Departure From Truth
Is It Justified?
"Not Sure"
"Herbert Armstrong Copied Truth From Others"
Desire to Change Doctrine for Personal Gain
"Herbert Armstrong Was a False Prophet"
"The Church Was Corrupt—God Never Used It!"
"We Don't Need Anyone to Teach Us"
"Anyone Can Understand the Truth"
"Never Again Will I Follow a Man"
"Worldwide Church of God Was Stepping-stone for Real Truth"
"No One Group Has All the Truth"
"I Don't Want to Put Up With What Is Presently Going On"
Distrust of God's Word Due to Past
Doctrinal changes within the Church of God, during 1973–1974,
precipitated a loss of confidence in church beliefs. In the
massive exodus which followed, what was the rationale
employed to justify departure from truth? What excuses are
now being raised to repudiate past teachings? This article will
enumerate these reasons and show the fallacies behind them. It was after the doctrinal changes of 1973–1974 that Church of God members began
to doubt church doctrine. What was previously taught as revealed truth had now become
"error." As a result, confidence in the ministry and in the church was greatly eroded. Soon,
it was not just church doctrine that was questioned—but whether there was any validity to
even the Bible itself! But, for most human beings, it is not possible to simply discard cherished
beliefs—without some justification. People do not give up convictions without a struggle.
This article is concerned with this justification—this struggle. It will examine, fairly and
objectively, the reasons conjured up in the minds of those who have repudiated the past.
Hopefully, some will be honest enough to recognize whether there is any validity to their
actions. For, either God revealed the truth (which many have now rejected)—or they were
never called of God, never knew the truth, and do not now know the truth. It is one or the
other. There are, of course, those who would rather avoid the issue of whether truth is
revealed. But, unwillingness to regard this issue does not change fact. Those who refuse to
consider revealed truth—not desiring to face the issue as a part of their past—either have
already decided upon one or more methods to justify departure from truth, or are presently
toying with such ideas. What many fail to realize is that the New Testament is full of warnings and examples
of the excuses made by those who depart from revealed truth. Almost the entirety of the
New Testament (with the exceptions of the gospels and the book of Acts) relates to the
problems which we are presently facing. Paul's writings are full of the struggle which was
taking place, relative to doctrine, during the middle of the first century. John, who wrote
near the end of the first century, with great length delved into the apostasy which was then
occurring. The rationale used then, for departure from truth, is precisely the same used today
to repudiate past teachings. So, in reality, these justifications substantiate revealed truth!
Tragic, yes—troubling indeed—but it nevertheless serves to shore up the faith of those with
ears to hear and eyes to see. The very same reasons and excuses which the Bible pointed out
were to prevail in the last days are the exact reasons and excuses given to repudiate truth
today! In the final analysis, it is the individuals desiring a "way out" from the "burden" of
God's truth who will justify the self. Those who sit back with qualifying thoughts or
conditional reservations have already set upon a path to find an "out." This is, for all
practical purposes, finger-pointing at God! But those who have made up their minds to obey
God's Word will hang on to the truth to the very end. Keep in mind, it is God's truth to which we must be responsible—not the concept of
"doing a work." Matthew 24:14 is a prophecy, not a commission. If it is a commission, then
so is Matthew 24:12—which means the church was commissioned to destroy the church!
This, of course, is not true! The responsibility of each Christian is faithfulness—not to a
"work" (which has departed from what initially made it God's work), but to the truth which
God has given. Those who wish to be involved in a "work," outside of the responsibility to
self, feel they must have something to adhere to. But, this is because they do not want to be
responsible to self and to the truth God gave them. When God desires a "work" to be done, He will raise it up. In the meantime, the
Christian's responsibility is toward the truth once revealed to him. It is when one does not
wish to be faithful to God's way of life—to the truth revealed to him—that he employs
various forms of rationale in justifying departure from what was formerly believed. What are these forms of rationale—these excuses? This is probably the most common excuse used today. Yet, the people who employ
this method had no misgivings when they first accepted the truth. Why should they now
allow circumstances to affect their belief? Jude said, ". . . contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude
3). This text clearly tells us there is a vying—a contention—involved in hanging onto that
faith. The inference is that a major part of the Christian struggle is for loyalty to given truth.
The truth given each individual Christian will not be reissued. Paul tells us to call to remembrance the former days of our conversion—when we first
accepted the truth—and remember the joy and significance of that time. What folly to base
that calling and conversion on the emotional present! We must hearken back to the time of
stability and confidence—not the time of distress and turmoil. "The former days" to which
we are looking are not the individual corruption and administrative nightmares—which have
only recently come to light—but the glorious truth of God which was originally given.
Remember when you were first illuminated, and do not cast away that confidence (Heb.
10:32–39). Truth does not change. This is because Christ does not change (Heb. 3:1–2, Mal.
3:6, Heb. 13:8). The Church of God is Christ's house (Heb. 3:6, I Tim. 3:15). That house
is not to change. Christian individuals in that house are not to change from the truth given
them (Heb. 3:6, 12, 14). These texts apply to Christians today! We must adhere to the truth originally given. Why should disillusionment with men
cause us to lose confidence in the fact God called us to a knowledge of the truth? Faith is the
exercise of that way of life—because we have confidence in God. Why should we lose
confidence in God because we have lost confidence in men? Faith is belief in the revelation
of God's spiritual way of life. Regardless of the source of that true doctrine, you could not
have understood without the divine intervention of God Almighty (John 6:44). Are you
going to doubt God because you have come to doubt men? Why should any man be elevated
to a level equal with God—so that, in the process of losing confidence in men, you lose
confidence in God also? So, what do we mean when we imply we are not sure? We were sure when we were
first called. We had no doubts before the early seventies. Why should we allow an
unfaithful ministry to cause a loss of confidence in God and in His revealed way of life? We
must never let troubling times or the foibles of men cause us to doubt God. You can be sure! You can have supreme confidence in God, regardless of the failures
of men! Indeed, you must! Those not allowing themselves to be troubled by men are the
ones who have, and will continue to have, confidence in God! A minor variation of being "not sure" is having a distrust of that truth which was
originally received. Those affected by this symptom live with nagging doubts. Perhaps
some of these individuals never were in complete agreement with what they had been taught.
If so, their lives as church members were only a facade. John said those who left the church
in the latter part of the first century "were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would
no doubt have continued with us" (I John 2:19). Those who departed in the first century
departed from truth. They departed from the spiritual Body of Christ—not from the physical
organization. If I John 2:19 refers to the physical body, then all Christians should return to
the Catholic faith! During the past years, the vast majority of God's people have departed from truth. But
they have not departed from the organization. Rather, the organization has departed from the
truth! Many who have chosen to remain within the organization are like those who
left—they are "not sure." Their faith has been badly shaken. They do not trust that which
was originally given, neither do they trust that which came about as a result of the doctrinal
changes of 1973–1974. The Bible foretold that only a remnant would remain faithful in the latter days.
Faithful to what? To truth! The organization became the instrument which led God's people away from truth! Christ is not divided. Of the numerous splinter groups which departed from the
Worldwide Church of God, those comprising God's true people are the individuals who
remain faithful to original truth. God's truth is unchanging. Those who make up the faithful
remnant, in the latter days, trust that which was originally given. They have faith to believe
God does not call His children to error! Distrust of God's Word Due to Past After the doctrinal changes of 1973–1974, many became resentful toward the Sabbath,
the Holy Days, tithing, and most of God's truth in general. Many detested everything which
was represented by the past configuration. Most were affected by at least some bitterness
and malice. Had it not been for God's mercy, all would have gone astray. The seeds of
doubt, with respect to the past, had been sown. Jesus Christ is the Word of God personified. The words He spoke were from God the
Father. Christ did not come to do His own will. Jesus said, ". . . Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). We received
Christ when we accepted Him as personal Savior and accepted what He taught. He taught
the truth and said we must live by every Word of God—all the Bible! Jesus said, ". . .
blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Matt. 11:6). When we received Christ,
we received the doctrine which was delivered. Are we now resentful of what Christ taught?
Are we offended by the original doctrine? The Church of God in Christ's day (the congregation in the wilderness—Acts
7:37–38) was offended by what He taught (Matt. 13:57–58). They were offended because
they could not live up to the spiritual intent of His teaching. Christ taught a New Covenant
relationship, not an Old. If He did not, what then is the significance of Paul's statement, ".
. . Christ liveth in me . . . " (Gal. 2:20)? It is "Christ in you" that is the hope of glory (Col.
1:27). Today, Christ lives the principles of the New Covenant in each converted Christian
through the Holy Spirit—that power not available to those who were a part of the Old
Covenant church. It is those who have drifted from the truth Christ brought—and which was taught by
the Church of God—who are offended today. Nonbelievers "couldn't care less." The faith
of Church of God members had been gradually transferred, over a period of time, to an
organization and to men. When the organization failed, many became embittered and
disillusioned because they saw men fail to live up to what they had been teaching. When
what had been taught as absolute truth was altered, they lost confidence in God—they no
longer trusted God or the past. In addition, there was a failure on the part of most to recognize the faulty
administration of doctrine. Most could not distinguish between faulty administration and
true doctrine. Many have become offended in Christ because their faith in men was shaken.
They are unable to recognize where the fault really lies. It is not with God. It is with fallible
men who assumed too much. In Paul's day, those who became offended in Christ stopped attending church. They
no longer wanted to be reminded of the truth. Their conduct was an effrontery to God. They
had failed to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Heb.
10:24–26). Their attitudes were those of defiance, rebellion, dissimulation, carping,
nit-picking, and self-justification. Like many today, they felt they were capable of
reinterpreting truth on the basis of their own ideas and emotions. Paul said these individuals
were on the pathway to committing willful sin (Heb. 10:26). We need to ask ourselves, "When did the church of the last days receive God's truth?"
If it has only been since 1973-74, then we have no basis for calling ourselves Christian. For,
then we are hardly different from the hundreds of "Christian churches" who all believe truth
comes by "scholarship." But if we were called to a knowledge of God's truth when unity
prevailed and we were of one mind—before the doctrinal changes of 1973–1974—then we
had better recognize that truth for what it is and continue therein (John 8:31). Let us not be
guilty of distrusting God's Word because of the doctrinal changes. Do not allow Christ's
truth to be offensive because of the sins and weaknesses of men (Rom. 9:33). It is because
many have allowed their nature to dominate, that their attitude has drifted from God and they
have become offended in the truth. Do not forget, human nature is the opposite of God's
nature (Rom. 8:7). "Herbert Armstrong Copied Truth From Others" Among the attempts to justify departure from truth, this is the excuse most recently
promulgated. The "proof" Mr. Armstrong was not led to a knowledge of the truth—but
copied it from others—is the fact that religious publications dating back to 1919 were found
in his basement by Ambassador College employees. These religious publications contained
most of the truth that Mr. Armstrong preached. The author of these publications was G.G.
Ruppert of Britton, Oklahoma, who died in 1922. The assumption is that Mr. Armstrong
copied most of his beliefs from G.G. Ruppert. But is this true? Long-standing members of the Church of God, who were with Mr. Armstrong during
the formative years of the church, are well acquainted with the fact that it was Mrs.
Armstrong who first became knowledgeable of the truth—through a neighbor lady, a Mrs.
Runcorn. She introduced Mrs. Armstrong to the Sabbath. It was the Sabbath question which
piqued Mr. Armstrong's study of the Bible. However, it was long after Mr. Armstrong had
proven the essential points of Church of God doctrine that he became aware of G.G. Ruppert.
And by that time, G.G. Ruppert was dead. Are we to presume, by the mere assumption that
these publications were found in his basement, that Mr. Armstrong copied G.G. Ruppert's
publications? How many of us have read and filed publications, of one type or another,
which seemed to agree with our beliefs? Does that "prove" we came to our present beliefs
after reading religious publications which agreed with what we already believed? Ridiculous, is it not? One would have to be "grasping at straws" to believe such an assumption! God has always had His faithful remnant on this earth. When Elijah thought he was
alone, God told him there were 7,000 more. But, although God's true people have always
been here, there have been many periods of time when they were not engaged in any type of
evangelizing activity. God is not limited—He can reveal His truth to anyone. However, the revealing has
always been first to specific, chosen servants—who, in turn, taught that truth to others (I Cor.
1:21, Rom. 10:15, Gal. 1:12). The truth was revealed to Paul many years after the twelve
apostles were already actively engaged in the commission Christ had given them (Gal.
1:11–20). But, the truth Paul received was the same truth which had been revealed to the
twelve (Gal. 2:7–9). It should not seem unusual, then, for God to raise up different
individuals—either at the same time or at different periods of time—and make known His
truth. Let us not assume the presence of "religious publications" proves Mr. Armstrong
copied the truth. It proves no such thing! In fact, if it proves anything, it proves the validity
of divine revelation—for, that truth which G.G. Ruppert believed was, apparently, the same
truth taught by Christ and believed by the New Testament church! It is by divine revelation that God's truth is made known to each individual, whether
by personal Bible study or by hearing those to whom truth has previously been revealed.
There is no other way. Truth does not come by superior human intellect or by "scholarship." The accusation that the understanding of the identity of modern Israel did not unlock
the key to Biblical prophecy—and that Mr. Armstrong copied this from J. H. Allen's book,
Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright—is another example of misinterpretation. J. H.
Allen's book does indeed supply the key to prophetic understanding. However, Allen's book
does not correlate the identity of modern Israel with prophecy—Allen himself did not
attempt to analyze prophecy. The major mistake Mr. Armstrong made, relative to prophecy,
was that of setting dates. Mr. Armstrong repeatedly stated, over the years, that God did reveal the truth to him.
This was done one doctrine at a time, during long periods of Bible study which were often
spent on his knees. However, prophecy—and particularly, prophetic dates—should not be
confused with doctrine per se. This will be discussed shortly. The problem in the church of
God was not doctrine, but rather the administration of that doctrine. Mr. Armstrong's
allowing himself to be caught up in the vortex of change (due to the kind of pressure he
allowed to be put on him) is no reason to doubt his statements, made consistently over the
years, concerning how he was led to the truth. These statements are far more accurate than
an analysis made forty years later and based on assumption by someone who was not even
there! This kind of "proof"—offered by those who attempt to disprove the validity of divine
revelation—leaves much to be desired. Its advocates are determined to choose even the
flimsiest rationale in order to repudiate past doctrinal teaching! Desire to Change Doctrine for Personal Gain It is common knowledge that human beings feel safe around others who agree with
them, particularly if those who agree with them constitute the majority. Many who accepted
the unauthorized doctrinal changes of 1973–1974 did so because they felt the majority could
not be wrong. Though their consciences were bothered, many of them could not bear to face
the unpopularity of being looked upon as "those on the outside." They stayed with the
organization for the sake of popularity and other physical amenities. They were not willing
to make the sacrifice Jesus said true Christians would have to pay in order to be loyal to
truth. In many cases, those who jumped on the bandwagon of rejecting past doctrine did so
for the sake of personal advantage. It is now becoming increasingly popular to repudiate truth because of the failures of
men. Many are now finding it personally advantageous to ridicule the past. Thousands of
members of the Worldwide Church of God have left the organization since 1972. What has
become of most of these people? There can be no doubt the vast majority have repudiated
Church of God doctrine. They would not have done so, had those ministers who broke away
in 1974 remained faithful to the truth. But because of administrative abuses and the failure
of certain influential ministers to live up to what they had been teaching, the truth became
unpopular. Many who took this approach did so because they were swept away by the emotional
tide of the majority. Those ministers who took the lead found it to their advantage to
repudiate doctrine. To have maintained common doctrinal agreement with the Worldwide
Church of God would have jeopardized their cause (compare this with I Kings 12:26–33).
This is not to say the ministers and members who broke from the Worldwide Church of God
were deliberately doing what they knew to be wrong. On the contrary, they thought they
were right. But they failed to see the problem was administration, not doctrine. Doctrine is
revealed. But administration is the means by which that doctrine is regulated. The
administration practiced by the Worldwide Church of God was not Biblical. Those who are
"turned off" at doctrine should instead look at administration—this is what was at fault!
Those who departed from true doctrine (whether still in the organization by accepting
doctrinal changes, or whether they have bolted the organization and repudiated the past)
should not have done so on the basis of popularity or by joining the bandwagon of "desire."
The repudiation of church doctrine on the basis of popularity and personal gain is tragic,
indeed. "Herbert Armstrong Was a False Prophet" The thrust of this justification is that since Herbert Armstrong was a false prophet,
there is no validity to the past. This seems logical. How could a false prophet ever be used
by God? The evidence of prophetic failure in the Worldwide Church of God is abundant.
A catalog would have to be written to include all of it. But, while the Bible warns against false prophets, it also shows that many false
prophets were once true prophets! The Bible reveals that the false prophets encountered by
God's people were first His true servants. Therefore, answering the question in the above
paragraph involves determining whether or not a valid responsibility was initially given. These servants of God were first called to fulfill specific responsibilities, but they
began presuming and arrogating to themselves other responsibilities. They did not wait for
God's message and commission. It is an assumption to believe that God's contact with mankind has encompassed the
entire world—and that when God talks about false prophets within the context of Israel, He
is talking about Gentiles. Nothing could be further from the truth! God has never dealt—and
is not now dealing—with the Gentile world, to any appreciable degree. It was from within
the nation of Israel that the false prophets were to arise (Deut. 13:1–3). Those who think the
false prophets mentioned in the Bible are of Gentile origin fail to realize Deuteronomy 13:1
says, "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams. . . ." Those who have assumed Israel was mesmerized by Gentile prophets are mistaken.
It was the prophets within who deviated and led Israel astray. God allows apostasy within,
in order to test His people (Deut. 13:3). The correct orientation of each Christian must be
to truth—not to the national religion or the organization. The spiritual counterpart of this Old
Testament example should be obvious for all to see (I Tim. 3:15). Paul understood that what he taught was the same message taught by the prophets
(Heb. 4:1–2). But not all true prophets remained faithful to God (note, for example, I Kings
13:18). Those who had first established reputations as true prophets—but later arrogated to
themselves office, desiring popularity and security—led God's people astray (II Pet. 2:15). Deuteronomy 18:20 specifically states it is quite possible for a prophet to presume.
Christ did not presume (Deut. 18:18). He did not speak His own words. Christ said the faithful would receive those true servants He sent. We all have the
right to make that evaluation and determination. Those who are guilty before God are those
who have come to recognize God's true servants today but still manifest disrespect. Those
who believe they would have faithfully walked in the footsteps of the original apostles had
better take another look. The apostles were not accepted as God's representatives in their
day! Hindsight is good for the conscience, but we are not living 2,000 years ago. We are
living today. Those rejecting the ministers of today who are faithful (Matt. 24:45–46, John
13:20) would have rejected the original apostles of Christ as well. It is the truth of God to which we all must be faithful, regardless of what any servant
has done. Balaam went astray and prophesied for reward, but the words he spoke concerning
Israel were true. Prophets who turn from the responsibility given them should not be
followed—but Jesus told the people of His day, concerning the Pharisees, "All therefore
whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for
they say, and do not" (Matt. 23:3). They did not practice what they preached, but Jesus said
to heed their words as long as they preached the truth. Had the people applied this principle,
the would not have been led astray. Is it possible for a servant of God, in the end times, to be dissatisfied with the
responsibility given and arrogate to himself those duties to which God did not call him?
Look at Saul. Saul was a prophet (I Sam. 19:23–24). But he was not a priest. Is there a
modern corollary? Remember, it was the prophets of Israel who became false prophets.
They were from within, not without! Either the Church of God had the true doctrine, or there is absolutely nothing to
"churchianity" today! If the doctrine of the Church of God was in error, then God's truth has
not been made known to anyone since the days of the apostles. In reality, the prophetic
failure of the Church of God substantiates it as the true Church, because it had to first be true
in order to become false! "The Church Was Corrupt—God Never Used It!" This excuse for departure from truth has come about because of the recent publication
of two magazines revealing much of the corruption which transpired within the Worldwide
Church of God in recent years. Many documented facts, which have never before been made
public, have now been "brought to light." Although previously labeled rumor, many
allegations of wrong within the Worldwide Church of God have now been proven true. The
natural response to this corruption is: "How could the Worldwide Church of God have been
used by God? God does not work through corrupt organizations!" No one, versed in Bible understanding, can deny the fact that spiritual truth must be
revealed by God. When God spoke to Adam in the Garden of Eden, divine truth was being
revealed (Gen. 2:16–17). There was no other way Adam could have understood what test
he would have to face. God supernaturally revealed Himself to Moses at Mount Horeb (Ex.
3:1–10). While He spoke directly to Moses, He revealed Himself to other prophets by
dreams and visions (Num.12:6–8). But can human beings, as free moral agents, reject or
disobey divine revelation? Adam and Eve rejected truth almost immediately (Gen. 3:6–7)! Balaam, a prophet,
disobeyed a direct command (Num. 22:20–22). His desire for wealth and success blinded
his eyes. He failed to perceive the extent of his rebellion and lust (II Pet. 2:15). Solomon,
to whom the Lord had appeared twice, turned to lust and idolatry because of his inordinate
desire for women (I Kings 11:4–10). There were others. Why should it be any different today? It is quite possible for a servant of God to turn from truth or fail to live up to it. These
prophets and kings had truth revealed to them, but they did not appreciate it. Eli was God's
priest for forty years. But the record makes it plain that in his later years he became
ineffective and failed to exercise control over his sons, who were also priests (I Sam. 1:3;
2:11–17, 22–25). Asa refused to receive correction from a true prophet of God and had him
imprisoned. He also oppressed some of the people who concurred with the true prophet (II
Chron. 16:7–10). There is ample Bible evidence that God's servants can and sometimes do
fail in their responsibility and calling. Does their failure to live up to God's revealed truth
make that truth a lie? Of course not! Had the two publications which made known much of the Worldwide Church of God
corruption confined their writings to the secular facts, their credibility would have been
established. But the publishers have assumed a responsibility which God never gave to them.
They have attempted to draw doctrinal conclusions from what they have seen. They are not
ministers, nor are they correct in their conclusions. And, little realized by the publishers, in those two magazines is their own
acknowledgement of the validity of the past truth which they accepted. But there is no
admission, on their part, that they were the ones responsible for accepting the truth—that
they were the ones who asked for baptism and would have been highly offended, had baptism
been refused! Their entire approach is that of attempting to repudiate the past, without looking at the
Bible for proof to support their ideas. Their experience within the Worldwide Church of God
is generally limited to the later years—without personal knowledge of the thirty preceding
ones. They are looking at the end of a forty-year period. Their conclusions are based on
recent experiences or information conveyed by others. Either this is the basis of their
reasoning—or they were hypocritical and dishonest at the time of their call, baptism, and
initial years of confidence and growth. The writers of such publications have utterly failed to realize that while human
instruments are chosen of God to fulfill certain responsibilities, their shortcomings have no
bearing on the validity of God's truth! Servants of God who reject or disobey truth, or who
misuse and abuse God's people, are not a reflection on the truth. They are a reflection on the
depravity of human nature and the refusal of men to take God seriously. The abuses and
corruption of the past have no bearing on the validity of God's truth. As Paul said, ". . . yea,
let God be true but every man a liar . . ." (Rom. 3:4)! The gospel of the Kingdom of God was powerfully preached for many years.
Thousands were converted and healed. God did use His Church profoundly for almost four
decades. Negative fault-finding, relative to administrative abuses and corruption of some in
high places, will not alter that fact! "We Don't Need Anyone to Teach Us" Those who follow the line of reasoning, "We don't need anyone to teach us," quote
the Apostle John for their authority. Verse 27 of I John 2 is given as "proof." We read, "But
the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man
teach you . . ." (I John 2:27). The assumption is that once one is converted, he no longer
needs a teacher. What is not realized, by those who support this idea, is that verse 24 tells
us to go back to the truth originally received! Verse 24 says, "Let that therefore abide in you,
which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning
shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father." Paul wrote, ". . . we beseech you, brethren, to know [Greek, 'respect'] them which
labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them
very highly in love for their work's sake . . ." (I Thess. 5:12–13). This text is ample proof the
Bible does not substantiate the idea of Christians' needing no one to teach them. The Bible makes it plain that Christians generally come to a knowledge of the truth
as a result of hearing the true gospel. The people of Israel did not want God to speak to
them. They were terrified by His voice. So God gave them representatives. First Moses,
then later the tribe of Levi to officiate at the altar. In the New Testament period, God
appointed a "ministry of reconciliation." But false ministers were allowed to creep into the
ministry of reconciliation. So, God's people do need someone—specifically, the called and
chosen (true) ministers of God—to teach them! These true ministers are the "able ministers of the new testament" (II Cor. 3:6). They
are given authority to supervise God's Church (Heb. 13:7, 17)—but not to enforce
administration in the way formerly experienced. It was faulty administration, resulting from
judgmental error, which was so wrong in the past. God's people do need someone to teach
them (Ex. 20:19–20, Deut. 18:15–19, Matt. 28:19–20, I Cor. 1:21)! For if God does not have
a ministry, then neither does He have a people! "Anyone Can Understand the Truth" The statement "anyone can understand the truth—all he needs is the Bible" can be
easily disproven. If anyone can understand the truth, then why is religious confusion so
rampant in "the Christian world"? There are over 400 differing denominations in the United
States alone, and they all believe they are right. So what is meant by the expression "anyone
can understand the truth"? The truth of the matter is no one can understand the Bible unless
called of God. One must have his mind opened to truth, through the Holy Spirit, before he
can understand God's Word. The Bible is for God's people—the converted. Those called of God hear His voice
(John 10:4). They are the ones who understand the truth. Many of those presently "turned
off," offended, or who have departed from truth, once understood. The present act of
censuring others is their own admission that they once understood. Jesus told the Pharisees,
". . . If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin
remaineth" (John 9:41). Those who have departed from truth, but who now use portions of
it to censure others, are the ones whose sin remains. They once understood and knew God's
way, and they received that way through the preaching of God's ministry. They did not
receive it from the Bible alone! It is God who sends His ministers, and it is the preaching of
these ministers which makes the truth known (Rom. 10:13–15, Ph'p. 4:9)! "Never Again Will I Follow a Man" Those who make the statement "never again will I follow a man" are admitting they
followed a man from the beginning and have never been right! Those who followed Christ
from their conversion—and continue to follow Christ—are the people who adhere to what
they originally received. It is those placing Christ first who have the perspective to recognize
the measure of respect which should be placed in men. They know Christ and His truth must
come first. They do not disrespect men, but they know all men—including the ministers of
God—are subject to Christ and His truth. They know that truth cannot be changed! The
original truth given is the manifestation of the revelation of Jesus Christ! If the truth was not
given to the Church of God, then we have always been in spiritual darkness—and regardless
of the spiritual bent we have presently taken, we are still in darkness! Because men have been respected above God, confidence in Him has been destroyed.
All men are human and subject to error, but that does not change God's truth! Those who say
they will never again follow a man are admitting their own lack of perspective. Had they
placed God and Christ first, they would not have been so disillusioned by events which
transpired during the early seventies. They would not have assumed that Church of God
teachings were the doctrines of men only (I Thess. 2:13, Gal. 4:14). They would have
recognized that even when men lie, God is true and faithful! "Worldwide Church of God Was Stepping-stone for Real Truth" This justification is perhaps the most clever of all. This is because most people hate
to think they were "taken for a ride." What this excuse really means is that if truth is
revealed—if Christians are called of God and led into the truth by the Holy Spirit—then God
and the Holy Spirit are taking the blame! So, it is God who is being accused and held
accountable! Those who attempt—by this excuse—to "get around" the uncomfortable position in
which they place themselves, have now concluded truth does not come by revelation or
through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Rather, they reason, truth comes through
"scholarship." Yet, today's most brilliant theological minds are in complete disagreement as
to what the truth is! So take your choice as to which scholar you prefer. In reality, this
reasoning boils down to what you think is right! But the Bible says, "There is a way which
seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). Truth comes by divine revelation (John 16:13). Christians are led into truth, not error!
While there is progressive revelation, that revelation never contradicts previous revelation.
Those who say John 16:13 justifies a "steppingstone" concept are themselves determining
the time of conversion. But, what if the call to truth came twenty years earlier? It is God
who determines the time of conversion—by His call and when He sends the Holy Spirit to
work with each individual. It is not up to the individual to determine, for himself, when God
sends His Spirit! That prerogative belongs to God only! But know for sure: When God calls
and sends His Spirit, the unchanging truth is received (John 16:13). Furthermore, what if others disagree with the individual's selection as to the time of
his conversion? Look at the facts. The only time all of God's children were in harmony was
before 1973–1974. So, in what period do you trust the veracity of men? When they are in
harmony and not in the throes of emotion? Or when they are distraught and in disagreement? It is obvious, the experience of each individual in the Worldwide Church of God was
not a steppingstone to truth! For, if the truth was given initially, then what people now
accept is not truth. If truth was not revealed before 1973–1974, the Holy Spirit has been
derelict! Jesus said His children would be led into all truth. If what is now touted as doctrine
in the Church of God is truth, then the Worldwide Church of God was not the Church of
God! On the other hand, if truth was given initially, then it remains the truth. So, there is
no logic to the reasoning that the Worldwide Church of God was a steppingstone to the real
truth! Jesus said the Holy Spirit leads us into truth—not error. The Church of God could not
have been led into truth both in the past and at the present, because doctrinal disagreement
prevails. So, progressive revelation does not occur when there is a contradiction of doctrine.
There is no possible way to be logical or honest if we embrace the concept of "contradictory
progressive revelation." Christians who received God's Spirit received the truth, and that
truth does not change! "No One Group Has All the Truth" If this concept is true, then Christ and the apostles were in error and were not God's
servants. Jesus said, ". . . I am the way, the truth, and the life . . ." (John 14:6). While Jesus
had previously told His disciples there were many things they could not bear (John 16:12),
it was the Holy Spirit which was to lead them into all truth (John 14:26). But as the Holy
Spirit led the disciples into more truth, that truth did not contradict previous revelation. Aside from the true Church, all religious groups which profess Christianity today
embrace a doctrinal mixture of truth and error. Paul said, ". . . a little leaven leaveneth the
whole lump . . ." (I Cor. 5:6). Those who say, "No one group has all the truth," are admitting
that all—including the group they espouse—contain a mixture of truth and error! Christ is not divided. The church Jesus built is one body. It is not made up of
differing denominations all professing Christ but believing differently. Was Christ arrogant when He said, ". . . I am the way, the truth, and the life . . ."?
Was Christ bragging when He said He was the Christ? Was Paul proud when he said he was
the apostle to the Gentiles? When the Bible says there are many members in the Body of Christ, it does not mean
the true Church is comprised of many differing groups. It means the true Church consists
of many individuals, but those individuals have one mind spiritually (I Cor. 1:10). Jesus said
there was one body (Eph. 4:4). Those who believe the true Church is divided are of a
divisive spirit. It is a concept which justifies rebellion against the truth of God! Paul referred to the true Church as the ground and pillar of the truth (I Tim. 3:15).
Those former members who think they are Christian, but deny the Church of God ever had
the truth, are admitting they were never Christian! For, the church that Jesus built is the
ground and pillar of the truth! God's true servants must be called and commissioned. They are held accountable for
proclaiming the truth as God reveals it. It cannot be changed. Therefore, the very direction
presently assumed—by those active ministers who separated from the Worldwide Church
of God—compels them to believe that God called and commissioned them to restore truth.
Further, all former members, who accept that which is espoused by any one of the former
ministers, are certifying the same activity. Yet, logic declares that if they believe no one
group has all the truth, they are also in error. "I Don't Want to Put Up With What Is Presently Going On" Those who use this excuse are God's "fair-weather friends." As long as things go
along smoothly, they are "all for God"—but when the going becomes difficult, they have had
enough. They fail to realize the significance of Job's statement, ". . . What? shall we receive
good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10) God allowed the present trials to befall His people in order to force them to make
decisions (I Cor. 11:19). Man must learn to put God and His Law first. Not one of us is
responsible for what transpired in the Church, but each is responsible for the decision he
makes relative to what happened. God allows human beings to do as they wish—and the
problems which occurred were generated by human beings, not by God. So, why blame God
for what has happened to individuals and to the Church? The love of most is waxing cold
because of the sins of others. What nonsense! What people are really saying to God is, "If
you cannot straighten out this mess and make it easier for me, then I don't want to be a
Christian!" It is not up to man to tell his Creator what to do (Isa. 45:9). God's will and purpose
will prevail, with or without any of us! Have we forgotten the words of Jesus, ". . . strait is
the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matt.
7:14)? God's way is difficult. It is through much tribulation that we enter into the Kingdom
of God (Acts 14:22). Let us realize the purpose of our calling. It is the trial of faith—the
belief in, and faithfulness to, the originally inspired revelation—that Christians must endure
unto the end. God will give us the strength to endure, and He will deliver us in due time if
we do not cast aside His truth. Since every way of man is right in his own eyes, most individuals believe in "the basic
freedoms of man." One of these is religious freedom. The Western World is particularly
characterized by religious individualism. And religious individualism manifests itself in the
concept, "No one is going to tell me what to do—not even God!" Yes, many say God can
rule in their lives—but what they really mean is this: God can rule as long as He agrees with
their concepts. God does not condemn individualism—but the individualism He desires is reflected
in the man who is willing to stand alone, if necessary, for truth. God desires His people to
manifest the proper drive, zeal, and determination to hold fast to that which is right. God
never intended His people to be "dumb sheep." But after the trauma of 1972–74, the individualism which displays itself in contempt
toward anything reflecting a "repression of individual rights" became an idol for many.
Because their love and devotion had been subtly transferred from God's way of life to the
church organization, their disillusionment was likewise carried over. This made it more
difficult than ever before to adhere to God's true way. Many are now interpreting the past
on the basis of the emotional present—this has become the premise for much of the attitude
and thought so prevalent today. What is important is the individual's adherence to that which was initially given—not
his membership in a group which follows a human leader. Those who unwittingly followed
a human leader in the past are the ones who are so individualized today. Deeply troubled
with the past, they are conjuring up various ideas. However, those ideas are designed to
justify departure from the original truth revealed to God's people. Closely related to the excuse given above is the "We are tired of the hassle" syndrome.
This reflects itself principally in a reluctance to continue in obedience to the doctrinal truths
of the Bible—but not so much from the point of view of rebellion and doubt. It is as though
those who are "tired of the hassle" no longer feel attaining to the Kingdom of God is worth
the price necessary to achieve salvation. They have become "weary in well doing" (Gal.
6:9). They have forgotten the admonition of the Apostle Paul, who said, "For I reckon that
the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall
be revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18). Those who are "tired of the hassle" have lost the purpose of
life. They are going nowhere, because they are living for the present only. They fail to
realize that a man who has lived his "three-score and ten" apart from God has spent his life
in frustration and futility. Those who once knew the truth of God but did not appreciate
it—who have lost the purpose in life and are "tired of the hassle"—have a most certain
judgment to face (Heb. 10:38–39). God's true people, who are willing to put forth the effort and endure to the end, will
receive the promised reward in due time. Again, it must be emphasized, Christians must not
become weary in well doing (Gal. 6:9). Now is the time to shore up that faith and to make
the necessary determination to "lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet . . ." (Heb. 12:12–13). This is the weakest of all the excuses made and reflects a determination, on the part
of those who use it, to look for an "out." But Jesus Christ is our example. He was called illegitimate, demon-possessed, and
a liar. Did He give up or quit because of the comments of others? If He had done so, we
would have no Savior today! Jesus said, ". . . All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be
forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy [Spirit] shall not be forgiven unto
men" (Matt. 12:31). Jesus did not concern Himself with what men said about Him, but He
did concern Himself with blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This is because those who
blaspheme the Holy Spirit cut themselves off from their only means to repentance. There is
no way they can be saved. Jesus said those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed, regardless of
the source of that persecution. Persecution often comes from within—from those we love,
from our closest friends and relatives. Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him
not (John 1:11). It was the Jews who persecuted Jesus. They were within the household of
God. They were the Old Testament Church! Regardless of the source of persecution and critical comments you may receive, there
is never justification to abandon God's truth and the doctrine received. In criticizing God's
true people—who are trying to do right—one is, in reality, ridiculing and persecuting Christ!
Remember, offenses are to arise. Persecution is to come from within (Matt. 24:10). Those
who betray one another do so from the inside. But that is never a justification for departure
from truth! The idea behind this justification is: "If I cannot influence others to my way of
thinking, I will quit." In essence, this is saying, "Everyone is out of step but Elmer." This
excuse indicates a gargantuan ego. Often, behind this approach is the idea that utopia must
be created here and now. Completely overlooked are personal levels of faith and any damage
received individually, as a result of the spiritual deterioration which occurred during the past
years. There is often the demand to conform to the physical dos and don'ts of the past, and
spirituality is determined by appearance only. There is no leeway given for growth, no
latitude for the faults and shortcomings of others. There is only the demand for all to
conform to one's own conception of what is right. This entire approach is one of self-righteousness and a lack of love. Forgotten is the
instruction to "follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may
edify another" (Rom. 14:19). James stresses the need for tolerance and forbearance (Jas.
4:11–12). The Bible does not give any of us the right to inflict our personal ideas on others. Nor
does it give us the right to attempt to sway others to our way of thinking. God is the
Judge—no man has been given that prerogative. Those who feel they have the perfect faith
should exercise it to themselves before God (Rom. 14:22). And above all, we have no right to become offended and decide to "quit" because our
ideas are not accepted as the standard of perfection. The Bible clearly shows it is the responsibility of the ministry to preach the totality
of revealed doctrine. It is the lay member's responsibility to act on it (Jas. 1:22–25). When the doctrinal changes occurred in 1973–1974, thousands of members of the
Worldwide Church of God were bewildered and confused. For many years, they had been
told that the doctrine was inspired by God—that it was the result of divine revelation. Now
they were told the Church was in error. While there was no candid admission that the
Church had not been divinely inspired, the clear inference was that this had not occurred and
the only way anyone could understand truth was by "scholarship." Both of these concepts
are in direct opposition to what the Bible teaches. The justification for following these unauthorized doctrinal changes was given by the
ministry itself, which said, "the Church is responsible. If the Church is in error, Jesus Christ
will correct it." Two things were not considered in the above justification: (1) Who is the Church?
(2) And, if the Church is in error, who specifically will Christ correct? The answers to these questions are readily found in the Bible. The Church, which is
the Body of Christ, is composed of many members (Col. 1:24, I Cor. 12:14). Therefore, the
Church is not limited to the ministry. And if the Church is in error, Christ will correct the
entire Church—not just the ministry! The Old Testament is replete with examples of what happened to those people who
followed a corrupt leadership. Note, for example, I Samuel 2:34 and 4:10–11. Here we see
the people punished, along with their corrupt leaders. This is because God holds accountable
the people, as well as the leadership. Nazi war criminals who justified their crimes by saying they were only following
orders were readily condemned. Their excuse, "the leadership is responsible," was not
acceptable to any thinking person. And neither is today's excuse, "The Church is
responsible." This rationale is a blatant failure to accept personal responsibility for what one
believes. Christians are individually led to a knowledge of the truth, by the influence of the
Holy Spirit (John 16:13). While this may be accomplished to a degree by their own study,
the Bible reveals that most truth comes through the Church, by those chosen instruments who
are commissioned to preach the gospel (I Thess. 2:13, II Thess. 2:13–14). But, it is also the Church's responsibility to maintain that truth—not to turn from it.
The Church is "the pillar and ground of the truth" (I Tim. 3:15). Therefore, if the Church
apostatizes, it is the responsibility of each called and chosen child of God to remain faithful
to the truth. So the excuse, "The Church is responsible," is not a valid excuse before God! It is
each individual Christian who is responsible. If he has been begotten by the Holy Spirit, he
is a part of the Body of Christ—the Church! Each individual is therefore held accountable
and will suffer the consequences if he turns from revealed truth (Heb. 10:35–39). It may be
easy now to make an institution responsible for doctrinal changes—but in the judgment day,
when all stand as individuals before God—it will be a different story. In conclusion, there is no legitimate justification for departure from the revealed truth
of God, whether by church legislation or by each individual's deciding for himself. Those
who are not sure of the original doctrine, who are "turned off" at the Church and its officials,
who think they can "go it alone," who use "people problems" as an excuse or who are tired
of the struggle to live a righteous life, are only deceiving themselves! God's Word is sure. It will never fail. It is only men who prove to be failures. Do
not let yourself become the biggest failure of life, by rejecting the very call to salvation and
the greatest opportunity you will ever be afforded in this life. Make up your mind to be
faithful and loyal to the truth you once knew was God's truth—and do it now!
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