June 1980
Dear Brethren:
A warm and special greetings to all. How affectionately we recall all, from day to day! Not only, as dedicated servants of God, are you the apple of God's eye as the Bible says, but you are our source of physical encouragement and inspiration.
As you voluntarily and willingly make yourselves subservient to the will of God, you manifest true character—the character of honesty, humility, dedication, and purpose. Thank you for that manifestation of faith. If you are faithful to the end, your reward will be brought by Christ at the time of His Second Coming. And what a glorious and revealing day that will be! Let us all make sure we are prepared to meet Him when He comes.
For the month of June, a special letter is necessary. The contents are self-explanatory. Then, the month of August will see our return to the current theme, "The Two Facets of Divine Revelation."
World events are climaxing rapidly. Prophesied events are beginning to unfold before us, although our understanding is still generalized at the present.
Even the staunchest skeptics are no longer kidding themselves about world conditions. Freelance writers, public figures, and even the man on the street are becoming increasingly aware of the confusing, bewildering, and outright frightening times in which we live. Circumstances and conditions have forced many of them to face the facts and accept the presence of reality.
Hard and difficult times have come periodically and exacted their toll in misery, doubt, frustration, and other problems. Yet, somehow, most sense these days are different. Is it possible that the god of this world—Satan, who does know and understand the times (the Bible clearly states he knows that he has but a short time)—is engaged in a game of gigantic influence? Knowing the times in which we live, and possessing the ability to convey tremendous power, is he revealing what he knows to those who will listen and subscribe to his planned deceptions?
The idea of far too many is that Satan never advances any truth or basic knowledge—that he always lies! How could he possibly deceive if such were the case? The problem is not a matter of what he knows—it is a matter that he can never be trusted, because he is a habitual liar. On the other hand, what God reveals is always the TRUTH. He is always trustworthy in His character. But surprisingly, the vast majority—by their very beliefs and practices—attribute to God a whimsical spirit of vacillation and change. And to Satan they attribute consistency, even though it is always bad. Such a concept cannot be of God.
What It Means to Know the Truth
Today every man believes and does what is right in his own eyes. Each will go to great lengths (cost and effort) to prove and substantiate his own convictions. However, all the varying ideas cannot be right. All can be wrong, but all cannot be right—for they are all at odds with one another. Logic dictates there can be only one way which is right. Truth is always singular.
Nevertheless, what mental pressures are everywhere evidenced! Whenever a problem arises, some react by attempting to "re-prove" their past convictions and associations. Others fear for their lives. They do not know whom or what to trust.
All this unrest seems justified in the light of human rationale, but it manifests a very deep spiritual defect. Why? One who is called of God not only believes, but also KNOWS, the Truth. To KNOW something puts such knowledge beyond the adverse influence of changes, conditions, personalities, or whatever. That is, if one KNOWS two plus two equal four, it makes little difference whether the powers that be, the whole government, or the combined forces of the universe attempt to discredit the one correct answer and establish a different one. Spiritual knowledge is unchanging and absolute. Therefore, how can any human being claim to KNOW the way of life (to have the absolute knowledge which comes by divine revelation)—and then, because of adverse influences at some future date, change his convictions and beliefs? This happens only to those who presume—NOT to those who KNOW!
When compelled to face these issues squarely, some are hard put to give answers. What, then, has happened to the people who once KNEW the Truth? For, the Bible clearly tells us that many, being called and chosen of God, knew that way of life and then departed from it.
Continuous belief requires faith—that characteristic evidenced by unswerving allegiance to belief and conviction, despite the many subsequent trials (see Heb. 11:1 and 1 Pet. 1:6–7).
Why, then, all the lateral movement which we are experiencing today—people moving from one group to another or forming their own organizations, after departing from the one Body into which they were inducted initially? Succinctly, it can best be explained in one simple expression: They cannot hold faith! Because of human weaknesses within the leadership of the church, they became suspect of the convictions they once expressed toward God. Can such an erosion of convictions be justified? Does not such erosion make suspect the accuracy and accountability of God—that is, make them objects of ridicule and change because of the weaknesses of men? In other words, when one called of God loses faith because of the human frailty of another, he is more wrong than is the one who sinned in the first place. Why? Because God is not to be judged vicariously on the basis of what human beings do!
Though the times in which we live are evil—evil in the sense of the various carnal manifestations—the worse element is not the bizarre behavior of humanity. These people can be called and converted in God's own time. They are the masses who generally move on the basis of their own whims and lusts. But, another people is positioned on far more precarious ground. They saw the Truth! They KNEW the way of life! Then they lost faith, making many lateral moves. These people are culpable. Except they catch themselves and return to the faith, they will progressively grow more rancorous, bitter, hateful, spiteful, resentful, and inured in the depths of carnality and flesh.
The one fact which all men seem to hate is the incontrovertible absoluteness of the Truth. Men enjoy the flexibility of human rationale and opinion because such a philosophy allows room for their convictions and beliefs. But, nowhere in all the pages of the Bible can anyone find support for the concept that all who accept Christ (in name) are part of the true Body, while they continue in an absurd diversity of belief. We are well aware that the Body is one. That one Body is Jesus Christ. He was not—and is NOT—schizophrenic. He was taught of the Father! He knew the absolute TRUTH! He taught no way except that which the Father gave Him. Our only hope is to have that same heart and mind in us. When that mind is in us, we will believe and practice (KNOW) exactly the same things the Father taught Jesus before commissioning Him over 1,900 years ago.
On the part of nearly all these doubting Church of God members, central questions are ignored! Where is (was) that one body which taught the Truth in the last days? Where is that body which apostatized from the Truth? Where is the one body which had the Truth revealed to it—the same one which subsequently departed from the doctrines revealed? Where is the one body which tried to practice and live by every word of God? Where are the estranged servants who were forced out of the apostate body? Where are the true ministers of Jesus Christ who remained faithful to the revealed Truth? To deny their existence is to make liars of Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul, both of whom wrote under inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Any attempts to exercise the "art" of ridicule will be made only by skirting the issues. The truthful and honest will answer.
Our trials did not come because of political, economic, or racial adversity in Africa, South America, Asia, or wherever else on the face of this earth. We were not tried because of internal conditions within the confines of the United States, Canada, or Europe. Our trials came because of what happened in the Body, the Church, in the last days. Let us assure all, faith was severely and sorely tried by the events of 1972 to 1974—events transpiring within the confines of the Worldwide Church of God.
With one exception, separation from the one Body of the last days is rendered null and void. That one justified exception was the doctrinal changes. Those who remained faithful to the Truth are the called of God who elected to be faithful to the revealed doctrine and not to an organization or a man.
At this point in time, why should we be concerned with the issues again? The purification process continues! For how long? Jesus said, "he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matt. 24:13). That test is and will continue to be a fiery trial of faith. You must KNOW where that doctrine is maintained, and you must know where His true servants are.
Jesus Christ, the true servant of God, was ridiculed, derided, condemned, and evilly entreated. He said that if they did such to Him, they would do the same to His chosen servants. One must not put credence in letters, calls, or other communications of accusation directed against the ministry. The only real test is the faith once delivered.
Brethren, we have never put a fence around this group, nor have we maintained a posture of exclusivism. We have stated, and will again state, we simply know of no other group which attempts to adhere to the faith which we once received (and please do not be swayed by any deliberate attempts to confuse doctrine, administration, and prophecy).
There may be others who are faithful. If we knew of them, we would most assuredly contact them. And if they were faithful to the original Truth, the same spirit and attitude would prevail. We would find much mutual happiness and joy in being together. Those who separate from us, for whatever supposed reasons, prove they are of a different spirit. Why? Because the Spirit of God is not divided!
Because of accusations, the proliferation of letters, and the manifestation of a spirit of discord, a brief review of the reasons we left Worldwide Church of God is in order. A more technical explanation is found in our booklet.
Our Departure From Worldwide Church of God
After months of study and prayer, we allowed ourselves to be pushed out of the physical organization of the church. Why? For one reason only: The organization had departed from the true doctrine. No separation could be justified on the basis of the faults and sins—actual or alleged—of other members (regardless of rank or station).
We state emphatically, we left because of the doctrinal changes. Let us convey our continued desire that you be faithful to the truth initially received, regardless of accusations of any and all detractors who attempt to say we teach otherwise.
Once we separated, what did God expect of us? Should we commence our own Work? Should we continue to preach and teach the Truth? We did not want to be hirelings, and at the same time we did not desire to arrogate any responsibility to ourselves.
God's Word makes it abundantly clear that only God can call and commission any human being to do a Work! There are bitter curses reserved for those who presume to do their own Work! On the other hand, failure to perform a God-given responsibility is equally wrong.
What became evident through the study of God's Word was this: Any authorized servant can shirk his God-given responsibility—but in so doing, he will most certainly incur God's displeasure. Therefore, as ordained ministers, we knew that in order to avoid God's indictment of being hirelings, we had to continue teaching and preaching that truth which we initially received.
But we wanted some form of proof that God was with this endeavor. For that reason, we made it clear that no personal contacts would be initiated on our part. If God had any people whom He wanted to feed spiritually in order for them to continue in personal growth and overcoming, we wanted Him to send them to us. The results were amazing. He did just that. And to this day, the only contacts we will make are with those who first contact us. We sent no initial letters to denigrate Worldwide Church of God or the ministry. We effected no telephone contacts or other forms of communication. At an early date, some who are no longer with us did send out general letters, but we later learned that such contacts were not of God but rather were prompted by another spirit.
Sowing discord among brethren is one of the very evil things which God hates (Prov. 6:19). Letters, telephone calls, and other forms of communication which convey accusation, personal effrontery, and hatred are not of God. The big question which surfaces is this: Why cannot all men stand on principles? One of the cardinal principles of life is to understand our personal responsibility and station! Human presumption always creates problems, injuries, hatred, and confusion—things not of God.
Let us put the whole picture into focus. The only acceptable premise for any spiritual judgment is the revealed Truth. We all are required to be faithful to the truth into which we were baptized and for which God called us. All lateral moves and the creation of confusion are methods of "smoke-screening." If we KNOW the Truth—and the faithful do—the determination of who is holding fast is not difficult.
We still believe, practice, and teach that same truth which we received. That has been our resolve from the beginning. With God's help and through much prayer, we shall never let that way slip from us.
As fledgling groups arise, the natural consequence is confusion and bewilderment. Can knowledge of the Truth result from any muddled and confused atmosphere? Why should there be such emotional and mental pressure? What is it all about?
When all things go well, the waters of life are tranquil and not threatening. Routine dominates. But such circumstances do not allow for character testing. The capability of a great ship is not tested in calm waters. The discipline and endurance of a great athlete is not tested in relaxed circumstances. Thus it is with man's preparation for the greatest responsibility ever to be given him—sonship in God's Kingdom, assuming governmental jurisdiction.
What is required to effect the necessary testing and trying of the Children of God? Understanding of these conditions is, most likely, requisite to maintaining continuity of purpose and faithfulness to the Truth. For, failure to comprehend thoroughly could leave one subject to pressures and confusion which might result in spiritual failure.
Peter was inspired to call this struggle "the trial of your faith" (1 Pet. 1:7). In order to understand Peter's statement, it is necessary to comprehend the meaning of "faith"! What is the faith which needs to be tried?
"The faith," in many texts of the Bible, refers to the doctrine. Faith is not a nebulous concept. It manifests itself in specific actions and patterns of behavior. There are very definite manifestations—fruits which are borne. The fruits borne are tangible evidences of obedience to doctrine. The doctrine is the Truth revealed—"the faith once delivered." The manifestation of continued faith is stability and continuity of belief. Jesus said it this way: ". . . if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (John 8:31). Yes, the just shall live by faith. The hope of everlasting life is the continuity of obedience to the doctrine—the words of life—which is the faith God delivered to His chosen disciples.
If the trial encountered in our day is a trial of faith and "the faith" is the God-given doctrine, then the test the godly must undergo is to resolve and determination to be obedient to the doctrine at all costs. That is the crucial test already failed by so many. Only tribulation and the direct intervention of God will compel those embarked upon the path of error to reevaluate their thinking and return to faithful obedience.
Far too many today are blown about by every wind of doctrine. Like the ancient Gauls, they are mesmerized by the concept of "newness." Change becomes a way of life. Yet the Apostle John, when speaking of revealed truth, said that only the "old" is new—in fact, that which existed from the beginning (the old) is eternally new.
The test by which God is evaluating us is our attitude and response to that unchanging way. He delivered that way of life to us (there is no other way to receive it) and gave us a specific charge to hold to it faithfully. The proof of our loyalty and faithfulness is seen at the conclusion of the test. Have we been faithful? Have we refused to be blown about by doctrinal change? Have we refused to be influenced by the words of detractors, the accusers, the defamers?
A major area of our personal trial involves our emotions. All too frequently, we are motivated by feelings—hurt feelings, feelings of resentment, feelings of rejection, and other forms of unbridled emotionalism. But what do our emotions have to do with God's Truth? Surely, no one should hurt or injure another. But such wrong actions do not change the eternal, unalterable, revealed Word of God. In such circumstances, we do have an opportunity to manifest a real confidence in God and His revealed way of life. How? We can rise above the bad example someone else sets. We can manifest faith and confidence in God—in His way of life! We can exhibit the true characteristics of the Spirit of God. If we react negatively at such times, we prove only that we are just as bad as the person whom we are condemning.
Let us make the point clear: A true servant tries to use all conditions and circumstances to overcome and subdue his wrathful, volatile, hateful carnality. True character cannot be forged except in the caldron of adversity. It is God's doing.
We shall make it clear just how a Christian should behave. Likewise, we will demonstrate the behavioral pattern of one who subscribes to the influence of carnal emotions.
Bad ministerial examples have been manifested in the past. But such should not cause us to distrust the Truth. Nor should such situations cause us to reject all ministers. Jesus Christ established this spiritual responsibility. The Bible clearly tells us there will be faithful servants active at the time of Christ's Second Coming. The true Children of God will know the true ministers and will not reject them in the face of trial.
Christ taught the will of God. Yet, He was rejected by nearly all men in His day. The same is true of the other called and commissioned servants of God. Therefore, the ridicule and rejection of God's true and faithful servants is not the criteria for determining their honesty and authenticity. Only adherence to the Truth is an acceptable proof—all clever and dishonest arguments notwithstanding. Even Christ was accused of breaking the doctrine and rejecting the old way—the way of Moses.
The only acceptable guide for evaluating is the revealed Truth of God. We all KNOW what that way is. Do not be deceived by clever arguments. Do not be influenced by totally unfounded accusations. Manifested obedience to the revealed doctrine is our aim and goal. No one need stand in doubt or be troubled.
Those who KNOW the Truth and are not swayed by doubts, accusations, or emotions will confidently pass the test—the trial of their faith. We prove our spiritual value only by walking a confident, true path of obedience—obedience to the truth which we received.
Four Sources of Influence Upon the Called
Of the four sources of influence that affect us, only one is to be trusted. This is the Holy Spirit—the source of spiritual knowledge. What are the three sources of influence in our testing which are not to be trusted?
Know your enemy! There is no better advice when considering the spiritual warfare in which we all are engaged.
First, the general of the opposing forces is Satan. He is brilliant and very deceptive. He has created a society which is very appealing to human beings. That appealing society is the entire world as we know it. It appeals to the lust of the flesh and the desire of the eye. We must be aware of the negative influences of this society.
The natures with which we were created have inherent weaknesses. God created these weaknesses as obstacles for us to overcome. Satan, through deception, has induced men to believe in the way of flesh rather than seeing it as a way which must be overcome. Mankind does not realize what influences his mind. He little recognizes the source of his inspiration. All man's ways and thoughts seem so right to him, regardless of their source.
Since Satan cannot be seen, we generally do not know him directly. And since society is the social creation of man, it is natural for man to think it acceptable. Therefore, neither by the inspiration of Satan nor by what seems right to men can we accurately evaluate thoughts, ideas, and plans. How, then, can we know?
First, as emphasized before, the Truth must be revealed. This is a special act of God. This revelation becomes the basis of all future evaluation and judgment. And it must be maintained by faith.
Second, we are made aware—through that revelation—of what we are. We see human nature for what it is. We are able to see and recognize the fruits of the flesh. Seeing ourselves for what we really are and seeing what the way of Truth is, we are able to compare. We can see our weaknesses and human failures. We see and understand the need to distrust self and rely implicitly upon God.
So, when truly converted, we come to recognize the SELF for what it is. Although we do not always see its ultimate deceptiveness (Jer. 17:9), we will be engaged in a very exacting struggle as long as we live in this human flesh.
Since every way of man is right in his own eyes, we cannot trust our own thinking (2 Cor. 10:3–5). The only safe guideline is the revealed Truth—that which we accepted at the time of God's call. This is the mind of Christ, by which we are to judge all things.
Due to Satanic deception and the influence of our own minds, the avenue of departure most frequently pursued is that of accepting one's own thoughts and reactions to situations. The arrogancy of man will not allow him to believe he could be wrong.
By recognizing these capabilities, we have not allowed ourselves to depart from the basic doctrinal truths which God revealed. Detractors and those who accuse must bring forth the evidence. We have willed to be faithful to the Truth until Christ returns or as long as we live.
Few realize the adverse influence everywhere present in today's world. Since they cannot see Satan, they are unaware of his presence.
And self is generally accepted because it is so close. Yet, the Bible tells us clearly that the natural mind is not to be trusted.
How, then, can we truly evaluate all things?
We must know our enemy! And specifically, we must also KNOW the physical manifestations of that enemy! Why? Because our enemies themselves—Satan and the natural mind—are not seen. But the actual fruits can be seen. By recognizing these, we can evaluate properly.
What Are the Manifestations of Man's Enemies?
Just as God's Spirit manifests itself in specific ways, so also the spirit of Satan and the way of man manifest themselves in specific ways. They can be known. To avoid inherent pitfalls in traversing the perilous course of life, we must know and understand each.
How can you know whose influence is being exerted upon you? Who is influencing you, even though the actual physical agent may be a man? The fruits should make it plain.
What are the fruits (manifestations, to a greater or lesser degree) of Satanic activity and the way of man?
1. A trust in one's own mind and capability, rather than in the revealed Word of God.
2. The act of sowing seeds of discord and contention: DIVISION.
3. The act of perverting and distorting what others may have said or done.
4. The act of taking advantage for self, rather than giving honor and deference to others.
5. The act of exposing difficulties and problems, rather than covering.
6. Letters, calls, and other forms of communication which are accusative in nature.
7. All forms of bitterness, hatred, and resentment.
8. Individualization—for the Body of Christ is one.
9. All forms of self-justification which at the same time bitterly condemn others.
10. An uncontrolled tongue—setting on fire the course of human nature.
11. Haughtiness and arrogancy.
12. A manifestation of contempt and intolerance.
13. Any act of judging or criticizing others.
14. Any form of verbal retaliation.
15. Violent and emotional outbursts.
16. Creation of suspicion and doubt.
17. Failure to recognize office or responsibility.
18. Forming answers to issues before the whole matter has been heard.
19. A constant and incessant corrective attitude toward others (Matt. 7:3–5).
20. Any overpowering orientation to physical rather than spiritual things.
21. Any pseudo-manifestation of righteousness: overmuch-righteous attitude.
22. Any turning from the originally revealed Truth, the way of life to which we were called.
23. All efforts to gain personal advantage over others—exploitation.
24. Any argumentative spirit.
25. All moves, activities, and language which generate bewilderment, confusion, and doubt.
Many other points could be listed. Why not study your Bibles and gain a panoramic review of the New Testament, searching for all other such indications. All the above points are taken directly from the Bible. The proof of a spiritual orientation is a very personal thing. The proof of an evil influence is equally personal, manifested by self-protection and the attempt to ascribe the above points to others.
Those who live a godly life will be subject to much verbal abuse. It is inevitable. Christ experienced such abuse. The apostles received untold inflammatory accusation. The prophets of old suffered vilification. Often, the source of accusation will be people who feign to know those being accused. God's prophets of old were vilified and ridiculed by both Israelites and Jews. Jesus was maligned and accused by His own. Those who had been His own disciples turned against Him in contempt and hate. The same conditions prevailed in the days of the apostles and are prophesied for the last days.
Christ was accused of every evil imaginable. According to those who "knew" Him, He was an illegitimate child; He was a drunkard and a glutton; He was arrogant and self-righteous because He claimed a relationship with the Father. He was accused of lying. There was no area of human behavior in which He was not misrepresented. For those foolish enough to have listened and allowed themselves to be influenced adversely, the day of reckoning and the moment of truth are coming.
The verbal abuse against the Apostle Paul was unremitting. He was maligned and falsely accused. Many turned from Paul and the other apostles because of this verbal abuse.
As mentioned previously, the prophets were maligned, abused, and sometimes killed. God allowed such adversity to exist in their lives. They were discredited falsely. They were ridiculed. They were accused of lying. They were held in constant contempt—usually by those who "knew" them.
Noah was no doubt ridiculed. His peers undoubtedly jeered at, laughed at, and mocked his endeavors.
The Bible clearly indicates the existence of a faithful remnant in the last days. But they, too, will be mocked, ridiculed, and subjected to much physical, verbal, and mental abuse.
All the above examples are of faithful servants of God. To live a godly life subjects the faithful to such abuse.
One simply cannot judge others by what is implied or stated. The works of an individual are the only legitimate basis of judgment. "By their fruits ye shall know them," said Jesus Christ.
We have seen what fruits are borne by those oriented carnally. What are the manifestations or fruits, to a greater or lesser degree, of those motivated by the Spirit of God?
What Are the Fruits of the Converted?
1. They create peace—suffer wrongfully for the very purpose of eliminating strife.
2. They pay special deference to others.
3. They assume personal guilt and liability.
4. They do not judge others—rather, they manifest tolerance and mercy.
5. They do not accuse and malign—for fear of having misread the facts or circumstances.
6. They manifest character—stability, continuity of purpose and endeavor.
7. They are living examples of 1 Corinthians 13:4–8.
8. They lead exemplary lives in all things.
9. They have learned to master the tongue—they do not rumor, gossip or abuse.
10. They believe the best in others.
11. They know, understand, and act on the basis of responsibility and jurisdiction.
12. They are merciful, kind, and forgiving.
13. They are loving and compassionate.
14. They are attentive to needs of others—responsive and helpful.
15. They avoid argumentation and criticism.
16. They are desirous of being taught God's Word and way of life—they hunger and thirst after righteousness.
17. They live open and candid lives.
18. They always give the benefit of doubt to others.
19. They do not retaliate—rather, they suffer wrong joyfully.
20. They manifest an attitude of humility.
21. They do not resist evil—they even love their enemies.
22. When possible, they do good to their enemies.
23. They have learned to control emotions—they do not use emotions as a basis of judgment.
24. They are self-deprecating—recognizing their own unworthiness.
25. They apply instruction and correction to themselves, not to others.
To this list could be added many other points. Those who review the New Testament to enhance their understanding of these points will want to add to this second list, too.
Let us enumerate succinctly the points essential for the attainment of character. Knowledge is of no value except as it is applied personally—not in criticism of others.
How Does One Build the Character of Christ?
1. Accept our physically innate condition of being carnal, in a state of spiritual blindness and darkness.
2. Accept the absolute necessity of a spiritual revelation—revelation of the true way of life.
3. Recognize that the character of God is His unchanging nature—manifested in His laws, ways, and purposes.
4. Recognize the need of character in our lives.
5. Live lives predicated upon the revelation of God—the continuity of which manifests the character of God.
6. Censure, correct, and abhor the self—at the same time, manifest ultimate patience and love for others.
7. Finally, recognize that one's beginning is of no value unless faith leads to continuity and faithfulness unto the end.
God has preserved the long track-record of those who started but failed along the way. That recorded history is for our admonition and learning.
To that recorded history may be added the failures of our day. Prophetically, the Bible indicates such conditions. Those who lose faith are the ones who turn hateful, bitter, resentful, and vindictive. They begin to malign, distort, and ridicule. They turn to individualization.
If we react negatively to the instructions in this letter, we cannot profit. When will those who do so forget self-protection and effect a simple yet thorough evaluation of their thinking and behavior? To do such will tell us all we need to know, if we are honest with ourselves.
Brethren, we live in perilous and precarious times. We will be swayed negatively unless we recognize the work and influence of our enemies. Today is a time of trial upon the household of God. The faithful will be revealed as the unchanging and loyal servants who stand before Christ at His Second Coming. We pray that all who read this will take heed, effect the necessary changes in their lives, and be able to stand before Christ in that day.
Our love and prayers are always with you.
| With warm love and affection, |
 |
| Raymond C. Cole |
Home |
Fundamentals of Belief |
Who We Are |
Articles |
Monthly Letters |
Sermon Transcripts |
Audio Sermons |
Video Sermons |
Contact & Locations