NO. 438: ISRAEL’S PEACE INITIATIVES

No. 438

A recent debate on TV between a high ranking Israeli government official and one of our presenters highlighted the prejudice against Israel in terms of the peace process. This is so because when the Israeli government official began outlining the historical steps taken by Israel to make peace with her Arab neighbors, the presenter promptly butted in and asserted that the history of the region should be ignored, and demanded an answer as to how Israel is going to solve its problems in the present. In short, he discounted the historical facts as if they had no bearing whatsoever on the issue.

One couldn’t help but get the feeling that he was afraid that the historical evidence may put Israel in the right! As a result he swept the conversation aside and endeavored to concentrate on the violence of the present, i.e., the Palestinian uprising.

Time and time again this desire to sweep historical fact under the carpet when discussing the so-called Arab-Israeli conflict is too apparent. One can only conclude that there is a persistent desire to put Israel down in this type of discussion or dialogue. Does this come from a crucible of latent anti-Semitism or is it simply a case of historical ignorance? In my opinion both apply to some degree.

THE ROLE OF HISTORY

No conflict can ever be resolved without discussing the historical facts pertaining to it. After all the past is merely the present behind us! It is therefore very much a part of our present decision making processes. To discount the historical evidence would be to deny something of the present and this is tantamount to deception, lying and moral decay. It also leads us down a pathway of delusion.

Strangely this is the position most chosen by those seeking to resolve the Middle East conflict. The demands of history would somehow seriously conflict with their present interests, alliances and agendas and therefore, given the vast oil resources of the Arab world and the apparent insignificant land mass of Israel, it has become expedient to sacrifice Israel on the altar of “wider political considerations.” Be assured history is well littered with the debris of political fools and because men strut from one part of the globe to another in fancy jets and with fancy titles this does not make them clever or qualified to tackle the issues at hand. No more has this been demonstrated than in the Middle East arena. Israel has been betrayed time and time again by her so-called friends who were really seeking to grasp resources beyond her borders.

For instance, in 1981 when Israel destroyed Iraq’s nuclear reactor at Osrak, it was George Bush and James Baker who spearheaded the international condemnation against her by referring to this prudent bit of peace keeping as “international terrorism”! History has since unearthed who the real fools were – or, should we also sweep this under the carpet and make out that it never happened?

THE VOICE OF HISTORY

So then, as we face persisting rounds of peace keeping deliberations as regards the Middle East, will the voice of history be heard? And... if it is not we need to ask ourselves why? Who or what is behind the persistent endeavor to “drop Israel” and by so doing cast her in the role of peace breaker and aggressor? For the record hereunder is a brief but historically correct overview of Israel Is peace initiatives through the years.

THE ROAD TO PEACE

1. Pre-Independence: Before 1948 Palestine and the wider Arab world were mainly under French and British rule. These powers sliced up the Middle Eastern arena according to their interests and in most cases without due reference to the interests of the peoples living in it. States were thus created by the mere drawing of a line across a map. Lebanon and Jordan are clear examples of this. The point we are making is this: These powers had the right to do with the Middle East as they desired. Crucial to this process was the Balfour Declaration of November 1917 issued by the British mandatory power that paved the way legally for the formation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Just as Britain had the legal right to create the Hashemite Kingdom of Trans-Jordan, so she had the right to create the state of Israel. If Israel’s right to existence is challenged so must the right of existence of many Arab states be challenged as well.

Between 1917 and 1948 various models of the Jewish state were presented including one that approximated to the land mass and position of modern day Tel Aviv. All these were accepted by the Jewish Zionist leaders and finally a partition plan was decided upon by the United Nations – that gave Israel a reduced portion of the land mass west of the Jordan. The East Bank region became the Palestinian state of Jordan and the West Bank area of Judea and Samaria became an ‘undecided,’ Palestinian entity.

It is to be noted that Israel fully accepted this plan and declared her independence on the 14 May 1948. This she did with world approval including that of the USSR. She at the same time declared her intentions to live in peace with her Arab neighbors.

2. The Liquidation Struggle: The Arab nations however flew in the face of the world community and immediately mobilized for a war of liquidation. This in spite of Israeli pleas for peace and co-operation in the region. These peace initiatives by Israel are well documented and need no further reference. In short, in terms of the historical record Israel was the victim of Arab aggression.

Jordan promptly swallowed up the undecided Palestinian entity of the UN partition plan and then illegally annexed the area including East Jerusalem. Another flagrant dismissal of matters relating to peace.

In 1967 another attempt was made to liquidate Israel. This time Abdul Nasser of Egypt spearheaded the attack and failed. The Arab armies were decimated and East Jerusalem and the West Bank fell into Israel’s hands. Note: These did not become “occupied territory” but “acquired territory” of no formal designation in the defense of Israel’s existence! After all, Jordan had illegally annexed them and prior to that their status had not been clarified by the UN. Israel has not annexed them and holds them to this day in the interests of her security.

After the Six Day war of June 1967, Israel did in fact offer to give them back on condition that the Arab world recognize her existence, guarantee her borders and make peace. The answer from every Arab capital was a resounding No! So who is not for peace?

Over the years to the present day the wider Arab world has continued to call for the total liquidation of the Jewish state. Hence the 1973 Yom Kippur war with the same goal as that of 1967 – the liquidation of Israel. This call to liquidate Israel has come repeatedly from the Palestinians as well. The Gulf War has yet again proved that given the opportunity the Arab world will endeavor again to destroy Israel.

3. The Peace Example: Israel’s successful peace negotiations with Egypt have proved that, if the Arab nations will sit down face to face with the Israelis and sincerely discuss peace, something positive can happen. In the final analysis Israel’s commitment to peace cannot be challenged. History proves it. The Egyptian example underlines it.

The concluding reality: Quite obviously the above clearly reveals that Israel has at no time stood in the way of peace. Indeed the facts reveal just the opposite. The Arab world so bent on Israel’s destruction has been in the way of peace. This is the clear testimony of history and it needs to be said.To be sure Israel has suffered more than any other nation as a result of war. She has no desire to perpetuate the conflict. She is tired of war and longs for peace. To be sure she may now be over cautious about Arab peace overtures since perpetual Arab rhetoric about destroying her give her every right to be. History has taught her this and events in the Gulf, but a year ago or so, have underlined it. Peace will only come to the region when the Arab world finally concedes that Israel has returned to the region to stay. Her presence is no threat to the Arab world but in fact a glorious prospect for regional development, uplift and prosperity.

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REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY

Replacement theology is a misguided systematic approach to the Bible that has not only led millions of Christians astray over the years but it has in addition birthed evil of the most horrific proportions, i.e., it played a role in the persecution of Jews by the church through the centuries, including the Holocaust and it was the theological thinking behind the nightmare of apartheid.

DEFINITION

Concisely put, Replacement Theology states that Israel, having failed God, has been replaced with the Church. As a consequence all the Biblical promises made to Israel are transferred to the Church. The Church is now the real Israel of God and Israel’s national destiny in God is forever forfeited. The restoration of the modern state of Israel is thus an accident enjoying no Biblical credential – and Christians who believe that it is an act of God, in faithfulness to His covenant cut with Abraham some 4000 years ago, are considered misguided. This is the basic position of those subscribing to Replacement Theology.

ERRORS OF THINKING

a. The Allegorical Method Of Interpretation: Replacement theology effectively undermines the authority of God’s Word in that it rests on the allegorical method of interpretation. That is, the reader of God’s Word decides to spiritualize the text even if its context is literal. This effectively robs the Word of God of its own authority and the meaning of the text is entirely dependent on the readers decision to spiritualize it or not. The problem with this approach is this: Man alone decides what he will spiritualize and what he won’t. The Word of God can thus be manipulated to say anything. So, replacement theology rests on a false basis of Biblical interpretation.

b. Inadequate Understanding of Covenant: Replacement Theology is only held by those who have not properly understood the nature of the Abrahamic Covenant. This covenant, first mentioned in Gen 12:1-4 and thereafter repeatedly asserted and confirmed to the patriarchs is in fact the covenant of grace in Scripture, for it underlines God’s intention to bless the world with redemption. Such blessing however, is through the nation of Israel. God says to Abraham: “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” So the Abrahamic covenant is one covenant having three vital elements:

1. It declares a strategy – to reach the world through the nation of Israel.

2. It bequeaths a land – as an everlasting possession to Israel...  and —

3. It gives a promise – those who bless Israel will be blessed, those who curse her will be cursed.

It is important for us to note here that if one element of the covenant fails then all fails. The covenant is like a coin having three elements, e.g., a rim, a head side, a tail side. However, it remains one coin and one cannot retain one element of the coin and give away another. The Abrahamic Covenant is just the same, it is one covenant. if one element of the covenant fails then all the elements fail. Thus if God’s promises to Israel have now failed then equally His promises to bless the world have also failed.

In short if Israel’s national destiny has been forfeited, through her disobedience, then the Church is also finished. It must be remembered that the Church’s disobedience has been as great as that of Israel over the last two thousand years. No one can deny this! So if Israel is finished because of failure then the Church is as well! There is no way that we can get around this. Moreover, Paul underlines this very point in Galatians 3 where he writes, years after Israel’s rejection of Jesus the Messiah, that the Abrahamic Covenant cannot be annulled.

“What I am saying is this; the Law which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.” (Gal. 3:17,18)

According to replacement theologians this Covenant has been annulled. Only a superficial, inadequate grasp of a covenant can lead to such a misguided conclusion.

THE PROPHETIC TESTIMONY

God’s promises to national Israel are constantly reaffirmed by the prophets. In this way He underlines the nature of His character and confirms the Abrahamic Covenant. An example of this is Jeremiah 31:35-38:

“Thus says the Lord, Who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night; Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The Lord of hosts is His name: If this fixed order departs from before Me, declares the Lord, then the offspring of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me forever. Thus says the Lord, if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out below, then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the Lord.”

So again the fact that the sun, moon and stars are still with us confirms the ongoing validity of the Abrahamic Covenant and as a result, Israel’s national destiny. For replacement theology to be valid the sun and moon must also be vanquished. There is no way that replacement thinkers can get around this!

Moreover, replacement theology makes a mockery of God’s character for it rests upon the premise that if you fail God in any way He will discard you... even though initially He asserted that His commitment to you is everlasting. This sounds like a typical human response to the world and not like that of the God of the Bible. Which of course it is since replacement theology is but the thinking of men!

According to the writer of the book of Hebrews we know that God will be faithful to us because in spite of Israel’s disobedience He has kept faith with her. Speaking of the Abrahamic covenant he says:

“In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Heb. 6:17-20)

Note again that we know God to be faithful because He has been faithful to Israel in all that He promised her through Abraham. In fact this knowledge, says the writer, is the anchor of our soul (v.19). According to replacement theology this is not true!

THE TRUTH

In the final analysis replacement theology is but the mere thinking of men unable to stand up to the test of Scripture. It contradicts Scripture everywhere and by so doing robs thousands of Christians from understanding God’s redemptive purposes. The truth is:

1. God has not cast off national Israel.

2. Canaan to this present day is Israel’s national homeland.

3. The Church has not replaced Israel, she has only enlarged her. (Eph 2:11-13; Rom 11:17-18)

4. The modem restoration of Israel is evidence of God’s faithfulness to His Word and promise and strong encouragement to the Church.

5. The restoration of Israel will culminate in the coming of the Messiah. Therefore the church in the world is able to make herself ready and bless Israel as much as she can.

6. The restoration of Israel to her homeland in Canaan – including the West Bank – is the first step towards Israel’s national redemption. (Rom 11:25-27)

In closing, it would be good for us to note a quote that came from the pen of the now famous and very godly Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt. Rev. J. D. Ryle.

“I warn you, that unless you interpret the prophetical portion of the Old Testament in a simple literal meaning of its words, you will find no easy matter to carry on an argument with a Jew. Will you dare tell him that Zion, Jerusalem, Jacob, Judah, Ephraim, Israel do not mean what they seem to mean, but mean the church of Christ.” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Second Quarter 1992, Malcolm Hedding, Editor, P.O. Box 5242, Cape Town 8000, South Africa)

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Dear Brethren:

It’s certainly a joy to share with you this copy of a report by Brother Kenneth Rawson – a glowing account of his many, very successful meetings and contacts, before Jewish and mixed audiences, etc. May the Lord be praised and Ken be blessed for this important out-reach to His ancient chosen people.

It reminds me of the same kind of grand experiences and responses Casimir had to his many lectures before Jewish people and Christian groups all over the U.S., in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, Canada, etc. – for a period of 30 years.

It reminds me too of the fine friendships Casimir made with Jewish leaders – Golda Meir, Presidents Ben-Zvi and Katzir, and many others.

I am sure you can understand how thrilled I am to know that Brother Rawson is doing a similar work. Just think how many years were lost when Bible Students could have been taking advantage of such golden opportunities.

The children of Israel still need and deserve all the comfort and inspiration that we can give them. There is, by the way, a brother in France, Gilbert Hermetz, who has been zealously working on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people for many years.

We should be prayerfully aware, as well, of the thousands of Christians of other backgrounds who are really giving of themselves wholeheartedly, time and money, to bless Israel. Our responsibility in this regard is more awesome because we have been blessed with greater light concerning His plan of the ages.

Faithfully, Elva Lanowick

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ARIZONA SHOWINGS OF ISRAEL A.V. SURPASSES ALL EXPECTATIONS

Although it is considered a poor time by the Arizona Jewish community, we arranged a series of five showings during the week following New Years because Brother Richard and Sister Shirley Evans would be available in the area with their A.V. equipment. All we had to bring were the slides and computer tape of the sound track. Brother Zyg and Sister Verna Roguski took good care of the temporal needs of the Evans and Rawsons during our week of service.

Jewish organizations did all the advertising, provided the halls and the audience. There were five showings in six days in which 900 viewed, ISRAEL: APPOINTMENT WITH DESTINY despite the heavy rains for much of the week. We sold over 130 videos and have been getting more orders by mail.

Friday evening, January 3, we had 130 present even though it rained hard. This was a prestigious Reform Synagogue with some notables present. The State Chairman of the Republican party was very appreciative. His wife wanted 8 videos. Rabbi Plotkin, a noted name nationally, said the showing was superb. Later in the week, in a phone conversation the Temple Administrator asked many questions about the present Messianic times and said she would aliyah (emigrate to Israel).

Sunday morning, January 5, we had a showing at Temple Chai (Reform) where the president chose our showing to revive their Adult Education Program. The most they could hope for was 150, but were delighted with a turnout of 300. The response was very enthusiastic. They couldn’t believe Christians could give a message like this. One said it took a Christian to make a production that a Jew should have made long ago. Many parents said their children made aliyah (emigrated to Israel). The president of PARENTS OF NORTH AMERICAN CHILDREN WHO ALIYAH came up and said – “Every Jew in the United States should see this production.” One man introduced himself as a professional multi-media producer for 12 years. His productions utilize up to 14 projectors. He said this was one of the best he has seen, the selection of slides and music was superb. In telling him we were a group of amateurs, he replied, “The difference is you have a vision.”

Monday evening, January 6, we had a showing at a small Orthodox Synagogue. The Rabbi expected 50, but with torrential rains an hour before the showing, 40 came out. A Polish Holocaust survivor told us of an experience he had in Poland when a Priest lured him and other Jews into a building. The Priest slammed the door and shouted Christ killers while others beat them with clubs. Many said, we can’t believe you are Christians because the spirit of your message is so loving. One man went on to say, “If it turns out that Jesus is Messiah, that would be wonderful.” He was crying.

On Tuesday, January 7, the Jewish Federation of Tucson planned a luncheon showing. There was a $5. charge which went to the caterer. The reservations more than doubled the Federation’s expectations. Over 140 were present. All the leaders of the Jewish community were there along with other notables, such as college professors, etc. They were amazed that a message so Biblical could be so factual yet inspiring. Others said it was the first time they heard their Scriptures explained so clearly. It was the most intellectual audience we have had. What was so thrilling was these people really believed the message.

On Wednesday, January 8, we had a dinner showing at a Reform Temple in Sun City. There was a $15. dinner for the Temple members. The general community was invited free for the showing which followed. While 146 of us were enjoying the dinner, the foyer was filling up with the general public, some Christians but most were Jewish. There was a total of 300 for the showing. One said he learned more about the Jewish Bible in one night than he did in a whole lifetime. Many said they never knew their Bible taught so much about the new State of Israel. others said we gave them a hope they never had. Several said they came very skeptical but now have more confidence in us than in their Rabbis.

After the question period, the Rabbi gave the closing remarks. He seemed to be sensitive over the great enthusiasm for our showing. He said, “The film was very messianic but remember Jews are more messianic than Christians.” Then he said, “When Messiah comes, he will not be seen riding on a donkey or seen descending from heaven, but everyone will know he is here by the conditions on the earth.” When told we agree with that, he was speechless.

Before leaving for Phoenix, a reporter from Sun City interviewed us for 3/4 hour by phone. To avoid being confused with the Society, we stated the Bible Students were founded in the early 1870s by Pastor Charles Taze Russell but had their roots in the Second Adventist movement of the early 1800s. The icing on the cake was that a Christian couple came out because of the Second Adventist reference in the newspaper article. Their church originated in the Second Adventist movement. They have since attended several Bible Student meetings.

OTHER SHOWINGS

Since the beginning of 1990, we have had 51 showings of the Israel production. Three of which were public meetings. The remainder were for Jewish organizations whose special events calendar is generally from November 1 to May 15. The overwhelming majority of these were synagogues. The attendance generally ranges from 40 to 300. The average attendance is about 100. The response is always very enthusiastic. The comments after each showing are quite similar to those above. Since the message is very Biblical, we are gratified for this enthusiastic response.

Selling videos after the presentation has greatly expanded the scope of the message. The videos are shown to family and friends who in turn write us to order videos. In addition to videos the brethren possess, we estimate that there are 1,100 to 1,200 of our videos circulating among Jewish people. Additionally we know of two individuals who have duplicated over 100 each and are circulating them.

We have had showings in Reform and Conservative synagogues from the start. In the last year the Lord opened the door into Orthodox synagogues. The Lord has opened doors we never dreamed of for giving this message of comfort. By the Lord’s grace, we have commendations and cooperation from Israeli Government leaders, the former Russian refusniks, secular leaders, prominent Rabbis and leaders of the three segments of Judaism, publishers, editors and academic leaders in the Jewish community. We need your continued prayers. If anyone has any questions or suggestions about our message of comfort to the Jewish people, we will be happy to consider them. Your fellowship in this service is much appreciated.

Your brother in Christ, Kenneth W. Rawson, 60 Jersey Avenue, Edison, NJ 08820

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION – Does the Bible teach a return of the Jews to Palestine, and is that country large enough for all Abraham’s descendants?

ANSWER -    The Bible answer is YES to both questions: (a) “I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, and will bring you again into the land of Israel.” “Ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be My people, and I shall be your God.” “And they shall say, this land that was desolate is become like the Garden of Eden.” (Ezek. 37:12; 36:27-35) (b) What is known as the land of Palestine is but a small part of the promised land, which is to stretch from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates (Gen. 15:18), and appears to include Arabia and other territories equal to the half of Europe. Much of this is now desert land, but “the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isa. 35:1) There will be ample space and abundant provision made for the Israelites in the promised land – promised for an everlasting possession to Abraham and his descendants – when God’s favor will be returned to them as foretold by the prophets. (Rom. 11:25-27)

(Question Book, p. 792)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle: Christian greetings

Thank you for your letter with enclosures. They are fine! I am single and live with my grandmother. I have and aunt who used to send me literature from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, so I am acquainted with their beliefs.

I have the Studies in the Scriptures, which are marvelous aids to Bible study. I don’t have the book on Pastor Russell, but I would love to get it and read especially answering charges about him by his critics.

Since I have the older literature of the Studies in the Scriptures I would be interested in the more recent up-to-date publications as well as any articles analyzing the JWs as well as those of Pastor Russell’s critics. I would contribute for such.

Sincerely, ------- (NEW YORK)

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Dear Mrs. Hoefle:

By the way of thanks for the papers you are sending me I am sending you an article about vital energy and vital force.

Some years ago I talked with a Lutheran bishop about human vital energy and force. He said I approached the question in the spirit of Isaac Newton. In the English Bibles the “breath of life” is used; but the bishop told me that in eastern Bibles the word “energia” is used. The name of the bishop is Krister Stendahl. He is now retired and lives somewhere in the U.S.A.

I read with much interest in one of your papers a notice about Noah’s Ark. It had appeared in the Orlando Sentinel October 2, 1989.

In 1960 Willard Libby, U.S.A., got the Nobel prize for the process of dating with radiocarbon. And as far as I can remember, he once dated a piece of wood from Noah’s Ark, but I cannot find any information of this matter in the books with articles of Libby in our libraries. You can perhaps find information about a dating with radiocarbon of a piece of wood from the Ark in the U.S.A.

I am invited to an international convention of Bible Students in France August 8-14, this year. May I ask, Are you interested in this convention?

Sincerely yours, Anders Karlen (SWEDEN)

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Dear Sr. Hoefle,

Thanks very much for your letter. I am very happy to answer your questions: Yes, I am searching for the Truth. I was born a Presbyterian, but since my childhood I have found the doctrine of the immortality of the soul unbiblical. I had decided to become a minister when 18, but the Theological College was too liberal. I have tried all the evangelical churches in Paris but they are all wrong in their teaching.

I’m 25 years old and am married. I am a teacher in history, but this year I am working in urban planning.

You asked why my grandfather left the Bible Students. I don’t know exactly. Perhaps because of dissent with the new Rutherfordian doctrines, or perhaps just because he left Germany to France, a few years after he left his hometown (a small industrial town in the mountains near the German border). He had a small factory. I know it was a time of crisis in the movement of Bible Students. Judge Rutherford was changing the doctrines of the Society. All my knowledge of the history of the Bible Students came mainly from reading books about the Jehovah’s Witnesses and their history.

I made a mistake when I said we only have the LHMM in France. We have the Dawn Bible Students and perhaps others. What is the difference in these Bible Student movements?

No, I don’t have the Divine Plan of the Ages. I just read it in the National Library. It was very difficult to get it. I think I was the first to read this book in the National Library in fifty years. I would be interested to receive it. Also, I would like to receive the book by Mr. Horowitz about Pastor Russell. Just tell me the price of these books. I am happy to write to Christian people like you.

Sincerely yours in Christ, ------- (FRANCE)

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Dear Family,

Thank you for your reply to my letter. My mother and brothers have been receiving the Dawn many years, and three of my brothers still do. My mother passed away 10 years ago. We like what we have read so far from your association. We don’t need more than one copy. My oldest brother is the one you have been mailing to. Take him off.

I would like to know if you have any books or booklets we could obtain. I live on SS but I know it costs to print and mail these papers, so I am enclosing a check for your use anyway you wish.

Please continue mailing your papers just to me.

Thank you, ------- (MISSOURI)

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NO. 437: “A PROPHET UNTO THE NATIONS”

No. 437

Who is “A Prophet Unto the Nations”? The answer is found in the book of Jeremiah. Indeed Jeremiah was a prophet to Israel and the surrounding nations. “I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jer. 1:5) Jeremiah lived in Jerusalem forty years or more prior to the Babylonian captivity. There are three definitions to the word prophet: (1) One who prophesies, (2) A spokesman for a cause or for another, and (3) One who teaches. The name Jeremiah means The Lord is Exalted or God will Elevate.

God’s dealing with Israel is a type and has a greater application to Spiritual Israel. All antitypes are greater and grander than the types, just as the lesson taught in a parable is greater than the parable illustrating it.

In Deut. 18:15 Jesus is likened unto Moses: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” Those that do not hearken (obey) unto that Prophet “shall be destroyed from among the people.” (Acts 3:22) The Tabernacle Sacrifices were typical of the Better Sacrifices. Solomon’s early peaceful reign prefigured the glory and peace of Christ’s Millennial reign. The prophet in the antitype of Solomon’s peaceful reign is our Lord.

Who does Jeremiah type as a “Prophet Unto the Nations”? In Jeremiah 1:2 we read of Josiah’s reign during which Jeremiah’s ministry began in 647 B. C. The antitype of this was 2520 years later in 1874 when Pastor Russell began his ministry as God’s mouthpiece to Christendom.

In verse 5 we read “Before thou comest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee.” The circumstances connected with the birth of Charles Taze Russell together with the environment of his early life no doubt had much to do with his subsequent service. His consecrated parents no doubt dedicated him to the Lord as was the case with Samuel (1 Sam. 1:11).

The first Harvest Truth the Lord revealed to Brother Russell was the invisibility of our Lord’s Second Advent in October 1874. He was sanctified and ordained to be a “Prophet Unto the Nations” just as was Jeremiah. Jeremiah was a type of Brother Russell.

As a young man, a teenager, Pastor Russell could not accept the errors of the Nominal Systems, especially Eternal Torment as the wages of sin. He studied the various heathen religions but therein found no satisfactory answers, nor did he find them in the Congregational Church. However, he continued to recognize God as a GOD OF WISDOM, JUSTICE, LOVE AND POWER. He eventually found the answers in the Bible. God illuminated his mind on the error of Eternal Torment. He also saw the Truth on Election and Free Grace, a subject which the Presbyterians and Methodists could not harmonize. The meaning of the Ransom as a corresponding price was revealed to him through God’s inspired Word. Also he saw Restitution as taught in Acts 3:19-21 which we now understand to be the Lost Coin of the parable of Luke 15:8,9. He saw the true significance of the Greek word Parousia as meaning presence.

In verse 6, we read of Jeremiah’s lack of confidence: “Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot speak: for I am a child.” So, too, at first Pastor Russell lacked confidence to perform such a great work. In verse 7 we have God’s answer. Knowing his deep humility, God encouraged him, saying that he was qualified, and should go to all to whom He would send him and tell everything that God would charge him. “But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever 1 command thee thou shalt speak.” (Jer. 1:7) Brother Russell learned that he would be able to do any work the Lord gave him to do. “Be not afraid of their aces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” (Jer. 1:8,9) Thereupon God gave Pastor Russell the message that he should deliver. In verse 10 God restates that he was set over the nations, and further assured Pastor Russell that he was then and there commissioning him as to Christendom – in church, state, capital and labor groups, to declare their condition TO ROOT OUT, TO PULL DOWN, TO DESTROY AND THROW DOWN.

In simple language he was first to expose their errors. Pastor Russell was appointed to do this regarding this present “evil world” (Gal 1:4), and to declare the upbuilding and planting of a new order of affairs. Pastor Russell consecrated his all to God in fighting error and declaring the good news of the Kingdom and restitution – “The Lost Coin.” In Luke 15:8,9 we find this very short parable of the Lost Coin, which Pastor Russell spent a lifetime preaching.

There are ten basic doctrines in the Bible: (1) Creation, (2) The Fall and Condemnation, (3) The Law, (4) The Ransom, (5) Justification, (6) Consecration or Sanctification, (7) Election, The High Calling, (8) Resurrection, (9) Restitution, (10) The Second Death. It has been said that Brother Russell’s stewardship doctrine was Restitution. “For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10)

Next in order in a tableau form is verse 11: “Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.” He set before Brother Russell a picture of the Church as God’s fruitful elect priesthood, under the symbolism of a “rod of an almond tree,” which he recognized as such; and God commended him therefor, adding that he would fulfill the symbol in reality, bringing forth fruit before the leaves of profession were seen. In verse 13, “seething pot from the north” refers to the brewing and fulfilling of the tribulation of the Time of Trouble which we are now in. He saw this many years before 1914.

As a prophet unto the nations, How did Pastor Russell fulfill this work? In two ways: First, the printed page and Second, Orally, by word of mouth. These were the only methods available at that time. The first booklet, Food for Thinking Christians, was distributed in 1881 on three consecutive Sundays at church doors in the United States, Canada and Great Britain by Messenger Boys. Tabernacle Shadows was brought out in 1881 in reply to errors on Leviticus 16 and the book of Hebrews. Prior to this in July 1879 the first issue of the Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence was published. This was a bimonthly magazine and as editor he wrote most of the copy until his death in 1916.

The six volumes of the Studies in the Scriptures were published consecutively: The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1886; The Time is at Hand, 1889; Thy Kingdom Come, 1891; The Battle of Armageddon, 1897; The Atonement Between God and Man, 1899; and The New Creation, 1900. These volumes are six of the seven vials of Revelation 16. The seventh volume – The Finished Mystery – was published after Pastor Russell’s death. This Seventh Volume contains many quotations from Pastor Russell, but it also includes many other writings, mostly by two persons, which contain much error. While it is the Seventh Volume that is the seventh vial of Revelation 16, it is in vile condition. The Society excommunicated brethren who refused to accept the errors in that book, but later commanded their devotees not to read it. The Society has written another book also named The Finished Mystery. It may be this book is forbidden to be read by their devotees now.

The Overland Monthly was authored by Bret Hart, a famous journalist and author. The first article published in this magazine by Pastor Russell – The Divine Purpose – was so well received that articles authored by Pastor Russell appeared in the Overland Monthly until his death. A book has been published, What Pastor Russell Wrote For The Overland Monthly, with a series of articles written by Charles Taze Russell.

Newspaper Work: Over 2000 newspapers carried his sermons regularly, and more than 4000 newspapers published his sermons some of the time. Indeed Pastor Russell was A Prophet Unto the Nations by the means of the printed page. Orally – by word of mouth: About 800 workers went door to door distributing Gospel literature. They were called colporteurs. Quietly with no fanfare, speaking or witnessing one by one, they served efficiently and untiringly. This was a branch of service close to Brother Russell’s heart. In the lecture bureau there were usually about 70 lecturers working full time, traveling around the country and the world giving an average of two lectures a day. Often public messages were given in the largest auditoriums available. There was also an auxiliary force of 700 part-time lecturers. Much of the success of the Harvest work was due to the efforts of this Lecture Bureau. Pastor Russell was often referred to as “The Ubiquitous Preacher.” He took frequent speaking tours around the country and the world, including Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Poland and South Africa. The world was his parish and congregation. Indeed he was “A Prophet Unto the Nations!”

At the headquarters in Bethel the staff or family was comprised of about 175 members, all under the direct supervision of Pastor Russell. At mealtime he conducted table talks, questions and answers as well as lectures at times. Punctuality and order was essential. As an executive he directed all of the work of the Harvest as “That Wise and Faithful Servant” of Matt. 24:45-47 and Luke 12:42-44. As financier he accomplished this tremendous work, never asking for donations or even hinting at such a thing. The meetings were advertised, “Seats Free, No Collections.”

The Photo Drama Of Creation was the crowning feature of our Pastor’s ministry, using sight and sound – a production years ahead of its time. It combined still and moving pictures with the sound of the spoken voice. There was no charge for attendance to the Photo Drama. This stupendous undertaking was two or three years in production at a considerable expense in time, labor and money. An advance team of field Men made all of the preliminary arrangements and advertising. Five operators were required. There were 20 circuits or 80 showings each day. Ushers as well as maintenance and follow-up workers were necessary to service this production. The Photo Drama was shown to capacity and overflow audiences in the largest meeting places all over the U.S., Canada, Europe and the world.

After several successful meetings in Jerusalem, Pastor Russell was invited by a Committee of prominent Rabbis and successful Jewish men to address them at the Hippodrome of New York. This was quite an honor for a Christian to address this select Jewish audience. At the beginning of the service the audience was very quiet and apprehensive, but soon warmed up to the speaker and his timely message, and began to applaud at times. At the close of the service the audience gave the speaker a standing ovation.

This was the Harvest in which the fruitage of all previous work of the entire Gospel Age was gathered. It was a work of giving meat in “due season,” a separation of wheat and tares, which was all done under the direction of That Servant – antitypical Jeremiah, “The Prophet Unto the Nations.” It has been said that he was the greatest loved, the most hated, the most active, the most prophesied person mentioned in the Bible since the days of the Apostle Paul. He did all this without the benefit of airplanes and many other conveniences of today. He was indeed appointed of God as was Aaron.

During Brother Russell’s ministry the call was broadcast, “Come out of her, my people.” (Rev. 18:4) So many came out of the Nominal churches that the clergy were incensed. They used every means possible to stop his ministry. His books were burned in front of church doors, and the bookstores were boycotted. The books were sold privately. They would have burned him at the stake if the law had permitted. He was the most persecuted man of his day. But Brother Russell went courageously and valiantly on with his ministry, knowing the Lord was with him. His voice was heard all over the United States as well as in foreign countries. He gave lectures on the Bible in most countries of the world. It was “due time” for the message to be given, and no man could stop it. He was a very wealthy man and spent all his wealth in the ministry.

The Lord said, “Them that honor me, I will honor.” (1 Sam. 2:30) So we honor those that God honors. “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” (Psa. 112:6) There are many thousands of people over the world who continue to believe in the teachings of That Wise and Faithful Servant. “Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; but their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13) God bless his memory!

THE EPIPHANY MESSENGER

The Epiphany Messenger is also one of God’s appointed Servants. We know that God honored him for his faithful ministry. Although his ministry was not nearly so extensive or compelling as was That Servant’s ministry, he did for the Lord’s people in the Epiphany what Brother Russell did for the Lord’s people in the Parousia.

As a young man, before he joined the Harvest movement, he had gained extensive recognition as a Lutheran minister in Cleveland, Ohio, and elsewhere. By intensive study for about three months in 1903, he had been able to clearly see the truth on the Unity of God, human mortality, death as the wages for sin (Rom. 6:23), Papacy as the Beast, the identity of the Millennium, and 1914 as the end of the Age. Thereafter he made no further progress toward understanding Present Truth until he came into the Harvest Movement. He graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, with the highest honors of anyone who had attended that institution up to that time. He was a true scholar of Greek and Hebrew and spoke German fluently. In his early years he was able to give an oration in Latin – a feat which few college professors of Latin could do.

Brother Johnson was faithful to the Harvest Truth; and all his writings attested to that fact. He often referred to Brother Russell as the Giant and himself a Pygmy beside of him. He taught that any advancing Truth should harmonize with the Truth taught by That Servant.

The Truths presented in Tabernacle Shadows were basic for further advancing Parousia Truths. The meat in due season as presented in the six volumes of the Studies in the Scripture were an outgrowth of the basic Truths as presented in Tabernacle Shadows.

At the time of Pastor Russell’s death one of the most discussed subjects was that of Elijah and Elisha. Because the antitype of that subject with the various experiences and trials were going on at that time it was not possible to clearly understand the antitypes fully then. It was Brother Johnson’s presentation of The Last Related Acts of Elijah and Elisha that fully explained this subject which could not have been understood before the antitype had been fulfilled and the trials met. Tabernacle Shadows was basic for advancing Parousia Truth so The Last Related Acts of Elijah and Elisha are basic for advancing Epiphany Truth.

In Zion’s Watchtower Reprints 5761 Brother Russell stated, “With the closing of the door of this Gospel Age there will be no more begetting of the Holy Spirit to the spirit nature. Any afterward coming to God through consecration, before the inauguration of the restitution work, will be accepted by Him not to the spirit plane of being, but to the earthly plane. Such would come in under the same conditions as the Ancient Worthies who were accepted of God. The Ancient Worthies came in, no calling opened to them – the High Calling not being yet open, and the restitution opportunities not open. But they freely gave themselves up to God without knowing what blessing their consecration would bring, except that they had the intimation that they would, in the future life, have a “better resurrection” than the remainder of the world.

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

Brother Russell gave us no Scriptures to show that this elect class of Youthful Worthies was mentioned in the Bible. During the Epiphany, Brother Johnson, being used of the Lord explained the details of this class of consecrated, non-spirit-begotten ones developed after the close of the High Calling using several Scriptures e.g., Joel 2:28,29; 2 Tim. 2:20; Isa. 60:13; Psa. 72:3 and others, which prove there are four elect classes in the Household of Faith.

So we honor these two men of God who spent their lives in giving the Truth to the Household of Faith. Our Lord Himself said, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.” (John 12:26) Thus, we conclude this present appraisal as we did for the PAROUSIA Messenger: God bless his memory!

Your Brother in His Service

Roy Ekroth

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Friends,

I received mail from you in 1991 which was numbered 425 and 426. Also yesterday I received your articles for May and June 1992, Nos. 432 and 433. 1 would like to make a correction in my address.

In 1991 your mail went to Hamden, CT on account of the wrong zip code. I am glad to be assured there is hope for the Sodomites and that Jesus died for all mankind.

Are you a branch of the Laymen’s Home Missionary movement? Enclosed is a donation for the articles you sent me.

Sincerely yours, ------- (CONNECTICUT)

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Dear Epiphany Bible Students: Greetings in the Name of our Lord!

I Want to thank you very much for sending the requested book, Pastor Charles Taze Russell, An Early American Christian Zionist. I have enclosed a money order for the book and a donation.

I have been a consecrated Bible Student since 1975. The group that I belong to would be considered Divine Plan Bible Students. However, I have much respect for all Bible Students, regardless of their views on Chronology and the High Calling. I enjoy reading your letters, and would like to continue receiving them. May the Lord’s blessings be with your work, as you strive to serve Him.

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

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Dear Sister Hoefle,

Thank you for the copy of your letter to me of June 19 and the copy of the paper on Armageddon enclosed therein: also thanks for the two papers, Part One and Part Two on the Law of Moses.

If you have anymore of Pastor Russell’s articles on the World’s Judgment Day I would appreciate receiving them. I have the Studies in the Scriptures and the Tabernacle Shadows, but no more of his writings. The brethren I have studied with are united with the Lord and with those who have His Spirit.

I also received your letter of June 30 with the enclosed paper on The Tabernacle. I have been taught that the door to the high calling is still open.

God bless you in your endeavors to serve Him.

Sincerely, ------- (CONNECTICUT)

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Dear Sister Emily Hoefle:

Thank you so much for your dear and warm letter. Brother ------- was very delighted with your beautiful and nice letter. The address of Brother ------- follows. He is not a member of the Dawn organization – is only on their mailing list of West Germany.

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

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Dear Sister:

Enclosed is a check for your work for the Lord. Could you recommend any books for me to read. I have the Millennial Dawn books.

I enjoyed the book you sent me. Please send me whatever you think will help me in my search for the truth. Do you offer a Bible course? Thank you, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Col. 1:31

Here are a few names. I am sure they would like to read about The Law of Moses, and be on your mailing list.

Sincerely by His Grace, Brother ------- (TEXAS)

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Dear Sr. Hoefle:

I am remembering that I have never written you to thank you for the many articles you have been sending me for quite a while.

Also, I haven’t expressed my appreciation with a contribution for your kind efforts on my behalf. Both my friend in the Truth and I are enjoying your papers very much. She lives in Anderson, and is receiving them too. They nearly always cover some particular question or problem that we are wondering about at the moment – so timely, it seems.

I wish we had known about you when Brother Hoefle was still living, because I treasure the memories I have of some of the Pilgrim brothers I knew 35 or 40 years ago when the Truth was very new to me.

Please accept the small donation enclosed for the work of witnessing that you are engaged in. Thank you for making yourself known to me in this way. I also appreciate, the book on Pastor Russell by David Horowitz which you sent me. I want to remain on your mailing list.

With sincere Christian love, ------- INDIANA)

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Dear Brethren:

Thank you for sending me your newsletter. I am in declining years, “waiting for that Blessed Hope”; and I don’t get around very well.

I am a third generation Bible Student. I love the Truth and miss the meetings, although my mother and I meet with a few others on Sundays at my sister’s house.

My nephew is in Atlanta and Judy in Riverside. You may know them. I’m enclosing a donation. Please remember me.

Yours in Christ, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Head!

Your inspiring letter has been received with much appreciation. I do hope by now you are quite physically OK. Thanks to our Heavenly Father I am at present fine physi­cally and otherwise. Also, the rest of our brethren here are doing well except Brother Wesley who has had a minor operation. But he is recovering nicely.

Yes, the tracts were received in good condition. Thanks for same. They are enough for the time being. Also, the monthly articles are received by us with much appreciation.

Our Lord’s Memorial service was attended by all and we are grateful to the Lord for this occasion. Can you imagine we are now at the sixth month of the year! Time moves along so fast one can hardly recall the happenings of the day. One thing for sure, there’s no slip in the Divine Plan!

In 2 Pet. 1:12-15 it is pointed out. How important it is that we are reminded of these things we have learned; and seeing that the “evil day” (Eph. 6:13) is upon us the more we need to be watchful – be steadfast always abounding in the works of the Lord.

With this comes my sincere desire that you keep up the good work until you receive His “well done.” Also, please extend our good wishes and prayers to the brethren with you.

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

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I would appreciate if you would kindly add my name to your mailing list to receive your newsletter. Many thanks. Sincerely, ------- (NEW YORK)

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Dear Emily,

All these weeks I have your extraordinarily warm letter which arrived together with the Bulletin. And I want to assure you right away that your letter, and your keen thoughts made a lot of sense; and I enjoyed reading every word. Not only that, I also learned much from what you wrote. For this, too, I am obliged to you!

Yes, I, too, want to thank you most warmly for going out of your way to write, with such patience and in such detail.

May I hope that your eyes are serving you well, and that generally you enjoy good health and are always in good spirits. I think, people like you, who are so deeply steeped in Scripture, and possess such abiding faith, cannot but always be in good spirits.

As you know, of course, things here are difficult. After a very harsh winter we do now enjoy a gorgeous spring, underlined by myriads of blossoms from up in the mountains of Galilee to the deep – and usually arid and yellow – Negev in the south. A joy to behold A real blessing from above!

As you know, too, that the present American Administration is withholding loan guarantees for helping the absorption of some 350,000 new ‘Oleem’ (i.e., immigrants). Why? Because building goes on in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza strip – all part and parcel of the Land of Israel. B U T not just anywhere there – exclusively on land that is State domain – or, in some cases, land that was sold by their owners – usually exorbitant – for money.

And what was asked for was NOT for loans, or grants, but only for guarantees; and as is well known, Israel has never defaulted on payments for loans, etc., contrary to Egypt, for example, which only recently got its million-$ debt to the U.S. paid off. Meanwhile, the peace process goes on; the Administration says that those new buildings by Israel are an ‘obstacle to peace.’

But what about the ongoing Arab terror, the economic and diplomatic boycott by the Arab world (Egypt being a feeble exception to this rule), the frantic arming of our Arab neighbors, the nightmarish accumulation of missiles and mass destruction arsenals all around here? All this and more – is it not any obstacle to peace? Also, how many people know that Arabs keep setting up their own new ‘settlements’ throughout the land – not because they need them but to spite the Israeli efforts to find space for our people? And all this in an intensifying atmosphere of hostility, threats and hate. But all this, according to the Administration, is not an obstacle to peace. It is all so weird and even revolting. The injustice, unfairness, one-sidedness and total lack of sensing what it’s all about, are very, very painful, particularly for people like myself who knows America and who maintain a ‘soft spot in their hearts’ for it.

Be well! We send you from Jerusalem the Blessings of Zion. There will be Hope and there will be New and Good Tidings! All the very best, Michael Pragai (ISRAEL)

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Dear Emily Hoefle:

I received your kind letter today, and I will respond. I have no problem with the points raised in the newsletter relative to the creation days. This is an area which most creationists who are active in writing, publishing and teaching disagree enormously about... I do not know how strong the case is for specifically 7,000 years, especially since some of the chronology, at least taught by the Witnesses, has proved to be incorrect...

You are correct that I have tenure at the college here. I teach biology, chemistry, and physics and find these subjects fascinating. I also teach some psychology courses. Although I am able to meet my bills now, the many thousands of dollars my case cost me is still an albatross around my neck. I stopped receiving the paper about the time that your husband died and had just assumed that it had ceased publishing then.

Again, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Jerry Bergman, Ph. D. (OHIO)

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BIBLE STUDENT TOUR OF ISRAEL

On March 15-31, 1993, Sister Elva Lanowick and Brother Dannis Thorfeldt will be leading a group of friends on a tour of the Holy Land. Many of you may be familiar with the tours that Elva and her husband Casmir led for many years before his passing in 1980. In addition to being among the State of Israel’s staunchest Christian friends, they also lived there for 15 months. Casmir was the director of the Christian-Israel Friendship League.

Elva has many Jewish and Christian friends (including several Bible Students) living in Israel and we will have the opportunity to meet with them on our tour. Dennis has been a Bible Student Elder for over 25 years and will be leading his 3rd tour group to Israel.

The tour group will spend 6 nights in Jerusalem, 3 nights at a Kibbutz Guest House on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, 3 nights in Tel Aviv, and 2 nights in Eilat by the Red Sea. Among the many Biblical sites that will be visited are the old city of Jerusalem, the Garden Tomb, the Western wall, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the site of Jesus, baptism on the Jordan River, the Mount of Transfiguration, the Mount of the Beatitudes, and many many more. They will also be taking a cable car ride up to Massada.

The tour will be an in-depth visit to the Holy Land guided by Mike Rogoff, an Israeli tour guide and personal friend of Elva and Dennis’, whose tremendous Old and New Testament knowledge, and dynamic way of speaking will make the Bible come alive before your very eyes!

Included in the price of the tour is round trip transportation to Tel Aviv on El Al, the airline of Israel, first class hotels throughout, Israeli breakfast and complete dinners throughout, a St. Peter’s fish luncheon on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, sightsee­ing via deluxe air-conditioned bus, all entrance fees, taxes and service charges, airport transfers, and baggage handling.

The tour rates are as follows:

            From New York          $2,195

            From Chicago             $2,295

            From Los Angeles       $2,395

A fully refundable deposit of $200 per person is required to secure a reservation.

If you would like to receive a brochure or more information regarding this trip, call 708-969-5489 or write to:

Dennis Thorfeldt

c/o Ship In Shore Travel

612 Crescent Drive

Downers Grove, IL 60516

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NO. 436: KETURAH’S SIX SONS

No. 436

We present what we believe to be the correct interpretation of antitypical Keturah’s six sons. First of all we direct attention to the fact that there will be three distinct classes blessed by the New Covenant: No. 1, the Worthies, who will receive the “better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). No 2, the Jews, and No. 3, the Gentiles. These three classes each have two divisions – somewhat after the manner of the four elect classes pictured in Noah’s Ark: Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth and their wives, the same depicting the leaders and the lesser lights respectively of The Christ, the Ancient Worthies, the Youthful Worthies and the Great Company.

1 – ZIMRAN (Celebrated): The 70 outstanding Ancient and Youthful Worthies – the leaders of their class.

2 – JOKSHAN (Fowler, or bird catchers – overcomers of the fallen angels, in that Satan and his demons had no dominion over them): These will comprise all the lesser lights of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies. Inasmuch as Zimram and Jokshan were the eldest and second eldest of Keturah’s sons, it is logical enough to determine them as the Millennial-Age firstborns – just as the Seed of Promise (antitypical Isaac) have been the firstborns of this Gospel Age. Among these Gospel-Age firstborns the Great Company would be included inasmuch as they at one time were a part of the Very Elect; therefore, among the first begotten. Thus, those of them who retained their class standing as Great Company, having been begotten must evidently come to birth as spirit beings. “The church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23 – See comments in Gems From the Mine) will include all the first begotten. All the Worthies will be children of The Christ.

3 – MEDAN (Judgment): The quasi-elect Jew. “Judgment” sometimes has the meaning of “true instruction,” as in Prov. 21:3, “To do justice (righteousness] and judgment (true instruction] is more acceptable to thy Lord than sacrifice.” This class would be those Jews who earnestly endeavored to teach and defend “true instructions,” as they received it from the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms (Luke 24:44). St. Paul says of such that they had “much advantage... chiefly, because unto them were committed the Oracles of God.” (Rom. 3:2) Those sincere ones among them who were entrusted with the care and preservation of the inspired writings of the Old Testament would have sacrificed their lives in defense of them. Thus, “judgment” is most fitting for their typical name, Medan. This would apply to the chief or first of the quasi-elect – “to the Jew first.”

4 – MIDIAN (Strife or contention): Midian consists of all Jews not included in the elect or quasi-elect. This class of Jews have been a bone of contention since their first appearance in human history – always warlike and assertive people who were not sufficiently persuaded by the Mosaic Law and did not have faith enough to adhere to its principles.

5 – ISHBAK (Free): The quasi-elect Gentiles. They are “free” in the sense of being free from the Mosaic Law and in the fact that most of them are to be found in Protestant countries. “Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.” (2 Cor. 3:17) And there is little question that the liberty that prevails in Protestant countries has been a dominant factor in their tremendous progress in art, literature and invention.

6 – SHUAH (Depression, or low place): An allusion to all Gentiles not included in the elect or the quasi-elect (all Gentile nations, including all the heathen pictured outside the camp) who have never heard the “only Name,” or who have given little or no heed to it (that “seed that fell by the road, or on rocky ground” – Matt. 13:4,5), and whose characters have suffered greater mental and moral degradation because of it. To use a vernacular expression, most of them are indeed “low-down”, given “over to a reprobate mind, to do improper things... not only are doing them, but are even approving those who practice them.” (Rom. 1:28-32, Dia.)

The May-June 1985 Present Truth, pp. 43 and 44, gives the following on KETURAH’S SIX SONS:

“(1) – Zimram: the 70 most prominent of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies (the ancients and Youthfuls of Joel 2:28), who will be given the most prominent positions in the earthly phase of the Kingdom during the making, sealing, of the New Covenant (Ex. 24:1,9).

“(2) – Jokshan: the Worthies in general.

“(3) – Medan: the Consecrated Epiphany Campers – those who consecrate to God and are faithful in their consecration during the Epiphany – the very end of the Gospel Age – after the four elect classes have been fully made up in their membership; the four elect classes of Abraham’s seed are pictured as serving in the Court of the Tabernacle as it was set up for Israel in the wilderness, and these consecrators are pictured as being among those in the Camp – hence the name 'Campers.'

“(4) Midian: – those Fleshly Israelites who during the Jewish and Gospel Ages have in faith and practice come into harmony with the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants, and remained faithful, though not consecrating.

“(5) – Ishbak: those Gentiles (and some Jews) who throughout the Gospel Age, in­cluding our day, while not consecrating, or dedicating, their lives to God, have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their Savior and remained faithful to the Ransom and to righteousness.

“(6) – Shuah (low place, depression): the non-elect, unbelieving world of mankind, consisting of unbelieving Gentiles and those Fleshly Israelites who have forsaken the covenant promises; these are the ‘daughters’ of Joel 2:28 and Isa. 60:4, the quasi-elect believers being referred to as ‘sons’—the stronger ones.”

The above errors are a repeat of the errors inherited, as given in Present Truths ‘57,22; ‘58,3; ‘63,29,77; ‘69,46; ‘72,38 and ‘73,27. The LHMM cannot produce anything but types to support the false doctrine (“strange fire”) of Consecrated Epiphany Campers. “A type must not be used to teach a doctrine, but to illustrate one that is taught in plain terms.” (Berean Comment, p. 25 of the Topical Index)

We are told in Jude 3 “to contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints,” but in no place in God’s Word are we told to “contend for the faith once delivered unto crown-lost leaders” as the LHMM are now doing. The devotees of the Jehovah’s Witnesses follow their leaders, who have set aside many basic doctrines of That Servant – the blind leading the blind.

All those who have set aside the Truth taught by That Servant are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7) We especially refer to the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement who have set aside God’s promise to the natural Jew when they concocted their false doctrines of non-existent classes.

The LHMM tell us that their Consecrated Epiphany Campers will supersede the Jews in the Kingdom, setting aside God’s Word as well as the teaching of That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger, knowing that these faithful Messengers consistently taught “to the Jew first.” They did this with Scriptures in “plain terms.”

Of course, the “repentant and believing” of the Epiphany Camp in the finished picture will share with the Jews in their great missionary work after they become Jews. The Jews will not have to become Consecrated Epiphany Campers and walk a narrow way to receive God’s promise to natural Jews. It is the earthly promise to the Jews. And none of the Restitutionists have to walk a narrow way. The CEC will have to become Jews in the Kingdom before they can receive the blessings of the New Covenant. The New Covenant is Israelitish and will be made with the natural Jew first. Our Lord says, “Salvation is of the Jews.”

The Word will first be given by the Worthies from the Christ to the Jews; and it will heal them, as it is written, “He sent His Word and healed them.” (Psa. 107:20)

The Kingdom will, of course, begin to work on the Worthies, and then through them upon the restitutionists who will survive the time of trouble, and that starting with the Jews in Jerusalem.

Fleshly Israel, as the secondary earthly seed of Abraham, under the lead of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, as the primary earthly seed of Abraham, will be privileged to cooperate with the Kingdom in converting the Gentile world. (Gen. 22:17; 28:14; Isa. 19:24; Ezek. 16:60,61; Psa. 107:22)

“Naturally enough, Israel will then in a natural way come first into harmony with the Divine arrangement and be the first to get the blessings.” (Reprint 5810, top) All the above, and much more, will have to be thrown out if we accept the LHMM’s teaching that the CEC are to be first after the Worthies.

“St. Paul was an outspoken, uncompromising teacher. When he knew that he had the truth, he spoke it with confidence, and boldly declared that everything contrary to it is false doctrine. He also taught believers that it was not only their privilege, but their duty to be established in the faith, to know on the evidence of God’s Word, why they believed, and to be able to give to every man that inquires a reason for the hope that was in them.” (Reprint 5045, col. 2, par. 4)

“The Lord purposed to take away all sins – the sins of Israel, the sins of those who were to constitute the Gospel-Church, and the sins of the whole world. For this cause Christ was manifested, for this cause He died. This cancellation, of doing away with the sins of the whole world, will progress as each shall recognize the Heavenly gift of forgiveness and obey the Government.

“The orthodox Jews, those who still hold to the teachings of the Law and the Prophets, and have faith in God, will be the first to receive the blessings of the New Age. ‘As concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your (the Church’s) sakes; but as touching the election (the natural election), they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.’ (Rom. 11:28) So, then, this condition of affliction in which the Jews have been through­out the Gospel Age, in addition to the overthrow of their nation in the year AD 70, has really been a favor from God. All the tribulation through which this people have passed during the entire ‘Seven Times’ of chastisement will be finally found to have been to their advantage, preparing them for the blessings of Messiah’s Kingdom. The Church will be the first in the Kingdom, natural Israel with the Ancient Worthies at the head will be the second. Subsequently all nations will come into Divine favor and blessing, becoming members of Israel. All will be blessed through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Question Book, pp. 357,358)

“Each consecrated believer should ask himself, How carefully have I studied that which I clearly recognize as Divine Truth? And how fully capable am I, therefore, of handling the sword of the spirit? Few indeed are those who can say they have fully digested and assimilated all they have received... that they have a ready answer – a I thus saith the Lord, – for every man that asks them a reason for the hope that is in them, concerning any point of doctrine.” (Reprint 3199, col. 1, bottom, and col. 2, top)

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) So long as we “contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints” we need not be ashamed. (Excerpts from our paper No. 361, September 1985, pages 5,6 and 7)

We had hoped there would be no need for further refutation of the LHMM on their non­existent class of Consecrated Epiphany Campers after our refutation of Keturah’s Six Sons in our September 1985 paper. We are pleased to note that their magazines have been generally good with very little mention of Consecrated Epiphany Campers; and so far as we know, they have not published anything about their Consecrated Epiphany Campers superseding the Jews, until now. It has been reported that the LHMM are still teaching this error to their devotees, but we do not refute hearsay.

It is no pleasure to refute errors of the LHMM, as we have fond memories of this movement when Brother Johnson was with us. We do so because we believe there are good brethren who have been caught by the “snare of the fowler.” “The watchmen of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.” (Hosea 9:8) “Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.” (Psa. 124:7) But the Lord will surely deliver His people from the “snare of the fowler” (Psa. 91:3).

We quote from the Bible Standard of March 1992, p. 22, col. 1, under TWO EARTHLY CLASSES: “The fifth order of Abraham’s seed is the quasi-elect, who for the most part are the faith-justified Gentiles and the Covenant-believing and justice-practicing Jews. The highest class among then is the Consecrated Epiphany Campers, as pictured by Keturah’s third son, Medan (many of them being pictured also in the Queen of Sheba).”

Since their May-June 1985 Present Truth they have added to Medan “the faith justified Gentiles and the Covenant-believing and justice-practicing Jews.” But this addition doesn’t change their teaching that their Consecrated Epiphany Campers are first in the Kingdom after the Worthies and before the Jews, contrary to God’s promise “to the Jew first.”

In the LHMM’s efforts to prove that the Consecrated Epiphany Campers will supersede the Jews in the Kingdom, they are attempting to refute the teachings of That Servant, the Epiphany Messenger and the Apostle Paul. The Truth can not be refuted. God’s Word is infallible. God’s Word tells us that we should “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). We have no Scripture that tells us to “contend for the faith [what they teach] once delivered unto crown-losers.” That is what the LHMM are doing – contending for the teachings of a crown-loser; and this teaching disputes the “faith once delivered unto the saints” – the teaching of the Apostle Paul, That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger who taught, “To the Jew first.”

It is our understanding that in their Special Effort toward the Jew, especially in Israel, they use Brother Russell’s teaching, “To the Jew first.” The Scriptures tell us to “comfort the Jew.” Brother Russell always gave a comforting message to the Jews, and reminded them of God’s promises to them that they would be first in the Kingdom; that when the New Covenant is inaugurated that all would have to become Israelites to get the blessings of the New Covenant. The Kingdom will be Israelitish, he said. We can find nothing in the Messengers’ writings that conflict with the Apostle Paul’s statement, “To the Jew first” – or even hints at such a preposterous thing. Of course, we know that faithful Gentiles, such as the quasi-elect, will join with the Jews in their missionary work after they become Israelites in the Kingdom under the New Covenant.

In the Kingdom The Christ will give the Law: “Out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3) The Worthies will receive the Law from Zion and will give the “word of the Lord” to the Jews first. Does it comfort the Jews to tell them that God’s promises will go “to the Consecrated Epiphany Campers first?” We know the Jehovah’s Witnesses have cast out all God’s promises to the Jews and relegated them to themselves. Certainly, the LHMM haven’t gone that far! Their message to the world about the coming Kingdom is to be commended, as it will be a solace to those who have an “ear to hear.” However, the LHMM’S Consecrated Epiphany Campers are a non­existent class the same as the Witnesses’ Great Crowd. Brother Johnson called the Great Crowd a non-existent class, and if he were here today he would call any consecrated class in the Camp non-existent. The only place one can consecrate is in the Court – the only place Christ’s merit can be obtained, just as both Messengers taught. But we should mention that a place in the tabernacle is a condition in antitype. Some who have made a consecration, supposedly in the Camp, and that consecration is accepted by our Lord, may already be in the Court condition if their hearts are pure.

As we have often pointed out: “A type must not be used to teach a doctrine, but merely to illustrate one that is already taught in plain terms.” (p. 25 of Berean Topical Index) There are no plain terms in the Bible for Consecrated Epiphany Campers, because it is a fractured type. No type can dispute the Apostle’s plain language, “To the Jew first.”

The LHMM are double-minded when they teach one thing to their devotees and another thing to the Jews. They teach their devotees that the Consecrated Epiphany Campers will be first in the Kingdom; and when speaking to the Jews they use Brother Russell’s teachings that they will be first in the Kingdom just as God promised, “To the Jew first.” “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) Berean Comments on this text: “The Great Company class.” However, it applies to all who are unfaithful to their covenant. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye, sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.” (James 4:8)

Another error that the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement teach is that there is no longer – since 1954 – an opportunity to be of the Youthful Worthy class. Both Messengers taught there would be opportunity for this unbegotten class to be rewarded in honor and service with the Ancient Worthies “until restitution sets in.” This is another teaching whereby the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement denies the “faith once delivered unto the saints.” The LHMM also teach we are in the “finished picture” of the Epiphany Age, and are now in the overlapping of the Epiphany into the Basileia since 1954. This is supposed to be a parallel of the Parousia over-lapping into the Epiphany for two and a half years. Their overlapping is now in 1992 thirty-eight years, almost as long as the Epiphany proper which they claim ended in 1954. It is a long overlapping period for the “finished picture”! The Epiphany and the Time of Trouble are one and the same – when the Time of Trouble ends the Epiphany ends.

If we would be faithful to the Lord, the Truth and the brethren, necessity is laid upon us to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16) That Servant’s comments on Rom. 1:16, “To the Jew first” are: “God’s blessings of every kind begin with the Jew. He gave the Jew the first opportunity under the Abrahamic Covenant. And when it comes to the blessings of the New Covenant, the opportunity will come to the Jew first.” (Question Book, p. 165:2)

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) We earnestly hope and pray the LHMM will seek to be “approved unto God” by being faithful to “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

“NEW LIGHT” SINCE 1914

Since That Servant’s demise in 1916 there has been an epidemic of “New Light” emanating from the brethren of the Parousia Truth – mainly and primarily from the Society, who now call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses. At the outset, after That Servant’s ministry, J. F. Rutherford came up with many gross errors – some perverting the Truth he had received and taught under That Servant, along with other basic Truths that he set aside completely. He immediately set aside Tentative Justification, although it was a necessary prerequisite for those “repentant and believing” who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and desire to have a standing before God. They could not do this without the Tentative merit of our Lord. God doesn’t accept consecration from sinners. In this Tentative standing, God will accept their consecration to do His will, if they so desire after “counting the cost” (Luke 14:28). So we must first have access to God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Without repentance and belief in our Lord as our Justifier and Redeemer, we cannot receive Tentative Justification and cannot attain “peace with God.” “Having been justified, therefore by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom, also we have been introduced to this favor in which we stand.” (Rom. 5:1,2, Dia.) “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) “For all men have not faith.” (2 Thes. 3:2)

At first after 1916, J. F. Rutherford taught there would be a class of unbegotten consecrators to be won between the Ages – after the door to the High Calling closed, and “until restitution sets in.” He did this in harmony with Brother Russell’s teaching. He called this class Modern Worthies, and we have no special quarrel with that, although we call this class Youthful Worthies. We still believe and teach that this unbegotten class will be won “until restitution sets in.”

However, shortly thereafter JFR rejected this class and substituted a class of his own making – Jonadabs; and then he predicted that the Ancient Worthies would be resurrected in 1925, and broadcast that “MILLIONS NOW LIVING WILL NEVER DIE.” As most people would like to live forever the message was “Good Tidings of Great Joy” to many. But the message they teach today is far from “Good Tidings.” Their message now is that all who do not join with them before Armageddon will be annihilated in that holocaust with no chance of ever “coming to a knowledge of the Truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). This is very bad tidings to the majority of people.

When the 1925 fiasco was proven false by time itself, JFR came up with some more “New Light,” which his devoted sectarian followers accepted. Now we hear no more of the Jonadabs for it is replaced with a class known as the “Great Multitude” which they claim is the class mentioned in Rev. 7:9,14 and Rev. 19:6. Prior to 1914 That Servant taught that this class is a spiritual class consecrated under the High Calling but not faithful enough to retain their standing with this Select Group. As they were not completely unfaithful, they did not merit the Second Death, so God provided a place for them. They became overcomers after their cleansing, but are not “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37) as were the 144,000. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have now discarded that teaching and substituted their “New Light” on the subject, although they still boast that Brother Russell was the founder of their movement But there is much of his basic teaching that they have cast aside.

The Witnesses have produced a multitude of other errors, such as Adam will not be resurrected, as he had his judgment in the Garden of Eden; no resurrection for Sodom and Gomorrah, eventhoughour Lord said it would be “more tolerable” for them: “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.” (Mark 6:11) The implication is that it will be tolerable for both classes in the Kingdom (Acts 17:31), but less tolerable for those who willfully reject the light of Divinely revealed Truth, and thus prefer the darkness to light.

“Wonder not at this; Because an Hour comes in which all those In the tombs will hear his voice and will come forth; Those having done good things to a Resurrection of life [the elect of this Age]; and those having done evil things [the non-elect], to a Resurrection of judgment [mistranslated damnation in the KJV]. (John 5:28,29, Dia.) In that Judgment Day, Christ and the Church will be the invisible ruling power, and the Worthies will be the visible ruling power who take their instruction from The Christ. “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?” (1 Cor. 6:2)

But the Witnesses distort these Scriptural Truths. They say that those to whom they have “witnessed” who do not join them before Armageddon will be eternally lost, eventhoughmany of them are morally good and kindly disposed toward the needy and afflicted.

They also teach that there will be no resurrection for the Scribes and Pharisees ­that their judgment was final at our Lord’s First Advent. But our Lord tells us in Luke 13:28: “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets [those described in the 11th chapter of Hebrews], in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves cast out.” Certainly they didn’t see this at our Lord’s First Advent. When they are resurrected in the Kingdom they will see these Ancient Worthies as the teachers and rulers instead of themselves. And it will be much the same with many of the Witnesses’ “Great Multitude.” They, too, will have “weeping and gnashing of teeth” when they see the Worthies exalted to the ruling power instead of their “nucleus.” However, that will not be true of all of them, as some are honestly motivated, just deceived. Some will “come to a knowledge of the Truth” in this Age. (2 Tim. 2:25) Others among them who only aspire to restitution blessings will “rejoice in the Truth” then instead of weeping as they find many of their relatives and friends there whom they thought had been annihilated in Armageddon. They will also learn that “When thy judgments [instructions in righteousness] are in the earth the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) Then they will realize that the world did not learn righteousness from Jehovah’s Witnesses who had “compassed land and sea” with their so called “Good News”(?). “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Cor. 4:4) The Witnesses admit that Satan is still the “god of this world,” so how can they expect such people to understand Truth, much less the so-called “light” they are spreading?

So, contrary to what the Witnesses teach and preach, their “witnessing” will not garner all this generation who are “fit” for eternal life in the Kingdom. There is no intimation or hint anywhere in the Scriptures that God will judge the individuals of the world before Christ’s Kingdom is inaugurated and established in the earth when Satan will be fully bound and spirited away. (Rev. 20:2) Then it will be the choice of each individual whether to choose good or evil during that their “Judgment Day.” God is now judging only those that come into His Household – the elect. He has judged the systems – ecclesiastical, social and the Gentile governments; and He is now in the process of evicting them, (2 Pet. 3:7-13 and Isa. 24:20)

He is now selecting those who are “of the Truth” – a people for His name (Acts 15:14), to bless all the others during the Kingdom when He will turn over to the people a “pure language” (Zeph. 3:9), a language all will understand. Then “the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) Nowhere do the Scriptures tell us that those who are not “of the Truth” will be annihilated during this generation or past generations. “And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47) Neither then was the world’s judgment day nor is it now. He saved the world from their Adamic sins, which will be testified in “due time” – in Christ’s Kingdom.

When the Kingdom is fully established, the “god of this world” will no longer blind the minds of them that now believe not: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.” (Isa. 35:5) Also, “An highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools [atheists – Psa. 14:1], shall not err therein.” (Isa. 35:8) No error will be there, so no one will err except those who prefer evil to good.

Surely the Witnesses cannot claim there is no lion here, nor any ravenous beast that only the redeemed are walking here now. (See Isa. 35:9) Their kingdom since 1914 is a counterfeit kingdom, the same as Papacy’s was a counterfeit kingdom from 799 to 1799. Papacy also taught that all who didn’t join them would be lost – consigning them to eternal torment rather than to eternal annihilation as do the Witnesses. The Papacy made converts through fear of eternal torment; and the Witnesses make converts through fear of annihilation in Armageddon. The Scriptures tell us God desires us to “worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) not in fright and cravenly fear. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7) The “spirit of fear” doesn’t come from God and His Truth; it comes from the Adversary and his emissaries – false teachers.

The Witnesses teach only two classes of the blessers – their remnant, or the 144,000, and their Great Multitude. Brother Russell taught four classes of the elect – two classes of the heavenly realm – the 144,000, the Saints who will be Divine, and the Great Company who will be on a lesser spirit plane. Also, there will be two classes of the earthly realm – the Ancient Worthies as described in Hebrews the 11th chapter, and the Youthful Worthies, an unbegotten class selected between the Ages who will be rewarded in honor and service with the Ancient Worthies. There will, also, be two classes of the world of mankind – the believing Jews and the believing Gentiles.

More “New Light” Since 1954: Shortly after the demise of the Epiphany Messenger in October 1950, two brethren in the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement began studying “New Light” to present to the brethren in preparation for 1954. But there arose a dispute between the two. It is evident that they both aspired to be the Pastor and Teacher; and each thought himself to be the more capable. But they both had manufactured a “new” class who were to be won from 1954 “until restitution sets in.” This would be instead of the Youthful Worthies who would be won between the Ages from 1881 “until restitution sets in” as taught by That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger. The LHMM still present a non­existent class, called Consecrated Epiphany Campers, teaching this class will supersede the Jews in the Kingdom arrangement. The Epiphany Messenger often said, “The advancing Truth does not set aside the Truth formerly received, as some deceivers teach.

Brother Johnson did not “see” a new class not already taught by That Servant. He just elaborated on the classes already set out in the Parousia teaching. None of the teaching of the two Messengers teach a consecrated class in the Epiphany Camp.

If we are faithful to the Truth, it is some times a lonely way but it is indeed a good way! All those who do so have the sure promise of God: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” (Luke 21:15) So with the Apostle Paul, “I am set for the defense of the gospel” as we seek to deliver our brethren from the “snare of the fowler” (Psa. 91:3, 124:7; Hosea 9:8). “Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.” (Isa. 62:10) Berean Comments: “Cast out the stones – the stumbling blocks, errors, etc; Lift up a standard – The standard of absolute holiness of heart, and as far as possible of conduct.”

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NO. 435: THE LAW OF MOSES - Part Two

No. 435

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONCERNING THE SABBATH

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOME TELLING COMPARISONS

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

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

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

THREE COMMANDMENTS FOR CHRISTIANS

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

THE FIRST AND SECOND COMMANDS

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

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

OUR THIRD COMMANDMENT

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

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

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

GOD’S GREAT COVENANTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

BY ONE MAN’S DISOBEDIENCE

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMARY OF THE THREE GREAT COVENANTS

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

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

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

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

SECOND AND THIRD COVENANTS – TYPE AND ANTITYPE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint No. 310, April 1981)

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NO. 434: THE LAW OF MOSES – Part One

No. 434

In Luke 24:44 Jesus expresses the three component parts of the Old Testament: the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. By “the Law” Jesus meant the writings of Moses – the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Old Testament. By “the Prophets” He meant the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, etc. (the Prophets being sub­divided into the Major and the Minor prophets). And by “the Psalms” He meant the Psalms, The Book of Job, Proverbs, etc., the same being the more or less sentimental writings; and we believe that all of us will agree that there is much of sentiment in those writings.

To digress here just a little, we would offer the four component parts of the New Testament: the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John); the Acts of the Apostles; the Epistles (beginning with Romans and ending with the letter by Jude); and the Apoca­lypse – Revelation. Thus we have pointed out to us the seven parts of the Bible, the “seven” revealing the Divine origin of the inspired writings, which we designate as the Bible.

MORE SPECIFIC DETAIL

Many good Christian people regard “the Law” as a reference to the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God, as set out in the 20th Chapter of Exodus, vs. 2 through 17. This is definitely true, of course; but in Psa. 119:97 there is this: “O how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” “The Law” here, however, embraces much more than the Ten Commandments: It refers to the entire Bible, which is indeed the “medita­tion” of all true believers. Next, it would refer to that part of the Bible as ex­pressed by Jesus – the first five books of the Bible; then in the very narrow sense, the Ten Commandments. The revelatory and strictly religious features of the Law have their beginning in Exodus 12, where the Passover was instituted, and which definitely ends that period from the Covenant with Abraham to the Exodus – a period of four hundred and thirty years. (Gal. 3:17) The minute exactness of this period is stressed in Ex. 12:51: “It came to pass the selfsame day, that the Lord did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.” And here we have the beginning of the Law ­begun by the Passover and elaborated in great detail in the remainder of the Pentateuch. It is well we keep this in mind in all our studies of this subject.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Many sincere people consider the Ten Commandments as the Law of Moses; but they are just the nucleus of that Law. The Ten Commandments are the mandatory feature of the Law of Moses – divided into parts, “Thou shalt” and “Thou shalt not.” The secon­dary part of the Law of Moses is the Ceremonial features – much more extensive, much more complicated, and much less understood – although we would stress here that the manda­tory features of that Law are also greatly misunderstood by many sincere people.

In Lev. 18:5 the Lord said unto Moses: “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes: which if a man do, he shall live in them.” This was certainly welcome news to the Jews: they would continue to live if they kept that law, and that they promised to do. They did not realize that this was a perfect Law, which as imperfect beings, they were total­ly unable to keep. When Jesus began His ministry at the age of thirty, the Jews shortly began to accuse Him of ignoring, or setting aside, this Law which was so sacred to them. And in response, Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Matt. 5:17) And this He did “fulfill” (fill full that Law); but the Jews did not recognize that He was perfect, and could keep that perfect law, which they were unable to do. Thus, the best of them, those who very earnestly endeavored to keep that law, continued to die; and this is a vivid proof to the unbiased mind that they were unable to keep that Law.

The Law is set forth in the 20th Chapter of Exodus, vs. 2 through 17. In referring to this section of Scripture the word “commandment” is not strictly correct. In Hebrew it is properly given as “word”; thus, the first word, the second word, etc. As a brief summary, we would express the first “word” thus: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” And the second “word”: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.” The third “word”: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy god in vain.” The fourth: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

The second table of the Law begins with the fifth “word”: “Honor thy father and thy mother”; the sixth “word,” “Thou shalt not kill”; the seventh, “Thou shalt not com­mit adultery”; the eighth, “Thou shalt not steal”; the ninth, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor”; and the tenth, “Thou shalt not covet.” Much elab­oration could be offered on the foregoing, but that is not primarily the purpose of this writing.

As most of our readers know, we often become involved in extensive controversy re­garding our understanding of the interpretation of the Scriptures; and these ten “words” are no exception. Just recently we became involved with a Brother about these words, and especially so on the one concerning “The sabbath day.” And our main reason now for writing this article is to help our readers to a better understanding of this subject. Thus we reproduce some of the questions involved, with our answers, in the hope that our readers will profit thereby. But before proceeding, we would offer the opinion that the Ten Commandments (“words”) are a grand law of justice, since they embrace every duty of God’s creatures to Him and to one another – perfection from every standpoint – and this does indeed prove them to be the inspired word of God. And believing this, it should immediately become apparent that in nowise do we wish to abrogate – or even miti­gate – any part of those ten “words.”

Now, for some of the questions: “Doesn’t your belief in the Creation Week help the evolution­ists in their false teachings, since it does away with the Sabbath?”

Answer: “Regarding the Ten Commandments, it seems we have a little different under­standing on that – although you believe in them, even as I do. But no man has been able to keep the Ten Commandments – neither the Jew nor the Christian. Only the perfect man Jesus was able to keep a perfect law. Paul says, ‘having blotted out what was written by hand (the two tables of the Law, the Ten Commandments) in ordinances which were against us, and removed it from our midst, having nailed it to the cross.’ (Col. 2:14, Dia.) We know the Jews were able to keep the ceremonial features, because the High Priest was told to do it all exactly as Moses gave it – that he die not. And there is no record that any of the High Priests died because of failure to perform the ceremon­ial features – regardless of their moral delinquencies. However, the Ten Commandments were the ‘written Law,’ but not the ceremonial features. The latter were all given orally to Moses.”

Moses told the Jews that they would live if they kept the Law (Lev. 18:5); but they soon learned that they could not keep the Ten Commandments, because they all con­tinued to die. Jesus, being perfect, was able to keep the Law, and proved it by what He did; He knew that we could not keep it – thus He nailed it to His cross. St. Paul writes, “I was alive without the Law once (in the Abrahamic covenant); but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” (Rom. 7:9) St. Paul says, “We do not make void the law through faith.” (Rom. 3:31) In answer to this we quote from Rom. 10:4: “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Also, “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Rom. 13:10) If our life is motivated by that love – love for God and love for man – we are fulfilling the law, which is the same for all who “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)

We are in full agreement that we should keep the Law to the best of our ability, because it is a perfect law. All these moral laws are incorporated in the New Testa­ment, however, but there is nothing said about keeping the Ten Commandments. Should we fall short on any of them through weakness of the flesh, we should immediately go to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need. (Heb. 4:16) At the same time we are fully convinced that none of us have the ability to keep a perfect law – although we can keep it in spirit. As Gentiles, we were never under the Mosaic law; therefore, when Jesus “nailed it to His cross” it was only for the Jews that He did that; and He did that only for those Jews that became Christians ­footstep followers of Him. All other believing Jews are still under that law, but none of them can keep it; that is why they all continue to die. “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments; which if a man do he shall live in them: I am the Lord.” (Lev. 18:5) And those Jews who kept the Law as best they could were blessed.

Some of those Jewish heroes are mentioned in Chapter 11 of Hebrews, but there is nothing said about their having kept the Law. In fact, some of them lived many years before the law even appeared. It is clearly stressed that they were victors “by faith.” Also, some of them mentioned grossly violated the law, but later repented. Consider, for instance, the case of David. The Law was then here – and David knew it – yet he grievously violated it. But the Apostle Paul includes his name with the heroes of the Old Testament. David’s heart was always right before God, but not toward man. (1 Kgs. 11:4; 15:5; 1 Sam. 13:14) But there is no doubt that he had that “godly sorrow that worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” (2 Cor. 7:10) The same with Rahab, the harlot, whose life was a gross violation of the law, yet her faith in the God of the Hebrews places her in the select company of the Old Testament heroes. (Heb. 11:31) So they lived “above the Law” in many respects, and “by faith” and repentance because of their fleshly weakness in violating the perfect law, were reinstated in the “Household of Faith.”

In the third and fourth chapters of Galatians St. Paul treats of this subject in some detail; and in Gal. 3:22–24 he tells us that we are saved by faith, not by keep­ing the Law. “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.... then (v. 25): “But after faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Here is a very clear and plain statement by a onetime Jew, that “we are (the Jews who accept Christ by faith) no longer under a schoolmaster.” However, those faithful Jews who are mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11 lived above the law: they lived by faith – although punished where they violated the Law they did not keep, as in the case of David.

Here we cite Martin Luther’s fundamental doctrine (by which he mutilated the Roman Church): “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” (Rom. 5:1) He had the same difference with the Roman Catholic Church that we have with those who believe they can be saved by works. That Church contended that we are saved by works; whereas, Luther correctly contended we are saved “by faith” and no longer under a schoolmaster (the Law).

Note also this very pertinent Scripture on this subject: “Sin shall not have do­minion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Rom. 6:13–18) And 1 Kgs. 8:6–9: “The priests brought in the ark of the Covenant unto his place... There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel.” And so it will be under the New Covenant when it is inaugurated in Christ’s Kingdom. (Jer. 31:31–33) This Scripture (1 gs. 8:6–9) relates to the dedication of Solomon’s Temple; and makes very clear what St. Paul meant when he stated what he did in Col. 2:14 – “the handwrit­ing of ordinances.” He is referring clearly and specifically to the two tables of the Law that ONLY were in the Ark when the Temple was dedicated.

Today many sincere people believe they are saved by works for a good cause. And many unsavory characters are highly praised for their “works of charity.” The Jehovah’s Witnesses tell their dedicated devotees (many of whom have our good opinion) that if they are faithful in serving so many hours a day or week, they will be chiefs in the Kingdom. At one time they told them they will live right on through to the Kingdom, but have softened that somewhat, as many of their faithful followers have since died.

By the foregoing statements we would not have our readers believe that those who have faith are to sit idly down and do nothing but have faith in our Lord and in God. “I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (Jas. 2:18) And that is our position, as all who have true animated faith will do with their might what their hands find to do: They will demonstrate their faith by their works. But faith cometh first! Every man should be able to give every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meek­ness and fear (reverence). (1 Pet. 3:15)

During this Gospel Age it is a “narrow way” that leadeth unto life; and, as Jesus said, “Few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) But, when the New Covenant is inaugu­rated (Jer. 31:31) – made with the Jews just as the Law Covenant was made – all will be given a chance to walk up the Highway (an easy way compared with the “narrow way” now operating). And all nations will be blessed by this Covenant as soon as they come under it and comply with its terms. The “narrow way” during the Gospel Age is a call: “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wis­dom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:24 – also see verses 25–30) In the Kingdom it will not be a “call” but a command, if they get life.

Question: “When St. Paul told the Jews ‘we are free’ in Christ, is there anything here that says the Jews were not obligated to keep the Law – the Ten Commandments? Or was he referring to the Ceremonial Law?”

Answer: “By this question we would not infer that the Brother is not sincere in his query, but sincerity alone is not sufficient. When the nations went at each others’ throats – as they did in 1914 – there is no doubt at all in our mind that many were sin­cere on both sides. However, at least one side had to be wrong; and some prominent individuals have contended that both sides were wrong. But the latter point we do not ar­gue. We now confine ourselves specifically to one expression by St. Paul in Col. 2:14: ‘Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that are against us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.’”

Now follows this same text from a more exact translation: “Having blotted out what was written by hand in ordinances which was against us, and has removed it from our midst, having nailed it to the cross.” Let us stress here that the ONLY part of the Law that was written by God’s hand was the Ten Commandments – contained on two tables of stone – and nothing else. The ceremonial law was all given orally to Moses; none of it was written by God’s hand. (Ex. 31:18; 24:12; Deut. 9:10)

As said above, when the ark was placed in Solomon’s Temple, the only thing it con­tained was the two tables of the Law – written by God’s hand. (1 Kgs. 8:6–9) Aaron’s rod that budded, and the golden pot of manna were no longer in the Ark. This is to tell us that God’s eternal law – the Ten Commandments – will be perfectly implanted into human hearts and minds “in due time.” (Jer. 31:33) Solomon’s Temple in this picture is a replica of what shall be when the “living temple” of God is established in the earth. But for the present – and because of our frailty – it is “removed from our midst.” Certainly this statement by St. Paul is plain enough and positive enough for a child to understand it.

When the lawyer wanted to know what he should do to inherit eternal life, Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” (Luke 10: 25,27) So it is love for God and man that will eventually give us eternal life. This applies now in this Age, and will apply toward all men in the next Age.

Question: “When the Commandment says, ‘Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy.’ is not this a perpetual obligation?”

Answer: “Yes, to those who have put themselves under it; but Gentiles have never done that – have never been asked to do it – so there is no obligation on their part to try to keep it. However, that same Commandment says, “In it thou shalt not do any work, thou ... nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant.” Can any seventh Sabbath Day adher­ent honestly say he is keeping this command­ment? Does their manservant leave them a newspaper on Saturday? Does their manservant leave them milk on Saturday? Does their manservant operate a bus that carries them to church on Saturday? Many years ago we lived next door to a very religious Jew, who scrupulously tried to keep the Sabbath; so, every Friday evening at six o’clock – when his Sabbath began – he gave us a penny to come into his kitchen, strike a match and light his stove fire. Seemingly, he did not real­ize that in hiring us for that penny he was having his “manservant” – or boyservant – do some work for him. This general thought of the Ten Commandments – handwriting of ordi­nances – is further emphasized in Ex. 31:18: “God gave to Moses ... two tables of testi­mony, tables of stone (the Ten Commandments are the only “tables of stone”), written with the finger of God.”

And to emphasize the superiority of the Ten Commandments (written by the finger of God), note now the record in Deut. 31:24–26: “When Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law (the ceremonial features, written by Moses – in contrast to the Ten Commandments written by God) upon a scroll (not on tables of stone) ... Moses commanded the Levites ... Take this scroll of the law, and put it at the side of the ark (not in the ark – as was done with the two tables of stone, written by the finger of God) of the covenant of Yahweh your God.” (Rotherham translation)

When Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another” (John 13:34), that terse statement embraced everything in the great addition problem set forth by St. Peter in 2 Pet. 1:5–7: “Add to your faith virtue (fortitude); and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance (self–control); and to temperance pa­tience (stick–to–itiveness); and to patience godliness (piety); and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love). And this addition cir­cumvents all the ethical, ceremonial and mandatory elements of the Christian religion. If any of us could keep the mandatory law of Moses, we could not improve on what St. Peter has instructed us. However, be it emphasized here that no one of the fallen hu­man race has ever been able to do perfectly what St. Peter has prescribed. In not one of these seven character qualities have any of us been able to reach perfection – just as none of the Jews could reach perfection in keeping the law of Moses; but it is the ideal set before us – “that we should follow in his steps.” (1 Pet. 2:21)

In no place does Jesus insist that His followers should keep the law of Moses; on the contrary, He tells us, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ... for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:29,30) Here He was making a clear distinc­tion between the yoke of the Law – which no Jew had been able to keep – and His yoke (“follow in His steps”), which we keep imperfectly, but, if faithfully, satisfactory to God, because Jesus is with us in that yoke, bearing the heavier part of it – a help the Jews did not have in their attempt to keep the Law of Moses.

Solomon’s Temple should be considered here in connection with this discussion. It was an elegant structure – one of the finest then in existence. And in this it was typical of the grander Temple, the spiritual temple that will appear when the Kingdom is established. At the dedication of Solomon’s Temple we are told, “The priests brought in the ark of the covenant (the golden ark from the Most Holy of the Tabernacle) of the Lord unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place (which now supplanted the Most Holy of the Tabernacle), even under the wings of the cherubims. (1 Kgs. 8:6); then verse 9, “There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb (where the Jewish ritual was first established after they left Egypt), when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel.”

All during the Jews’ journey through the Wilderness of Sin, on their journey to Canaan, the golden ark in the Most Holy of the Tabernacle had contained the two tables of stone, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the golden pot of Manna that never decayed; but two of these items were no longer there when the golden ark was transferred to Solomon’s Temple – showing us very clearly that when the antitypical Temple appears in the Kingdom, there will no longer be need for the Rod or the Pot of Manna. Only the eternal law of God will be there – the “words” engraved on the two tables of stone by the finger of God, which Jesus temporarily suspended, “Nailing it to His cross,” because no one had been able to keep it; but its presence in the Temple tells us very clearly that in the Kingdom all the willing and obedient will then be able to keep that Law – just as Jesus Himself kept it when He was with us at His first Advent – being a perfect man could keep a perfect Law.

Question: “In Matt. 5:17 not one word is said about Jesus nailing the Law to His cross; why, then, do you quote it now?”

Answer: “He does not say anything in Matt. 5:17 about nailing the Ceremonial law to the cross either. He had disposed of that in Matt. 23:38 – as we pointed out fore­going. And, as for the mandatory feature of the Law (the Ten Commandments) certainly He did not nail that to His cross for Himself: He had no need to do that, because He Himself kept that Law perfectly – something we cannot do. Therefore, at His crucifix­ion He nailed it to His cross to remove that ‘schoolmaster’ that had afflicted the Jews for centuries. ‘For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ (Rom. 8:3,4) That statement about ‘nailing it to His cross’ applied only to those Jews who had agreed to keep that Law; but it does not apply to any Gentiles, because they never were under that Law – had made no covenant with God to keep it. This is no ‘private interpretation’ on our part: it is just simple logic applied to a very much circulated illogical interpretation that quite a few good people mistakenly try to place upon it.”

However, we would emphasize that both the Law Covenant and the New Covenant are regulated by the same eternal Law of God, the Ten Commandments; and these must eventu­ally be kept perfectly by all who will gain eternal life under the New Covenant – when “Satan is bound, that he should deceive the nations no more.” (Rev. 20:2,3)

Question: “If we are caught stealing, and plead exemption from prosecution because the Law was nailed to the cross, would the judge accept that excuse?”

Answer: “No, of course he would not! There are some features of the Law Covenant that we can keep ­such as stealing, thou shalt not kill, commit adultery, etc., but that is a far cry from including the entire Law. The Gentiles who were not under the Law had enough light not to do those things, if they were motivated by right and wrong. ‘But glory, honour, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.’ (Rom. 2:10)”

Question: “Why do you make so complicated the plain and simple statement of Jesus in Matt. 5:17,18?”

Answer: “We do not make it complicated; the question complicates it when it tries to put Gentiles in the same category with Jesus Himself. In that text Jesus says, ‘I come not to destroy the law.’ Neither do we come to destroy it. But He also said, ‘I am come to fulfill it’ – which we do not do because we lack the ability and the heredity to do that.”

THE CURSE: “As many as are of the works of the law are under the curse.” (Gal. 3:10) “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law ... for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” (Gal. 3:13) The whole human family is now under the curse of sin and death; but, when the Jews covenanted to keep the law, but were not able to do so, it put them under a double curse. Thus, Jesus had to “hang upon a tree” – the cross – to redeem the Jews from the double curse which rested upon them – the curse inherited from Adam, and the curse of the works of the Law.

Question: “What about Matt. 5:19 – ‘Whosoever shall break one of these least com­mandments shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven?”

Answer: “Jesus had said that if–any one break the least of the commandments, he is guilty of all. Yes, here He says that even the “least” will be in the Kingdom of heaven. Coupled with this, we have His statement about John the Baptist, a Jew who was scrupulously trying to keep the Law: ‘There hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’ (Matt. 11:11) Here is a clear statement that John the Baptist will not be in the King­dom of Heaven (the heavenly phase of the Kingdom), although he painstakingly tried to keep the Law to the best of his ability, which he could not do. By our Lord’s statement, we know that he will be included among the faithful, honored Ancients, mentioned by the Apostle Paul in the llth Chapter of Hebrews – his reward being the earthly phase of the Kingdom and not the Spiritual phase, which is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Also, according to the questioner’s reasoning, the Apostles Paul, Peter, James and others will also be least in the Kingdom of Heaven, because they taught that the follow­ers of Jesus – Jews or Gentiles – were not under the Law, as noted by the following Scriptures: “By him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses.” (Acts 13:39) “By the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified..” (Gal. 2:16)

More now from Acts 15:5–20: “There rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. (v. 5) And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. (v. 6) And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. (v.7)

“And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit (Gentile believers), even as he did unto us (v.8); And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (v.9)

“Now, therefore, why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers or we were able to bear? (v. 11) (The fathers were able to bear the ceremonial: many of the fathers had very little to do with the ceremonial fea­tures, although they were faced daily with the mandatory yoke – the Ten Commandments—JJH) Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. (v. 12)

“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me. (v. 13) Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gen­tiles, to take out of them people for his name. (v. 14)

“And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written. (v. 15) After this (after selecting a people for His Name among the Gentiles), I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David (the earthly phase of the Kingdom), which is fallen down (since 70 A. D., when the Jews and their temple were devastated); and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up (v. 16): That the residue of men (the world during the Kingdom) might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.” (v. 17) (After selecting a “people for His name” among the Gentiles, these saints will bless the residue of mankind in the Kingdom: “Know ye not that the saints will judge the world?” – l Cor. 6:2—JJH)

“Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (v. 18) Where­fore, my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God. (v. 19); But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” (v.20)

Also Acts 15:24–26: “Forasmuch we have heard that certain which went from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying ye must be circumcised, and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment (v. 24); It seemed good unto us, being as­sembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul (v.25), Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v.26)

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if you keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” (Act 15:28,29)

Note there is not one word here about those converts keeping the Law of Moses. Nor do they criticize them for coming together on Sunday instead of Saturday. The Apostles were readily agreeable with the Sunday meetings, inasmuch as the Lord had risen from the dead on that day, which would cause those assembled to manifest a sober and a happy atti­tude in their worship.

It should also be noted that from all the foregoing Scriptures there is not one word of criticism against the Apostles for accepting and preaching Jesus; their whole contention is against the teaching that the Apostles were then relieving Jew and Gentile of the burden of the Law yoke – “which our fathers were not able to bear,” the Law of Moses.

Note now 1 John 5:3: “This is the love of God, that We keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” – not unbearable, as was the Law of Moses. “For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every one (Jew and Gentile) that believeth.” (Ram. 10:4) “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is of God by faith.” (Phil. 3:9)

More will be given on The Law of Moses in Part Two, D.v. For now it would be well for us to follow the Apostle’s advice in 2 Tim. 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” “The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” (Psa. 111:10)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle: Christian greetings in our dear Lord and Master Jesus’ Name!

Thanks for your friendly letter of February 23, 1992. I was thirty years in active service with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I left the Witnesses in 1990, together with my wife and daughter, of our own free will.

In the meantime, I value the wonderful literature of Brother Russell which I get from the Dawn in Germany, the six Studies in the Scriptures. It will be a pleasure to get the book by David Horowitz – “PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, An Early American Christian Zionist.” Thanks for the offer.

I was thankful to receive Nos. 430 and 431, the Epiphany publications, which I read with much interest. The light of truth always shines clearer. I am sending you two names for your mailing list.

Also, I would like to know the address of Brother Hermann Bezner in Israel. I want to write to him as he is also an Austrian the same as I.

I greet all the brethren in America with Christian love.

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

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Dear Brethren:

Please continue sending your publications. I truly enjoy studying them. There is great depth to them.

I enclose a check to help with your postage cost. Thank you so very much!

Sincerely, In His Name, ------- (WISCONSIN)

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Dear Sister Hoefle,

Please send me a list of the publications you distribute. Put me on the list for your monthly newsletter.

Thank you! ------- (WISCONSIN)

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