A new member letter was written by Edwin Pope, discussing true and false knowledge. The letter will be sent out this Friday. A copy of the letter can be found at https://www.eternalgod.org/lit/letters/.
A new StandingWatch program, titled, “The King of the South,” has been posted on the Web.
The final text of our new book, titled, “Jesus Christ — A Great Mystery!” was sent to Shelly Bruno, our graphic designer, for finalization.
The concept of “Church Eras” is derived from the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, reporting messages of Jesus Christ to the “seven angels” of the “seven churches.” Although these churches were quite literal congregations, they have also been understood as representing seven Church eras, beginning at the time of the early apostles and leading to the time of the return of Jesus Christ.
Note, for example, the following comments from the Ryrie Study Bible: “The 7 churches addressed in chapters 2 and 3 were actual churches of John’s day. But they also represent types of churches in all generations. This idea is supported… by the statement at the close of each letter that the Spirit was speaking to the churches.” This means, that all seven letters are warnings to every church in every age.
In addition, the Nelson Study Bible states: “The seven churches were congregations in Asia Minor in John’s day. Sometimes they are interpreted as representing seven stages of church history.” This commentary continues to state that this interpretation is “unlikely, since there is disagreement among interpreters about what part of Revelation represents which period in history.” It should be obvious, however, that this uncertainty cannot negate the possibility, per se, that those seven churches represent seven stages of history, or “Church Eras.”
The Church, under the direction of Herbert W. Armstrong, has been consistent in its teaching on this subject. Mr. Armstrong wrote in the Pastor’s Report, volume 2, number 23, dated June 26, 1978: “Let me tell you what I have always said for fifty years. Fifty years ago I was writing that the message to the seven angels of the seven churches in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation has a dual interpretation and meaning. Number one, it is telling of the seven successive eras or stages of time in the 1900-2000 year existence of the church. And number two, it is telling of the spiritual condition in the church during those eras. The account starts out with the Church of Ephesus and the predominant situation in the first and second century during and right after the days of the original Apostles.
“Laodicea had what will be the prevailing condition in the final church era: drowsy or asleep and lukewarm. And Christ is going to spue most of them out of His mouth.”
Later in this article, Mr. Armstrong said: “…I have said that the spiritual condition of which Laodicea is a type will dominate at the tail end, but I have also said that all of these conditions — all the way from Ephesus up to Laodicea, all seven — are present at all times in the church. But now [at the time he is writing this article] we in the Philadelphia era have the Laodicean condition… but we’re not Laodicea…”
“We also have the condition of Ephesus — we have lost our first love, and it’s time to get back to it. Every one of these conditions are in this church…”
“You know that this church (Philadelphia) is the only one of the seven that God doesn’t attribute any fault to. And yet, we are full of faults.”
Five full lessons of the 58 lesson Bible Correspondence Course were devoted to this subject of church eras. And in 1985, Mr. Armstrong published the book entitled “Mystery of the Ages.” In chapter 6, covering the “Mystery of the Church,” beginning on page 282, he begins the discussion of Revelation 2 & 3 relative to the seven church eras, and after discussing, briefly, the seven churches that existed in Asia Minor toward the end of the first century A.D., he begins showing that these seven messages to the churches were intended for a much wider audience than just the people of that day.
Mr. Armstrong then takes the next ten pages, from page 283 to the end of the chapter, discussing church history relative to the first six of the seven church eras, describing their history in some detail. In this chapter, Mr. Armstrong gives the name of the man God had put over each of these eras of the Church, and describes the weaknesses, the strengths, the accomplishments, and the failures of each era, in light of the prophecies of Revelation 2 & 3, as revealed by Jesus Christ to John, one of Christ’s apostles.
He explains that the Sabbath, the Holy Days, the name of the Church and the gospel of the Kingdom would be recognizable by those God is dealing with as these doctrines are handed down through the ages from one era to the next; beginning with the time of Christ right down to the time of the end.
He shows, in the time of the end, it is the Philadelphia era, primarily, and all who have the attitude of Philadelphia, that will be supernaturally protected during the time of the tribulation. And he shows that the Laodicean era, and all who have the attitude of Laodicea will have to suffer the wrath of Satan during that time period.
Mr. Armstrong pointed out in the Pastor’s Report noted above, on page 6, that “The Laodicean Church will be keeping the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus or they couldn’t be the Church of God. But they will be lukewarm and asleep.” It is for this reason that God will spew them out of His mouth, unless they repent!
This condition is also the condition we find in the world, today, relative to the Truth of God. That is one reason why God is going to intervene in the affairs of men. He is going to remove Satan as the ruler of this world and put Jesus Christ at the Head for one thousand years; and the Church at that time will be incorporated into and become a part of the very Government of God on the earth. It will literally become a part of the Family of God. And today, God is calling whom He will to be a part of the Family.
Interestingly, we know that those who have been called to this Way, who have been faithful, and who held fast to what was given to them until death, have been chosen by God to be in that Family. But the Scriptures in Revelation, chapters 2 & 3; particularly, Revelation 2:25 (“But hold fast what you have till I come”); Revelation 3:3 (“… you will not know what hour I will come upon you”); Revelation 3:10 (“I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world”); and Revelation 3:20 (“I stand at the door and knock.”) indicate that some members of these four eras will still be living on the earth at the time of Christ’s return. They must continue to “hold fast” till He comes. This too was taught in the Church under Mr. Armstrong’s leadership.
It is our understanding that the messages to the seven angels of the seven churches, in Revelation 2 and 3, address literal churches at the time of John; seven successive Church Eras, leading to the return of Christ; and spiritual attitudes and conditions in existence in the church at all times, and especially during those Church Eras.
As we read or watch the news, we cannot help being inundated with trials that have become a media circus — for example, those of Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and Kobe Bryant. In the recent past we have had the O.J. Simpson trial where we became intimately involved with every graphic detail, if we were so inclined. Every one had their opinion and many of the more prominent interest groups forcefully foisted their ideas as if to send a message to the court system. In the end O.J. was found innocent and guilty. He was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife and her boy friend in criminal court because of the criminal court’s inability to prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Yet in a civil trial, the jury found him to be liable for the same deaths, due to a less stringent standard for civil liability.
How can this be? Some chalk it up to issues of race, others money and fame, while still others claim it was to keep the peace. This can hardly be viewed as just reasons by which to judge a case or even at the very least mitigate its outcome. But this is what we have come to expect here in America and elsewhere. According to the Washington AP, “Some 60% of people polled said celebrities get treated better by the judicial system because they have a lot of money….”
Of course this is just the tip of the judicial system iceberg. At the other end of the spectrum there are those that cannot afford the price of justice. They can be saddled with an inexperienced or overworked public defender that does not have a vested interest in the verdict. Is this fair and just?
So when the Pledge of Allegiance, that most in the U.S. have recited hundreds of times, ends in a commitment to “justice for all,” there is a preponderance of evidence that this is not the case. Is man and his legal system capable of real justice now or ever? No, a thousand times a resounding NO! Isaiah 59:4, 7-10 states, “No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity… Their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; Wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; Whoever takes that way shall not know peace. Therefore justice is far from us, Nor does righteousness overtake us; We look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness! We grope for the wall like the blind, And we grope as if we had no eyes; We stumble at noonday as at twilight; We are as dead men in desolate places.”
It is not within man to govern himself. The Good News Bible captures the essence of Romans 8:7 when it states, “And so people become enemies of God when they are controlled by their human nature; for they do not obey God’s law, and in fact they cannot obey it.” If men pull solely from their own understanding then the result is what we have today; a system that is biased and more concerned with procedure than impartiality and what is truly right and wrong.
“There is a way which seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12, World English Bible). It is not just those in the legal system but it is also those that we may come across on a day-to-day basis; their ways come up short. They may be sincere, but in the end they are sincerely wrong.
What is the answer then to this seemingly overwhelming problem? It is to replace the carnality of who and what we are with that which is of God. Through His Holy Spirit and the keeping of His Word and His Laws, this can be accomplished. If we truly do have God’s Holy Spirit working in us then we will be striving to be just in our every action… and we should be.
We know that God’s Spirit is not being given to everyone at this time, but the good news is that there is a time coming shortly when true and fair justice will abound. It will be when Christ returns and sets up the Kingdom and Government of God as it is prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” The upcoming Feast of Tabernacles is the annual reminder of this impending Kingdom and Government. For more information on this please refer to our web site at http://eternalgod.org/feast/index.html and our booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”
During this millennial reign, God’s Holy Spirit will abound and be poured out like a river of living water. His laws and ways will be written in our minds and hearts replacing the carnality that currently exists. It is then and only then that we will have justice for all.
On Saturday, August 21, 2004, Dave Harris will be giving the sermon, titled, “The Greatest of These.”
While we are still completing our review of our soon-to-be-released new book, “Jesus Christ–A Great Mystery,” a new booklet on Tithing has been written and entered the first review cycle this week.
This is important to understand, and the Bible reveals Who Jesus Christ is and by what name we should address Him. Peter, in speaking before the Sanhedrin in defense of healing a lame man, said: “‘let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole'” (Acts 4:10). Continuing in verse 12: “‘Nor is there salvation in any other, for there in no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'”
At another time, Peter again taught the power and significance of Jesus Christ.
This time, he was addressing the Gentile household of Cornelius, and he explained about Jesus in this way: “‘To Him all the prophets witness that, THROUGH HIS NAME, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins'” (Acts 10:43).
Indeed, the Old Testament speaks of the coming of the Messiah (Compare Daniel 9:25-26), and it also tells something about Him through the name that was to be given to Him: “‘Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL'” (Isaiah 7:14). Immanuel literally means, “God with us!”
From the “Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible” (Herbert Lockyer, Senior Editor), we find this explanation: “The word MESSIAH comes from a Hebrew term that means ‘ANOINTED ONE.’ Its Greek counterpart is CHRISTOS, from which the word CHRIST comes. Messiah was one of the titles used by early Christians to describe who Jesus was (emphasis added).”
Just as in the Old Testament many names were applied to God, so in the New Testament various names, or titles, were used that pertained to the Messiah.
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, and he told her that she would be the one to bear the Messiah: “Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall CALL HIS NAME JESUS. He will be great, and will be CALLED THE SON OF THE HIGHEST; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end'” (Luke 1:30-33). In answering Mary’s question as to how this birth would occur, “…the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, the Holy One who is to be born will be CALLED THE SON OF GOD'” (verse 35).
When this announcement was given to Mary, she was betrothed to Joseph — that is, she was engaged to him. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to reassure him. He said of Mary: “‘And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall CALL HIS NAME JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins'” (Matthew 1:21). Continuing in verses 24 and 25: “Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he CALLED HIS NAME JESUS.”
We also find this testimony in Luke 2:21: “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, HIS NAME WAS CALLED JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.”
To understand the meaning of the name Jesus, let’s again refer to what the angel said to Joseph: “‘…and you shall call His name Jesus [margin: “Lit. SAVIOR”], for He will save His people from their sins'” (Matthew 1:21). In this instance, the angel instructs Joseph as to what to name the Child, and he also defines what the name “Jesus” means. In the Old Testament, the name Joshua also similarly means “Jehovah-saved.” It is quite likely that the Greek transliterated word Jesus has arisen from the Hebrew form of Joshua — the name that most Hebrew speaking Jews would have used at the time of the Messiah’s earthly life.
During His ministry Jesus was called RABBI (TEACHER) by both those who were His disciples (compare John 1:38) and by those who did not truly accept Him for Who He was (compare Matthew 22:34-36).
Following His resurrection, we find that one of the disciples made this statement of Jesus: “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My LORD and my GOD!'” (John 20:28). Several times Jesus is referred to as “Lord,” and that conveys the sense of “MASTER” in relation to Christ being the sovereign Creator and Redeemer (compare John 1:1-4). Lord may also serve as a polite term of address meaning “Sir.”
Note how Peter concluded his powerful witness on the Day of Pentecost: “‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both LORD and CHRIST'” (Acts 2:36). Even at the very conclusion of the Book of Revelation, we find this statement: “The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21).
The Roman ruler Pilate did something that gives us more understanding concerning how we are to address the Messiah: “Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (John 19:19). What Pilate did was to write this title in more than one language: “Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in HEBREW, GREEK, AND LATIN” (John 19:20). The significance of this deed is also reflected in the miraculous events surrounding the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. The crowd that was assembled there were from many countries, but they all heard the disciples of Jesus speaking in their own native tongues — not just Hebrew, or Aramaic, or Greek, or Latin. In verse 11 of Acts 2, this testimony is given: “‘…we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.'”
Those other languages would have also included appropriate names for Jesus Christ. These people understood what they heard.
When Saul, later to be named Paul, was called, Jesus revealed Himself to him. Saul asked: “‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I AM JESUS, whom you are persecuting…'” (Acts 9:5).
Even the demonic world knows about the Messiah. “Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, ‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, JESUS OF NAZARETH? Did You come to destroy us? I KNOW WHO YOU ARE — THE HOLY ONE OF GOD!'” (Mark 1:23-24). Another incident involved the seven sons of Sceva who tried to exorcise an evil spirit. Here is the response: “And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?'” (Acts 19:15).
There are also those who use the name of Jesus Christ in false ways even today. Jesus gave one of the major warnings for the end of this age: “‘For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many”‘” (Matthew 24:5). Jesus also warned about those who think that they are doing things in Christ’s name — that is, in ways which He approves: “‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you: depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”‘” (Matthew 7:21-23).
As we can see from the foregoing, using the name of Jesus Christ must be with His approval.
We see that the Father of glory — God — has seated the Lord Jesus Christ at His own right hand “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21). Note, also, this statement from Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him THE NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that EVERY TONGUE should confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father.”
In the last days of this age, Jesus promised His help and protection to those who truly recognize Who He is. In Revelation 3, verse 8, we find this promise of hope from Jesus Christ: “‘I know your works, See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, AND HAVE NOT DENIED MY NAME.'” Continuing in verse 10: “‘Because you have kept MY COMMAND to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.'”
Then, in Revelation 3:12: “‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and I will write on him My new name.'”
How we address the Messiah must be based on our understanding of Who He is and what He represents. His name gives us access to the Father and to answered prayers! Whatever language we may speak, we must come to recognize the preeminence of Jesus Christ in our lives. Finally, whether we refer to Christ as the Messiah, Jesus, Christ, Jesus Christ, Lord, God, Son of God, Master, Teacher, King, Savior, or any number of other names and titles that the Word of God applies to Him, we must understand the deep meaning conveyed with these expressions, and we must back up all that we do by making certain that we are doing the will of our Father in heaven!
On Saturday, August 14, 2004, Norbert Link will be giving the sermon, titled, “… in Heaven.”
Before answering this question specifically, let us briefly review why children are being adopted. Adoption in this day and age is usually done because the couple do not have children of their own and want to raise one or more children, or, if they do have their own children, they wish to add to the family fold. This last possibility requires the co-operation of the other children, since it will impact them. In addition, single parents may also want to adopt children. An unfortunate modern trend is for homosexuals and lesbians to adopt children, bringing them up to accept their “alternative lifestyle,” which is clearly condemned by God in the Bible, for instance, in Romans 1:24-27. This unbiblical development only compounds the problem by the social acceptance and proliferation of more deviant sexual behavior. (You may want to read, in this context, our article in the World News Headlines section on “Germany’s Homosexuals.”)
We are addressing in this answer a “normal” adoption by heterosexual families who live in a God-ordained way. Even then, adoption is a life-long commitment, as well as a legal requirement, to care for, love, feed, nurture and educate children for the duration they are at home, and after they leave home, to continue to love them and to treat them as their own, including providing for them via an inheritance in one’s will. Therefore, if approved by Scripture, a decision to adopt children must never be taken lightly. It requires, in any event, a life-long commitment. It would have to be based on the financial ability, emotional commitment and responsibility to raise, educate and care for the adopted children.
We would like to say, in passing, that this, of course, is true as well for one’s natural children. To bring children into the world, perhaps as a result of temporary sexual “adventures,” is totally irresponsible. If it happens, though, abortion is NOT a solution (For more information, please read our free booklet, “Are You Already Born Again?”). In such a case, perhaps adoption of the child by caring adults might be an option.
Let us see what the Bible says about adoption.
Many Bible translations, for example, the Authorized Version, the New King James Bible, the ASV, the FLS (a French translation), the LITV and the MKJV, include five places, where the word “adoption” is used. The original Greek word (“huiothesia”) is defined by “The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible,” under # 5206, as: “… the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (fig. Chr. sonship in respect to God): -adoption (of children, of sons).” The ALT version adds: “the formal and legal declaration that we are His children.”
The Scriptures in question are (using the rendering of the New King James Bible):
(1) Romans 8:15: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom [which] we cry out ‘Abba, Father.'”
(2) Romans 8:23: “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
(3) Romans 9:4: “… who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises…”
(4) Galatians 4:5: “… to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
(5) Ephesians 1:5: “… having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…”
However, we need to point out that many translations render the Greek word as “sonship” — not as “adoption.”
For instance, the NIV, RSV, Moffat and the Rotherham rendition translate Romans 8:15 as: “you have received the [a] spirit of sonship.”
So do the German Elberfelder Bible and the Menge Bible (“Geist der Sohnschaft”). Luther says: “you have received a spirit of children” (“einen kindlichen Geist”). The New English Bible and the Jewish New Testament by David Stern say: “…but a Spirit which makes us sons.” The Diaglot, containing the Original Greek Text, translates the above five scriptural reverences as “Sonship.”
As pointed out, the Greek word literally means, “placing as a son.” It COULD refer to adoption, but here, MORE is involved. When we receive God’s Spirit, we are not merely adopted children of God, but BEGOTTEN children of God. The Holy Spirit makes us sons by a begettal — not by adoption. We become God’s children, not only acquiring rights and privileges — as one does when he is adopted — but we acquire God’s very own, the divine nature (compare 2 Peter 1:4: “that… you may be partakers of the divine nature…”).
God does not just adopt us. Rather, He makes us part of His family, by begetting us as His very children. God is reproducing Himself — not just by adoption, but by actually multiplying Himself, in that He puts His very Spirit into His begotten children, so that they can become born again children in the resurrection — full God beings, with all the rights and privileges of God, but also with His very character and divine nature.
We have to therefore conclude that our relationship with God goes beyond adoption. It describes the process of literal sonship. However, we also conclude that our relationship of being begotten sons and daughters to be BORN AGAIN as Spirit beings — literal sons and daughters at the time of Christ’s return — encompasses the principle of adoption. God, in His great love and mercy, has given us the position of “sonship” which is inclusive of the principle of being adopted as His sons and daughters.
Therefore, strictly judging on a spiritual basis, the Bible does not prohibit adoption per se. This conclusion is supported by several positive Biblical examples, where children were raised in an “adoptive” environment. For instance, Joseph raised Jesus Christ as Christ’s stepfather (compare Luke 3:23). Jacob “adopted” his grandchildren, Ephraim and Manasseh, giving his name to them (compare Genesis 48:16). Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:10; Acts 7:21). In a sense, Samuel was “adopted” by Eli the priest — Samuel was “given” to Eli, to be raised by him, as a servant of the Lord (compare 1 Samuel 1:11, 27-28; 2:11, 18-21).
This means, then, that we cannot say that it is wrong for humans to adopt children, giving them the legal status of sons and daughters. Some have misunderstood the teaching of the Church of God in this matter, wrongfully concluding that Herbert W. Armstrong, the late human leader of the Church of God, had taught against adoption. Although some overly “zealous” ministers might have taught this, they only expressed thereby their own personal (mis)understanding — but never the official teaching of the Church. The Church, under Mr. Armstrong, has always permitted, or did welcome, adoptions in certain circumstances.
In conclusion, it is a personal decision whether or not to adopt children — but all individual circumstances need to be carefully considered first. The decision for a heterosexual couple or single parent to adopt rests on their ability to financially and emotionally take care of the children to be adopted.
Our newest book on the Mystery of Jesus Christ has entered the second phase of our review cycle. Comments received so far are very positive and enthusiastic.
Many believe, based on prophecies contained in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, that immediately before the return of Jesus Christ, a powerful Arab leader or “king of the South” will still arise in the Middle East. Daniel 11:40-41 says: “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack [or: push at] him [the king of the North]; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown…”
Historically, and following the entire Biblical prophecy in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, we can determine that at the time described in verse 40, the king of the North constituted the ninth resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire, or the sixth resurrection of the “Holy” Roman Empire, led by Mussolini and Hitler, and that the king of the South was at that time Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia. And in fact, Mussolini came against Ethiopia like a whirlwind, using airplanes, and conquered it.
But, what about today or the immediate future? Will there occur another conflict between the king of the North — the final LEADER of the 10th resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire, or the 7th resurrection of the “Holy” Roman Empire — and a king of the South, a final LEADER in the Middle East? Perhaps — but not necessarily so.
Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following in a personal of the Plain Truth, dated June 1967. We are adding emphasis by pointing out startling statements by Mr. Armstrong which have been — overall — overlooked or forgotten by God’s people today. In quoting from Daniel 11:40, Mr. Armstrong explained:
“‘And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him …’ — that is, at the king of the north. The modern remnant of the ‘king of the south’ of this prophecy is Ethiopia. Anciently, Egypt was the country of the king of the south. But few Egyptians remain in Egypt today. Arabs, of a different original stock, have generally replaced the real Egyptians. The people descended from those who were of ancient Egypt, in its southern portions, are the Ethiopians. And the Italians were the remnant and successors, of the people of the king of the north. This prophecy WAS FULFILLED February-March, 1896, when King Menelik II of Ethiopia ‘pushed at’ the Italians, defeating Italy at Aduwa. Italians thirsted for revenge. Finally, their opportunity came, in 1935, under the military machine developed by Mussolini. Continue the prophecy, verse 40: ‘… and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind [in the air], with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships: and he shall enter into the countries and shall overflow and pass over.’ Notice, a whirlwind comes IN THE AIR. So DID Mussolini’s air forces. He sent down many ships, much cavalry, and tanks [modern ‘chariots’]. And his forces, in planes, ‘passed OVER.’… Continue: VERSE 41: ‘He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown …’
“There is a TIME-LAPSE between verse 40 and verse 41. After Mussolini captured Ethiopia he added it to Libya, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland. Mussolini had signed a concordat with the Vatican, and publicly announced the rebirth of the ROMAN EMPIRE, with King Victor Emmanuel Emperor, and himself the Duce or Premier. But Mussolini’s bubble of a Roman Empire was short-lived. Most people never actually noticed he had proclaimed its resurrected existence. It is described in another prophecy — Revelation 17 — as the insignificant sixth ‘head’ of the mysterious symbolic ‘beast,’ [of the “Holy” Roman Empire] that was, and is not, and yet is. But the final seventh head [of the “Holy” Roman Empire, or the tenth resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire] is soon to rise. It is in the preliminary stages of coming into existence now, in the six-nation Common Market. Soon there will be ten European nations in a political-military union, that will shock and dumbfound the world. Verse 41 refers to THAT succession of the Roman power which became the ‘king of the north’ in the prophecy of Daniel 11. So notice what this COMING ‘United States of Europe’ WILL DO: VERSE 44: ‘But tidings out of the east and out of the north [Russia] shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious, holy mountain [Palestine]; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.’ So this now-forming European… power will invade Palestine, and move its headquarters there! But verse 41 adds [omitted above]: ‘… but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.’ The Turkish people today are ‘Edom,’ and the people of Jordan are the present-day descendants of Moab and Ammon — descended from Lot, Abraham’s nephew. They will still be in that land…
“This European power, resurrecting for a VERY short while the Roman Empire, will take over the city of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2.) They will take the Temple, and plant the palace of their headquarters there. With this coming military leader, pictured in Revelation 17 as the symbolic ‘beast,’ will be a supreme religious leader, called ‘the False Prophet,’ [Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10] and the ‘man of sin.’ So will you turn next to II Thessalonians 2:3-4: ‘Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day’ — the Day of the Lord, verse 2 — ‘shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and THAT MAN OF SIN be revealed, the SON OF PERDITION; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.’ So there will have to be the Temple there!”
Did you catch that? As Mr. Armstrong explained, the prophecy in Daniel 11:40 has ALREADY BEEN FULFILLED. And verse 40 is the LAST TIME where the king of the South is mentioned! Beginning with the second half of verse 40, we read exclusively about the king of the North and his activities, and, in verse 44, about rumors from the east and the west. This means, then, that there DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ANOTHER end-time king of the South. If there were to rise one, following the historical and Biblical records, as set forth in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, it would have to be — mainly — modern Ethiopia. But, as we said, ALL WHICH STILL NEEDS TO BE FULFILLED (and which the previous king of the North — under Mussolini — did NOT fulfill), is the invasion of the Glorious Land by the future and final king of the North (verse 41), including Jerusalem (verse 45), as well as the overthrow of “many countries” (verse 41), including Egypt, and the “Libyans and Ethiopians” following at his heels (verse 43).
It is entirely possible that the prophecy in verse 40 is a type of future events to be repeated — but it DOES NOT HAVE TO BE this way. It is NOT necessary, based on Biblical prophecy, that there will still arise an end-time “king of the South,” attacking or pushing at the end-time king of the North. Christ could return without such an event having to occur first.
