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Introduction

What does the Bible teach us about our Christian responsibility when it comes to fighting for our country?

Is it correct, as some teach, that the Bible allows, if not enjoins, Christians to participate in the military and to engage in warfare, either to attack another country or to defend their own country against aggressors? Do the teachings of Christ and His followers allow, or even demand, that we take up arms to fight against those who want to harm and destroy us, our loved ones, or our nation?

Should a true follower of Christ participate in wars that are fought by the powers of this world, based on whatever “logical” reasoning would lead to justification for such action?

What Civil and Religious Leaders Say

Before we look at the very clear teachings of the Bible, let us review a few statements from civil and religious leaders that address this subject. Consider whether you would agree or disagree with the following quotes:

Pope Pius XII declared at the beginning of World War II: “Everything is gained by peace, nothing is gained by war.”

Shortly after the end of World War II, General Omar Bradley had this to say: “The world has achieved … power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living.” He also said: “We have built the atom bomb, but forgotten the Sermon on the Mount.”

Pope Paul VI stated in 1965 during a UN assembly: “If you want to be brothers, put your weapons down. You cannot love with aggressive weapons in your hands.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower expressed his viewpoint in this way: “There is only one solution for our generation: It is the return to a life based on Christ’s Sermon on the Mount.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. said in his sermon, “The Most Durable Power”: “Always avoid violence. If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in your struggle, unborn generations will be recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos.”

On the other hand, former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt said: “You cannot rule a country with the Sermon on the Mount.”

A Catholic Catechism, published in 1975 in Switzerland, stated: “The injunctions in the Sermon on the Mount are not to be taken literally, as this would lead to unacceptable circumstances both in private and public life.”

The Book of Common Prayers reasoned: “It is lawful for Christian men, at the commandment of the Magistrate, to wear weapons, and serve in the wars.”

Francis A. Schaeffer said in “A Christian Manifesto“: “I am not a pacifist because pacifism in this fallen world in which we live means that we desert the people who need our greatest help.”

C.S. Lewis wrote in “Mere Christianity“: “Does loving your enemy mean not punishing him? No, for loving myself does not mean that I ought not to subject myself to punishment – even to death. If one had committed a murder, the right Christian thing to do would be to give yourself up to the police and be hanged. It is, therefore, in my opinion, perfectly right for a Christian judge to sentence a man to death or a Christian soldier to kill an enemy.”

Who is right? Would you agree with any of these?

Is it “perfectly right” for a Christian to sit in judgment over another person – be it as a judge or a juror? Is it “perfectly right” for a Christian to kill another person – be it as a soldier or as a policeman? And what about innocent bystanders – the proverbial, unavoidable “casualties of war”?

Albert Einstein noted: “Mere lip services for peace are easy, but without effect. What we need is active participation in a fight against war and everything leading to war.”

Terrible Consequences of War

Throughout this booklet, we will consider some interesting quotes from famous persons who might have understood something regarding the issue of war and peace, which sadly, most people have failed to comprehend. However, regardless of the conclusions of our discussion, one fact should be clear: Every war has terrible consequences, both economically and in terms of human suffering and pain.

On October 26, 2004, the Washington Post reported: “YaleUniversity economist William D. Nordhaus estimated that in inflation-adjusted terms, World War I cost just under $200 billion for the United States. The Vietnam War cost about $500 billion from 1964 to 1972, Nordhaus said. The cost of the Iraq war could reach nearly half that number by next fall, 2 1/2 years after it began.”

Der Stern Online published a shocking article, describing the terrible psychological consequences for soldiers returning from war. The article was published on July 15, 2004, and was titled, “The Trauma of War.” Doctors and scientists examined German soldiers returning from Kosovo and Afghanistan, and reported their frightening and disturbing findings: “Some say that they beat their children, when helping them with their school work – something that they had never done before… In other cases, they show no more emotions, neither joy nor sadness… Many try desperately to forget the past. They withdraw, drink or take drugs. Some become depressive and avoid their friends… In extreme cases, returning soldiers go berserk and kill others.” The article also pointed out that “traumatic developments, following experiences in war, can be proven bio-chemically in the brain.”

On May 7, 2004, ABC News published an insightful article, discussing the horrible effects of war. The article stated (emphasis supplied):

“The specifics of the incidents at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq [where Iraqi prisoners were tortured by U.S. soldiers] remain to be sorted out. But the answer seems apparent for experts in the psychology of war and other mental health professionals contacted by ABC NEWS – such behavior is not uncommon in a time of military conflict and the potential to abuse others may lie in all of us. `In war, things do happen, often from emotion of the moment, exhaustion, frustration – a buddy killed, a unit hurt,’ maintains Samuel Watson, a former infantry officer in the Vietnam War who is now associate professor of public health at [the] University of Pittsburgh… And Dr. Carlyle Chan, professor of psychiatry at [the] Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, says prisoner abuse is probably more prevalent than we would like to believe, given the trauma soldiers can experience.”

The article continued to ask: “What drives soldiers to abuse others in time of war? The key, believe these experts, is `the MILITARY CULTURE’ the soldiers and guards were immersed in. In war, `the enemy is not represented as a similar human being to oneself, but rather as a brute who is savage and single-minded in destructive intentions,’ says Rona M. Fields, director for cognitive sciences at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies at GeorgeWashingtonUniversity in Washington, D.C. This depersonalization, explains Evans, is a psychological defense against the horrible events soldiers witness during war. But once the enemy is seen as LESS THAN HUMAN, it can be easy to treat them accordingly.

“Another motivation for U.S. soldiers to mistreat Iraqi prisoners may have been simple RETALIATION, suggests Dr. Paul Ragan, a Navy psychiatrist during Desert Storm and now associate professor of psychiatry at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. `The emotional center of the brain, or the limbic system, wants to strike back…'”

ABC News asked this question: “But what if the leadership itself is commanding soldiers to behave in abusive ways? Would normal individuals be willing to follow morally abhorrent orders?”

The history of man has proven that the answer, tragically, is affirmative. Nazis, working at and supervising concentration camps, defended their brutal tortures and murders with these words: “I only followed orders.” And so, ABC News continued, in quoting another expert: “Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process… [even] when the destructive effects of their work become patently clear, and they are asked to carry out actions incompatible with fundamental standards of morality.”

The New Testament Teaching on War

What, then, is the Biblical view of war? We will first look at the very clear and decisive teachings on the issue of war and peace in the New Testament.

As a general truism, we are encouraged by Christ, as well as His apostles after His resurrection, to live in peace with ALL men. This includes, of course, a prohibition to fight against others, or to retaliate, or even to condemn. Romans 12:17-21 says: “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to [God’s] wrath; for it is written, `Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore, `If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

We are told to overcome evil with good. We are also told that this means, NOT to avenge ourselves, but rather, to give our enemy food and drink. Obviously, this is telling us that we are not to kill him. That would be “evil.” Rather, we are to overcome evil with “good.” In feeding our enemy, we heap coals of fire on his head; that is, he will see our good deeds and he will be embarrassed when considering his animosity toward us, compared with our good will toward him.

This Biblical principle teaches HOW to overcome evil with good, not by using a weapon and killing the person [which is evil], but by helping and providing for him [which is good].

Romans 14:19 tells us: “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” And 1 Peter 3:8-12 adds: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For `He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.'”

Notice that NOT seeking peace and pursuing it is labeled as “evil.” Refraining our tongues from evil means to refrain from speaking evil about our enemy. Each war begins with words, with propaganda, with hateful comments about others, until a government’s decision to attack and fight against a foreign country – the enemy – seems to be justified in the eyes of the citizens. As a prime example, Adolph Hitler could never have convinced many Germans to approve of “total war,” if his propaganda machine, under Joseph Goebbels, had not carefully prepared them, far in advance, for such a viewpoint.

God says in His Word that He considers us to be righteous when we turn away from evil or when we refrain from saying or doing evil against others. But just refraining from evil is only half of the picture. We must complete the picture by truly seeking peace by actively pursuing it, in effect, making peace. We must want peace enough to make the effort to create it, and you can be sure, such an effort will be plainly evident in both our words AND our actions.

A German TV moderator, Dr. Franz Alt, wrote a book, “Peace Is Possible,” in which he addressed the way to peace and the way to war, as follows: “Nothing is without consequence. Long before a war breaks out, it has been prepared, that is, it has begun before in the minds of the people and the media … Our history books are dominated by Alexander and Caesar, Nero and Napoleon, Hitler and Stalin. Jesus … [is] just a footnote … We learn the wrong things about the wrong people. We focus too much on the representatives of violence and too little on the important and sense-giving people … What has more reality for us – the faith in God or in weapons? Whom do we trust more – the Son of God or world powers? Whom do we hope to receive salvation from – the Spirit which makes alive or the weapons which bring death?”

The Way of Peace

Let us consider what Christ’s half-brother, James, tells us in James 3:18: “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Here, we see the relationship between righteousness – or right living – and the creation of peace. Christ teaches us in Matthew 5:6-10: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, as evidenced by not hurting others through our words or actions, we are showing mercy toward them. Our hearts will become purer and purer when we live Christ’s way of mercy, compassion and peace. We will become more and more successful in substituting God’s pure word for the wrong concepts of this world, which falsely teach that anger, condemnation, and ultimately war, is the answer to our problems.

Consider these famous words from General Douglas McArthur that he uttered at the end of World War II: “It must be of the spirit [that is, we need a new way of thinking] if we are to save the flesh.”

Albert Einstein said something similar, when discussing the destructiveness of nuclear bombs: “A new way of thinking is inevitable if mankind wants to survive and prosper.”

Sadly, the vast majority of mankind has not subscribed to this new way of thinking which was revealed in the Bible thousands of years ago.

Rather, mankind has followed the philosophy of war – a philosophy expressed, for example, by Mao-Tse-Tung in this way: “We want to get rid of war – we don’t want war. But we can only get rid of war through war. If we don’t want guns, we must take up guns.”

This wrong philosophy has not brought peace, and it will never bring peace. On the other hand, Mahatma Ghandi understood something that most people don’t when he said, “Absence of violence is not a sign of weakness, but it is the weapon of a brave heart.”

The purity of God’s doctrine will convince us to become peacemakers. Ironically, when we advocate peace, pursue and practice it, we can expect persecution from others who believe in and teach the concept of war. But if we want to be children of God, we must be peacemakers – we must teach and live the way that leads to peace. We must reject the opposite way, which only brings about war, misery and death. As true followers of Christ, we must not participate in war in any manner, shape or form.

Christ tells us very clearly what He means when He commands us NOT to fight our enemies – but to live in peace with them. He said in Matthew 5:43-45: “You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Compare, too, Luke 6:27-28, 35-36.)

Let us ask ourselves: How do those teachings match up with the philosophy of hate and war – the concept that we must forcefully avenge ourselves against those who have overtaken us; who are trying to rob us of our land and possessions; who are in the process of suppressing our ideals and our philosophy?

Christ advocated a peaceful way of life, leaving it to God the Father to bring vengeance upon His enemies, and we must do the same! The Bible explains to us the only way to peace, a way which we MUST learn and put into practice. That way has never been taught, nor applied, by man in general. Rather, the world would have us believe that “That way does not work.” Even professing Christianity often teaches that it won’t be practical until everyone else is already living that way. But Christ tells us something altogether different and if we SAY that we are Christ’s disciples – the true followers of Christ – then we must DO what He commands. Remember what Christ said: “But why do you call Me `Lord, Lord,’ and not do [let alone, believe] the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Professor Dr. Rossi, a Seventh-Day Adventist in Switzerland, wrote in Conscience and Liberty: “Wars begin within the spirit of man, and it is within that spirit that the battle for life and peace must be won.”

John the Baptist was called by God to teach man the way to peace. We read the following prophecy about him in Luke 1:76, 79: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways … To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Let us notice a striking example of how John guided people “into the way of peace.” When Roman soldiers came to him, asking him what to do, he told them: “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). The Authorized Version says here: “Do violence to no man … ” If they were not allowed to do violence to anyone, they were most certainly not allowed to kill their enemies in war.

Jesus Christ came to proclaim peace – and the WAY to peace – not war. Acts 10:36 tells us that God the Father was “preaching peace through Jesus Christ.” God wants man to understand the way to peace, but sadly, most have refused to accept Christ’s teachings. And it is even more sad that most people today, professing to be Christians, continue to refuse to actually ACCEPT and PRACTICE Christ’s teachings on war and peace. His teachings are very simple. They are not difficult to understand, but people who are not willing to accept them, have tried to make them very complicated.

At one time, Christ lamented the fact that ancient Jerusalem did not know the way to peace. This is still true today. We read in Luke 19:41-42: “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, `If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.'”

The way of peace was hidden from their eyes because of not having a desire to open their eyes to see what Christ showed them. What about our eyes, our minds, our hearts? Are they open, or are they still closed?

Unless mankind allows God to open their eyes, man cannot know or understand the way to peace. Paul commented on this fact, in Romans 3:17. That is the reason we don’t have peace today. Man has pursued the way of hate, revenge and war, as so vividly described by Paul in Romans 3:10-16. The true reason for all this evil is found in verse 18: “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

The way of war is totally opposite to the way of peace. This should be obvious when we consider where wars come from, how they originate, and why.

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“War or Peace – Which?”

How accustomed have we become to war? Would we agree with most people that our wars – although perhaps undesirable – are nevertheless necessities? Do we believe that our wars will solve at least some of our problems, and that they will bring lasting peace? Are we prepared to accept the death of thousands of innocent people in the course of man’s wars, thinking that these “casualties” are necessary by-products for the ultimate goal of peace?

The Bible tells us that Satan has deceived this whole world (Revelation 12:9). It is Satan, the author of war, who has caused man to think that destruction can produce construction – that war can result in peace.

Man wants peace. But, man does not know how to achieve it. Even so-called peace talks do not result in lasting peace and brotherhood. Paul tells us in Romans 3:11, 15-17: “There is none who understands… Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known.” Peter was willing to kill with the sword to defend Jesus. His Master had to tell him: “`Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword'” (Matthew 26:52). This same message is repeated in Revelation 13:10: “…he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.” When James and John, the “sons of thunder,” were prepared to call fire from heaven to devour the Samaritans, Christ rebuked them with these words, “`You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save
them'” (Luke 9:55-56).

6000 years of human history of pain and misery have proven that our wars do not bring peace, but only result in more wars. Just looking at the last century, we know that there would not have been a Second World War without the first. And as prophecy reveals to us, there will be, in the near future, a Third World War – the deadliest of them all – caused to a large extent by the last two wars. Indeed, wars only breed more wars. Man is not capable of ending all wars!

God has given His people understanding, including the understanding that the way of peace is not found through the wars of men. God will send Jesus Christ back to this earth to END ALL WARS (Psalm 46:9). In the Kingdom of God – the government of God under the rulership of Christ, ON THIS EARTH – man will not learn to fight in war anymore (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3). Christ is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and we are told that of the increase of His peace, there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7; compare Psalm 72:7).

Christ has commissioned His Church to proclaim His way of peace to all nations (Ephesians 6:15; Acts 10:36). This means that we must be living this way ourselves! As His true disciples, we will not participate in any war fought by men AND we will not even advocate such wars. We will not allow ourselves to become deceived again, thinking that any human war is justified. Rather, we will counsel peace (Compare Proverbs 12:20: “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy”). We will be found doing today what Jesus Christ will do when He rules on the earth: We will “speak peace to the nations” (Zechariah 9:10).

God’s way of peace and Satan’s way of war are total opposites. A true Christian will not practice or endorse anything that will bring destruction and pain for others – and war ALWAYS brings destruction and pain for others, as is self-evident. Our conscience must object to human warfare. That is why we are called “conscientious objectors.” Notice Christ’s commission to His end-time Church: “Behold, on the mountains The feet of him who brings good tidings, Who proclaims peace!” (Nahum 1:15; compare Romans 10:15).

Christ has enabled us to proclaim peace to others because Christ has given us HIS PEACE to dwell in us (John 14:27; compare Colossians 3:15) through His Holy Spirit. Christ guides our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79) – far away from the destructive road of war. We are called to “follow peace with all men” (Hebrews 12:14, Authorized Version), knowing that peace will be given to us if we are peacemakers (James 3:18; compare Matthew 5:9). If we ourselves “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11), if we make every effort, “as much as depends” on us, to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18), then we can be used by Christ as His ambassadors of peace. We are to represent His government, His kingdom, His rulership, and as such, we cannot participate – neither in word nor in deed – in this world’s ways of war.

We are to live and proclaim a way of GIVE. The wars of this world are the result of the way of GET. James 4:1-2 tells us, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?… You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”

Why does man go to war against his neighbor? Because he wants what his neighbor has, or he wants to make sure that his neighbor does not get what he has. At the same time, he does not ask God for help, and even if he does ask, he does not live the way God wants him to. God promises us in Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

When our enemy is hungry and thirsty, we are to give him to eat and to drink, thereby heaping “coals of fire on his head” (Proverbs 25:22; Romans 12:20). The carnal mind says, “This does not work. One cannot rule a country with the Sermon on the Mount.” And so, man has never really tried to live this way of life. Rather, man has chosen Satan’s way of war, destruction and death, and as a consequence, man is now facing the distinct possibility of eradicating all human life from off the face of this earth.

God’s disciples – His children – MUST be different. We have a unique opportunity today to preach peace to the world – by our words AND by our deeds. Perhaps some will listen and try it out in their lives. What a surprise they will experience when they find out that God’s Way of Life DOES work!

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The Origin of War

James 4:1-4 clearly explains the origin of war: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

James calls us friends of this world, when we participate in wars and fights. During times of patriotic and nationalistic euphoria – when one is called upon to be part of the crowd, the people, the nation, in order to support, advocate, and endorse “our nation’s” war – one can easily be considered to be an “enemy” when that person stands out as a conscientious objector. Doubts will arise and questions may be asked, such as, “Is that person perhaps a secret spy, a secret supporter of the enemy, a traitor, a deserter or even a coward?”

We might think in this context of the prophet Jeremiah. He taught the Jews not to fight the Chaldeans under Nebuchadnezzar, but rather, to surrender, as God had decreed that sinful Jerusalem should fall into the hands of the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 27:1-22). The king and the people of Judah did not like that message, and so, they imprisoned Jeremiah, charging him wrongly with being a traitor (compare Jeremiah 37:1-16).

On the other hand, when one strongly advocates war along with everyone else, that person is immediately considered to be a patriot. But we must understand that the war-waging nations of this day and age belong to this world, not to God’s future world to come, when He will rule the nations. This is a world in which times of peace are the exception and times of war are the rule. This is a world that may view a particular action as a capital crime of murder in times of peace, while it may declare it as an heroic act of liberation in times of war. However, the Bible says that if we are friends with the world (the world’s ways), we will be enemies of God.

Let us quote here from another influential proponent of peace, a true Christian who was even called by national and international politicians and governmental leaders an “unofficial ambassador for peace,” and a “builder of bridges between the nations.” That man was Herbert W. Armstrong, who wrote many books and booklets until his death in 1986. We are quoting excerpts from his booklet, “Military Service and War,” which was written in 1967 and republished in 1985 (pp. 54, 65, 67, 68, 70; emphasis in the original):

“War is so needless. War is WRONG! … Nearly all the really great religious and political leaders of the world have acknowledged the utter FUTILITY of war … More lives have been snuffed out prematurely, more suffering has been endured, more homes have been wrecked and broken, more time and property has been utterly wasted because of the scourge of war than through any other means in the history of man! And war has NEVER solved the problems of men or brought permanent peace. Instead, it only breeds more war! … Countless millions of lives are killed or crippled or ruined. And millions of young men are taught to become effective killers – murderers! Indeed, one of the most devastating indictments against war is that it breeds in whole populations the spirit of violence and MURDER … More than any other one thing, war breeds the spirit of murder! And that evil spirit is growing and increasing throughout the world today … War involves learning to hate and kill! … we must realize that the spirit of war is the spirit of MURDER – and avoid it with all of our strength … ”

In an earlier article of September of 1939, Herbert Armstrong stated the following (emphasis omitted): “God commands us not to fight or kill, whether for Caesar, or anyone else … . God’s laws forbid fighting, strife, or murder … Christ did condemn strife, fighting, killing, hating … I cannot personally participate in war or killing … I cannot bear arms or participate in war … Politics and war, even though the other nation be in the wrong and the evildoer, are of the world … [I object to killing because] it is sin, the penalty of which is death … It is wrong, because God condemns it, and I believe He condemns it because it only results in human suffering and misery and death. I believe no one ever WINS a war – it is, at most, only a matter of which side is the heavier loser. I believe God’s ways are RIGHT.”

Killing in War Breaks the Ten Commandments

Some have said that killing in war is not in violation of the Ten Commandments. However, James 4:1-2 proves that, according to the Bible, killing in war IS murder. In that passage, which deals with war, James equates war in verse 2 with “murder” when he says, “You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war.” The Greek word used for “murder” is “phoneuo.” Jesus uses the same word in Matthew 5:21, quoting one of the Ten Commandments (“You shall not kill” or “murder” – in Greek, “phoneuo.”) So both Jesus and James make it clear that the commandment, “You shall not kill,” does include the commandment against killing in war.

This can also be seen when considering Christ’s statement in Luke 22:36-38, where He asked the disciples to buy swords. Why did He do that? So that prophecy could be fulfilled. And what was the prophecy that had to be fulfilled? That He, Christ, would be numbered with the transgressors. What transgression were the disciples guilty of? That of attempted murder when Peter took the sword to defend the innocent Christ against an illegal arrest. (For a detailed discussion of this passage, see the accompanying box on the next page) Not that the disciples did have swords, and the fact that Peter would later use a sword to injure or perhaps kill someone else, constituted “transgression.” It constituted sin, since sin is the transgression of the law, the Ten Commandments (compare 1 John 3:4, Authorized Version).

Just as John the Baptist and Christ proclaimed and taught peace, so we, too, must be willing, even in light of adversity and persecution, to actively work for peace. In Ephesians 6:15, Paul includes in the armor of God, which we are to wear, “feet [shod] with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” The gospel of the Kingdom of God is also called a gospel of peace, as it announces a future time of peace when there will be absolutely no more war – a time that has not been experienced in all of the history of mankind from the time Cain slew his brother, Abel!

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A: Luke 22:35–38 reads in con- text: “And He said to them, ‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, ‘Nothing.’ [God took care of them.] Then He said to them, ‘But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” For the things concerning Me have an end.’ So they said: ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ And He said to them: ‘It is enough.’”

A Future Peaceful World

Let us review some of the remarkable prophecies that reveal a time when the world will look much different than it does today. While we are reading, let us ask ourselves how those Biblical passages also apply to us in this present world. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ – representatives of God’s Kingdom which will soon be established on this earth. We are to be pioneers of a future better world! Our lives today are supposed to reflect how all of mankind will live their lives in that future better world.

Isaiah 28:6 explains that rather than stirring up strife or fighting in war, God’s people will “turn back the battle at the gate.” This is what God’s people should be doing now. They are to be peacemakers, not warmongers. We are to proclaim peace today, not only in words but in our actions, as Isaiah 52:7 clearly shows: “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace … ”

When God’s reign on this earth begins, that proclaimed peace will have become reality. People will not join the military to learn how to hate the enemy and how to fight in war; rather, they will be taught how to live in peace. Isaiah 2:2-4 prophesies: “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’S house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, `Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the LAW [including the law which says: “You shall not kill”], and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; NATION SHALL NOT LIFT UP SWORD AGAINST NATION, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANYMORE.”

When Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace, begins His rule on this earth, He will not allow wars to be fought any more. Yes, Christ will make an END to all wars, as we read in Isaiah 9:5-7: “For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. 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 … 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 … From that time forward, even forever.”

If we understand correctly the purpose of Christ’s future Second Coming, we realize that Christ will not return to fight in war, but to END ALL wars. Psalms 46:9 states: “He makes wars CEASE to the END OF THE EARTH; He BREAKS the BOW and CUTS THE SPEAR IN TWO; He BURNS THE CHARIOT in the fire.” Christ will come to scatter those who delight in war (compare Psalm 68:30).

God will not help people through the means of war. Hosea 1:7 predicts: “Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, Will save them by the LORD their God, And will NOT save them BY BOW, Nor by SWORD or BATTLE, By horses or horsemen.” Rather, God will destroy all weapons and instruments of war, as Hosea 2:18 explains: ” … Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth, To make them lie down safely.”

In Zechariah 9:10, God repeats this future prophecy, as follows: “I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; The battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.”

Men, at that time, will listen to God and will destroy their weapons. We read in the second chapter of the book of Isaiah that they will beat their swords into plowshares. Ezekiel 39:9-10 confirms this fact: “Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears … They will not take wood from the field nor cut down any from the forests, because they will make fires with the weapons … ”

The Christian Duty – Today!

True Christians need to understand that they must already haveGod’s attitude toward peace and war, knowing that PEACE, not WAR, will be the reality of the future world under God’s rule. They must lead by their good example TODAY, showing others that we can live the way to peace and avoid the way to war.

Clearly, we cannot participate in war – neither in a literal sense, nor in the sense of advocating war with our lips, or even entertaining thoughts of war. Rather, we have to bring “every thought” into captivity to the obedience of Christ (compare 2 Corinthians 10:5). That is, we must be sure that our thoughts conform to Christ’s thoughts, and if we think thoughts of war, rather than peace, we must eradicate those thoughts from our minds.

This would even include the habit of watching extremely violent movies or participating in violent video games, in which war is glorified and depicted as the solution to our problems. If we are not careful, such a habit could lead to numbing our conscience to the point where killing seems normal to us. Some video interactive entertainment has been purchased and used by the military since it has been proven more effective than the military’s own training programs for desensitizing the human instincts against randomly killing other human beings, including women and children. In case of a draft and an examination by the draft

board, those who claim to be conscientious objectors must convince the examination board that they are in fact convicted that they cannot participate and kill in war. A habit of watching extremely violent movies, depicting killings and murders just as a means of entertainment, may raise questions in the examination boards as to one’s convictions.

The same is true in respect to what we say, because we understand, as Christ tells us in Matthew 12:34-37, that we will have to give account of every idle word we speak.

Rather than speaking words which advocate, endorse or support war, we are told in Proverbs 12:20 that “counselors of peace have joy.” When we advocate the way of peace, then the “God of love and peace” will be with us (compare 2 Corinthians 13:11).

Proverbs 16:7 tells us: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Do we believe that? Or, do we think that God’s way is not practical, and we must instead do what the world has been doing for thousands of years – trying to bring about peace through war? Emphatically NO! History itself has established the fact that we can NEVER experience and enjoy true peace that way.

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Peace on Earth?

We oftentimes hear those most familiar words, “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Leaders of the free world continually speak of this ideal of peace between nations. And yet, it seems whatever course these well meaning leaders take in this regard, peace continues to elude them.

As we examine the conditions in the world, between men and between nations, we find conflict, we find turmoil, and we find a world devoid of the peace that is so keenly desired. Why is that? Why, with so much effort being put forth in the form of negotiations between nations, and with the religious leaders in much of the world speaking continually of peace, does peace continually elude the nations of the world? Why is the reality so far removed from the ideal?

The Authorized Version of the Bible states that there was “…a multitude of the ‘heavenly’ host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’” (Luke 2:13–14). But what is the real meaning of this message that was proclaimed to the shepherds as they tended their flocks on that very eventful, autumn night some two thousand years ago?

The Amplified Bible more correctly translates this Scripture (Luke 2:14), as follows: “Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased—men of good will, of His favor.”

The Living Bible quotes the Scripture in a similar fashion: “Glory to God in the highest heaven … and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”

The Ryrie Study Bible notes that this phrase, “good will toward men,” would more accurately be translated, “among men with whom He is pleased.” Ryrie goes further to say: “The peace promised is not given universally to men who possess good will toward God but individually to men who are the recipients of His favor and grace.”

Adam Clark’s “Commentary on the Holy Bible” states, in reference to this passage which reads, “Peace, good will toward men,” that “Men are in a state of hostility with Heaven and with each other. The carnal mind is enmity against God. He who sins wars against his Maker. When men become reconciled to God, through the death of His Son, they love one another. They have peace with God, peace in their own consciences, and peace with their neighbors; good will dwells among them, speaks in them, and works by them.”

Jesus Christ states in the book of Matthew: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matthew 10:34–36). At the time of Christ’s First Coming, He did not bring universal peace to this world. One of the purposes for His coming was to establish His Church, calling some out of this world to acquire and develop a different mindset. Christ predicted that this would cause conflict with those not called by God.

But how does one receive favor and grace from Almighty God? One must learn the way to peace! Notice, from the book of Isaiah: “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” (Isaiah 59:7–8).

And from the book of Jeremiah: “Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, Everyone is given to covetousness; And from the prophet even to the priest, Everyone deals falsely. They have also healed the hurt [margin: crushing] of My people slightly [margin: superficially], Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:13–14).

Ezekiel prophesies for the end-time: “Destruction comes; They will seek peace, but there shall be none” (Ezekiel 7:25). But why is this? God tells us that man does not know the way to peace. The reason is, of course, they reject the Way of God. The festival of Christmas is an example. Christmas is clearly derived from paganism, and so is Easter. While men keep pagan festivals in direct rebellion to the command of God, they also refuse to keep His Festivals, which He requires. (For more information as to what Festivals to keep, and which holidays to avoid, please read our free booklets, “God’s Commanded Holy Days” and “Don’t Keep Christmas.”) They observe Sunday worship, but refuse to keep God’s Sabbath. They are selective as to which of God’s commands they will keep and they determine for themselves how they will apply the Scriptures.

David asks the question in the Psalms: “Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:12–14).

David continues in Psalm 37: “For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (verses 9–11). And, again, David states in Psalm 119:165: “Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.” As God’s law continues to come into David’s mind, he states: “LORD, I hope for Your salvation, And I do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly. I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, For all my ways are before You” (Psalm 119:166–168).

Of course, we see in these words why God referred to David as a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). Scripture tells us in Proverbs 14: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (verse 12). The way that the world has accepted and followed is none other than Satan’s way, as this is presently Satan’s world, but the Bible shows us that the ways of Satan must be rejected!

Such action, of course, requires God’s intervention with the individual life, as well as with the world as a whole. In order for the world to come in line with God’s Way, He will have to intervene powerfully to end Satan’s hold on the earth. But the good news is that God intends to do just that! In fact, if He did not intervene at just the right time, ALL life would cease on the earth. What a sobering thought!

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A Righteous War?

Christianity Today published an interesting article on October 28, 2003, proving from ancient historical records that early Christians were opposed to military service and war. The article stated (emphasis added): “The ancient church understood that war has been around as long as human beings and [war and] SIN have coexisted. It is a consistent tenet throughout the Christian tradition that WAR IS THE RESULT OF SIN. The responses to war, however, have followed two basic trains of thought: pacifism, and the idea that certain wars can be just.”

The article went on to show that the very early Christian Church was preaching and practicing PACIFISM. Later, though, due to pagan influences and Christian involvement in the affairs of the state, the concept of a so-called “just war” developed.

Continuing with the article: “Pacifism is characteristic of the EARLY CENTURIES OF CHRISTIANITY like the North African apologist Tertullian (160-220 A.D.), who regularly warned Christians to DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM PAGAN CULTURE. He wrote: `How will he serve in the army even during peacetime without the sword that

Jesus Christ has taken away? … We are not allowed to wear any uniform that symbolizes a sinful act’ (On Idolatry 19.3). The third-century Roman Presbyter Hippolytus wrote the Apostolic Tradition, Canon 16 (ca. 215 A.D.) which opposed serving in the military as a matter of church discipline: `A soldier in lower ranks shall kill no one. If ordered to do so, he shall not obey, and he shall not take an oath. If he does not want to comply with this directive, let him be dismissed [from the church].'”

The article went on to say: “The Constantinian era brought about a change. Previously marginalized Christians were now involved in THE AFFAIRS OF STATE. Though there were many Christian soldiers before the time of Constantine, IT WASN’T UNTIL previously marginalized Christians BECAME INVOLVED IN THE AFFAIRS OF STATE that the church fathers BEGAN NUANCING THEIR OPPOSITION TO MILITARY ACTION. The issue then became how one could remain a Christian when the demands of the state required use of force to combat evil or prevent injury.” As the article pointed out, this then led to the Catholic teaching of a “just war.”

Augustine of Hippo (354-430) taught that war, although evil (!), was justifiable as a last resort, after peaceful options had been exhausted. A complicated body of rules and regulations was created, defining a “just war.” Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274) was instrumental in that regard. Those man-made rules provide that a “just war” must be declared by a proper governmental (human) authority; that it has to be waged for a morally legitimate purpose (defined by man); that it must have the intention of correcting a wrong (defined by man); and that it must be fought in the right way; that is, civilians must not be intentionally harmed (but we all know that every war will lead to the death of civilians – the so-called “casualties of war”).

Based on these ideas, the Protestant leaders of the Reformation accepted warfare. The Swiss reformer Zwingly was killed in battle!

Christ, however, did not approve the concept of a “just war” fought by man. He showed us very specifically that His disciples are NOT to participate in warfare in any manner, shape or form. If there ever has been a so-called righteous or just war, a war which would have been justified – or if there has ever been an action of defending oneself or others which would have been acceptable, if not recommended – then it would have been Peter’s attempt to protect the totally innocent Jesus from the illegal arrest of the Romans and the Jews.

But when Peter drew the sword in the garden of Gethsemane and cut off the ear of the servant Malchus, Christ told him: “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

We find a similar warning and repetition of Christ’s statement to Peter in Revelation 13:10, where we read: “He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is [required] the patience and the faith of the saints [so that they do not kill with the sword in the face of persecution, but faithfully rely on God to fight their battles for them].”

Let us also remember the incident, when James and John were willing to wipe out the Samaritans who had refused to grant shelter to Christ and to them. We read in Luke 9:54-56: “And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, `Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ But He turned and rebuked them and said, `You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.”

The Spirit of Satan

The spirit that James and John were following at that moment was the spirit of Satan. Satan is a destroyer, especially through the means of war, as Revelation 9:11 reveals. There, a warring army is described as being led by Satan, “the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.” The word Abbadon means, “Destruction,” and the word Apollyon means, “Destroyer.”

While Christ said that He did not come to destroy men’s lives, Satan is the one who is anxious to destroy as many human lives as he possibly can.

Satan is also called, in John 8:44, a “murderer from the beginning.” In the Greek, the word for “murderer” is “anthropoktonos.” It literally means, “mankiller” or “manslayer.” The same Greek word is used in 1 John 3:15: “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer (in Greek, “anthropoktonos“), and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”

Therefore, whoever kills his neighbor, whether in times of peace or in times of war, is described in the Bible as a “manslayer” or “murderer,” and such a person does not have eternal life abiding in him.

“My Servants Would Fight … “

When Christ was asked to defend Himself before Pilate, He told him: “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).

We need to take note of several points Christ brings out in this passage: First, Christ told Pilate that His Kingdom was not of this world, and that therefore, His servants would not fight in this world. Some have claimed that Christ was referring to His human disciples, when He talked about His servants. Even if that were true, they still would not be permitted to fight in war today, as Christ’s rule over this world is still future.

In addition, let us notice that Christ said that IF His kingdom were of this world, His servants would fight ” … so that I should not be delivered to the Jews.”

This was a statement that Christ made to Pilate at that time. He said, in effect: If My Kingdom were of this world, that is, if I had come at that time to establish the Kingdom of God on this earth, then My servants would fight against those who try to prevent the Kingdom of God from being established.

WHO WERE the servants Christ was talking about? Surely not His few human disciples who were with Him at that time! They would not have been a match for the Roman army.

To whom then is Christ referring?

Matthew 26:53 provides us with the answer from Christ’s own lips, directed at Peter who tried to fight for Him: “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels [A Roman legion consisted of 5,000 soldiers. Twelve legions of angels would then consist of 60,000 angels]?”

When Christ talked about His servants who would not allow Him to be arrested, if He had come at that time to set up the Kingdom of God, He was referring to more than twelve legions of angels – who were and are much more powerful than all of man’s armies combined. He was not talking about His human disciples. He had told them earlier that He did not call them servants anymore, but friends, as He had revealed His Will to them (compare John 15:15).

In effect, what Christ was telling Pilate in John 18:36 was simply this: “If I had come to establish My Kingdom, My servants, the angels of My Father, would not allow Me to be captured and put to death.” But, as we understand, Christ’s First Coming was not for the purpose of establishing the Kingdom of God on this earth; rather, one of its purposes was for Christ to DIE for you and me! But His Second Coming will be exactly for the purpose of establishing God’s Kingdom on this earth! And so we find that the angels will fight for and with the returning Christ against those who will oppose Him at that time. Revelation 19:14, 21 states: “And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses … And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.” A description of that battle can also be found in Zechariah 14:3-4, 12-15.

Christ’s statements in John 18:36 do not provide any justification for His human followers to fight in war. The Biblical teaching is very clear – a Christian who wants to follow Christ and His teachings, will not fight in war.

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GOD’S 6,000-YEAR PLAN FOR MAN

We read in the first chapter of the book of Genesis that God created the seven-day week and the Sabbath, as the seventh day of the week. Man is to rest on the seventh day of the week, as God rested (Exodus 20:9–11). The Bible also teaches that in God’s prophetic plan, one day is treated as 1,000 years (2 Peter 3:8). Adam died on the “day” he ate of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:17). Although he lived to be 930 years old (Genesis 5:5), he died before the first 1,000-year “day” was completed. (This was also the understanding of early Church commentators like Methodius.)

In Hebrews 4:4, 11, the seventh day of the week—the Sabbath—is pictured as a type of the peaceful “rest,” when Christ has returned to this earth to rule mankind. Christ will rule for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). Since the last “day” of God’s plan—His rule over man—is 1,000 years long, the preceding six “days” amount to 6,000 years of man’s rule over man.

The concept that each day of the week represents a thousand years of God’s plan was known throughout history. Rabbi Elias wrote about 200 years ago: “The world endures six thousand years: two thousand before the law, two thousand under the law, and two thousand under [the] Messiah.” Edward Gibbon stated in Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, that the tradition of a 7,000-year plan “was attributed to the prophet Elijah,” and that this tradition was “carefully inculcated” in the early Church.

For example, the apocryphal book, “Epistle of Barnabas,” although not part of the inspired Holy Scriptures of the Bible, nevertheless points out what Jewish people believed at the time of the author’s writings (probably as early as A.D. 70–79, compare Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 3, copyright 1959, “Barnabas, Epistle of.”). In the Epistle, the author, calling himself “Barnabas,” states: “… in six days, that is, in six thousand years, shall all things be accomplished… when His Son shall come…then He shall gloriously rest in that seventh day.”

The Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion confirms that the rabbis of Christ’s day taught that the seventh “world day” would be 1,000 years of the Messiah.

Irenaeus, a disciple of Polycarp, who was a disciple of John, later departed, to a large extent, from the truth. However, he retained the tradition of the 7,000-year plan of God. In “Against Heresis,” he wrote, about 150 A.D.: “For the day of the Lord is a thousand years; and in six days created things were completed; it is evident, therefore, that they will come to an end at the [end of the] sixth thousand years.”

Others, who are known of having believed in and taught the 7,000–year plan of God, include Rabbi Ketina; Lactantius; Victorinus; Hippolytus; Justin Martyr; and Methodius. In 1552, Bishop Latimer wrote: “The world was ordained to endure, as all learned men affirm, 6,000 years.”

Although nobody knows the exact time of Christ’s return (compare Matthew 24:36, 44), we are able to show, by using known dates and the overlapping ages of the patriarchs of the Bible, that Adam was created approximately 4,000 years before Christ. This means, then, that Christ’s return to this earth cannot be that far off.

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True Christians Don’t Fight

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 explains: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war ACCORDING TO THE FLESH. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God … ”

Paul is describing here a spiritual warfare against the evil forces of the demon world, not a carnal warfare against other human beings. Note Ephesians 6:11-12: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Christians Refused to Fight

By no stretch of the imagination can one read those clear passages and still conclude that Christ or Paul permitted Christians to fight in the wars of this world. And so, those who have followed the plain teachings of the New Testament have, throughout history, refused to participate in war, as previously pointed out. Please note these additional quotes:

Professor Rossi wrote in Conscience and Liberty (emphasis added): “The Christians of the first century … were decisively against any form of war. In the middle of the second century, the Christian Philosopher Justin declared to his pagan readers, `And we, who once delighted in war, in murdering each other and in all kinds of sins, we have all over the world changed our weapons into instruments of peace … ‘”

Edward Gibbon wrote in “The Triumph of Christendom in the Roman Empire,” on page 41, about the early Church: ” … they refused to take any active part in the civil administration or the military defense of the empire.”

In “Of the Crown,” Tertullian (A.D. 150-225) wrote: “I think we must first inquire whether warfare is proper at all for Christians … Shall it be held lawful to make an occupation of the sword, when the Lord proclaims that he who uses the sword shall perish by the sword?”

Tertullian is also quoted as saying: “The divine banner and the human banner do not go together, nor the standard of Christ and the standard of the devil. Only without the sword can the Christian wage war: for the Lord has abolished the sword.”

In the September/October 1985 edition of the magazine, “Liberty,” the following statements were made (emphasis added): “Until the end of the second century, the church appeared to be staunchly pacifist. No records exist of any Christian soldier prior to A.D. 170. A pagan named Celsius in A.D. 173 chastised Christians for their pacifism: `If all men were to do the same as you, there would be nothing to prevent the king from being left in utter solitude and desertion, and the forces of the empire would fall into the hands of the wildest and most lawless barbarians.’ Justyn Martyr, describing the early church, wrote: `We who formerly murdered one another now not only do not make war upon our enemies, but we gladly die confessing Christ … [Justin Martyr (A.D.100-165) also said: “We ourselves were well conversant with war, murder and everything evil, but all of us throughout the whole wide earth have traded in our weapons of war. We have exchanged our swords for plowshares, our spears for farm tools.”] After A.D. 170, however, references to Christian soldiers appear … Worldly paganism saturated religion, and the church succumbed to its militaristic influence … Christians, alienated from the Roman Government by persecution, soon became the

Roman Government. In A.D. 314, the Council of Arles declared that Christians could officially join the army, and by A.D. 416 ONLY Christians could join. Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity helped turn Christian plowshares into swords…”

The Paulicians, who lived about 550 A.D., preached against participating in war. So did the Waldenses in the 12^th and 13^th centuries. Later, some Waldenses decided that they could fight in war, while others refused to do so. One Waldensian wrote in 1655: “The Christians who allegedly fight battle for God and religion cannot justify their acts, because they do something which God did not command, yes, which Christ prohibited.”

The article in Liberty continued: “During the Reformation and the centuries following, Mennonites, Hussites, Quakers, the Brethren, and Jehovah’s Witnesses refused to take part in war. The larger Protestant bodies justified warfare as long as they were able to rationalize the justness of each conflict. The Kaiser’s armies marched `for God, the Kaiser, and the Fatherland,’ while across the English Channel, Reverend Winnington-Ingram, the bishop of London, exhorted young Englishmen to `kill Germans … to kill the good and the bad, to kill the young and the old, to kill those who have shown kindness to our wounded … As I have said a thousand times, I look upon it as a war of purity.'”

The record of history is clear. Those who followed the clear teaching of Jesus Christ regarding peace and war REFUSED both to fight and to join the military.

In the April 23, 1865 issue of the Church of God publication, “Hope of Israel,” it was stated: “We thank God that President Lincoln … did cause to be made such laws as would deliver God’s saints from participating in war.” In April 1917, Andrew Dugger, president of the Church of God (Seventh Day), met with President Wilson and received exemption for Church members from combatant service. During the Korean and Vietnam wars, Herbert W. Armstrong of the Worldwide Church of God petitioned the government to recognize Church members as having conscientious objector status.

True Christians will not participate in war, nor will they advocate war! Anyone who advocates going to war bears a grave responsibility. If young people who follow such advice are killed in war, or if they kill others, including innocent civilians, widows and children (who may even be members of a church who kill young people from the same church), and once God, the Judge of us all, declares such warfare to be sinful, He will also hold those responsible who have advocated the same.

Notice the following excerpts from a poem that a Mennonite wrote in 1873. This poem entitled, “Christianity Requires Peace,” reads:

“How can men be so blind in this

Clear peaceful gospel light,

As to believe and say, It is

The Christian’s legal right

To forge the instruments of carnal strife,

And learn the fiendish art of taking life!

With sword and gun join in the mad affray

To kill his fellow men in every way!

May God save us from this sight.

“Come, blessed time, seen from afar

By holy seers of old,

When none shall sanction deeds of war

Within the Christian fold.

Oh, when shall appear the glorious day,

When carnage and strife shall have passed away?

When all men on earth love the Prince of Peace,

And obey his gospel, then wars will cease –

`Tis the hope we firmly hold.”

The New Testament teachings on war forbid Christians to participate in war, as the spirit of war is the spirit of murder, and it is therefore clearly in total opposition to Christ’s teachings reflected, for instance, in the Sermon on the Mount. In the future, the way of war will not be taught anymore. So then, it behooves us today to teach and live God’s way of peace, not Satan’s way of war. Christ told Peter that whoever takes up the sword, shall perish by it. He rebuked the “sons of thunder” – James and John – for their desire to destroy the Samaritans, asking them if they did not realize whose spirit they were following at that time. John later became known, however, as an “apostle of love.”

Satan Invents War

Let us focus a little bit more on that spirit – the spirit of this world that is responsible for men’s miseries, sufferings, killings and wars. We already saw from the letter of James that wars come from lusts that fight in our minds. But where do those lusts come from?

Once we fully understand who is the originator of war, we can also clearly see why we must not participate in war.

We read in the book of Genesis that God, in the beginning, created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). When this happened, God’s angels shouted for joy because this original peaceful creation was full of majesty, beauty and splendor (compare Job 38:4-7).

The Bible also reveals to us that a mighty and powerful spirit being, called Lucifer, was taught and trained by God at His very throne in heaven (compare Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:14-15), to rule over the earth. Not being satisfied with what God had given him, he rebelled against God! He tried to knock God off His heavenly throne – to replace God and become “like Him,” or, perhaps, even become God Himself. His coup failed, and he was thrown back to this earth, together with about one-third of all of the angels that he had swayed to his way of thinking (Ezekiel 28:16; Isaiah 14:13-15; Revelation 12:3-4; Luke 10:18). Lucifer’s name was changed to Satan (Revelation 12:9), and his angels became known as demons. They are also known as evil or familiar spirits.

This ANGELIC rebellion was the first recorded battle, or war, in the history of creation! Satan – then called Lucifer – was the originator. This war ended in total destruction and the earth became void and empty – filled with death, decay and darkness. (Genesis 1:2, correctly translated from the Hebrew, reads: “The earth BECAME without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” For more information, please read our free booklet, “The Theory of Evolution – A Fairy Tale for Adults?“)

This very first war was premeditated! Yes, Lucifer had prepared his rebellion very carefully! We don’t know how long it took Lucifer after feelings of lust, greed, envy and pride had begun to fill his mind, before he began to work on the angels under his command, bombarding them with his war propaganda, until they, too, were willing to follow their leader in the first violent attack against other beings. But we can be sure that it was a well thought out plan to overthrow the Creator!

Satan invented war and he is still responsible for war today. He sustains that warring spirit today by provoking nations to come against each other in wars, having absolutely no care for the tremendous loss of human life and suffering. He also provokes the minds of people with the spirit of hatred and contentiousness on an individual level. True to form, he will once again – in the near future – become the originator of a universal war, this time on this earth. We also know, from prophecy, that Satan will fight another spiritual war against God and the holy angels just prior to the return of Christ. Revelation 12:7-9 describes that war.

The Bible records in verse 13 of Revelation 12 that Satan will again be thrown back to this earth and will be filled with tremendous, uncontrolled wrath and anger! (In fact, there are some indications that this event might have already taken place.) In that frame of mind, he will influence people to fight the most violent and vicious war ever fought by humans on this planet! It will be so devastating that all of mankind will surely perish unless God intervenes at the last minute, so to speak, to stop such senseless fighting. Only the returning Jesus Christ – King of kings and Lord of lords – will be able to stop Satan and prevent the total annihilation of mankind (compare Matthew 24:21-22).

Even though God will swiftly and supernaturally intervene at that time and make a stop to that war, mankind will still, at the beginning of Christ’s rule here on earth, be eager to fight, motivated by their own lusts which have become part of their Satan-inspired nature. We read in Ezekiel 38 that peoples from the east will attempt to overthrow the peaceful nations of Israel. This will happen at the very beginning of the “Millennium” – a period of 1,000 years when God will rule on this earth and Satan will be bound, unable to deceive the nations anymore. These peoples will not have rid themselves of their lust to fight and murder, which they acquired from Satan. Yes, it will take a while, even in the Millennium, until physical man will be able to overcome his Satan-inspired human nature and replace it, gradually, with God’s nature.

But lo and behold, even after that event which occurs at the BEGINNING of the Millennium, the Bible describes yet another future war that will be fought when the “thousand years have expired” (Revelation 20:7). This war will be fought before the “Great White Throne Judgment” period begins, which is mentioned in Revelation 20:11-12. (For more information regarding this “Great White Throne Judgment,” please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”) Remember, Satan had been thrown in prison so that, as we read in Revelation 20:3, he could “deceive the nations no more.” And what was, and is, and will be Satan’s biggest deception?

Revelation 20:7-10 provides us with the answer to this all-important question: “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone … ”

We see that man, under the influence and deception of Satan, will be willing to fight again in war. Man who wants to kill in war today, or thinks that war will solve our problems, is deceived by Satan. After all, we read that Satan has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9).

Man NEVER needs to fight in war. We see that in that very last future war, involving humans, God will do the fighting for His human servants, by devouring the enemy through fire. That will be the right time for God to intervene and destroy the enemy, but it was not the right time or occasion when James and John asked for fire to come down from heaven – essentially calling on God to devour the Samaritans. We must leave all fighting to God. It is not our prerogative or responsibility, and if we think and act differently than what God tells us, we are playing right into the deceptive hand of Satan.

After that final war or “battle” recorded in Revelation 20:7-11, there will never be another war! Can you comprehend a world WITHOUT WAR? A world that is full of PEACE and HARMONY? Revelation 21:4 predicts: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Why Did Ancient Israel Fight?

All well and good, you might say. But, if war is un-Christian, then why did ancient Israel fight and kill? Good question! And here are a few more questions that warrant Biblical answers! Why did God permit Israel to fight in war? Why did God sometimes even order Israel to fight? If it is always a sin for man to fight in war, did David – a man after

God’s own heart – sin when he fought in war? Did Moses sin when he ordered Israel to fight against Amalek?

Some might answer that it was all right for people in the Old Testament to fight, because God was their Commander. Somehow Israel was justified because they lived under some kind of a different administration. But this explanation CANNOT be correct, and, in fact, shows a total misunderstanding of the character and purpose of God and His law!

God is the same throughout ETERNITY – yesterday, today, and forever. His character, His values, His way of thinking did not, and do not change! He is not a respecter of persons. If it is sin for US today to fight and kill – which it is – it was likewise sin for those in Old Testament times to fight and kill. Most of those who fought in Old Testament times were carnal – unconverted – like most people are today. Nevertheless, as Christ told Peter, everyone who kills in war must be killed in war, unless he comes to repentance and obtains forgiveness of his sins. Killing in war is one of those sins that a person must repent of and obtain forgiveness for.

But some in the Old Testament, like David, Moses and Joshua, who did fight and kill in war, were converted. They had God’s Holy Spirit! They were living under the terms and conditions of the New Covenant, as we do today. Again, since it is wrong for us to kill in war, it must have been wrong for David, Moses and Joshua to kill in war; otherwise, God would NOT be the same! He would have different standards and laws for different people, in effect, being a respecter of persons – which would be against His own written Word, the Bible!

Some say, David, Moses and Joshua were justified to kill because God ordered them to kill. We will look into all of these arguments, but let us state here that Moses and David both killed people in some wars that were NOT commanded by God. We do not read, for example, that God commanded David to kill 200 Philistines. Rather, Saul – not God – asked David to kill 100 Philistines in exchange for becoming his son-in-law, and David responded by killing 200 Philistines (1 Samuel 18:25-27). Was that killing justified? If not, where do you draw the line? As we will see, David’s killing in war was not in any way justified – not under any circumstances!

Let us go back, in our Old Testament survey, to the very first war that ancient Israel fought, and let us see how the nation of Israel decided to become a war-waging nation.

How Israel Became a Warring Nation

As mentioned before, very early in the recent history of the Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote a booklet, in 1967, entitled “Military Service and War.” In the booklet, he explains HOW Israel decided to go to war, and WHY God used Israel, even sometimes ordering them to fight.

We begin quoting from pages 24-26 of the booklet (emphasis in the original): “Right here, before they reached Mt. Sinai – before they heard God’s own great voice thundering His Ten Commandments – God demonstrated the pattern He would follow in preserving His people from having to undergo military service, or fighting in war, or taking human life!… `And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Eternal, which HE WILL SHOW YOU today. … The Eternal shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace’ [Exodus 14:13-14]. The Israelites were not to fight – but STAND STILL! They were to see God save them from Pharaoh’s ARMY. God was going to SHOW THEM that He would fight their wars for them! They were to remain at PEACE!”

Mr. Armstrong goes on to explain that Israel’s faith in God’s help was only of a short duration. They soon began to doubt when they came to Marah and only found bitter water (Exodus 15:24). They also complained in the wilderness because of lack of food (Exodus 16:2-3). Also, when in Rephidim, they lost faith, tempting God (Exodus 17:1-2).

Continuing with Mr. Armstrong’s booklet, on pages 29-32: “Now we come to the CRUCIAL INCIDENT that explains WHY Israel went to war. Regularly they had been grumbling, complaining, accusing, disobeying, LOSING FAITH – in face of constant MIRACLES from God. Now, again, as God performed another miracle, causing water to gush forth out of a rock, the people DOUBTED that God was with them. `… they tempted the ETERNAL, saying, “Is the ETERNAL among us, or not?”‘ (Exodus 17:7).

“Now consider what had happened. Repeatedly, God had given these people awe-inspiring and miraculous demonstrations of His intention to fight the battles for them… After all of this OVERWHELMING PROOF, these people DOUBTED God’s faithfulness – DOUBTED His power – even DOUBTED His very existence. They disobeyed. They went the way of SIN! In effect, they had their own `God is dead’ movement!…

[A]t this juncture, Amalek, a Gentile king, came against the Israelites in great strength with an invading army. This time God ALLOWED the Israelites to write the lesson of experience. He allowed them to SIN. God does not forcibly prevent humans from sinning.

“Moses, at the end of his patience trying to induce these stubborn, rebellious people to believe in and TRUST God, said to Joshua, `Choose us out men, and go out, FIGHT with Amalek’ (Exodus 17:9). Lacking the faith to trust God for their protection, Moses feared they would be slaughtered. Although Moses weakened and gave the order of WAR, it was THE PEOPLE themselves who actually MADE THE DECISION for war, by their utter lack of reliance on God. It was altogether unnecessary for these Israelites to arm themselves and wage WAR. It was WRONG! It was SIN. But God let the decision be theirs … This incident was the turning point… They had experienced a taste of war. They could have – should have – turned from it, afterward, and relied on God instead of their own power. But they didn’t… By their continuous disbelief, lack of reliance on GOD, and reliance only on PHYSICAL WARFARE, they made the DECISION to be, like all the nations of the earth, a WARRING NATION!”

On page 33, Mr. Armstrong begins to address the question why God ordered the Israelites at times to wage war: “These descendants of Abraham had made their decision to be a fighting, war-waging nation. That decision was theirs to make. And since they had made it…, God gave orders for them to do what fighting – and killing – was necessary to accomplish God’s PURPOSE of putting them in the land of Promise! But that did not make war RIGHT. Whether to DO right or wrong – that is MAN’S decision! These Israelites did not need to fight! So it was BECAUSE of Israel’s faithlessness and disobedience that God ALLOWED them to SIN by taking up arms. And therefore God used them as His instruments in driving out the nations illegally in their land. Even at that later date the Israelites could have REPENTED, changed their decision, and trusted God to fight their battles for them… Having committed the sin of DOUBT, these Israelites proceeded to commit the SIN OF FIGHTING – of WAR!”

Continuing on page 36: “But one may ask this question: If war is wrong – if it is SIN – if it is contrary to God’s WAY for man, then WHY did God, on occasion, actually order the Israelites to go to war and kill?

Consider these TWO FACTS:

“1) Israel had sinned in a) not TRUSTING God to do the fighting for them; and b) in disobeying God’s Commandment against war. They had CHOSEN to be a war-waging nation. The decision was WRONG. Yet God compels man to decide WHETHER to sin. If he does, he brings on himself the penalty. THE FACT, therefore, must be realized that Israel REFUSED TO RELY ON GOD TO DO THE FIGHTING; and CHOSE to be a warring nation.

“2) God’s PURPOSE must stand, regardless of what men do. It was God’s PURPOSE to install Israel in, and to drive certain people out of God’s holy land, which He had PROMISED to the children of Abraham, Isaac and Israel… Since Israel was not going to rely on GOD to drive out these nations, but elected to be a WAR-making nation, God used them to accomplish His PURPOSE… He ordered them to do what was required to make HIS PURPOSE stand!”

There are some in certain Church of God organizations today, who justify going to and participating in war, or who claim that ancient Israel did NOT sin when they fought in war. They are wrong, as they do not understand the character of God, nor the intent and purpose of God’s Law, the Ten Commandments. Let us quote Mr. Armstrong’s alarming and challenging words from page 38 of his booklet:

“The divine GIVER of human life has the right to take the lives He gave. They belong to HIM. But for any human, or nation, of his or its own volition, on his or its own initiative, to take human life is SIN. The life he takes is not his – but GOD’S! He not only commits murder – he also STEALS or takes what is GOD’S. Even his own life belongs to God. The suicide takes a human life that belongs to God!

“When God has made it one of the ten basic SINS for man to take human life – and made it unnecessary for man to go to war by promising to take care of the wars Himself supernaturally, then the nation which CHOOSES to be a WAR-waging nation has committed SIN. And every individual who enters its military organization is committing SIN.

“Israel had made that decision. Other nations, too – all had made it. Since the nations of this world do fight, God allows them to commit this SIN. Yet, to carry out HIS PURPOSE, God Himself determines the

outcome of wars. And since Israel already had rejected HIM as its war-making Force, He even ordered them to fulfill HIS PURPOSE, which must be accomplished! But that did not whitewash Israel from having deliberately rebelled and chosen to fight in war in violation of GOD’S WAY.”

Yes, ancient Israel sinned when they went to war. THEY DECIDED to do this, rather than waiting for God’s counsel (compare Psalm 106:7-15, especially verse 13). And when man makes decisions on his own, without asking for God’s counsel, he is usually wrong (Compare, for another example, Joshua 9:14). God, the Author of peace, does not want human beings to fight in war. When Christ returns, He will restore peace to this earth – a time when “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

Man will live a way of peace as originally intended by God. Today, we are Christ’s ambassadors of that future way. We are not to follow the sinful pattern of the ancient Israelites who rebelled against God’s promises and clear commands. Man has chosen to disobey God and to sin by going to war. God, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, condemns, and has ALWAYS condemned, human warfare. We are to pray for our enemies and to do good to them, rather than fighting against them and avenging ourselves. We are to leave “vengeance” to God (Romans 12:19-20). The Biblical teaching on this subject is clear and consistent.

We have read about the incident when God fought for Israel and destroyed the Egyptian army so that Israel did not have to fight. Here are some additional examples in the Bible where God manifested His great power, showing that man does not have to fight in war at all, if he would only rely on God for help.

King Jehoshaphat Did Not Need to Fight

The Bible records in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 an incident where King Jehoshaphat fully and totally relied on God’s help. As a consequence, he did not have to fight. We read in verse 4 that, in the face of an imminent attack from their enemies, the king and all the people “gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.” In verse 12, the king admits that he is helpless, “nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Jahaziel is inspired to respond, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed becauseof this great multitude, for the battle is NOT yours, BUT God’s” (verse 15). The king was also told that he would “not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD” (verse 17).

Since the king and the people had the required faith in God’s mighty power, “the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and MountSeir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of MountSeir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped … And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around” (verses 22-24, 29-30).

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King Hezekiah Did Not Need to Fight

Another powerful example of God’s awesome intervention – in this case, on behalf of King Hezekiah and His people – can be found in 2 Chronicles 32. We read in verses 20-22 that, after Hezekiah’s “deeds of faithfulness” (verse 1), the king of Assyria proceeded to besiege Jerusalem. But due to faith in God on the part of the king and the prophet Isaiah (verse 20), “the LORD sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned shamefaced to his own land … Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of … the king of Assyria” (verses 21-22).

Think about what could be accomplished today if those who claim to be followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ would turn to God with a repentant heart and soul, and pray to God for protection and help, fully relying on Him and trusting in Him to do their fighting for them. Instead, we have turned so far away from the Eternal God – our Maker and Sustainer – that such a thought sounds preposterous! God has not changed, but He will not fight our battles if we don’t have faith in Him, CHOOSING rather to rely on ourselves.

God Fought For Israel

Let us return to the example of the ancient Israelites. We have seen that God showed them, when He brought them out of the land of Egypt, that He would fight for them. They did not have to fight. It was never God’s desire that Israel should fight. Notice what He told the Israelites: “I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you” (Exodus 23:27-28).

Later, Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s intent to drive out the enemies through hornets (Deuteronomy 7:20), and Joshua 24:12 reports that this was EXACTLY what God did: “I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you, also the two kings of the Amorites, BUT NOT WITH YOUR SWORD OR WITH YOUR BOW.”

Even after Israel had decided to become a war-waging nation, God made it very clear that it was not because of the sword that Israel occupied the land. God wanted the Israelites to understand – and He wants us to understand today – how useless and wrong war is! It was GOD – and God alone – who gave them the Promised Land! God says that He did NOT give it to them by their sword.

Psalm 44:3, 6-8 explains: “For they did NOT gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance … For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, And have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever.”

Even though Israel had decided to fight in war, it was still GOD who did the “main fighting.” We read, for example, in Joshua 10:11, 14: “And it happened, as they fled before Israel and were on the descent of Beth Horon, that the LORD cast down large hailstones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died from the hailstones than the children of Israel killed with the sword … the LORD fought for Israel.”

God’s Viewpoint On War

We Christians are to align our thoughts and actions with what God tells us in His Word. So then, let us review some additional passages in the Old Testament that show God’s viewpoint when it comes to the human desire and endeavor to fight in war. And let us ask ourselves: Is that our viewpoint also?

Isaiah 31:1-5 states: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD! … Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, Both he who helps will fall, And he who is helped will fall down; They all will perish together … the LORD of hosts will come down To fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. Like birds flying about, So will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem … ”

Human warfare will not prevail against God and His Will. And God does not need us to fight for Him, either. Notice Psalm 37:11, 14-15: “But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace … The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.”

Let us also take note of the inspired words of Abner in 2 Samuel. 2:26: “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the latter end?”

Why Did King David Fight?

But, what about King David? He fought in war, yet he was called a man after God’s own heart. Therefore, as the argument goes, the fact that David fought must have been pleasing to God – in other words, it was not wrong for David to fight. Is that a right conclusion?

Herbert W. Armstrong addressed this issue as follows, on pages 38 and 39 of his booklet, “Military Service and War“: “God called David a man after His own heart. David was a warrior. David killed many people. As King, he waged WAR. But that did not make war right. God held David accountable for this bloodguiltiness … David was a `man after God’s own heart’ NOT because of his wars, his fighting, his killing. God PUNISHED him for that!”

But how can this be right?

We need to realize that David grew up in a nation that was accustomed to fighting in war. It seems that no one questioned the practice of war. And so we find that David was described as a “man of war” while he was still a very young lad (compare 1 Samuel 16:18). When King Saul asked him to kill 100 Philistines as “dowry” to become his son-in-law, David killed 200 Philistines (compare 1 Samuel 18:25-27). Something in David’s nature enjoyed fighting in war. Some of us have that kind of nature, too. And as David did, we too, have grown up in an environment where it is “clear,” “manifest,” “self-evident,” that one “HAS” to fight in war. Notice how David’s time and environment was described in 2 Samuel 11:1: “It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle … ”

David, then, had to learn from God that war was wrong and without purpose.

First of all, many of the wars that David fought were direct PUNISHMENT for his murder of Uriah and his adultery with Bathsheba, as 2 Samuel 12:9-10 clearly reveals.

The prophet Nathan uttered the following words of God to David: “Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword [by ordering the commander Joab to forsake him in Israel’s battle with the Ammonites]; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.”

Can we see that Christ’s words about taking the sword and perishing by it, were already in effect in David’s time? David took the sword and had Uriah killed, and so the sword would not depart from David’s house.

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Why Christ Would Not Vote in this World’s Governmental Elections

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David Not Allowed to Build a Temple

We read very clearly in the Bible that David was PUNISHED by God because he fought in war and because he was willing to fight. For instance, 1 Chronicles 22:6-10 reports to us David’s own words to his son Solomon, explaining why God did not allow David to build Him a temple: “Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel. And David said to Solomon: `My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the LORD my God; but the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'”

David was not allowed to build the temple because he had shed MUCH blood and had made GREAT wars.

Some have said, this passage really only means that the temple should be erected by a man of peace, rather than a man of war, but it does not mean that it was wrong for David to fight in war. But we need to realize

that God said, in effect: David is not allowed to build Me this house, because he has shed much blood on the earth. God did not want His temple to be associated with war, with the shedding of blood. WHY would this be the case, if it is perfectly all right for humans to fight and kill in war?

The obvious answer is that it is NOT perfectly all right to do so. David told the people later, in 1 Chronicles 28:2-3, why God did not want him to build the temple: “Then King David rose to his feet and said, `Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it. But God said to me, “You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.”‘”

David was not allowed to build God a temple because, as he himself said, he had been a man of war and he had shed blood. We don’t read here that David had shed much blood. It only says, that he had shed blood. Whether he had shed much blood or just a little blood was immaterial to God.

Some have argued that David was not allowed to build the temple because he engaged in offensive wars, not only in defensive wars. Again, in God’s eyes, the kind of warfare was immaterial. We read Solomon’s testimony in 1 Kings 5:2-5: “Then Solomon sent to Hiram, saying: You know how my father David could not build a house for the name of the LORD his God because of the wars which were fought against him on every side, until the LORD put his foes under the soles of his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence. And behold, I propose to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spoke to my father David, saying, `Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he shall build the house for My name.'”

David could not build God a house because of the wars fought against him. Even the fact that David defended himself against those who were attacking him, thereby shedding blood, was reason enough for God to prohibit him from building the temple. THAT fact should really make us think, especially in light of James 5:6: ” … you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.”

David Numbers His Army

Even though David understood that God did not allow him to build the temple because of his past wars, he decided once again, at the very end of his life, to commit another foolish act that was associated with his desire to still fight in war. We are referring here to David’s census of his people, Israel and Judah.

From Biblical chronology, we are able to determine that this census took place AFTER God told David that he was not allowed to build the temple. Although David made certain preparations for the building of the temple, following the census (compare 1 Chronicles 21 and 22), it is apparent that David knew by then that, and why, he could not build the temple (1 Chronicles 22:7-8; 1 Chronicles 28:2-3).

God’s punishment for David taking a census of his people was severe.

The Bible includes two accounts of this episode. One account has been recorded in 2 Samuel 24. We read in verse 1: “Again the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, `Go, number Israel and Judah.'”

In the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21:1, we are told that “Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.”

Since the Bible does not contradict itself, we must read both passages together, to harmonize the accounts. Therefore, it was actually Satan who directly influenced David to number his army, but God allowed it, as He was angry with Israel. Although Joab objected, David insisted that his order be obeyed. We read in 2 Samuel 24:8-9: “So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to the king. And there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.”

We now read the remarkable reaction of David, in verse 10: “And David’s heart condemned him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the LORD, `I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O LORD, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.'”

What was David’s great sin and iniquity? In what way had he acted very foolishly?

The context shows that David wanted to know how many men he had who could carry a sword. He was either willing to begin a war, or he wanted to know how many soldiers he had to defend himself in a war. In either case, David considered his action later as iniquity and foolishness, and God agreed with him. He sent the prophet Gad, David’s seer, to David, offering him three different predicaments as punishment for his sin. David chose a “three days’ plague” (2 Samuel 24:13-14), and so “the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from the morning till the appointed time. From Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men of the people died … Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, `Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house'” (verses 15-17).

The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21 gives additional interesting details. We read in verse 16: “Then David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem.”

After David had prayed to God to stop the plague, ” … the LORD commanded the angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath … But David … was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD” (verses 27, 30).

Why does the account emphasize three times that God sent an angel with a drawn sword to plague Israel? David, who was willing to take the sword in order to fight in war, saw an angel of God who was killing his people (“his sheep”) with the sword. David simply saw the law in action that Christ later revealed to Peter: ” … for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52; compare, too, 1 Chronicles 27:24).

Many innocent people are likewise bound to die in war. That is one important reason why human war is so wrong – so useless – so ungodly.

But let us ask again, Didn’t God at times even command certain people, including David, to go to war? Yes, He did, only because mankind had already decided that they wanted to fight in war, trying to solve their problems through the means of war. MAN JUST DOES NOT KNOW THE WAY TO PEACE! At times, David even asked God whether he should fight or not, and God told him to fight (compare 1 Samuel 23:1-4). However, David did not ask the question whether war in general was wrong. It was rather always the issue, whether or not he should fight a particular battle.
When David admitted at the end of his life, after having numbered his people, that he had sinned and acted foolishly, it appears that he finally understood that fighting in war IS wrong. But he did NOT have this understanding at the very beginning of his life. Sometimes it takes a long time–maybe a whole lifetime–before God’s disciples come to the perfect understanding on a given issue, including the issue of war and peace, and what constitutes killing, which is a transgression of God’s Law, the Ten Commandments.

Warriors Had to “De-Sin” Themselves

Let us remember that it was never God’s purpose that man should fight in war! We have already seen many passages in the Bible that make this fact very clear. Additional proof can be found when considering what the Israelites had to do AFTER they had fought in war. We read in Numbers 31:19-24: “`And as for you, remain outside the camp seven days; whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day. Purify every garment … ‘ Then Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who had gone to the battle, `This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses: ” … And you shall wash your clothes on the seventh day and be clean, and afterward you may come into the camp.”‘”

The Hebrew word for “purify” is “chata.” Most of the time, this word is translated as “sin.” The Authorized Version translates it 167 times as “sin.”

Interestingly, this word can also convey the opposite meaning; that is, to get rid of sin. In that context, it has been rendered in the Authorized Version as “purify,” “cleanse,” “purge,” or “offer for sin.” Used in that context, it literally means, “de-sin,” or “purify from sin or error.”

What was the sin that the Israelites – the men of war who had gone to battle – had to get rid of? Some say, it was strictly the transgression of the ritual law to not touch a dead person. They refer in this context to Numbers 19:11-12, 16.

It is correct that the entire 19th chapter of the book of Numbers describes the rite of purification of a person who had touched a dead body. In order to be able to enter the tabernacle (verse 13), he had to be sprinkled, on the third and on the seventh day, with the water of purification (the Authorized Version calls it “the water of separation”). This water is identified in verse 9 as a means to obtain purification from sin. Why was it necessary to be sprinkled and purified in that way, after one had touched a dead person?

The answer is that God wanted the Israelites to understand the great distinction between life and death. God is a God of the living, not of the dead. Death is always associated with sin. Death is the penalty for sin. Without sin, there would be no death. Once sin is removed, there will be no more death. There is also involved a symbolic meaning: We need to be spiritually alive, rather than spiritually dead.

We should also notice that the Hebrew word “chata,” when applied to purification, can describe spiritual purification as well, not only ritual purification. For instance, David said in Psalm 51:7: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” The Hebrew word for “purge” is “chata.” David was asking God to remove all spiritual sin from him, to “de-sin” him, to “purify him from sin.”

Now notice! The fact that the Israelites had to purify themselves after they had touched a dead person does NOT explain why the Israelites had to purify themselves from sin when they killed a living person.

Numbers 31:19 makes a distinction between an Israelite who had touched a dead person, and an Israelite who had killed a living person. The command that the Israelite had to be purified from sin because he had killed a person was a new command – it was not contained in Numbers 19. Why did God give it?

Here is why: Although God had commanded the Israelites to wage a particular war – to fight a particular battle – they had to purify themselves from sin, after they had done so. To kill a human being in war was, and still is, against the sixth of God’s Ten Commandments. It is SIN in God’s eyes. Man decided for himself to fight and kill in war, and God saw to it that the wars would end in the way that He wanted for His purpose. But to fight in war was NEVER JUSTIFIED in God’s eyes. It has always been SIN to do so.

In the German translations, the word for “purify” is much better expressed. They use the word, “entsündigen ” – which literally means, “to get rid of sin.” They had sinned by killing humans in war – they had to get rid of that sin by purification.

The Rape of Dinah

Let us consider still another episode showing that killing in war is sin. When Dinah, the sister of Simeon and Levi, was violated by the son (Shechem) of the ruler of Sichem (Hamor), her brothers resorted to violence. We read in Genesis 34:25-26: “Now it came to pass on the third day … that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males. And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went out.”

Simeon and Levi’s action might appear justified to some. After all, we read, pertaining to Dinah’s violation through Shechem, in verses 7 and 31: “And the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it; and the men were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing which ought not to be done … But they [Simeon and Levi] said, `Should he treat our sister like a harlot?'”

But notice Jacob’s condemning judgment of his sons Simeon and Levi, and realize that Jacob spoke under God’s inspiration: “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty [margin: violence] are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; Let not my honor be united to their assembly; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel” (Genesis 49:5-7).

Simeon and Levi’s avenging war was, in the eyes of both Jacob and God, nothing less than murder. Every war fought by human beings is sin and constitutes murder in the eyes of God. Is it sin and murder in your eyes, too?

The Futility of War

Over the centuries, some have recognized the utter destructiveness and futility of war, and have openly admitted that war only results in more war.

U.S. Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891) said about war: “War is at best barbarism … It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell.”
British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain pointed out: “In war, whichever side may call itself the victor, there are no winners, but all are losers.”

The way of war is fundamentally opposite to the way of peace. The reason why we still have wars today is because people like war too much. The carnal mind does not acknowledge the law of God, nor can it be “subject to” it (Romans 8:7).

Winston Churchill wrote the following about the Confederacy’s two chief generals, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson: “Both these men, though they habitually spoke and no doubt convinced themselves to the contrary, LOVED WAR as a technical art to which their lives had been given. Their sayings and letters abound with expressions of sorrow at the terrible decrees of which they had now become the servants. But on a long night march to a desperate battle at dawn Jackson muttered to his companion, `Delicious excitement,’ and Lee … observed, `It is well that war is so horrible – we could grow too fond of it.'”

God Protects Those Who Trust In Him

In addition to his booklet, “Military Service and War,” which we quoted earlier, Herbert W. Armstrong published two articles in the September and October 1984 issues of the Plain Truth magazine, entitled, “The Sure Way to End the Fear of Nuclear War – NOW,” and, “How the West Can End the Fear of Nuclear War – NOW.”

In these articles, he said the following (emphasis in the original): “Nations Never NEEDED Go to War. Yielding to HUMAN NATURE is the CAUSE of war. Rebellion against God’s law of peace is the CAUSE of war … In respect to WAR, the basic point is the Sixth Commandment. It says, simply, `Thou shalt not kill.’ If all nations obeyed that commandment and followed the way of LOVE toward other humans, there would be no war. But, one argues, that’s a pretty platitude – but it’s not practical – it won’t work. WHY? Because, he argues, if your nation obeys that commandment and is disarmed with no military force, it would be attacked and beaten by some other nation [we might add here, or by terrorists] that disobeyed God’s law, and believed in WAR [or terrorist attacks]. Your nation would therefore be helpless.

“Oh, but it WOULDN’T. The Creator understands human nature better than we humans do. HE PROVIDED FOR THAT! … You think the Almighty Creator-God is impractical – that he leaves those who OBEY him, who accept his GOVERNMENT over them, HELPLESS? … You think – do you? – that the GOVERNMENT OF GOD is so feeble and lacking in power that it is unable to protect the individual or the nation it governs? …

“Notice now, in your Bible, the specific application of the commandment, `Thou shalt not kill,’ to military force and war. Notice how GOD says to those under HIS GOVERNMENT, that his GOVERNMENT … will PROTECT his people against any invading force. God said to Israel: `But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries … and I will cut them off’ (Ex. 23:22-23). God promised supernaturally to fight any invading enemy [nation or terrorists] to protect the nation and people under HIS government …

“A part of God’s PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT that he laid before the people [of Israel] before they became HIS NATION was the promise that HIS GOVERNMENT would protect its citizens from need of going to WAR. That is the OPEN PROMISE OF GOD, which would later apply to ANY nation … ” (“The Sure Way to End the Fear of Nuclear War NOW,” The Plain Truth, September 1984, pp. 9-13).

Notice the following excerpts from Herbert W. Armstrong’s article, “How the West Can End the Fear of Nuclear War NOW!”, The Plain Truth, October 1984, pp. 20, 30: “War is so needless! War is WRONG! Yes, the West could put an END to the threat of nuclear war [or terrorist attacks] IMMEDIATELY – IF not only leaders, but ALSO the PEOPLE AS A WHOLE, could recognize REALITY – could understand that God is REAL – and would humble themselves before him, BELIEVE HIM – RELY ON him! But, if our people WILL NOT, then it is decreed we shall, in fewer years than you will believe, see OUR CITIES DESTROYED, along with a full third of our populations by a foreign invasion.”

Did God Order His People to Sin?

Some might still say: But God ordered them to go to war, and God would never order anyone to sin. This argument and objection seems persuasive only at first sight, but certainly fails once we understand the truth on the subject.

As we explain in our booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World,” beginning on page 46, God even uses sinning demons, at times, to carry out His Will. God did not order the demons to sin; rather, the demons decided to sin. God used or “ordered” them to do what they wanted to do, but only what conforms with His plan and purpose. For instance, Jesus told the demons to “Go and possess the pigs” (compare Matthew 8:32). One might say, He gave them an order, but it is clear that the demons wanted to do that – in fact, they asked Christ whether they could possess the pigs (compare Mark 5:12-13; Luke 8:30-32).

In another example, God told Satan that he could plague Job, but only after Satan asked permission to do it (compare the first two chapters of the book of Job). God told the spirit in heaven who wanted to become a lying spirit, to go out and deceive the king (compare 1 Kings 22). It was first the demon’s decision. God then used him to accomplish His Will.

The same is true for Israel’s wars. In reading the accounts carefully, we find that many times, Israel asked God, “Shall we fight this battle?” And God’s answer was often times, “Yes.” Sometimes, though, He said, “No,” as to fight that particular battle was not within the parameters of God’s plan and purpose. We must firmly keep the truth of the matter in mind, that it was Israel who WANTED to fight, generally speaking, otherwise, why would they have even ASKED God to fight in the first place?

It was MAN’s decision to fight, just as it was the demon’s decision, for example, to deceive people. God ALLOWED and PERMITTED such conduct FOR A REASON.

Some may say that Israel was guiltless because God ordered them to fight, even killing women and children. But was the spirit guiltless who became a lying spirit in the mouth of all the false prophets? Was Judas guiltless when he betrayed Christ, under the influence and possession of Satan, although it was determined from the outset that it would be he who would betray his Master (compare John 6:64; Matthew 26:24-25)?

This does not mean, by any stretch of the imagination, that there is any wrong with God and that God acted wrongly when He commanded the Israelites to fight in war. It was Israel who sinned, not God. It is true that, at God’s command, the Israelites “utterly destroyed the men, women, and little ones of every city” (Deuteronomy 2:34).

Passages like these have led many readers to conclude that the God of the Old Testament was harsh and cruel, while Jesus Christ was gentle and meek. The fact is, however, that it was Jesus Christ – the second member in the God Family – Who appeared to Moses and gave this command (compare 1 Corinthians 10:4). It was He – the Giver of life – Who created mankind (compare Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:9), and Who rightly determined to take the lives of certain people. Christ, in His wisdom, ended the suffering of those people who lived in that evil, demon-worshipping society, knowing that God would later resurrect them to physical life in a better world – a world in which His right way of life would be taught to everyone and enforced throughout the earth (compare Revelation 20:11-12. For further information on man’s future resurrection, please read our free booklets, “Do You Have An Immortal Soul?” and “God’s Commanded Holy Days“).

Since carnal and unconverted Israel did not trust in God’s might and strength to lead them and protect them, they decided – against God’s Will – to take care of matters themselves. Rather than leaving the fighting to God (compare Exodus 14:14), they CHOSE to become a warring nation. Still, God used them as His instruments to carry out His Will to bring them into the Promised Land, as He had unconditionally promised Abraham.

We find, in Deuteronmoy 20, certain laws regarding the principles governing warfare. Remember, God NEVER intended Israel to fight in war, but after Israel decided to be a warfaring nation, God gave them certain principles to go by. Those principles differ fundamentally from the cruel and merciless way in which wars are being fought today in this world.

Of course, the prerogative to take human life belongs solely to God. Only He has the right to kill a person or command someone else to do it. Angels don’t sin when they kill men, in compliance with God’s Will, as angels are higher than men (Likewise, humans don’t sin, when they kill animals for food, as they are higher than animals). Angels would sin, however, if they were to kill humans against God’s Will (as humans sin, when they kill animals against God’s Will – for example, by slaughtering them just for “fun,” without any need for food or other permissible purposes). And this is why we, once we are glorified members of the God Family, will not sin either, when we take human life in the future. In fact, as God beings, it will be impossible for us to sin, as we will always live in perfect harmony with the Will of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. But as long as we are humans, we are not guiltless if we fight in war and kill other humans. To do so would be, and is, sin.

Some have wrongly concluded that it must be pleasing to God when we fight in war, but they do not understand what happened in Old Testament times, and why. For instance, James Fenimore Cooper quoted a soldier in his historical novel, “The Spy,” saying that since God had ancient Israel fight in war, He could not be against Christian soldiers fighting.

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Did God ORDER Ancient Israel to SIN?

Q: Although there are examples in the Old Testament when men decided to go to war, other passages show that God ordered them to war. If human warfare is always wrong, did God order men to SIN? 

A: To answer this question, it would be helpful to recall that sin begins in the mind—many times, long before the physical act is committed.

If a man lusts after a woman in his heart (mind) he has already committed the sin of adultery, in the eyes of God (compare Matthew 5:27–28). If a person hates another in his heart (mind), he has committed murder already, in the eyes of God (compare Matthew 5:21–22). The law has already been broken. Sin has already been committed.

Thus, in David’s and in ancient Israel’s situations, both had already broken God’s law and committed sin against Him, in their hearts, when they desired to go to war. They had already become men of war, in their hearts—sinners, who had chosen to live contrary to God and His Way (but they might not have even realized that fighting in war is sin).

Thus, God, when He saw this was in their heart—men already having made the decision to sin against Him—He used their sinning attitudes to carry out what He would have done in another way. If they had only trusted in Him and had the faith to know that God did not lie when He said He would fight their battles for them, and that He was fully capable of doing that, Israel’s history might have been quite different.

Many times, ancient Israel only wanted to fight in war when that fit their purpose. Generally, they were not even seeking to carry out God’s purpose—otherwise, they would not have made the decision to fight in the first place. Although King Saul destroyed the Amalekites, he and the people kept some of the spoil, even though God had prohibited them from doing so (compare 1 Samuel 15:1–21). This shows, what their general attitude was—it was not one of seeking and obeying God.

In Moses’ time, God used the Pharaoh of Egypt to teach Israel reliance on Him, since it was already in Pharaoh’s heart to commit evil anyway. At various times God used evil Gentile leaders to carry out His purpose. Although what they were doing was sin, the sin or desire to sin was already in their hearts. They already lived the way of sin—the way of this world. So God used them to do His Will.

A decision to live the way of war is a decision to live the way of this world. God tells us to come out of that way. But He does not force anyone to do that. It always comes down to personal will—free moral agency. God wants man to build Godly righteous character—but this requires that man understands, accepts in his heart and chooses the right, while rejecting the wrong. The development of character requires time—it cannot be created “by fiat.”

Ultimately, it is also a question of God’s original intent. God did not intend that man should fight in war or kill human life (even when Cain slew Abel, Cain was protected from a violent death through a mark, compare Genesis 4:13–15). But man chose to live a certain way of life. And so, God would later say—at the time of Noah—that whoever sheds human blood, his blood will be shed through humans (compare Genesis 9:6). God was addressing here cause and effect—as Christ later said to Peter: “All who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

In addition, God did not intend that man should divorce, but because of the hardness of man’s heart, Moses allowed divorce and gave them bills of divorce. God did not intend that man should engage in polygamy, or that Israel should have a king. Samuel said that Israel sinned when they asked for a king, but God still directed them—“ordered” them—as to whom they should choose for their king.

And so, God’s original intent was not that man should fight in war. God said He would fight for them and that He would bring hornets and fear to the enemy so that they would leave the Promised Land. But when ancient Israel chose to live the way of all other nations, God used them as His instruments to carry out His purpose.

We should also realize that the New Testament commandments against fighting in war are unambiguous. Since God’s character does not change, and since it is WRONG to fight in war TODAY, it MUST HAVE BEEN wrong to fight in war in Old Testament times. No true Christian today would go out and fight in human wars, killing innocent civilians (“casualties”), including women and children. We understand this clearly today, and God judges us based on what we understand. To whom much is given, of him much is required (compare Luke 12:48).

When James and John asked for fire to come down from heaven to devour the Samaritans, Christ rebuked them, telling them that they were, at that moment, following Satan’s inspiration. Christ refused to get involved in judging legal cases, or in carrying out a death penalty against another person. He gave us an example, in that regard, to follow His lead, and that is why we don’t serve on juries or become executioners of convicted criminals. This is not our world. In Old Testament times, Israel was a carnal, unconverted nation without God’s Holy Spirit within them. God administered or “ordered” them in a way that they could understand, to prevent anarchy.

But this was still not done in accordance with God’s original intent!

Laws of war only came into existence after Israel had decided to fight. These laws were “more humane” than any others known to man, but if Israel would not have decided to fight in war, there would not have been a need to have any laws regulating war. The same is true for laws regarding kings. Since God foresaw that Israel would ask for a king, He already placed certain laws
regarding kings in the book of Deuteronomy, but the Bible says clearly that Israel sinned when asking for a king in the first place.

Some passages in the Old Testament are perhaps difficult to understand, but we must appreciate that God will judge people based on what they knew, not on what they did not know. For example, Samson is going to be in the kingdom of God (compare Hebrews 11:32, 39–40), but his entire life, as reported in Scripture, reflects little of a converted person. At the very end of his life, he must have become converted (otherwise he would not be in God’s kingdom)—most likely while he was in the dungeon—but even then, he asked God to give him power to avenge himself against the Philistines (compare Judges 16:28). But somehow, his nature had begun to change—perhaps now he was finally and fully realizing that it was God Who gave him his strength. This mindset might have been sufficient for God to decide that He would resurrect Samson in the first resurrection, as God looks at the heart, and He overlooks ignorance. But today, no true Christian would ask for power from God so that he could kill others and avenge himself.

God saved the harlot Rehab, although she lied. God did not condone lying, but He appreciated her willingness to stand up for God and save the spies. The same is true when David killed Goliath or when Phinehas killed the Israelite and the foreign woman who practiced fornication in front of others. God did not condone killing, but He appreciated their willingness to stand up for God.

If we say that Israel’s fighting in war was right, because God “ordered” Israel to fight, then we must also say that it will be right for the modern king of Assyria to fight against the modern houses of Israel and Judah—and that all Christians should join his army—since God is going to order that future king of Assyria to go to war against modern Israel and Judah (compare Isaiah 10:5–6).

With regard to Abraham, God asked him to sacrifice his only son. We understand that this was also symbolic of the Father’s sacrifice of Christ for man’s sake, but the point still is that Abraham was asked to kill Isaac, quite literally. This was a test for Abraham, to see how strong his faith was, given the fact that God had promised him that through Isaac he would be blessed. That is why Abraham believed that God would resurrect Isaac after his death, trusting God that He would carry out His promises (compare Hebrews 11:17–19). Still, though, he was ordered to kill his son. Why would God give Abraham such a command? It is perhaps interesting to consider that Abraham had shown a willingness to fight and kill prior to that episode when he rescued Lot with his trained servants—trained for war, apparently (compare Genesis 14:13–16). So, is it possible that God was also trying to teach Abraham a lesson—what it means to kill another person—and what it means for a father when his only son is about to be killed?

The Bible does not specifically say WHY God asked Abraham to slay his own son. But we can be quite convinced that God would never ask a true Christian TODAY—one who understands the evil of war and refuses to fight and kill—to kill his son.

Also, God never sins. God gives human life, and He has the right to take it. When He commanded Israel to kill others—in war or in civil situations—He did not sin. He used men—who were willing to kill—so the responsibility was with them. Paul said in the book of Romans, chapter 13, verse 4, that God has given the governments of this world the sword to carry out executions—to prevent anarchy—but as true Christians today, we are not to take part in those activities. Ultimately, taking human life through humans is wrong—but the governments of this world are not judged yet—but we are (compare 1 Peter 4:17).

If Adam and Eve had not rebelled against God and had therefore been expelled from the Garden of Eden, God would not have had to give them laws like “an eye for an eye.” These laws had to be given because of carnal human nature and the evil desires of man’s heart.

Thankfully, there is soon coming a time when the way of war will no longer be tolerated, and when man, because of a change of heart, will WANT to live the way of peace.

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No Christian Soldiers!

As we pointed out earlier, originally there were no Christian soldiers. But as paganism crept into the Roman Catholic Church, militaristic ideas began to be embraced by Church leaders as well. And so we find in historical records that even members of the true Church of God were at times – over the centuries – not immune from participating in war. Are we today? Or, are we going to fall into the same trap when the time of temptation comes? Unless we KNOW, and we KNOW that we KNOW that it is a SIN for man to fight in war, we MIGHT be in danger of making the wrong decision when every nation will be engulfed in an all-encompassing future World War, soon to come.

Let us review, at this point, the historical record in more detail.

The Paulicians are first mentioned in historical records in 555 A.D. Traditionally, they have been considered to be a part of the spiritual body of Christ. The word “Paulician” is a derogatory term that means, “followers of wretched little Paul.” They preached strongly against any participation in war. But when, around 800 A.D., the Catholic Church began to persecute them, some of them began to defend themselves with weapons. Their great leader Sergius, who taught them from 801 to 835, condemned fighting and retaliation. But after his death, even those who had listened to him, began to fight. Now the Paulicians became known as a warrior people.

At one time, the Waldenses were apparently part of the body of Christ. Their founder, Peter Waldo, started to teach in 1161. He taught, among other things, that taking a life was wrong. But after his death, and that of early subsequent leaders, many of the Waldenses took up arms in 1380 when the Inquisitors invaded their areas. And in 1619, their leader, Simon Pechi, went to war in Austria, although he still taught and kept the Sabbath. His right understanding regarding the Sabbath did not prevent him from having ACQUIRED a wrong understanding pertaining to killing and war!

When we review the records of the early Sabbath-keepingChurch of God in America, we find that although the Church officially condemned warfare, some Sabbath-keeping members began, as early as 1776, to participate in war.

There are indications in the Bible that members of the true Church of God, who once professed to believe it was wrong to participate in war, will soon take up arms and fight in war, because they have never fully convinced themselves that it is wrong to do so. If, and when they do think to get involved, they would do well to remember Christ’s stern warning to Peter: ” … all who take the sword, will perish by the sword” (compare Matthew 26:52). They should also remember what God says, in effect: “My soul hates those who delight in war” (compare Psalm 5:6; 68:30). And they should recall that, “Every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire” (Isaiah 9:5).

At times of temptation we can keep ourselves on track in our relationship with God by recalling the Scriptures God has provided for us, rightly applying them in any given situation. Understanding God’s viewpoint on fighting and war, is one example of “rightly dividing the word of truth” (compare 2 Timothy 2:15).

Several Church organizations, describing themselves as part of the “Church of God,” as well as certain “Christian” writers, claiming to belong to the true Church of God, have already officially adopted the position that it would not be a sin for a Christian to fight in war. There are others, who, although preaching against the participation of a Christian in today’s wars, still do not want to give up their wrong ideas as to why Israel and David fought in Old Testament times.

Let us quote from another article that Mr. Armstrong wrote on the subject of war. It was published in the Plain Truth magazine of February of 1986, one month following his death on January 16, 1986. The article is entitled, “Why Does God Allow Wars?”

“God’s law or way is love. Love is always away from self – not toward self. Never lust or anything of that sort. The opposite way is lust and greed, that’s all toward self – vanity! And it leads to the system in this world – competition and strife – yes, the getting way, the accumulating, the taking way. And that is the cause of wars. Why does God allow war and human suffering? We have competition. Everything is competition in this world. Everything is carried along on the selfish, the getting, basis – greed and vanity. To prevent the evils of competition and wars today God would have to cram his religion down our throats. Our way, the violation of the law of God, the law of love, is causing war, human anguish and human suffering. God had to allow it (to let us have our own way) in order to fulfill his purpose of creating holy character.

“The only way that God could stop war would be to stop the cause. He would have, in effect, to cram his religion down our throats – down the throats of all humanity. There wouldn’t be any free moral agency; there wouldn’t be any [development of Godly] character and God’s purpose could never be fulfilled. That’s why God allows wars, and that’s why God allows suffering.”

Killing in War Breaks the Ten Commandments

God does not change. His character does not change. God gave man the Ten Commandments and He won’t change them. They will stay in force and effect as long as there are human beings living in the flesh. The Ten Commandments reflect God’s character; that is, how He would live if He were a man. And when God became a man in the person of Jesus Christ, that is how God DID live in the flesh. For instance, Christ kept the Sabbath, which was made FOR MAN (compare Mark 2:27).

Christ did not go to war. He did not enter the military. He rebuked Peter for picking up the sword to defend Him against an illegal arrest. When Christ was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to God who judges righteously (compare 1 Peter 2:23). Is this our approach to life? Is this how we think and act in the face of adversity?

Since God’s character has not changed, we know that He felt exactly the same regarding ancient Israel and war. It is sin for a human being to fight in war today, just as it was sin in Old Testament times. It has ALWAYS been a violation of God’s spiritual law, the Ten Commandments.

Some disagree, claiming that God never prohibited killing in war. They say that the Ten Commandments only prohibit “murder” (“ratsach” in Hebrew), and “killing in war” is allegedly not “murder.”

We have already discussed the fact that Christ and James equated killing in war with murder. They taught that killing in war is in violation of the Ten Commandments.

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Q: Please explain Romans 13:3, stating that “rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.” I could think of many rulers who are a terror to good works. Also, do we have to obey civil rulers and their laws in everything?

A: Paul is talking here about rulers in general who uphold certain laws to guarantee a civil and peaceful and harmonious lifestyle among their citizens. Paul is referring to submission to and enforcement of civil and criminal laws, such as theft or murder.

Paul is not talking here about the Hitlers or the Neros, who encourage their citizens to betray Christians or the Jews so they can be killed. We need to remember Christ’s statement to OBEY the Pharisees in all that they tell the people—but later, Peter did not obey them when they told him not to preach in the name of Christ. Christ would not obey them, either, in following their rules of ceremonial washings or to have no contact with “sinners.” So, Christ and Paul were talking about matters that were not in conflict with God’s Word. (Notice, too, that John the Baptist openly rebuked Herod for committing adultery with his brother’s wife—see Luke 3:19–20. Also, Daniel refused to obey the order of King Darius, not to pray to God, while his three
friends disobeyed the order of King Nebuchadnezzar to worship the golden image).

In John 19:11, Christ told Pilate, “‘You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the GREATER sin.” Christ is giving here an implicit forewarning of accountability and judgment on those—including rulers—who are evil. We are to be ambassadors of Christ and of the Kingdom of God. As such, we still need to be subject to the laws of man, as long as they are not in conflict with the laws of God.

Also, in Luke 4:6, Satan states to Christ that all authority over the kingdoms of this world have presently been given to Satan, and that it is he who gives it to whomever he wishes. Christ does not dispute this claim. In fact, we read that Satan is the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4, Authorized Version), who still has a throne on this earth (Revelation 2:13). He and his demons are the current rulers over this world (Ephesians 6:12), inspiring civil leaders to obey their will (1 Corinthians 2:7–8).

Today, the world as a whole is cut off from God and is subject to the rule of Satan. God placed Lucifer on the throne of this earth, with responsibility for properly governing it, but he rebelled and became known as Satan. When Satan inspired Adam and Eve to turn against God—to sin by going against what God instructed them—God gave mankind 6,000 years to find out for themselves that they cannot live without God [see accompanying box for more information on God’s 6,000-year plan for man]. And for that same 6,000-year duration, God has decreed that Satan would remain on his throne. That 6,000-year period will end at the return of Jesus Christ, Who will come to replace Satan—a failed ruler—and restore the government of God on this earth. In that sense, there is “no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1), and all authority “has been given…from above” (John 19:11). God has not yet replaced Satan and his demons, but they cannot do anything that God does not ALLOW them to do.

It is with that background that we must understand Paul’s statement that human governmental authorities or rulers are “God’s minister[s]” who do “not bear the sword in vain,” and “avenger[s] to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:4). This statement does not permit true Christians to be involved in this world’s system of capital punishment [either as executioners, or as judges or jurors, condemning a criminal to death] and working for the police force by carrying and using guns. Paul’s statement in Romans 13:3 explains the fact that God allows human governments to punish criminals in order to prevent anarchy (compare Numbers 35:30–33). But, while ancient Israel was directly ruled by God for a while, all human governments are today under the direct rule or control of the “god of this world,” Satan the devil.

True Christians are no longer part of this world. They have turned their back on Satan’s rule. They are ambassadors and citizens of a future kingdom—the Kingdom of God. Their citizenship is already preserved in heaven for them.

Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 3 that true Christians are “ministers of the new covenant.” As verse 6 points out, they are to administer life through the administration of the Holy Spirit, even though God allows civil governing authorities—“minister[s]… of the letter,” which are still under Satan’s rule—to administer “the letter [which] kills.”

At times, God might even directly intervene to insure that a particular person takes over rulership in a particular country, so that God’s overall plan for mankind can be fulfilled (Exodus 9:16). But, we are not to follow them or their laws when they oppose God’s instructions for us.

The Broadman Bible Commentary has this to say about Romans 13:3: “…State officials as rulers deserve the loyalty of Christians only when they do approve good conduct (vv. 3–4a). The corrupt politicians who appeal to the Christian conscience to protect their unjust reign of terror and tyranny should be totally repudiated… As God’s public servant the ruler is to promote the good against the bad” (p. 257).

The German “Lexikon zur Bibel,” by Fritz Rienecker, points out under “governing authorities” [“Obrigkeit”]: “The Bible instructs us, because of God, to obey the governing authorities (Romans 13:1–7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13–14), and to pray for them (Jer. 29:7; 1 Tim. 2:2). The reason is, that every authority is appointed by God and that it is His servant (Romans 13:1, 4)… There is, however, a limit to obedience. That limit is reached, when the instructions of the authority prevent a human being from obeying God (Acts 4:19; 5:29). This freedom, not to follow the will of the authority, Peter defends before the spiritual authority of his own people.”

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The Avenger of Blood

A brief discussion here of the provisions regarding the avenger of blood might also be helpful in showing the error in reasoning that killing in war is not murder.

A perpetrator who “accidentally” brought about the death of another person (Numbers 35:15), without hating the victim, was allowed to flee to a city of refuge to escape the wrath of the avenger of blood. He was only allowed to escape death if he acted “unintentionally” or “ignorantly” (Deuteronomy 19:4). For instance, he might have killed a person by throwing a stone at him, not realizing that the victim was there (Numbers 35:23). Or, he might have killed the victim without wanting to (Deuteronomy 19:5; Numbers 35:22). If, on the other hand, the perpetrator hated the victim in the past, or if he struck him intentionally with a stone, an iron implement or a wooden hand weapon, even though he might not have hated the victim, he was still to be executed (Deuteronomy 19:4, 6, 11; Numbers 35:20-21; 16-18).

Some misunderstand certain statements in the book of Numbers to say that only the person who acted intentionally, knowingly and/or with hatred is called a “murderer” (“ratsach” in Hebrew; compare Numbers 35:16: “But if he strikes [Hebrew, “nakah“] him with an iron implement, so that he dies, he is a murderer [Hebrew, “ratsach“]; the murderer [Hebrew, “ratsach“] shall surely be put to death.”). This understanding is technically incorrect, as sometimes the perpetrator accidentally or unintentionally causing the death of a person is also called a “murderer” as well (compare Numbers 35:25; Deuteronomy 4:42; 19:4 – in all these cases, the Hebrew word for “manslayer” is “ratsach,” i.e. “murderer.”). In addition, Numbers 35:30 equates the Hebrew words for “killing” [nakah] and “murder” [ratsach]. We read: “Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death … ” In most cases, however, the underlying Hebrew word for “manslayer” is “nakah” – one who smites another.

The meaning of the passage in Numbers 35:15-16 [referred to above] is that a person who kills intentionally, knowingly and/or with hatred is a murderer worthy of death, whereas others are, although still called “murderers” at times, not worthy of death. Note that even the avenger of blood who was permitted – but not required – to kill a murderer worthy of death, is still sometimes called a “murderer” himself, compare Numbers 35:27: ” … and the avenger of blood finds himself outside the limits of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills [in Hebrew, “ratsach,” i.e. “murders“] the manslayer [in Hebrew, “ratsach,” i.e. “murderer”], he shall not be guilty of blood … ”

The Scriptures tell us that the killing or “smiting” of another human being is wrong in God’s eyes and in violation of the Ten Commandments. The “accidental” manslayer, who did not hate his neighbor whom he killed, was not considered innocent, as his conduct, albeit unintentional or unknowing, led to the death of a person. With proper precautions, such a death could have been avoided. The accidental manslayer still had to flee to a city of refuge and stay there until the high priest died. If he left the city before the death of the high priest, the avenger of blood was permitted, although not required, to kill him.

We might also ask, in this context, how “accidental deaths” of innocent war victims, commonly called “casualties of war,” can be explained in light of these Scriptures.

Killing in War Not Murder?

Some point out that sometimes, the Hebrew word for “killing” in the context of war is “harag,” and since this is a different word than the one used in the Ten Commandments (“ratsach“), killing in war is allegedly not murder and therefore permitted. For instance, we read in Numbers 31:7: “And they WARRED against the Midianites, just as the LORD commanded Moses, and they killed [Hebrew, “harag“] all the males.”

This argument is only convincing at first sight, because the Hebrew word “harag” is also used to describe “murder.” Compare Psalm 10:8: “[The wicked] … sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the secret places he murders [Hebrew, “harag“] the innocent … ” Compare, too, Jeremiah 4:31 and Hosea 9:13. The Hebrew word for “ murderer” in both cases is “harag.”

Please note, too, that Cain murdered his brother Abel, as it is clearly explained in 1 John 3:12: ” … Cain who was of the wicked one … murdered his brother … ” But notice, too, that Genesis 4:8 tells us: “Now Cain talked with Abel his brother, and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed [Hebrew, “harag“] him.” The Hebrew word “harag” in this passage clearly describes “murder.” The concept, then, that the Hebrew word “harag” does not describe murder is clearly erroneous. It cannot be used for the argument that killing in war is not murder, and that it is not a violation of the Ten Commandments.

Another argument is that killing is only “murder,” according to the Bible, when it is done with hate. To support this argument, some quote Christ’s words in Matthew 5:21-22, claiming that murder begins with a hateful heart. Also, they point out that 1 John 3:15 defines a person as a murderer, who “hates his brother.” It is certainly true that hate can lead to murder. This fact does not help those, however, who allege that killing in war is not murder, as soldiers are trained to HATE their enemies, so THAT they can kill them. In addition, as has been explained in our discussion regarding the “avenger of blood,” killing out of hate is not the only way in which one is labelled, Biblically, as a murderer.

With that same rationale, someone would not be guilty of adultery, as long as he or she does not lust after another person (compare Matthew 5:27-28). Adultery can begin, and many times does, with looking at another person to lust for him or her, but this is not the only way in which one can commit adultery. Although Abraham may or may not have lusted after his wife’s maid, when producing offspring through her (compare Genesis 16:1-4), this was clearly a case of adultery, and it had terrible consequences for all of the parties involved.

“Feed Your Enemies” in Practical Application

We find a very powerful example of the application of Christ’s words, to bless and help our enemies, in the sixth chapter of 2 Kings. We read, beginning in verse 14, that the king of Syria “sent horses and chariots and a great army” to the city of Dothan, to capture the prophet Elisha.

The king’s army “came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant [Gehazi] of the man of God [Elisha] arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots … And Elisha prayed, and said, `LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha [Christ’s servants – legions of angels]. So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, `Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.’ And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. Now Elisha said to them, `This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.’ But he led them to Samaria. So it was, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, `LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.’ And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and there they were, inside Samaria! Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, `My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?’ But he answered, `You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.’ Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel” (2 Kings 6:14-23).

This can be the result, if we obey God and bless those who curse us – if we feed our enemy when he is hungry and give him to drink when he is thirsty, rather than killing him in war. Is this too simplistic, too impractical? Here we see that it is not: When the king of Israel applied Christ’s words to bless his enemies, they did not again try to raid his country.

The Bible is clear that every war fought by human beings is sin. It is murder in the eyes of God. Is it sin and murder in your eyes, too?

Conscientious Objection

Today, most of us are not being called to fight in war. There is presently no draft in the United States of America, Canada or Great Britain, although the question of instituting a draft in the USA is being discussed. In some European and other countries, there is a draft. In any event, members, or prospective members of the Church of God must know the Biblical truth on the matter of military service. A true Christian will not join the military, as he or she is conscientiously opposed to so doing. But in order to be a conscientious objector, one’s conscience must OBJECT to joining the military and fighting and killing in war. In case of a draft and an examination, those who claim to be conscientious objectors must be able to convince the examiners that they are in fact convicted that they cannot participate in war.

A vague answer, such as, “it is probably wrong,” is not going to convince anyone. Neither will an answer like, “It was Godly to fight in Old Testament times, but it is not Godly now, because we are living today under a different administration.” Such an answer will surely prompt further questions, such as, “Do you believe that a soldier who is not a Christian SINS when he goes to war, since he is not yet under the new administration?” If that question is answered with, “No,” the applicant is, in all likelihood, not going to be exempted from military service.

Most countries will not recognize someone as a conscientious objector if his conscience only bothers him in regard to fighting in selective wars, while not being opposed to fighting in all wars. For instance, an American would not be recognized as a conscientious objector if he is opposed to fighting in Iraq, while he would have been willing to fight in World War II.

The Biblically correct answer to all of these questions is that ALL wars fought by humans, are, and always have been, a sin! This applies to all wars fought in Old Testament times, and it applies to all wars that have been fought since the beginning of the New Testament and on into our own recent history. To properly understand the events that took place in Old Testament times, one has to read them with “New Testament” eyes. It is foolish and wrong to attempt to read “New Testament” Scriptures with “Old Testament” eyes.

When someone is being interrogated about his beliefs pertaining to military service and war, the examiners will also look at what the person does, how he lives, how he acts and reacts in his personal life. They want to know that what the applicant says is backed up by what he does. Do your actions back up your beliefs?

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Legal Precedence Regarding Jury Duty and Naturalization

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How Do We Protect Ourselves?

The question boils down to this: What do we do for our own protection since it is a sin to fight, and even to have a vengeful spirit? Do we believe in God and rely on Him for our protection, having the faith that it is GOD who is our protecting shield, or do we think that we must have additional security in the form of a handgun or some sort of firearm?

Do we think that God is incapable of helping us in certain circumstances?

We should, of course, do everything that we can do to avoid getting into dangerous situations. We obviously should not go to places where gangs assemble, and we should not get involved with people who are known to be active in crimes, for instance.

In addition, Proverbs 15:1 tells us that a soft answer turns away wrath but that grievous words stir up strife. So then, we need to be peacemakers, and we need to avoid everything that would create strife. Proverbs 18:6 reminds us that a fool’s lips enter into contention and that his mouth calls for violent reactions.

We are also told in Proverbs 26:17 that he who passes by and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one who takes a dog by the ears. The point is, the battles of this world, which are fought by this world, are not our battles! This Scripture tells us not to be a fool, meddling with strife not belonging to us! We are to be ambassadors for Christ (compare 2 Corinthians 5:20). We are citizens of another kingdom. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our kingdom is not of this world. That is one of the reasons why we don’t vote for leaders in this world (see accompanying Boxes). That is one of the reasons why we don’t fight in the wars of this world. Do you see how the Scriptures teach us right living?

The most important of all the things you can do to avoid using violence is to pray to God, on a daily basis: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (compare Matthew 6:13). We are to plead with God daily to NOT ALLOW a tempting situation that might be too difficult for us to bear, to overtake us.

However, we read in the Bible that righteous persons have sometimes found themselves being attacked by others. What did they do, and what should YOU do, if God allows it?

First, realize that God would NOT allow it if you were not able to bear it, as 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us. And when God does allow it, He will also provide a way of escape for you. This is sometimes literally the case. Sometimes you need to actually flee, to run away! Christ did so on occasion. We read in John 10:39: “Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.”

What Not to Do!

When we find ourselves, or others, in a dangerous, challenging, life-threatening situation, we must PRAY to God, with faith, to HELP us out of that situation. To fight our fight for us! To give us the wisdom and the power NOT to do the WRONG thing, however tempting it may be.

We must realize that no matter what harm we may WANT to do physically in a given situation, we must not seriously injure or kill the attacker. But unless we understand beforehand, and have in our mind that we are not to do something with the intent to seriously injure or kill the attacker, we might very well do so when the occasion presents itself. If we carry a gun with us or have one handy, say, next to our bed, we will certainly try to use it, but then may be killed in the process.

People who disagree with the foregoing may ask you what you would do if you came home and a robber was in the process of raping your wife or killing your husband. These kinds of questions are reminiscent of questions asked by those who are in favor of abortion. They never address the fact that abortion is clearly wrong when used as a means of birth control. They always use the dramatic exceptions, like that of a young girl who is raped. But even in such a tragic case, the answer is clear: Abortion is always wrong! Since that is the Biblical teaching, abortion is not an option, even in such a tragic situation of rape. But there are solutions. Adoption might be one of them. A young girl in such a situation would need a lot of guidance through spiritual and emotional counseling, as well as physical assistance. But we do not help the girl or the unborn child, by saying, “Well, okay then, let her have an abortion.”

The same is true for an attacker threatening a loved one. Realistically, how many times does this happen? But if it does happen, do you really think that you can take a gun and shoot the attacker, and that the attacker would let you do it without any resistance? Chances are, he will use his gun first. In any case, to use a gun and shoot the attacker would be against the clear Biblical teaching of prohibiting killing. But what about just trying to injure him? In the heat of the moment, you may not be able to do just that, even if you wanted to. And if the attacker would only be injured, he would still have the chance to kill you or others who are with you.

Christ told Peter, when he pulled his sword in defense of Christ and just injured the servant, to put his sword away. Christ’s protection did not depend on human weapons. It depended on God the Father and His angels. So, too, with us. Our real protection comes from the same source.

Some claim that Christ resorted to violence when He overturned the tables of the money changers. In fact, He did so twice – at the beginning of His public ministry and also near the end of His life here on earth. The events are described in John 2:14-17 and in Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; and Luke 19:45-46. A careful study reveals that Christ – the legitimate owner of the Temple – overturned the tables of the money changers who occupied the Temple for inappropriate purposes that were not sanctioned by the owner. We don’t read that Christ injured the money changers – or even, that He drove them out. He used whips to drive out their sheep and oxen – but He did not use the whips to beat the people. The New International Version translates John 2:15, as follows: “So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.”

Where Our Trust Is …

The whole issue really comes down to where we place our trust and confidence for our protection, in EVERY situation.

Notice God’s promise to His people, in Exodus 34:22-24: “And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the year’s end. Three times in the year all your men shall appear before the Lord, the LORD God of Israel. For I will cast out the nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither will any man covet your land when you go up to appear before the LORD your God three times in the year.”

When man places his trust and confidence in God, God will protect man. Ultimately though, no matter the consequences, we must be living a life pleasing to God. We must never fear the ones who can take our physical life from us, but we must fear, or deeply respect, the One who can refuse to give us ETERNAL LIFE.

We must always have the attitude that Daniel’s three friends had when they were asked to violate God’s laws by worshipping an idol, and in case of refusal, were threatened with being thrown into a fiery furnace. We need to speak and act in the same way when we are being tempted to worship Satan – the god of war – by picking up a gun or a knife or another weapon to injure or even kill another person. We read their answer in Daniel 3:17-18: ” … our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

We must not serve the wisdom of this world, worshipping the power of the air and the god of destruction and war. Rather, we must always follow the PRINCE OF PEACE.

Remember what the angels told the shepherds when Christ was born: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests (Luke 2, 14, NIV), or, as the NRSV renders it, ” … with whom He is pleased.” (Compare accompanying box.)

When God is pleased with us, when His favor rests on us, THEN He will be our shield and protection in times of impending battles. We must trust in God (compare Psalm 56:3-4, 8-11), AND we must be willing to obey His commandments, no matter what the situation, circumstance or consequence. God tells us: “You shall not kill!” Are you listening to Him?

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 Q: What are the Biblical reasons compelling a Christian to refuse to participate in military service and war?

A: There are different Biblical principles involved. We believe that the following will best express our religious convictions against participating in military service and war:

A true Christian is a stranger, alien and exile (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13) while here on earth; an ambassador for Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20); and a representative of God’s kingdom. As such, and in being a light to the world by proper conduct (Matthew 5:14-16), a true Christian does not take part in this world’s governmental or political affairs, because it is not God who presently rules this world, but Satan the devil (Revelation 2:13; Luke 4:5-6). Christians are admonished to come out of the governmental and political systems of this world (Revelation 18:4).

Romans 12:17-21 tells us that we have to overcome evil with good; that we are not to avenge ourselves; and that we even give food and drink to our enemies if we find them in need. Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28 command us to love our enemies. This tells us that we cannot fight or kill our enemies. We are told, in Romans 14:19 and in 1 Peter 3:11, to pursue the things which lead to peace. We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9; James 3:18).

John the Baptist told Roman soldiers to “do violence to no man” (Luke 3:14, Authorized Version). He was showing man how to live in peace (Luke 1:79). Jesus Christ came to preach peace (Acts 10:36), as man does not know the way to peace (Luke 19:41-42; Romans 3:17), living, instead, the way that brings
about bloodshed and war (Romans 3:10-18). Christ will return to make an end to war (Psalm 46:9). He will scatter all those who delight in war (Psalm 68:28-30). After His return, all will learn how to live in peace, and there will be no more wars (Isaiah 2:2-4). Weapons of war will be destroyed (Hosea 2:18). At that time, there will be no end to the increase of peace (Isaiah 9:7).

Today, as ambassadors of Christ, we are to proclaim peace and reject any kind of war (Isaiah 52:7). We read in James 4:1-4 that wars originate with man’s sinful and carnal desires, which MUST be overcome. We must live today the way of peace, the way that all of mankind will learn to live after Christ’s return. Christ told Peter to put his sword away (Matthew 26:52). We are warned that all those who use the sword will perish by it (Revelation 13:10; compare 2 Samuel 2:26). Christ told His disciples that they were not following God’s instructions when they wanted to destroy their enemies (Luke 9:54-56). Christ told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world, and therefore, His servants would not fight (John 18:36). Paul confirmed that Christ’s followers are not to fight (2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:12). We find that Satan is the one who deceives man to believe that he should fight in war (Revelation 20:7-10).

It is true that in Old Testament times ancient Israel fought in war. This, however, was sin. God never intended that Israel should fight! Israel chose to fight, lacking the faith that God could help them in times of need (Exodus 17:7; Psalm 78:41). Since man is a free moral agent, God does not force man not to sin. God made it clear, however, that Israel was not to fight. He told Israel in Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” God intended to bring Israel into the Promised Land by driving out the enemies, using hornets in several cases (Exodus 23:27-28; Deuteronomy 7:17-22; Joshua 24:12). When Israel did rely on God, then God did intervene for them and fight their battles. They did not have to fight (2 Chronicles 20:1-30; 2 Chronicles 32:1-23).

David also fought in war, but this, too, was sinful. God punished David with continued wars because of his murder of Uriah and his adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:9-10). Subsequently, God did not allow David to build a temple because he had shed blood in war (1 Chronicles 22:6-10; 1 Chronicles 28:2-3; 1 Kings 5:2-5). God punished David again at the end of his life when he numbered his army, intending to fight in war (2 Samuel 24:1-17; 1 Chronicles 21:1-30).

It is true that God, at times, ordered Israel to fight certain wars. This did not make war right. Israel had chosen to fight in war, as Israel later chose to have a king. God had foreseen that this would happen (compare Genesis 36:31). He gave them their king (1 Samuel 8:22; 9:17), stating, at the same time, that their request for a king was sinful (1 Samuel 8:7, 19; 10:19; 12:13, 19-20). God allowed divorce in Old Testament times because of the hardness of people’s hearts, but it was not God’s intent that people should divorce (Matthew 19:3-9). Since God’s purpose must stand, and since
God promised Abraham, unconditionally, to bring his descendants into the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18-21; 22:15-18), God determined the outcome of those wars that Israel wanted to fight.

Rather than killing our enemies, we are to do them good, if it is within our power to do so. Elisha acted in that way, as recorded in 2 Kings 6:14-23, and lasting peace was the result. When we are confronted with aggression, we need to pray to God to give us strength not to violate His law by killing the aggressors. God will not allow that we are overtaken by a temptation that is too difficult for us to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). If there is an opportunity, we can hide or escape from our enemies, as Christ did (John 10:39). Christ never fought in war, nor did He ever commit violence to any man. Neither did the early apostles and disciples after their conversion. Neither must we today. God has not changed! God promises us protection from our enemies when we do what He commands (Genesis 35:1-5; Exodus 34:22-24). If God were to choose not to protect us in a given situation, for whatever reason, we must still not violate His law by killing another human being. Rather, we must have the faith and act as Daniel’s three friends did, when Nebuchadnezzar threw them into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:14-18).

Since it is God who commands us not to kill (Exodus 20:13), we must not violate His law by taking the life of another human being, for ANY reason. We must, therefore, not kill in war, nor enter the military to carry arms, or serve as combatants. We would be able to perform alternate service work under civilian direction, when required by law.

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Q: What are the Biblical principles enjoining us not to serve on a jury?

A: There are different Biblical principles involved. We believe that the following will best express our religious convictions against participating in jury duty:

A true Christian is a stranger, alien and exile (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13) while here on earth; an ambassador for Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20); and a representative of God’s Kingdom. As such, and in being a light to the world by proper conduct (Matthew 5:14-16), a true Christian does not take part in this world’s governmental or political affairs, as presently, it is not God who rules this earth, but Satan the devil (Revelation 2:13; Luke 4:5-6). Christians are challenged to come out of the governmental and political systems of this world. Christ, knowing that God’s Kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36), refused to judge a civil matter when He was asked to do so (Luke 12:14). Paul, likewise, prohibited judging those “who are outside” the church (1 Corinthians 5:12).

Further, man’s judgments are concerned with the letter of the law. In contrast, God looks on one’s heart, and is concerned with the spirit and intent of the law. Man’s laws usually do not take into account repentance, forgiveness of sins, and other spiritual factors in the way that God does (Acts 2:38). Jesus, in looking at the heart of the accused, refused to condemn a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Jesus taught that true Christians must be willing to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15).

Another principle against participation in jury duty is that true Christians are to learn to judge according to the law of God as seasoned by judgment, mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23). They are also to render “righteous” judgment (John 7:24). Presenting selective evidence, where facts may be suppressed for technical legal reasons as permitted in the courts, may not necessarily lead to Godly justice, mercy and truth, and to the rendering of a righteous judgment.

In following Biblical injunctions, one could not convict a person, in any event, unless the accusation is supported by the testimony of at least two witnesses (Matthew 18:16; Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6-7; 19:15). Since the witnesses would have to “cast the first stones,” circumstantial evidence [which is many times based on human interpretation and theory] would not be sufficient under God’s law for the requirement of two witnesses.

Since we may be compelled, as a juror, to apply man’s laws in conflict with the law of God, we could not take the oath as a juror, as we would, in principle, agree to obeying man rather than God (Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19). Therefore, jury duty will invariably create a conflict of conscience in a Christian between the requirements of God and the requirements of jury service. A Christian who violates his conscience would be guilty of committing sin (Romans 14:23; 1 John 3:4).

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Q: Why do you teach that a Christian should not vote in governmental elections?

A: In the context of this booklet, we need to understand that the issues of jury duty and voting for the government are both connected with the issue of military service and war.

It is inconsistent to take the position that one cannot join the military because one is an ambassador of Jesus Christ and a citizen of another government – the Kingdom of God – while at the same time serving on a jury or voting in governmental elections. For instance, in the United States, the President is also the Commander-in-Chief, having both the right and the obligation under the Constitution, in certain circumstances, to declare war. How can one refuse to participate in war, while voting for a person who has the right and the obligation to declare war? In the past, people were disqualified as conscientious objectors because they did not refuse to serve on a jury or to vote in governmental elections. It was ruled that such an obvious inconsistency in position showed evidence for non-sincerity of the applicant.

In addition, when one votes for a particular political candidate, one votes for the “totality” of the person. Some have argued that one needs to vote for candidate X, rather than candidate Z, supposedly choosing “the lesser evil.” Following that kind of reasoning, one still would vote for “an evil,” which a Christian should not do (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:22). Somebody might want to vote for candidate X, as that candidate might reject abortion. However, the same candidate might support the tobacco industry or pollution of the environment. A Christian could not support a candidate who might be right on one issue, but who would still be wrong on other issues. In addition, as stated above, every candidate in the United States would support his right as the future president or leader of his nation to declare war on other nations.

Another reason why a Christian is not to vote for a candidate in governmental or local council elections is because he understands the truth about this being Satan’s world at the present time. It is Satan who, with the general permission of God, places candidates into governmental offices. If we were to vote, we might involve ourselves quite directly in Satan’s system. Hosea 8:4 gives us God’s warning in this regard: “`They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but I did not acknowledge them.'”

Sometimes, in order to ensure that certain aspects of His plan are fulfilled, God Himself might intervene to see to it that the person best (or perhaps worst) suited for the job at that time gets the job (compare Daniel 4:17). How would God look at us when He intervenes directly to place a specific person into office, while we did not vote for that person, but rather for someone whom God does not want to see in charge at that time? It is obvious that our vote would be found to be in opposition to God’s Will.

To give a prophetic and an historical example, Biblical prophecy reveals that a final political leader of the resurrected Roman Empire – the “beast” – will soon arise in Europe. According to God’s prophetic plan, this person will be placed in office in the very last days, wreaking total havoc on this planet. It is Satan, with God’s permission, who will give his power and authority to this person (Revelation 13:4-5). A Christian could not and should not vote for this person, of course, as he will persecute and kill many of the “saints” (Revelation 13:7), and he will even attempt to fight the returning Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:19). Neither should a Christian have voted for Adolph Hitler, although it is clear now that Hitler came to power, as prophesied, to bring about the ninth resurrection of the Roman Empire. This is to say that God allowed Hitler to become ruler over Germany so that prophecy could be fulfilled.

The Bible shows that God sometimes appoints directly, or permits Satan to place into office, strong or weak leaders, depending on the situation, in order to insure that God’s purpose will be carried out. For example, God allowed ancient Pharaoh, at the time of the Exodus, to be ruler over Egypt for a very specific reason – “that [God] may show [His] power in [him], and that [God’s] name may be declared in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16).

And finally, in regard to voting in governmental elections, we human beings are incapable of looking into the heart of a person. When God wanted King Saul to be replaced, He had Samuel anoint David as the new king. If it had been left to Samuel, he would have appointed one of David’s brothers (compare 1 Samuel 16:6-13). Participating in voting for governmental elections shows a lack of appreciation for the Will of God. It also shows a misunderstanding of the fact that Satan presently rules this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), and that Christians are ambassadors of Christ, called to come out of this world, to be separate.

As Christians, we are in no way to resist our leaders whom God has allowed to be placed over us, unless it is in direct conflict with Christ’s teachings. Rather, we are to be thankful for whatever good they provide for us, and we are to pray for them so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:2) and fulfill our God-given job to preach the Gospel and to feed the flock.

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God gave Ezekiel a powerful message regarding his responsibility in warning the house of Israel in his time. He said to Ezekiel: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me” (Ezekiel 3:17). Hosea confirms: “The watchman of Ephraim is with my God… Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke; Among the tribes of Israel I make known what is sure” (Hosea 9:8; 5:9).

According to comments made by the New Open Bible Study Edition Commentary, Ezekiel’s principal Godly-ordained mission was to speak out to the ancient Israelites, including the nation of Judah and those who were born during the days of Judah’s exile in Babylon; and to (a) tell them the reason for Judah’s destruction by a gentile nation and (b) encourage them regarding their future restoration. For although God punished them and all Israel for their national sins; He would not forever forget them because of His eternal abiding love and mercy.

It is important to understand that Ezekiel’s prophecies were dual in nature, thus they also foretell the forthcoming punishment, and rescue, of the modern houses of both Israel and Judah. Just who are these people today? What was it that Ezekiel was to warn them about, and what does it have to do with us today? Why should we be concerned about something that happened in “Old Testament times”? This booklet will address these issues and in doing so, will have cast forth the warning that God gave to Ezekiel, so that perhaps some might take heed and be saved from an otherwise certain demise.

Overview

It is not the purpose of this booklet to give the reader ALL of the existing material available from archaeology, history and the Holy Scriptures that prove that the United States and the British Commonwealth nations belong, in fact, to the modern descendants of the ancient house of Israel. Many historians and scholars have understood this truth over the centuries and much has been written about it. The evidence is overwhelming and is readily available should one choose to pursue an in-depth study.

The focus of this booklet, instead, is to bring to the forefront the imminent downfall of the modern house of Israel, unless they turn to God and repent. At times, we will give the reader a sample of the evidence as to modern Israel’s identity, but the main intent of the booklet is to discuss what comes next in the near future for those nations.

We will explain later in this booklet how and why the modern house of Israel will play a major role, according to Biblical prophecy, in end-time events. It is important to note at this juncture, however, that the modern “Israelites” are not the Jewish people! As it will be explained in more detail, the Jewish people comprise just ONE tribe of the original TWELVE tribes of Israel. The present-day Jewish people are the descendants of the tribe of Judah. They, together with the tribe of Benjamin and parts of the tribe of Levi, formed the original house of Judah, which is altogether different from the house of Israel. The people of the present-day Jewish nation, known by the name of Israel, with its capital in Jerusalem, are actually descendants of the house of Judah, NOT the house of Israel. It is necessary for the reader to understand, then, that when we refer to the house of Israel in this booklet, we are not referring to the present-day nation of Israel and we include here just some of the references that substantiate this fact.

The ten tribes of the house of Israel were lost from public view by the time of Jesus. Jesus referred to them as the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6). Today, most people still have no idea where these “lost” tribes of the house of Israel are located. As we will see, the modern nations of the United States and the British Commonwealth, mainly Great Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, have been identified as being major tribes of the house of Israel. As the Jewish Encyclopedia points out: “If the ten tribes… have not disappeared, obviously they must exist under a different name.”

Under King David and King Solomon, the house of Israel and the house of Judah were united as one nation. It is critical to understand, however, that under King Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, the nation of Israel became divided following the death of Solomon. Two separate nations began to develop, known as the “house of Israel,” with its capital at Samaria, north of Jerusalem, and the “house of Judah,” with Jerusalem as its capital. We read in 1 Kings 12:19–20 (Authorized Version): “So Israel (being ruled by King Rehoboam, son of King Solomon) rebelled against the house of David… And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam (a prominent officer) was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.”

King Rehoboam of Judah tried to reunite the two kingdoms—the house of Israel and the house of Judah—by force, but God prevented him from doing so. We read in 1 Kings 12:21, 24: “And when Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah with the tribe of Benjamin, one hundred and eighty thousand chosen men who were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, that he might restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon… ‘Thus says the LORD: “You shall not go up nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel. Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.”’ Therefore they obeyed the word of the LORD, and turned back, according to the word of the LORD.”

The two houses or kingdoms did not unite again throughout their history. They remained as two separate kingdoms. The “house of Israel” comprised the ten northern tribes and the “house of Judah” comprised the southern tribes of Judah. The house of Judah was later joined by the tribes of Benjamin and part of the tribe of Levi (compare 1 Kings 12:21).

We read also in 2 Kings 16:5–8 about a war between Israel and Judah. Later the northern ten tribes, led by the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, became “lost” from public view. These two tribes can be found today mainly in English-speaking nations around the world, a provable fact that is not widely perceived around the world.

To reiterate, many people believe that the Jews are identical with the modern house of Israel, but this is simply not true. Christ spoke of the “LOST sheep (tribes) of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6). Note that the tribe of Judah was never “lost” from sight. James referred to all of Israel and Judah as “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1; compare Revelation 7:4–8). Note also that the tribe of Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, consists of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. We read that at some point in the near FUTURE, the houses of Israel AND Judah will be reunified in the Promised Land. Note, once again, that this will be after they come out of the prophesied future captivity (Jeremiah 30:3, 33:7).

The ancient house of Israel went into captivity in 721–718 BC by the hand of the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:5–6, 23). The house of Judah did not go into captivity until about 120 years later by the hand of the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:1–10) for the same reason the northern tribes were deported; i.e., because of their persistent practice of disobeying God.

But the ancient house of Israel did not return to the Promised Land. Josephus wrote in about 100 AD: “The entire body of the people of Israel remained in that country, wherefore there are but two tribes in Asia and Europe subject to the Romans, while the ten tribes are beyond the Euphrates till now and are an immense multitude, and not to be estimated by numbers.” So we see that the ten tribes of the house of Israel did not return to the Promised Land after their captivity; only the house of Judah subsequently returned.

The Jewish Quarterly Review, vol. 1, p. 15, added: “The captives of Israel exiled beyond the Euphrates did not return as a whole to Palestine along with their brethren the captives of Judah; at least there is no mention made of this event in the documents at our disposal.”

And the Jewish Chronicle wrote: “The Ten Tribes are certainly in existence. All that has to be done is to discover which people represent them.”

Historical records show without doubt that after they were freed from their captivity by the ancient Assyrians, the ancient ten tribes of the house of Israel migrated to Western Europe and to the British Isles, where mainly the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh settled. Note from the Old Testament that Ephraim and Manasseh were two of the sons of Joseph. In time, the tribe of Manasseh migrated to the “New World,” which eventually became known as the United States, while the tribe of Ephraim stayed in the British Isles and, from there, colonized other countries, such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The Bible shows that while Manasseh was to become one great nation, Ephraim was to become a company of nations (compare Genesis 48:19).

Notice carefully what happened in Genesis 32:28: Following his all-night wrestling match with the God of the Old Testament—the One who became Jesus Christ; the One who spoke with the prophets—Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel” by that same divine being: “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Israel (Jacob) had 12 sons, among whom were Joseph and Benjamin, the sons of Rachel (Genesis 35:22–26). In time, Joseph took his sons Manasseh and Ephraim to see their grandfather Jacob. Joseph had been told that Jacob was sick. When Joseph presented his sons to their grandfather, Jacob or Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. Then Jacob told his son Joseph in Genesis 48:5: “And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt… are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine” [i.e., Jacob adopted the two lads.].

The account shows that Joseph, facing Jacob, took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Jacob’s left hand, and Manasseh (the firstborn) with his left hand toward Jacob’s right hand, and brought them near him. Then Israel, crossing his hands over the lads, stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head (who was the younger) and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the first-born. This is notable because normally the first-born is given the greater blessing. So Jacob blessed Joseph and said: “Let my name [Israel] be named upon them” (verse 16). Now when Joseph saw that his father had laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim [his second-born], it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head and to lay it on Manasseh’s head. And Joseph said to his father: “‘Not so, my father, for this one [Manasseh] is the first-born; put your right hand on his head.’ But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude [or a company or a “Commonwealth”] of nations’” (compare Genesis 48:17–19).

So the birthright of Abraham was passed to Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. Manasseh was to become a single great nation, known today as the United States. Ephraim was to become a multitude or a company of nations, which we know as the Commonwealth nations of the British Empire. The birthright was indeed Joseph’s and was passed on to his two sons. Notice: “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel [Jacob]—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy (in this case) is not listed according to the birthright… the birthright was Joseph’s” (1 Chronicles 5:1–2).

We also read in Genesis 27:28–29 that the blessings of the birthright to Jacob and his descendants (i.e., Joseph and his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh) included the following: “Therefore may God give you Of the dew of heaven, Of the fatness of the earth, And plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, And let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, And blessed be those who bless you!”

It should be noted that because of their sins, the immediate descendants of Joseph did not receive the full blessings of the fabulous wealth and power of the birthright through Abraham. The kingdom of the house of Israel was taken captive by the Assyrian Empire as a result of God’s anger with them. “Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight; there was none left but the [southern] tribe of Judah alone” (2 Kings 17:18; emphasis added throughout Biblical quotations).

How long were the blessings of the birthright to be withheld from Ephraim and Manasseh (Great Britain and the United States) because of their disobedience of the laws of God?

The Bible teaches that because of ancient Israel’s continued disobedience, the blessings that God originally promised unconditionally to Abraham’s descendants (compare Genesis 17:5; 21:3; 22:17) would be withheld for a certain period of time, after they would first have to be punished by having to go into Assyrian captivity (in 721–718 BC). A principle of the withholding of a blessing because of sin can be found in Numbers 14:34 when ancient Israel was not allowed to enter the Promised Land for forty years after the spies had explored the Promised Land for forty days: “According to the numbers of the days… forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know my rejection.”

Beginning with the Assyrian captivity (compare 2 Kings 17:23), God would withhold the birthright blessings for seven times (Leviticus 26:18), or seven years (the Hebrew words for “times” and “years” are used interchangeably). A year consists of 360 days, according to the  Hebrew calendar. God’s blessing would be withheld for seven times 360 days, but since this is a prophecy, it would be withheld for seven times 360 years, or 2,520 years. In prophecy, a day represents a year. Compare Ezekiel 4:4-6: “I have laid on you a day for a year.” This principle of a day for a year, and vice versa, can be seen throughout the Bible. We read, for instance, that the restored Roman Empire would rule for 42 months (compare Revelation 13:5). Since a month has 30 days, the restored Roman Empire was prophesied to rule for 1,260 prophetic days or years, which it did from 554 AD under Justinian until 1814 AD when the fall of Napoleon I occurred. (For more information, please read our free booklet, “Europe in Prophecy.”)

God pronounced that Israel’s blessing to become a world-ruling power would be withheld for “seven times.” The 2,520 prophetic days, or literal years after the Assyrian captivity of the house of Israel, brings us to the beginning of the 1800’s. It is no coincidence that at that time, Great Britain, and then the United States, became world powers. Great Britain began her rise to tremendous wealth and power as the worldwide British Empire. At the same time, the United States more than doubled in size in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase from France. Eventually the United States began to take over leadership of the birthright during World War II, which has continued even to this day.

Once God had fulfilled His promises that He had given to Abraham, He was no longer bound to continue to bless Israel, if they should continue to sin. Note that both Great Britain and the United States are now in a state of continuous decline, a decline that they can owe to their own persistent sins of disobedience to God; sins that they have literally “heaped up” against themselves. The United States, though still all-powerful from a military standpoint, has lost a great deal of prestige, especially in recent years. Many nations no longer have confidence in the United States because of its involvement in the conflicts of Korea, Vietnam, and more recently, Afghanistan and Iraq. Americans and Britons have also steadily reneged on their God-given responsibilities to observe God’s Commandments. They have progressively forgotten God as their leader, their provider and their protector.

As former American President Abraham Lincoln once said: “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious Hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace; too proud to pray to the God that made us.”

In addition to the birthright blessings, God promised that the kingly rule would not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10), and that a descendant of the house of David (David was a descendant of Judah) would always rule over at least one tribe of Israel (2 Samuel 7:13; 2 Chronicles 13:5). When Nebuchadnezzar conquered the house of Judah and dethroned Zedekiah, a descendant of David, and killed all of his sons, it seemed like God’s promise failed. But the opposite is true.

Let us carefully notice what happened. God had promised King David: “… your house (dynasty) and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). This promise was unconditional: “…I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom… If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you” (2 Samuel 7:12, 14–15). God spoke to King David about his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22:10: “He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.”

This promise to King Solomon was conditional: “Only may the LORD give you [Solomon] wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel…” (1 Chronicles 22:12–13).

King Solomon, however, broke his Coronation Oath. God later said to King Solomon: “Because you have done this [gone after other gods], and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant” (1 Kings 11:11).

Although Solomon’s son remained king over the house of Judah, Solomon’s servant Jeroboam became king over the house of Israel. Also, we find that Mary, mother of Jesus, did not descend from Solomon, but from David’s son Nathan (compare Luke 3:31, explaining that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a descendant of “Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse…”).

Even in the very last generation, at the time of Christ’s return, there would still be a king sitting on the throne of David. God says, through the prophet Jeremiah: “‘Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land—even the kings who sit on David’s throne, the priests, the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem—with drunkenness! And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together’, says the LORD. ‘I will not pity nor spare nor have mercy, but I will destroy them’… Say to the king and to the queen mother, ‘Humble yourselves; Sit down, For your rule shall collapse, the crown of your glory’” (Jeremiah 13:13–14, 18).

And again: “Hear the word of the LORD, O King of Judah, you who sit on the throne of David, you and your servants and your people who enter these gates! Thus says the LORD: ‘Execute judgment and righteousness… But if you will not hear these words, I swear by Myself,’ says the LORD, ‘that this house shall become a desolation’…[Why?] “Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods and served them” (Jeremiah 22:2–3, 5, 9).

The Coronation Oath, the condition by which King Solomon ruled in Israel, has been God’s measuring stick for the kings of the dynasty of David as to whether they are to be beaten with the rod of men: “Behold, I am setting a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore” (Amos 7:8). Note that God’s people were expected to be true to His standards, but, as the New International Version Commentary put it, were completely “out of plumb” [not straight] when tested. “The high places (of pagan worship) of Isaac (Jacob’s father, and by extension, Jacob himself, i.e., Israel) shall be desolate, And the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste. I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam” (Amos 7:9).

The prophet Amos continues: “On that day [alluding to a future restoration in the Millennium] I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins” (Amos 9:11). The word “fallen” in Hebrew means to cease, to perish or to become fugitives, according to Strong’s #5307. The word “ruin” in Hebrew means “demolished, destroyed, thrown down utterly” (Strong’s #2034, 2040). The final king of the house of David, prior to Christ’s return, may cease to rule for a very short period of time: “At dawn the king of Israel Shall be cut off utterly” (Hosea 10:15).

But this does not mean that the throne of David will ever cease to exist, as clearly explained in Scripture: “For thus says the LORD: ‘David shall never lack a man [a descendant or a person] to sit on the throne of the house of Israel’” (Jeremiah 33:17). God had promised David that a descendant of David would always occupy his throne. And this has been the case from the dynasty of David to the present dynasty of Queen Elizabeth II.

God promised David that a descendant of his line would rule over Israel from the time he put David on the throne until the actual return of Jesus Christ. This promise has seen fulfillment in the line of David ruling over at least one tribe from all the tribes of Israel, either, as was the case until the Babylonian captivity over the house of Judah, or has been the case thereafter, over the house of Israel.

The Bible foretells that the throne of David would be overthrown or transferred three times (compare Ezekiel 21:27). And so it happened. As we will discuss now, it was transferred from Jerusalem to Ireland, then from Ireland to Scotland, and finally from Scotland to England. Today, it is in ENGLAND, from where the Queen rules, sitting on the throne of David, over one of the tribes of Israel (i.e., Ephraim).

Ezekiel tells us: “And Thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not be the same; exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it; and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it [to] him” (Ezekiel 21:25–27, Authorized Version).

The Hebrew word for “overturn” means to be overthrown for committing iniquity leading to ruin (Strong’s #5762). This happened three times to David’s dynasty from the time Ezekiel wrote this prophecy. The first “overturn” involved King Zedekiah, the last king of David’s dynasty in Jerusalem, who became exalted, but was to be made low. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, and all of his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it. King Zedekiah fled out of the city but was captured by the Babylonians. The King of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes in Riblah, as well as all the nobles of Judah. Moreover, he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and carried him off to Babylon (Jeremiah 39:1, 4–5, 6–7). “But Johanan (a warrior) took…the king’s daughters (of Zedekiah)…and Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the son of Neriah [and] they went to the land of Egypt” (Jeremiah 43:5–7).

God stated that “none …shall return [from Egypt] except those who escape” (Jeremiah 44:14). Subsequently Jeremiah, Baruch and the king’s two daughters [known in history as Tea and Scota] did escape from Egypt. They were taken to Ireland.

It was Jeremiah’s commission to uproot and to plant (Jeremiah 1:10). He had to uproot the kingship of Zedekiah over Judah, and he had to plant the kingship of Zedekiah’s daughters over another tribe or tribes of Israel. According to Irish records, shortly after the time of Jerusalem’s fall in 600 B.C., two princesses arrived in Ireland from Egypt with two wise men. We are even told that the one princess, identified as Tea or Tea-Tephi, married the Irish king, Eochaidh, while Scota married into a noble family, perhaps giving her name to Scotland. Irish scholars maintain that the later kings of Ireland knew that they were descendants of King David. Both princesses feature in many Irish poems, songs and legends.

Thus David’s line continued the new dynasty in Ireland. This dynasty was later moved to Scotland, which, in accordance with prophecy, was the second time the crown was “overturned.” Ultimately, it was moved to England, thus fulfilling the prophetic third time it was “overturned,” when the Stewart line of David came to England in 1603 in the person of James I. Two monarchs of this line, Mary, Queen of Scots, and James II both tried to re-impose the Catholic religion on England, contrary to God’s plan. Satan also tried to thwart the blessings of the promised birthright of Abraham that were to be given to Great Britain and the United States of America in the course of time. But Satan could not prevent God from fulfilling His promise to bless Abraham’s descendants in due time. With regard to America, this did happen in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase from France, greatly expanding the nation—after 2,520 years of the promised blessings being withheld because of Israel’s sins. The blessings were, indeed, finally given to modern Ephraim and Manasseh, not that they were righteous or deserving of these special blessings, but only because God had unconditionally promised Abraham that He would bless his descendants in due time.

But it doesn’t end there. Remember, this is a dual prophecy and the line of David was prophesied to continue ruling over the house of Israel up until the return of Jesus Christ, Who will then take over this same throne. God has this to say about this future event: “Your eyes will see the King in His beauty” (Isaiah 33:17).

Biblical prophecies tell us clearly where the ancient house of Israel would settle after their Assyrian captivity, and where the throne of David would be: “For surely I will command, And will sift the house of Israel among all nations, As grain is sifted in a sieve; Yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground” (Amos 9:9). Notice that this prophecy is talking about the house of Israel, not just the Jewish people. The house of Judah would be sifted among many nations as well, and we still find today many Jews outside the borders of the state of Israel, but the prophecy in Amos specifically addresses the modern descendants of the house of Israel, actually, the “lost” ten tribes.

The tribes of the house of Israel went to a new land. In prophetic context, God said to King David: “…I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously…” (2 Samuel 7:10). When David wrote these words, ancient Israel had already taken possession of the Promised Land. But God inspired David to write that God would, in the future, appoint a place for the house of Israel from which they would no longer have to move. Where was this place to be located? “Listen, O isles (Ephraim)…Behold, these [tribes] shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west…” (Isaiah 49:1, 12, Authorized Version).

Keep in mind that geographical references are always to be judged from the location of Jerusalem. That is, when we read that someone appears “from the north,” we understand that the meaning is “north of Jerusalem.”

The appointed place was northwest of Jerusalem in the “isles of the sea;” that is, the British Isles (compare Isaiah 24:15 in the Authorized Version).

God prophesied that He would uproot the house of Israel from the Promised Land and “scatter them beyond the [Euphrates] River” (1 Kings 14:15). But they would not stay there. Rather, God’s Word was to be proclaimed in these last days to God’s people “toward the north” (Jeremiah 3:11–12). They would come back to the Promised Land, in the future, “from the north and the west” (Isaiah 49:12). That is, from an area “northwest” of Jerusalem. We are also told that Israel would have migrated to the west: “Ephraim… pursues [or follows] the east wind” (Hosea 12:1), the wind that comes from the east and blows west. David was also inspired to write that his throne would be established “over the sea” (Psalm 89:20, 25).

Also, Jeremiah 31:8 (Authorized Version) states that God would, in the future, gather modern Israel from “the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth,” and that He wants His word proclaimed in “the isles afar off” (verse 10). Isaiah 41:1 addresses modern Israel (compare verse 8) in saying: “Keep silence before me, O islands (Authorized Version).”

If we were to take a world map and draw a line from Jerusalem in a northwest direction, it leads us to the British Isles, where the throne would be located. But we are also told that once some of the ten tribes of the house of Israel, especially Ephraim and Manasseh, had reached the British Isles, they would continue to colonize other countries, to possess land and sea gates—strategically important ports and passages—controlling crucial military and trade routes, such as Gibraltar, the Suez and Panama canals (compare Genesis 22:17). And so we see that the modern tribe of Manasseh settled in the United States of America, while those from the modern tribe of Ephraim migrated to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and other nations. Yair Davidy wrote in his book, “The Tribes: The Israelite Origins of Western People”: “In the course of time they [some of the tribes of Israel] reached the British Isles and north-west Europe.”

Even Christ told His early apostles to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (compare Matthew 10:6). It is interesting that historical records prove that the apostles Peter, Simon the Zelot, and James actually preached the gospel in Britain.

For instance, Caves wrote in Antiquitates Apostlicae that Peter stayed for a long time in Britain; that Simon the Zelot preached in Britain; and that James reached England and Ireland. Eusebius reports in Evangelical Demonstrations that some of the apostles preached the gospel in the British Isles. Jesus most certainly knew where the lost ten tribes were located, and so did the early apostles. James wrote his letter “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1). He undoubtedly knew where they were and felt confident that his letter would reach them.

So we can actually trace the migration of ancient Israel—under the names of Celts, Scythians and Anglo-Saxons—from Assyria (northeast of Jerusalem in what is now Iraq), passing northwest through Europe, and centuries later, to the British Isles. Ultimately, part of ancient Israel would then migrate to the United States of America. So the “lost” ten tribes are not lost at all. They are identifiable if one follows the records of history and the Biblical accounts.

In this chapter we have given you a brief overview of the roots of the peoples of Britain and the United States. This understanding provides the backdrop for the rest of this booklet, which is to show how the prophecies are unfolding for present-day Britain and its associated Commonwealth countries, as well as for the United States.

This booklet is a call to repentance to the nations of the British Commonwealth and the United States, as well as to everyone who is willing to listen and understand the gravity of the world scene. A call to repentance from what? As we will show, repentance from national AND personal sins that have been committed against the great God and Creator of all things visible and invisible. Why? So as to avoid total destruction, the inevitable penalty for sin. Sin is defined by God Himself in His Holy Word as “lawlessness” or “transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4, Authorized Version).

Romans 6:23 tells us that “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As Solomon tells us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverb 14:12). God’s prophet Isaiah called for repentance: “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him… ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways’”, says the LORD. “‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:6–9).

If modern Israel and other nations REFUSE to repent, rejecting God’s way of life in favor of doing whatever they want to do, then they WILL BE DESTROYED by the prophesied rising superpower in Europe (the last and final resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire). The surviving peoples of the modern house of Israel will be scattered—actually enslaved by other nations. Ultimately, only one-tenth of the population will remain alive. Hard to believe? The Bible is unequivocal and does not lie. Israel’s sins will result in this disastrous punishment if they do not repent.

In the context of the commission God gave His prophet Isaiah to declare what is to come upon ancient AND modern Judah, as well as the nations of the house of Israel, Isaiah questioned God as to how long he must warn the people. God’s reply to him was: “Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, The houses are without a man, The land is utterly desolate” (Isaiah 6:11). God said in Isaiah 6:12 and 13: “The LORD has removed men far away, And the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. But yet a tenth will be in it, And will return…”

The New International Version completes verse 13: “it will again be laid waste.” These prophecies are dual. They pertained to ancient Israel, but they also pertain to the modern nations of Israel, including Judah, thus the reference “will again be laid waste.” This remnant will only be saved from death by the return of Jesus Christ to this earth as King of kings to take over rulership of the earth, along with His saints, following 3½ years of GLOBAL destruction!

In a Church of God member letter dated November 19, 1976, Herbert W. Armstrong (1892–1986), former human leader of the Worldwide Church of God, explained how he came to the vital understanding of the meaning of the prophecies of Ezekiel in the early years of his conversion and ministry:

 “In those early days I was especially interested in the book of Ezekiel. A special reason was that I saw Ezekiel was first given God’s message in PROPHECY, while he was a Jewish slave, by the River Chebar in the land of Babylon. Now this was close to 120 years after the House of Israel had been taken captive to Assyria. My astonishment was aroused when I saw that his message was to be taken to the House of Israel. Now Ezekiel was a slave among the House of Judah—not Israel. By this time many of the ‘lost sheep of the House of Israel’ had migrated north and west from Assyria. They were, by Ezekiel’s time, in Britain and Western Europe.

“The first message, or instruction from God, comes, beginning [with] the second chapter [of the book of Ezekiel, AV], ‘And He said unto me, son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation… [and they shall know] that there hath been a prophet among them’ (Ezekiel 2:3, 5. In Chapter 3:1 God says,’…GO speak unto the House of Israel.’ Again in verse 4, ‘Son of man, GO, get thee unto the House of Israel, and speak with My words unto them.’ NOWHERE in the Bible are JEWS called ‘the House of Israel.’ This term applies ONLY to the TEN-tribe Kingdom of Israel taken into Assyrian captivity more than a hundred years before Ezekiel and the Jews of the House of JUDAH. Nowhere in the book does Ezekiel record his journey from where he was in Babylon to those of the House of Israel who were then in Britain and Western Europe. Nowhere does he record his giving of the message to them. He merely RECEIVED the message. He merely RECORDED IT IN WRITING. There is no reason to think his message was ever delivered to the House of Israel in Ezekiel’s time. The message in fact is dual and is for us at this end-time—and contained a WARNING of things to happen to Britain, America and the other Israelite nations including parts of western Europe NOW in OUR DAY.”

What we should notice very carefully from the foregoing is that Ezekiel, a young Jew, was in captivity in Babylon when he received messages from God to be delivered to the house of Israel and other nations, including the ancient Ammonites (Ezekiel 25:2), Moabites (Ezekiel 25:8), Edomites (Ezekiel 25:12), the Philistines (Ezekiel 25:15), and the people of Tyre (Ezekiel 26:2–3) and Egypt (Ezekiel 29:2)—all a great distance from his location in Babylon. Note, too, that Ezekiel saw visions of impending destruction upon Israel “in the fifth day of the month,” which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity” (Ezekiel 1:1–3). Jehoiachin went into captivity in 596 B.C. The fifth year brings us to about 592 B.C—over 125 years AFTER the removal and captivity of the house of Israel in 721–718 B.C.! Ezekiel, then, was given a future prophetic message for the modern house of ISRAEL, including a message about their future punishment and slavery. This message had been given AFTER the removal and captivity of the ancient house of ISRAEL. The ancient house of Israel had already been punished and gone into captivity. Ezekiel’s prophetic message was never delivered to the ancient house of Israel.

As explained in our free booklet, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord,” the modern tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are comprised of mainly the English-speaking nations in the world, including the United States of America, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. God has given His end-time Church the commission to proclaim the “Ezekiel warning message” in Ezekiel 3:16–21 to those very peoples! This is a charge that we in God’s Church MUST take seriously! It is part of the gospel message of the Kingdom of God that must be preached before the wonderful world tomorrow can be ushered in (Matthew 24:14). The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, which will be a time of terrible trouble for the modern nations of the houses of Israel AND Judah, as well as the entire world, must first be fulfilled. Notice what Paul told Timothy, “…know this that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1).

In Ezekiel 2:3–5 we find this commission from God to His prophet Ezekiel: “…Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

This warning from God, through Ezekiel, was written for OUR day! It MUST BE PROCLAIMED to the people whom God designated. The responsibility to proclaim the message has been passed along to the true Church of God, which is still in existence today. You are reading that message in this booklet.

The prophet Ezekiel is referred to as a “watchman” (Ezekiel 3:17). And since this prophecy is for OUR time, it is, therefore, God’s end-time Church that is to function as “a watchman” or “watchmen.” Notice, for example, Ezekiel 33:7, “So you, son of man, I have made you a WATCHMAN for the HOUSE OF ISRAEL; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.”

Additionally, consider these Scriptures that explain the job of a watchman: “I have set WATCHMEN on your walls, O Jerusalem; THEY shall never hold THEIR peace day or night. You [plural in Hebrew] who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent” (Isaiah 62:6).

“Yes, proclaim against Jerusalem, that WATCHERS come from a far country. And raise THEIR voice against the cities of Judah” (Jeremiah 4:16).

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Also, I set WATCHMEN over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ Therefore hear, you NATIONS, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O EARTH! Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not heeded My words nor My law, but rejected it’” (Jeremiah 6:16–19).

God’s Church, then, is to WATCH current events all around us (Matthew 24:42), discerning the times in order to be effective WATCHMEN in God’s service (compare Amos 3:7), warning others of what will surely come to pass. Notice Hosea 5:9: “Ephraim [modern Great Britain] shall be DESOLATE in the day of rebuke; among the TRIBES OF ISRAEL I make known what is sure.” Hosea 7:12 adds, “I will CHASTISE THEM [the people of Ephraim] according to what their congregation HAS HEARD.”

Ezekiel 33:2–6 explains to us WHY God’s Church is to proclaim His warning message: “When I bring the sword upon the land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their WATCHMAN, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet… [and] takes the warning will save his life. But if the WATCHMAN sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the WATCHMAN’S hands.”

God instructs His Church to teach that God’s Kingdom will be established here on this earth, one element of the true Gospel message. (For more information on this subject, please read our free booklet, “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.”) This assignment includes “blowing the trumpet” and warning of impending disaster. Some will listen and change their ways so that they, too, may ultimately enter the Kingdom. Many others, however, will not heed the message. Still, if God’s Church shrinks back from its God-given responsibility, God will have no pleasure in it (Hebrews 10:37–39).

Today the birthright blessings that God bestowed on modern Israel because of Abraham’s obedience are being gradually removed from Great Britain and the United States and the other Israelite “birthright” nations of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. There is a reason for this. In the context of blessings for obedience and cursings for disobedience, God told the ancient Israelites, and He is likewise telling the modern-day Israelites: “The LORD will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me” (Deuteronomy 28:20).

We cannot avoid noticing the burgeoning tide of wars, sexual perversion, crimes, abortions, hedonistic and homosexual lifestyles, and idolatry. These various forms of evil fill our theaters and TV screens and news reports. God promised vast blessings upon the nation of Israel IF they obeyed Him, and contrasted these blessings with curses for disobedience (compare chapter 28 of the book of Deuteronomy). We are now witnessing the blessings being removed and, as a result, inevitable cursings.

Notice also Leviticus 26:14–20 where God warned the Israelites following their release from slavery in Egypt, giving them specific instructions on how to worship Him. He also told them—as He is telling modern Israel and Judah today—that if they disobeyed Him, they would suffer certain penalties: “But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all [My] commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron (hot and without rain) and your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain, for your land shall not yield its produce, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit.”

God states in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “… if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” But to the United States and Great Britain, as well as modern Judah, He says: “For Israel has forgotten his Maker, And has built temples; Judah also has multiplied fortified cities; But I will send fire upon his cities, And it shall devour his palaces… Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly; Therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodguilt upon him, And return his reproach upon him” (Hosea 8:14; 12:14).

God has been preparing for the prophesied end-time events, “…that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act…for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption [destruction], even determined upon the whole earth” (Isaiah 28:21–22, Authorized Version). The United States and Great Britain, as well as the rest of the world, will not escape, unless they repent of their sins.

On the international level, and being mindful that Biblical prophecy is quite frequently dual in nature, an ancient fulfillment and a modern end-time fulfillment become evident by historic events: “Look among the nations and watch—Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you. For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans [originally referring to ancient Babylon, but in modern times, it is referring to the descendants of the Babylonians, which can be found today in Europe], A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs. They are terrible and dreadful…” (Habakkuk 1:5–7).

The end result of this is explained in Hosea 8:8–10: “Israel is swallowed up; Now they are among the Gentiles… For they have gone up to Assyria [prophetically alluding to modern Germany and other German-speaking nations], Like a wild donkey alone by itself; Ephraim has hired lovers. Yes…they have hired among the nations…” This might be a prophetic reference to the temporary present-day relationship between Ephraim—the United Kingdom—and the developing European Union.

We also read that “… the Assyrian shall be his [captor] king, Because they [Israel] refused to repent” (Hosea 11:5). A descendant of ancient Assyria—a modern German-speaking leader—will conquer and rule over Great Britain and the United States. Judah also will fall to them. “Therefore Israel [mainly Manasseh—the United States] and Ephraim [Great Britain] stumble in their iniquity; Judah also stumbles with them” (Hosea 5:5).

On the national level, in the northern ancient kingdom of Israel, prior to their captivity, the people settled into spiritual demise and a state of apostasy, riddled with sin and idolatry. God spoke to them through His prophet Hosea: “…I will be like a lion to Ephraim [the major tribe of the house of Israel at that time, but since this is a dual prophecy, it refers today to Great Britain], And like a young lion to the house of Judah [the southern kingdom of the house of Judah, today the modern Jewish nation]. I, even I, will tear them and go away; I will take them away, and no one shall rescue” (Hosea 5:14). Prophetically national destruction will likewise come upon the modern houses of Israel and Judah in the days ahead if they do not repent of their sins.

On the personal level, God is testing every individual. “Go over what is left of Israel’s vineyard, scan her as a gardener scans twig after twig; is there a man whom I can warn…?” (Jeremiah 6:9–10, Moffatt translation). A twig represents an individual person, as Ezekiel 17:22 explains: “I (the LORD) will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain.”

From these passages we see that God is greatly concerned and occupied with carrying out His master plan. The modern houses of Israel and Judah will most likely reject God’s warning messages, if we judge based on the experience of history, although, if they were to repent, God’s terrible punishment would not have to be carried out. Notice Jeremiah 18:7–8: “The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.”

But looking at history, God warned ancient Judah by the prophet Jeremiah over a period of 40 years of their many sins: “…I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen’” (Jeremiah 6:17). The same warning, and likely response, applies to the houses of Judah and Israel today.

The question for you, the reader, is this: Will you personally reject these warnings given by a loving God? Notice Solomon’s blunt assessment: “… he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverb 12:1). God says in Hosea 7:8–11: “Ephraim [Great Britain and the former Commonwealth nations] has mixed himself among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake unturned [a metaphor describing unwise policies, as the NIV commentary points out]. Aliens have devoured his strength, But he does not know it; Yes, gray hairs are here and there on him, Yet he does not know it. And the pride of Israel testifies to his face, But they do not return to the LORD their God, Nor seek Him for all this. Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense—They call to Egypt, They go to Assyria.”

In the context of political idolatry, God says in Hosea 8:9: “Ephraim has hired lovers.” Hosea 7:12 adds: “Wherever they go, I will spread My net on them; I will bring them down like birds of the air; I will chastise them According to what their congregation has heard.”

The only solution for the nations of Israel and Judah; for the entire world; and for individuals—whatever their heritage, ethnic background, color, race, or religion—is to sincerely and fully repent for their transgressions of God’s way of life. This must include rejection of the customs and norms of this world, if they are in contradiction to God’s standards. The Bible refers to this process of repentance as change or RETURN. We are called upon to RETURN to God whom we have forsaken. If this world repents, then there is hope. If it refuses to repent and to return to God, destruction and desolation WILL come. The Bible leaves no doubt about that.

At this point, you might be wondering why God would be so angry with the modern houses of Israel—including Great Britain and the United States—and Judah; that He would ultimately bring them to their knees, literally.

Listen to this indictment from God: “Hear the word of the LORD, You children of Israel, For the LORD brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land: There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land. By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed. Therefore the land will mourn; And everyone who dwells there will waste away With the beasts of the field And the birds of the air; Even the fish of the sea will be taken away. Now let no man contend, or rebuke another; For your people are like those who contend [strive] with the priest. Therefore you shall stumble in the day; The prophet also shall stumble with you in the night; And I will destroy your mother [the whole nation of the modern house of Israel]. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:1–6).

Note what the prophet Isaiah said when he spoke of the house of Israel, both ancient and modern: “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your [Israel’s] iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies; Your tongue has muttered perversity. 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” (Isaiah 59:1–4).

Those in ancient Israel who contended with the priest were sentenced to death. We read in Deuteronomy 17:12: “Now the man who acts presumptuously and will not heed the priest [today God’s true ministers who rightly teach God’s Law and teach the people to obey God] who stands to minister there before the LORD your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall put away the evil from Israel.” This sentence of death was, and still is, upon the modern houses of Israel and Judah. It even applies to God’s true end-time Church. In Revelation 3:16, Christ condemns those among His Church who are complacent. He says to them: “…because you are lukewarm…, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

How will God’s awesome sentence of death be carried out upon the modern nations of Israel? This is revealed in Ezekiel 5:2 and 6:6: “You [God, compare Ezekiel 5:8] shall burn with fire one-third in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are finished; then you shall take one-third and strike around it with the sword, and one-third you shall scatter to the wind: I will draw out a sword after them… In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate, so that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, your idols may be broken and made to cease, your incense altars may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.”

Notice Ezekiel 5:12 and 13: “One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. Thus shall My anger be spent, and I will cause My fury to rest upon them, and I will be avenged; and they shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it in My zeal, when I have spent My fury [God’s seven last plagues mentioned in the book of Revelation] upon them.”

This great siege is described prophetically in Deuteronomy 28:47–48, 52: “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you… They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you.”

Notice the very graphic horror spoken of in verse 53: “You shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and your daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and desperate straits in which your enemy shall distress you.” Can you believe that the world will come to such devastation that people will actually be eating their own children in order to stay alive? God says it WILL happen!

About 60 million people live in the British Isles. How can one-third, as Ezekiel 5:12 said, that is, about 20 million die within a short period of time? In addition to famine and disease, Psalm 91:3 refers to modern Israel’s eventual deliverance from “the noisome pestilence” (Authorized Version). Strong’s Concordance (Hebrew #1942) defines the Hebrew word for “noisome” as “rushing, falling, ruin, calamity and very wickedness.” It seems to refer to a disaster from the sky, conceivably from rockets, missiles and bombs, and would most likely include chemical and biological substances. By this means around 20 million—one-third of the nation of Ephraim—will die, in addition to the proportionate deaths of those of the other tribes of the houses of Israel and Judah. Such a horrendous punishment is certainly difficult to contemplate!

Now consider these staggering figures: About 296,530,000 people live in the United States; about 32,508,000 live in Canada; about 19,913,000 live in Australia; almost 4,000,000 live in New Zealand; and almost 43,000,000 people live in South Africa. According to
Biblical prophecy, one third of all of those will die within a short period of time.

But wait, that’s not all!

The next one-third of the people will be struck with the sword [weapons of war], thus another 20 million of the people of the British nation, and also one-third of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will die, presumably by hydrogen or atomic bombs or other weapons exploding onto the modern cities of the United States, Great Britain and other English-speaking nations in the world. So now, we can envisage a very extreme scenario with a full two-thirds of the people DEAD! What happens next?

The final third will be sold as slaves around the world. The Scriptures tell us that “…the LORD will scatter you [the modern houses of Israel and Judah] among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other, and…you shall find no rest…Your life shall hang in doubt before you; you shall fear day and night, and have no assurance of life” (Deuteronomy 28:64–66).

Why will God bring on such terrible punishment? Because of SINS—personal and national sins! Let’s take a look at what some of those specific sins are.

Idolatry

One of the sins about which God is very angry is the sin of idolatry—denying God by replacing the true God with idols, and worshipping the work of our own hands. We commonly tend to think of idolatry as having a statue of some sort and kneeling before it in worship. Although certainly included, idolatry manifests itself in many additional different forms. Idolatry is placing your trust in, or having your mind set on, anything or anyone other than God. It takes the form of worshipping almost anything that we have created. But God told ancient Israel: “Thus says the LORD: ‘…because they (Israel) have forsaken Me and burned incense [succumbed to idolatry] to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath shall be aroused against this place and shall not be quenched’”
(2 Kings 22:16–17). The message is the same for us today, because God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not change.

Sabbath-breaking

Breaking the Sabbath is also a sin! God tells us very clearly in Isaiah 58:13–14: “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Notice that the true Sabbath [the time from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset] is equated with the seventh day of the week, Saturday, not with the first day, Sunday (compare Genesis 2:2–3; Ezekiel 20:12–13, 16, 19–20; Mark 2:27–28). Christ NEVER observed Sunday as the true Sabbath. Recognition of Sunday as “the Lord’s Day” has caused mainstream Christianity to SIN! How? By working and/or engaging in pleasure on the true Sabbath day—Saturday, the seventh day—thus BREAKING the Fourth Commandment! By extension, orthodox Christianity has also abolished God’s annual Holy Days, which are also called “Sabbaths” in the Bible, and has replaced them with holidays that are totally rooted in paganism, days which God says we are not to keep! Please read, for more information, our free booklets, “God’s Commanded Holy Days,” and “Don’t Keep Christmas.”

Killing

Another sin that God is very angry about, is killing in all of its gruesome forms including killing in war, murder in times of peace and abortions! God tells us in Exodus 20:13 that we are not to murder; that is, we are not to take human life. Only God, the One Who gave us life has the right to take it. This is especially true for the killing of innocent children, born or unborn. Notice 2 Kings 24:3–4: “Surely at the commandment of the LORD this came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh [an evil King of Judah], according to all that he had done, and also because of the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not forgive.”

Punishment for the spilling of innocent blood of unborn children—a viable human being at conception—will be required of our nations. Notice what King David confirms in Psalm 139:16: “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.” God is fully aware of the formation of a human life form from the very moment of conception! Notice also Matthew 1:20, where the angel of the Lord said to Joseph: “…do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” The Bible clearly teaches that a conceived baby is a human being. In this case it was Jesus Christ Himself, following a miraculous conception. Why would God, by using the power of His Holy Spirit, create a non-viable human being? Life begins at the moment of conception; therefore, abortion at any stage of gestational development breaks the Sixth Commandment. A woman’s purported right to do as she pleases with an embryo or a fetus does not negate the sin of murder, whether we agree with that or not! It is God who has put down the law—for our good—so that we can know right from wrong. He hasn’t kept it a secret, but He does give us the choice. We had better be sure that we CHOOSE to do the right thing, from God’s point of view.

There were 181,600 abortions in the United Kingdom in 2003, 80% of which were funded by the NHS (National Health Service), thus directly implicating the government! About 46 million abortions were performed worldwide between the years 1973 and 2000, and about 20 million of these were carried out in “backroom” clinics. In the United States, in the year 2000 alone, there were 1.31 million abortions! In January of 2005 in the United Kingdom, academics were calling for a scrapping of the 24-week limit on legalized abortions. The Pro-Choice Forum argued that this idea was “little short of legalized infanticide,” with babies aborted for CONVENIENCE. How gruesomely true! God instructed Jeremiah to proclaim to Judah: “Behold, I will bring such a catastrophe on this place, that whoever hears of it, his ears will tingle… [for having] filled this place with the blood of the innocents…” (Jeremiah 19:3–4). Are not abortionists guilty of the blood of innocent children? Indeed they are! But, of course, so are those who kill in war; especially when we consider the “casualties” of war, a “nice” description for totally innocent civilians being slaughtered by friend or foe. And included in the innocent tally are the murder victims of such a rampant trend of senseless killings, including genocide, in our generation. For an additional discussion on the subject of killing and abortion, please read our free booklets, “Are You Already Born Again?”, and “Should You Fight in War?”

Sexual Perversion

God hates ALL forms of sexual perversion, including prostitution, sodomy, pedophilia and homosexuality. Notice carefully God’s words: “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel” (Deuteronomy 23:17, Authorized Version). God states emphatically: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an ABOMINATION” (Leviticus 18:22). Contrary to what God has to say about sexual perversion, it is sadly tolerated or even promoted in our present day societies. In fact, those who do condemn the acts of homosexuality are labeled as “homophobic.” Would they dare label God Almighty likewise? The nations of Manasseh and Ephraim have, in effect, sanctioned the “gay” life style, and in a growing number of cases, even within their churches! The education authorities in the United Kingdom recently promoted, and financed, lessons for young students on the gay lifestyle.

But, for a moment, let’s go back to the beginning to get our bearings on the subject. Notice in Genesis 1:27–28: “…God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply…’” Two men or two women cannot be fruitful and reproduce in the same manner that a man and a woman can reproduce. Further to that, physical marriage is a figurative pattern—a type—of the spiritual marriage between Christ and His Church. And it is by the means of physical marriage and reproduction that we can understand that God will ultimately add to His own spiritual Family. It is the potential of man to become—through a future resurrection at the return of Christ—a spirit being, a member of the God Family, provided that humans repent of their sins so that they can be forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Does this amaze you? This is precisely why God is so concerned, and so angry, with those nations who promote and succumb to such sexual practices which He labels as “ABOMINABLE!”

Adultery and Fornication

God is also very angry about the sins of adultery and fornication. God commands us in Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery.” Yet the act of adultery in this modern age is rife—it is prevalent everywhere! Christ expanded the definition of adultery in His Sermon on the Mount. Notice: “You have heard that it was said…‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27–28). And in verse 32, Christ tells us: “…whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.” Notice James 1:14–15, “…each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death (Compare Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”).”

A related sin is that of fornication. While adultery includes at least one married person, fornication involves two unmarried partners. But the principles and consequences apply equally. Paul tells us very clearly: “Flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Sometimes, perhaps far too many times, adultery and fornication can result in either of the people involved contracting a case of HIV and AIDS or other sexually transmissible diseases. Paul tells us in Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Adultery within marriage hurts both partners, their children (if any), and their immediate families. Fornication hurts the future marriage. Notice in Exodus 34:7 God’s warning of the continuing consequences of such “iniquity of the fathers [including sexually transmissible diseases] upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.” This is no idle warning! The God-ordained institution of marriage is holy; so much so that, as noted previously, it is used in God’s Word to typify the spiritual relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:22–33). [For more information, please read our free booklet, “The Keys to Happy Marriages and Families.”]

Man’s whole way of life must change and conform to God’s way of life, such that God left an instruction book for us to understand how to do that. The Ten Commandments are the basis of those instructions. God has not kept it a secret from man. When man deviates or turns his back on God’s instructions, God will punish those involved. In the very near future, Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as the whole world, will eventually be confronted with the need to repent of their evil ways by having experienced a period of 3½ years of utter turmoil, initially brought on by Satan’s wrath. God will allow this to occur to bring about His purpose, but He will ultimately intervene so that they will come to know who He is.

God specifically warns modern Judah in no uncertain terms. He says in Hosea 5:10: “The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark [or boundary]; I will pour out wrath on them like water.”

Hosea 5:13 tells us: “When Ephraim saw his sickness, And Judah saw his wound [apparently inflicted in a war yet to come], Then Ephraim went to Assyria [inferring the modern German-speaking people] and sent to King Jareb [the future king or leader over the German-speaking people and the United States of Europe]; Yet he cannot cure you nor heal you of your wound.”

The word “Jareb” in Hebrew connotes a fighter, one who is quarrelsome or one who will contend, and he certainly will do just that! This prophecy seems to indicate that Ephraim and Judah are on good terms initially with modern Assyria [German-speaking people]. They even ask them for help, but it won’t come to pass. Soon thereafter, any friendly relationship will soon dissipate, to the utter surprise of many. Today continental Europe enjoys a fairly good relationship with Great Britain and the United States, although recently there has been a degree of political animosity, particularly over the invasion of Iraq and EU farm subsidies. But this semi-cozy relationship will not last, and the whole world will be astonished at the change that will occur!

In view of Judah’s sins, God’s instructions to Judah are these: “O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, That you may be saved. How long shall your evil thoughts lodge within you? For a voice declares from Dan [Southern Ireland or Denmark] And proclaims affliction from Mount Ephraim [Great Britain]” (Jeremiah 4:14–15).

God said of ancient Judah through the prophet Jeremiah: “…do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me, for I will not hear you” (Jeremiah 7:16). Also: “So do not pray for this people… I will not hear them” (Jeremiah 11:14). But this was not just an instruction for ancient Judah. The time will come, just prior to the Great Tribulation, when God will utter the same warning for modern Judah: “Do not pray for this people… I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence” (Jeremiah 14:11–12). But note that this time spoken of has not arrived yet, so we are still to pray for modern Judah. God said to Jeremiah in Lamentations 1:9, which is also a prophecy for our times: “…her (Jerusalem’s) collapse was awesome.”

As Ezekiel 23:4–5 says in a parable about two sisters, again in both an historical and a prophetically future sense: “Their names: Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister; They were Mine, And they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria [capital of ancient Israel] is Oholah, and Jerusalem [Judah] is Oholibah. Oholah played the harlot even though she was Mine; And she lusted for her lovers, the neighbouring Assyrians.”

Verses 11, 12, 22 and 25 continue: “…although her sister Oholibah saw this, she became more corrupt in her lust [inordinate love] than she, and in her harlotry more corrupt than her sister’s harlotry. She lusted for the neighbouring Assyrians, Captains and rulers, Clothed most gorgeously, Horsemen riding on horses, All of them desirable young men… Therefore, Oholibah, thus says the LORD God: ‘Behold I will stir up your lovers against you, From whom you have alienated yourself, And I will bring them against you from every side… I will set My jealousy against you, And they shall deal furiously with you; They shall remove your nose and your ears, And your remnant shall fall by the sword; They shall take your sons and your daughters, And your remnant shall be devoured by fire.’”

The United States, Great Britain and the State of Israel in the Middle East will suffer at the hands of the rising superpower which is now developing in Europe. Scripture identifies the superpower as the prophesied seventh and last revival of the Holy Roman Empire in the form of ten nations or groups of nations. Europe will be led by an Assyrian king (“King Jareb”), that is, by a powerful German-speaking leader. God will use Europe and especially the modern Assyrian “king” to punish modern Israel and Judah for their spiritual treachery toward Him. Hosea 6:7 states: “… they (Ephraim and the modern house of Israel, as well as modern Judah, compare verse 4) transgressed the covenant…they dealt treacherously with Me.” Notice, too, Hosea 8:7: “They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind.”

God prophesies through Hosea: “As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird…Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left…when I depart from them!” (Hosea 9:11–12, Authorized Version). As Hosea 9:17 prophesies: “My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they [modern Ephraim, verse 16] shall be wanderers among the nations” (Authorized Version).

As if to emphasize God’s wrath for the sins of modern Israel and Judah, let us prayerfully and soberly consider what will happen to Israel’s lands and cities. God warned His prophet Jeremiah that for ancient Israel’s sins their lands and cities would be “waste”: “…His cities are burned, without inhabitant” (Jeremiah 2:15). Again God warned Judah that they are “wasted and desolate” (Jeremiah 44:6). And this will happen again to modern Israel and Judah. Note God’s anger against Jerusalem: “…In the day of the LORD’S anger There was no refugee or survivor,” or as the Authorized Version reads, “… none escaped nor remained [in the land]” (Lamentations 2:22).

In light of Manasseh’s (America’s) current superpower status and their close relationship with Ephraim (UK), will there be any retaliation against the rising end-time European superpower by the United States and Great Britain? The answer is, No. Modern Israel won’t be in a position to retaliate. In the context of the ancient Babylonian conquest of Israel, God gave Ezekiel a vision for the future—for our days: “…the vision [of what is to happen] concerns the whole multitude, And it shall not turn back; No one will strengthen himself Who lives in iniquity. They have blown the trumpet [for war] and made everyone ready [for war], But no one goes to battle; For My wrath is on all their [Israel’s] multitude” (Ezekiel 7:13–14). God will thwart any attempts of the modern house of Israel to retaliate.

The end result for those who proclaim God’s warnings will make it all worthwhile since God WILL accomplish His purpose: “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7).

Who is charged by God to proclaim this message of warning and the physical and spiritual salvation to come, including deliverance from a future physical captivity? God’s true Church—the modern Ezekiel—is prophesied to bring, and NOW IS bringing this vital message directly to you, the reader. God says of His Church in Revelation 3:8, 11: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you… have kept My word and have not denied My name… Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

Hosea 9:8 (NIV) adds the following thoughts about the end-time Work of God’s Church: “The prophet, along with my God, is the WATCHMAN over Ephraim, yet snares await him on all his paths, and hostility in the house of his God.”

In this context, it should be noted that the true Church of God, to which, in part, these warnings are addressed, is a spiritual organism, comprised of all baptized members who have been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, after genuine repentance and faith in Christ and His Sacrifice, through the laying on of hands by a true minister of God (compare Romans 8:9).

Take note that those of God’s true servants who do this work of warning the nations won’t have an easy job. Both those who proclaim the kingdom of God and those who diligently support them in this task, will encounter snares and hostility, even in “the house of God”—the Church. We are also told that God’s true disciples will be protected at a place of safety during the 3½ years of the Great Tribulation. For God says: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). And again: “But the woman [the Church of God] was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time [3½ years], from the presence of the serpent [Satan]” (Revelation 12:14).

We read in Hebrews 12:7: “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” Ultimately, those few of the modern nations of Israel and Judah who survive the terrible punishment of God (first by allowing Satan to torment them, and then through God directly) will repent and change! In this context, note God’s promise to restore to Israel the blessings and the birthright. God’s servant Hosea prophesied for modern Israel: “Ephraim shall say, ‘What have I to do anymore with idols?’” (Hosea 14:8)

He also wrote that repentant Israel will say in the future: “…Nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, ‘You are our gods…’ [And God will answer:] ‘I will heal their (Israel’s) backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him’” (Hosea 14:3–4).

At that time, the way of salvation will be opened and the blessings of Israel’s birthright will be restored. As Scripture says: “His [Israel’s, including Ephraim’s] branches shall spread; His beauty shall be like an olive tree, And his fragrance like Lebanon. Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; They shall be revived like grain, And grow like the vine…” (Hosea 14:6–7).

The Scriptures promise that the modern house of Israel will say: “For the LORD is our Judge, The LORD is our Lawgiver, The LORD is our King; He will save us” (Isaiah 33:22). And again: “For thus says the LORD: ‘Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, “O LORD, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!” Behold, I will bring them from the North country [north and northwest of Jerusalem where they are going to be held captive], And gather them from the ends of the earth…For I am a Father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn’” (Jeremiah 31:7–9).

Once the modern nations of Israel and Judah repent of their whole wrong way of life, as the great city of Nineveh did at the preaching of Jonah, they will be saved out of the awful punishment that will come upon them, the worst punishment in all of human history! Note the story of Nineveh: “…Jonah began to enter the city…Then he cried out and said, ‘Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ So the people of Nineveh believed God…from the greatest to the least of them…Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it” (Jonah 3:4–5, 10). God is a merciful God, but to receive that mercy, Israel needs genuinely to repent of their sins.

God does not change. God said to the nations of ancient Israel, and He is saying the same thing to us today: “For I am the LORD, I do not change…” (Malachi 3:6). God will bless the modern-day Israelite nations when they sincerely repent. Sadly, though, it appears they will repent only after they have first been severely punished by God. God says: “I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph [the father of the birthright tribes of Israel]…” (Zechariah 10:6). Although it is highly unlikely that these nations will repent prior to their great punishment—beginning with the Great Tribulation—you, as an individual, can and should repent prior to that terrible time. Once they are in captivity, they will repent, and God has promised that He will eventually bring modern Israel and Judah back into the Promised Land, extending His great mercy to them. Verse 6 continues: “… They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; For I am the LORD their God, And I will hear them.”

God will do this for His great name’s sake. In the context of Israel returning to the LORD, we read in the book of Ezekiel: “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘when I am hallowed in you before their eyes… Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities and your abominations’” (Ezekiel 36:22–23, 31).

Those from the modern houses of Israel and Judah shall say in their state of desolation and slavery: “Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight. Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth” (Hosea 6:1–3).

Jeremiah, once again, prophesies in a letter to Israelite exiles, pointing out that God will say to the nations and peoples of the modern houses of Israel and Judah: “…I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive” (Jeremiah 29:11–14).

Here is yet another prophecy by Jeremiah for Israel’s future: “… I will bring them back to this place (the Holy Land)… And I will make an everlasting covenant with them… I will put fear in their hearts SO THAT they will not depart from Me” (Jeremiah 32:37, 40).

Isaiah 54:10: “‘For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you (Israel), nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has mercy on you.’”

On this great day of Israel’s restoration, Zechariah prophesied: “Behold, the day of the LORD is coming…And in that day His (Christ’s) feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two…And the LORD shall be King over all the earth…The people shall dwell in it; And no longer shall there be utter destruction, But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited” (Zechariah 14:1, 4, 9, 11).

Of Ephraim God passionately asks the question: “Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a pleasant child? For though I spoke against him, I earnestly remember him still; Therefore, My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him, says the LORD” (Jeremiah 31:20).

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And again by the prophet Hosea, God says: “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? …My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred… I will not again destroy Ephraim… They shall walk after the LORD…” (Hosea 11:8–10).

Notice the following Scriptures that give hope for the future of Israel and the whole world after the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, when Jesus Christ returns to restore a very devastated earth and disheartened peoples.

Jeremiah 46:27–28: “‘But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, And do not be dismayed, O Israel! For behold, I will save you from afar, And your offspring from the land of their captivity; Jacob shall return, have rest and be at ease; No one shall make him afraid. Do not fear, O Jacob My servant,’ says the LORD. ‘For I am with you; For I will make a complete end of all the nations To which I have driven you… I will rightly correct you, For I will not leave you wholly unpunished.’”

Jeremiah 50:6, 20: “‘My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; They have forgotten their resting place… In those days and in that time,’ says the LORD, ‘The iniquity of Israel shall be sought, but there shall be none; And the sins of Judah, but they shall not be found, For I will pardon those whom I preserve.’”

Jeremiah 33:7–9, 14: “‘And I will cause the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel to return, and will rebuild those places as at the first. I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear of all the good I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it… Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.”

Joel 3:20: “…Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.”

You have now read how Biblical prophecies have manifested themselves through the pages of history. Therefore, no valid reason exists to doubt that the end-times prophecies pertaining to the years just ahead of us, will also be fulfilled, exactly as foretold in Scripture.

Jesus Christ will return to earth and rescue the house of Israel and the house of Judah, as well as all mankind, from an otherwise complete annihilation. Christ said that if He were not to return, no flesh would be saved alive (Matthew 24:22). But just before His return, God will protect 144,000 of the tribes of the children of Israel from His wrath (compare Revelation 6:17; 7:1-8). This is the beginning of the promise that God made to Israel through Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ. Right now, the modern nations of Israel and Judah, have “not attained to the law of righteousness” (Romans 9:31). They are described today as “a disobedient and contrary people” (Romans 10:21). But Paul tells us that “God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew” (Romans 11:2). “For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all” (verse 32). “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away the ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins’” (verses 26–27).

God forgives upon repentance. As a nation, Israel will not repent, it seems, until they have been severely punished. But these things don’t have to happen to you. With so much encouragement to repent of sins, can you afford to ignore these warnings?

God asks: “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Can the nations of Israel—can the world itself—walk with God if they do not agree with God’s ways? Christ tells us in Luke 21:36: “WATCH therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

God tells us what to watch. We are to watch events, which are surely coming to pass. But notice: “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets… The LORD GOD has spoken! Who [of God’s true servants] can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:7–8).

For further vital information on this subject, please request our free booklets, “Europe in Prophecy” and “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.”

You, the reader, have been warned! You are called upon to DO something with this warning! We urge you to CHOOSE to do the right thing—to turn to God and repent.

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Introduction

MONEY—a sensitive subject for many people. Those who have money, don’t want to part with it. Those who don’t have it, long for it. Yet from the time of man’s creation on this earth, God has given instructions on tithing—paying ten percent of our income to God who gave it in the first place.

But what about today? Is tithing important? Does it make a difference to God whether we tithe or not? If so, where do we send our tithes? In this booklet we will explore the Biblical teaching on tithing in order to fully understand what relevance it has for us today.

What Is Tithing?

Tithing—the practice of giving or paying ten percent to God—is an ancient concept that is well-known to both pagans and worshippers of the true God. The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1959, Vol. 22, points out, on page 252: “Tithes, a form of tribute consisting of a tenth of a man’s property or produce, connected politically with taxation, and religiously with the offering of first fruits to deity. This custom was almost universal in the ancient world, and can be traced in Babylonia, Persia, Arabia, Egypt, Greece, Rome and even in China.”

The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, edited by James Hastings, 1921, Vol. 12, elaborates on page 350: “Many nations and tribes, if not nearly all, have had the custom of setting apart a portion of their goods for the gods; and when, as was sometimes the case, the king or chief was a sort of god, he took his share by compulsion… The Pelasgians are said by Stephanus to have offered the tithe, which in later days they dedicated at Delphi.”

The same work explains on page 347: “Tithes are connected… religiously with offerings of firstfruits… In Babylon… its use is found in the time of Nebuchadnezzar II…”

Tithing has also been taught, of course, throughout the Bible. Although no Biblical scholar questions that tithing is Biblical, many claim that the tithing LAW was only instituted at the time of Moses, and that it was abolished at the time of Christ.

Is this true?

Many people who have learned that tithing is still valid for us today, and who have begun to tithe, have noticed inexplicable financial, physical and spiritual blessings in their lives. This is because God promises physical and spiritual blessings if one is obedient to Him, and that includes obedience to His command to tithe. Why, then, would God deprive man of this BLESSING by abolishing the tithing law with Christ’s death? After all, Christ did say that He came so that man could live even more abundantly (compare John 10:10).

It is reported of John D. Rockefeller that he began to tithe at the age of eight. Mr. Colgate, who produced and distributed Colgate toothpaste, also began to tithe as a little boy. We are not saying, of course, that everyone who tithes will become a multimillionaire, but we are reporting the fact that these multimillionaires began to tithe at a very early age.

Again, we ask—Why would God do away with tithing, if it is a law that is meant to bless man?

Tithing Before Moses

Tithing Since Moses

Most Bible students know the tithing law, as codified in writing at the time of Moses. But, as we saw, this does not mean that it came into existence at that time; rather, at the time of Moses, it was reduced to the written word. We also find that God gave, at that time, the administration of the tithe to the Levites. Prior to Moses, the tithe was apparently given to the high priest Melchizedek. But God made it clear throughout that the tithe BELONGED to Him, not the Levites. To not tithe always meant—and still means—to WITHHOLD FROM GOD WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY HIS!

God says in Leviticus 27:30, 32: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S. It is holy to the LORD… And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD.”

The Levites received the tithe as compensation for their work for God, but they themselves had to tithe from their reward. Numbers 18:21, 24, 26, 28, 30–31 explains: “Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting… For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance… Speak thus to the Levites, and say to them: ‘When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the LORD, a tenth of the tithe… Thus you shall also offer a heave offering to the LORD from all your tithes which you receive from the children of Israel…’ Therefore you shall say to them: ‘When you have lifted up the best of it, then the rest shall be accounted to the Levites as the produce of the threshing floor and as the produce of the winepress. You may eat it in any place, you and your households, for it is your reward [margin, wages] for your work in the tabernacle of meeting.’”

God’s tithing law was to be obeyed by the Israelites throughout their generations, but in time, they refused to obey it, just as they refused to obey many of God’s other laws. In due time, the nations of Israel and Judah were defeated by their enemies and were taken into slavery. Many from the house of Judah returned to Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah. They knew WHY God had allowed them to be sold into slavery, and so they made a covenant with God to pledge their obedience.

Nehemiah records this in chapter 10, verse 35–39: “And we made ordinances to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the house of the LORD; to bring the firstborn of our sons [note again, this is not limiting God’s tithe to agricultural or farm produce] and our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks, to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; to bring the firstfruits of our dough, our offerings, the fruit from all kinds of trees, the new wine and oil, to the priests, to the storerooms of the house of our God; and to bring the tithes of our land to the Levites, for the Levites should receive the tithes in all our farming communities. And the priest, the descendant of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes; and the Levites shall bring up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms of the storehouse. For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God.”

We read in Nehemiah 13:12 that Judah obeyed the tithing law, which had also been made a part of their covenant with God: “Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the storehouse.”

The Tithing Law—Still in Effect Today!

The nation of Judah had come to realize that their violation of God’s command to tithe was part of the reason why they had gone into slavery. They had been WARNED by God’s prophets not to violate God’s commandments, but they had not listened! Even after their return, they had become lax and indifferent regarding God’s commandments, including the instruction to faithfully tithe.

Malachi, a prophet who was active around that time, told them that they were CURSED for disobeying God in that respect! God inspired him to record His stirring warning in Malachi 3:8–10: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.’”

The Jews understood, coming out of Babylonian captivity, that they had to obey God’s tithing law. But God’s warning in the book of Malachi was not written just to ancient Judah. It is a challenge for us today! Although recorded in the Old Testament, the statement refers equally, if not more so, to God’s New Testament Church, as well as to all of mankind just prior to Christ’s return. This is made clear, for example, in 1 Corinthians 10:11: “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”The entire context of the book of Malachi has to do with OUR immediate future!

For instance, we read in Malachi 4:1–4: “‘For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,’ Says the LORD of hosts. ‘Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.’”

This is a challenge God extends to us today! Malachi’s prophecies apply to us today AND to our immediate future! The Law of Moses—with its statutes and judgments—includes God’s law to tithe. God says to remember this and to cease from robbing Him—cease neglecting to tithe to Him His HOLY tithe! To those who obey Him, God says in Malachi 3:17: “‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.’ Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between the one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.’”

Jesus Christ confirmed that the tithing law was still in effect at the time of His first coming. While emphasizing that tithing is not an end in itself, He nevertheless endorsed its validity: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matthew 23:23).

Note that Christ talked about “paying” tithes, even confirming that this OUGHT TO BE DONE! Some say that Christ did away with the law of tithing when He died. They support their claim by referring to the seventh chapter of the book of Hebrews. They misunderstand, however, what this passage tells us.

Let’s read Hebrews 7:5 and understand what it says: “And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law.”

The law referred to here is the law of the Levites—that portion of the laws of God that regulates the collection of tithes through the Levites. Note how that portion of God’s laws is referred to in Nehemiah 12:44: “And at the same time some were appointed over the rooms of the storehouse for the offerings, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites.” The Levites had been given the right, from God, to collect the tithes. God had issued a specific law to grant them such responsibility.

But, some might ask: Wasn’t there a change in the law?

Back in Hebrews 7, let’s continue in verses 11–12: “Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change in the law.”

The law that was changed had to do with the Levitical priesthood. It is referred to as “the law of a fleshly commandment” (Hebrews 7:16), as the Levites were human beings—flesh and blood. That portion of the entirety of God’s laws giving authority to the Levites to collect tithes was “annulled,” as we read in verse 18, “because of its weakness and unprofitableness.” The Levites were weak by reason of human nature. The law that gave them the right to collect tithes “made nothing perfect” (verse 19). But the “change of that law for the Levites” did not do away with the commandment to pay tithes—it had only to do with who has the right and responsibility today to collect tithes from God’s people.

The tithing law was, in fact, in existence long before the law was given to the Levites to collect those tithes. Notice Hebrews 7:9–10: “Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.” We read about this incident in Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gave Melchizedek “a tithe of all.” Remember that Abraham did not pay tithe only from agricultural or farm produce.

God’s people, we see, paid a tithe of their income long before there were Levites to collect the tithes. And today, it is no longer the Levites who have the responsibility to collect God’s tithes. This right has now been given to “another priest” who arose “according to the order of Melchizedek”—Jesus Christ.

He is the everlasting High Priest who collects the tithes today, just as He did prior to the Levites. We read in Hebrews 7:4–8: “Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed, those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”

Notice, too, Hebrews 7:28: “For the law [regulating the collection of tithes through the Levites] appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses, but the word of the oath, which came after the law [pertaining to the Levites], appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.”

Christ, who is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (verse 17), was none other than Melchizedek Himself. Melchizedek is described as the “‘king of peace,’ without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remain[ing] a priest continually” (verses 2–3). It is said about Melchizedek that he “receives them [tithes], of whom it is witnessed that he LIVES” (verse 8).

The ONLY human who has been resurrected from death to ETERNAL LIFE is Jesus Christ. We read that David is still dead and buried and that he did not go to heaven (Acts 2:29, 34; 13:36). None of the righteous have received the promise of eternal life (compare Hebrews 11:39–40). They are still dead, waiting for the resurrection from the dead at the time of Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:50–55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Note, too, that Paul shows the greatness of Melchizedek, or Christ, as being ALIVE, by comparing Him with the mortal Levites, who are dead (Hebrews 7:8).

This means, then, that Melchizedek and Jesus Christ are one and the same person! We read that Melchizedek was without beginning—and so was Christ, the Eternal One, about whom we read: “In the beginning was the WORD [the Spokesman], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Christ IS the Beginning or the Beginner (Revelation 1:8). There was never a time when He did not exist! We also read that Melchizedek LIVES—and so does Christ. We read Christ’s own words in Revelation 1:18: “I am He who lives.”

Before God gave His holy tithe to the Levites, to be collected by them, He Himself, through the person of Melchizedek or Jesus Christ, the Son of God, collected the tithe (for instance, from Abraham). We are told, in the book of Hebrews, that with Christ’s death and resurrection, a change in the ADMINISTRATION of the tithing obligation occurred. As it was prior to Moses, so it is today: God’s tithe, holy to Him, is to be paid directly to Christ. But how can we do it? Since Christ is in heaven, how are we to pay HIM, DIRECTLY, God’s tithe?

To Whom Do We Pay God’s Tithe?

The answer is made clear by the Scriptures. Christ is ALIVE IN HIS BODY, the Church. We read that Christ is the “head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18). Again, Paul said that he was suffering “for the sake of His [Christ’s] body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24).

We read in Ephesians 4:11–16 that Christ gave Himself for the body, His Church, and that He gave to His body the ministry. The ministry is to teach, guide and direct, so that ultimately “we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (verses 14–16).

Today, God’s true ministers who are upholding and forcefully and boldly teaching God’s LAW, are in the same position that the Levites were, in Old Testament times, and these ministers, as spiritual Levites, are to be “rewarded” (compare Numbers 18:31) through tithes and offerings. Notice 1 Corinthians 9:13–14: “Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”

Paul’s words are very clear: Financial support for the preaching of the gospel is an actual command of Christ Himself! Christ minced no words when He sent out His disciples to proclaim the gospel. He instructed them in Luke 10:3–9: “Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals… But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, FOR THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES… Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

Support of God’s true and faithful ministry—through tithes and offerings—is an ongoing and binding command, and those who claim to follow Christ must do what He tells them to do (compare Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21–23).

Paul said very clearly in 1 Timothy 5:17–18 (Living Bible): “Pastors who do their work well should be paid well and should be highly appreciated, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scriptures say, ‘Never tie up the mouth of an ox when it is treading out the grain—let him eat as he goes along!’ And in another place, ‘Those who work deserve their pay!’”

And once we have paid God’s tithe, our duty in that regard ceases! It is not up to us to determine whether the donated money is to be used in exactly the way that we would use it. If God’s ministers make a wrong judgment call, they will have to give account for it to God, as it is His tithe. God’s true ministers would, of course, never defraud people or misuse contributions in a way that would constitute inappropriate or even criminal conduct.

Yes, we are still duty-bound today to pay tithes; otherwise, we are robbing God and are under a curse. And since it is God’s tithe, and since we OWE it to God, we must pay it, even if we are also indebted to others. God must always come first in our lives! And one way we show that to God is by faithfully tithing to Him. This requires faith—faith that we can do what God requires of us. With God, all things are possible, and without faith, we cannot even please God (compare Hebrews 11:6). At the same time, “he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (same verse).

Today, it is no longer the Levites who are to collect the tithes. That part of the law was changed, but the tithing LAW was not abolished! It is now Christ—through His Church—who has the responsibility of collecting God’s tithes.

We don’t want to be found guilty of robbing God, do we? The priest Eli once asked a very poignant question that we can apply to our ongoing duty of paying God’s tithe to Him. Eli warned his sons to cease eating those portions of the offerings that were to be given to God (compare 1 Samuel 2:12–17). We read in 1 Samuel 2:25: “If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?”

So we see that our tithing obligation is not a light matter in God’s eyes. God thunders at us: “You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me”!

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God’s Tithes Belong to Him!

We are all aware that April 15 in the United States is income tax day. It is time to settle with Uncle Sam for another year. Of course, it is relatively painless for the majority of taxpayers with the establishment of the current withholding system to collect taxes at the time a person gets paid, thus transferring a good part of the burden of the collection effort to the employers in this country.

God also has a system for the collection of funds due to Him to be used in carrying out His work on the earth. He calls that system tithing. The big difference in the two systems is that God focuses on the honor of the individual, thus allowing the person to individually pay the funds due Him.

What many do not consider is that the obligation to pay God’s tithes is just as binding under God’s system, if not more so, as the obligation to pay the government for taxes due. Most people today are not even aware that they are duty-bound to such an obligation. But those called of God have been apprised of the truth in this matter. Still, many have begun looking for any, and every, reason not to pay God’s tithes. This is a serious error!

Christ tells us in Luke 20:25 to “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

God told Adam, in the Garden of Eden, that he was not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, lest he die (Genesis 2:16–17). He and his wife chose to go contrary to that command and established a pattern, leading to death for all of mankind.

Today, God raises the question in Malachi 3:8: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me.” When asked the question, “In what way have we robbed You?”, the answer comes back: “In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, even this whole nation” (verse 9).

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To Whom Do We Tithe—Exactly?

The tithe belongs to God. But it is clear that we cannot go to heaven to place God’s tithe in front of His heavenly altar. God has decreed that in the time period prior to Christ’s return, His tithe is to be paid to His Church, for the dual purposes of proclaiming the gospel in all the world as a witness, and of feeding or taking care of the flock, the members. God’s Church is a spiritual organism, consisting of all those Church members in whom God’s Holy Spirit dwells. However, in order to be able to properly fulfill its commission and responsibilities in this world and in this age, the Church needs to be humanly organized. It must be able to work through humans in an organized manner.

Not every human organization is part of the true Church—the spiritual body of Christ—regardless of their claim to be so. This means, then, that God’s tithe is not to be paid to organizations that falsely claim to be part of the Church of God. God has decreed that His tithe is to be paid to HIS Church today, not to an impostor!

Christ told us that by their fruits we can determine whether or not ministers are of God (compare Matthew 7:15–20). The same can be said about human organizations, entities or corporations, which claim that they belong to, or even comprise the entirety of, the Church of God.

God’s true Church today will still bear the correct name (“Church of God,” or a name in which the words “Church of God” appear), as in early New Testament times, but that alone is not a sufficient basis to determine the true identity of the particular organization(s). It is equally important to evaluate the doctrines and teachings of the church organization(s).

God’s true ministers will teach the ongoing validity of God’s commandments, statutes and judgments. They will teach the difference between right and wrong, holy and profane (Ezekiel 22:26; 44:23–24). They will teach, for example: the necessity to keep HOLY the weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days; to uphold God’s dietary laws; and to tithe faithfully, because these are things that are holy to God. At the same time, God’s Church will not compromise with the true worship of God by introducing or incorporating pagan festivals and holidays. This means that the true Church of God will not celebrate Sunday as the weekly day of worship, nor will it observe such holidays as Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Valentine’s Day, as those are all clearly derived from paganism. The Church of God will also teach against participation in war, as this constitutes a violation of God’s commandment against murder. How many churches in this world do you know that actually teach ALL of these things?

Further, God’s true Church will teach the correct understanding of the nature of God the Father AND Jesus Christ—two separate beings—explaining how the Holy Spirit is not a third personage at all, but is the power emanating from both the Father and the Son! God’s Church teaches that it is only through Jesus Christ that one can be saved, and that baptism, as an adult, is a necessary prerequisite.

There are also other important teachings that you will hear from the true Church of God. Our Statement of Beliefs gives additional information regarding those critical AND salvational issues. For instance, since God’s Holy Spirit is a spirit of prophecy (compare Revelation 19:10), God’s true Church will have a good understanding as to what is going to happen in the near future, as revealed in the Bible and through God’s Holy Spirit working through the Church (compare John 16:13). It will reject unfounded speculations and human imaginations! And most importantly, God’s true Church will be active in proclaiming the true gospel of the Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness (presently facilitated by the invention of the printing press and the technology of the Internet). The true Church will also take care of those whom God has added to the fold, by counseling and correctly explaining God’s Word, thereby encouraging God’s people to be faithful to the truth by applying it in their personal lives as they move forward in their conversion, with the ultimate goal of being in the Kingdom of God.

This nation is cursed because, among other things, it has failed God in the payment of His tithes and free-will offerings. But even more critical, many in God’s Church today, are suffering from this same curse, because of disobedience. Let us not be guilty of committing this sin against our Creator!

Again, we ask: How many organizations do you know that meet ALL of these requirements?

But, one might say: Although this disqualifies many organizations that keep Sunday and Christmas and other holidays instead of the weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days, there are still many organizations out there that seem to meet all of the requirements that we list in this booklet. It is therefore immaterial as to which of those many organizations we send God’s tithe, as long as we do tithe, right?

Not really!

Of course, it is true that we need to go “somewhere,” and that we must pay God’s tithe to “someone.” You are not to “pay” God’s tithe to yourself; nor to store it away.

At the time of Christ, the situation was not that much different. Although the Jews kept, or at least believed in—more or less—the Old Testament laws, we still find the following interesting statement about Christ recorded in Matthew 9:36: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Some at the time of Christ were “scattered.” They did not seek out Christ’s true disciples in order to associate with them and receive the benefits from doing so. Sadly, this is still true today, perhaps even more so. Some who formerly understood the truth still claim to be a part of the Church of God, despite the fact that they have decided to stay at home and have their own private services, without the presence of a faithful ordained minister! They have also decided that they can just keep God’s tithe to themselves, placing it in a bank account to wait for “better days.” In doing so, they ignore the unapparent danger in this approach! God tells us that we must pay His tithe, not store it away!

Some have pointed to the parable in Luke 19:11–27 to support the idea that we can place God’s tithe in a bank account, rather than paying it to the Church. After all, didn’t the master in the parable—representing Jesus Christ—ask the unprofitable servant, “Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?”

However, it is dishonest to use this parable as justification for not paying God’s tithe to God’s Church. We must first of all realize that the Scripture in question is a parable, to show certain principles—not, to deduce from it an entire way of life. For instance, Christ used other parables to stress certain principles of life. In one parable, He referred to a king going to war (Luke 14:31). Christ did not intend to teach in that parable that it is acceptable to fight in the wars of today’s world, as He told Peter to put his sword away, “for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

In the parable in Luke 19:11–17, Christ compared money with individual talents or abilities, as well as with the measure of God’s Holy Spirit given to a Christian. The master expected that his servants would use those abilities to overcome their weaknesses. The “money” was not to be hidden, and even the unprofitable servant was supposed to do something with the “money”—at least, he could have put it in the bank, to receive interest for the master. Even if we were to look at this parable in a literal way—as distinguished from the intended spiritual meaning—then it could still not be applied to tithing. Please note that the profitable servants were allowed to keep all the money, including what they gained (compare verse 24). If we were to apply this to tithing, Christ would have done away here with the entire concept of tithing. Other Scriptures show, however, that tithing is still a law to be obeyed today. Also, note that the profitable servants did not put the money in the bank—only the unprofitable servant should at least have done that. The money was given to the servants to be used by them. The parable speaks, in its literal application, about money as a business loan, which the servants received to trade with. It does not address the concept of tithing, as God’s tithe is not to be used by the individual servants, but it is to be paid to the Church.

There are reasons why God instructed that His tithe be paid to His Church. Paul tells us, in Ephesians 4:11–16, that Christ gave ministers to His Church to feed and edify the flock, so that “we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (verse 14).

Brethren need Christ’s ministers! Romans 10:14 tells us that we cannot hear “without a preacher.” We are also told, however, that God must send the “preacher” (verse 15). We are encouraged to “test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets [or preachers] have gone into the world” (1 John 4:1).

So then, we need to go “somewhere.” We need to send God’s tithe to “someone.” The questions remain: Where to go? Where to pay God’s tithe?

The fact that somebody claims he believes and preaches certain doctrines does not necessarily mean that this is so. Again, you shall know them by their fruits.

Some may decide to follow ministers who seem to uphold the truth, just as it had been taught earlier in God’s Church. Some ministers, however, went off-track, claiming that they would never change or alter anything within their teaching. This claim proved to be incorrect in many cases when reviewing their doctrines and practices. However, to even make such a claim neglects the fact that we are to “grow in the …knowledge of…Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18; compare Ephesians 4:13). When the BIBLE proves to us that we may have to alter a certain teaching or understanding in order to follow God more perfectly, we must do so! Otherwise, we are placing tradition ahead of God, which we must never do!

On the other hand, it must be the BIBLE—God’s Word—that convinces us of the need to GROW in the knowledge of Christ. Far too often, ministers and brethren change their understanding of God’s truth because of certain pet ideas they have developed in their own minds, based on their own research of historical and other worldly records.

The understanding of prophecy is a key example. Some are proposing alternate prophetic concepts, calling them speculation but teaching them, nevertheless, as truth and new understanding. In virtually every case, their understanding is based on human reasoning and on a limited view of present circumstances and world conditions, not on the clear prophetic word of the Bible (compare 2 Peter 1:19–21). God’s Word tells us: “Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples… To the law and to the TESTIMONY! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:16, 20). Revelation 19:10 states that the “TESTIMONY of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” We are also told in Jeremiah 6:16–17: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it.” Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, “Listen to the sound of the trumpet!” But they said, “We will not listen.”’”

The questions still remain: “Where do we go? Where do we pay God’s tithe?”

Some have started a campaign, asking the members of their group to reach out to a number of “our former brethren” and encourage them to return to the truth, that is, supposedly, to their particular group. We in the Church of the Eternal God and our affiliated corporate organizations will not engage in such conduct, although we will happily communicate with everyone who wants us to. We are certainly praying to God that He will cause “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, [to] shine on them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). We are reminded, however, in the same passage, that we “do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (verses 5–6).

We in the ministry of the Church of the Eternal God and its affiliates are not here to commend ourselves (2 Corinthians 10:17–18: “But ‘he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.’ For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends”). We are here to help, and we are happy to answer truthfully any questions, which might arise. We will not directly contact our “former” or our “future” brethren, however, trying to proselytize and to “convince” them to join with us. Our literature and sermon material are both freely available to everyone, via our Webpage or upon request. However, we feel we need to leave it to God to inspire anyone to make personal contact with us, including those who may have left the truth and may want to return to it. It is God who has allowed the sheep to be scattered by their shepherds, and it is God who will gather them together again (Jeremiah 23:1–4). In keeping with this, if we should become aware of a “lost sheep” that seeks to return to the fold, we would most certainly work with such a person. But this would be a different matter.

We believe that God must call a person, and we believe that God will lead His people to the place where He wants them to be—whatever and wherever that place might be. Christ said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber [This would also apply to some self-appointed “leaders” who write books and disseminate their false teachings, although they were never Biblically ordained to the ministry.] But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:1–5).

So, “where to go?” To answer this, we each need to look at ourselves. Where are we now, personally? We need to examine ourselves whether we are in, or moving toward, the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). If we find ourselves lacking, we need to become zealous for the truth and repent (Revelation 3:19; compare, too, Revelation 2:4–5; 2:14–16; 2:20–21; 3:1–3). At the same time, we need to pray to God that HE points out where to go, and where to send His tithe. Also, in light of Matthew 7:20, we truly believe that God will make it clear, if one really wants to know. Remember, too, that it is God and only God Who calls anyone into His truth (compare Matthew 16:17). If God is calling you, then you must look to God for your ultimate answers. Ask Him in heart-rendering prayer and fasting how to recognize where His truth is flourishing, and ask Him to open your mind to understand CLEARLY what you should do. Psalm 119 offers us deep insight in this regard. The central aspect of this Psalm is that understanding comes through obedience—that is how we can truly GROW in our relationship with God and Jesus Christ!

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Does God Require Tithes and Offerings Today?

With the apostasy that came upon the Church of God, many of God’s people have turned to false teachings, as Paul clearly stated would happen, in 2 Timothy 4:3–4. Many have changed their whole approach in dealing with God’s Truths, which they had learned AND had been practicing, including those relative to their own financial obligations to God and His Church. They have become “very sensitive” when it comes to the subject of “giving” to God’s Church.

Yet, there are numerous examples in Scripture where God shows He requires tithes and offerings from His people. We see such an example in Exodus 25, where God required offerings from the children of Israel for the building of the Tabernacle of God. Note God’s instructions to Moses, the one who was responsible for conveying to God’s people what God required relative to this offering.

God’s requirement was and is, “… that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering” (Exodus 25:2). Two things should be noted here:

First of all, God REQUIRED an offering. Although the person giving the offering can determine the particular amount of the offering, based on Biblical guidelines, the offering itself does not belong to the person who gives it. Simply put, it is not his! The offering belongs to God! That is true, even before the offering is given.

Secondly, God accepts the offering under a specific condition. That is, it is only an acceptable offering to God if it is from one who gives it WILLINGLY, as the Scripture points out: “From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.” Paul, one of Christ’s apostles, also boldly proclaims this same principle in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where he states, “…for God loves a cheerful giver.”

There is concern that the contribution of free-will offerings may be one area where many in the Church of God today have let down in their relationship with God. It is true, that God owns all wealth. He can see to it that the finances needed by the Church are provided, whatever the need may be. However, He chooses the method of financing His end-time Work. It is, for each of us, our responsibility—individually and collectively—to be faithful in our financial obligations so that the commission of preaching and publishing the gospel of the soon-coming Kingdom to the world as a witness, as well as the feeding of God’s sheep, will be accomplished.

This requirement by God is a “test” command for all of God’s people, including those in positions of leadership—the appointed ministers of God. Notice this clear admonition found in Malachi 3:10: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.’”

Moses, by the way, did not hesitate to convey the exhortation of God to willingly bring offerings in Exodus 35:5, 29.

There are a number of such financial requirements that God has placed on His people and has administered through those He put in positions of service to those He is calling.

In addition to free-will offerings, God requires the payment of His tithe. While the particular amount of voluntary offerings is at the discretion of the individual, the specific amount of the tithe has been determined by God as being ten percent of one’s income. The tithe has always belonged to God (Leviticus 27:30)! It is HOLY to Him! He did give the tithe, for a period of time, to the sons of Levi “…as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform[ed], the work of the tabernacle of meeting” (Numbers 18:21).

Yet, we see in Hebrews 7:9 that the law of tithing existed long before God made an agreement with the sons of Levi, which agreement gave them the right and responsibility to collect tithes for a certain time. We can see in verses 15–28 of Hebrews 7 that this right to receive tithes later reverted back to Jesus Christ, whose right it was from the beginning! Today, Christ collects tithes through His Body—the Church—to be used to carry out the end-time Work of God.

Christ showed that this system of financing the Work of God is definitely applicable today (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, Luke 18:12). And, of course, God shows in Malachi 3:8–9 that one thing He is angry about at the time of the end is that His people are failing Him in this requirement!

So much confusion exists today, especially since the apostasy set in, indicating that many of God’s people do not know what to do. There must be a clear voice in this end-time that is willing to speak out and teach the correct way, or else we will all be held accountable for the error that exists in the Church.

We are told in Isaiah 58:1: “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.” We must not be fearful in doing this! We here point out these truths as a reminder to those God has called and given understanding, and yet now appear to be holding back because they are uncertain where God’s Work is being done. They must not continue to hold back, but must come to the realization that they have an obligation to determine where that Work is being done, based upon the clear evidence they see and the clear word they hear. Once having proven this, they have a responsibility to carry out God’s command and to support His Work where they see it being faithfully carried out, just as the people of Israel, willingly and with a joyful heart, contributed to the construction of the Tabernacle.

The tithe belongs to God! It is His! To withhold His tithe, God says, is stealing from Him! God requires that His tithe be paid, so that His Work will be done (Malachi 3:10).

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How to Calculate God’s Tithe

How much exactly should we pay? Should we pay from the gross or from the net? Do we have to pay from gifts and inheritance? Are we allowed to first deduct our expenses, before calculating the tithe?

In this booklet, we will not attempt to answer each and every question that may arise regarding the correct calculation of God’s tithe. Rather, we will set forth some general guidelines. If you have specific questions, we recommend contacting one of our ministers for advice, counsel and guidance.

How much?

The question has been asked many times whether we are to pay tithe from the gross (before taxes are deducted from our paychecks) or from the net (after deduction of taxes). It has been the long-standing policy of the Church to advise that there is no duty to tithe on the gross, as this would be impossible in certain countries, where taxes are so high. At the same time, the Church has always emphasized that it is up to the individual whether he or she wants to tithe from the gross or the net. Many tithe from the gross, following the principle as expressed in Luke 17:10, but this is a personal decision, based on personal circumstances. God looks at the heart of a person. If one chooses to tithe from the net, he would then be obligated, of course, to pay tithe on any tax refunds he might receive in the next year.

Some have asked the question whether we can calculate our titheable income by first deducting “stealth taxes,” “value added taxes,” “sales taxes” or “use taxes.” These are all taxes, which are added or related to the goods that we normally buy for our personal use. Some countries have also introduced “sin taxes,” such as duty on alcohol, cigarettes and high-profile environmental taxes. However, all of these are taxes, which we pay, when we buy goods or services [Of course, we should not buy cigarettes in the first place, as smoking is detrimental to our health]. These taxes have nothing to do with our income or increase—what we receive for our work. Therefore, these kinds of taxes should clearly not be deducted from our titheable income. On the other hand, if certain goods were bought for the operation of a business, they—including the “use tax” on those purchases—would be part of business expenses, which could be deducted by a sole proprietor in arriving at his or her titheable income (see next paragraph).

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Not Just One Tithe?

God has instituted THREE different types of tithes—commonly referred to as the first, second and third tithe.

Some teach that the Bible never instructed second and third tithes. However, this conclusion is clearly false. Historical records do show that ancient Israel practiced a tithing system of three tithes.

The apocryphal book of Tobit, which was apparently written about 250 BC (compare Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 22, p. 264, copyright 1959, under “Tobit”), confirms the practice in ancient Judah of a three-tithe system. Although apocryphal, the book of Tobit is useful from a strictly historical standpoint to show that the Jews of that day were knowledgeable of, and practiced, the same tithing commands as revealed through Moses. Tobit 1:6–8 (New Revised Standard Version) states the following:

“But I alone went often to Jerusalem for the festivals, as it is prescribed for all Israel by an everlasting decree. I would hurry off to Jerusalem with the first fruits of the crops and the firstlings of the flock, the tithes of the cattle, and the first shearings of the sheep [describing the FIRST tithe]. I would give these to the priests, the sons of Aaron, at the altar; likewise the tenth of the grain, wine, olive oil, pomegranates, figs, and the rest of the fruits to the sons of Levi who ministered at Jerusalem. Also… I would save up a SECOND tenth in money and go and distribute it [use or spend it] in Jerusalem. A THIRD tenth I would give to the orphans and widows and to the converts who had attached themselves to Israel. I would bring it and give it to them in the THIRD year, and we would eat it according to the ordinance decreed concerning it in the law of Moses and according to the instructions of Deborah, the mother of my father Tobiel, for my father had died and left me an orphan.”

Our Statement of Beliefs discusses the FIRST tithe as follows: “We believe in the Godly institution of tithing to enable the Church to carry out its commission of preaching the gospel and feeding the flock.”

The first tithe is the first ten percent of one’s “increase” (compare Proverbs 3:9), referring to his or her job earnings and/or other income (such as proceeds from rental, interest, gains from stocks, etc.). The Church of God made the administrative decision in 1982, that in certain countries, such as Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, because of the extremely high income tax rates and the inability to deduct most or all contributions from individual tax returns, “increase” is defined as the amount of earnings after the deduction of the income tax. The Church of the Eternal God and its corporate affiliates are following this teaching and practice. On the other hand, each individual is responsible before God to determine the amount of his or her “increase” in his or her individual circumstances.

The first tithe is to be sent to the Church on a regular basis (compare the principle in Exodus 22:29–30), to be used by the Church for preaching the gospel and feeding the flock. Since the Church has to rely on such regular contributions to be able to meet its expenses, it is important, of course, that those contributions are generally received on at least a monthly basis. It is also important for the contributor to recognize that the first ten per cent of his or her earnings or increase belong to God (Leviticus 27:30, 32), and that we honor God best if we give Him what is due to Him first.

An interesting example of the reinforcement of the tithing command in ancient Judah can be found in 2 Chronicles 31:4–12. As the people had become slack in paying God’s tithe, Hezekiah, the king, “commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the Law of the LORD” (verse 4). The Scripture continues, in verses 5–6: “As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; AND they brought in abundantly the tithe of EVERYTHING [not just from the produce of the field]. And the children of Israel and Judah, who dwelt in the cities of Judah, brought the tithe of oxen and sheep; ALSO the tithe of HOLY THINGS which were consecrated to the LORD their God they laid in heaps [again, showing that God’s tithe was not limited to agricultural products].” Verse 12 explains that they “faithfully brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things.”

The SECOND tithe (or a second ten percent of one’s earnings or other income) is an additional tithe of one’s “increase” (Deuteronomy 14:22–26). Soncino confirms that Deuteronomy 14:23 discusses the “second tithe.” They state, “This refers to the second tithe, because the first tithe was to be given to the Levites who were allowed to eat it anywhere (cf. Num. xviii. 26, 31).” The Ryrie Study Bible has a similar comment pertaining to Deuteronomy 14:22–27, confirming the existence of a “second tithe.” So does “The New Bible Commentary: Revised,” copyright 1970, on page 220: “This is the so-called ‘second tithe,’ as contrasted with that tithe of the produce given to maintain the Levites (see Nu. 18:26–28).”

The individual saves the second tithe each year for use in observing God’s annual Holy Days, mainly the Feast of Tabernacles (FOT), as members are commanded to travel for the FOT to one of God’s designated feast sites. (For more information, please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”) This tithe is to be saved for use by the individual. Only “excess second tithe”—the portion of the second tithe exceeding necessary individual use—should be sent to the Church. The Church will distribute such amount to members who were unable to save sufficient second tithe for the Holy Days, and it might use remaining funds for necessary Church-related Feast expenses (such as hall rentals).

In addition, God instituted a THIRD tithe system for the purpose of assisting and helping “Levites, widows and orphans.” The third tithe is an additional tithe of one’s “produce” or “increase” and is described in passages such as Deuteronomy 14:28–29 and Deuteronomy 26:12–15. (The third tithe was paid on the third and sixth year out of a cycle of seven years. On the seventh year, no third tithe was to be paid, as the land rested during the seventh year, Leviticus 25:4.)”

Soncino confirms this understanding. They comment on Deuteronomy 26:12: “[The term] in the third year [refers to] the tithe of the produce of the third year…the year of tithing, i.e. the third in the cycle of seven years in which a special tithe was to be given to the poor.”

The principle of paying third tithe on the third and sixth year out of a cycle of seven years still applies today. Many members begin counting their third tithe years from the annual festival nearest the date of their baptism. Others decide to begin from the date that they first began tithing. It is the responsibility of each member to decide when he or she should begin the cycle, and the observance of that cycle should be carefully maintained.

Our Statement of Beliefs addresses the third-tithe system as follows, “We believe that needy members are to be helped and taken care of, through the tithing system described in the Bible, by other members of the Church (Luke 3:11; 1Timothy 5:8; James 2:15–16).”

Traditionally, God’s Church had previously taught for over 25 years that the Church can use third tithe income for first tithe expenses, if the Church has enough third tithe funds and is able to provide adequately for those of its members who need third tithe assistance. Conversely, it has been understood that if the Church does not have enough third tithe to help its needy members, it can use first tithe income for this purpose. The Church of the Eternal God and its corporate affiliates are following this teaching and practice.

It should also be mentioned that “third tithe” is FOR the poor and needy, not BY the poor and needy. It is, therefore, not necessary for a “poor” person to pay third tithe. Someone who receives assistance from the government does not have to pay third tithe. It would also be following a wrong principle to take out a loan in order to be able to pay third tithe. Based on this principle, God’s Church made the administrative decision in the late 70’s and early 80’s to excuse Church members in certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, from paying third tithe because of the high rate of taxation and mandatory social security payments in those countries. In addition, much of social security benefits constitutes, to an extent, the equivalent of third tithe payments in those countries. The Church of the Eternal God and its corporate international affiliates are following this teaching and practice. However, each individual is responsible before God to determine whether he or she is “poor” or “needy” and therefore excused from paying third tithe.

God expects us to obey His tithing commands faithfully. God is the Giver of all things, but He wants to know how much we appreciate His blessings. One way we show Him our thankfulness is by obeying Him cheerfully and willingly in tithing.

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Deduction of Expenses

God requires that we pay tithe from our increase. This would include everything that we have acquired through our own labor or our own money (such as salaries and profits from our business, as well as profits from capital investments, interest from savings accounts, or money from renting out property). We are permitted to deduct from our titheable income the amount we need to use in order to achieve the increase. For instance, if we own a business, we are permitted to deduct all the costs we spend to run the business. We are only required to pay tithe from the actual increase or profit. But a word of caution is in order here.

As was the case with the Levites, so ministers today are obligated to tithe from their salaries, even if they are full-time employees of the Church. Some ministers in certain fellowships treat their parsonage allowance, which is a portion of their salary that is excused from tax, as non-titheable income. They pay no tithe on that. That is defrauding God, pure and simple! Others have created for themselves a very big expense account. They deduct those “expenses” from their titheable income until there is nothing left to tithe from. Likewise, some members who earn good salaries erroneously “justify” deducting from their salaries all their monthly living expenses, including bills for power, gas, water, gasoline, food, rent, mortgage, car and house repair costs, etc., so that they end up having acquired no “increase” at all. (Obviously, such expenses are not to be deducted from the amount on which to tithe). This is simply playing games with God! Again, God looks at the heart. So we would caution you to be very careful, especially if you are self-employed, what expenses you deduct before you tithe to God. You might be able to deceive yourself and other people, but you will not be able to deceive God.

Show God that your heart is in the right place by being generous. I would like to interject here a very brief personal comment. As long as I have been a member of the Church of God, which is now over 30 years, I have never sent a check to the Church in the amount of, let’s say, 34 dollars and 89 cents. I rounded it up to 35 dollars, at least. We are not to develop the attitude of the Pharisees, wanting to make sure that we don’t pay God one cent more than what He is entitled to, so to speak. The Pharisees were very diligent in counting exactly the amount of produce to be tithed on, to make sure that they paid God exactly the “right” amount—not too little, and certainly not too much!

How Often to Pay

This depends on the circumstances. If we are employed and are paid on a regular basis, we should pay God’s tithe every time we receive a paycheck. Again, the principle is clear: God should come first in our lives. It is not advisable, for our own spiritual growth and our relationship with God, to retain the tithe for a considerable period of time before paying it.

In order to develop a habit of obeying God fully and promptly, without delay, we strongly advise to pay God’s tithe at least once a month, even if it is not much. One may think: Why should I pay $10.00 when I can wait until I have saved $50.00. No, pay the $10.00. The Church will certainly not fail if you don’t, but it will help you to develop the habit of obeying God promptly. The first ten percent of our increase belongs to God, so even before paying other debts, we need to pay our debt to God first. We owe it to God to pay Him His tithe because it is, in fact, His, not ours!

If you are self-employed, you should make it a habit to pay God’s tithe as soon as possible, at least on a monthly basis. Make it a point to at least look at your own affairs once a month; determine what your increase has been during that month, and pay God’s tithe.

Tithing on Inheritance, Pension, Unemployment, Social Security and Gifts?

God requires that we tithe from our increase—what we ourselves produce through our efforts or investment. Gifts or inheritances are not acquired through our own labor and don’t have to be tithed on. The same is true for money given to us in the form of unemployment benefits, pensions or social security. However, it would be advisable, at least in some of those cases, to consider whether a generous special offering would be appropriate. If in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of generosity, again, showing God where our heart is.

Giving—A Way of Life

There is another fundamentally important reason why God insists that we pay Him His holy tithe, and that we be generous in free-will offerings. God wants us to learn to share what we have, thus exhibiting a way of life that helps others. There are only two ways by which people live, easily summarized as the way of GET, and the way of GIVE. God is LOVE, and love is outgoing concern for the welfare and benefit of others. LOVE shares and gives, while greed and lust are products of the way of get—a way that is only interested in self, rather than others.

God GIVES. He GAVE His only-begotten Son so that the world could be saved. God wants us to develop the kind of character that He has—essentially, His nature! He wants us to become LOVING, SHARING and HELPING individuals who practice His way of giving as a WAY OF LIFE!

For us humans, it can be very difficult to part with money, and if we are not careful, money can become our idol—our “god.” Christ told the rich young man that he had to give up his wealth and follow Christ (compare Matthew 19:16–22). Christ knew that his riches were preventing this young man from living the way of give. Sadly, the young ruler refused to do what Christ told him. He loved his riches too much. Christ pointed out to His disciples that those who trust in riches (compare Mark 10:24) will have a very hard time entering the Kingdom of God.

Paying God His tithe and giving free-will offerings is one way of showing where our heart truly is. It is not as if God needs our money. He owns everything. He owns all the riches of the universe. In fact, He owns you and me! If God would not keep us alive by giving us—every second—the air needed for breathing, we would die!

There have been examples where people who followed God’s command to tithe and give free-will offerings, came to realize that they had only given a small portion back to God that had come out of God’s hands to begin with. David understood this. He gave a moving prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:13–14: “Now, therefore, our God, We thank you And praise Your glorious name… For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You.”

God has decreed that His Work be financed through the tithing system. It is not a matter of deciding whether or not it is right for us to tithe, it is only a matter of choosing whether or not we want to obey God. God has told us what He expects of us, and He has said that, even though we may claim that we are faithful and obedient Christians, we are, in fact, no better than ordinary thieves and robbers if we refuse to pay Him His holy tithe. This is true for ministers and members alike, and even for those who are not yet members of the Church of God. All people are ordered by God to pay Him His tithe. God says that the entire nation is cursed for flagrantly disobeying His command regarding tithing and free-will offerings!

More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

God WANTS to bless us! And when we accept God’s love in our lives, we WILL be blessed! It might be difficult for the carnal human mind to understand that God promises His blessings when we give to others, but that is exactly what is revealed to us in God’s holy Word, and with a spiritual mindset, it is not all that difficult to understand how God’s way of give works in practice.

We are told, in Acts 20:35, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. How can this be true? Why—and in what way—are we more blessed when we give? Is it really more blessed to give someone a gift, than to win a $5 million mansion in the lottery?

Scripture reveals how it really works!

Christ told us in Matthew 5:10 that we are blessed when we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, because when that happens, we know that we are on our way toward God’s Kingdom. So our blessing has to do mainly, but not exclusively, with our future! It has to do with the fact that we, as we give the right way, develop an attitude that is essential in order to be able to enter God’s Kingdom.

Again, God is LOVE (1 John 4:16)—the kind of love that exhibits outgoing concern for the welfare, benefit and the happiness of others. It is also correct to say that God is a GIVER. We read that God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE His only begotten Son to die for the world (John 3:16). In addition, Jesus Christ GAVE His life for the world (John 6:51).

God the Father and Christ did what they did, because of their LOVE for man, and their love manifested itself in GIVING. It wasn’t just empty, idle words!

Notice how God’s love for man can be seen in many different ways. And notice, at the same time, that we are to imitate God’s love. We are to become God’s children. Actually, we are to become God beings in His very Family (For more information on this very important issue, please read our free booklets, “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God,” and “God Is A Family”). We need to acquire the very same LOVE that God has, so, as to ultimately BECOME what God IS. And God is a LOVING and GIVING God! WE, then, must become loving and giving people! We must develop an attitude of loving, giving and sharing what we have with others, because, only if we develop that kind of an attitude will we be able to enter God’s Kingdom—His very Family. THAT is the main reason, albeit not the only one, why it is MORE blessed to GIVE than to receive.

We Must Exhibit Godly Love

We are told in the Bible that God is good to all (Psalm 145:9). Matthew 5:43–48 adds: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be [become] perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

God does good things, even to the unthankful. It is His nature to do good to all of His creation. His love does not differentiate between those who follow Him and those who don’t follow Him (yet). God proved His love for us, in that Christ died for us when WE were still sinners; more so, when we were still God’s enemies (Romans 5:8–10).

Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in [better, of] the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Christ LOVED Paul, and then He died for him. When He died for Paul, Paul was still known as Saul, an enemy of Christ who would later persecute the Church, commit Christians to prison and consent to their death (Philippians 3:6; Acts 8:1, 3), thereby persecuting Christ Himself (Acts 9:1–5). Yes, Christ loved His enemies, including Saul, so much that He was willing to die for them.

We must develop the same attitude of love toward everyone, including our enemies, so that we are willing to help them when they need our help. Romans 12:20 points out: “Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’”

When we tithe to God in a correct and Biblically-endorsed way, we know that the money is used in furtherance of the commission to preach the gospel in all the world as a witness. We know that preaching the gospel shows our love for all the people of the world who have not yet learned about a better way of life, nor their future and their potential when Christ sets up His Kingdom here on earth. Most people today will not want to hear Christ’s gospel. Some, if not many, may turn against us—in hate—when they hear Christ’s message. Still, we must continue to preach the gospel in all the world, because we love the world (but not the things of the world, compare 1 John 2:15–17), the same as Christ loved the world and gave Himself for it. The time will come when people will remember what they were told, and they will realize that they, indeed, had been told the words of God Himself. Then, they may cease to be our enemies and may even become our friends. But we must love them before that happens. God still adds people to His Church, even today, but people would not be called into the truth if they had not heard the truth first, and there cannot be a preaching of God’s Word without God’s ministers (compare Romans 10:14–15).

We must develop the godly characteristic of LOVE for others, the kind of love that manifests itself in giving to and sharing with others. We read in Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” We need to walk in love, as Christ loved us when we were still His enemies and sinners.

Evaluate Our Motive

Whatever we do in our lives, including tithing and giving free-will offerings, we must be motivated by love toward God and others. 1 Corinthians 13:3 tells us: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

Even if we did the outward acts of sharing our goods with others, including tithing and generous free-will offerings, if we did them grudgingly, as of necessity—if our motives were anything but LOVE for God and others—then it would profit us nothing.

Why is that?

Because we would not develop the attitude of LOVE that is necessary in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

That is why Christ admonished us to evaluate why we do the things we do. He told us in Matthew 6:1–4: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward [from men]. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

This Scripture does not mean to say that we must give anonymous donations to God’s Church. In the United States and Canada, contributions and donations to tax-exempt Church organizations, such as the Church of the Eternal God in the United States and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada, are tax-deductible. Unfortunately, these tax advantages do not apply to religious organizations in the United Kingdom, such as the Global Church of God. It is not wrong to send contributions to the Church by identifying the donor in order to receive contribution receipts from the Church that can be used for income tax returns. On the other hand, it is still true that the motive of the donation must be one of love toward God and neighbor, and not one of wanting to receive glory and honor from the Church leadership (or whoever may open the envelope with the enclosed contribution).

God Rewards a Genuine Heart

A person who looks to God for reward for his charitable deeds will enter the Kingdom, because he has developed the attitude of love toward others. He has done it to help and to give and to share, because he was concerned for the wellbeing and happiness of others. He did not do it to be praised by others. God said that if he did it for the reason of receiving praise from men, he will have his reward from men, but he will not receive the reward from God because he did not develop the kind of love that God has.

Even Satan offers us gifts. But he does not love us. He only wants to destroy us in order to prevent us from attaining our ultimate potential—entrance into the Kingdom of God as spirit beings. His motives are wrong, although he may appear as, or transform himself into, “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). In Matthew 4:9, Satan offered Christ all the kingdoms of the world if Christ were to worship him. Satan tried to “copy” God’s attitude of giving, but he did it with the intent to destroy Christ.

We read that the early Church had everything in common (Acts 2:44; 4:32). This was NOT a form of communism. Communism is not based on Godly love. It is not based on a motive to develop an attitude of love toward others—a character trait of God that we are to emulate. Communism DENIES God! Communism is, in reality, a Satanic counterfeit of true Christianity. Satan’s nature is not one of love and giving and sharing, but it is one of TAKING! He tried to TAKE God’s authority from Him when he attempted to take over God’s throne (compare Isaiah 14:13–14). With communism and other philosophical ideas, including the theory of evolution, Satan tries to convince people that God does not even exist! Satan started the very first WAR in the history of creation when he tried to defeat God in war. WAR is totally detrimental to God’s Way of giving and sharing. If we desire to FIGHT against our enemies, then we are not showing them LOVE. And, of course, we have given in to Satan’s devices and his warped way of thinking (compare James 4:1–8). Satan is the one who inspires us to try to GET from others, even by the means of war, if need be.

We must reject Satan’s way of get in all of its different forms. We need to let God rule in our hearts. We need to cleanse our hearts from double-mindedness (compare James 4:8). Our hearts must be single-minded—totally focused on what God tells us. And God is a LOVING GIVER, not a greedy TAKER!

We read in Acts 17:25–28: “Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things… they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being…”

God gives to ALL MEN life, breath and ALL things. God does not NEED our worship. But He does want us to come to Him and learn from Him, and to acknowledge Him as the authority in our lives, as He knows that this is the only way to be happy. And God WANTS us to be happy! And when we worship God by doing what He tells us to do, we WILL BE HAPPY.

Tithing and giving free-will offerings are also a form of worship. God will give us eternal life only when we make it clear to Him that we are willing to live eternally in happiness. He certainly does not want us to live eternally in misery, and unless we develop an attitude of love toward God and others, we would live in misery.

James 1:5 tells us that God gives to ALL liberally and without reproach. We, too, must develop an attitude of giving and sharing the love of God with others. It is the purpose of our life to “do good and to share” (Hebrews 13:16), and if we keep doing that, we are acquiring the very divine nature of God (compare 2 Peter 1:4).

Galatians 6:9–10 tells us: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap [from God] if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

We need to continue to do good to others. If we do, we will be blessed—we will reap, or receive our reward, in the future. Why? Because we sow to the Spirit of God, as verse 8 explains. That is, we develop a spiritual attitude and mindset that is in harmony and conformity with God.

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Let us notice 2 Corinthians 9:7: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity [or compulsion]; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Although this Scripture was written in the context of free-will offerings, it can be applied to our attitude in tithing. God loves a CHEERFUL GIVER, because GOD IS a CHEERFUL GIVER! If we give grudgingly or if we pay God His tithe only because we HAVE to, that is, if obligation is our only motivation to give offerings or pay God’s tithe, then we expose the fact that we do not really have the love of God in us, and God, in turn, will not accept that kind of giving or payment. In Matthew 10:8 Christ told His disciples: “Freely you have received, freely give.” As the disciples had gifts from God FREELY, so they were to also FREELY give to others. God was teaching them that GIVING to others was to become their way of life!

In Matthew 25:31–40 Christ told a parable about His true servants who gave to others, not realizing that Christ looked at such acts of Christian love as actually being directed toward Him. They had done those things as a way of life, not even thinking about their reward or that they were actually giving those gifts to Christ. Rather, God’s giving attitude had become their second nature—their way of thinking, and their way of living. They helped others because that is what they WANTED and LOVED to do!

Christ also described a different group in Matthew 25:41–46. This group had refused to help their fellow men, likewise not realizing that if they had done good deeds, these would have been done for Christ. Now, perhaps they WOULD have done the same things as the first group had done, IF they had only known that Christ felt they would have done them to Him. However, their giving would have been prompted and motivated by ulterior motives—they would have given to the needy in order to GET a reward! They would not have done it out of true Godly love and concern for the needy. They would have given grudgingly and of necessity, so to speak. They would not have been cheerful givers. They would not really have WANTED to give, but they would have said, grudgingly, I HAVE to do it, otherwise I won’t GET into the Kingdom. Such an attitude, however, would have prevented them from qualifying to be in the Kingdom.

Withholding Gifts

Giving is not only the opposite of getting or taking. Giving is really the opposite of NOT giving, actually of WITHHOLDING gifts that we could and should give! Christ told us to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21). Christ expects His disciples to fulfill their obligations toward God (such as paying tithes and free-will offerings) and also toward man (such as paying taxes), and to do it faithfully and willingly.

James 2:15–16 states: “If a brother or a sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”

It would not profit them, but it would not profit you, either. You have missed a golden opportunity to develop the character that God wants to see in you. Rather than helping the person because you LOVE him or her enough to HELP and to GIVE to him or her, you do nothing but utter a few unprofitable words in that situation. This passage can also be read in a spiritual way. Today, most people are naked and destitute of God’s daily food—His Word (compare Matthew 4:4). God’s Church has a commission to proclaim to the world God’s gospel, explaining a better way of life. Those who respond are to be taught God’s Word so that they can be clothed and be freed from their spiritual nakedness (compare Revelation 3:18). The Church fulfills this duty, in part, by using tithe money and other contributions to engage the means to spread that very message. Those who know that they should tithe and don’t, are WITHHOLDING FROM GOD AND HIS CHURCH what is due!

Proverbs 3:27–28 says: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.” Proverbs 11:24–25 adds: “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.”

When we water, or give, we will also be watered, or given to, now in this life AND for eternal life. We read in Malachi 3:8–10 that God promises us physical blessings if we tithe faithfully to Him. Physical blessings will be an automatic consequence of our tithing. But to receive physical blessings from God must NOT be our motivation as to WHY we pay God’s tithe or give free-will offerings. Our motivation must become that we WANT to give, that we WANT to share and help BECAUSE we LOVE the other person enough to do that for him or her.

There is another way of withholding gifts from others. That is, by not working and making money so that we have no money to give to God or to others. We are not talking about those who are looking for work and who are temporarily unable to find work or those who cannot work for health reasons or for other valid reasons. Neither are we addressing, of course, mothers with small children who should not work (unless they have to, because of becoming victims of this evil society and are forced to work in order to survive). We are only talking about people who could and should work, but just don’t want to. They would rather walk “in a disorderly manner” (2 Thessalonians 3:11). Paul says that those should not even eat because they refuse to work (compare verse 10).

At the same time, Paul says that those who can work and do work, minding their own business and leading a quiet life, are walking “properly” even toward those who are outside of the body of Christ—either by helping them or by living righteously—and in doing so, they are lacking nothing (compare 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12).

Working for the Purpose of Sharing

How does the issue of working or not working tie in with paying or not paying God’s tithe, and presenting or withholding gifts from others? Ephesians 4:28 points out: “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”

The reason we are to work is so that we can have something to GIVE to others when they are in need, including paying God’s tithes and giving free-will offerings so that those in spiritual need can be fed as well! Working and making money is not for the purpose of becoming rich so that WE have plenty. It is for the purpose of sharing with those in need!

When observing the really rich people in this world, we may wonder whether they have ever read or understood what the Bible tells them. For instance, Paul states very specifically in 1 Timothy 6:17–19: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Rather than storing up their riches, they first need to understand that GOD gave them the riches FOR A REASON! And that reason is to share their riches with others! If they were to do that, they would develop an attitude of love for others so that God COULD ultimately give them eternal life in the Kingdom. Some—very few—rich people are very generous. But even then, what is their motive? Is it because they have to give money away as tax-deductible contributions so they can lower their income taxes? Is THAT the reason they give? Or, is it so that they will be KNOWN publicly as generous people? Do they act like the rich people Christ observed, who put money out of their abundance into the treasury (compare Mark 12:41–44)? Christ was not at all impressed by that. He pointed out a poor widow who gave very little, by comparison, but she gave ALL that she had. And Christ praised her for that because He saw an ATTITUDE in her that He had not seen in many of the rich people. Christ knew that He could entrust to that poor widow the real riches of the world to come (compare Luke 16:11), because He knew, based on what she had done in this life, that she WOULD use those true riches for the benefit of others.

Christ’s words in Matthew 6:19–21 still ring loud and clear today: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

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The “Tithe of the Tithe”

More than 30 years ago, God’s Church made the administrative decision to ask Church members and co-workers to send one tenth of their second tithe to the Church to be used for necessary Feast of Tabernacles expenses, including rental for Church halls. Since then, the Church has usually referred to this amount as the “tithe of the tithe.” Church members and co-workers were asked to calculate the amount of second tithe that would be available to them at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, and to send ten percent of that (calculated) amount to the Church, in advance as directed by the Church. This practice has allowed the Church to avoid using general contributions for the payment of Feast expenses, instead of being used for preaching the gospel and feeding the flock.

At the time of the institution of the “tithe of tithe,” and a few times since then, consideration has been given to the possibility of charging each individual Feast attendee with the same amount for his or her Feast attendance, instead of sending in a tithe of the tithe. This possibility was rejected, however, as it was judged to be arbitrary and unfair. Some Church members do not have jobs or they live on small pensions, while others earn good salaries. Following Biblical principles (compare Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35; 2 Corinthians 8:12–15), it was determined that the institution of the “tithe of the tithe” was the most equitable way for all concerned to provide for the payment of necessary Feast expenses incurred by the Church, and also to help those less fortunate, as much as possible, to attend the Feast.

The Church of the Eternal God and its corporate affiliates see no Biblical reason to change the Church’s decision, realizing the Biblical wisdom for the decision, and acknowledging that the Church has the administrative authority to bind and loose matters like these (compare Matthew 16:19; 18:18).

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Withholding Tithes is Robbery!

With a generous heart, motivated by the same love that God has, it would not occur to us to not tithe. Only those with a selfish heart try to invent arguments that are meant to “justify” their disobedience toward God—their refusal to tithe, which God calls robbery!

Christ was addressing an attitude—our outlook on life and our focus on possessions. If we work to lay up treasures here on earth for ourselves, we have missed the whole reason why we need to make money, which is so that we HAVE money to SHARE with others, if need be. This is how we build up a treasure in heaven. Not by how much money we give, but by our attitude in giving. God is taking note of how we develop the attitude of love for others—the same outgoing love and concern that HE has. It pleases Him to see a change deep in our hearts away from selfish carnal desires and toward Godly love and genuine concern for others.

Let us notice what Paul says in Philippians 4:17: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” God does not seek His tithe for the tithe’s sake, but He looks at our heart—our inward intent. He looks at the fruit of a loving heart that will WANT to lay up treasure in heaven rather than stockpiling on earth. When we give, both our attitude and our motive show God what is really in our heart. We show that we don’t love God OR our neighbor if we don’t keep His commandments (compare John 14:21; 1 John 5:2–3), and one of His commandments is to tithe.

Tithing Develops Right Character

When we give in the right way—with the right attitude and motive—we are developing the character that God has, one of outgoing concern for the benefit of others. That is the kind of fruit Paul is talking about here that will abound to our account. When Christ says that we can even determine whether ministers are true or false servants of God, we can look at those kinds of fruits as well. Are they devouring the widows’ houses or money (compare Matthew 23:14), or are they genuinely concerned about them, trying to help when they can?

In Luke 12:13–21, Christ gave us the famous parable of the rich fool who built greater barns for his harvest rather than sharing his fortune with others. He thought he had many more years to live in pleasure and ease, but that very night, God took his life. Christ concluded His parable, in verse 21: “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Christ gave this parable because of the greedy attitude of those who were fighting over an inheritance (compare verse 13). He saw the covetousness in them—the intent to take, rather than to give. Conversely, when the servants of Abraham and Lot fought over the land, Abraham was willing to have Lot choose what land he wanted to have, rather than having the servants continue to fight over it (compare Genesis 13:7–11).

The rich fool did not have genuine love or concern for others. He was only interested in figuring out how he could store his abundant riches for HIMSELF. He was not rich before God—he had not laid up treasures in heaven—when God took his life.

Abraham, on the other hand, was very rich, but he did not have an attitude of greediness. We know that he tithed to God, in the person of Christ. He did not do it grudgingly, but rather, Abraham was developing a heart of love for God and others. He did not even withhold his only son from God. And because he was willing to give up everything he had in order to serve God and to be obedient to Him, God BLESSED him abundantly (Genesis 22:12–18).

We have heard it said that you cannot “out-give” God. And that is so true! God owns everything and He wants to share everything He has with us. So then, since we are to become God, can the same be said about us NOW? Are WE willing to share EVERYTHING we have with others, if need be?

God is watching us. He notices how we act in little things. If we are faithful in small matters, God knows that we will also be faithful in big matters. If, on the other hand, we are not even willing to share small things with God and others, how would we ever develop the godly attitude to be willing to share the rulership over the universe with others?

God gave up His only begotten Son. Abraham was willing to give up his son. Moses was willing to give up the riches of Egypt to be able to serve God (compare Hebrews 11:24–26). Christ was willing to give His life for us, and He left everything behind that He owned. He WAS God, owning—together with the Father—everything there has ever been, but He gave it all up just for you and for me.

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Church Teaching on Tithing

Tithing is an institution commanded by our Eternal God. It was established early in the Old Testament, and is endorsed in both the Old and the New Testaments. The command to tithe—to pay ten percent of one’s income—is a duty of man, not just of members in certain churches. It has always been understood by the Sabbath-keeping Church of God organizations that this duty is a personal, individual obligation toward God.

The mere act of tithing does not establish a contract, legally or otherwise, between the Church and its members. Although the Church teaches that it is a sin for a person (member or not) not to tithe, the Church also teaches that sin, as well as repentance, is toward God. If the Church should become aware of constant neglect of one of its members to tithe, the Church would counsel with the member and remind the person of his or her spiritual obligations, before and toward God, to repent of his or her sin and commence tithing, as commanded by God.

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Christ’s Obedience to God Sets Standard

Christ came to this earth as a human being to do what the Father had asked Him to do. He explained in John 5:36 that He had come to do the Work that the Father had given Him to do. Christ understood that the Father GAVE Him a work to do. Rather than saying, God commanded or ordered Me to do it—which would also have been a correct statement—He said, in essence, that HE GAVE Me the opportunity to please Him. This shows a totally different mindset and attitude, recognizing that God the Father is a great GIVER. Christ knew that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father (compare James 1:17). Whatever God GIVES to us is good for us and for others.

We read in Hebrews 12:2 that Christ gave up everything and that He was even willing to die for us, “for the joy that was set before Him.” Christ was willing to endure all of these things because He loved God the Father, and because He also loved us. He did it for the joy that was set before Him, the joy of having made it possible that you and I could become members of the Family of God. He rejoiced in that He would soon, quite literally, have brothers and sisters, and that the Father would soon have additional sons and daughters (compare 1 John 3:1–2).

What about us? Are we developing the same kind of attitude of love toward God and others, which is manifested in our obedient giving to and sharing with others? When we obey God’s commandments, including the command to faithfully tithe and give free-will offerings to God’s Church, we can KNOW that we are on our way toward the Kingdom of God, because we show in our lives that God’s love in us is producing a perfect work in us. As we continue to live a life of give, we will experience in our lives the joy that is set before us—a spiritual joy that transcends any physical feeling of fulfillment (compare John 15:9–11). We will gladly admit and agree with Christ that it is more blessed to give than to receive, or, to “get.” We will experience a deep feeling of gratitude that we are permitted to play a part in God’s awesome Work, proclaiming to the world a better way of life.