Recognizing a person, a concept, an
organization, or whatever, is at anytime important. Yet,
during times of distress, confusion, or bewilderment
such recognition is imperative.
As prophesied Biblically the world today
(these last days) is saturated with hypocrisy, lying,
deception, and ultimate confusion. It is in this very
unstable condition God calls those He wills to obey Him
and remain steadfast in faithful obedience. Such
direction and confidence are possible if the chosen
exercise the responsibilities incumbent upon them. On
the other hand, the vast majority—even of those who once
knew the Truth—will fall prey to the clever machinations
of Satan and his demons. When writing to the Corinthian
church, the Apostle Paul succinctly expounded this
principle. He said, "For there must be also heresies
among you, that they which are approved may be made
manifest among you" (1 Corinthians 11:19). He further
elaborated when writing to other churches of his day. To
the Thessalonican church he wrote, "Now we beseech you,
brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by
our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon
shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor
by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of
Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means:
for that day shall not come, except there come a falling
away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition; For the mystery of iniquity doth already
work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be
taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be
revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of
his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his
coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of
Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And
with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the truth,
that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall
send them strong delusion, that they should believe a
lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the
truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2
Thessalonians 2:1–3, 7–12).
What is apparent is this: Deception and
confusion are inevitable. This being a fundamental
reality, surely God must have made a provision by which
some differentiation is possible—for the truly called
and converted.
Before addressing the content of the above
matter, it is deemed essential to give a little
background information. Since Church of God, The Eternal
came into existence under the guidance and direction of
Raymond C. Cole, allow us to give you an abbreviated
history of who he is. For the benefit of simplicity,
accuracy, and clarity allow me, please, to use a
first-person approach in this writing. That is, I will
use "I" instead of the more general and accepted
indirect approach.
Further, to make certain specifics abundantly
clear when they arise, I feel it imperative to give you
a little personalized history. I beg your forgiveness
and understanding.
A Succinct Background
My future maternal grandfather and his
brother for unusual reasons became aggressively
interested in the Bible at a very young age. As a result
of their study they became aware of the significance of
Palestine in the scheme of world affairs. They left
their parents, and home state of Michigan and traveled
to Palestine—while the country was still a mandate of
Great Britain. Shortly after arrival in Palestine my
grandfather-to-be became acquainted with the daughter of
a British journalist.
The two boys continued their Biblical
endeavor. They became acquainted with a number of Jewish
religious bodies. One, the Essenes, had a considerable
influence upon their thinking. That particular group
with whom they associated kept "the Passover" on the
night of the 15th of the first month instead of on the
14th. They were quite strongly convinced. Consequently,
after my grandfather, his new bride, and his brother
returned to the United States they strongly believed and
continued to keep "Passover" on the night of the 15th.
In the process of time I, too, was indoctrinated with
the same concept.
Now allow me to bring up another side of the
story. It is important to events which will follow.
In the early 1900s a number of ministers in
the Church of God, Seventh Day made quite a splash in
the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
My father's parents were involved in this response. In
due time my father met the daughter of the above
returning couple. They were married in the 1920s. My
father was farming the homestead which my grandfather
had acquired at the time of the "Sooner" invasion of
Oklahoma. In 1934 we came through a double-header
tornado which struck that part of Oklahoma. Nearly
everything was destroyed or killed. For a couple of
years my father tried desperately to pull everything
back together. It was impossible. He sold out totally,
leaving for the state of Oregon.
Due to a growing phenomenon in Oregon, a
number of old-time friends of the family had left
Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska. Most of them
wound up in either Idaho or Oregon.
The phenomenon about which they had heard was
the call and beginning of the work of Mr. Herbert W.
Armstrong. He was frequently speaking to groups of
Sabbath-keepers who had left the above-mentioned states.
Since he was a strong and convincing speaker on the
subject of the true identity of Israel, my parents were
deeply interested. This was the subject which led my
grandfather and his brother to Palestine in the first
place.
With the loss of nearly everything and the
strong magnet of one preaching that which they had long
believed and cherished, my parents sold out, picked up
everything and moved west with their growing family. We
arrived in Oregon in July of 1936 just about two years
after the "work" had commenced. They settled in the
small community of Jefferson—near my father's brother
and family who had moved to Oregon earlier. Jefferson is
situated just a moderate distance north of Eugene where
Mr. Armstrong was just beginning the "work" which was
destined to become one of the strongest and most vibrant
religious works which had ever occurred. From Jefferson
we would drive down to the Eugene area for the keeping
of certain Holy Days. My parents became closely
associated with Mr. Armstrong and were influenced by
him. In turn I was deeply affected by his speaking.
In the process of time, graduation from
Jefferson High School was approaching. I wanted to
continue my education. Looking around for a suitable
institution of higher learning I was confronted with the
possibility I might not be able to attend a conventional
institution of higher learning here in Oregon because I
was always left with the impression I would have to
attend classes on the Sabbath. Since I would not violate
the Sabbath of the Eternal God, it looked like attending
college at Walla Walla, Washington—an Adventist
college—was my only possibility of continuing my
education.
I had graduated from high school in 1945.
College was postponed for at least one year hoping I
could find a suitable institution to attend. Happily and
to my surprise, by 1946 Mr. Armstrong was talking about
the necessity of establishing a liberal arts college—out
of which, if called of God to that service, would come
ministers to feed and care for the growing flock. He had
encountered many unsavory conditions trying to find
loyal, honest, and dedicated servants to help with the
growing need produced by the work which he was doing.
The target date was the fall of 1947. That year I became
one of the first four students to attend Ambassador
College located in Pasadena, California.
For whatever the reasons, Mr. Armstrong
seemed to take a very special interest in me. I
personally recognized only that I had grown fond of and
deeply influenced by his teachings. College, to me,
would be a glorious opportunity to acquire greater and
greater understanding of what had become almost an
all-consuming interest.
Now a point made earlier comes into play.
College was going well. I thought I was intensely
satisfied. But, by the spring of 1948, I was facing the
approach of Passover. Mr Armstrong being aware of the
family belief, made a gentle approach in attempting to
teach me the error of "observing Passover" on the 15th.
After a number of rather lengthy discussions on the
subject, Mr. Armstrong felt that a truce was best for
that year. But the issue was not yet settled. I returned
to college in the fall of 1948. The spring of 1949,
bringing Passover, inevitably came. That year the
subject took on a different dimension. On many occasions
Mr. Armstrong had insisted vociferously that God
revealed to him the truth he was preaching.
A circumstance about which I am not proud and
for which I apologized to Mr. H.W. Armstrong, and
repented before God, perhaps will help some to
understand the gravity of this matter of divine
revelation. I was very much technically oriented. I
wanted facts. Logic must rule. Because of these
fundamental differences in philosophy, conflict loomed
large. Mr. Armstrong was insisting emphatically that God
had revealed His truths to him. I, on the other hand,
wanted to see tangible and technical proof. The conflict
all too frequently took on an ugly dimension. Both of us
being very aggressive and vocal, our conversations
became strained and cutting. For days Mr. Armstrong
continually insisted God had revealed to him that which
he was preaching. My concepts respecting Passover—the
14th or 15th, the 31
A.D. issue
and other less significant subjects—being stripped away,
I was left with a single decision to make. Was I going
to protect the self, or was I willing to accept in faith
and absolute conviction that which had been
demonstrated—divine revelation. One of the greatest
psychological releases I have ever experienced came at
the moment when I decided Mr. Armstrong was right—God
reveals His Truth to a chosen servant. It, therefore, is
absolute and cannot change. Now can you understand why I
was so troubled by the changes which constituted the
apostasy of 1972-74? Can you understand why I will not
budge regarding doctrine even now? I fear to compromise.
I want only that Truth which is recorded in God's Holy
Word and was revealed to an end-time servant (Matthew
28:19–20). I want to help those who love that Truth and
sincerely want to walk in that way of life. I do not
deceive myself. Satan hates the way of Truth. He will
accuse falsely and do anything to discredit. How many
will remain faithful and endure to the time of Christ's
Second Coming?
After much reading, studying, and praying I
had accepted the idea of divine revelation. And, though
never discussed specifically, the concept of revealed
Truth that could never be changed or altered took on a
special meaning to me. I lived with the absolute
conviction that the Truth had been given to him and that
it could not, nor ever would, be changed. From my study
of God's Word I knew that revealed Truth was absolute.
A particular incident at this juncture may
prove helpful. I had read extensively from my youth.
Over the following years I had read conflicting material
indicating the year of the death, burial, and
resurrection of Christ to be as early as 28
A.D. and
even as late as 34
A.D. Yet,
Mr. Armstrong was saying emphatically it was 31
A.D. I
went to Mr. Armstrong asking about his strong emphasis
on 31 a .d.
I asked what reference he had used. It turned out he had
not gotten his date from any reference work. Yet, he
emphatically insisted, the correct date is 31
A.D. Being very technically and scholastically
oriented, I was troubled. Accepting anything on the
basis of faith or revelation was incredibly difficult.
Yet, somehow I knew the message he was proclaiming was
unique. I could not turn away from it. I accepted what
was proclaimed knowing God would not leave me in
darkness forever. To my surprise, several months later
Mr. Hermann L. Hoeh came to me with a German book which
listed all the astronomical dates for that period of
time. Sure enough, the only year in the span of time
mentioned above, which contained both an eclipse and a
great earthquake at that time of the year was 31
A.D. As
corroboration of the miraculous nature of the event,
several years later, a member came to me explaining that
the eclipse which occurred could only be miraculous.
Why? Let the Interpreter's Bible explain:
"Matthew omits the statement of Mark 15:25 that Jesus
was crucified at the third hour (i.e., 9
a.m.), but appears to presuppose it. The sixth
hour is noon and the ninth hour about 3
p.m. The
Gospel of Peter [possibly a New Testament apocryphal
Gospel] 5:15 reads, 'It was noon and darkness gripped
all Judea.' We therefore probably should translate all
the land, not all the earth. Luke 23:45 explains the
phenomenon as an eclipse. An eclipse is astronomically
impossible during paschal full moon, but the evangelists
think of a mighty miracle." Volume 7, page 107. In any
event, the darkness which covered a significant part of
the known world would not have gone unnoticed. It was
classified as an eclipse. The factors involved
corroborate the veracity of Mr. Armstrong's conviction
that the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ
occurred in 31
A.D. Further, it was a huge confidence builder to
me. What I had been forced to accept in faith was now
demonstrable technically. How merciful God is to His
chosen when acceptable fear, respect for His Word, and
required faith are manifested!
Of imperative significance is this: When the
apostasy of 1972-74—incidentally occurring in individual
doctrines even before 1972—occurred, only fear of God
Himself, and faith in that which had been revealed were
sufficient to keep one from faltering and losing
confidence in what was believed and practiced.
There is always confidence in numbers. After
core doctrines began to be compromised, there was no
minister or organization who adhered to the doctrine
originally taught by Mr. Armstrong from the beginning. I
can say that with considerable assurance for I had
diligently looked. All had accepted any change the
church advanced, or they simply accepted their own
interpretations of the Bible. As difficult as it was, I
felt I had no option but to act in faith on that which I
had always believed.
The concept of divine revelation was the
bedrock factor upon which my faith and loyalty to God
stood during the apostasy of 1973–74. More on that
subject later.
Secondary Issues
Over the years, during the time of college
and my first years of the ministry, certain issues which
I thought to be of lesser significance came up. These
were issues generated by college students, the doctrinal
committee, and other groups that violated the original
teaching of Mr. Armstrong. An example was that of duck
meat. Mr. Armstrong had, due to his own experience,
always taught that duck meat was unclean. Since that was
the original teaching of Mr. Armstrong, I would not
accept the change. Divine revelation cannot change. What
seemed logical to me—divine revelation—appeared to have
little meaning or relevance to others. Periodically,
major, as well as lesser doctrines were challenged. I
had no idea then how these seemingly insignificant
issues would surface decades later to expose those who
did not truly accept the concept of divine revelation
after all.
Although the subject of Pentecost had become
sensitive and divisive even in the 1940s the intensity
of the subject was growing in the latter '40s and was
also geographically spreading. Unrest had developed in
as diverse areas as San Antonio, Texas; Wichita, Kansas;
Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; as well as
Eugene, Oregon. Satan was intensely at work. He hated
the real truth about Pentecost. An alarming effort was
made to destroy the fledgling church before trained and
loyal ministers could be sent to the growing number of
areas across the United States where the Truth was
taking root. For a number of reasons, I was chosen by
Mr. Armstrong, even before ordination, to go out to
these troubled areas and quell the unrest about
Pentecost. These defensive measures took me to Portland,
Oregon for a year—prior to graduation. My matriculation
from college was postponed for one year. These
assignments necessitated my understanding the arguments
being advanced as well as the premise of divine
revelation and the proofs for a Monday Pentecost the
church had taught over the years. To this array of
weapons I had added a couple of technical arguments
which to me were very potent. One was the nature of the
Hebrew count (See our article, Why a Monday
Pentecost?).
What became evident to me, after working with
a number of agitated members was this: Once people fall
into an argumentative spirit, no longer manifesting a
pliable and teachable spirit, all the arguments in the
world will not change them. Once there exists a failure
to recognize the servant commissioned and the fear of
God is lost, the love of revealed truth once heard,
accepted, and believed fades, and they cannot be taught.
The historical time is irrelevant. How many challenged
the Apostle Paul? How many refused to accept Christ as
the Son of God, the One prophesied to come? Yet, even
the contentious of any given time, to justify the self,
will look back and claim a superior orientation (Matthew
23:29–31; 12:28–41).
College Graduation
The first graduation of students from
Ambassador College occurred in 1951. As mentioned
earlier, I completed my final term the following year in
1952. Though a very limited number of graduates those
first years, it was a beginning of a ministry that
supported and was loyal to Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong.
Beginning from that point in time ministers, writers,
and administrative people assumed assigned
responsibilities. With such personnel in place it was
not long before much of the unrest which had existed for
a number of years began to subside. The church grew—in
power and influence and in numbers of people who were
added to the membership list. Peace, harmony, and a
feeling of purpose seemed to prevail everywhere. God
truly was blessing His prophesied "work" of the last
days (Matthew 28:19–20). The message (gospel) was going
out to the people and the called sheep were being fed.
New churches were being established in areas
across the United States. In fact, the forward thrust
seemed unstoppable. On baptizing tours hundreds were
being added to the body. Such trips made a personalized
observation possible. People everywhere were listening
to the abundance of radio programs available across the
country, reading the literature, and studying the
Correspondence Course. As those making the baptismal
tours observed, the program was widely heard at gasoline
service stations, in restaurants, and elsewhere. Most
geographic sections of the country literally were
blanketed with the sound of "The World Tomorrow"
broadcast.
Growth was everywhere. College classes were
expanding. The number of students had increased
dramatically from the foundation of four who attended in
1947. Some of the original men had already been in
positions of responsibility for a couple of years. Mr.
Armstrong deemed an ordination ceremony necessary.
Ordination 1952
On December 20, 1952, in Pasadena,
California, Mr. Armstrong decided to ordain seven
evangelists. The phenomenal growth had made the
selection and assignment of specific men essential.
Those men were Herman L. Hoeh, Richard Armstrong, Dr. C.
Paul Meredith, Rod Meredith, Marion McNair, Raymond
McNair, and Raymond C. Cole. All assumed assigned
responsibility immediately following this ordination. A
number of years later most of those seven with the
addition of a few others were given vice-presidential
offices. For the most part, those offices were held
until the problematic years of 1972–74. During that
period of time so many lateral moves were made, men left
the church, and other circumstances occurred, it would
be difficult to give any accurate assessment of what was
what. For the most part utter chaos reigned. The once
glorious Church of God had virtually ceased to exist,
being replaced by a tragic array of splinter groups all
doing whatever seemed right to them. What was the
underlying fabric that produced this chaotic condition?
1972-74
In 1972 a major reshuffling of personnel
within the church had begun. What was obvious to a
number of men was this: There were two different, and
for the most part opposing, sources of authority. The
result was fear, distrust, resentment, and acts of
rebellion. Few, if any, were attempting to understand
just what was happening in the church.
At the same time all this reshuffling was
transpiring, serious questions had surfaced about a
number of doctrines. These doctrines were being
challenged by laymembers as well as ministers. A couple
of prominent doctrines, among the many being questioned,
were Pentecost and divorce and remarriage. This turmoil
had prompted Mr. Armstrong to rewrite completely the old
booklet on the subject of divorce and remarriage. That
new booklet published in 1973 confirmed and magnified
the original revelation. The publication of this booklet
created further, and even more intense, opposition from
many people—laymembers and ministers. The result was the
creation of a new doctrinal committee—made up of
evangelists, college instructors, and other better-known
headquarters personnel. Overheard frequently were a
couple of troubling concepts. They were: 1) "If you can
prove anything once you can prove it again." and 2)
"Every doctrine of the church was subject to a
'reproving'." These were very troubling concepts to me.
I could only reflect back over the traumatic years of
1948 and 1949. Troubling though the orientation was, I
settled myself confidently with the mental assurance Mr.
Herbert W. Armstrong would not acquiesce to any pressure
for change. After all, had he not insisted on divine
revelation in 1948 and 1949?
Since there were a considerable number of
doctrines seriously questioned, where was the committee
to begin? Heard quite frequently on campus was the
sentiment, the deliberations should begin with Pentecost
because it was the subject most frequently questioned
and the fact that many members did not even at that time
agree with the keeping of Monday—rather many were
already either secretly observing a Sunday Pentecost or
were very desirous of seeing a change made officially.
It was settled. The first subject to be "reproved" was
Pentecost—on which day, Monday or Sunday, was it to be
observed?
I (Raymond Cole), being in these meetings,
heard nothing that could be considered technical proof
for keeping a Sunday. Please recall for a moment, I was
sent out earlier to deal with a number of argumentative
people regarding Pentecost. I had heard several
different arguments which members believed justified
their attitude regarding the subject. Interestingly, in
the committee meetings, I heard not one presumed fact
which I had not heard in those contacts made earlier.
Mr. Armstrong did not make the decision to change
Pentecost on the basis of new technical information.
There was none given. All information presented was that
which some of the ministers, at least, had heard over
the months. What surfaced was a question on the accuracy
of the translation of Leviticus 23:15, "And ye shall
count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from
the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering;
seven sabbaths shall be complete:" The emphasis centered
on the word "from." Was it to be a part of the count, or
was it excluded? In the length and breadth of the
meetings little, if any, emphasis was given to divine
revelation. But, plenty of scorn was heaped upon Mr.
Armstrong. He was not a student, they said. They felt
his grasp of history and languages was at best, very
limited. The orientation of the discussion was totally
"technical." Revelation was relegated to the trash bin.
Considering the premise of the review, it was
not shocking that most involved with the committee
favored a change from Monday to Sunday. Based on the
considerable number of statements made at Bible Studies
in Pasadena, to me personally, and other comments over
the months, I was absolutely convinced Mr. Armstrong
would not favor or allow the change. However, accepting
the statement of a translation "expert" that the "from"
probably should have been translated as part of the
count, he sent word back from overseas where he was at
the time, that he would accept the change.
I was shocked beyond belief. What happened to
divine revelation?
I, knowing that revelation does not counter
the technicality of God's Word, with the aid of another
individual, set out to prove that Monday was still the
correct day. That work forms the basis of a number of
our articles on the subject of Pentecost. Without doubt
Monday is the correct day for Pentecost—both on the
basis of divine revelation, and the technicality of that
which is written. In all cases true and honest research
substantiates and supports divine revelation much the
same way miracles confirm the truth and work of God.
"And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord
working with them, and confirming the word with signs
following. Amen" (Mark 16:20).
True to earlier plans, no sooner had the
announcement been made regarding the change of Pentecost
with its ensuing trauma and shock waves, than
arrangements were being made to address the next
issue—the doctrine of divorce and remarriage. I was
called at our home in Coquille, Oregon, and asked to
continue making my weekly flights back to Pasadena. I
refused, saying to the party who had called, "I am not
willing to be a part of the dismantling of church
doctrine." I did not want to be identified with any
changes of the doctrine. Regardless, the meetings
continued. In a matter of days vibes were overheard
indicating major changes were coming in the doctrine on
divorce and remarriage. But I had heard nothing
personally.
Since the new auditorium was slated for
completion in May of 1974, the ministerial conference
that year was postponed until May. That year the college
graduation was scheduled for early May. Since our older
daughter, Lynn, was slated to graduate, Myra and I drove
from Oregon to Pasadena for both the graduation ceremony
and the ministerial meeting. For the conference, nearly
every minister, elder, and even some lead men in church
areas had been flown into Pasadena. Something definitely
was in the making. There were, according to my best
recall, about 700 men and their wives present for the
opening session. The first order of business was the
dedication of the newly constructed Ambassador College
Auditorium. With these celebratory events out of the
way, the conference quickly turned sober and
anticipatory. Nearly everyone was deeply concerned about
projected doctrinal decisions. The anticipated day came.
Mr. H.W. Armstrong began attempting to explain the
proposed change for the doctrine of divorce and
remarriage. He could not do it. He quickly yielded the
floor to his son. You are aware of the information
distributed. Succinctly, the conclusion was that many
marriages were never marriages and that divorce was
acceptable.
To say the least, I was stunned. The
preparatory work of the committee had already been
written, duplicated, and distributed to all the
ministers with the exception of myself. I heard the
conclusion for the first time in that fateful meeting.
So shocked was I that I experienced one of the severest
headaches of my life—for some three days. It was
incredulous. I could not believe my ears. The thought
flashed through my mind, "Now nothing will be restrained
from them." The way was paved. Doctrine after doctrine
will fall at the hands of those who had no love for the
truth. I knew my days within Worldwide Church of God
were limited.
After the conference ended, our daughter,
Lynn, having graduated, Myra and I packed up and
returned to Coquille. Before leaving Pasadena, however,
knowing I could no longer remain in Worldwide, I made a
couple of efforts to terminate gracefully my ministerial
relationship with the church. I could find no one who
would accept my offer. Instead, I was strongly
encouraged to go back to Coquille and just continue my
Sabbatic. This we did. But I was not satisfied. I knew
it was only a matter of time until my location would be
uncovered and I would receive letters, cards, and
telephone calls asking for explanations about what was
happening to the church. How accurate I was in my hunch
soon became evident. For a brief period of time, I spent
as much as fifteen to eighteen hours a day on the phone.
The calls were coming from many areas across the United
States, and around the world. Initially I did not have
real answers to give to the people. I was not sure what
was occurring myself. But, I told the people, if they
would be patient, I would find the Biblical answer and
would send my findings to them. This was the beginning
of a series of studies which I felt would answer the
myriad questions being asked by troubled, confused, and
angry members. The material from those exhaustive
studies formed the basis of much of the literature of
Church of God, The Eternal.
At the same time I was doing this study, Myra
and I were still driving from Coquille to Eugene—and at
times even Portland—to attend services on Sabbaths and
Holy Days. We did not know what else to do. For sure, I
did not intend to make a move without adequate
information on which to base my decisions.
As the study progressed, the picture of
last-day events began to emerge. We were seeing the
prophesied apostasy ("falling away") of 2 Thessalonians
2:3. Yet, it was further apparent, those prophesied
events did not all occur at the same time—a period of
time is involved. We know that fact because the Second
Coming of Christ has not occurred. That event is the
termination of the prophecy of Second Thessalonians two.
Since that event has not occurred the conditions and
problems leading up to its reality are still ongoing.
There are several Biblical texts which address these
times and conditions through which the called of God
must pass before the return of Christ. These texts had
been brought together forming a "road map" by which to
observe all past, present, and future activities in the
Church and among groups made up of former members. Since
these texts are prophecies inspired of God's Holy Spirit
it soon became amazing, and even alarming, to observe
the accuracy and meaning unfold.
Meetings: Eugene
and Portland
For years I had served the people in both
Eugene and Portland. I knew the people—the sheep—well.
Out of frustration, doubt, and even fear, hundreds were
seeking answers. I had made several trips speaking to
families and groups who had asked me to explain events,
and changes, which were occurring. Inevitably the day
came when several wanted to formalize our independent
and personalized meetings. They wanted to arrange for a
place to meet where all who were troubled could come
together to hear and understand and to fellowship with
one another. I was very reluctant at first. No man has a
"right" to create a separate entity—a body of followers
for himself. In my exhaustive study to understand the
events of the last days, I had uncovered an abundance of
evidence that a number of ministers of these last days
would carve out a following for themselves espousing
their unique brands of dogma. Plainly God says they are
doing what seems right to themselves, but He further
says, "I did not send them" (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13,
Ezekiel 34, others).
Through the weeks and months of intensive
study which had been undertaken, it was obvious that
those who willed to remain faithful to the revealed
doctrine could not continue to fellowship with those who
had departed from that truth. That factor was clearly
understood. But, what was I supposed to do? I was very
familiar with Christ's warning against hirelings. Now I
was between a rock and a hard place. I did not dare
establish a work of my own. Only God has the right to
establish and commission a work. On the other hand, I
did not dare forsake my ministerial duty. It is
absolutely impossible for me to put in written form the
fearful trauma which I experienced during that period of
time.
The Test
Many people here in Oregon, and across the
country continued to urge me to speak, write, and
publish my convictions. They were troubled, confused,
and deeply distressed. I wanted to help them with the
knowledge I was gaining from very intensive
studies—backed with much praying, and beseeching of God.
As strong as the desire to serve was, I was still more
concerned about taking any action unauthorized by God.
Anyone who really takes the time to study God's Word and
allow it to sink down deep in heart—fearfully respecting
it—knows he cannot legitimately appropriate office or
assume a commission to do a work. Any such activity must
come from God. It must be His Work. He alone calls, and
commissions.
In my studying I had uncovered the fact that
there not only was an emphatic statement by Christ that
He and the message which He taught would continue until
He returned, but that the body—the church—would go
apostate and only a remnant would remain faithful. That
discovery gave me considerable courage and hope. I knew
that God had Himself indicated there would be a remnant.
One small group who would remain loyal to the original
teachings of Christ. I had already come to understand
and truly appreciate the fact the message which Christ
taught would be proclaimed by someone just prior to His
Second Coming (Matthew 28:19–20).
But, all the above did not completely solve
the problem of what I was required to do. In desperation
I had decided to pull a Gideon. I, in my prayers, told
God if He really wanted me to serve His people, if He
would send members from both Eugene and Portland the
following Sabbath, I would consider that an indication
it was His will for me to serve them. (All previous
contacts were made by my driving to Eugene and
Portland.) That following Sabbath I was amazed to see
the arrival of carloads of people from both areas.
The Church Forms
Based on my understanding that a remnant only
would continue to exist until the return of Christ, I
was adamant about the fact we were not a separate
group—only estranged brethren. Our lawyer was informed
of this concept at the time of incorporation. He
personally told me he understood exactly what I was
saying.
Before the actual incorporation I had
addressed in prayer a couple of things with God. Being
aware of the apostasy of the church in the last days and
seeing and hearing the anguish, sorrow, and fear
generated by those changes, I had attempted to impress
upon God—and perhaps myself—the desire and fact no
future departure or change would be accepted or
permitted within the body of Biblical doctrine which had
been revealed. I simply could not see myself allowing
the people to go through once again what they had
already experienced. Little did I realize, at that
juncture, just how clever our archenemy, Satan, really
is. Nearly every act of kindness and concern for others
can be perverted, twisted to defame and ridicule. What
was even more shocking was the willingness of those who
professed to believe the truth to accept and believe the
lying perversions which were being circulated. May God
be merciful to them. It is not my purpose here to be
specific—using names and other indicative material. On
the contrary only concepts and principle will be
addressed.
No Work
Based on three distinct concepts, I was very
much aware that the creation of a "work" was contrary to
the will of God. First, all early ministers had been
taught and knew well no individual has a right to
appropriate to himself a "work." Only those called of
God and divinely commissioned are authorized to perform
such a work. Such a work must be of God. Does He not
have the right to call and commission whom He pleases?
Secondly, several ministers and other men had left the
church and were attempting to perform a "work." The
result was bedlam—a world of confusion. Anyone listening
to them would have been made to wonder. On the surface
all seemed to sound pretty much the same. Yet, each was
stoutly inferring he is the only right one. And now that
"time" has passed, several of these supposed "works" are
defunct. Did God fail? Or, was this failure merely an
evidence of an initial presumption on the part of those
who believed themselves to be doing a work? Further,
where is the indication, Biblically, that a major work
by a chosen servant would follow the apostasy
prognosticated for these last days? Are not these
conditions, perhaps, part of the reason for the concise
and powerful statement of Christ, "This gospel shall be
preached unto all the world and then shall the end
come"? Being objective about the matter, it seems almost
impossible, if not absolutely impossible, for any man to
proclaim successfully the gospel message during these
traumatic and perverse days. Is it possible that is a
part of the reason for the fact that message will be
proclaimed by the two witnesses who are yet to come on
the scene and for the fact a mighty angel must yet
proclaim the everlasting gospel? Add to the above the
fact Israel in captivity will contribute to the
proliferation of that message.
The third reason we did not establish a
"work" is found in the prophetic condemnation of some
presumptive individuals who appropriate to themselves
works in the last days (Ezekiel 13 and Jeremiah
23—prophecies for the last days).
Where God wills to establish a work, backed
by His power and authority, it will occur and it will
accomplish the purpose for which it was established.
All presumed "works" today are pathetic.
Further, for the most part the original message is not
being proclaimed. What God accomplished through His
end-time servant, Mr. H. W. Armstrong, was
awe-inspiring. He spoke the same message that Christ
taught. The same message that the Twelve Apostles
taught. The same message which the Apostle Paul taught.
That message was exactly the same as God gave to Moses.
Compare the following: Hebrews 4:1–2, John 12:47–50,
John 5:43–47 and Matthew 28:19–20. How many of those who
had appropriated themselves the commission of a work
were proclaiming the same message Mr. Armstrong
initially taught?
My Promise to God
After nearly eighteen months of study many
concepts became very plain. The faithful who had come
through the apostasy of Second Thessalonians two were
under obligation to remain faithful to that which Mr.
Armstrong had taught initially. What God had revealed to
him was truth. It would not be compromised, changed or
altered in any way. In my feeble way, I had tried to
assure God that if He willed that I help these confused
and troubled sheep, I would not deviate from that way of
life which had been proclaimed first to Adam, then
Moses, the prophets, Christ, the apostles—including
Paul, and finally to a chosen servant in these very last
days. The Bible is a historical chronicle of man's
failure to remain faithful to any charge or
responsibility given. Being deeply convicted by this
undeniable fact, I personally did not want to see my
name added to the list of unfaithful servants. There was
absolutely no one else across the country, and to my
knowledge around the world, who was even attempting to
adhere to the truths revealed and taught by God's
end-time servant. I had attempted to find someone who
still believed and practiced what we had believed and
taught for nearly forty years. There were other groups,
but, not one which was still practicing the revealed
truth. That fact of itself was a grievous shock to me. I
remember wondering, "Did anyone believe the truth over
the years?" I later realized there were individuals
isolated and scattered across the United States and
around the world who still believed. What a joy to find
each one.
At the same time I became aware of a few
small groups usually rallying around either some favored
concept or some specific individual. None faithful to
the Truth which all had originally believed and
preached. It was amazing to me how quickly "the called"
can lose conviction. But it was not long before I was
forced to face firsthand the fickleness of such members.
Back to my promise to God. In my
prayers—seeking both the will and substantiation of
God—I had expressed my determination to remain faithful
to God. I knew what I had accepted was the Truth of God.
I knew, also, truth cannot change. That basic concept
was driven home while in my first years of college.
Though I had no broad concept of what the future held
for me, I knew I did not want to mislead anyone. Knowing
that many hundreds would be calling, I felt compelled to
come to specific conclusions about the unalterable truth
and my relationship to it. I did not initially plan to
be a separate entity. In fact, I urgently tried to get
members to remain in the church but to be absolutely
faithful to the Truth which they had accepted at the
time of baptism. This effort proved futile in a matter
of weeks. Seemingly, people cannot remain faithful to
the Truth while at the same time abiding in a body which
is not teaching that way of life. Most either soon
accepted the perverted doctrine which was taught or they
simply disappeared from the Worldwide landscape
altogether. My efforts, consequently, seemed to be so
useless. Many calls coming yet, bundles of cards and
letters, but all efforts seemed to be of little value.
It was on the basis of the above I felt
compelled to present the test mentioned earlier. The
results were startling. I felt I had to help the people
in some way. So, if God wanted me to be a servant of the
people, I was willing to teach them and to set an
example of faithfulness in my own life. Earlier God had
made it very clear He did not intend for me to go back
into the field of construction. I had tried that avenue
because I did not want anyone to say, legitimately, that
I went into the ministry for a paycheck. I had enough
training growing up so that I knew I could make a living
in this world on my own. To make the story short, God
had other plans. He made the fact plain in short order.
Based on that experience, along with other
circumstances, I laid out the test mentioned earlier.
Being very fearful of going contrary to the will of God,
I made every effort to see His hand and direction before
proceeding. I was convinced God gave His approval. I,
therefore, was willing to step out in faith. If God sent
the "sheep," I would serve them. I had come to the
conclusion no one was authorized to do a traditional
"work." But, I felt comfortable doing that work
mentioned by John (John 6:29). I wanted to shore up the
belief and faith of those who had been called but were
shattered by their recent experiences.
Challenges From
the Beginning
Only by experience do we at times learn hard
but necessary lessons. I have always desired to take
people at face value. I assumed, therefore, that anyone
who came to us did so for honorable purposes—with a
sincere desire to help the scattered and traumatized
sheep. How wrong I was! Almost from the beginning, some
ministers and other more prominent men in the last days
of Worldwide, before the apostasy, came, with
conflicting purposes. All, over the years, came with
exalted opinions of their "rights," ideas of position
and authority, and conflicting ideas of what God had
revealed as His doctrine for these last days. The
expression I heard all too frequently was "we are all
equal." I was troubled by these comments. But, please
remember I was, due to fear of and respect for God very
cautiously and gingerly feeling my way administratively.
Frequently I reminded myself, "I want only what God
wants. I want to be absolutely obedient to my God."
From all appearances, these men were not
interested in serving troubled sheep. They were more
interested in serving themselves. In every case a small
group was carved off from the body—a group formed
apparently to sustain that particular minister.
Tragically, with rare exceptions, these members were
left eventually to die spiritually. No wolf cares what
happens to the sheep. Through stealth and cunning he
separates out a manageable number for the kill. His
purpose is to use for his own evil gain.
The above scenario has been played out
several times in the last 25 years. There were those who
for personalized purposes came into the Church of God,
The Eternal, then after a brief period of time began a
subtle campaign to induce others to follow them. As
mentioned earlier, at the beginning of my endeavor to
serve and help people to understand what was happening
in the body which went apostate, there was not one other
person who stood for the truth which had been taught for
forty years. I say that reluctantly, but it is
absolutely true. I had carefully looked—even at some
groups which had already departed from Worldwide. I know
of none that had not compromised the Truth in some way.
Through my intense study to determine what was
happening, the knowledge of a "faith once delivered" had
become most apparent. In fact, that faith became a
foundational premise. As indicated of the Apostle Paul,
he said he had not attempted to build on any other man's
foundation (Romans 15:20). Having carefully looked at
differing activities across the nation, I knew there was
not another group who really believed and were still
practicing that truth which we all had believed,
accepted and practiced in the past. I had hoped deeply
there was such a group. I would far rather have found
someone who was already acting in faith. But, alas,
there was none.
The concept of the "faith once delivered"
became foundational to me. It was a foundation accepted
by no one else. Tragically, however, we have encountered
too many who have presumably accepted it initially only
to pervert, change, and/or argue about it years later.
They hang on to elements of the concept but in time
introduce changes and reinterpretations of their own
choosing. This is exactly what God said would happen. At
the present, we have seen four or five who made a
profession of believing, only to depart from the
revealed way of life under some perverted banner. With
the exception of the last departure which has just
recently occurred, the leaders of the rebellion from the
Truth have all suffered at the hands of God. They were
ill-fated. Prophecy makes it clear, even the last one
mentioned above, is destined to suffer at the hands of
God.
As previously mentioned, all who have
challenged the verity and authenticity of this fledgling
activity have claimed equality. All wanted equality, but
only in areas they coveted—position, power, and
recognition. I found no one who earnestly sought to
perform more of the work, for opportunities to make
greater and greater sacrifices for the members. It is
significantly apparent God has allowed these spurious
activities for reason (1 Corinthians 11:19, 2
Thessalonians 2:6–12). If we cannot be faithful and
loyal to a way of faith given to us, how can we qualify
to be His servant rulers in His Kingdom?
Our Purpose
Remains Unaltered
What God gave to Moses, He gave to Christ.
What Christ taught to the apostles, He commissioned them
to proclaim in their designated areas. What Christ and
the apostles taught was the same as was revealed to
Paul. And what all those servants taught is exactly what
was given to an end-time servant (Matthew 28:19–20). For
those who will hear, our purpose is to honor and
proclaim that same way of life—the faith once delivered.
In that way is found no part of the way given to
Gentiles—people of the world (Deuteronomy 12:1–3;
4:1–40, Acts 14:16). We want the ways of God. We are not
interested in any of the traditions or customs of this
world. God's servant of these last days at no time made
the pagan customs of this world a part of the doctrine.
The spirit which introduces change, and/or a relaxation
of the doctrine is as much at work today as it was in
the past. The called of God must be on guard
incessantly. That spirit is a deceiver. He will do
anything to destroy.
One concluding observation seems to be
necessary. Those who believed and loved the Truth of God
have remained strong, loyal, and faithful. On the other
hand, it seems that everyone who was "argued" into
acceptance of the "faith once delivered" has failed
ultimately. It, indeed, seems like God is separating
those who believe and love the Truth from those who must
surely have accepted only on the basis of their own
personal intellectual prowess.
Conclusion
Satan and his demons hate the ways of God.
They will do anything to disrupt, challenge, and
destroy. Such behavior is a manifestation of who and
what the true people of God are all about. They
persecuted Christ. In like manner they will do the same
thing to those in whom Christ lives. The faithful of God
will count it a privilege to suffer for the cause of
righteousness. They will be persecuted and lied about
with abandon, but these chosen children of God will know
who they are. They love the Truth and will for no cause
allow themselves to turn from it. They are the ones who
will endure to the end.
Who are we? We are estranged members—a
remnant (Romans 9:27–33; 11:1–5, Isaiah 1:8–9,
Revelation 12:13–17)—from the apostate body (2
Thessalonians 2:1–3) who sincerely love God's revealed
Truth from the heart (2 Thessalonians 2:10), willing to
remain faithful to the end (Matthew 24:13). That Truth
which was taught by Christ (John 14:6; 12:48–50), that
Truth which Christ commissioned the Twelve Apostles to
teach (Matthew 28:20). Which was the same message taught
by the Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:6–16, 1 Thessalonians
2:12–14). Which was the same message taught by an
end-time servant (Matthew 28:19–20). Which had
significant beginning with Moses (Hebrews 4:1–3). The
Truth which is now obeyed from a spiritual premise (2
Corinthians 3:1–11).
These are the people that God's true ministry
desires to serve. It is our purpose to give you our
energy and our love.
