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.” (Acts 17:30,31)

When God sentenced Father Adam to death He very properly said nothing about repentance, for He offered Adam no hope of a future life. If, then, no hope of a future life was known to Adam or revealed to him, why should God deal with him at all? Adam was sentenced to death, to destruction. There is no basis upon which to command a man to repent unless something is offered him as a reward for repentance.

God had put upon Adam the sentence of death, which could be removed only by the payment of a ransom price. God fully intended that some day all mankind should have an opportunity of coming into harmony with Him and of having another trial, or judgment, for life; but it was not His due time to explain His program. Therefore, Adam lived and died without any command whatever to repent. And so did his children.

The first intimation of what God might do was given by the Prophet Enoch. But the revelation made by Enoch was not a sufficient basis for offering hope to mankind nor for telling them to repent. (Jude 14,15)

A SUGGESTION OF HOPE FOR THE WORLD

So years passed by until the time of Abraham. Then God told Abraham that He would reveal a secret to him, because Abraham was His friend. That secret was not a message to be preached, but to be believed by himself and by those who would be heirs of that promise, which was not yet applicable to any outside of Abraham’s descendants. The secret was, “In thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 28:14) I intend to bless the world, Abraham. If you are obedient to my instructions, your seed will get the blessing and transmit it to the world in general. It was only by implication, therefore, that Abraham had any suggestion that a life of repentance would be rewarded.

In due time God called the children of Israel and dealt with them through Moses. Practically he said, “Do you wish to be my people? If so, come now, enter into a covenant with me; I will be your God and you shall be my people.” (Lev. 26:12)

Israel was not commanded to repent, nor were any of the rest of the world. It was an invitation, not a command. God was ready to make a covenant with them. That covenant was that they were to obey the Law, and that by their obedience to the Ten Commandments and the spirit of their covenant they would become God’s people. But when they tried to keep the Law they found that they could not do so, because of inherited weakness. Hence there was nothing more to be said to them along that line. They had had their opportunity and they had failed.

THE CALL TO REPENTANCE

When Jesus came he kept the Law, and inherited all the promises of the Law Covenant. Then He offered a share of the Kingdom which God had promised to set up (Dan. 2:44), and blessing, honor and glory to as many of the Jews as would come into harmony with Him, as many as would walk in His steps of self-sacrifice and thus have God’s favor. (John 1: 12) In substance He said, “This is the way. Trust in Me and walk in My steps. Thus you shall be My disciples. You shall share in My sufferings now, and by and by in My glory and Kingdom.”

In due time, after a certain number had been gathered from the Jews, this message was extended to all the Gentiles who were in the right condition of heart. The Gentiles not having indicated their desire to come back into harmony with God as the Jewish nation had done, God then commanded them everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30) This He did through those who were the representatives of His teaching, the Apostles and the Church. In proportion as they understood the plan of God and were in harmony with it, they could tell their neighbors that a new condition had been established and that God would deal henceforth with the Gentiles.

THE RANSOM THE BASIS OF HOPE FOR THE WORLD

Why should God deal with the Gentiles now, when he had refused to deal with them before? The explanation of this new condition is that Christ had died, and God’s great plan had now matured enough to be made applicable to all men everywhere. God had appointed a day in which to judge the world in righteousness. (Acts 17:30,31) That great day is the next age, the day of Christ, the day of Messiah’s Kingdom. God has made this provision for the redemption of all through the death of Christ. Mankind were all under the death sentence, and God could not deal with them until that sentence was lifted, or until provision was made for lifting it. He has not annulled the death sentence, but has provided a ransom for all. (1 Tim. 2:6)

Whoever knows of this plan of redemption knows that God intends to give every individual of Adam’s race an individual trial for life. That trial will not be merely to determine whether mankind will try to do right and battle against all the evil influences of the world, but God will subdue sin and uplift all of Adam’s race who are desirous of being uplifted. God has declared that no member of Adam’s race need die.

Everyone who will may return to God through the great Atonement to be effected by the Redeemer. He has not completed this work yet, but to those who have an ear to hear, the word has gone out that there is to be a future trial, and that the manner of one’s life now will have a bearing upon that trial. It is proper to tell this now, because the provision has been made through Christ’s death.

THE PRESENT MESSAGE TO THE WORLD

Prior to the Gospel Age it was of no use to tell the people to come into harmony with God. But now the whole world is to be brought into a trial to help them and not to condemn them - a trial to see whether they are worthy to have the everlasting life that God will provide for them and assist the willing to attain. Wherever people are willing to hear, the message is, Repent! repent! Cease from sin, and this reformation of character will have an influence upon your everlasting life.

If one is not of the Church class he is not on trial for life or death. But it will be to his advantage to live uprightly, for there is a time of reckoning coming. God has provided for this day of trial in the death of Christ. Beforehand, however, the Lord is selecting a Church class. The Lord is thus preparing a great class of missionaries who will do everything possible to assist men out of sin and degradation back to harmony with God.

In times past God acted as though He did not notice when sin was committed - unless it was a grievous sin.  Then he merely took the lives of the sinner, under unpleasant conditions – they went to sleep. The Prophet Ezekiel says that God took all of the Sodomites away as he saw good.” (Ezek. 16:50) After the Church’s trial, or judgment, shall have been finished and the overcomers shall have been found worthy, then, in that time of the world’s judgment, the Sodomites will have an opportunity as had the Jews who heard Jesus at the First Advent. And it will be much more tolerable then for the people of Tyre and Sidon and Sodom and Gomorrah than it will be for the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, etc.; for the latter had had opportunities of knowledge, against which they sinned; they therefore had more willfulness in the matter than did the Sodomites. (See Matt. 11:21-24.)

At that time God had sent no command to the Sodomites to repent. So God merely “winked at” (overlooked) the ignorance and sin of that time. (Acts 17:30) He neither threatened nor did anything else in the matter. He merely blotted the Sodomites out of existence. Their fate served as a foreshadowing, as the Apostle says, that God will not forever permit mankind to remain in sin, but that he will destroy the sinner. None shall be destroyed, however, until first he shall have had the opportunity for everlasting life, secured for every member of Adam’s race, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

JESUS’ RESURRECTION THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FAVOR

The Apostle recognizes the fact that the judgment had not begun in his day. He points forward to the day of Christ and declares that God’s assurance now set before the world of mankind is that there will be a future time of judgment. Through Christ’s sacrificial death the opportunity for everlasting life will come to all. All mankind have already been condemned in Adam. They could not have another trial until the condemnation of the first trial was lifted. Therefore, not until God had provided a Redeemer would he command any to repent. The Apostle says that God’s assurance to mankind in this matter is based upon the fact that He had raised Christ from the dead. (Acts 17:31)

When God had raised Jesus from the dead it became a testimony that His was a sacrificial death, an acceptable offering. And Jesus’ ascension was a still further demonstration that this One whom the Father had raised from the dead by His own power, was to be the great King to rule, the great Priest to succor, assist and instruct, and the great Judge to direct and order the affairs of the world and to give proper rewards in the great day of God.

Whoever therefore hears about Jesus’ death and resurrection should understand that this was God’s redemption arrangement. They should also be informed that mankind are all sinners and that death is the penalty of sin. If any should ask, How does affect humanity? we show that God has highly exalted Him to be a Savior. time, as soon as the elect class shall have been completed and the reign of years of sin and evil shall have ended, then He will grant redemption from to the Jews first and afterwards to the Gentiles.

As many as hear now should repent; but as many as do not hear in the are not commanded by God to repent. St. Paul’s thought seems to be, Repent influence your future conditions, even if you do not wish to become a member of the Body of Christ. Thousands of millions of mankind have gone down into death. When they are awakened during the period of Messiah’s reign, this will be the great message – “God has opened up a fountain for cleansing from sin and uncleanness. Whosoever will may partake of the blessing and reconciliation with God and thereby attain everlasting life.” (See Zech. 13:1; Rev. 22:17.)

At present the god of this world hath blinded the world’s eyes of understanding (2 Cor. 4:4), but soon their eyes will be opened. The time is coming when all shall see and hear, and when none, from the least to the greatest, will need to say, Know ye the Lord, for all shall know him. Then when they know, each will be responsible. At the end of the Millennial Age when they shall have received their full blessing through the Mediator they will be required to do God’s will on earth even as it is done in heaven. (Jer. 31:33,34)

FUTURE LIFE INFLUENCED BY PRESENT CONDUCT

It is a very important feature of our work to let our light so shine that men may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven - not their Father, but our Father. (1 Pet. 2:12) The present time is not the worlds, but the Church’s visitation. God is seeking the people who are in a voluntary condition of righteousness. This is not the time for dealing with the world, but for God’s people, as burning and shining lights, to reprove all sins. In proportion as the light shines out it will reprove darkness.

If we speak at all about a future age it is a special part of our duty to make clear to our hearers that the conduct of life at the present time will have a bearing on the future life. To say that there are two chances - a chance now and a chance by and by ­is wholly wrong. We say to them that during this Gospel Age there is only one chance, and the only way to get that chance is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

But for those who are by and by to be under the Mediatorial Kingdom it is proper to tell them that a life of obedience to God in harmony with the principles of righteousness will be a blessing to themselves in the present, and also in the future. There are a great many people who are living upright and honorable lives and who are doing a great deal of good in this present time. If they thought they were not doing good, they would be discouraged. An incentive to a high standard of life would be taken from them; for they believe that righteous living now has a bearing on the future. In this they are right. But their standard is not so high as that set forth in the Scriptures for the Church. That standard is necessarily high; for Saints, and Saints alone, are to be joint-heirs with Christ and members of the Bride class.

A great mistake was made in the past when Brother Calvin declared that the non-elect were to be roasted to all eternity. On the contrary, we find the teaching of God’s Word to be that the non-elect are to be blessed by the elect with the opportunity for reconciliation to God – blessed with an opportunity for life on the earthly plane. God will use the elect class for the purpose of blessing the world of mankind. God has a loving, sympathetic plan for all of His creatures, which will be revealed to them in His own due time.

(Pastor Russell, Reprints 5083-5084, August 15, 1912)

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

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear and appreciated Sister Emily Hoefle!

After the situation in Israel became more quiet, we want to thank you heartily for your transmitting further our appeal for help. Also, we especially thank our good friend, David Horowitz. He has prestige and is very highly esteemed in Israel as well as in the U.S.

If they would yield to the demands of George Bush and his Secretary of the State, Baker, it is obvious that George Bush would be judged by the Lord. (Should Israel give up the land promised to them by the Lord, it would not receive the Lord’s approval.] Again once more thanks and praise to Him for everyone engaged in this mission. A Minister and his party who have visited us twice already, called Emek ha Shalom fascinating in beauty, and wrote us that he is reading with pleasure the book by David Horowitz about Pastor Russell.

We see more and more that renewed thinking is taking place in Israel and attracts bigger circles. We received with appreciation the two Manna books and the video. We thank you most heartily. Please let us know the cost. With Christian greetings to all our faithful brethren.

Your brethren from Israel, Herman Bezner and Josef Schmidt (ISRAEL)

------------------------------------

Dear highly esteemed Sister Emily Hoefle, SHALOM!

With gratitude and appreciation your note with loving greetings and encouraging assurance was received. Your prayers are escorting us which we urgently need. The brethren from Europe who have visited Emek ha Shalom several times, told us on their last visit, “We are fighting in Israel in the foremost Frontline.” On the other hand, we feel the blessings and perceive how the Lord is preparing the Kingdom.

In one of the five TV programs made in Israel about Emek ha Shalom we were represented as “A group of Bible scholars whose roots originate from the Apostles of Jesus.” The leaders of the groups asked us to show more detailed difference between the true Christians and nominal Christendom. We often had occasion to show that the big Antichrist is the enemy of true Christians and Jewry.

A well known Rabbi and radio commentator told us, “You are God’s Ambassadors and are doing a Holy Work for Him!” And a responsible general for the defense in the Gulf War told us after his visit to Emek ha Shalom where he saw how much the people were impressed said, “I wish you further success in the good influence that you are exerting.” An attendant of one of the ministers who visited Emek ha Shalom said to us, “You are a mirror for me, and you are so pure that I feel your example but still is not in order for me.”

All the growing impression and influence which is going out of Emek ha Shalom is only possible through the Grace of the Lord who is preparing His Kingdom. I see it as an answer and confirmation of the Lord to Brother Bezner’s devoted life full of sacrifice in which he has always been a faithful bearer and a jealous conveyer and realizer of the Truth that Brother Charles Russell presented.

Sincerely and thankfully, Your brother by His Grace, Josef Schmidt (ISRAEL)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren:

Enclosed is a check for which please send me your “Epiphany” Bulletin. And will you please send me some information about yourselves, and about the subscription price. I will send you more if needed.

I read some about you in David Horowitz’ book about Pastor Russell. I am very much interested in Israel. In fact, I went on a tour there in October. My daughter, Tony Jo Oliver, sent me your January/February paper, plus two issues – the May 1980 and July 1980 papers. I will share them with my cousin, Grace Goings. I also enjoyed the other news and comments in your publication. I saw Brother Jack Campbell in Israel in October.

Thank You! With Christian love, ------- (ARIZONA)

------------------------------------

Dear Emily,

I am an ex-J.W. and for some time a full-time worker for the Watchtower Society. After I left them I joined the Methodist Church, but have had a lot of help from the LHMM. As I am on a small income they send me their magazines free.

Brother Ray Hermann of the New World Bible Students tells me your group is a group that left the LHMM. If that is so could you tell me about it. If you have any literature on Bible study I would be so glad to have it. Thank you for your help. Yours for TRUTH, ------- (ENGLAND)

------------------------------------

 Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace through our Lord Jesus!

Hoping this finds you and yours in good health. What a pleasure it was to have Brother Ekroth with us this past weekend!

My Aunt Florence Warnock and her son Marvin arrived at about 2 p.m. on Saturday the first of February. The four of us sat at the dining room table for about three hours asking Brother Ekroth questions and exchanging experiences and sharing the Word. What a pleasure it was to have a brother in the truth to fellowship with and tell   us about his visits with Brother Hoefle.

There were only 18 of us attending his discourse on the Two Salvations that evening at 7:30 p.m. Most in attendance were family members and a few close friends. Brother Ekroth delivered the message in good style and offered a “here. a little- and there a little” in the Lords due time. Everyone I have talked with enjoyed the discourse - and most say they would like to further discuss the meetings and pamphlets that were handed out. My son David has a computer program with concordance and three Bible translations. He has been studying the pamphlets and tells me he has a lot of questions. I am looking forward to a study with him. Cousin Melvin is making good progress in his study and is now in Pastor Russell’s third volume.

Dear Sister, I cannot thank you enough for asking Brother Ekroth to come to us and for the literature and your prayers. I have thanked Brother Ekroth for his time and love coming all this way to minister to us. And OH how we enjoyed his fellowship! I sent him a check to help with his expenses. Please use the enclosed check in your work as you see fit.

Dear Sister, thank you again and be assured of our continued prayers on your behalf. May the Lord bless and keep you.

Your brother by His Grace, Marvin T. Belden (CALIFORNIA)

------------------------------------

 To Whom it May Concern:

I am a student at a Christian college who is seeking to inform myself about the religious beliefs of various organizations. I recently came across your address in THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN RELIGIONS, and decided that I would like to learn more about your organization. I am a student of both Scripture and history of organizations, and am therefore requesting information about your doctrinal position and historical background.

Any information with which you could provide me would be immeasurably appreciated. I am reasonably familiar with the beliefs of modern-day Jehovah’s Witnesses and would like to know where you disagree with their teachings and why. Also, I would be interested in receiving a copy of your magazine or newsletter which you publish, if that is possible.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ------- (TENNESSEE)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren:

Please continue to send the EBSA articles to the address shown on the back of this paper.

Your articles are very informative, well thought out and on time. Your information concerning Christian-Jewish relationships are very necessary in this time. We as Christians need to understand our Jewish “Roots” and to stand and pray for Israel and the Jewish people everywhere! God bless you and your work.

Love and Shalom, ------- (COLORADO)

=======

NO. 431: QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

No. 431

The Scriptures declare a “beginning of the creation of God.” His qualities and attributes were the same then that they are now; for the Scriptures also declare His unchangeableness – ‘the same yesterday, today and forever.’ (Heb. 13:8; Psa. 90:1,2)

The completeness of the Divine perfection is such that companionship is not neces­sary to the happiness of God. The One who ‘inhabiteth eternity’ is self–centered. The creation of angels and of man was indeed His pleasure, because, benevolently, he desires to do good, to give capacity for pleasure and to afford it opportunity for gratification. Furthermore, the highest good of his creatures calls for an exhibition to the full of all the elements of Divine character – Divine Justice, Love, Power and Wisdom.

BELIEF IN SATAN LOGICAL

The declaration of the Bible respecting the Father’s Power is that ‘the eyes of the Lord [the intelligence of God] are in every place. beholding the evil and the good.’ (Prov. 15:3) This statement implies that there are things evil as well as good; things which God approves and things which He disapproves. This citation comes the nearest to a suggestion of God’s omnipresence contained in the Scriptures.

The fact that the Lord has knowledge of all conditions of things is not out of harmony with the other facts that He permits conditions which He disapproves, and which He declares that He will ultimately destroy. “All the wicked will he destroy.” (Psa. 145:20)

If we accept the great Divine premise that the Bible is the Word of God, then we are bound to accept the declaration that there is a being called Satan, that he is the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), and that he now works in the “hearts of the children of disobedience.” (Eph. 2:2) These words imply not only that there are evil principles at work in this world, but that behind them there are evil spirit beings, of whom Satan is the inspirer and through whom he is working.

Certain statements are made respecting Satan which could not be applied properly to a principle of evil, or to a working of error; as, for instance, Jesus declared that Satan was a “murderer” from the beginning – and a “liar.” (John 8:44) Errors and principles are not murderers and liars. It would be a misuse of language to make such application. Only a being with, at least, some reasoning power can be a murderer or a liar.  Hence, the whole tenor of the Scriptures upholds the assertion that there is such a being as Satan and that he is in opposition to God.

If we were to suppose the everlasting continuance of Satan as a being, as an adver­sary of God, the matter would seem strange to us, because it is irreconcilable with our conception of Divine Power. We have the statement of the Scriptures respecting his reign and ultimate destruction. (Heb. 2: 14) With this information we have a reasonable, logical thought on the subject. When we consider the Scriptural presentation further, that originally Satan was not an evil being, but that he made himself evil by the exercise of personal liberty and became the enemy of God, the subject seems to be clear and reasonable. In fact, this is the only rational solution to the problem of his existence.

To suppose that there is no Satan is to suppose that God has permitted his Word to deceive mankind in this respect, or that the devil is a manifestation of God himself ­a position which is unthinkable. Nor is it logical to say that there is a devil, an opponent of God, and at the same time to maintain that God is all in all, and omnipresent, everywhere present. But we do not find this latter statement to be Biblical. The Scriptural proposition is that when Christ shall have conquered sin and Satan, when Satan shall have been destroyed, and when the empire of the universe shall be in absolute harmony, then God will be all in all. (1 Cor. 15:28) To all eternity there will be no opposition to His will. There is opposition now, however, in many places and at many times. But ultimately, God will have full control.

THE OMNIPOTENCE OF GOD

To say that God is all power is sophistry of language which often misleads the one questioning as well as the one attempting to answer him. The statement is not correct. If God is all power then he is not love, justice or wisdom. He would thus be limited to the one great attribute of power, or force. Such cannot be the thought entertained by any logical mind. It is, nevertheless, a form of statement that is often used, perhaps unintentionally, but very injuriously to the reasoning faculties.

The Bible nowhere says God is all power. There is a marked difference between being power and exercising power. God is all–powerful. He has the ability to exercise power in any direction to the extent that He wills. If He had chosen, He could have so created Satan that he could not think or do other than in harmony with the Divine will; or He could have exercised His power to crush the adversary and thus have destroyed him long ago. But He has permitted Satan to exist for six thousand years, in the sense that He does not restrain the devil from doing evil. The Scriptures, however, tell us that God will eventually destroy him.

The scope of the exercise of Divine Power is the universe, but it is difficult for our finite minds to comprehend the meaning of this word – universe. Astronomers tell us there are more than 125,000,000 suns – the centers of solar systems like our own, with supposedly more than a billion of planets more or less like our earth. These, we may assume, are in process of development, are in preparation for inhabitants, whom the great Creator will in due time provide. From the Scriptural standpoint, however, the great work of human creation began with our earth. That a boundless thought we have in the mere suggestion that the billion worlds are to be peopled, and that the lessons of righteous­ness and sin, of life and death eternal, now being taught to humanity, will never need to be repeated

We stand appalled at the immensity of space and at the law and order which every­where reign! We heartily assent to the words of the Prophet David, “Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” (Psa. 19:2,3) The person who can look upon this wonderful dis­play of superhuman power and believe that these worlds created themselves, shows to the majority of us that if he has brains they are sadly disordered, unbalanced. Whoever, after mature thought, concludes that there is no God, that everything came to be what it is by chance or by the operation of some blind force – that person is described in the Scriptures in the following words, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” (Psa. 14:1)

As scientific instruments demonstrate to us the immensity of the universe, we perceive that the Prophet used very moderate language indeed in his description of the majestic power and greatness of the Creator, when he represents Him as weighing the mountains in his balance and holding the seas in the hollow of His hand. (Isa. 40:12) From His standpoint, a thousand years are but as a watch in the night. (Psa. 90:4) How insignificantly small we all feel in the presence of our God! No wonder some great men are inclined to say that humanity is too insignificant from the Divine standpoint to be worthy of the least consideration – much less to be objects of Divine care and providence

THE OMNISCIENCE OF JEHOVAH

To say that God is all knowledge is also an inaccurate statement. If God were all knowledge, how could He be all power? God has all knowledge, possesses all knowledge. But this is a different matter. If we say, ‘The boy has a bicycle,’ we do not mean that he is a bicycle. To be a bicycle and to have a bicycle are not the same. God is omniscient; that is, He knows all things. This very fact proves that He is a personal God. There can be no knowledge without personality. Knowledge implies cognizance of external things. Amongst the things outside the Divine Person are things both good and evil.

When we read that God created man in His own image and likeness (Gen. 1:26,27), we may know that man is not God. He was merely made in the image of God. Because God is perfect, therefore the human being made in His image would be satisfactory to God. That human being had knowledge. But he neglected the Word of God, and thus he learned some­thing by his neglect. What he learned is mentioned in the Scriptures. ‘He is become as one of us [the Elohim], to know good and evil.’ (Gen. 3:22) This statement proves that God knows good and evil.

If God did not know evil from good, then He could not be our Instructor. By His laws, His principles, God sets before our minds that which is right and that which is wrong. Adam knew how to discriminate between right and wrong, but his disobedience increased his knowledge of both good and evil. In his fallen condition man cannot always determine between them. Therefore God gave Israel a law, and man’s knowledge of that law assists him to discriminate between good and evil.

The Prophet Isaiah said, “Thou art a God which hidest thyself.” (Isa. 45:15) How true! As a result the world by wisdom knows not God. He is near in His wisdom and love, yet He can be seen only by those whose eyes of understanding have been opened. But we are glad that the time is coming when all the blind eyes shall see clearly. “As truly as I live,” says God, “all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Num. 14:21; Hab. 2:14) Then all shall see what God hath wrought, and our temporary blindness will but accentuate the glorious brightness of His Wisdom, Justice, Love and Power.

“GOD IS LOVE”

God is love in the sense that the term love represents the central principle of the Divine character. There is nothing contrary to love in God. The Scriptures do not teach that there is nothing except love anywhere – that God is everywhere and love is everywhere. But they teach that God is a loving character. This does not militate against the other statements that God is just, wise and powerful. But this quality of love best of all represents the Divine Being. All of His justice is in harmony with His love. There is no exercise of justice or power in an evil sense, for all His attributes work together for good to all His creatures.

The Scriptures encourage us to reason from the known to the unknown. They tell us that although God is so great, so wise, so powerful, He is also just and loving. And the more we consider the matter, the more reasonable the Bible description of the Almighty appears. His power we see demonstrated. The wisdom of One so great cannot be doubted. When we come to consider, could One so wise and so powerful be unjust or ungenerous? Our hearts answer, No! No one is really great who is devoid of justice and love. So surely as our God is Jehovah, He must possess these qualities.

When we come in contact with the Bible, and particularly after we learn something of its teachings and get rid of the misrepresentations which gathered about it during the Dark Ages – then we begin to recognize it as the message of God to His creatures. it informs us that the great Creator of the universe is not only almighty and all–wise, but loving and kind, with Justice as the foundation of his empire. (Psa. 89:13,14) From the Bible we learn, too, that our Creator has been pleased to make us in His own image, in His own moral likeness, to the intent that we may enjoy Him and the fruits of His righteousness to all eternity.

All the power, all the justice, all the wisdom, of God must be used in accordance with His own character, which is love. It will therefore be loving wisdom, loving justice, which He will use toward all creation in the exercise of His loving power for their good. He created man. He permitted Adam to disobey His law, telling us that He knew in advance what man would do and that he permitted man to do wrong. (Isa. 6:9, 10)

In permitting sin to enter the world, God had two ends in view. He purposed to give an illustration to the angels respecting the results of obedience and of disobedience. He also intended that the human family should gain a lesson from this experience. Thus we know that God’s arrangement from the beginning has been for a resurrection of the dead. ‘As all in Adam die, even so shall all in Christ be made alive.’ (1 Cor. 15:21,22)

If we were to take any fragment of Scripture as a basis for a system of doctrine, we would find ourselves either teaching universalism on the one hand, or claiming that God has no wisdom, or that He purposed the evil, or what not. We would get into all sorts of confusion. But when we see the perfect adjustment of God’s Justice, Wisdom, Love and Power, and realize that He has good purposes respecting the evil, that He has fully marked out what it shall do and what it shall not do, either in its present influence, or its ultimate influence, this gives us confidence in the character of God.

THE PERMISSION OF EVIL

From only one standpoint can Divine Wisdom and Love be discerned in connection with the history of mankind. It must include the Age about to be ushered in – the period of Messiah’s reign of righteousness. This will be the time when every member of Adam’s race, sharing the penalty of sin and death because inheriting weaknesses, will be set free from these; the time when the full knowledge of the glory of God shall be granted to every human being, and when a full opportunity will come to each, by obedience, to gain life everlasting.

The lesson thus far taught is the goodness and the severity of God – His goodness in bringing us into being, and His severity in the punishment of father Adam’s willful transgression; also to both men and angels, justice, unswerving justice. The next lesson to be taught to God’s intelligent creatures is that God is love. The foundation for these lessons is already laid in the ransom–sacrifice of Jesus, through and on account of which he becomes the world’s Redeemer and Restorer. A few can believe this message by faith; but not many have the ear of faith or the eye of faith.

That which is now secret and understood only by the few is shortly to be made manifest to every creature in heaven and in earth. All will then see and be able to appreciate the great fact that the redemption accomplished by the sacrifice of Jesus is world–wide and means a full deliverance from the sin–and–death condemnation which passed upon Adam and his entire race, to all who will accept the same as a gift from God. The remainder will be destroyed in the second death.

THE SECOND DEATH THE ESSENCE OF WISDOM

As for the Second Death, we see easily that if God created man in His own image, man must of necessity be a free moral agent; otherwise, he would not be in God’s image. If man was created a free moral agent, he must have the power or privilege to will wrong as well as right. If he exercises his power in the direction of evil, God has the power to destroy him. On the other hand, if he live in harmony with righteousness God has the power to grant him life to all eternity.

The destruction of the wicked in the Second Death is the essence of wisdom. As to the declaration that God is too pure to behold evil (Hab. 1:13), the thought of the original seems to be that God’s character is so pure and so righteous that He will not continue to behold evil. He will not permit evil to all eternity, for this condition would not be pleasing to Him.

This very thought implies that there is evil to behold. If not so, how could He behold it? But this is all consistent with God’s plan. Ultimately, all creatures shall be destroyed. Ultimately all creatures which are “in heaven and on earth and such as are in the sea        shall be heard saying, Blessing and honor sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13) (Pastor Russell, Reprints 5209–5211, April 1, 1913)

QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION – Do you believe the Lord is judging individuals of this present generation for eternal life or death?

ANSWER – Our Lord is not judging the individuals of this “evil day” (Eph. 6:13). Instead of the truth being prominent, systems of error are prominent. When Christ judges the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31) there will be no error there. God will turn over to the people a “pure language” (Zeph. 3:9), a language all will understand. Today the people in general do not know what to believe with so many different beliefs. However, God has promised mercy in the Kingdom for the unbelievers (Rom. 11:32).

That Servant gives us the answer to things to be accomplished in the Kingdom:

“With His reign will begin the reign of righteousness, for the Scriptures intimate that sin will be suppressed promptly. Nothing shall hurt, or offend, or destroy, in all God’s Holy Kingdom. (Isa. 11:9) Nothing will be allowed to do so. The Great Judge will know how to inflict such punishments and so promptly as to prevent the reign of evil. Then the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness; for instance, if some one wished to speak evil of his neighbor and a punishment, such as paralysis of the tongue, should come upon him merely for the intention, before he spoke the evil, do you not suppose that he would learn the lesson that he must not think evil? He would not speak the evil, for his tongue would be paralyzed before he even spoke the word. The Bible says that he will learn the lesson. “When the judgments of the Lord are in the earth the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) It will not take them long to learn. They will not need to have calamity overtake them many times before they will learn that it would be better for them not to do wrong.

“This will not, of course, affect the heart; but it will enable them to learn to do right, to see the effect of righteousness in the world. Thus, they will have the opportunity of either loving or hating that condition. If they learn to love that condi­tion, they will get into the right attitude of heart, pleasing and acceptable to God. So at the end of Christ’s Millennial reign they will be ready to have the full blessing of eternal life. Even though not permitted to do the wrong thing, if at heart they still love iniquity, with all the knowledge before them and experience behind them, if they will not learn to love righteousness and hate iniquity, they will be of those worthy of cutting off in the Second Death, from which there will be no recovery.” (Rev. 20:14) (What Pastor Russell Said, page 118)

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

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

 Dear precious Brethren in Christ! Greetings in His Name!

Please, please keep my name on your mailing list. Your papers are one of my treasures. I’m isolated 300 miles or so from the nearest ones in Him. I’ve saved all the papers you have sent. They have given me great joy, especially so as the print is easy to read. I have glaucoma but have read some papers over and over and received great comfort! I’ve had to give up reading my reprints, as the print is so small. And oh how I’ve missed the daily articles. My old reprints are underscored in so many places, but I love every article so marked.

I may be isolated, but I’m never lonely. I write to several dear ones in Christ and have saved many letters over the years, and often reread them giving me fellowship and love. Fondest love in Christ to each dear one.

Yours in the one hope, -------- (MAINE)

------------------------------------

 Dear Brethren,

I appreciate receiving your current monthly letters. I would like to continue receiving your current editions only. Since my reading time is limited, I would like to discontinue receiving back issues of your letters. Your letter is very informative and appreciated. Thank you.

By His Grace, ------- (OHIO)

------------------------------------

Dear Emily and the brethren: SHALOM, SHALOM!

We are greeting you very heartily and thank you for sending your circulars. But we are deeply shocked about the godless conduct of President Bush. Not only has He barred Israel from settling and fertilizing the promised Holy Land, but he is urging Israel also to give up the very own central parts – Judea, Samaria and even Jerusalem. This land was built up, developed, and changed into a blossom garden by the Jewish Settlers. But under the Arab dominion the land ran wild and became completely barren after they overgrazed the land with their herds and droves.

His Secretary of State went so far as to promise the Syrian dictator that Israel must also evacuate the Golan Heights, where the Syrians have shot on country people and farmers at their agricultural works.

This behavior of Bush and Baker is so incomprehensible and reveals Bush as a perjurer who breaks with brutality all the Divine promises. In accordance to the European laws he would be punished with seven years penal servitude. These men are unable to represent a Christian America and will bring a tremendous curse upon America.

Israel began to listen to GOD’S message, and even ministers have visited Emek ha Shalom and were refreshed and encouraged by the book of our dear friend, David Horowitz. But now everything is trampled down by Bush and Baker.

But we hope that everyone in America who has heard the wonderful message of our dear Brother Charles Taze Russell will put an end to these godless doings (machinations).

Yesterday came a group from the USA to Emek ha Shalom and told us at the end of the visit that it was the highlight of their whole Israel trip. Please, would you be so kind and send us two Manna Books from Pastor Russell in English.

We stay connected in good confidence and Christian love.

Hermann Bezner, Emek ha Shalom, Jokneam 20600, ISRAEL

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren: Loving greetings in our dear Redeemer’s Name!

We acknowledge receipt of Nos. 418 and 422 and assure you we do appreciate your papers. How you got our address we do not know but we seem to have much in common – much more than with the JW’s who seem to be slipping further and further from the truth that Brother Russell expounded up to 1916.

The “Jehovah’s Witnesses” as such were not founded by Brother Russell. He finished his earthly career in 1916, and they did not come into being until 1934 and were the brain child of “Judge” Rutherford. Brother Russell founded the IBSA but they are so far removed from anything he believed and taught, and today they even deny the Ransom, alleging that Adam will never be resurrected.

We believe Brother Russell was permitted to make some mistakes concerning when Arma­geddon would take place and the Kingdom would be established, for the blessing of the world of mankind and in order to test the brethren. It is so easy to follow a man and make an idol of him. Brother Russell always advised Bible Students to prove all things. The six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures were “helping hands for Bible Students.”

We believe there are still some members of the Body of Christ this side of the vail, and we continue to run for the prize of the High Calling in Christ Jesus. It is essential for all of us to be faithful unto death.

With Christian love, your Brethren in Christ, -------- (ENGLAND)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle,

I thank you for sending me your Epiphany publications. I noticed that it is the 75th anniversary since the Pastor finished his course (10/31/91). I am 75 years old. Thanks for publishing my short testimony. Our whole lives are to be a testimony to all around us. How we rejoice when we can say, “I delight to do thy will.” What joy fills our heart to know God’s will concerning us, “even your sanctification.” What a joy to serve our brethren... They are God’s dear children... We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

We commend you for spreading the wonderful truths of the Scriptures. We are glad to cross over our class barriers to reach and contact many who have slowed down in their walking... The Papacy is pushing the plan to exterminate Jerusalem – standing on the edge of it.

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

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren: Grace and peace!

“But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.” (Proverbs 4:18 – NWT) The Witnesses change the texts of the King James translation and often times change the meaning to harmonize with their teaching. However, in this text they only add words but have not changed the meaning. We believe the King James translation is succinct and correct. The Witnesses use Prov. 4:18 as an excuse for their flip/flop changes of doctrines. Like the chameleon that changes its colors according to its whims, the JW’s change their doctrines according to their whims.

They say that Jehovah by the use of His Holy Spirit has corrected some of their thinking. If Jehovah God is directing their organization, why is there any need of change? In actuality the Witnesses are telling their devotees, “God is not sure of Him­self –– of His purpose and plan for mankind.” The inspired Word assures us that God’s Word does NOT change – nor does Jehovah God change. I won’t argue the point that when we earnestly “search the Scriptures” we will get a better insight and a better understanding of certain verses or Scriptures not noticed before. The Bereans searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Yet Jehovah’s Witnesses with their flip/flop doctrines have made Jehovah a God of confusion rather than a God of order. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” (1 Cor. 14:33 – KJ)

In actuality what the Witnesses are saying is that God is not sure of Himself or of His purposes for mankind. How so? Take for example what was taught regarding the Sodomites – Would the Sodomites be resurrected? According to the Watch Tower Society’s founder and first president, Charles Taze Russell, they WOULD BE resurrected. (Zion’s Watch Tower, July 1879, p. 8)

However, in the June 1, 1952 Watchtower, it was stated that the Sodomites WOULD NOT be resurrected. Jehovah by the use of His Holy Spirit had corrected their thinking. This, according to the Witnesses is a form of the bright light getting lighter and lighter. The views of 1879 is now considered old light – error.

The 1965, August 1, Watchtower states that the Sodomites WOULD BE resurrected. Now what? What was considered old light is new light! Is that possible? Wasn’t the first view considered wrong? Had not Jehovah set them straight in 1952? After all Jehovah is directing the Watchtower Society! Isn’t He? (Watchtower, November 1, 1956, p. 370)

In June 1, 1988 Watchtower, it states the Sodomites WILL NOT be resurrected. Yet since then, that view has been changed back and forth. The Watchtower Society has been so bold as to state they are “the only organization on earth that understands the ‘deeper things of God I I” (Watchtower, July 1, 1973, p. 402) How can that be when they don’t even understand the simple things of God?

What the devotees of the JW’s are actually being taught is that Jehovah is not sure Himself what the outcome of the Sodomites will be. The Witnesses are being taught that they have the Truth on the Scriptures. Yet how can that be when the very ones who are teaching them to understand the Scriptures are in the dark themselves? Truly, this is a case of “the blind leading the blind.” (Matt. 15:14)

The issue of the Sodomites is just one of the doctrinal and organizational changes the Society has gone through. Changes have been made on the Ransom, Chronology, Baptism, Hell, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, the New Covenant, Prophecies, Salvation and countless others.

Can this be God’s organization? God’s only channel of communication? Hardly! The Jehovah’s Witnesses are to be commended for their high morals. But unbeknownst to them they are being misguided. Some testify that they are sincere, but I testify according to the Scriptures, they are sincerely wrong. If anything I have written in this letter will be a help to some of them and deliver them from the “snare of the fowler,” my efforts will not be in vain. I understand that you have a few Witnesses on your mailing list. “But continue you in the things thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” (2 Tim. 3:14) New light must harmonize with past light, otherwise it is “new error.”

God bless you as you seek to serve the Lord in sincerity and in truth.

With Christian love, Rolando Rodriguez (NEW YORK)

------------------------------------

Dear Sir,

Please send me your magazine. I would like the January–February issue. Please tell me how much is your subscription. I would like to know if you are affiliated with the Dawn.

Thank you! ------- (CALIFORNIA)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Emily:

Warm greetings in the precious Name of our Savior and Redeemer!

First, a long–overdue thank you for sending the Epiphany Bulletin over a number of years. We feel a kinship for you in your love for Israel and your many contacts in presenting a message of comfort for our dear brethren of the natural seed of Abraham. Heb. 11:20 is so significant. Blessings for both Jacob and Isaac, representing the spiritual and natural seed.

  The point is so well taken – natural Israel, not so–called “Consecrated Epiphany Campers” are promised the Lord’s blessings. I am sending the enclosed labels. We know postage is expensive.

I have indicated the corrected address. We would like to continue receiving the Epiphany newsletter, and will share them with my mother. After receiving the last Bulletin, I wrote Elva Lanowick because I was so impressed with her testimony. She wrote back such a lovely letter and sent a copy of her October trip itinerary. It was a blessing.

May the Lord bless and keep you and may the joy of the Lord be your strength always.

With love in His Name, ------- (FLORIDA

------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

This is the day of the Lord, let us rejoice and be glad. Enjoy the articles you send out. We rejoice in the truth every day. Eye hath not seen nor ears heard – neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. It will be wonderful when the Church class has been called out. To think our Heavenly Father has opened our eyes to all these wonderful things. We strive to walk day by day, doing the best we can – watering the fruits of the Holy Spirit and serve our master.

May the Lord bless you! You have sent us two articles. I have given the extra article to a friend. Thanks again.

Christian love, ------- (OREGON)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren,

I have read with interest, and I must add, critically, your mailings Nos. 427 and 428. I find them both helpful and uplifting.

I am always hesitant to accept any new (to me) material without knowing its source. You have been approved by a sister who is no stranger to you; so henceforth I will receive your papers with continued interest and appreciation.

We can never lose our way as long as we hold fast to the truth as dispensed through the Lord’s chosen vessel – That Faithful and Wise Servant.

Warm Christian love in Him, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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

BROTHER JOHN DOWNING, Cleveland, England, finished his course September 21, 1991, at the age of 79. His wife, Sister Betty, survives him. They had no children. He was our beloved, loyal and faithful co–worker for many years, together with his beloved wife. We will miss him. We mourn our loss with his widow and friends, but we rejoice in the blessed memory he has left us.

Such faithful brethren cannot be replaced. He is now asleep in Jesus awaiting the resurrection of “the Just.” (Acts 24:15) We repeat for him the Apostle Paul’s words a few days before he was beheaded: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7) This expresses everything we believe to be his due. We rejoice in the reflection that he will appear as one of the “princes in all the earth.” (Psa. 45:16)

=======

NO. 430: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 430

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

Comes once more the Passover season, at which time we commemorate the death of “Christ our Passover.” (1 Cor. 5:7) The correct time for 1992 is after six p.m., April 15. The moon nearest the Vernal Equinox this year comes new at 7:23 p.m., April 3 at the 30th Meridian East (the one nearest Jerusalem), thus commencing Nisan 1 at 6 p.m., April 2. Counting from this start we come to 6 p.m., April 15, as the 14th day of Nisan, during which evening the Memorial is properly in order. We here at Mount Dora will memorialize at 7:30 p.m., and we issue a cordial invitation to any who may be in this vicinity, and who are of like mind, to join with us.

Our interest in the type centers especially in the lamb, which typified the Lamb of God. At this point it may be well to stress the difference between the Passover proper and the Passover Festival, which continued for a week after the Passover, making eight days in all for the two occasions.  At the actual Passover in Egypt that preceded the freedom of the Jews from their bondage there was no Passover Festival, the first celebration being observed at Sinai the following year. The word Passover comes from the Hebrew pesah, which means to pass over in the sense of to spare.

The Passover Festival is first mentioned in Ex. 12:15–17;  and it is elaborated somewhat in Lev. 23:6–8. At the Passover in Egypt the participants stood; but in the subsequent memorials they reclined.  “There was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23)  There was also several other differences between the original and the memorials. In Egypt the lamb was taken up on the tenth day of Nisan, but this was not done in later celebrations. Nor was there any blood sprinkled on the doorposts in the memorials. Likewise, there is no mention of wine in the first, but four cups were used in the later events; and with the last of these, “the cup after supper” (Luke 22:20), Jesus instituted what is commonly known throughout Christendom as the Lord’s Supper.

In the Passover proper the lamb was the thing stressed; whereas, in the seven–day Festival the unleavened bread was emphasized. In the Festival the first and the seventh days were to be “a holy convocation” (Ex. 12:16), rigidly kept – “no manner of work done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.” The seven days of this Festival type the seven periods of the Gospel–Age Church; and in the first of these –– the Ephesus stage, under the guidance of the twelve Apostles –– there was unusually strict discipline. The same was true in the Laodicean period under the supervision of That Servant. This would account for the large number of saints that were won during those periods –– as against the five interim days, when certain laxity was permitted for the Jews to pursue their ordinary activities. This offers partial explanation for the large number of measurably faithful during the Gospel-Age interim, when business, state and church fraternized more freely, thus promoting such laxity as caused many to lose their crowns during those five interim periods. As there was only one Passover (all subsequent services being simply a memorial of the great type), so there has been only one antitype – “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” And in keeping the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of that antitype we commemorate the greatest event of all history – the sacrificial death of the Savior of the world. As the type was formed in the evening, so subsequent memorials were kept in the evening. Likewise the Supper was given in the evening by Jesus; so also our memorial should be in the evening. Millions of Christians will partake of the bread and the wine on Easter Sunday – mostly in the morning – because they do not understand the real significance of the celebration.

Also, the real date has been lost in the confusion of the Dark Ages, mainly because the Roman Church wished to disassociate itself as fully as possible from anything Jewish. Therefore, instead of observing Nisan 14 as we do – and to be sure that “good Friday” would always be a Friday – they use the first Friday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox. Although the moon is substantially full at Nisan 14, it may be two or three days before it actually reaches that point. However, the moon is not the controlling factor for keeping the Memorial, other than determining the first day of Nisan. The Bible is very definite that the Memorial should be kept on the 14th day of Nisan, regardless of the condition of the moon. And by ignoring these details, the great majority fail to grasp the real significance of the event.

THE TRUE MEANING

The Passover in general represents the deliverance of God’s people from Satan’s rule on the basis of the antitypical Lamb’s blood, the emphasis being mainly on justification through faith in Christ’s merit. In this picture Egypt is a type of the world in sin, with Pharaoh typing Satan as “the god of this world.” Celebrated the 14th through the 21st of Nisan, it represents mainly the salvation of the Gospel Age and its joys, etc. ­particularly that of the Gospel Church. All of this was clearly understood by the Ephesus period of the Church – the first antitypical day of the Gospel-Age Church.

When the true date for keeping the Memorial was distorted so badly, it also brought a corresponding loss of understanding on the true meaning of the Memorial; and the darkness deepened during the Dark Ages, so that the import of the service was very nebulous with most of the participants – and not even moderately clear to any of them, so far as we know. However, in 1521 Star Member Zwingli began to revive the truth on the service, claiming as he did that the Lord’s Supper represents (1) the death of Jesus; (2) faith appropriating justification from the merit of His humanity and life laid down unto death (“He hath poured out His soul unto death”); and (3) the fellowship of the saints in suffering. In all of this, however, he did not recognize the Church’s share in the sin–offering – which is actually the case – for it remained for the bright shining of the Harvest Truth to make this fact clearly understandable as we see it today.

While Zwingli’s truth on the doctrine was rather limited, it was potent enough to arouse the antagonism of the Roman Catholic Church, which then was thoroughly submerged in the hallucination of transubstantiation, and of the Lutheran Church which held to the view of instrumentalization – both churches claiming that the actual body and blood were received through the mouth of the communicants. While he did produce the general truth on the bread and the wine – much as we see it today – he did not grasp the thought of the right date for partaking of the emblems. Nor did any other group have the right date then, so far as we know. That also needed the Harvest Truth for clarification.

Although the true date is a minor question, we should use it correctly if we are able to do it; but, if there be those who disagree with us, that difference should not be allowed to destroy Christian fellowship.  We know that many of the very best of God’s people during the Age have habitually observed the Lord’s Supper on the wrong date and at the wrong time of the day; but this did not debar them from receiving rich blessings from the Lord. Nevertheless, the full truth on the subject does deepen the conviction in the Church that the entire Church is but one; and this unity should be preserved to the extent of our ability and knowledge.

The Jews, of course, were very meticulous in their observance of the Passover proper and in the seven–day Festival that followed. It is one of their greatest memorials as a nation; and is celebrated by Jews in all parts of the world – even by some who claim to be agnostics. The same may be said of the Day of Atonement service. We have known Jews personally who claimed to have no faith in the Mosaic covenant, yet they would assemble in the synagogue of the orthodox Jews on these days – just to please their parents, as they put it.

However, it is one of the oddities of the Age that the Jews, with so many brilliant minds among them, have not thought it worth while to seek the truth on the subject. Why was the Passover lamb slain and eaten? Why was the blood sprinkled upon the doorposts and lintels? The Jews did it that night in Egypt because God had commanded them to do it; but why had He told them to do it? One of the greatest of their prophets had counseled them, after they had come into Canaan land, to “seek judgment ... come, let us reason together.” (Isa. 1:17,18) Such a God would give only reasonable commands, which means that the Passover ritual, with its strict exactions, must also be based upon sound reason. And we may consider ourselves blessed indeed if we are able to grasp fully and clearly the date and ceremonial features of the Lord’s Supper.

The Passover type is clear enough in its purpose; all of the Jews understood that it was to free all of them from Egyptian bondage. And, while only the firstborns were in danger that night, the entire nation was in danger as they entered the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. But they all passed over dry shod, and were saved, while the pursuing hordes were all swallowed up in the receding waters. Not one Israelite was left behind, and not one Egyptian that pursued them was spared. There was enacted the grand drama of the Ages; and is intended to portray the salvation of the sheep, and the destruction of the goats at the end of the Little Season – at which time will be accomplished “the restitution of all things.” (Acts 3:21)

Of course, the foregoing is not what we shall celebrate on the evening of April 15. At that time we shall memorialize the passing over of “the church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23) of this Gospel Age. They are the ones who have been in danger of destruction if they should go out from under the blood of Christ our Passover. Having come “under the blood” by acceptance of Jesus, and having had His merit applied to them, it then does become a matter of life or death to them whether or not they should consider the blood of Him who gave Himself for them to be a trivial thing. This is the true lesson of the Passover type, and it applies in this Age only to those who have come “under the blood,” and become a part of the Gospel–Age Church of the Firstborn – and to  no others.

JESUS OUR PASSOVER LAMB

The Apostle Paul clearly and positively identifies the Passover Lamb with our Lord Jesus: “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore, let us keep the feast.” (1 Cor. 5:7,8) With such clear and direct words, is it not strange indeed that few even of the leaders in Christendom fail to grasp their meaning? But for those who do understand their import they feed on the Lamb of God, just as the Jews fed on the lamb in Egypt that night. And, just as the Egyptians knew nothing of the Jews feasting that night, so “the world knoweth us not, even as it knew Him not.” (1 John 3:1) So also Jesus had said of Himself, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of... My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:32–34)

Everything the Jews did that night was laden with significance. They were to eat the lamb with bitter herbs, which were typical of the trialsome and exhausting experiences which have come to the Gospel–Age Church. And, as the eating of those bitters merely sharpened their appetites for more of the lamb – which would give them the needed strength for the journey to the Red Sea – so it has been with the bitter experiences of the Gospel-Age Church. They have been strengthened in their determination to “keep up the good fight.” The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.

And the Jews were to eat the Passover in this manner: “With your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste.” (Ex. 12:11) Ready for travel at a moment’s notice, they typified the Gospel Age Church in the words of St. Paul: “We have here no continuing city, but we seek one to come. “ (Heb. 13:14) Most people are not nomadic; they desire to establish a residence and to remain settled there. But such was not to be for the true Church. Had not Jesus told them, “When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another... The disciple is not above His master.” (Matt. 10:23,24) And He left them a grand example in His own life: “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)

All of our readers are more or less familiar with the truth of the foregoing ­either by their own experiences, or by having intimate knowledge about those of their brethren who have been forced to move on as it were. History is replete with the forced travels of many of the best of the Lord’s people during this Age; and some instances come vividly to mind here in the end of the Age of brethren who were prodded to change company because they did not wish to become companion with the many errors that have appeared since 1917.

It is probably well in order here to consider the Apostle John. From shortly after Pentecost we hear nothing at all about him for more than forty years; but we are warranted in the conclusion that he was certainly not in Jerusalem at the time of its capture by the Romans in the year A.D. 70. Nor would he have returned there after the year 70. According to his own statement, he was on the Isle of Patmos at or near the end of his life – “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9) Patmos is a small rocky island in the Greek Archipelago, now called Patino – off the southwest coast of Asia Minor, about ten miles long and six miles wide, and generally barren. It was there that he wrote the Revelation – about the year AD 95 – apparently in much the same condition as was John Bunyan in prison when he wrote his memorable Pilgrim’s Progress. Patmos means ‘suffering.’ Clearly enough, the Disciple that Jesus loved had here “no continuing city”; and Patmos could hardly be described as a desirable place to spend the last years of his life. However, his way of life had been well established – “with his loins girded, his shoes on his feet, and his staff in his hand”; and he continued in this manner until he had received from his Lord that, “Well done, good and faithful servant” – an “example of the believers.”

At the supper in the upper room that last night Jesus intimately identified Himself with the Passover Lamb. On the same night of His betrayal, just preceding His crucifixion, He said to His Apostles, “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” As Jews, it was a strict requirement of the Law that they should eat the Passover that night – on the exact anniversary of the occurrence in Egypt. But as soon as the requirements of the type had been met, He instituted a new Memorial upon the old foundation, saying “Do this in remembrance of Me.” He blessed the bread and gave it to them; He blessed the cup and handed that to them, explaining that these items represented His broken body and shed blood, and that His followers accept this pattern in their annual commemoration of Him. No longer would the Apostles eat the Passover Lamb; rather, they would follow instructions and replace the lamb with the bread and the wine – not only as a Memorial, but as a yearly pledge that they would “follow in his steps.”

When He told them, “Take, eat; this is My body” self-evidently He did not mean He was offering them His actual body, because He was not yet dead. Therefore, He had to mean that it represented His body. This truth. seems plain enough, yet many of the best minds in Christendom try to take it literally, and this has brought them into great confusion. The unleavened (pure, unfermented bread represented Jesus’ sinless perfect flesh; whereas, leaven represented sin, and the commandment was very rigid that the Jews have no leaven in their houses at the Passover season. Jesus had said, “I am the bread of life: the Bread of God is He which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world... The bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:33,51)

For us to keep the Memorial properly it is essential that we have a clear understanding of its meaning. To contend that the intention of the participant in this ceremony is the important thing, rather than a proper understanding, is not sound reasoning. To accept such an attitude in this instance would justify the same for any and every feature of Biblical truth. And once we come to such a conclusion, we are then forced to admit that the heathen do the same, which would give them equal standing before God with the Christians; and the Bible nowhere supports such a viewpoint.

Once we have a clear understanding of the matter, that Jesus offered His pure and spotless nature on behalf of sinners, then we see that we are privileged to appropriate to ourselves that which He gave, His perfect human life – the thing that would “save His people from their sins.” of course, this premise could not be a workable thing until He had been raised from the dead, ascended to the Father and deposited the sacrificial merit of His death with Him who had raised Him from the dead.

During this Age those who make intelligent acceptance of this fact – accept Him as Savior and submit themselves fully to His will – such are then said to be “justified by faith... and boast in hope of the Glory of God.” (Rom. 5:1,2, Dia.) An intelligent participation in the bread and the wine means that by faith we receive a right to human life – with all its privileges, and which our Lord procured for us by His death.

THE DEEPER SIGNIFICANCE

Let us note that God’s object in justifying the Church of the Gospel Age by faith – in advance of the world’s justification by works in the next Age – has been that they might “fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ.” (Col. 1:24) This deeper meaning is not clearly stated by Jesus, although there is some intimation of it in Luke 22:20, Dia.: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, that in your behalf being poured out. “ The full meaning of the cup was probably one of the things He had in mind, when He told them that last night, “I have yet many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. But... the spirit of Truth will lead you into all Truth... and declare to you the coming things.” (John 16:12,13, Dia.)

The spirit of truth had made this quite clear to St. Paul, “The cup of blessing, for which we give thanks, is it not the participation of the blood of Christ? The loaf which we break, is it not the participation of the Body of Christ... For we being many, are one loaf.” (1 Cor. 10:16,17, Dia.) Thus, we would stress that the surface and the deeper meanings of the Memorial are essential to a proper participation in the celebration. Understanding the deeper part impresses each communicant with the exhortation, “We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16, Dia.)

The “life” in the foregoing is not the spiritual life, of course; it is rather bodily life – just as Jesus gave His “flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews had been told by Moses that “the life is in the blood”; and this is confirmed by the fact that anyone opening one of his important veins or arteries will quickly die – even though his body might be in excellent health. Therefore, when the cup represents the blood, it does not refer to the life retained, but to the life poured out. This is made quite clear by St. Paul’s words in 2 Tim. 4:6, “I am now ready to be offered”; although the Diaglott makes this much more emphatic – “I am already being poured out.” He was referring here to the fact that the Romans would very shortly chop off his head – his life would then be speedily ended – poured out in much the same manner as would be the wine in the cup. Therefore, obedience to the Jewish Law would not suffice in this matter, nor faith in some great teacher, nor the mere acceptance of Jesus as Savior. It must be the blood poured out – “Without an effusion of blood no forgiveness takes place.” (Heb. 9:22, Dia.)

“Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” Seldom did He fail to proclaim that “good news.” Nor did He fail to do so that last night He spent with His Disciples. He would go away, He said, to receive for Himself a kingdom; and would come again to receive them to Himself to share in it. In the course of the talk He told them that the Memorial which He was instituting would find fulfillment in that kingdom – that He would no more drink of the fruit of the vine until He would drink it anew with them in the Father’s Kingdom.

Just what He meant by this statement may be difficult to determine positively; but it would seem He meant that the trials and sufferings portrayed by the cup – and which His followers would experience after His departure – were symbolized in the cup. As stated previously in this paper, the Jews had four cups of wine during their Passover memorial, the purpose of which was to enable them to be jubilant in the memory of their release from Egyptian oppression. Thus the cup which Jesus blessed would be emblematic of the joys which the Apostles would experience when they joined Him in His heavenly home. “Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” (John 16:20) “He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied.” (Isa. 53:11) And the same would be true of those who were supping with Him that night. They would sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The strong conviction that these things would be so made Him complete master of the situation – gave Him that “peace of God which surpasses all conception.” (Phil. 4: 7, Dia.) Later in the evening, when that cantankerous screaming mob was worked into a frenzy, it is recorded that “Jesus held His peace” (Matt. 26:63) – maintained His calm – was silent. This He did in defiance of the demand of the High Priest that He give them answer to their questions.

It seems appropriate to state here that the Jews were required to answer such questions by a magistrate or superior (Lev. 5:1); the answer thus given was considered to be under oath. A false answer would be judged to be perjury; and even the silence of the person was not accepted as proof of his innocence; and the High Priest questioning Jesus made full capital of the situation, continuing to hurl unfounded accusations against Him until he finally received Pilate’s order to crucify Him. “As a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.” (Isa. 53:7)

In all this “He left us an example.” In all that reviling cursing mob He was most calm – so much so that after Peter had denied Him three times that night, after which third denial the cock crew – as Jesus had said it would – immediately He turned and looked at Peter. Hadn’t He told him it would be this way. We may be sure that Peter never forgot that look; he rushed from the trial scene to the outdoors and wept bitterly. So impressed was he that it is claimed that he arose at four o’clock each morning for the rest of his life to remind himself of his weakness that night.

THEY SANG THE HALLEL

Going back to the “upper room” – before Jesus had departed with His Disciples – it is stated in Matt. 26:30, “When they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. “ The marginal reading says they sang a Psalm. The Psalm they used would be taken from the Hallel, a Hebrew word meaning ‘Praise God.’ The Hallel consisted of Psalms 113 through 118. The first two are known as the small Hallel; and the last four the great Hallel. This is the root of our English word hallelujah – praise to God.

The small Hallel was sung or chanted before the Passover memorial meal began; and the last four after the third or fourth cup. It is worthy of note that no more prayer was offered after drinking the fourth cup; they simply sang a Psalm and went out. Here again we have evidence of the great strength and composure of Jesus that night, knowing what He would be facing in the hours just ahead; yet joining in song with His Disciples in spite of that. It would seem almost certain that there was no singing during the original Passover; at least, there is no record of it; and the Jews were certainly under great stress that night – in no mood for singing. Yet there was singing just before the death of the antitypical Lamb, as just described. Of course, this type of singing in the Memorials could not have existed before King David wrote the Hallel, so we cannot know the exact type of service during the period of the Judges.

In their preparation for and participation in this coming Memorial we wish all our readers the Lord’s rich blessing; and we would stress that what we have written is in no respect intended to replace the chapter on the Passover in Parousia Volume 6; we urge all to read that again this year. “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psa. 84:10,11)

Sincerely your brother,  John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim (Reprint No. 237, March 1975)

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

QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION – What is the Law of the Lord?

ANSWER – “The law of Yaveh is complete, bringing back the soul, the testimony of Yaveh is confirmed, making wise the simple.” (Psa. 19:7 – Rotherham) The Law of God may be viewed from three standpoints in the Bible: ]First, the Ten Commandments as given to Moses in Mount Sinai; Second, the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Bible, the same being also the first of the three divisions of the Old Testament (The Law, The Prophets and The Psalms); Third, the entire Word of God as revealed in the Bible. As viewed from any of these aspects, the Law of the Lord is immutable and eternal “without variableness or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) This is the direct opposite of the law of man, which is in large part a product of evolution – warped, adjusted, improved, eliminated in accordance with the demands of the times. A pointed illustration of this is our Traffic Laws, which the invention and expanded use of the automobile have made so necessary only during the past ninety years. The production of traffic lights for cities has created a major industry, with the incidental laws changing to fit the changing times.

But no such evolution or adjustment has been necessary with the Law of the Lord, nor have any conditions arisen over the centuries to cause its revision in any of its aspects. “The Law of the Lord is perfect,” which means it is designed to fit all occasions and every side of every question – regardless of how extreme the case may be. In the United States, County Prosecutors, States’ Attorneys, etc., and in the British Empire the Crown Council, are elected or appointed to administer the law; and it is the duty of these public servants to free the innocent, as well as to convict the guilty. That their efforts over the centuries have been far from perfect needs little argument. The statement is as true today as it was three thousand years ago that “Man looketh on the outward appearance.” (1 Sam. 16:7) Consequently, public officials have often convicted innocent men of heinous crimes which they did not commit – even to the point of executing some for murders which they did not commit; whereas, the guilty have also much more often escaped the just penalty for their crimes through the inefficiency, inadequacy, or corruption of public officials.

The question is properly in order, What is the Law? In secular phrase, Law is a rule of action,” and needs no further definition than these six words; therefore, Psalms 19:7 is confirmed in Is. 28:17: “Justice also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet” in the Kingdom (Acts 17:31).  The obedient will walk up the Highway of Holiness (Isa. 35:8) unto perfection, and will gain eternal life if their obedience is from the heart, and not lip service only.

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

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren: Greetings in the Lord!

Thank you very much for sending me your monthly issues of Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n. I have enjoyed reading them and appreciate the good articles.

I would appreciate it if you would keep me on your mailing list. May the Lord bless you and your service to the Lord and the brethren.

Christian love, ------- (JAPAN)
------------------------------------

Dear Brethren:

Continue sending me your material. It is most helpful. Thanks! ------- (TEXAS)

--------------------------------------

Dear Brethren: Greetings in the Lord!

I received the publications you sent me yesterday and found them very interesting. They revived memories of things I had read about in the past, plus some new information. It is sad that the general public cannot differentiate between the Watch Tower [of Brother Russell] that was and the Watchtower as it exists today.

I would appreciate it if you would send copies of the material you sent me to the following brother and sister. The articles you sent me were “Retrospect and Prospect,” Zionism, Part Two. Give me a copy of Zionism, Part One if it is possible.

Sincerely in Him, ------- (ILLINOIS)

------------------------------------

Dear Emily,

WHAT a most welcome encouragement your letter was! I cannot begin to describe to you how important it is for us living in this area of seemingly, perennial tension, to get word from people a half the globe away, who know, understand and care!

I am grateful to you for your warm words and continuing friendship – along with a few friends of mine, too, to whom I took the liberty to show your letter (NOT for publication, of course).

You write about eye trouble, and a forthcoming appointment with the doctor. I can only hope for you that things are going your way and that your eyes will serve you without any more trouble for many years to come. I keep my fingers crossed!

You write about new names for you mailing list and the work increasing, which I feel, of course, is a good thing. Don’t think I’m mentioning this to poke my nose into your affairs, but because I am concerned how you make ends meet. The bulletin, printing, distributing, correspondence, etc., is very expensive. I understand your literature is free – no subscription charge for your papers.

I think we of Israel are in for very trying times. My own sense is of a constantly decreasing perception of what Israel and her struggle is all about. Parallel with this is a collective memory that gets shorter and shorter. Who, for example, among the young people today knows anything about pogroms, expulsions and the Holocaust? And who, for that matter, knows anything about the age–old longing and praying for a Return – back to the Land where it all began, in order to be Home, Home once more, like other people ­safely planted on their own earth? How many people know about the mind–shattering wealth of the Arab countries? They have a full 6th of the globe’s land under their feet – and the equally mind–shattering abuse of that wealth for armaments and tools of destruction. Anybody remembers Saddam Hussein – only a few months ago? And we here are in our minutely small niche, trying to make the best of an extremely hazardous situation...

Too late did I realize that space is running out. But I feel certain, that without completing my train of thought, you for one will understand, for you are with me, with us, in your heart and prayers!

Only wish that there were more people like you –– Christians and Gentiles – who would have the courage of their convictions and their belief; who would also write to the President so that he would know what the Nation feels, and act accordingly.

Dina and myself send you, your family and your friends, our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a HEALTHY, rewarding and PEACEFUL New Year!

Cordially, Michael Pragai (ISRAEL)

[God does not count numbers and wealth when they attack Israel. Remember Gideon and his 300 against a multitude, and many more cases when the Lord delivered Israel.]

------------------------------------

Dear Emily,

I just have to tell you that John’s magnificent paper on “The Glory of God” really touched my heart. Sometimes when you have to fight anti-Semitism and bigotry like I do, the hunger for a greater measure of God’s love becomes evident. Your precious husband tapped into that Divine source of love through the Holy Spirit, and it is obvious that John walked as an example fleshing out God’s love to the world.

After reading the article, I confess I only wish that I had known your beloved. I know one day I shall know him, and he shall know me. And perhaps that’s when I can tell him in person, “John Hoefle, thanks for your special insights on the love of God and the glory of God just when I needed a new measure of that love in my own life.”

Norma and I love you, dear Emily. We thank God for you.

Shalom, Frank Eiklor (CALIFORNIA)

------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

I appreciate your semi-monthly papers, although I am associated with the LHMM and am very well satisfied.

I have literature on evolution but would appreciate your sending me the papers on Evolution and the Creation Days offered in your January-February 1992 issue. There is nothing better than Brother Russell’s 6th volume and Brother Johnson’s 2nd volume. I need small booklets.

Thank you! ------- (OKLAHOMA)

=======

NO. 429B: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART TWO

No. 429B

THE JEWS

“The desert shall bloom: ‘Israel is the only nation in the world today where the desert is diminishing. In every other place on Earth the deserts are enlarging. Jerusalem Centre, April 1991’

“‘The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.’ (Isa. 35:1)” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Status Of Jerusalem: Non-Negotiable: The Israeli Government says ‘no negotiation’ at peace talks. The PLO want to negotiate. There’s an interesting Scripture which may refer to this time: ‘On that day when all nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.’ (Zech. 12:3)” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Israel Outnumbered – But God!: Who is on the side of Israel? It is easier to add up those who rather wish that she would ‘go away.’ This includes the Moslems, the Vatican, most all the cults, all of the communist countries and the majority of traditional Christians. Probably 3600M people or more.

“Who supports Israel? Fundamentalist evangelical Christians in the West; Zionist Jews and precious few others. Perhaps 60M. Odds 60:1 BUT GOD! The Bible is on the side of the minority!

“‘And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them;  and they shall know that I am the Lord their God.’ (Ezek. 28:26)

“‘He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth; for the Lord God hath spoken it.’ (Isa. 25:8) Numbers mean nothing with God. Remember Gideon’s 300!” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Marvel At The Jews: If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent 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 contribution to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abstruse learning, are also out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all ages; and he has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself and be excused for 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 were gone. The Jew saw them all, beat them 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. Mark Twain. Circa 1885.

“‘It is no accident – God ordained it! (Ed)’” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Israel’s Loss – The World’s Gain: In some strange and mysterious way the very existence of Israel reminds the people of God... People throughout the world even those who know nothing about the Bible, are vaguely aware that the Jews claim to be the people of God. Those who have even the slightest knowledge of the Bible are aware, sometimes uncomfortably aware that God has made promises to Israel that are everlasting... But there is the strange thing – the very rejection of Jesus by His own brothers, the nation of Israel, sent the good news of God’s amazing love into the world. If Jesus had been accepted by the Jews as their Messiah they would no doubt have kept Him to themselves as part of their own exclusive religion. God’s promise that all peoples on earth would be blessed through the Jews has already been fulfilled for a thousand million believers today. Prophecy Today, Volume 7, No. 3.” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Quotable Quotes: I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. By Napoleon Bonaparte.” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, First Quarter 1991)

“A True Zionist: The letter titled ‘Zionist only as a ploy’ (July 19-25), which criticizes David Gross’ fine piece of July 5-11 on the late Pastor Charles Taze Russell, shows a lack of knowledge of the pastor’s teachings about the Jewish people and Israel.

“As I have proved in my book on the Pastor, as a faithful Zionist he urged the Jews not to convert but to remain faithful to the Torah faith.

“Second, he was not the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He did establish an International Bible and Tract Society that published millions of pamphlets espousing the Jewish cause and Israel.

“The name, ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ came into being only after Pastor Russell died, and his successors, especially a certain ‘judge’ Rutherford, betrayed Pastor Russell and became anti-Jewish and anti-Zionist.

“Pastor Russell not only was a true Zionist – he was a true friend of the Jews.” (David Horowitz, New York, NY - The Jewish Week, Inc., August 16-22, 1991)

The main reason Pastor Russell did not advocate conversion to the Nominal Christian Church, is because of their trinitarian belief. The Jews believe in one God, and so do Bible Students. They believe the Jewish people will recognize their Messiah in Jacob’s last trouble, if not before. Then the Jewish people will call on the Lord to deliver them, and He will fight for them “as in the day of battle.” (Zech. 14:1-3)

United Nations (WUP): It never fails, the opening of the annual UN Assemblies usually coincides with the beginning of our High Holy Days, and this year is no exception: The 46th session is faced with a multiple of agenda items including a great many on the Middle East. During their debate, the PLO, the Arabs and their Third World supporters plan to launch their perennial attacks against Israel. Opening day was Yom Kippur, Tuesday, the 17th of September, a date which also marks the 30th anniversary of the death of former UN secretary-general Dag Hammarskjold.

What makes this session’s items on the Middle East more newsworthy and eagerly awaited, is the unexpected controversy President Bush sparked by his sharp September 12th statement angrily and bitterly challenging the Likud Government, the American-Jewish Leadership and Lobby and the Congress over the ten billion dollar loan guarantee sought by Prime Minister Shamir which Mr. Bush, during the Gulf war, had asked Israel to delay until now, as he had asked Jerusalem to hold back on the Scud missiles.

Mr. Bush wants 120 days before even the loan can be discussed. Nothing can be more ridiculous. He fears that a debate on the loan now will jeopardize the chance for an October peace conference. On the contrary, by his very request, he has already spoiled the chances for a successful peace conference.

Moreover, his constant stress on Jewish settlements as being “an obstruction to peace” and linking settlements – in any part of historic Israel – with the political issue of the conference, is a betrayal of an earlier pledge to facilitate emigration and settlement of both Soviet and Ethiopian Jews who alone are to benefit from the loan guarantee which Mr. Bush is ignominiously fighting. Shame!

In reply to the following query put to the President during his press conference, namely: “Mr. President, you said that a contentious debate could now actually keep some parties away from the peace table, yet the Israelis claim that those Arabs who have indicated a willingness to participate in the peace process have not made the settlement issue a precondition. They say that’s your precondition. As one columnist said this week, it’s your obsession. Is that fair?”

He gave this incriminating answer: “Well, I would simply say that I read some charges coming out of a source in Israel that we’d made a deal with the Arabs that we would fight this. That’s not true. That is factually incorrect, simply not true. No, it is my judgment, and Jim’s, and everybody else’s working this problem, and has been for months, that this is the approach we ought to take. Because we don’t want a contentious debate on settlements or anything else over there at this juncture. We want to get these parties to the table. And I don’t think it’s too much to have a 120-day delay. I think Congress should listen carefully to what I am asking for, and I hope they will go along with this...”

Regarding his arguments against Jewish settlements in land biblically decreed for Israel, President Bush might reflect on what one of his main Gulf war generals stated recently after a visit to Israel. Declared General Thomas Kelly, former director for operations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

“The West Bank mountains, and especially their approaches, are critical terrain if an enemy secures these passes, Jerusalem and all Israel become uncovered. Without the West Bank, Israel is only eight miles wide at its narrowest point. That makes it indefensible.”

The President has acted unwisely. He would have been more American and more in the spirit of his predecessors had he not been tempted by the evil spirit in him to turn away from the more important issues such as a firmer stand against Saddam Hussein who is now rearming his country with lethal weapons. Also he should have dealt more rigorously with the Zionism is racism Resolution.

In a statement released here last week, the Washington-based Heritage Foundation issued a 13-page document entitled “Removing the Stain of the United Nations – Zionism Is Racism Resolution,” written by Christopher Cacek, the important document opens thus:

“0ne of the worst stains on the reputation of the UN is the General Assembly’s 1975 vote to adopt Resolution 3379 condemning Zionism as a form of racism. While championing so-called national liberation movements throughout the Third World, the UN not only singled out the Jewish nationalist movement for criticism, but in perversion of history, falsely accused Israel of inflicting on others the same kind of injustice – racism – from which the Jews have suffered for centuries...”

This historic document, which this writer would advise every delegate here at the UN to study carefully, cites three basic reasons why the UN is duty-bound to repeal this vicious anti-Semitic Resolution 3379. [Rescission of the 1975 UN resolution declaring Zionism a form of racism was passed by the UN General Assembly December 17, 1991.]

Dear President Bush, this is the season of repentance and atonement. It is never too late even for a President to admit his error, confess his sins and sincerely change his ways! The Founding Fathers of this Republic demand it of you! (Behind The Scenes at the United Nations, 26 September 1991, by David Horowitz)

“Iraq Reveals ‘Supergun’: Iraq has shown its long-feared ‘supergun’ – assembled but not operational – to UN inspectors, it was reported Monday.

“The barrel is 172 feet long – eight times longer than a conventional U.S. howitzer. Estimated range: up to 465 miles carrying conventional nuclear or chemical payloads up to 114 pounds.

“Iraq also admits trying to assemble a ‘doomsday gun’ to reach 200 miles into Israel with 39-inch-diameter shells.

“UN inspectors photographed the gun in the mountains north of Baghdad. They eventually will destroy it under terms of the Persian Gulf war cease-fire.

“The gun long was suspected to exist. ‘It just fits the pattern of the huge and varied arsenal’ of Saddam Hussein, says Tel Aviv University analyst Joseph Alpher.

UN officials revealed Monday that a U.S. U-2 spy plane flew over Iraq last weekend and photographed suspected weapons sites.” (USA Today, August 13, 1991)

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

LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

 Dear Brethren: Grace and peace in the Name of our Beloved Savior!

Although you no doubt know many of the happenings of the takeover by “judge” Rutherford after the demise of our dear Pastor Russell, I am giving you the details as I know them. It was not long after the demise of Brother Russell, that “judge” Rutherford succeeded our Pastor as president of the Society.

In 1920 Rutherford published the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die. The booklet stated: “Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old.” Needless to say that 1925 came and went without so much as a glimpse of those “faithful prophets.”

In 1929/30 a house was constructed in San Diego, California. It was named “Beth­Sarim,” meaning “House of the Princes.” According to the deed it was for the “faithful men who were named with approval in the Bible at Hebrews the eleventh chapter.” The deed was also to have been made out in the name of King David, but for legal purposes this was not permissible. The only known resident was “judge” Rutherford himself. The faithful prophets never showed up.

Years later the truth about “Beth-Sarim” would try to be buried in the past by the very ones who promoted it. The 1975 Yearbook of the Jehovah’s Witnesses made mention that the house was built from donations for Rutherford’s failing health. The Society to prove the house was built for Rutherford’s failing health quoted the book Salvation which mentions Beth-Sarim having been built- in California in 1929/30. Since Jehovah’s Witnesses are forbidden to read old literature they cannot know the truth. What exactly did the book Salvation have to say in regard to Beth-Sarim? Exactly the purpose it was originally intended for, the return of the faithful prophets of old.

In the 1920s all Watchtower adherents went advertising the year 1925. Needless to say until this day, seventy years later, none of the faithful prophets of old returned or occupied Beth-Sarim. Most Jehovah’s Witness have no idea of a Beth-Sarim. The few who do know prefer to forget. In 1942 Rutherford died. In 1948, Beth-Sarim was quietly and secretly sold. Rutherford had wanted to be buried on the property of Beth-Sarim that he had long used and enjoyed while it awaited the return of the ancient prophets. It never happened! The area was not zoned for the creation of private cemeteries. The neighbors complained that to bury the “judge” where he had requested would lower their property value. It was also felt that Rutherford’s prospective tomb would become a monument, visited by Jehovah’s Witnesses from far and near. Hence, local officials refused to issue a burial permit. Watch Tower publications asserted bitterly that this was simply a last act of spite by the Devil’s organization against Jehovah’s faithful departed spokesman. The local Witnesses carried on a three-months battle to honor Rutherford’s last wish.

According to the Watchtower when San Diego County officials finally refused to honor Rutherford’s request, his remains were laid to rest in Rossville, New York, and were quickly forgotten by all but a few close friends. Beth-Sarim was also forgotten.

Years later it was to be divulged that all of Beth-Sarim was not sold. According to its new owners a small plot of land was still owned and held by the Society. A plot of land which would later be revealed as a grave. In a private conversation with Frederick Franz, current president of the Society, he was questioned about this “grave,” he bluntly stated: “Brother Rutherford is buried there!” Joseph Franklin Rutherford is buried there in an unmarked grave. He got his dying wish and so all the towns people and officials of San Diego, California, and all Jehovah’s Witnesses were deceived into believing Rutherford was buried in Rossville, New York – lied to by the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’ class, God’s channel of communication.

The Witnesses claim to be God’s organization on earth since 1914. God’s organization (?) has made gross errors and false predictions during their reign, and are still doing so. When God’s organization is on earth during His thousand-year reign, there will be no mistakes, no errors, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord. As Zeph. 3:9 assures us, He will then turn over a “pure language” to the people – a language all will understand.

God bless you as you seek to serve Him in sincerity and in truth.

Yours in His service, -------------- – (NEW YORK)

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

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the many beautiful Christmas cards expressing love and prayers. Be assured that our warm Christian love and prayers are ever with you. We wish all our readers a blessed and prosperous New Year. “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Memorial for 1991 is April 15 after six p.m.