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An Open
Letter
From
Raymond C. Cole
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.
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