Church of God News

John Calvin

COGwriter

A day or two ago, Shepherd’s Voice magazine (Spring 2012) arrived (historically it has a date that is well past by the time it is received).  In it,  I noticed the following in a letter to former WCG/GCG member Norman Edwards:

I am a committed Five Point Calvinist.

The letter writer brought up many points that Norman Edwards took the time to refute.  Yet (probably because of space in a print publication) did not discuss that point “in any detail.”  But I would like to now.

Interestingly, some have claimed that even John Calvin himself did not believe in what is now known as five-point Calvinism, often abbreviated as TULIP.  And while what John Calvin personally believed on all five points is of little interest, what I do wish to do here is to analyze what has been reported as the five-point doctrine known as TULIP.

T for “total depravity”, U for “unconditional election”, L for “limited atonement”, I for “irresistible grace”, and P for “p perseverance of saints”.

I will try to address each point by point.

T: Total Depravity?

About two years ago, in its Bible Advocate magazine, CG7-Denver’s former president, Calvin Burrell had the following:

The fifteenth century Protestant theologian John Calvin stressed the divine side of this mysterious equation. The acrostic TULIP was later applied to his teachings:

T – Total depravity: All men fell in Adam, leaving them dead in sins and incapable of responding positively to God. (Burrell C.  Questions and Answers.  Bible Advocate. May-June 2010, p. 7)

(Note that John Calvin was 16th, not 15th, century Protestant theologian.)

The Bible teaches:

29 That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes. (Ecclesiastes 7:29)

So, “total depravity” could be considered to have minimized the above.

Now it is true that the Bible teaches that in Adam all die (1 Corinthians 15:22), but it also teaches that men are capable of responding positively to God’s calling (Acts 2:38-41; John 6:44; Revelation 17:14; Matthew 20:16).

There would be no point in fulfilling the following teachings of Jesus if humans could not respond:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Although God must call, humans can respond.

U – Unconditional Election

Calvin Burrell continued with:

U – Unconditional election: From eternity past, God chose certain men to be saved by His grace, without regard to any merit foreseen in them.

Now, God did predestine that an elect would be saved (Ephesians 1:3-12). And this is by His grace (Ephesians 2:8), which is the gift of God.

But some faith has to be exercised (Ephesians 2:8) and it would appear that God, who wants none to perish (2 Peter 3:9), would be careful to call only those who could be saved in this age (see What is the Unpardonable Sin?).

Jesus made it clear that, “many are called, but few chosen” (Matthew 20:16; 22:14). This indicates that salvation in this age has some conditions or all called in this age would be chosen.

Since God is all knowing and just (Isaiah 45:21), there was logically some type of reason that the elect are selected; not that the elect are of themselves better, but there are probably several reasons (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

L: Does the Bible Teach Limited Atonement?

Calvin Burrell continued with:

L – Limited atonement: God sent His Son to make full and effective payment only for the sins of the elect, those He had predestined for salvation.

The above is absolute blasphemy as it is in clear contradiction to scripture. God sent His Son for everyone:

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

John Calvin clearly did not understand the above, nor the following, scriptures:

8…God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another…16 God is love… (1 John 4:8-11, 16)

There is not one verse in the entire Bible that teaches that the atonement was meant to be limited to the elect who are now being called. This was also not the view of even those originally associated with the Greco-Roman churches (see Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God and Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God?).

Luke 19:9-10 shows that Jesus came to save the lost:

9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Notice that Jesus came to save the lost, not just a small amount of elect people.

John 12:47, Jesus stated,

And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world…

The idea of Jesus coming to save more than a few is clearly being taught. Will He not succeed?

1 John 4:14, John states:

14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.

Again, can Jesus be Savior of all without offering salvation to all?

John 12:32, Jesus stated:

32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

Is Jesus intending to draw all to Him in order to eternally punish most or to save them?

Hebrews 9:28 teaches:

28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Notice that Christ will bear the sins of many (the word in Greek, polus, implies most). So while not all will accept His sacrifice, clearly many will.

Colossians 1:16, Paul states:

16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Does Jesus intend for most of His creation to suffer eternally? Is God not intelligent enough to plan a creation that will result in nearly all being saved?

Romans 5:15-21, Paul states:

15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Since Jesus’ free gift is for all men, will not all humankind have an opportunity to receive it? Since by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous certainly many does not mean a few. For grace to reign, does this not mean that most will accept it?

1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul states:

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

All died in Adam, all will be made alive in Christ. All will have an opportunity for salvation, not just a few.

Notice what Abraham declared in Genesis 18:25:

25 Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Certainly properly offering salvation to everyone is the right thing a loving God would do. Does your church believe that God will do right by all?

Colossians 1:20, Paul states:

20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Notice that Jesus will reconcile all to Himself having made peace through His sacrifice. A sacrifice that will be made available to all.

Revelation 15:3-4, states:

“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.”

Notice that all the nations shall come and worship God. Notice that the implication of verse 5 is that only very few will not glorify God’s name.

John 5:21-22, Jesus taught:

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,

Has your church judged those that even God the Father has not judged? Does Jesus will to give life to the many or to the few?

What does your church teach?

My church teaches that my God is a loving God who has a plan that will offer salvation to all and that nearly all (probably over 99.9%) will accept Jesus’ offer of salvation.

1 Timothy 4:9-11, is Paul teaching that is Jesus the Savior of all men or only a few?

9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.

Hebrews 7:24-27 teaches:

25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

Notice that Jesus is able to save the uttermost–they are those that are not now near to Him. Also, notice that Jesus died for all and not just a small amount of elect.

Isaiah 25:6-8 teaches:

6 And in this mountain
The LORD of hosts will make for all people
A feast of choice pieces,
A feast of wines on the lees,
Of fat things full of marrow,
Of well-refined wines on the lees.
7 And He will destroy on this mountain
The surface of the covering cast over all people,
And the veil that is spread over all nations.
8 He will swallow up death forever,
And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces;
The rebuke of His people
He will take away from all the earth;
For the LORD has spoken.

Notice that this feast is for all people, that the veil over people will be destroyed, and death will no longer occur.

Revelation 21:6 shows:

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts…”

Does this sound like Jesus intends that salvation will be available to all or only a relative few?

2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Paul teaches:

14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Notice that Paul clearly teaches that Jesus has died for all. Not a few elect (like the Calvinists teach), not the relative few that accept Christ in this age (as most Protestant/Baptist/Evangelicals teach), not a minority of humankind (as most Roman Catholics teach).

For Jesus to die for all, ALL must have an opportunity for salvation. And since God is all knowing, certainly He knows how to have a plan of salvation where the most possible will be saved.

2 Peter 3:9, Peter explains:

9 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.

In Luke 3:6, the New Testament is very clear that :

…all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Salvation will be offered to all who ever lived, with a few understanding the offer in this age, and everyone else in the age to come.  The Bible simply does not teach that there is a limited atonement only for the elect.

I: Is Grace Irresistible?

Calvin Burrell continued with:

I – Irresistible grace: Those God elected to salvation and for whom Christ died He effectively calls by regeneration from spiritual death, thus rendering them capable of expressing saving faith.

The Bible is clear that only those God calls can be saved:

44 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)

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.(1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

But people like John Calvin failed to realize that while some (the predestined elect) are to be called now, all who were not called into this life will have an opportunity for such calling later, in the age to come.

Notice Paul wrote:

20 But Isaiah is very bold and says:

“I was found by those who did not seek Me;
I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” (Romans 10:20)

While Calvinists may wish to imply that this means unconditional election, it actually means that those that did not seek God in this age will find him in the age to come. And one of the problems with “Calvinism” is that it ignores that there is an age to come.

Even though Jesus came so that all could be saved, He was not originally sent to call everyone in this age as He taught in Matthew 15:24:

24 “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Similarly, notice what He taught in John 4:22:

22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

And notice that this would CHANGE in John 4:23-24:

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Acts 3:19-21, Peter states:

19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

Notice that the Bible makes clear that the idea of the times of restoration of all things, the apocatastasis, is not just a term limited to Acts 3:21 (where the Greek term apokatastasis is actually used), but that Peter is teaching that it is what God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began–essentially this is the theme of the Bible–how the God of love will offer salvation to all.

Notice that this time of restoration IS NOT YET here for all. But that it will come to pass.

Luke 1:68-75, notice what Zacharias was inspired to say after the birth of John the Baptist:

68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,
70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
71 That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
74 To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

Please stop, think, and consider that Satan (a word that means enemy or adversary) and other enemies have always been around, but that a time for all is coming where there will not be any enemies of the true faith. This simply has not yet been fulfilled, but will come to pass.

After a section in Isaiah (30:8-17) that Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition calls “Doom of incorrigible sinners”, notice what God has recorded in Isaiah 30:18:

18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.

So, no, this section in Isaiah is NOT about the ultimate doom of sinners, but instead shows that God will have that He may have mercy on them (to learn what happens to those who actually are incorrigibly wicked, please see the article Are The Wicked Tormented Forever or Burned Up?).

Furthermore, notice this passage in Isaiah 49:13-15:

13 Sing, O heavens!
Be joyful, O earth!
And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the LORD has comforted His people,
And will have mercy on His afflicted.

14 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me,
And my Lord has forgotten me.”

15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you…”

God will not forget, though many act like He does.

James 1:18, James wrote about firstfruits:

18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Romans 8:23, Paul wrote the following:

23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit.

Recall that it was the Holy Spirit that was first given on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). And that was a type of the firstfruits of the Spirit.

Who are the firstfruits according to Revelation 14:4-5?

4 These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.

But what about Jesus? Wasn’t He a type of firstfruits?

Yes, He certainly was. Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23:

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

Christ is the fulfillment of the wave sheaf offering in Leviticus 23:10. He is the sheaf of firstfruits. He also fulfilled that role when He ascended into heaven on the Sunday (the wave sheaf offering was on a Sunday) after He was resurrected (John 20:1,17). But neither He nor His true followers observed what is now called Easter.

Does not the concept of a firstfruits specifically imply that there will be later fruits? Also, the Day of Pentecost is also called, “the feast of firstfruits” in the Bible (Exodus 34:32). And even today, it pictures that God is only calling some now, but will call all others later (more information is in the article Pentecost: Is It More Than Acts 2?).

1 Timothy 2:1-6, Paul wrote:

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time…

Notice that God desires that all are to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Can not God make His desire, His will, come to pass? Also notice that Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all–not just the relatively few elect–and His testimony will come to pass in due time. Are some improperly judging before due time?

Ephesians 1:10, Paul states:

10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him.

Notice when He will gather all: in the dispensation of the fullness of the times. Does your church teach this? If not, does it really understand what the Bible teaches.

Psalm 77:7-9 asks:

7 Will the Lord cast off forever?
And will He be favorable no more?
8 Has His mercy ceased forever?
Has His promise failed forevermore?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?

Since the intended answer to all those questions is “no”, then it should be obvious that a time for God to be favorable and pour out His mercies will still come.

Isaiah 25:9 teaches:

9 And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Notice that these people are not yet saved. This is a time in the future. When is the time? Actually it is the time the veil over then nations will be destroyed (Isaiah 25:7).

Psalm 65:1-2 shows that there is a time in the future that all flesh will come to God:

1 Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; And to You the vow shall be performed. 2 O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come.

Does your church really understand that ALL FLESH will come to God?

Psalm 22:27-28 teaches :

27 All the ends of the world
Shall remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the nations
Shall worship before You.
28 For the kingdom is the LORD’s,
And He rules over the nations.

Has this happened? Are not many of the original families of the earth dead as nearly all perished in the great flood? Thus, this is something other than the millennium. This is a prophecy for the future when all will truly have an opportunity for salvation.

Psalm 72:4-5 teaches:

4 He will bring justice to the poor of the people;
He will save the children of the needy,
And will break in pieces the oppressor.
5 They shall fear You
As long as the sun and moon endure,
Throughout all generations.

Has this happened? Is this not for the future? Since this discusses “all generations” is it only for a millennium?

Psalm 86:8-9 teaches:

8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
9 All nations whom You have made
Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name.

Since there are nations that died out during the flood and afterwards, how can this be unless God has a time in the future for this to occur?

Notice that while God currently lets the nations weary themselves in vain, Habakkuk 2:13-14 shows that eventually all will have knowledge of God:

13 Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts
That the peoples labor to feed the fire,
And nations weary themselves in vain?
14 For the earth will be filled
With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD,
As the waters cover the sea.

The fact that it is of God that they now do not, clearly supports that God will offer salvation when He decides.

Philippians 2:9-11, Paul states:

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Notice that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. How can they do that if they did not even hear the name of Jesus Christ in this life? Now it is important to distinguish just acknowledging Jesus is the Christ does not grant salvation–even the demons know (James 2:19). But certainly acknowledging that Jesus is the Christ is an important step and one that is necessary for salvation (Acts 2:38-39;4:10-12).

Lamentations 3:31-33, Jeremiah teaches that God has a plan of compassion for those He has cast off:

31 For the Lord will not cast off forever. 32 Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion
According to the multitude of His mercies. 33 For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men.

He does not afflict willingly, but according to His mercies for the plan which will allow Him to show the most possible compassion.

Jeremiah 16:19-21 shows that Jeremiah asks and then God answers that once God will cause those Gentiles who inherited lies to to come to Him:

19 The Gentiles shall come to You
From the ends of the earth and say,
“Surely our fathers have inherited lies,
Worthlessness and unprofitable things.”
20 Will a man make gods for himself,
Which are not gods?

21 “Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know,
I will cause them to know
My hand and My might;
And they shall know that My name is the LORD.

God will at that time cause them to know Him. This simply has not yet happened, but will. And notice that this will be a time that people will realize that they have relied on false religious ideas of others (often called traditions). An article of related interest may be Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings.

Ephesians 2:4-7, Paul states:

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Notice that His grace is shown in the ages to come. Has your church judged Him before the time?

Titus 2:11, Paul states:

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (NKJV)

Has the grace of God yet appeared to all men? Of course not. Thus, there is certainly a prophetic implication of this passage by Paul.

What about the expression “has appeared”? Does that mean that God’s grace has been seen already by every one? No. There is a mistranslation of word order.

Here is the literal word order:

2014…………. 1063…3588..5485. 3588. 2316. <9999 >……… 4992….3956.. 444
hath appeared… For.. the… grace… of…. God…that bringeth…..salvation to all..men (Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c) 1994 by Biblesoft).

Thus a more literal translation is that:

It has appeared that the grace of God brings salvation to all men.

Paul goes on to state that for those who now know, they need to living Godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12).

1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul states:

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

Notice that God will be praised and that judgment is not be before the time when the Lord comes. Why then do most professing Christians have a judgment that condemns most who have ever lived?

1 Corinthians 15:28, Paul states:

28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Notice that this prophesy specifically states that a time is coming when all things will be subject to Him. This will be the time that all who have not had an opportunity will have an opportunity for salvation.

Revelation 21:3 teaches:

3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

Notice that there is a future time when they shall be His people.

As the following verses show, the truth of God will be hidden until a certain time:

Matthew: 10:26:

26 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Mark 4:22-23:

22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 8:17-18:

17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear.

Luke 12:1-2:

2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.

It should be clear to all that God has His time table for when He will have the truth known in order to call all. And that that time has not yet come. It happens in the “age to come”:

Matthew 12:32:

32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

Mark 10:29-31:

29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time — houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions — and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Luke 18:29-30:

29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Hebrews 6:4-6:

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

The fact that almost all sin, including blasphemy against Jesus can be forgiven in the “age to come” shows that even current sinners can still be forgiven after the resurrection (see also What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrection?). The fact that many of the first shall be last and the last first shows that there will be some called later in the age to come. The fact that the time all who blasphemed the Holy Spirit will realize that they are the only ones NOT forgiven in the “age to come” shows that all others can be (see also What is the Unpardonable Sin?).

Ephesians 3:8-11, Paul mentions that he was going to be able to preach things hidden to some of the Gentiles:

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Colossians 1:26-28, Paul says about the same thing:

26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

The mystery has to do with God’s plan to offer salvation. It was HIDDEN from generations, hence there was no way that most could have had salvation prior to Christ. And it is still a mystery that most do not know even today.

Isaiah 65:17-20, teaches when the hundred year period will occur:

17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create;
For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing,
And her people a joy.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
And joy in My people;
The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her,
Nor the voice of crying.

20 “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days,
Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days;
For the child shall die one hundred years old,
But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.

Notice that the above shows that there will be some who after everything is restored will be accursed. Thus while most will accept the offer of salvation, some few sadly will wish to remain in their sins (“sin is the transgression of the law”, 1 John 3:4, KJV).

Perhaps it should be pointed out here, that it has been documented as far back as the second and fourteenth centuries, that some who professed Christ did understand that there was a one hundred year time period where those that had not been called would have an opportunity for salvation (please see article Hope of Salvation: How the Church of God Differs from Protestantism).

1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul tells Christians:

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

Notice that the time of final judgment has not yet come.

John Calvin apparently never understood the “age to come” that Jesus and others in the New Testament taught about (or the Old Testament for that matter).

P – Perseverance of Saints, But Can One’s Election Be Lost?

Calvin Burrell continued with:

P – Perseverance of saints: Those God elected in Christ, called in regeneration, and justified by faith He continually quickens so they will never fall from His grace but only enter eternal glory.

The above simply falls flat as a clear contradiction to scripture.

The whole idea of the unpardonable sin is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit:

Two portions of scripture basically explain what the unpardonable sin is:

31 Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come (Matthew 12:31-32)

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame (Hebrews 6:4-6).

Thus, salvation can be lost.

The Apostle Peter taught:

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11)

Peter would have no reason to encourage people to make their elections sure if they could not stumble and lose it.

5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

The fact that one can be “disqualified” is proof that salvation is not guaranteed under any and all circumstances.

Jesus was clear that people many people would not respond to the message and some would not make it for various reasons. Notice what two different parables teach:

14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:14-19)

16 Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, 17 and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ 18 But they all with one accord began to make excuses…24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper. (Luke 14:16-18,24; cf. Revelation 9:9)

Also notice Jesus admonished the necessity of enduring to the end to be saved:

22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)

13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Mark 13:13)

The grammatical implications of the above are that they that do NOT endure to the end will NOT be saved. Furthermore, the Book of Revelation records 7 statements that it will be those who overcome who will make it (Revelation 2:7,11,17,26;3:5,21;21:7).

Additionally, it is only those who do His commandments who have the right to the tree of life:

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)

Notice that those that violate them do not make it. The saints have patience and keep His commandments (Revelation 14:12) (see also Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it?).

Jesus taught:

11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (Revelation 3:11)

Again, there would be no point in Jesus making such a statement if there was no freewill. The elect can make decisions that will affect them eternally.

In case the above verses are not clear enough, the Apostle Paul indicates that even he could have lost his election and salvation:

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

While saints do have to persevere (Revelation), they still can lose their election and salvation or Paul would not have written what he did.

Anyway, T.U.L.P, Five Point Calvinism, is not a biblical position.  But it has influenced Protestantism.  Yet Protestants, and everyone else, needs to base their beliefs closer to those actually taught in the Bible and not by people such as John Calvin.

Those interested in learning more should consider studying the following articles:

John Calvin, Calvinism, TULIP, and What is Predestination? Who was John Calvin? Did he believe in sola Scriptura or did he hold to unbiblical doctines? TULIP analyzed.
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?
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
Hope of Salvation: How the Genuine 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.

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

Today’s TW & Prophecy from LCG has the following:

Egypt and Gulf States strengthen ties.

Egypt is becoming more independent from the United States. “The Muslim Brotherhood’s election platform called for a reworked relationship with Washington based on ‘independence of decision’ and an end to ‘subordination'” (CNS News,August 22, 2012).

Recently, Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi visited China, Iran and Saudi Arabia in an attempt to strengthen Egypt’s foreign ties. Mr. Morsi has also chosen to strengthen Egyptian ties with the Gulf States. “Cairo and the Arab Gulf states are currently taking steps towards each other, and for many it’s a sign of a new beginning” (Deutsche Welle, August 25, 2012). Egypt needs economic and monetary support from the Gulf States and is seeking to gain this by assuring that the revolution in Egypt will not spread throughout the region (ibid.).

Egypt’s role in the Middle East is crucial, “The credo of Arab politicians has long been that only a politically and economically strong Egypt can also strengthen the Arab World.” Qatar has already offered more than $2 billion to Egypt, and Saudi Arabia has promised $2.7 billion (ibid.).

The prophet Daniel was inspired to write that at the “time of the end,” a powerful King of the South will attack the European King of the North,only to be defeated by that same power (Daniel 11:40-43). Egypt figures prominently in end-time Bible prophecy, as does a confederacy of Middle Eastern nations. It is important to continue watching this dynamic region as God’s prophecies are fulfilled.

Based upon passages in Daniel 11:41-43 as well as Ezekiel 30:1-8, I have long suspected that some of the Arabic Gulf nations would mainly cooperate with, and not quite fully support, the final King of the South. Historically, the Gulf states have been worried about Iranian/Shi’ite influence, but more and more they are now starting to have concerns about the primarily Sunni Muslim Brotherhood.

As I have written before, it may well be that the Gulf States will decide, for a while, that they need to make some type of appeasement deal with the Muslim Brotherhood. Why?  Probably because the concerns about Iran currently tend to be bigger than those related to the Muslim Brotherhood (plus they probably hope to influence what it does).  Yet, one of the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood may well become the King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40-43)–and the Brotherhood may well get sufficient influence in the Gulf to affect those nations there.

Notice a translation of what some, who are part of it, write that the Muslim Brotherhood wants:

…the Islamic Ummah [nation] can regain its power and be liberated and assume its rightful position which was intended by Allah, as the most exalted nation among men, as the leaders of humanity…

He [Hassan al-Banna] felt the grave danger overshadowing the Muslims and the urgent need and obligation which Islam places on every Muslim, man and woman, to act in order to restore the Islamic Caliphate and to reestablish the Islamic State on strong foundations and to liberate the Muslims and defend them from any attack, and to spread the Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity) of Islam in the world and to establish this great religion, which Allah wanted for his servants…

Some think that Shahada (Martyrdom) causes loss and damages the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society, since it has lost influential people in action and Jihad. This is wrong, since the fall of the Shahid (Martyr) for the sake of Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity) is [seen as] provisions and fuel for the [next] generations, and as a symbol of self sacrifice in the way of the Da’wa until realization of the goals which the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society was established for, that is, establishing the State of Islam, headed by the Islamic Caliphate, in order to establish Allah religion on Allah’s land…(Source: The Muslim Brotherhood – in its own words Translation of “Jihad is the way” by Mustafa Mashhur Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, 1996-2002 by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik.  http://www.palwatch.org/STORAGE/special%20reports/Jihad_is_the_way_by_Mustafa_Mashhur.pdf viewed 04/30/11)

This type of confederation would minimize (if not eliminate) much of the sovereignty of the Gulf States.

The reality is that the goals of the Muslim Brotherhood are consistent with the type of “King of the South” confederation that the Bible says will form in the end times (Daniel 11:41-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8).  And this is something that the leadership of Egypt wants (at least its president and those associated with him), but that those in the Gulf States have concerns about–yet the King of the South will form.

Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.

(Choo photo)

COGwriter

A major earthquake has occurred near the Philippines and a tsunami warning was issued:

Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:46am EDT

(Reuters) – An earthquake of 7.9 magnitude struck off the Philippines on Friday and a tsunami warning has been issued for the region, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The quake was centered off the east coast, 91 miles off the town of Guiuan in Samar province at a depth of about 20 miles, USGS said.

The tsunami warning was issued for the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and other islands in the Pacific including the U.S. state of Hawaii.  The NOAA Tsunami Center later lifted a warning for Japan, Taiwan and several other Pacific islands.

Shortly before this quake, LCG sent out the following as part of its weekly update:

Recently, a series of earthquakes struck California and El Salvador–adding to a worldwide number of earthquakes in various places. Imperial County, California, experienced many tremors ranging from 2.0 to 5.5 in magnitude. “By 5 p.m., the USGS had recorded about 300 earthquakes, and the count continued to rise throughout the evening” (LA Times , August 26, 2012). Although earthquakes are common in the region, so many at one time is unusual. The following day, El Salvador experienced a 7.4 magnitude earthquake triggering a small tsunami. No casualties were reported (Associated Press , August 27, 2012).

In August alone there have been 11 earthquakes with a strong magnitude rating of 6.0 or higher. The varied locations of these quakes include: Alaska, Peru, El Salvador, Iran, Russia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and China (US Geological Survey).

Jesus Christ stated that in the end times, “there will be great earthquakes in various places” (Luke 21:11). As earthquakes continue to occur in different regions, King David’s words can give comfort: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).

Interesting timing.

Jesus, of course, warned about a time earthquakes and troubles:

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We may be at this prophetic point as all the weather, earthquakes, and other problems that have happened in the past couple of years or so could be considered as “troubles.” Perhaps the earthquake and weather problems can serve as another wake-up call to people everywhere that the world can change very quickly and that the time to repent is now:

30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31)

There are troubles and repentance is needed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy Contains a cool up-to-the-hour update of earthquakes around the world from USGS. It also explains what did Jesus teach about earthquakes and how the Bible describes “the big one” (as well as when it is expected).
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

COGwriter

For those of you who have been hesitating about getting Fatima Shock! or my other book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, here is a special offer that expires in hours:

THOSE WHO ORDER FATIMA SHOCK! FROM THE www.fatimashock.com WEBSITE BY SUNSET AUGUST 31, 2012.  WILL RECEIVE A FREE BONUS: A COPY OF 2012 AND THE RISE OF THE SECRET SECT. PLUS WILL GET THE SPECIAL REPORT DOCUMENTING HOW WORLD EVENTS HAVE ALREADY ALIGNED WITH AT LEAST 23 PREDICTIONS IN 2012 AND THE RISE OF THE SECRET SECT!  THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR THOSE IN OR OUTSIDE OF THE USA.

For those unfamiliar with Fatima, Fatima was the name of Muhammad’s favorite daughter. According to Islam, Fatima and Mary are among the only four “perfect women.” A small town in Portugal was renamed Fatima after a Muslim princess named Fatima converted to Roman Catholicism. In 1917, three children claimed to have a series of monthly visits from an apparition who finally identified herself with the rosary. The apparition is known as “Our Lady of Fatima” or “the Virgin of Fatima” (she never referred to herself as Mary). Hollywood did a movie about this decades ago called The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (which I have seen). Some Muslims claim that it was Muhammad’s daughter that appeared in Fatima.

Fatima Shock! explains why what was seen in Fatima is not what most people think. If Catholics realized what was really seen, they would not believe that it could possibly have been Jesus’ mother Mary.

Fatima Shock! explains how certain messages from the “Lady of Fatima” contradict scripture as well as COG and Roman Catholic saints.

The REAL Miracle of “Our Lady of Fatima” is that any Catholics still believe in it (but multiple millions do), and none would if they truly understood the facts–facts that are not in other “Fatima” books and where also not in the The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima movie. And those facts are documented in Fatima Shock! Believing in “Our Lady of Fatima” is dangerous and teaches a false message about Mary and God’s plan of salvation.

Despite the truth, the reality is that because of Fatima and other apparitions, many do not have sufficient love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), and many will be inclined to accept signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Matthew 24:24).

Tens of millions of people visit the sites of “Marian” apparitions each year. And the Fatima sanctuary is one of the biggest tourist draws for the entire nation of Portugal. Catholic prophecy, consistent with biblical prophecy (Isaiah 47), teaches that Marian apparitions will become public in the future and will help turn the world to follow the final ecumenical religion, that will likely call itself “Catholic,” that Satan will support.

I wrote Fatima Shock! to warn people that apparitions that most people will think are Mary will likely be part of the signs and lying wonders that the Bible warns will deceive the world. Notice what Dr. Roderick C. Meredith of the Living Church of God warned about in his May 2012 semi-annual letter:

All kinds of “miracles,” visions of the Virgin Mary and other strange sights and events will begin to take place—startling many…(Meredith RC. Semi-annual TW subscriber letter, May 18, 2012)

Although most non-Catholics do not think that Fatima can affect them, if they live long enough this century, they will find that this is not the case. Fatima is a much bigger deal than people realize and seems to tie into a variety of prophecies throughout the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 47, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 17). How apparitions are likely to affect the world at the end seems to be a missing dimension in understanding prophecy by most who profess Christ. Although Dr. Meredith has warned about the sorcery of “Lady of the Kingdoms” in Isaiah 47 affecting end times in at least one booklet, relatively few in the Church of God truly understand how important it is to better know the truth about that “Lady.” The dangers, and even more details, are covered in my book Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions.

The truth about Fatima, the messages of Fatima, the “secrets” of Fatima, the Vatican’s views of Fatima, and how Fatima is expected to impact the future are all covered in detail in Fatima Shock!

Fatima Shock! also, and mainly from Catholic writings, exposes where the “rosary” came from, where many “dogmas of Mary” came from, and explains how Satan has used apparitions in the past to interfere with the Church of God and to promote non-biblical “Christianity.” Fatima Shock! also explains what appears to be Satan’s plans for apparitions in the future based upon biblical and other prophecies.

Do you really know how Satan has used Marian and other female apparitions to support his plan? Can you explain this in detail to others?

While you may think that future apparitions could not possibly deceive you, are you sure that they will not be able to deceive all your friends and loved ones?

Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians enough Catholic-documented facts needed to effectively counter every false Marian argument. The Apostle Peter’s admonished Christians, “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks” (1 Peter 3:15).

Fatima Shock! is available at www.fatimashock.com; Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Shock-Truth-Future-Apparitions/dp/0984087176/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336687621&sr=8-3); AmazonKindle (http://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Shock-ebook/dp/B0081APXBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336687621&sr=8-1); Barnes & Noble Nook (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatima-shock-bob-thiel/1110624059?ean=2940014385640)

If you want a deeper understanding of these matters than can be covered in news posts, you should read Fatima Shock! If you are not shocked by what you will learn from reading Fatima Shock! I would be surprised. Most in the COGs make a variety of mistakes concerning their knowledge of Marian apparitions and dogmas, Fatima Shock! documents what true Christians should know about this subject that will greatly affect the world in the future.

Pope Benedictus

COGwriter

For the past couple of weeks, I have resisted posting about the inaccurate prophetic speculations of James Malm (a blogger who claims COG ties, but who makes a lot inaccurate statements and speculations).   But decided it was time to debunk some he has made in the past couple of days:

August 30, 2012: Pope Benedict XVI plans to visit Lebanon from September 14 to 16, 2012. During this time, the Pope will present to the heads of Churches and leaders of the Christian communities in Islamic countries, the Apostolic Exhortation or concluding document following the Synod for the Middle East which took place in 2010…Substantial updates have been made which strongly indicate a real potential for Benedict to be empowered and set up as the abomination in Sept.

August 29, 2012: News is fast coming that strongly indicates that Pope Benedict will be empowered to become the abomination in mid Sep!!!…I have speculated that the tribulation could begin this year saying that there was as much as an 80% possibility.

In the following few weeks one of  three events will happen:

1)   Pope Benedict dies and is replaced, with the abomination being set up in the Papacy.

2)   Pope Benedict is strengthened and empowered to do miracles being set up as the abomination.  Remember that Benedict does number 666 in the Koine Greek of Revelation.  This would allow him to start at the run, already having his organizational support set up, as he has ordained most of the Cardinals in the RC church based on their loyalty to him and his positions.

3)   Nothing of this nature happens and we have more time to make ourselves ready.

I will make this easy, there is no possible chance that Pope Benedict will set up the abomination that James Malm is talking about.  This will not happen for at least 3 1/2 years, and much likely longer than that, and it is unlikely that Pope Benedict would be the one for many reasons (including his age and his apparent actual beliefs).

There is no possibility that the Great Tribulation can happen in 2012 and those who rely on the Bible have realized this for at least the past three years.  It is only those who overlook scripture and rely on their own views who make the mistake of thinking that the Great Tribulation can, or could, happen in 2012.

James Malm, you really should have read my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect when it came out three years ago instead of criticizing it without reading it.  If you would have paid proper attention to it, it would have saved you from teaching that there was any possibility of the Great Tribulation beginning in 2012.  There still is no possibility, and thus you are 100% wrong that there is an 80% chance.

Mohamed Morsi (Photo by Mohammed Bin Abdullah)

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsi, who is also Egypt’s President, is advocating intervention against the Assad regime:

Aug 30, 2012

(Reuters) – Egypt called on Thursday for intervention to halt bloodshed in Syria, telling a meeting of 120 nations it was their duty to stand against the “oppressive regime” of Bashar al-Assad, prompting a Syrian walkout.

President Mohamed Mursi, elected two months ago after a popular uprising toppled Egypt’s long-standing leader Hosni Mubarak, said Assad had lost legitimacy in his fight to crush a 17-month-old revolt in which 20,000 people have been killed.

Mursi’s scathing speech to a summit of non-aligned leaders, hosted by Assad’s Shi’ite ally Iran, prompted Syria’s foreign minister to accuse the moderate Sunni Islamist leader of inciting further bloodshed in Syria…

Mursi said.  “We all have to announce our full solidarity with the struggle of those seeking freedom and justice in Syria, and translate this sympathy into a clear political vision that supports a peaceful transition to a democratic system of rule that reflects the demands of the Syrian people for freedom.”

His comments prompted Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem to storm out of the meeting, complaining that Mursi was inciting fighters to “continue shedding Syrian blood”, Syrian state television said. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/30/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8610SH20120830

The burden against Damascus.”Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)

23 Against Damascus.”Hamath and Arpad are shamed,
For they have heard bad news.
They are fainthearted;
There is trouble on the sea;
It cannot be quiet.
24 Damascus has grown feeble;
She turns to flee,
And fear has seized her.
Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor.
25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy?
26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets,
And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts.  (Jeremiah 49:23-26)

Dr. Mohamed Morsi, candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood and its political arm the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) for the presidency, said that the party and the group have great confidence in the Egyptian people’s awareness and enlightenment, and that they shall willingly and jealously rally around the Renaissance Project…

Dr. Morsi said…“Needless to say, currently, the candidate of the FJP and the Muslim Brotherhood is the only contender who offers a clearly Islamic project.” http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=29910

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?…

“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

Note: I have tended to use the spelling Morsi, instead of Mursi, as the website quoted above was under the direction of Dr. Morsi for some time and presumably he knew how he wanted his name spelled in English.

Anyway, the final Islamic Caliphate will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to the tip of the Arab Peninsula and perhaps extending to Afghanistan, with possible coordination with Pakistan and/or Indonesia. (plus or minus).

Notice that the Bible warns that a confederation involving Egypt will rise up and be defeated:

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (Daniel 11:40-42).

1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:”Wail, ‘Woe to the day!’ 3 For the day is near,Even the day of the Lord is near;It will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles. 4 The sword shall come upon Egypt,And great anguish shall be in Ethiopia,When the slain fall in Egypt,And they take away her wealth,And her foundations are broken down. 5 “Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword.” (Ezekiel 30:1-5)

Ezekiel 30:1-5 is discussing an Arabic confederation that supports Egypt before the Day of the Lord that will not do well. This is further support that the Egyptians will most likely have significant involvement with the king of the South (as does the fact their land does not escape the wrath of the King of the North).  And while Dr. Morsi may not be the one who will the final King of the South, the group he is associated with would certainly be expected to support that type of Islamic confederation.

“Moderates” in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world beware. The King of the South will form and be defeated.

The Muslim Brotherhood was originally established in Egypt and seems to have the most adherents currently there (though it has branches in most of the Arab nations, if not all of them) and has made major political inroads in Egypt (as well as Gaza, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and elsewhere).

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up. One who Arabs would tend to respect–who might use or not use the title Imam Mahdi or Grand Mufti or Caliph (he could perhaps use a version one or more of those titles, with perhaps other ones with more of a modern political sound)–he is likely to have title more than simply “president” (though that could be used along perhaps with a religious title). The time may be now for him to start to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups may play an important role–and if Syria’s capital is destroyed the process would likely greatly accelerate.

Events supporting the rise of the final King of the South are happening.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

Angela Merkel

COGwriter

Germany’s Chancellor Merkel is meeting in China Thursday:

30 August 2012

BERLIN—German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives in China on Thursday at the head of the largest German business delegation ever to visit the country, underscoring Germany’s growing economic dependence on the world’s most populous nation amid Europe’s economic stagnation.

Ms. Merkel’s second trip to China this year, and the sixth since she became chancellor, will revolve mostly around economic ties, German officials said, a sign of Ms. Merkel’s willingness to play down thorny issues such as human rights and patent protection.   http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444506004577618272934149832.html

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to make her second trip of the year to China this week, with her eyes on getting Chinese support for the European debt crisis.

Germany is China’s top trade partner in the EU – nearly half of all European exports to China come from Germany. Meanwhile, Germany buys nearly a quarter of all China’s EU imports.

http://www.thelocal.de/national/20120828-44625.html

Other than perhaps selling out on human rights issues, will there be a bigger cost for China helping to at least partially bail out the Europeans?

Daniel 11:39 shows the following:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.

The two Hebrew words translated as “the strongest fortresses” in verse 39 do not appear together anywhere else in the Bible.

Something is, thus, unique here.

Who has the strongest fortresses?

Looking further down in this chapter in Daniel, we must eliminate the King of the South, because that King is not attacked until the next verse. We must also eliminate those in the North and East, as they do not get involved until verse 44.

Neither the rest of Africa nor Latin America has anything resembling “the strongest fortresses.”  The strongest fortresses belong to the United States, and to a much lesser degree, its English-speaking allies.

Thus, Daniel 11:39 is describing when the Anglo-English-American nations are destroyed, and their lands are divided and distributed.

What might this have to do with Germany and China?

There is also an ancient Chinese prophecy that could hint that  areas like Australia and/or New Zealand could end up as part of China.  The ancient Chinese prophecy states, “Population mouth takes territories south of the Yangtze river.  The capital is moved again.  The two divide up the territories, of which each maintains and defends.”

As I wrote some time ago, this may be related to a deal that perhaps the Chinese will make in the future with Europe, as opposed to military conquest.  It also may be related to the taking of Australia or New Zealand.

As I warned about and then reported about, the Chinese, in reaction to a deal made by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Barack Obama to station U.S. Marines in Darwin, have indicated that this and the expanded military cooperation between Australia and the U.S.A. is putting Australia at risk of attack by China.

China may be granted lands like Australia in partial repayment for the debts that the U.S.A. owes it, as well as in full payment for any debts Europe itself may incur with China (it is likely that China will loan money and/or increase investments in Europe).  It is also possible that a country like Japan may get some Anglo-dominated land (New Zealand comes to mind) in partial repayment for the debts that the U.S.A. owes it (and also possibly Europe) since the King of the North will divide land for gain (see also Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).

Perhaps it should also be mentioned that the dividing of the conquered lands also seems to be foretold in the Bible in Lamentations 4:16 and Joel 3:2.

The trip by the German Chancellor may be a step towards that, despite the fact the Germans (who seem to have descended from among the Assyrians, see Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History) would not think so (cf. Isaiah 10:7), that could lead to China ending up with some current Anglo-lands.

For details on those prophecies, check out the following:

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”? What is ahead for Europe?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”?
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 of the 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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? 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 Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?confirmed by a European leader.

Mitt Romney (Gage Skidmore, 2011)

COGwriter

The Republican convention has began despite Hurricane Isaac (which has already caused flooding in part of Louisiana and Misssissippi), yet there is another potential storm brewing.  Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is a lay priest, and former bishop, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), a group commonly referred to as Mormons.

Why might this cause some type of storm?

Well, other than the fact that this group is considered outside of the mainstream by the vast majority of Americans, within its history is an interesting prophecy that some have wondered may have applicability to Mitt Romney.

Other than the fact that Mitt Romney is a member of the LDS church, there are other reasons that Mormons are often quite interested in him possibly becoming the President of the United States:

Mitt is a high priest in the Church priesthood hierarchy…the “White Horse Prophecy” or the prophecy of the “One mighty and strong.” Now, this is not public, formal LDS doctrine, but it was taught by many leaders of the Church and is still taught today. It is said by LDS leadership that when the Constitution is in dire peril, one will come who is mighty and strong. He will come riding (figuratively perhaps) on a white horse and will wield awesome political and spiritual power.

This mysterious priesthood elder would somehow seize control of the US government to prevent the total abrogation of the Constitution. He would assume total power and create an LDS “Kingdom” in America. At that time, this “one mighty and strong” would be proclaimed the new “Prophet “ (First President) of the LDS church and would also be president of the United States. Thus, he would wield both supreme political power of the most powerful nation on earth and also be the “Prophet, Seer and Revelator” of the LDS Church. (Schnoebelen W. Republican Mitt Romney and the “Mormon Plan for America.” Cutting Edge Ministries, 2007 http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n2226.cfm)

White Horse Prophecy,” … describes as “a belief ingrained in Mormon culture and passed down through generations by church leaders.”

Former candidate for Nevada governor Michael Moody writes in his memoir that the prophecy “motivated me to seek a career in government and politics” because he felt he had been divinely directed to “expand our kingdom” and help Romney “lead the world into the Millennium.” Now a critic of the Mormon church, Moody says he was indoctrinated with the White Horse Prophecy.

“We were taught that America is the Promised Land,” he said in an interview.  “The Mormons are the Chosen People. And the time is now for a Mormon leader to usher in the second coming of Christ and install the political Kingdom of God in Washington, D.C.” (Kerby R. Are “unacceptable religions” fatal for U.S. presidential candidates? BeliefNet, http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2012/05/are-unacceptable-religions-fatal-for-u-s-presidential-candidates.php#ixzz1wDiR2U6g)

Apparently there is a Mormon prophecy that when the US CONSTITUTION IS HANGING BY A THREAD, that a Mormon or American would come along and probably be President or a leader to help the nation so that the US CONSTITUTION would not be destroyed. Apparently a lot of Mormons consider Barack Obama to be the anitchirst (Lolly. Is Romney Fulfilling the Mormon White Horse Prophecy? The Daily Paul, March 19, 2012 http://www.dailypaul.com/221808/is-romney-fulfilling-the-mormon-white-horse-prophecy)

While it could be argued that the US Constitution is hanging by a thread, there is no way that U.S. President Barack Obama is the final Antichrist.

As far as this “White Horse” LDS prophecy, it is questioned as whether or not LDS founder Joseph Smith said it or not. Yet, the reality is that parts of it are found in various LDS records–and has been referred to by LDS leaders for many decades.

Notice also the following:

Another of Smith’s predictions, the “White Horse Prophecy,” gets its name from the biblical book of Revelation. The prophecy has been given a dubious distinction since there is no evidence that Smith ever gave it in a public setting. Instead, its pedigree goes back to two Mormons, Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley, who said they personally heard Joseph Smith give this prediction at Smith’s home on or about May 6, 1843. Smith allegedly gave numerous predictions in this prophecy, but the portion that is most repeated speaks of a day when the Constitution of the United States will “hang by a thread.” It will be “preserved and saved” by a White Horse, A.K.A. the Mormon Church.

Mormon apologists find it necessary to place doubt on the prophecy since it contains information that is certainly spurious. For instance, it speaks of a revolution that “will take place in America,” leaving it “without a supreme government.” There will be no peace except “in the Rocky Mountains.” England, for a time, will be neutral during this conflict and will only intervene to “stop the shedding of blood.” It also states that “the two Popes, Greek and Catholic, will come together and be united.” This has not prohibited LDS leaders from picking out the portions they feel are still appropriate…

On January 6, 2010 the LDS Church issued the following statement on its Newsroom blogsite: “The so-called ‘White Horse Prophecy’ is based on accounts that have not been substantiated by historical research and is not embraced as Church doctrine.” The claim that it is not “embraced as Church doctrine” does not explain why so many LDS leaders have referred to it. Would these leaders even bother to speak of the prophecy if they really didn’t believe at least portions were true? Words like “doctrine” and “official” have little meaning given the fact that many aspects of Mormonism are believed to be true by members even though a particular teaching may never be described as “binding” or “official.” (McKeever B. When the Constitution “Hangs by a Thread” – The White Horse Prophecy in Modern Mormonism. Mormon Research Ministries. http://www.mrm.org/white-horse-prophecy viewed 08/26/12)

It does not seem likely that this prediction, no matter who may have originally made it (and it is not an official LDS teaching), is based upon the Book of Revelation.

The rider of the White Horse in Revelation 6 represents the final Antichrist. The other rider of a white horse, this time in Revelation 19:11, is Jesus Revelation 19:12-16.

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 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. (Revelation 6:1-2)

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16)

The Bible IS NOT predicting that a Mormon will save the U.S.A. while riding a white horse.

Mitt Romney himself has claimed to not believe in this White Horse prophecy (Turner LR, Field K. Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values, and His Vision. Mapletree Publishing, 2007, p. 94). However, what he may decide to believe if he becomes U.S.A. president could be another matter.

Mitt Romney, it should be noted, unlike his church, favors allowing homosexuals becoming Boy Scouts (see Romney and Obama Agree on Having ‘Gay’ Boy Scouts). So, even the LDS should have some moral concerns about him (his prior support of abortion would be another pause for concern).

Of course, I do not intend to endorse any USA presidential candidate (see Should a Christian Vote?), and thus do not believe that an LDS leader will somehow save the USA.

So, why report about it?

Several reasons including the fact that aspects of Mormon domination of the U.S.A. is part of Mormon history and Mormon belief. This is likely to have an effect on the election in the USA. Republican voters tend to include the more religious in the U.S.A. and many of them have concerns about the LDS Church, and the White Horse prophecy may increase their concerns.

And as far as end time prophecy goes, the Bible indicates that the U.S.A. will be destroyed unless it has national repentance soon. Jesus and His kingdom, not a Mormon or other similar leader, will solve what needs to happen in the USA–even if someone like Mitt Romney becomes USA president.

Neither the current US President nor Candidate Romney has called for national repentance and, even if either did, it is not likely that they would call for repentance for Americans to go to the faith of the original Church of God of the New Testament. But personal repentance still remains an option–and all should decide that is the direction now to go.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Genuine Church of God The genuine Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch 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 of the 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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
2012 – Ten Fulfilled Barack Obama Prophecies Barack Obama has already helped fulfill 10 predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here is a YouTube video on ten.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.

Without national repentance, the U.S.A. is doomed (Daniel 11:39).  The nation itself will not be saved by a possible White Horse prophecy.

COGwriter

Another swine disease is in the news:

Pig fever sweeps across Russia

Deadly virus may be poised to spread to neighbouring states.

Nature – Aug 28, 2012

Russian authorities have incinerated tens of thousands of pigs and closed roads in the past few weeks, in an attempt to contain an emerging outbreak of African swine fever, a viral disease so lethal to the animals that it has been likened to Ebola. The spread of the disease comes with a heavy economic toll — last year, the Russian Federation lost 300,000 of the country’s 19 million pigs to swine fever, at an estimated cost of about 7.6 billion roubles (US$240 million).

African swine fever was also detected for the first time in Ukraine in late July, and European and Asian countries are on the alert to deal with outbreaks that could cost their pork industries billions of dollars. With no vaccine or cure for the disease, mass culls and vigilant hygiene offer the main defence.

Scientists first encountered African swine fever in the 1920s in domestic pigs in Kenya, where the vicious haemorrhagic fever felled nearly every animal infected. The virus, which is also carried by warthogs and ticks without causing disease, is now endemic in much of sub-Saharan Africa, limiting pig farming there. It does not infect humans…http://www.nature.com/news/pig-fever-sweeps-across-russia-1.11294

Russia culled and destroyed 54,962 pigs in the west of the country to contain an outbreak of the deadly porcine disease African Swine Fever, the World Organisation for Animal Health reported. Pigs were culled at 11 locations in July and August after pigs died from the disease at a dozen farms and villages, based on a notification from Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture to the Paris-based animal-health organization published…African Swine Fever is harmless to people, and caused by a virus for which there is no vaccine. The disease may have been introduced in the region in 2007 when pigs at a dump in the Black Sea port of Poti ate garbage from a ship, the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization says.  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-17/russia-culls-54-962-pigs-to-control-african-swine-fever-disease

Pig fever has, and will, cost Russia and the Ukraine a lot of money.  Pigs are an item that humans should not consider, nor rely on, as part of the food supply.  Yet, having less pigs at this stage could contribute to food inflation in those nations and elsewhere.

Swine also have diseases that can pass to humans.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?

Wayne Pyle

COGwriter

LCG just sent out an email with the following:

To: The World Ahead Recipients

At about 12:30 Sabbath morning, August 25, 2012, Mr. Wayne Pyle succumbed to the cancer that he had fought for two years. His condition had deteriorated rapidly during the past few days. He was at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at Heritage Funeral Home located at 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, NC 28104. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 29, with a reception following the service.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the Pyle family during this difficult time.

As I reported before, I also liked Wayne Pyle and he had worked for WCG, then GCG, and finally LCG. His family is in my prayers.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrection? Is there more than one future resurrection? Did early Christians teach a physical resurrection? Did early Christians teach three resurrections?
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?
Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality? What does John 3:16, and other writings, tell us? Did a doctrine kept adopted from paganism?