CG7 Does Not Understand the Book of Revelation

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

As regular readers of this page are aware, the Bible warns the following about the Church of God in Sardis:

3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you (Revelation 3:1-3).

Historically, we in the Living Church of God have felt that this was a prophecy that CG7-Denver tended to fit.

In recent years, CG7 has given people like me more reason to conclude this.

Why?

Because of what CG7-Denver has published about the Book of Revelation. Here is one such quote:

Revelation…The Bible’s last book is both intriguing and puzzling. More than any other, it uses figurative and symbolic language. Every word is true, but not every word can be read in its usual sense…

The book is formidable, to be sure…It is peculiar that a volume this obscure should be called Revelation…

The prophecy

The Apocalypse speaks the lyrical language of dream; our old senses cannot comprehend it (Overman, Jason. Songs of the Apocalypse. Bible Advocate Online, December 2007).

If one does not believe that the Book of Revelation can be understood, one is not likely to heed Jesus’ admonition to watch.

Here is another CG7 quote from former CG7 President Robert Coulter:

Many teach that the mark of the beast is yet to be enforced by a latter-day antichrist. That is impossible if John’s time allocations are taken literally. The time God allowed the saints to be persecuted and overcome was 1,260 days, or three-and-one-half years (12:6, 14; 13:5), equaling 1,260 years. This period indicated by John is identical with the time given to Daniel’s little horn to oppress the saints (Daniel 7:25)…That time is now past. For all practical purposes, the beasts of Revelation 13 have been rendered impotent, even if the dregs of their heresies and idolatries linger on in the world. (Coulter R. The Persecution of Christianity. Bible Advocate, December 2009)

Now while I personally like Robert Coulter, the teaching that Revelation 13 is completely past or impotent for the future is a major heresy. The whole world has not yet worshiped the beast (Revelation 13:3-4), his mark is not past, and people were able to buy and sell without the “mark of the beast” during the Middle Ages, hence Revelation 13 has not yet been fulfilled. A careful read of Daniel 7:25-26 shows that God’s kingdom is established right at the end of that particular, and future, persecution. Persecution also clearly affects Christians just prior to and during the Great Tribulation according to what is recorded in Matthew 24:9-22, Mark 13:9-20, Luke 21:12-24, and Revelation 12:13-17. Daniel clearly teaches that this happens at the appointed time of the end (11:28-39, 7:25). To teach otherwise is wrong, major heresy, and dangerous.

Additionally, the Bible is clear that the beast powers persuade the world through sorceries (Revelation 18:23; 13:12-15), and while some may have occurred duing the Middle Ages, the reality is that it was a political-religious alliance that existed in the Middle Ages as opposed to a highly sorcery-based empire. The prophecies related to the sorceries have not come to pass as the merchants of the world did not mourn the fall of the “Holy Roman Empire” which they will for the coming one (Revelation 18:23).

If one believes that persecution is over, there is no final Beast, etc. one will also be less likely to heed Jesus’ admonition to watch.

Those affiliated with CG7-Denver need to watch and repent now, as it will soon be too late for nearly all there.

For more information about CG7 and other subjects in this post, please prayerfully study the following:

Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast?
SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.