Church of God News

The Strength of Dollars Have Long Been Part of the “Pride of the Power” of the USA (which will be broken per Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

In his latest co-worker letter, LCG’s Roderick C. Meredith wrote:

It is about time we face the facts. If we don’t truly repent and turn to God’s ways, disaster lies just ahead for our American and British-descended peoples! The Eternal God tells us in His inspired Word, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Prov. 22:7). Throughout the Bible, God tells us that we should not live beyond our means. Later in His Word God tells us, “There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:  The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer” (Prov. 30:24-25).

Yet most Americans—and millions of Britons, Canadians and Aussies—continually spend far more money than they are actually making, or than they should spend. We run up bills at various stores and businesses. Americans, especially, run up massive credit card bills, and as a nation, the United States—which used to be the world’s greatest lender—has become by far the largest “debtor nation” in human history!

Many articles have come out in the financial press revealing that the U.S. government, technically, is “flat broke.” If we were a bank or financial institution, we would long ago have been put into receivership. America’s total federal debt now stands at approximately $9,500,000,000,000—that’s over nine trillion dollars! This is an absolute disaster in the making. And it will soon get much worse because our contingent liabilities such as future Social Security payments, Medicare and government pensions are not even reflected in that figure.

Add up all these IOUs and it turns out that our actual financial obligations total more than $57 trillion!

Most people, even most economists, have a hard time understanding the implications of that massive indebtedness. It is destined to change everything around you! Right now, for instance, the news reports tell us that the United States government has had to come to the rescue of the huge lending institutions called Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—financial institutions partially backed by the United States government that now have almost $6 trillion in mortgages on their books—many of which are in trouble…

So how will the U.S. government come up with the hundreds of billions of dollars to “rescue” these financial institutions?

Most honest investment experts acknowledge that it will be accomplished by simply “printing money.” In other words, the government is free to print money of any amount backed by essentially nothing except the good name of the United States government. “The Treasury’s effort is an ‘unmitigated disaster,’ according to famed investor Jim Rogers. Taxpayers will be saddled with debt if Congress approves the plan, he told Bloomberg. ‘I don’t know where these guys get the audacity to take our money, taxpayer money, and buy stock in Fannie Mae,’ Rogers said” (Charlotte Observer, July 15, 2008). Before long, foreign governments such as China, Japan, Germany and others will demand from within in this manner!

Think about it!

For many years, we have warned our American and British-descended readers that—unless there is a genuine repentance which brings our nations back to the ways of God—our Creator will begin to bring us down for our own good! Millennia ago, the Eternal God warned our forefathers that if they did not repent, “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you” (Deut. 28:43-45).

Dear brethren and co-workers, these words are right now coming true before your very eyes! As God’s servant, I feel duty bound to warn you that it is truly time to “set your house in order”—even in a personal way. Though our government leaders do not seem to understand or be willing to act on what is happening, we must learn to do so personally. So I encourage every one of you reading this to begin to “tighten your belts,” to set aside adequate savings for the proverbial “rainy day,” and to seek God and His blessing and guidance in a special way in the months and years ahead.

Though there will be ups and downs along the way, this financial crisis we are in will not go away! And—as God has clearly prophesied—the incidents of terrible storms and alternating droughts, fires, earthquakes and increasing disease epidemics will grow worse and worse—unless there is a real repentance among our peoples such as has never taken place in modern times!…

But do not forget that your ultimate protection is from God and from Him alone. So do your part to set aside extra monies—and extra food, water, and emergency supplies as we have warned you before—but also do your part to pray for, encourage and support the very Work of God which is helping you understand the meaning of all these happenings around you.

The facts support the idea that the US and UK in particular are setting themselves up for a mighty fall because of debt.  While Canada and Australia have a lot of natural resources currently benefiting their exports, they too are vulnerable, which also makes New Zealand vulnerable (it has too many ties with the other 4 nations).  The entire co-worker letter is available at http://www.cogl.org/cgi-bin/cogl/coworker/cogl-coworker.cgi?action=view_coworker

One point that I would like to make has to do with Deuteronomy 28:43-45, which Dr. Meredith quoted.  The Anglo-Saxon peoples of the US, UK, etc. simply have been so used to being “the head” that most have no idea that this situation will NOT last for too much longer.  Other nations have long resented the current situation and when “push comes to shove” they feel that they are at least as entitled to be the head and that it is time for the Anglo-Saxon nations to be “the tail”.

The US dollar ultimately WILL COLLAPSE and Americans will starve to death and have other serious problems.  And while the Anglo-Saxon nations are not likely to repent in mass, individually, you can.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Baptism and the Early Church Was it by immersion? Did it include infants?  What about repentance.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples ofthe United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?

Portion of the Codex Sinaiticus

COGwriter

The following news item was on interest:

There are other older manuscripts, but this is perhaps one of the two oldest complete works.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
The Ten Commandments in Hebrew This is a photo of a Hebrew document from the 2nd century, B.C.
The Old Testament Canon This article shows from Catholic accepted writings, that the Old Testament used by non-Roman Catholics and non-Orthodox churches is the correct version.
The New Testament Canon – From the Bible Itself This article, shows from the Bible and supporting sources, why the early Church knew which books were part of the Bible and which ones were not.

Rostov, Russia

COGwriter

The COGaIC website had the following story linked from its Vision website:

BEIJING, July 21 (Reuters) – China and Russia on Monday signed a pact that finally settled the demarcation of their 4,300-km (2,672-mile) border, the scene of armed clashes during the height of the Cold War.

The “additional protocol on the eastern part of borders” was signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, Xinhua news agency said.

Russia is eager to boost exports of oil, gas and nuclear products to China, the world’s second biggest consumer of oil and power, though China’s growing world clout is watched with some anxiety by Moscow’s elite.

Russia, whose $1.3 trillion economy is booming for a tenth straight year, has forged close ties with China on a number of world issues, including Iran and North Korea.

The fact is that since the Bible indicates that Russia and China will cooperate (Daniel 11:44 comes to immediate mind), it makes sense that these two major nations would resolve some of their longstanding disputes first.

Thus, another piece of the prophetic puzzle is coming together.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?

Martyrdom of Polycarp from Ceiling of the Church of St. Polycarp, Smyrna (now called Izmir, Turkey)

COGwriter

Which area in the second century denounced heretics and which area tolerated them?

As regular readers of the COGwriter.com page are aware, Asia Minor was the primary location of the most faithful church in the second century (the century immediately after the death of John, the last of the original apostles to die).

The Apostle John appointed Polycarp as the pastor/bishop of Smyrna.  And he apparently heard that there were heresies tolerated in Rome.

Polycarp was an old man when he finally visited Rome, around 155 AD. It took months to get there from Smyrna at that time, and this would have been a physically difficult trip for Polycarp.

However, there were apparently so many heresies originating in Rome, that he felt that as the senior leader of the true Church, that he needed to personally try to deal with them. In the late 2nd Century, the Catholic historian Irenaeus recorded that the Bishops of Rome had problems with them and that both John and Polycarp strongly renounced the Gnostic heretics:

Valentinus came to Rome in the time of Hyginus, flourished under Pius, and remained until Anicetus. Cerdon, too…Marcion, then, succeeding him, flourished under Anicetus.

But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna…always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time — a man who was of much greater weight, and a more stedfast witness of truth, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and the rest of the heretics. He it was who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus caused many to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the Church of God, proclaiming that he had received this one and sole truth from the apostles… John, the disciple of the Lord…exclaiming, “Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.” And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, “Dost thou know me?” “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan” (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 4, Verse 3 and Chapter 3, Verse 4).

Valentinus, Cerinthus, and Marcion are considered by Catholics and others to have been Gnostic heretics, while Hyginus, Pius, and Anicetus were bishops of Rome. Thus these quotes from Irenaeus show that the Roman bishops did not have a higher leadership role than Polycarp of Smyrna had, because it apparently took the stature of the visiting Polycarp to turn many Romans away from the Gnostic heretics.

Marcion was possibly the first heretic to attempt to do away with the Sabbath. Valentinus of Rome, who Polycarp denounced, who is believed to have been the first affiliated with Christianity to teach the Trinitarian concept of three hypostasis or make any clear statement of ‘equality’ regarding three alleged persons of God .

Irenaeus also reported

And when the blessed Polycarp was sojourning in Rome in the time of Anicetus, although a slight controversy had arisen among them as to certain other points…For neither could Anicetus persuade Polycarp to forego the observance [in his own way], inasmuch as these things had been always observed by John the disciple of our Lord, and by other apostles with whom he had been conversant; nor, on the other hand, could Polycarp succeed in persuading Anicetus to keep [the observance in his way], for he maintained that he was bound to adhere to the usage of the presbyters who preceded him. And in this state of affairs they held fellowship with each other; and Anicetus conceded to Polycarp in the Church the celebration of the Eucharist, by way of showing him respect; so that they parted in peace one from the other, maintaining peace with the whole Church, both those who did observe [this custom] and those who did not Irenaeus. (FRAGMENTS FROM THE LOST WRITINGS OF IRENAEUS. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. Excerpted from Volume I of The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, editors); American Edition copyright © 1885. Electronic version copyright © 1997 by New Advent, Inc.).

Apparently Anicetus conceded enough (such as about Polycarp’s position on that and probably about Marcion—who Anicetus agreed was a heretic) that no recorded major ‘blowup’ between the two survived. It appears that Anicetus, tried to satisfy Polycarp to some degree, and tried to appear not to be a complete heretic.  Sadly, Irenaeus had a history of pretending that certain differences between Rome and Asia Minor were not important.

It appears likely that Polycarp, when he returned to Asia Minor, would have told the Christians there that he was successful in turning some away from heretics such as Marcion and Valentinus. He probably was so disgusted by his Roman experience that he let those in Asia Minor know that they should not receive doctrine or other instruction from any in Rome–he also specifically would not change Passover observance to Sunday. This seems to be confirmed by Polycrates’ writings a few decades later.

What these writings in this section seem to show is that the aged Polycarp went to Rome to primarily deal with Gnostic heretics that claimed to be Christian. It was Polycarp, and no “bishop of Rome”, who was successful in turning Christians away from these heretics. It was Polycarp, and no Roman bishop, who was the faithful “heretic fighter” in the second century.

Now even though Catholics agree that Marcion and Valentius were heretics, notice that according to Tertullian, Rome tolerated these heretics for a very long time:

Where was Marcion then, that shipmaster of Pontus, the zealous student of Stoicism? Where was Valentinus then, the disciple of Platonism? For it is evident that those men lived not so long ago,—in the reign of Antoninus for the most part,—and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherus, until on account of their ever restless curiosity, with which they even infected the brethren, they were more than once expelled (Tertullian. The Prescription against Heretics, Chapter 30. Translated by Peter Holmes. Electronic Version Copyright © 2006 by Kevin Knight).

How long of a time?  Well, they were denounced by Polycarp around 155, yet Eleutherius (there are differing spellings of his name) was the Bishop of Rome from 175-189.  Hence, the heretics Marcion and Valentinus were tolerated by Rome before Polycarp arrived and apparently were in the Roman Church to some degree until at least 175.

Actually, history repeatedly records evidence that leaders in Asia Minor denounced heresies generally before Rome did. And sadly, Rome adopted or later accepted some version of many of these heresies.

Table of Early Heretics/Heresies First Denounced by Leaders of Asia Minor

Note: There were many other heresies introduced in the second to fourth centuries that were never accepted by the Quartodeciman successors to the second century Asia Minor leaders. The second century Asia Minor leaders did not teach the Jewish apocrypha, special dress for the clergy, celibacy for the clergy, immortal souls going to heaven, idols in church, baptism by sprinkling, unclean meat consumption, military service for Christians, a mystic Eucharist, and a winter holiday somewhat coinciding with Saturnalia ceremonies. And interestingly, many Catholic/Orthodox “saints” in the first few centuries originally condemned those doctrines—though such teachings are now accepted by the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics.

Would the leaders of the true Church be more likely to tolerate or denounce heretics?

The answer should be obvious (and to those it is not, recall that Jesus, Peter, Paul, Jude, John and others denounced false religious leaders in the New Testament).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter Polycarp was the successor of the Apostle John and a major leader in Asia Minor. Do you know much about what he taught?
Melito of Sardis Who was this 2nd Century Church Leader? What Old Testament did he list? What did he teach that most who call themselves Christian later change?
Thraseas Thraseas died circa 160 in Smyrna, but oversaw the churches from Eumenia.
Sagaris Sagaris died circa 166-167 and oversaw a church in Laodicea of Asia Minor.
Papirius He died circa 170 and oversaw churches from Smyrna.
Polycrates of Ephesus He was an early church leader that claimed to continue the practices of the Gospel, John, Philip, Melito, and Polycarp, while refusing to accept traditions that came from Rome.
Apollonius of Ephesus He died circa 210.
Theophilus of Antioch This is one of the second century leaders of some Christians in Antioch and is considered a Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch.
Serapion of Antioch He was possibly a faithful third century leader in Antioch.
Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he?
Valentinus: The Gnostic Trinitarian Heretic He apparently was the first Christ-professing heretic to come up with the idea of three hypostases.
Justin Martyr: Saint, Heretic, or Apostate? Justin is considered one of the first Christian theologians and scholars. But did he support a Gnostic version of Christianity? Do you know what he taught about souls going to heaven upon death? This article shows from his own writings, what Justin really taught.
Marcus and the Marcosians: Developers of the Eucharist? Marcus was a second century heretic condemned for having a ceremony similar to one still practiced by many who profess Christ. Might he also be in the apostolic succession list of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria?
Irenaeus: The Most Dangerous Heretic? Was Irenaeus a faithful peacemaker or was he possibly the most dangerous of the early heretics?
“Pope” Hyginus (136-140) He is claimed to have come up with the idea of “godparents”. He may have been involved in the institution of a Sunday Passover. The heretic Valentinus appeared by his time.
“Pope” Pius I (140-155) He was inspired by the ideas of the heretic Justin expressed in the “Dialogo con Trifone”. He did observe a Sunday Passover. He was ineffective in stopping the heretic Valentinus.
“Pope” Anicetus (155-166) Bishop Anicetus (perhaps the first clear “bishop of Rome”, none were called popes until the late fourth century) was a collaborator with the heretic Justin, and ineffective against the heretics Marcion and Valentinus.
“Pope” Soter (166-175) Bishop Soter is claimed to have called marriage a sacrament. He is supposedly the one to fix the Sunday date of Passover (though others have been cited for this as well).
“Pope” Eleutherius (175-189) He allegedly dispensed with the obligations of Christians to follow several dietary laws of biblical origin. He went along with the Sunday date of Passover and decided against publicly opposing the Montanists.
“Pope” Victor I (189-199) He was the first Roman bishop to attempt to act like a pope, but was somewhat unsuccessful. He attempted to force those in Asia Minor to accept Roman Passover Sunday tradition over the Bible and the teachings of the apostles. Polycrates, in response, told him “those greater than I have said ‘We ought to obey God rather than man'”.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

A slightly difficult uphill and narrow way in Tobago

COGwriter

Do You Know that God Has a Loving and Exciting Plan?

Since God has a plan for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 13:38) and is a God of love (1 John 4:8,16; John 3:16), the Bible shows He will intervene for the elect’s sake (Matthew 24:22) and that He has a loving and exciting plan (Revelation 21:1-8).

Since God is love (1 John 4:16), we in the Living Church of God believe that He has a plan that takes into account how human beings would have rebelled against Him (cf. 1 Peter 1:20-21). We also believe that God is smart enough to have developed a plan that does not result in the vast majority of humanity having to suffer end-less torment. Thus we believe it is logical that His plan will result in nearly everyone who ever lived, no matter what their religion or background was, to be saved. And that there are hundreds of verses in the Bible that show this—and this is God’s will (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16-17). This plan is also consistent with writings about Christianity throughout history—though most in modern times seem to wish to overlook that fact.

We in the Living Church of God specifically believe that the Bible teaches that God made everything and it was “very good” (Genesis 1:1-31). And that God made humans upright (Ecclesiastes 7:29), but that humans felt that they could decide to disobey God’s commands (Genesis 3:6). Because of that disobedience, God stopped humans from having immediate access to the tree of life on their own (Genesis 3:22; John 6:44)–even though He had a plan of redemption from before “the foundation of the world” involving Jesus (Revelation 13:8).

We in the Living Church of God believe that God gave humans 6,000 years to live their own way (please see chapter 60). We believe that humans will mess things up so bad, “unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved” (Matthew 24:22).

Notice that the Bible teaches that some are elect now, and others blinded now:

What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (Romans 11:6-7).

And since those blinded do not have that held against them (John 9:41), scripture shows:

…all flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:6).

Thus, salvation will be offered to all—either now or later.

Predestined to Be Called, to Serve, and to Have Others Join Us

But the Bible also shows that some are predestined to be called and converted in this age.

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote about predestination:

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified (Romans 8:28-30).

11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:11-13).

Paul is teaching that there is a work for those who are predestined to be called in this age. Notice also that Paul specifically refers to those who FIRST trusted in Christ. The implication is that there will be others who were not predestined in to be called in this age to be called later. And that is basically what predestination is all about—some few people were predestined to be called in this life in order to show others (both now and in the future) that it is possible to live God’s way of life and so that they can be called later.

People can only be called now if the Father draws them to be called:

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44).

It is on that last day that those predestined in this age will be the praise to Christ’s glory to those on the earth in a way that has not happened before.

Jesus was clear that only a few will find this way in this age:

23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able (Luke 13:23-24).

14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:14).

So only some few will be called in this age. And there is an “age to come” (Matthew 12:32) where even infamous sinners will have an opportunity (cf. Matthew 10:15;11:22).

Jesus to establish a millennial kingdom on earth (Revelation 11:15; 20:4). During this 1,000 year reign the world will become beautiful again (Isaiah 35:1-10). Those predestined now will help rule in His kingdom (Revelation 20:4-5) to teach and assist those who will not always know how they should live (Isaiah 30:20-21).

So while some are predestined to be called in this age and to rule in the millennium, all others will be called later. After this thousand year reign, all who ever lived will be resurrected for judgment (Revelation 20:5).

One thing that many do not realize about that time of judgment is that God will not only judge, He will plead His case:

The LORD stands up to plead, And stands to judge the people (Isaiah 3:13).

A noise will come to the ends of the earth–For the LORD has a controversy with the nations; He will plead His case with all flesh (Jeremiah 25:31).

And those not called in this age, those who never really had an opportunity for salvation, will be called then.

Before explaining what God might plead, notice what Ezekiel was inspired to write happens when this noise occurs:

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ‘ ” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 “Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:7-14).

So, after a noise there will be a resurrection and those that thought that they had no hope will be raised. It is important to understand that this time of judgment and resurrection is after the Day of the Lord and after the millennium (Revelation 20:4-13). But it is after this noise that God will judge and He will plead His case with all flesh (Jeremiah 25:31).

Why then?

This is because God will be able to point out how the human race came to the point of utter extinction, but that God prevented that for the sake of the elect. Notice:

And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22).

God will be able to contrast His ways with the ways of humankind. When those resurrected see how humans started out with a very good and beautiful earth and messed up and nearly completely destroyed it (Revelation 11:18) in their 6,000 years, they will realize that it was not wise for humankind that distanced itself from the true God.

God might point out that He had to intervene to stop this destruction and that he implemented His kingdom for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-5), God may also point out how well humans did during the millennium (Isaiah 35:1-10).

Most resurrected humans will realize that it is God’s way of life that worked best and they will accept His generous offer of salvation.

Those who are called now in this age were predestined to serve. We in the Living Church of God believe that the way of God is the way of give, while the way of the world is the way of get. And because of Satanic deception (Revelation 12:9), human society cut off from God (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Peter 1:4), and personal selfishness (James 1:14-15), all sin (Romans 3:23)—this is why Jesus taught that few are chosen in this age (Matthew 20:16).

This differs greatly from much of what passes for mainstream Christianity as the Catholics and Protestants normally teach that most who ever lived are such horrible people that God will torture them for all eternity.

The Holy Days Reveal This Plan

We in the Living Church of God believe that the biblical Holy Days (Leviticus 23) reveal God’s loving plan of salvation.

The following is from the Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs of the Living Church of God:

ANNUAL FESTIVALS PICTURE GOD’S MASTER PLAN OF SALVATION

God’s annual Festivals are listed in Leviticus 23 and in Deuteronomy 16. These God-given holy days were commanded to be observed “forever” (Leviticus 23:14, 21, 31, 41). The Apostolic Church observed the annual Sabbaths (Acts 2; 12:3-4; 18:21; 20:6, 16; 27:9; 1 Corinthians 16:8). These Sabbaths will continue to be observed during Christ’s millennial rule (Zechariah 14:1, 9, 16-19).

God’s annual Festivals picture the seven vital steps in His plan of salvation:

1. The Passover pictures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36; Revelation 5:6) sacrificed for us, (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus established the New Testament Passover with the symbols of bread and wine (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

2. The Seven Days of Unleavened Bread typify purging the leaven of malice and wickedness out of the believer’s life, and partaking of God’s nature, the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:6-13; Luke 12:1).

3. The Feast of Firstfruits (Pentecost) pictures the small harvest of “begotten” followers of Christ who will be harvested at the “first resurrection” (Revelation 20:4-5), as “a kind of firstfruits” (James 1:18).

4. The Feast of Trumpets points prophetically to the second coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 11:15-18; 19:15; Zechariah 14:9).

5. The Day of Atonement pictures the banishment of Satan, and man’s becoming “at one” with God (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 15-27; Revelation 20:1-3).

6. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the soon-coming wonderful world under the government of Jesus Christ and His saints (Zechariah 14; Matthew 9:37-38; 13:1-30; Luke 12:32; John 7:6-14; Acts 17:31; Revelation 12:9; 20:4-6).

7. The Last Great Day features the great judgment that will occur at the end of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (John 7:37; Leviticus 23:36, 39, 33-34; Revelation 20:11-12).

RC Meredith of LCG also added:

Notice Revelation 20:11-12: Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books…

Revelation 20 then describes the opening of another book—the Book of Life. What is this books purpose? Paul explains that the saints names are written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3). Revelation 21:27 describes the New Jerusalem as inhabited by only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
The opportunity for eternal life is at last presented to these multitudes of people small and great. They are resurrected back to physical life for perhaps a period of 100 years—long enough for a thorough opportunity for them to learn, grow and be tried and tested as to their willingness to live eternal life Gods way (Isaiah 65:20). They will be called and have the opportunity to study and to understand the Bible. Then—and only then—God says that these resurrected people will be judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books (Revelation 20:12). Finally, after being given a genuine opportunity to know and to act upon the Truth, these people are judged by how they respond to and obey the teachings of the books of the Bible.

God truly does have an exciting plan. All who ever lived will be offered an opportunity for salvation.

Several articles of related interest may include:

Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?

A slightly difficult uphill and narrow way in Tobago

COGwriter

Jesus taught,

…narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt 7:14).

And while that is true in this age, many do not understand that God of love we in the Living Church of God serve does have a plan that will result in the vast majority of those that ever lived to be saved.

In the current issue of LCG’s Tomorrow’s World magazine has the following by evangelist Roderick C. Meredith:

What God Is Accomplishing NOW

The Apostle Peter was inspired to tell us: But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:89).
Do you see?
In working out His supreme purpose, God is in no hurry! In His time—not our time—God wants all to come to repentance. He indicates that His plan will be accomplished over thousands of years! Again, remember that God is not trying to save the whole world now. Yet He is not condemning those who have been deceived by Satan, the god of this age whom the Creator God has allowed to influence and rule this world during this present time.
Remember how God condemned the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, turning them into ashes and making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6). Yet, when you understand, you quickly realize that those perverted people were blinded to the Truth and did not know the true God. So how will God eventually deal with those blinded human beings who never had a genuine opportunity for salvation?
In Matthew 11, Jesus describes how the cities of His day refused to hear the Truth: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you (vv. 2122). Then Jesus made a remarkable statement: But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you (v. 24). So there is a day of judgment coming in which it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for the cities of Jesus time. Jesus here clearly recognizes that those ancient cities were never presented with the Truth. They had no opportunity at all!
God inspired the Apostle Paul to state the following about the Gentiles in Ephesus: Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:1112). The absolute truth is that God has allowed most people to go their own way for the last 6,000 years under Satans influence. The Almighty God has not even tried to save them. Otherwise, they would be saved! But He has planned a day of judgment—not a day of condemnation—so that those billions of human beings may have a genuine opportunity for salvation and then be judged according to what they do at that time when their eyes are really opened to the Truth!
How will they be saved? The Bible is very clear in stating that the only way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ! Jesus Himself stated: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. Then Jesus said to them again, Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them (John 10:1, 78). Here Jesus clearly condemns any other way to eternal life! For God alone can give us everlasting life. He sets the conditions—not misguided human beings who may have sentimental thoughts about false Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, New Age theories or any other ideas or theories of men!
The Apostle Peter was inspired to state emphatically: Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This [Christ] is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:10-12).

The White Throne Judgment

We read earlier that in the prophesied day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the Sodomites than for the men of Jesus day who rejected Him in person. The inspired gospel of Luke adds details to Matthews account. In Luke 10:1314, Jesus Christ said: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.
The plain indication is that since ancient Tyre, Sidon and Sodom were not given a genuine opportunity to learn the Truth, they will not be held responsible for being blinded. In fact, Jesus stated that He knew they would have repented (v. 13) if they had seen Jesus mighty works.
Since God is no respecter of persons, you may wonder: when and how will the people of these ancient Gentile cities, and the other billions of similarly blinded human beings, be given a genuine opportunity to understand Gods purpose in life, and to attain salvation? Does the Bible ever speak of such a time?
Yes, it does! The book of Revelation gives the time sequence of prophetic events more clearly than any other book in the Bible. Revelation 19:1121 describes Christs return in full glory as King of kings (vv. 1416). Then, after crushing the armies of the coming European dictator called the Beast, Christ casts him and the coming false religious leader into the Lake of Fire (v. 20).
Then God describes a mighty angel coming down to the earth: He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while (Revelation 20:23). Note that these verses also tell us that Satan has been deceiving the nations of this earth!
After Satan is bound, the glorious millennial rule of Christ on the earth begins. Speaking of that time, Revelation 20 shows that the true saints lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years (v. 4). Then we are told: Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years (v. 6).
True Christians who have been genuinely called by God understand His purpose. They know that they are now in training to become kings and priests in the coming reign of Christ on Earth—that they will rule even over angels (1 Corinthians 6:13)! The coming millennial rule of Christ and the saints (Daniel 7:2627) will be a magnificent opportunity to help, to encourage and to teach the confused multitudes about Gods true ways.
But what happens to the untold billions of blinded people who die before the Millennium—who have never known the true God and His Plan? And realize that this includes many millions of professing Christians now living who have never been genuinely converted! It includes millions of young people who never lived long enough to understand, truly repent and grow in grace and in knowledge of Gods Truth. It includes millions of well-meaning but weak people, with all their problems, who may have called themselves Christians but who never truly understood and surrendered to God.
After describing a relatively brief time when Satan is loosed from his prison and, once again, quickly deceives a multitude of people (Revelation 20:710), Gods word begins to tell us about the Great White Throne Judgment period. But look back for a moment at verse 5. Here, inserted as a parenthetical comment after describing the thousand-year rule of the saints, Gods word says: But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.
The rest of the dead? Yes! Those billions of people from ages past who were never called to salvation and, therefore, obviously had no opportunity to be in the first resurrection.
Notice Revelation 20:11-12: Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

A Time of Genuine UNDERSTANDING

Here we find described perhaps the most awesome event in human history, a time when all people—the unknown, the famous and the infamous—will truly come to understand why they were born! These formerly dead people are seen standing before God—obviously in a resurrection. Then the books are opened. The term books here is translated from the Greek word biblion, which is the same word translated Bible—meaning the books of the Bible!

Revelation 20 then describes the opening of another book—the Book of Life. What is this books purpose? Paul explains that the saints names are written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3). Revelation 21:27 describes the New Jerusalem as inhabited by only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
The opportunity for eternal life is at last presented to these multitudes of people small and great. They are resurrected back to physical life for perhaps a period of 100 years—long enough for a thorough opportunity for them to learn, grow and be tried and tested as to their willingness to live eternal life Gods way (Isaiah 65:20). They will be called and have the opportunity to study and to understand the Bible. Then—and only then—God says that these resurrected people will be judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books (Revelation 20:12). Finally, after being given a genuine opportunity to know and to act upon the Truth, these people are judged by how they respond to and obey the teachings of the books of the Bible. As James was inspired to tell us, faith without works is dead (James 2:20).

Make no mistake; if these untold billions of formerly blinded individuals are merely judged by the works they did in their former lifetime—smany of them as thieves, prostitutes, sexual deviants, dictators and false prophets—then they will all surely perish in the Lake of Fire! For in their past lives they did not accept the only name given under heaven by which we must be saved. They did not truly repent (Acts 2:38) of their wrong ways and surrender their lives to Christ and allow Him—through the Holy Spirit—to fashion and mold them and help them to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

God does not have a double standard! These countless billions of individuals deserve to have a real opportunity—and to be judged on what they do after they have known the Truth of God! Yet countless theologians and ministers—who themselves are deceived—try to imagine that God will somehow save many of our unrepentant friends and relatives, and multitudes from ages past, even though they never came to real repentance and true surrender to the living Christ. These theologians could not be more wrong!

(You can click the following link for the full article: The Truth Almost No One Knows.)

The fact is that the idea that God will in the future offer salvation to all who really did not have a chance in this age is a biblical doctrine. Did you know that There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis?

Several articles of related interest may include:

Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.

Is there just one Pontiff past Pope Benedictus XVI?

COGwriter

James Malm, of Shining Light, posted the following:

Roman Catholic tradition indicates that the next Pope will be the last one.  While we should not stand on any non scriptural tradition, Benedict XVI at 80 is visibly slowing down.  Benedict may be empowered and strengthened to last until the return of Christ, or he may go the way of all flesh.  If he does pass on; who will replace him?

In the Catholic Church are many intelligent and highly talented persons available for a leadership position.  There is no way to know for sure who the next Pope will be.

And while Catholics do have differing views, it is true that some do believe that the next pope will be the last pope. (James Malm, while not the problem that Ronald Weinland has been, also has falsely predicted that the Great Tribulation would begin in 2008–see At Least Two Wrongly Claim Great Tribulation Will Begin in 2008–and even though he has a few more months before his prediction is proven false–it will be as the Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2008).

In the 12th century, a Catholic saint named Malachy predicted, with what some to believe is complete accuracy, every pope since 1143.  When it his list became public in the 16th century, it was considered to have been so accurate in predicting the 12th – 16th century pontiffs, that some thought it that it had not been written until the 16th century.

While its original date is hard to absolutely prove (I tend to accept the 12th century date), many of the post 16th century predictions on Malachy’s list have apparently come true. Some Catholics have written the following about it:

…a list…attributed to St. Malachy…has given fitting descriptions of every pope since the 16th century, when it was discovered (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.19).

…the vast majority of Malachy’s predictions about successive Popes is amazingly accurate (Bander, Peter. Introductory commentary in The Prophecies of St. Malachy. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 11).

I should add that Malachy’s list includes several leaders that the Roman Catholics call antipopes (e.g. Clement VII, Benedict XIII, Felix V, Alexander V, etc.) and those are inserted sometimes together as opposed to always being in strict chronological order.  The fact that Malachy’s list is NOT completely accurate should show people that the list was not inspired by God.  But it is accurate enough that I believe that the False Prophet will point to it as further “proof” that the Roman Catholic Church is the proper church, and many people will be deceived.

Specifically, I believe that the False Prophet (like most other Catholic bishops have) will falsely claim that there were bishops in Rome from Peter onwards (which is untrue, please see chapter ), that there have been bishops of Rome from the 2nd through 21st centuries (which is essentially true, though some were in France), and that since Malachy’s list has accurately predicted every pope since the middle of the 12th century (which is not quite true as the list includes what Catholics would consider to be false or “antipopes” without indicating that they would be false), that therefore the Roman Catholic Church is the one true Christian faith (which is untrue).

Now if Malachy’s prophecies on the popes is a complete list, there is only one pope left to come after Benedict XVI.

Since some other Catholic prophecies that state prior to the last pope, another pope will flee and die, then (if these prophecies are accurate) this would mean that this would happen with the current pope (who is elderly and German). Therefore, the following are Catholic prophecies that might apply to Pope Benedict XVI:

Nun Emmerich (19th century): I also saw the Holy Father– God-fearing and prayerful. Nothing left to be desired in his appearance, but he was weakened by old age and by much suffering (Dupont p. 68).

Helen Wallraff (19th century): Some day a pope will flee from Rome in the company of only four cardinals . . . and they will come to Koeln [Cologne] (Dupont, p. 78).

The Prophecy of Premol (5th century): And I see the King of Rome and his Cross and his tiara, shaking the dust off of his shoes, and hastening his flight to other shores. Thy Church, O Lord, is torn apart by her own children. One camp is faithful to the fleeing Pontiff, the other is subject to the new government of Rome which has broken the tiara. But Almighty God will, in His mercy, put an end to this confusion and a new age will begin. Then, said the Spirit, this is the beginning of the End of Time.

Comment: From this prophecy, it is clear that the true Church will be faithful to the Pope in exile; whereas the new Pope in Rome will be, in fact, an anti-pope…a large number of Catholics will be misled into accepting the leadership of the anti-pope (Dupont, pp. 72-73). {Note the comment is from Dupont personally}.

So if the current pope flees and goes to Cologne (Germany) he might fulfill those prophecies.

However, it should be noted that decades ago, the editor of a book I own on Malachy’s list specifically wrote that Malachy’s list does not require that there could be no other popes prior to the last one.  Notice:

Some medieval interpreters have gone out of their way to stress that Malachy in his prophecies does not specifically mention that no Popes reign between Gloria Olivae and the last Petrus Romanus; nor on the other hand does he mention that there will be others (Bander, p.96).

So, the above does give the Roman Catholics “wiggle room” if there remains more than one pope left.  But if there is only one, the next one would likely be the False Prophet of Revelation 16:13.

Notice also the following prophecy:

St. Malachy (12th century): During the persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit upon the throne, Peter the Roman…the City of Seven Hills (Rome) will be utterly destroyed (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 138).

Notice that the final Pope sits on the City of Seven Hills (which the Catholic writer G. Culleton labeled RomeBabylon the Great sits on in Revelation 17:9—but then God has it destroyed in verses 14-18. above)—the one that Babylon the Great sits on in Revelation 17:9—but then God has it destroyed in verses 14-18.

Certain Catholic prophecies warn that a major “antipope” is to come—and since this has not happened—they could be interpreted to mean that the next pope is likely to be an antipope:

Anna-Katarina Emmerick (19th century): I saw again a new and odd-looking Church which they were trying to build. There was nothing holy about it… (Dupont, p. 116)

Yves Dupont {writer interpreting A. Emmerick}: They wanted to make a new Church, a Church of human manufacture, but God had other designs…The Holy Father shall have to leave Rome, and he shall die a cruel death. An anti-pope shall be set up in Rome (Dupont, p. 116).

Jeanne le Royer (d. 1798): I see that when the Second Coming of Christ approaches a bad priest will do much harm to the Church (Culligan E. The Last World War and the End of Time. The book was blessed by Pope Paul VI, 1966. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 128).

Yves Dupont {reader and collector of Catholic prophecies}: “prophecies are quite explicit about the election of an anti-pope…Many prophecies predict an anti-pope and a schism ” (Dupont, pp. 34,60-61).

Catholic priest and writer R. Gerald Culleton (20th century): A schism of short duration is destined to break out…An antipope, of German origin, is to be set up, and finally Rome itself will be destroyed” (Culleton, p. 42).

Frederick William Faber (died 1863): Antichrist…Many believe in a demonical incarnation–this will not be so–but he will be utterly possessed…His doctrine as apparent contradiction of no religion, yet a new religion…He has an attending pontiff, so separating regal and prophetic office (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 87).

Blessed Joachim (died 1202): Towards the end of the world Antichrist will overthrow the Pope and usurp his See (Connor, p. 76).

Merlin (7th century): There will come a German Anti-Pope. Italy and Germany will be sorely troubled. A French King will restore the true Pope (Culleton, p. 132).

St. Francis of Assisi (d. 1226): There will be an uncanonically elected pope who will cause a great Schism, there will be divers thoughts preached which will cause many, even those in the different orders, to doubt, yea even agree with those heretics which will cause My order to divide, then will there be such universal dissentions and persecutions that if these days were not shortened even the elect would be lost (Culleton, p. 130).

Priest E. Sylvester Berry (published 1920):  It has been a matter of history that the most disastrous periods for the Church were times when the Papal throne was vacant or when anti-popes contended with the legitimate head of the Church.  Thus shall it be in those evil days to come (Berry ES.  The Apocalypse of St. John, 1920.  Quoted in Culleton RG.  The Reign of Antichrist.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 195).

Catholic writer and priest P. Huchedé (19th century): …the false prophet…will not be a king, nor a general of an army, but a clever apostate, fallen from episcopal dignity.  From being an apostle of the Gospel he will become the first preacher of the false messiah…(Huchedé, P. Translated by JBD. History of Antichrist. Imprimatur Edward Charles Fabre, Bishop of Montreal. English edition 1884, Reprint 1976. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 24).

Priest Herman Kramer (20th century): This false prophet possibly at the behest of Antichrist usurps the papal supremacy…His assumed spiritual authority and supremacy over the Church would make him resemble the Bishop of Rome…He would be Pontifex Maximus, a title of pagan emperors, having spiritual and temporal authority.  Assuming authority without having it makes him the False Prophet…Though he poses as a lamb, his doctrines betray him (Kramer H.B. L. The Book of Destiny.  Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus.  Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 319 ).

Thus there are many Catholic writers who have warned of some type of an antipope, and that he could even be the False Prophet.

And, it is highly possible that this could be the next Pope (or antipope).

TRANSFORMED FROM TRUTH

COGwriter

Many readers of this page have had some affiliation with the old Worldwide Church of God. But most people do not know what the first doctrinal changes that the Tkach administration were.

It was NOT something that they started to teach–it was something that they stopped teaching.

And what was that?

The first clear doctrinal change that the Tkach administration made was to STOP teaching that the it was the Philadelphia Church and that CG7 was the remnant of Sardis.

After J. Tkach Jr. visited CG7 (in 1986, I believe), he was touched by a CG7 member who complained that he did not like being referred to as part of the “dead” church–especially since they had possibly more members than WCG did.

Joe Jr. then apparently decided that WCG should not teach that anymore. So when WCG decided to reprint Volume I of the Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong those type of references were be removed.

My wife Joyce and I reported the particular statements which were removed in an article in The Journal a few summers ago (please see The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?).

Hence the 1986 “Autobiography” that most have is not really an autobiography, but an edited one. Furthermore, I noticed that the same type of thing happened with the old The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse booklet that I reported about yesterday.

One of the big differences is that while page 40 of the 1973 version used to teach:

To this end-time “elect” doing God’s Work, Jesus says, “I know your works” behold I set before thee an open door” (Rev. 3:8). This door refers to a way being opened to preach the Gospel (II Cor. 2:12).

Today, that way is through the mass media of radio, television, the printing press, and personal evangelism.“And…no man can shut it: for thou hast [only] a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Rev. 3:8).

The 1987 version omits that verse and any comments about Revelation 3:8–which was a message to the Philadelphia church.

While people without a WCG background may not consider this to be an important doctrine, the truth is that this change is, in a very real sense, the reason why WCG scattered as much as it did. People who did not believe that they were called to be Philadelphians either left the COG or became parts of groups that simply are not Philadelphian.

This is why there is currently disunity within the COGs and why there will be a lack of true unity until after Jesus Christ returns.

Philadelphians have held fast to Philadelphia era doctrine, gospel priorities, and governance. The others (which is essentially all groups but LGC) simply have not.  And it was this subtle, and essentially unannounced, change that still has affected the COGs greatly.

Some articles of related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

The Book of Revelation goes into various end-time events. One chapter specifically has to do with what are commonly referred to as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Here is what the Bible specifically mentions about them in Revelation:

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”

7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth (Revelation 6:2-8).

Here are a couple of passages that LCG evangelist Richard Ames wrote, essentially summarizing the roles the four horsemen:

In Revelation 5, we read about a scroll sealed with seven seals. Jesus, the Revelator, opens the seals to the book. We read the description of those seals in Revelation 6. The first four seals are known as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first horse—the white horse—and its rider represent false religions, false Christs. Jesus Himself points out the sequence of these end-time events in Matthew 24, also known as the Olivet prophecy because Jesus spoke it on the Mount of Olives.

The second seal reveals a horseman riding a red horse, with the power to take peace from the earth. The third seal presents a rider on a black horse, representing the scarcity of food and the resulting famine. The fourth seal shows a rider on a pale horse, with the power over one-fourth of the earth to kill major portions of earth’s population.

Cynics say there have always been wars, famines and pestilences. But, as time goes on, we will see the four horsemen of the apocalypse intensify their ride, with increasing global consequences. These four horsemen comprise the first four seals (Ames R. What Is The Day of The Lord? Tomorrow’s World magazine, March-April 2007).

Jesus’ disciples had asked him about the sign of His coming and the end of the world, or the end of the age. He spoke about religious deception, wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes. These trends reveal, in sequence, the meaning of the four horsemen of Revelation 6, who, toward the end of this age, intensify their dangerous ride (Ames R. The Middle East in Prophecy. Living Church of God, 2006, p. 24).

In 1973, the old Worldwide Church of God went into a lot of detail about the first horseman:

A Counterfeit Creeps In

The very first world development Jesus Christ warns about is the advent of many false preachers, misleading and deceiving the many, not the few. This condition began immediately after Christ’s death and resurrection. The Apostle Paul warned that the spirit of iniquity was already working, even as he wrote.

Jude, the younger brother of Jesus Christ, exhorted early Christians to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 3, 4).

In the first century true Christians witnessed a counterfeit Christianity creeping in, deceiving many. Such religious deception has now increased in intensity until the whole world has become deceived about the true message of Christ. By the time of the end, your Bible says that Satan the devil “deceiveth the whole world” (Rev. 12:9).

There is no greater sign of this universal ignorance about God than the misunderstanding of who the first horseman of Revelation 6 actually represents.

“Another Christ”

It is true that the white horse represents a Christ, but it is a false Christ. It is true that the first horseman represents a gospel and a church, but it is a false gospel and a false church—all in the name of Jesus Christ, but in truth a deception and a counterfeit. Jesus Christ says so Himself in Matthew 24, and the Apostle Paul amplified Christ’s words very plainly in II Corinthians 11.

“I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted” they might be deceived. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (II Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15).

Your Bible identifies Satan’s ministers as being professing Christians! They don’t appear Satanic, of course. They appear as “angels of light.” They look like the white horse of Christ’s return, but they are in truth a clever counterfeit of the true Christ.

Paul isn’t warning us against obviously false religions—such as pagan animism. Eastern occult sects, outright Satan worship, or bizarre semi-Christian cults—but rather against a subtle Counterfeits, like bogus money, attempt to be as close as possible to the original, yet with subtle flaws discernible only to experts. Counterfeit Christianity is the same. It may appear Biblical or Christ-like, but subtle flaws exist throughout its beliefs. counterfeit.

The horseman aboard the white horse in Revelation 6 is just such a subtle counterfeit…

All three of the remaining horsemen, however, have their basis in this world’s false Christian religions…

If you are still part of this world’s religious Babylon, this very book of Revelation warns you to, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Rev. 18:4). To escape the following three horsemen, come out of the first horseman: counterfeit Christianity—the root cause of war, famine and pestilence prophesied to come on all mankind during your lifetime! (Alexander G. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ambassador College Press, Pasadena (CA), 1973, pp. 14-16,17,19)

As regular readers of the COGwriter page are aware, a false religion calling itself “Christian” has been perceived by many as the true Christian religion. Thus, at least an antetype the first horseman apparently began his ride early on, but this will intensify with a final false religious prophet (Antichrist)—and he will have military support (666).

We in the Church of God believe that since humankind, since Adam (Genesis 3:6), has by and large rejected living the way of give as God’s commandments and statutes teach, that humankind has been deceived by false religions which result in curses such as war, famine, and pestilences. But that at the end of this age, it will mainly be a false Greco-Roman form of Christianity which will bring the world to the point of utter destruction—but a destruction that God will prevent from being complete. As Jesus taught:

22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22).

And those who recognize how successful this religious deception has been, may be able to escape falling for this final fulfillment, as well as the other three horsemen whose biggest disasters in terms of war (#2), famine (#3), and pestilence/death (#4) lie ahead. Notice what else Jesus taught:

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

VS.
Ronald Weinland Says His Books and His Interpretations of the Bible Are What He Wants Potential Supporters to Study. The COGwriter Site Instead Urges Those Interested in Him and End-Time Prophecies to Spend More Time Checking His Writings with the Bible.

COGwriter

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have long considered Ronald Weinland a false prophet.

Unlike his followers, I did not need to wait for his prophecies to start to fail to know that he was false. I simply checked what he “prophesied” against the Bible to see that what he claimed would not come to pass.

Now that some time has passed, let’s look at some of his prophecies that did not come to pass:

1) 1335 days of Daniel 12 began 2/2/08
2) 1290 days of Daniel 12 began 3/18/08
3) 1260 Daniel 12 began 4/17/08
4) Various Church of God leaders would die by now
5) “A little after April…a dollar bill won’t be worth anything…We’re going to be brought down the tubes, very quickly, starting in April…If we come to the point in time where what I’ve said doesn’t come to pass, the reality is that I’m just a false prophet”.
6) “Over the weeks and few months that follow, God will begin drawing millions to His truth and to repentance.” (see March post titled Ronald Weinland Prophesied Millions & Is Spending to Accomplish That)
7) If a nuclear attack/massive destruction of 1/3rd of plant life did not occur in the USA by 6/8/08, he would admit he is a false prophet and stop preaching. If it did not happen by July 16, he would admit that he was a false prophet and never preach again.
8) Even his book is titled 2008: God’s Final Witness, yet he now teaches that the witness will be extended beyond what he has been teaching.

Ronald Weinland also claimed that on 4/17/08 his work as one of the two witnesses began and that God gave him the power to smite his critics with a curse (please see Ronald Weinland Again Calls for Death). Although he pronounced the curse, that too was a false prophecy (see Desperation of a Weinland Follower).

Over the past years and months, Ronald Weinland repeatedly taught that he would admit that he was a false prophet if he was wrong. And while he for a while tried to make it sound like a radio interviewer tricked/trapped him into that (and it was more than one radio interview), what was his excuse when he preached the following in a sermon March 29, 2008, Ronald Weinland specifically preached:

If by Pentecost I’m just going to make this real clear to everyone. If by Pentecost it is not powerfully and abundantly clear that there has been a great deal of destruction that will clearly encompass a third of all plant life in the US and at least the clear results of this mingled with blood the death of very much animal life and the beginning of large numbers of human life then I will stop preaching. Just so all the critics and everyone out there will understand. I am true to my word in these things. OK? And for all the critics if by the end of July and for most likely around Pentecost if nothing has clearly caused great destruction and death I will make it very clear that I was a false prophet. I will do exactly what I said I would do on all of those interviews that I have held; to do less, aah well, would be quite insane. (Weinland R. Three More Weeks–quote from near the 1 hour 28 minute point from the CGPFK website version. Sermon given March 29, 2008).

Pentecost was June 8th, 2008.

Clearly, according to his own words then, the fact that he is still preaching should demonstrate that Ronald Weinland is “quite insane”.

Ronald Weinland instead of keeping his word, for a while taught that the first three events did occur and that the problem was that his critics simply could not see this as the fulfillments were not physical (like the Bible teaches), but spiritual (like he told everyone).

On June 19, 2008, Ronald Weinland posted:

I have been doing what others are doing: “waiting.” As I have stated before, I am waiting until July 16 to see whether the Second Trumpet has been blown by that time, which falls within the 90 days I have referenced.

However once it became clear that less accepted that, Ronald Weinland declared on June 21 (see Ronald Weinland: Nothing will happen between now and July 16) that although he was wrong, he would keep on preaching any way.

Does he not even realize that one of the ten commandments says to not bear false witness? Jesus also taught against it (Matthew 19:18)–for more details, please see What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments?

Jesus also warned against false prophets (Matthew 24:11). Here is part of how the Bible teaches about self-appointed false prophets:

…when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:22).

What Ronald Weinland has been predicting for years simply has not come to pass. Ronald Weinland is a false prophet and needs to repent and not continue to be a false leader.

This weekend he has been scheduled to be in Canada–hopefully the Canadians will not consider him credible either.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008. Is he a false prophet? He has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the COG.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples ofthe United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–and Ronald Weinland is one of them–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.