Restoration Website

Questions and Answers

Below you will find many important questions and answers. They are in no particular order. Click on the link to go to the answer to the question. Enjoy!

What and who are Restoration Ministries?

I need personal counseling. Can you help?

Can I start a local group in my home?

What was the “miracle of Fatima?”

The Laying on of Hands

Please Explain Mtt. 24:40-41

What is the Abomination of Desolation?

Could you comment on another church or religion? Are they all “just the same?”

Does God Allow Blood Transfusions?

What About the Jewish Calendar?

Will God Resurrect Animals?

What About Interracial Marriage?

What Is the Origin of the Races?

"MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN"

How Does One Become an Ordained Minister in God’s Church?

Hunting and Killing Animals

What About Mark 9:48?

What About Witches, Fortune Tellers, etc.?

What About “near death experiences?”

Ordination of Women

What About the Practice of Confession?

Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree?

What About Christ’s Promise of Protection from Deadly Things?

Should a Christian Drink Coffee and Tea?

Can a Christian Charge Interest or Usury?

Should We Hoard Food and Water?

What Did Christ Mean When He Said, “If your eye offend you, pluck it out?”

The Meaning of Revelation 19:1, "much PEOPLE in heaven."

The Significance of Numbers

Should We Assemble on the New Moon?

Does II Pet. 3:10 tell us everything will be destroyed by fire?

What Will Happen After the 1000 Year Reign of Christ?

What are the modern identities of the tribes of Isreal?

Visions and Dreams

Marriage and Divorce

Man’s 6000 Years of Self Rule

What does “Fear Him that can destroy both body and soul in hell” mean?

Reincarnation

1,290 and 1,335 days mentioned in Daniel 12:11-12

Souls Under the Altar

Jeraboam Changing the Day of Worship

The Apostle’s Creed

Origin of Steeples and Spires

Was Michael, the Archangel, the being who became Christ?

Antichrist

The Meanings of the Names of the Months and Days of the Week

The Title “Reverend”

Jury Duty

Birth Control

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever ..." (Rev. 14:11)

Origin of the Cross

19 Year Time Cycle

Pictures and statues of Christ

Amen

Baptism for the dead

God’s Tithes

Is there Evidence besides the Bible that Christ Lived?

What and who are Restoration Ministries?

Restoration Ministries was funded by M. John Allen in March of 1992 upon completion of his first book, The Restoration of Truth, in that same month. The book was all written in a few week’s time, under God’s guidance and inspiration. First, the book reveals what is the history of this present world, and God’s plan of salvation. Then, it analyses some of this world’s main problems, especially in the realm of education.

But, the most important part of this book deals with what God is doing now through this ministry, and what He will do shortly.

Mr. Allen saw early on that we as christians have an imperative to “come out of her my people,” as the Bible instructs His people. Mr. Allen also saw that no one in the so called “christian” world understand the true way the original disciples and apostles lived, but the evidence is all throughout the New Testament from the Book of Acts on.

Once one understand how God expects us to live, as a unified Christian Family, and that our lives are to be ONE IN CHRIST, then it becomes plain that we must form communities around the world as God directs, to avoid becoming influenced by an extremely evil and degenerate world.

These subjects are discussed in detail in the final 2 chapters of The Restoration of Truth, and this information is much more important now than when it was written in 1992. To read the book, or at least the final 2 chapters, click on the library link to the left and go to the Basic Literature section of the library. The book is the first entry there. May God inspire you to follow His ways!

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I need personal counseling. Can you help?

Yes we can! We are here to help and serve God’s people. We provide counseling via email, messenger, or by telephone. Please send us an email to: service@destiny-worldwide.net.

We also support both text and voice chat through Yahoo messenger, and if necessary MSN messenger, although that system does not work as well.

Or, if you have an emergency, you may call us at our US phone number: 408-834-8909 If you get the voicemail, leave your name, number, time zone, best time to call, and a brief description of the situation or question. We can only return calls in the US, Canada, and Costa Rica at this time. In Costa Rica you may call 357-1267. For all other countries, please email us and we can help you via Yahoo or MSN messengers.

If you need a personal ministerial visit, at the present time we are referring people to their closest COG minister, as we do not yet have a large network of local ministers. This does not mean we agree with everything they may or may not teach, but we do our best to refer you to someone who can handle matters in person who has God’s Spirit, and can also perform baptisms, personal counseling, etc.

Can I start a local group in my home?

Yes! You most certainly can! We are adding further information to our Church Resources section of this library with just that in mind!

But, in the beginning, if you want to fellowship with other people of like mind in your area, you can start having people meet in your home every sabbath, and listen to our very own weekly Cyber Services streamed over the internet. We will soon be returning to our original services format, with a full church service every week instead of just a weekly sermon as we have been doing lately.

As your group grows, we are here to assist you with questions you might have. Feel free to contact us at any time. You may use the contact information in the Counseling section above. There is nothing like meeting with others of like mind on the sabbath and Holy Days, or at least listening to services over the internet if you are alone.

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What was the “miracle of Fatima?”

Perhaps you realize it is claimed that Mary appeared to children in vision with messages for mankind. While we have no reason to doubt that the children experienced a vision, we do not believe what they saw was really Mary.

The Bible warns that people will witness miracles and supernatural phenomena which will mislead them (Matt. 24:24; II Thess. 2:9; Rev. 13:13). We also find a biblical example of this kind of false miracle in I Samuel 28:7-20. King Saul believed the dead prophet Samuel appeared, giving him a message; but it was really an evil spirit impersonating Samuel!

How do we know that Mary did not actually appear from heaven? Because the Bible reveals that the righteous dead remain in their graves until the resurrection at Christ's return (see I Corinthians 15:22-23, 50-54; I Thessalonians 4:13-17; Hebrews 11:39-40). Mary is still awaiting the resurrection and cannot appear to anyone.

For further, detailed information giving the Bible teaching about the state of the dead, please read WHAT IS THE REWARD OF THE SAVED?, IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH?, and WHAT IS MAN? All of these are archived in the Basic Literature section of our Library to the left.

The Laying on of Hands

Thank you for your question concerning the "laying on of hands," mentioned a number of times throughout the Bible.

The laying on of hands is a symbolical act which sets individuals apart and signifies the imparting of spiritual blessings, authority, and power. In the Old Testament, a blessing was often conferred in this way. An example is Jacob's laying his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh to pass on blessings they were to receive from God (Gen. 48:13-20).

In the New Testament, a newly baptized person had hands laid on him for the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Notice in Acts 8:17-18 that after God's ministers had baptized repentant converts, then "laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And ... through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given." Also see Acts 19:5-6 and II Timothy 1:6.

The laying on of hands also accompanies an elder's prayer for the afflicted. we read in Acts 9:17: "And Ananias ... putting his hands on him [Paul] said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit."

Another purpose for the laying on of hands is that of ordination. An example is found in Acts 6. Here seven men became deacons when the apostles prayed and "laid their hands on them" (verse 6).

The laying on of hands, then, serves to show that God works through His ministers. This ceremony is mentioned as one of the basic doctrines of His Church in Hebrews 6:2.

Please Explain Mtt. 24:40-41

Thank you for your question concerning Matthew 24:40-41.

To be properly understood, these verses must be read in context. Starting in verse 21, Christ described the Great Tribulation and the end-time events which would lead up to His return. In verses 37 and 38, He referred to the time of Noah. Just before the Flood, people were going about their daily business when disaster came upon them suddenly. Jesus said that the end time will be like the days of Noah in this respect (verse 39).

People will be living their usual lives, working in the fields, grinding at the mill, and so forth (verses 40 and 41) when the Great Tribulation falls upon them unexpectedly. Death or slavery will take half the population -- one of every two individuals. Christ said this to emphasize the terrible calamity which is to come upon the modern descendants of Israel at the end of the age (verses 21 and 22).

This passage can be applied in principle to another future event. At the beginning of Matthew 24, Christ told His disciples about HIS RETURN to this earth. In this light, verses 40-41 can be taken to mean that at Christ's return there is to be a SEPARATION made between those who attain to the first resurrection and those who do not (John 3:3-8; I Cor. 15:50-53; Rev. 20:6).

Our article "The Secret Rapture" shows that Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36 do not refer to a secret rapture, as some teach. Please see it in our Bible Prophecy section of this website Library. Also, look at our booklet THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOMORROW -- WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE. It is in our Basic Literature section. The direct link is here.

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What is the Abomination of Desolation?

Thank you for your recent inquiry about the "abomination of desolation," mentioned in Matthew 24:15 and several other passages.

Daniel's original prophecy (Dan. 12:11) has more than one fulfillment. The first took place in 167 B.C., on the 25th day of the month Kislev (November-December in the Roman calendar). With the help of his army, Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes erected an altar to the Greek god Zeus on the temple mount in Jerusalem and offered swine upon it.

The "abomination of desolation" Jesus mentioned was the desecration of the temple and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in A.D. 70. But, there is yet to be another fulfillment.

A short time before Christ returns, armies will once again surround Jerusalem and an "abomination" will be set up in the city. At that time, those in Jerusalem are told to flee to the mountains (Matt. 24:16; Luke 21:20-21).

Please see the Bible Prophecy section of our website Library for full details on end time events.

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Could you comment on another church or religion? Are they all “just the same?”

Although we appreciate the confidence you have placed in us, we do not publish literature that discusses the various church denominations and ministries of others. Perhaps you realize that there are over 450 sects and denominations extant today, making it next to impossible to evaluate the doctrines and teachings of each one. Since this is also not what God would have us do, we prefer to point out certain scriptural teachings which will help you identify God's true Church.

Jesus said He would build HIS Church and that it would be preaching the Gospel of His soon-coming Kingdom as a witness to the world (Matt. 16:18; 24:14). But how can you know which is the true Church Christ built? The Bible answers: "Wherefore by their FRUITS ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me (Jesus Christ) in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils (demons)? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:20-23).

According to Jesus, then, there are many who sincerely believe that they are doing His Work -- yet are actually "working iniquity." That means they are breaking God's laws. Therefore, when listening to any minister or religious organization, ask yourself these questions: Is OBEDIENCE to God's laws being taught? (I John 2:3-4; Isa. 8:20). Is Christ's Gospel being preached -- the Gospel of the soon-coming Kingdom of God? (Mark 1:14-15). Does the minister or religious organization understand and obey God's law concerning the Sabbath and Holy Days? Is God's purpose for man being taught clearly? If these truths are not understood or preached, the minister or church is not being used of God.

Even some of those who do speak about the Kingdom of God mistakenly place it in heaven for a thousand years, or in men's hearts, or in some other way distort the fact that Christ is coming soon to literally rule on earth a thousand years. Also, some who know about the weekly Sabbath refuse to also honor God's annual Sabbaths, which are equally as applicable today.

It is our individual responsibility to prove where God's one true Church is today (please see Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 14:33; I Thessalonians 5:21). We have said for years, "Don't believe us, but LOOK IN YOUR BIBLE and BELIEVE WHAT YOU FIND THERE." That is the challenge given by all true ministers of God.

To help you do this, may we suggest you look up the literature below in our Basic Literature section and others of this Library?

- Correspondence Course in Bible Understanding

- WHERE IS THE TRUE CHURCH?

- WHAT IS THE TRUE GOSPEL?

- THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY

- WHICH DAY IS THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH?

- WHY WERE YOU BORN?

- ALL ABOUT WATER BAPTISM

- THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOMORROW -- WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE

- PAGAN HOLIDAYS -- OR GOD'S HOLY DAYS -- WHICH?

Does God Allow Blood Transfusions?

Thank you for your question concerning blood transfusions.

Although the Bible does not specifically mention this medical practice, we do not believe God will condemn one for having a transfusion. Some religious groups have misinterpreted God's command against eating blood (Lev. 3:17) and have mistakenly extended it to receiving blood by transfusions. Ingesting blood and receiving it into the circulatory system are not the same thing.

While having a transfusion is not a sin, there are medical risks involved, as any doctor will tell you. Thus, one ought to weigh these risks and the anticipated benefits carefully.

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What About the Jewish Calendar?

Thank you for your recent question concerning the Jewish calendar.

This year (September 12, 1988, through September 29, 1989) is 5749 on the Jewish calendar because the Jews count their years from 3761/3760 B.C.E. (Before Common Era). That is the year of the commencement of the lunisolar calendar.

In the century following the fall of Jerusalem (A.D. 70) certain Jewish scholars took the date 3761/3760 B.C.E. and assigned it to the time described in Genesis 1 and 2. Thus, the Jews preserved the correct date for calendar calculation but mistakenly associated it with creation week.

Actually, Creation occurred over two centuries prior to the beginning of the lunisolar calendar. The basic factor upon which the lunisolar calendar is based, the average length of the lunar month, would have taken more than two centuries of measurement and observation to determine.

The Jews celebrate their new year in the autumn. The Bible refers to two different years, the civil and the sacred. In ancient Israel, the CIVIL year began in the autumn, on the first day of the seventh month. It is comparable to the fiscal year in the United States. It was more or less the legal year, which was used to reckon the reign of kings and other chronological events.

The true SACRED year of the Bible begins with the month of Nisan (also called Abib), in the spring (Ex. 12:2). The sacred year portrays God's great plan.

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Will God Resurrect Animals?

You asked whether God will resurrect animals.

The indications in the Bible are that of all God's physical creation, only man is destined to live again in the Kingdom of God. Only man was made in God's image (Gen. 1:26) and given a MIND for the purpose of developing righteous character, which will fit him for eternal life. Our free booklet WHY WERE YOU BORN? explains the purpose of human life and the awesome destiny of man.

Nowhere does the Bible indicate that animals have any hope of life beyond the grave. Like all physical creatures, including man, animals go to their graves when they die (Eccl. 3:19-20). But, for man, there is a resurrection (John 5:28-29). No such promise is given specifically for beasts.

What About Interracial Marriage?

The Bible shows that marriage between persons of different races is contrary to God's purpose.

This does not mean that one race is better than another. God loves all human beings -- after all, the races exist only by His design and will. Regardless of race, every person has the same potential destiny -- that of becoming a part of God's very own Family (Gal. 3:28-29).

Anciently, God separated the different races by giving each its own area of the world to develop (Gen. 10:5, 32; Deut. 32:8; Acts 17:26). He placed them where geographic features (rivers, mountain ranges, and the like) formed great natural barriers and boundaries between them. He obviously did not want different peoples to intermingle.

Notice also that Abraham (called the father of the faithful) was deeply concerned that his son Isaac should find a wife among his own people rather than from among the Canaanites, who were a different people (Gen. 24). In turn, Isaac instructed his son Jacob to go back to their ancestral home to find a wife (Gen. 28:1-2).

God's will of maintaining the separation and distinction of each race is illustrated by one of His laws concerning animals. The people were not to let their cattle interbreed without control (Lev. 19:19). While people are vastly more important than cattle, genetic principles apply to both man and beast, and laws given for the benefit of animals can illustrate principles applying to human beings (please see I Corinthians 9:9-10).

Parents should appreciate their birthright and want to preserve it. They should strive to maintain a good name and to teach their children to treasure their FAMILY HERITAGE.

It is in keeping with these biblical principles, then, for a person to marry someone of the same race and who is compatible in personality, culture, temperament, and outlook on life. Disregarding these principles is likely to result in problems and hardships for the couple and for the children.

Those who find themselves already in a mixed marriage should not despair. They can still fulfill God's plan and achieve eternal salvation. Such persons should not separate from their mates or dissolve their marriages.

What Is the Origin of the Races?

The Bible plainly teaches that God made of one blood all the nations of men that dwell on the earth (Acts 17:26). It also tells us that Eve was the mother of all living (Gen. 3:20).

Therefore, God's Church teaches that God created Eve with the capability of producing children having the varied characteristics that are now manifested in the different races. There must have been great diversity in her offspring.

Normally, individuals of similar characteristics are attracted to each other. The children and grandchildren of Adam and Eve would have naturally separated into families of racially similar people and, as they continued to marry within their own groups, distinct racial traits would have become established.

God tells us that He separated the families of man and decreed the boundaries of their dwelling places (Deut. 32:8; Acts 17:26). Natural barriers, such as mountain ranges and oceans, would have served to keep the racial families apart and prevent amalgamation.

Thus, God intended that there be different races and He caused them to develop. Nonetheless, He considers all humans to be His children through Adam and intends for all who repent and overcome to ultimately receive sonship in His Kingdom (I Tim. 2:4; II Pet. 3:9; and Rev. 21:3-7).

"MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN"

Thank you for your recent inquiry about the mysterious words "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN" found in Daniel 5:25.

Belshazzar, ruler of the Babylonian Empire, watched as these words were supernaturally written on the palace wall the very night his kingdom fell (October 13, 539 B.C.). Each of these words is a measure of weight (used in much the same way as our ounce, pound, hundredweight, and ton).

The basic unit of weight in Babylon was the gold shekel (TEKEL in this verse). The mena equalled 50 shekels; the upharsin (half a mena) equalled 25. The four words, therefore, stood for: MENA, 50 shekels; MENA, 50 shekels; TEKEL, 1 shekel; UPHARSIN, 25 shekels. The total was 126 shekels.

In addition, each shekel was divided into smaller units (as our pound is divided into ounces, for example). The shekel was equal to 20 gerahs (Ezek. 45:12). The 126 shekels of Daniel 5:25, then, equalled 2,520 gerahs.

The handwriting on the wall symbolized the fact that God had "weighed" Belshazzar's kingdom and found it wanting (verses 26 and 27). God was about to punish Belshazzar's realm for 2,520 years. This is confirmed by another prophecy in Daniel.

King Nebuchadnezzar had been told that a total of "seven times" of punishment would befall Babylon (Dan. 4). In prophecy, a "time" equals a year of 360 days. This can be seen by noting that 3 1/2 "times" equals 42 months or 1,260 days (Rev. 12:6, 14; 13:5). "Seven times," therefore, equals 2,520 days. In certain prophecies, however, such as here, each day represents a year in fulfillment (Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6). (For a complete explanation of this principle, see Chapter 6 of our booklet THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY.)

So, then, from the experiences of both Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, it is evident Babylon would be punished for a period of 2,520 years.

After that time, it was to rise again -- as symbolized by the tree which sprouted and grew after the iron band was removed (Dan. 4). We can expect to see the rise of modern Babylon in this present generation (foretold in Revelation 18). It will appear in the form of the final revival of the Roman Empire in Europe!

How Does One Become an Ordained Minister in God’s Church?

As you may already realize, the Church of God is different from the churches of this world in many respects. Above all, it is governed by God through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church (Col. 1:18). On earth under Christ are the human leaders He has chosen specially and put in office (please see Ephesians 4:11-13).

In other words, a man cannot choose the ministry of Jesus Christ for his vocation. Jesus said, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit" (John 15:16). It is Jesus Christ who selects those whom He will ordain into His ministry. His will in these matters is revealed through the established ministry, and through the fruit one bears in his own life.

Restoration Ministries is a ministry, not a church, and as such, we do not generally ordain anyone to the ministry. It is God who does this, as stated above, through the fruit borne in one’s daily life.

We are in the process of raising up local congregations for God’s people to meet where there is no established church for them to meet with to meet their needs. Thus, as time goes on, we are sure that God will inspire us to ordain local men to this duty. In the meantime, the existing churches of God maintain their own ministries..

Being ordained means being put into an office of lifelong SERVICE and GOOD WORKS. The apostle Paul said, "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop (pastor), he desires a good work" (I Tim. 3:1, RAV). Paul then outlined some of the basic requirements taken into account in evaluating a man's fitness to serve as a minister (verses 2 through 7).

One of those stipulations is that a man not be a novice, or, as the margin of some Bibles renders it, "not one newly come to the faith" (verse 6). To be a minister, then, a man must first have served well as a lay member of God's Church and must have grown spiritually. A man's readiness and ability to serve in the ministry will be seen by the fruits of his life (Matt. 7:16).

The Churches of God, therefore, ordain only baptized, spiritually mature members whom God is obviously calling into the ministry. James cautions brethren to "be(come) not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (Jas. 3:1). Because of the nature and the potential for good or for evil of those offices, God holds teachers and ministers much more accountable than the people they serve. Being a minister carries a very heavy responsibility (see Hebrews 13:17).

When Jesus chose His disciples, He did not make them ministers of the Gospel immediately. Rather, He taught them daily for about three-and-a-half years. In a similar way today, ordination follows a period of training and preparation in one of the Church's programs designed for that purpose.

Of course, there are many ways besides being in the ministry in which people can serve the Church. James said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (Jas. 1:27). Jesus said of those who are to inherit His Kingdom, "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me" (Matt. 25:35-36, RAV). In other words, we actually serve Christ by serving His people. This type of service is enjoined upon every member of the Church.

We sincerely hope we have answered your question adequately, and that our literature, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, The Real Truth program, and our other services, will help you to continue growing in deeper understanding of God's plan for mankind and how you can have a greater part in it.

Finally, see the church resources section of this website for ideas on how you can do God’s work in your local area.

Hunting and Killing Animals

In the beginning, God gave man dominion over the fish, the birds, and game of the earth (Gen. 1:28). David, one of God's servants, was a hunter and killed game. The disciples were fishermen, and Jesus Himself helped them catch fish on occasion (Luke 5:1-9).

God also inspired scriptures to tell us which kinds of animals, fish, and fowl He created to be eaten by humans. Notice that game animals are included (Lev. 11; Deut. 14:3-21). We can conclude, therefore, that it is not against God's will to catch, kill, and use animals for food. Nor is it wrong to kill predators. David killed a lion and a bear which were menacing his sheep (I Sam. 17:34-36).

Of course, this is not to say that game should be killed indiscriminately or recklessly. And, it is repulsive to see some hunters kill merely for the sake of gaining a trophy, the antlers of a deer or an elk, for example, and leave the rest of the carcass to rot. Such irresponsible actions are wrong.

Nevertheless, the idea that it is wrong to kill any animals whatsoever is not supported by the Bible. If it were, God would not have bothered to tell man which animals to eat. He would simply have instructed man not to eat any of them.

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What About Mark 9:48?

Some believe that Jesus referred to sinners as worms and said that those PEOPLE would never die but would live on in agonizing torment. Those who say this fail to notice that Jesus did not call wicked people "worms," but spoke of "THEIR worm." The original Greek word means grub or maggot.

Jesus was referring to a local method of garbage disposal in order to emphasize the permanent consequences of sins not repented of. The margins of some Bibles show that the words "hell fire" in verse 47 should be translated "Gehenna fire." Gehenna, or the valley of Hinnom, is located outside Jerusalem. Trash, refuse, animal carcasses, and even the dead bodies of despised criminals were thrown there to be destroyed by the fires which were kept burning on the valley floor. If some animal or vegetable matter caught on one of the ledges below the rim, it would be devoured by maggots.

Jesus' point was that whatever was thrown into the valley never came out again; it was totally consumed. In other words, just as nothing and no one exterminated the maggots or extinguished the flames in the valley of Gehenna, so there will be no escape from the certain fate which God has decreed for all unrepentant sinners -- death in the "lake of fire" (Rev. 22:14).

Some of these same principles apply to Isaiah 66:24. The meaning is not that unrepentant sinners or worms live forever. In fact, just the opposite is true. If the worms which infest a dead body are not killed, the rotting flesh will be consumed until it is gone. The maggots go through a process known as pupation and turn into flies. Those flies, in turn, deposit additional eggs, and the process is repeated until nothing is left for them to feed on. Similarly, any fire which is not quenched -- not deliberately put out -- will last only as long as there is fuel to keep it burning and then go out. The whole point is that sin not repented of has absolute and permanent results -- eternal oblivion!

Our free brochure TO HELL AND BACK explains in greater detail, as does LAZARUS AND THE RICH MAN. Both are in the Basic Literature section of our Library.

What About Witches, Fortune Tellers, etc.?

Many ask about witches, so-called prophets, fortune-tellers, mediums, crystalball gazers, supposed miracle workers, clairvoyants, and the like. We are often asked for our opinion of some particular individual, like Nostradamus, who claims to foretell the future.

We can know whether anyone who claims to have "supernatural" powers really is a prophet, messenger, or servant of God. In the Bible we find these instructions: "If a prophet arises among you, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder which he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or to that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deut. 13:1-3, RSV).

God further warns us, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). This is how we should "try" the spirits: "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:19-20).

Here, then, is the test of a true servant of God. He will teach the people to believe and to obey exactly what the Word of God says (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4). The working of miracles -- whether imagined or real -- is NOT and never has been the proof of a true servant of God.

What About “near death experiences?”

You asked about some of the recent claims of people who say they experienced "life" after they had supposedly died and returned to tell about their unusual experience.

Though many of these happenings are understandably astounding and seem to contradict what the Bible says about death, the whole idea of this so-called "life after life" experience is based on the premise that these people died.

According to the medical profession, these individuals were clinically dead. However, medical science has not yet agreed on what constitutes actual death in a human being. Real death, according to the Bible, is total and complete unconsciousness -- without memory, feeling, knowledge, or perception (Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ps. 6:5). Therefore, it is evident that those who were revived to relate their experiences were not actually dead, but simply in an unconscious state.

Furthermore, science has discovered that the human brain and nervous system are actuated by electrical signals and impulses. The brain is dependent on a steady supply of blood and oxygen to function properly. When circulation and respiration are impaired or interrupted for even a few minutes, the brain begins to malfunction, and will eventually cease functioning altogether.

It is thought by some researchers that the strange lights, sensations, perceptions, and the like, associated with "coming back from death" may be attributable to the electrical malfunctions of the brain and nervous system associated with the trauma of nearly dying.

If you would like more information on the state of the dead, read our booklets entitled WHAT IS MAN?

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Ordination of Women

Thank you for your recent question as to whether God's Word permits the ordination of women as preachers.

The apostle Paul's instructions were: "I permit no woman to teach or to have [exercise] authority over men; she is to keep silent" (I Tim. 2:12, RSV). Also see I Corinthians 14:34. Paul is explaining that it is not proper for women to exercise administrative ecclesiastical authority over men within the Church. In other words, women were NOT to become Church elders or give sermons. (Based on Paul's teachings, the Worldwide Church of God does NOT ordain women into the ministry.)

The New Testament does, however, give a precedent for the ordination of deaconesses (see I Timothy 3:8-11 and Romans 16:1, RSV). Apparently, Priscilla and Aquila, who served under Paul's administration, were deacon and deaconess. In the Church at that time was a very powerful and effective teacher named Apollos. Apollos' knowledge was imperfect, though, and "... when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26, RSV). Here we find a woman and her husband together teaching a man the way of God more perfectly. Notice also Paul's instruction in Titus 2:3-5.

The Bible also includes examples of instruction collected from outstanding women. Included are Hannah's prayer, Miriam's song, and the teachings of Lemuel's mother.

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What About the Practice of Confession?

Thank you for your inquiry about "confession."

The Worldwide Church of God believes that Christians are to confess their sins to God -- not men. Notice David's example in Psalm 51. No man can forgive sins. Neither has any man been given the office of mediator between mankind and God. This office is held by Jesus Christ alone. The apostle Paul was inspired to write: "Wherefore he [Christ] is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25). The apostle Paul also wrote in I Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man CHRIST JESUS." Thus, as stated, confession of one's sins ought to be made to God -- not to a fellow human being.

John wrote that when we sin, we have an advocate with God the Father -- Jesus Christ the righteous (I John 2:1-2). He is faithful to forgive our sins when we confess to Him (I John 1:7-10). Therefore, we can come boldly to His throne of grace (Heb. 4:14-16).

The Scriptures do tell us that we may confess our FAULTS to one another -- so we can pray for each other (Jas. 5:16). But there is a difference between seeking a brother's help in overcoming a fault -- human weakness -- and confessing sins of the past. The latter should usually not be done because only God can forgive sin. And humans do not forget, as God does when our sins are removed (Heb. 8:12).

Some try to use John 20:23 to prove that persons in ecclesiastical offices have the power to forgive sins. This verse reads: "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" (New King James Version). However, it does not mean that mere men can actually forgive sins in a spiritual sense. God alone can forgive sins (Mark 2:7-10; Luke 5:21-24). Christ spoke these words to His future apostles in the context of the Church authority He was giving them (see John 20:21) -- the power to disfellowship those who were dissenters or heretics (see I Corinthians 5:2 and I Timothy 1:20) and bring them back into the congregation upon repentance (II Cor. 2:6-10).

Thank you for your interest. If you have not read our literature concerning true repentance and conversion, please read our booklet, JUST WHAT DO YOU MEAN -- CONVERSION? found in the Basic Literature section of our Library.

Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree?

You asked why Jesus cursed a fig tree (Mark 11:12-14).

At a distance, Jesus saw a fig tree WITH LEAVES, and, being hungry, He approached it hoping to find some fruit, for figs will quite often appear EARLIER than the leaves. Upon reaching the tree, all He found were leaves; the tree had produced no fruit. Mark, the author of the book, added the comment that "the time of figs was not yet" (verse 13).

This statement is somewhat puzzling -- until we understand the growing and fruiting cycles of fig trees. Notice the following interesting information about the fig season in Palestine:

"It has been asked, 'How could our Lord expect to find ripe figs in the end of March?' Answer, Because figs were ripe in Judea as early as the PASSOVER. Besides, the fig tree puts forth its fruit FIRST, and afterwards its leaves. Indeed, this tree, in the climate which is proper for it, has fruit on it all the year round, as I have often seen" (Clarke's Commentary).

Fruit tree growers know that ordinarily a small amount of fruit ripens prior to the main crop. It is referred to as the first ripe fruit or the firstfruits. When Jesus approached the tree, it was the time of the firstfruits of figs, but it was not yet time for the main harvest. Mark 11:13 must mean that the particular tree on which Christ expected to find figs was barren, because it had no figs on it at all. It did not fulfill its purpose, and, as any diligent orchardist would do, Jesus simply eliminated an unproductive tree, not with an axe or a saw, but by faith. Please compare Luke 13:6-9.

Jesus used this incident to teach His disciples -- and all Christians today -- that the outward appearance does not count with God. Instead, what really counts is whether or not one produces godly fruit in his or her life (Luke 13:6-9; Gal. 5:22-23; John 15:8, 16).

What About Christ’s Promise of Protection from Deadly Things?

This verse is a promise of protection -- not a command -- to those individuals God has called to preach the Gospel (notice verse 15).

An example of this occurred when the apostle Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake while gathering firewood (Acts 28:1-6). It is important to realize that he was not purposely handling the snake. Rather, this incident was an UNEXPECTED accident. And God miraculously protected His servant according to His promise!

Deliberately handling poisonous snakes or drinking deadly liquids expecting God's protection is definitely contrary to Christ's teachings. In Matthew 4:5-6, Satan tried to persuade Christ to throw Himself down from a pinnacle merely because He had a promise of protection. However, Christ rebuked Satan because he had MISAPPLIED the scripture. Christ said to Satan, as He says to anyone who delights in misapplying God's promise of protection, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (verse 7). Therefore, the practice of deliberately handling deadly snakes or drinking poisonous liquids is definitely wrong!

Thank you again for your question. If you would like information concerning faith and how it is manifested, read our free booklet entitled WHAT IS FAITH? in our Basic Library section. Also see our entire Library section on Faith.

Should a Christian Drink Coffee and Tea?

Thank you for your recent question concerning drinking coffee.

Coffee is a mild stimulant, which apparently is not harmful if used sparingly. Most people can tolerate and enjoy a moderate amount with no harmful effects. However, some people find that even a small amount causes nervousness, and they would probably be better off not to drink it at all. Neither should a person let coffee drinking become so necessary that the day is ruined if he does not have his coffee.

The same principle applies to tea.

If you would like to receive additional guidelines to maintaining good health, please read our free booklet entitled PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHFUL LIVING.

Can a Christian Charge Interest or Usury?

Thank you for your recent question concerning taking interest (usury).

The Bible teaches that, as they are able, Christians are to help persons who are in real need and to refrain from charging interest in such situations. We should LOVE our neighbor and not take advantage of his financial difficulties. Jesus said, "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would BORROW of thee turn not thou away" (Matt. 5:42).

Although a Christian's attitude should be one of giving, sharing, and helping in meeting the needs of the less fortunate, there are instances when it would be all right to accept interest. For example, if money is loaned to another individual purely as a BUSINESS deal so he can make money, then it is not wrong to collect interest, because both are sharing in the profits. It is also proper to accept interest from money placed in savings accounts, since the money is earning the increase.

If you would like additional information concerning principles of finance, please read our booklet MANAGING YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES.

Should We Hoard Food and Water?

Thank you for your question concerning storing food for the prophesied time of famine and tribulation.

To what extent you choose to have food on hand for future needs is a personal decision. Since we live in an interdependent society, where food and water shortages in many areas can occur with little or no warning, it might be advisable to have some supplies set aside for such emergencies. God commends the ant for gathering necessary provisions during the summer for the long winter months (Prov. 6:6-8). This is meant as a lesson for us.

However, it would be foolish to hoard food thinking that doing so will preserve one's life during the prophesied period of famine and tribulation. Christ said that conditions during the tribulation would be so bad that all would perish if it were not for God's intervention to save mankind (Matt. 24:21-23). Therefore, Christians ought to put their faith in God's protection -- not in the amount of food they may have stored away.

What Did Christ Mean When He Said, “If your eye offend you, pluck it out?”

Thank you for your question concerning Matthew 5:29-30 and Mark 9:43-48.

Christ did not intend that this instruction be taken literally. The eye, the hand, or the foot cannot sin of and by themselves. Sin originates in the mind. A person who is totally blind, for example, or one who is missing a limb can still sin.

Jesus was simply using parts of the body to illustrate an important principle. He was explaining that a Christian SHOULD NOT TOLERATE SIN as an integral part of his life. If, for example, an individual has a sinful habit, he ought to totally eradicate that habit even though the process may be as painful as losing an arm or a leg. What Christ is saying is that it would be far better to give up a sinful pleasure than to lose out on salvation (also see Colossians 3:5-17).

The Meaning of Revelation 19:1, "much PEOPLE in heaven."

Thank you for your question concerning Revelation 19:1, which speaks of "much PEOPLE in heaven."

This is an unfortunate translation of the Greek word "ochlos." This word can mean people, but it also has a variety of other English synonyms. Since the Bible elsewhere plainly tells us that the reward of the saved is this earth -- not heaven -- it is evident that another synonym of the Greek word "ochlos" should have been chosen. (You may wish to request a copy of our booklet WHAT IS THE REWARD OF THE SAVED?)

The Goodspeed translation and the Revised Standard Version render "ochlos" as "multitude." The Moffat translation renders it as "host," while the Amplified New Testament and the Numeric English New Testament render it as "crowd."

These translations best convey the meaning of the original Greek. Thus, the "people" of Revelation 19:1 are actually the "host, crowd, or multitude" of heaven. This verse is speaking of ANGELS who are in heaven. They are the great multitude that sings forth praises to God (Rev. 5:11-12).

The Significance of Numbers

You asked about the significance of numbers which occur frequently in the Bible.

Indeed, there are meanings associated with certain numbers. At the same time, seeing significance in all numbers or in some numbers at all times is an extreme and could lead to gross error. With that note of caution, below is a brief review of a few numbers and their biblical significances.

The number one denotes unity or commencement. Paul wrote, "There is one body, and one Spirit ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:4-5). Jesus Christ is the "first begotten [born] of the dead" (Rev. 1:5).

The number three denotes completeness or resurrection. Jesus rose the third day, Daniel prayed three times a day, Peter denied Christ three times, and Jesus Christ prayed three times to the Father before He was taken to be crucified.

The number seven denotes spiritual perfection. God created the seven-day weekly cycle and the seventh-day Sabbath. He gave man seven annual Sabbaths and seven festivals to observe. (If you haven't read our booklets WHICH DAY IS THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH? and PAGAN HOLIDAYS -- OR GOD'S HOLY DAYS -- WHICH? please feel welcome to read them in our Basic Literature section.)

The number twelve also has a unique significance; it means organizational beginnings or governmental perfection. The twelve tribes of Israel conducted a physical type of God's Government on this earth. Christ chose twelve apostles as the governmental foundation for His Church.

For additional information on biblical numbers, you may wish to refer to Appendix 10 of "The Companion Bible."

Should We Assemble on the New Moon?

Thank you for your question concerning observance of the new moon.

Although there are scriptures which show that some in ancient times did assemble on the occasion of each new moon, the Bible does not command us to do the same today.

Calendars were not available to everyone in ancient Israel the way they are today. Instead, the knowledge of the calendar and its computations was entrusted to the priesthood. It was their responsibility to compute the beginning of each month, the new moon, and make it known to the congregation.

Some form of ceremony took place on the day of the new moon to let the people know that a new month had begun. In this manner, the general populace was kept aware of God's calendar so they could prepare for any approaching seasons, festivals, annual Sabbaths, and the like.

Today, it is not necessary to mark the beginning of each new month with an assembly. Calendars are widely distributed, and anyone can determine the beginning of a new month simply by looking on a calendar having that information.

Does II Pet. 3:10 tell us everything will be destroyed by fire?

You asked for an explanation of II Peter 3:10. Was Peter talking about the total destruction of the EARTH?

Notice what the context tells us: "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition [destruction] of ungodly men" (II Pet. 3:7). This fire is the judgment of incorrigible sinners. This is the LAKE OF FIRE, which is the second death (Rev. 20:14), the unquenchable fire that will burn up the unrepentant (Matt. 3:12).

Peter goes on to describe the effects of this unquenchable fire: "In the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (II Pet. 3:10).

An unquenchable fire is one that cannot be put out. It burns until it has consumed all combustible material. Then it dies out for lack of anything else to consume. Everything will be burned up except for spirit beings, who are not affected by physical fire.

Peter used the example of Noah's Flood as a type of the future cleansing of the earth by fire: "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished" (II Pet. 3:6). Just as the earth continued to exist after the Flood, so it will continue to exist after the coming worldwide "Gehenna" fire.

Continuing with the context of II Peter 3, in verse 13 we find that "we ... look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." In the book of Revelation the new heavens and new earth are mentioned immediately after the account of the lake of fire. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away [by fire]; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven ... the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them [on the earth]" (Rev. 21:1-3). The EARTH WILL STILL EXIST (Eccl. 1:4).

The simple explanation of II Peter 3:10, then, is that the surface of the earth and everything physical on it, including the incorrigible wicked, will be destroyed by fire. God will then renew the earth's surface and make it a glorious habitation for Himself and the rest of the God Kingdom (Rev. 21, 22).

What Will Happen After the 1000 Year Reign of Christ?

You asked what will take place after the 1000-year reign of Christ on this earth.

These events are described in Revelation 20:7 through the end of the book. If you have not yet read our article concerning the three resurrections of Revelation 20, please feel welcome to request a free copy. The article is entitled "The Resurrections: The Hope of Mankind."

What will happen after God's plan of salvation has been completed and the earth purged by fire (II Pet. 3:10-12) is found in Revelation 21: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God OUT OF HEAVEN, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle [dwelling] of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and GOD HIMSELF shall be with them, and be their God" (verses 1-3). At that time, the earth will become the headquarters of God's Government, which will never cease to grow (Luke 1:33; Isa. 9:7).

God's plan is concerned with eternity. The sons admitted into His Kingdom will be active, dynamic, productive! They will not just sit around idly. Instead, they will continue fulfilling God's master plan. Hebrews 2:6-8 states that God will ultimately put the UNIVERSE under man's authority. (The words "all things" would be better translated "the universe.")

What is happening now is only the beginning. We cannot begin to fathom the immensity and glory of what we will be doing for eternity. A great deal more is included than meets the eye in the hint given in Revelation 21:5: "Behold, I make all things new glorious and wonderful beyond our most imaginative dreams. (See I Corinthians 2:9 and Romans 8:18.)

What are the modern identities of the tribes of Isreal?

Thank you for your question concerning which individual nations of the world are to be identified as the tribes of Israel.

The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim are identified in our free booklet THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY. Briefly, Manasseh is dominant in the United States, and Ephraim basically constitutes the Anglo-Saxon, English-speaking member countries of the British Commonwealth, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as a part of South Africa.

The tribe of Judah (the Jews) is scattered among all nations, with a large number now living in the modern nation of Israel.

Putting together the information available from biblical and secular history as well as prophecy, we can be reasonably certain that other tribes are located as follows: Reuben -- France; Dan -- Republic of Ireland and a branch of Denmark that mixed with the northern tribes; Benjamin -- Norway and Iceland; Zebulun -- Holland (the Netherlands); Issachar -- Finland; Gad -- Switzerland; Asher -- Belgium and Luxembourg; Naphtali -- Sweden; Levi and Simeon -- scattered among the other Israelite nations. It should be noted that gentiles of many nations have also settled among these nations, especially in the big cities.

Visions and Dreams

Thank you for your question concerning visions or dreams.

The Bible reveals that in times past servants of God were given visions and dreams for specific reasons and/or to convey special messages. For example, Jesus gave a vision of the future Kingdom on earth to Peter, James, and John, no doubt as a witness and encouragement both to them and to us (Matt. 17:1-9).

While God has used this means of communication in the past and will do so again (Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28), we must realize that He uses it only when the circumstances warrant. Even then, such revelations are ordinarily directed to His ministers and specially chosen servants such as Jacob, Joseph, Nebuchadnezzar, and Daniel (see Amos 3:7).

Today God speaks to us through the Bible. Please notice the following passage carefully: "God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days [today] spoken to us by His Son" (Heb. 1:1-2, NKJV). Jesus Christ is the living Word of God (John 1:1, 14), and the Bible is the Word of God in written form. God the Father gave it to Christ. Christ, in turn, inspired both the prophets and the apostles, and they preserved it for us. Please see II Peter 1:21, Luke 1:70, and John 16:13. The Father's will, commandments, and specific promises are revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures. God, then, is actually speaking to us through His Word, the Bible.

It is not always easy to determine the origin of a vision, dream, or premonition which one might experience. Therefore, we must be very careful about ascribing to God any such communication -- even if it is supernatural! We are warned to "test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1, NKJV).

Here is the way we should test the spirits: "When they say to you, 'Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,' should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony [the Bible]! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:19-20, NKJV). Unless a dream or vision agrees completely with the Bible in its message and content, we can know it is not of God.

Some visions and dreams may simply be caused by mental or physical stress or the pressures of daily life. The Bible reveals that dreams may result from an upset mind (Eccl. 5:3.) If one has had a very troubled or busy day, he might be more likely to have vivid dreams that night. Ill health or memories of unpleasant experiences may also cause such dreams.

In situations where an unpleasant dream or vision causes distress, fear, physical sickness, or any such thing, we would advise seeking God's intervention and healing. If Satan bothers us with bad dreams, we should ask God to rebuke him (Jude 9). We should also stay close to God in prayer and Bible study so that Satan cannot bother us (Jas. 4:7-8). God will grant us peace of mind if we walk with Him each day (Phil. 4:4-9; Isa. 26:3).

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible or in Christian living, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

Marriage and Divorce

You asked what the Bible teaches concerning marriage and divorce.

God instituted marriage when He made a wife for Adam (Gen. 2:18). He instructed that a man ought to leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife and become one flesh with her (Gen. 2:24). God's will is for marriage to last for life -- with each partner loving, honoring, caring for, and cleaving to the other just as Christ loves and cares for His Church. The Bible teaches the sacredness of marital vows.

But, we live in an imperfect world beset by human weakness, "hardness of heart," unfaithfulness, wickedness, irresponsibility, and all such things. People do sin. Divorce occurs even though God "hates putting away" (Mal. 2:16).

What does one do if he or she has already been divorced? When a person repents and is converted, ALL HIS PAST SINS ARE FORGIVEN (Acts 2:38; Ps. 103:1-3, 10-12). Any past divorce would be included, and the person would be free to marry again.

What of those already converted? Paul wrote that those who have been divorced ("loosed") from an unbelieving mate do not sin if they marry (I Cor. 7:27-28).

Paul was also inspired to write that a converted person must not leave or divorce a mate who is pleased to continue the marriage (I Cor. 7:10-13). To divorce a faithful mate and marry another is adultery (Matt. 19:9). Divorce and remarriage is not sanctioned once God has entered the marriage and bound the couple for life (Matt. 5:32).

Although the unconverted world cannot receive Christ's teaching, all who are His ought to obey Him implicitly, not only in refraining from divorce but also in using all their resources to build a truly loving relationship (Eph. 5:22-31; I Pet. 3:1-7). Our earthly marriages ought to picture the great love relationship between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:32).

Man’s 6000 Years of Self Rule

Thank you for your recent inquiry in which you asked where the Bible mentions man's having 6000 years of self rule.

Most people have never heard about God's 7000-year master plan for mankind. That great plan is pictured by the seven-day week. As Genesis shows, God refashioned the earth and created all life forms in six days and then rested on the Sabbath. God also gave man six days in which to work, followed by a day of rest (Ex. 20:9-11). On the seventh day, man is to put aside his normal routine of daily activities and worship the true God (Isa. 58:13-14).

The apostle Peter undoubtedly understood that the seven-day week is a pattern which applies to time on a far grander scale. He wrote, "With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (II Pet. 3:8, NKJV). The apostle Paul also had this principle in mind when he explained that the seventh day of the week pictures the peaceful time of rest that will follow this present age of human activity (Heb. 4:3-11). The apostle John tells us that this period will occur after Christ's intervention in world affairs and that it will last a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-4).

Since the seventh day of the week symbolizes 1000 years of peace under the rule of Jesus Christ, the first six days of the week represent 6000 years in which man has been allowed to govern himself and work out his own ideas and plans. In other words, each day of the week represents 1000 years of human existence.

Where are we now in this great plan? Charts which list biblical events in time order (these can be found in some Bibles) are accurate enough to show that HUMAN LIFE was created about 4000 years before the birth of Christ. History makes it clear that almost another 2000 years have elapsed since then -- making a total of nearly 6000 years of human civilization to date. In short, man's "week" is nearly over, and God's great millennial rest will soon be here.

For information explaining God's plan in greater detail, please feel welcome to read our booklet A WORLD HELD CAPTIVE. If you would like to know more about the exciting new age soon to dawn, and how you can have a vital part in it, also read our booklet THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOMORROW -- WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE.

What does “Fear Him that can destroy both body and soul in hell” mean?

Thank you for your question about Matthew 10:28.

In this verse we find these instructions: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28, NKJV).

This verse is not understood by many because the word "soul" has lost its true meaning. Once that is restored, Jesus' statement becomes clear.

The English word "soul" is translated from the Greek word "psuche" and from the Hebrew word "nephesh." Both words mean a living, breathing creature, referring to man OR animal.

"Soul" NEVER means something immortal INSIDE of man or animal. The words "immortal soul" appear nowhere in the Bible. In fact, the Bible shows that a soul can perish. Ezekiel twice wrote, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek. 18:4, 20). The word "soul" pertains to the life of any physical being or creature. "Soul" simply means life.

The word translated "life" in Leviticus 17:11 comes from the same Hebrew word translated "soul." This verse can just as accurately be rendered, "For the SOUL of the flesh is in the blood." Jesus gave His LIFE (translated from the same Greek word translated "soul") as a ransom for us (Mark 10:45) by pouring out His SOUL (life's blood) in payment for sin (Isa. 53:12). Again, "soul" refers to the physical life of human beings or animals.

God can destroy the physical body AND THE SOUL (life). Matthew 10:28 tells us that no man can do both. Jesus said the same thing at another time: "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell [the lake of fire -- the second or final death]" (Luke 12:4-5, NKJV). Man can destroy a physical life. But that results only in the first death (Heb. 9:27).

God, on the other hand, has the power both to impart life and to take it away either temporarily or forever. He is able to resurrect those whom men have killed. He is also able to kill in a way no man can. If God judges a person to be unworthy of His Kingdom, that person will be thrown into the lake of fire to be utterly consumed. This is the second death, from which there will be no resurrection (Rev. 20:14-15; Mal. 4:10). The body and life (soul) of the unrepentant will be destroyed forever.

So, then, what Jesus said was that we should not shape our lives by any threat men may pose against us. We should live our lives in total obedience to God and His laws (see Acts 5:29). If men kill us, it will be only temporary. If God kills us, it will be forever.

For the answers to other common questions on this subject, you may wish to read the following literature: TO HELL AND BACK, WHAT IS THE REWARD OF THE SAVED?, and WHAT IS MAN?

Reincarnation

Thank you for your question concerning reincarnation.

Those who believe in reincarnation teach that after death a person's "soul" is reborn in a new body, which may be that of an animal, an insect, or another human being. It is sometimes referred to as the "transmigration of the soul" or metempsychosis.

The immortality of the soul doctrine is basic to the belief in reincarnation. But, that doctrine is false! The Bible plainly shows that one's soul is NOT immortal. Notice Genesis 3:19: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust [not another body] shalt thou return."

Also notice Ecclesiastes 3:19-20: "For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast .... All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again."

Psalm 146:4 states that when a man dies "his breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish."

Our booklet WHAT IS MAN? explains in greater detail the real nature of man and why he does not possess an immortal soul that lives on or "migrates" after death.

1,290 and 1,335 days mentioned in Daniel 12:11-12

Thank you for your question concerning the mysterious 1,290 and 1,335 days mentioned in Daniel 12:11-12.

Daniel was told that his prophecies would be sealed until the end of the age, but then God would reveal the meaning to His servants (verses 9 and 10). We are now very near the time when these prophecies will be fulfilled, and God is now revealing what they mean.

These time periods refer to events that will happen to the people of God in this generation. Each period begins with a significant event. And both the 1,290-day and 1,335-day periods end with the return of Jesus Christ. But, we should first notice the main subject of Daniel 12. It is the time of the end.

Daniel wrote, "When the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished" (verse 7, NKJV). This refers back to verse 1, which states that Michael the archangel will stand up for God's people during a time of trouble "such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time."

This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24:21-22. The Great Tribulation will last three-and-one-half years -- "a time, times, and half a time" (Dan. 12:7; Rev. 12:14).

With these things in mind, look again at Daniel 12:11: "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days" (NKJV). This verse seems to indicate that the Jews in the modern nation of Israel may restore the twice-daily sacrifice (please see Exodus 29:38-39). However, it does not necessarily imply that a temple will be built in our time in Jerusalem. (This verse was fulfilled, at least in type, when Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the Temple during his assault on Jerusalem in 167-164 B.C.)

Since this verse also states that the "daily sacrifice is taken away," the indication is that the armies of the "beast" of Revelation 17, upon entering Jerusalem, will ban this ritual. Should this be the case, there would be 1,290 days, just a little over three and a half years, until the appearance of the Messiah.

Daniel adds, "Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days" (Dan. 12:12, NKJV). This is a blessing pronounced upon the people of God who endure until the 1,335 days, that is, to the period beginning about 1,335 days before Christ's coming.

Since no one knows the day of Christ's coming (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7), we may not know the exact time when the 1,335 days begin. Apparently, however, at that time, the organized efforts of God's Work to proclaim the Gospel to the world will end.

Forty-five days later, or 1,290 days before the return of Christ, the beast's armies will surround Jerusalem. Those who are worthy will have been warned and taken to a place of refuge God has provided for them (Rev. 12:14-16).

When God's Church is in a place of protection, the 1,260 days ("a time, times, and half a time," or 42 months) of the Great Tribulation will begin. At the end of the 1,260 days, Jesus Christ will return to this earth.

Souls Under the Altar

Thank you for your question concerning the "souls under the altar" mentioned in Revelation 6:9-11.

Some have claimed that these verses prove the immortality of the soul and that people go to heaven when they die. The Bible itself, however, shows that souls are mortal by nature (for proof, please see our booklet WHAT IS MAN?) and that this entire description is symbolic, not literal.

What did John see? In vision he beheld a book or scroll sealed with seven seals. As Jesus opened each seal (Rev. 5:5), John saw a preview of an event which would take place "hereafter" (Rev. 4:1). John was "in the spirit" while the seven seals were being opened (Rev. 4:2). So, the events he saw were not actually happening then. They were heavenly enactments of what was to take place later on earth.

When the fifth seal was opened, John "saw under [at the base of] the altar the souls of them that were slain" (Rev. 6:9). Because Jesus revealed the meaning of the seven seals when He was on earth, we know that the fifth seal is symbolic of the coming Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:9-28). It is a picture of an event to take place on the earth.

In vision, John was projected forward to our time now, a time when one martyrdom has already happened (during the Middle Ages) and a greater one (the Tribulation) is yet to come. The "souls" (Christians) who "were slain [martyred]" were told to "rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" (Rev. 6:11). Those who have died are to continue to "rest" -- remain in their graves (compare Acts 2:26-27) -- until others, like them, are also martyred. Remember, There are no graves in heaven.

The "souls," the dead saints, crying "avenge our blood" (verse 10) is similar to Abel's blood (his life, see Leviticus 17:14) crying to God from the ground (Gen. 4:10). Since neither blood nor the dead talk (Psa. 115:17; Eccl. 9:5, 10), we know that the meaning is not literal. The "souls under the altar," then, is a symbolic picture of the martyrdom of saints.

For a better understanding of the seven seals and Bible prophecy, please read our booklet THE BOOK OF REVELATION UNVEILED AT LAST! We would be happy to send this and/or the book mentioned above to you without charge or obligation.

Jeraboam Changing the Day of Worship

Thank you for your inquiry concerning Jeroboam's changing the day of worship from the seventh to the first day of the week.

When the 12 tribes of Israel split into two kingdoms, Jeroboam, king of the northern ten tribes, became fearful that his people would eventually reunite with Judah, the southern kingdom. He said, "Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord (the Temple) at Jerusalem" (I Kings 12:26-27).

To retain control over the people, Jeroboam devised his own religious system. He made two idols, set them up in the towns of Dan and Bethel, which he made the centers of worship, hired the lowest of the people to be his priests, and created a counterfeit Feast of Tabernacles for the people to observe in the eighth month (not the seventh, as God had ordained, Leviticus 23:34) (I Kings 12:28-33). And the people followed him and served the pagan god Baal (II Kings 17:16).

The word "Baal" means LORD. Baal was the lord of the sun; he was the sun-god. It should be no surprise that the sun-god was worshipped on the day we now call SUNday. This can be verified in any reliable reference work on the subject, such as Webster's "Rest Days." Sunday, of course, is the first day of the week.

The fact that Israel turned to Baal worship is proof in itself that the nation began to observe the first day of the week. Did they also forget God's seventh-day Sabbath? The answer is, Israel "left ALL the commandments of the Lord their God" (II Kings 17:16). This, of course, includes the Fourth Commandment, the one governing the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11).

Some 200 years later, they were still observing the first day of the week. God warned, "I will also cause all HER mirth to cease, HER feast days, HER new moons, and HER sabbaths and all HER solemn feasts" (Hos. 2:11). God condemns Israel for keeping THEIR OWN -- not HIS -- days of worship. There is no doubt as to the real source of the days Israel kept: "And I will visit upon [punish] her [for observing] the DAYS OF BAALIM" (Hos. 2:13).

Because of Jeroboam's actions, Israel abandoned God's Sabbath for the pagan "Lord's Day" -- the day of the sun-god Baal -- and never did return to keeping the true Sabbath. The evidence is that Jeroboam made the day of Baal the national day of worship. Notice this brief summary of his actions: "For He tore Israel from the house of David, ... drove ... [them] from following the Lord, and made them commit a great sin" (II Kings 17:21, RAV). Jeroboam is the only king to have recorded of him that he "made Israel sin" (same verse, and 20 additional passages). Clearly, Jeroboam was responsible for far more than not setting the right example. Jeroboam deliberately and actively turned Israel away from the true worship of the true God, doing away with the seventh-day Sabbath by instituting Baal worship.

The Apostle’s Creed

Thank you for your recent inquiry about the so-called "Apostles' Creed," which is commonly recited in many churches.

While the title implies that this creed was written or approved by the apostles and the early Church of God, that idea is completely false. This document is one of many religious FRAUDS, and is a mixture of truth and error. It was composed in its final form about the fifth century A.D.

Smith's "Bible Dictionary" admits: "The Apostles' Creed is not their (the apostles') own making."

Bingham's "Antiquities of the Christian Church" reports: "The creed, as it stands in its present form, could not be composed in any manner as it is pretended, by the Apostles. The silence of the Acts of the Apostles about any such composition is [an] evidence against it."

Bingham's also says that it was originally called the "Roman Creed" because of the statement "I believe in ... the Holy Catholic Church."

Apparently, the creed was created in an attempt to give apostolic authority for accepting the many pagan doctrines and customs which were being brought into the professing Christian church in the western Roman Empire.

Origin of Steeples and Spires

Thank you for your question concerning the origin of steeples and spires.

Such objects long predate Christianity. In fact, they go back to ancient pagan fertility rites. The male symbol of fertility was represented by the pagans as an upright stone, pillar, obelisk, or slender tower.

According to Edward Carpenter, in the book "Pagan and Christian Creeds," the lingam (a stylized phallic symbol) occurs all over the world.

"The Biblical Cyclopaedia," by McClintock and Strong, says: "Even the spires of churches are symbols retained from the old phallic worship." See article "Phallus," Vol. VIII, p. 55.

Thomas Inman, in his book "Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism," states that ancient fertility rites and phallic worship resulted in the setting up of various architectural structures such "as we now see towers or spires before our churches, and minarets before mosques" (p. XXII).

Was Michael, the Archangel, the being who became Christ?

Thank you for your recent inquiry. You asked whether Michael, the archangel, is the individual who later became Jesus Christ.

Michael is not Christ. He is the spirit being, "your prince" (Dan. 10:21; 12:1), sent to serve Israel. Michael and the other princes over the nations are all subject to Christ, who is Supreme Ruler under the Father.

The chief princes among God's created spirit beings have great power and authority over the nations. But what is the limit of their authority? How far does their authority and power extend? In Jude 8 and 9 we read: "These filthy dreamers [evil men] ... despise dominion [authority], and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil ... about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord [Christ -- who is Michael's superior] rebuke thee."

While evil men have little or no respect for those in authority, Michael, who is an archangel, showed respect to the office of authority of Satan the devil. By this scripture we can see very clearly that MICHAEL DOES NOT HAVE GREATER RANK THAN SATAN. If he did, he would have given the devil a command -- he could have done the rebuking himself, instead of saying, "The Lord rebuke thee." But Christ does have greater rank.

Matthew 4:10 records Christ's statement to Satan: "Get thee hence, Satan." Christ gave Satan a sharp command. He was in authority over Satan because He created him as the cherub Lucifer (Ezek. 28:15). Christ is the One through whom the Father created all things (Col. 1:15-16; John 1:1-3).

It is obvious that Michael could not have been Christ. Rather, he is an angelic being who is in authority over other lesser angelic beings in God's Government. He is one of the leaders among God's faithful angels.

Antichrist

Thank you for your recent inquiry in which you asked about the ANTICHRIST.

The term "antichrist" is found only in I and II John. Notice I John 2:18: "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there MANY ANTICHRISTS; whereby we know that it is the last time."

There were MANY antichrists in the days of the apostle John. They pretended to be part of God's true Church. John wrote, "They went out from us, but they were not of us" (verse 19).

What is an antichrist? The key is found in II John 7: "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." An antichrist IS a deceiver. But how does an antichrist deceive us, and what does it mean, "who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh"?

The phrase "is come" in the King James Version is somewhat obscure. The Williams translation renders it more clearly as "continues to come." Christ not only came once in the flesh, but by the Spirit of God dwelling in us, which is also in Him, He CONTINUES TO COME INTO US EVEN AT THE PRESENT. In other words, Jesus Christ is coming in the flesh RIGHT NOW by living His life in His people. In I John 3:24 we read, "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him [Christ], and he [dwells] in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Christ abides or lives in us THROUGH HIS SPIRIT. That is exactly what the apostle Paul said in Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." It is Christ in us, "the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). God actually works IN US "both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).

On the night before His crucifixion Jesus said, "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and WE WILL COME UNTO HIM, AND MAKE OUR ABODE WITH HIM" (John 14:23). This would be impossible without God's Spirit working within us. God's Holy Spirit sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts (Rom. 5:5). And just what is the love of God? "For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: and his commandments are not grievous" (I John 5:3).

The spirit of antichrist is lawlessness. An antichrist is one who denies that Jesus Christ actually comes into our flesh through His Spirit, and lives the very same life He did when He was on earth -- a life of obedience to the law of God. Therefore, an antichrist is one who is against Christ -- against His law and way of life. Such a spirit of antichrist (lawlessness) was widespread in Paul's day: "For the mystery of iniquity [the original Greek means LAWLESSNESS] cloth already work ..." (II Thess. 2:7).

The Meanings of the Names of the Months and Days of the Week

You asked for an explanation of the names of the days of the week and the months.

According to the Encyclopedia International article "Week," the days were names for the sun, the moon, and the five visible planets, all of which were associated with pagan deities. The names of the days of the week and their meanings are as follows:

DAY CORRESPONDS TO:

SUNDAY - The sun, in honor of the sun god.

MONDAY - The moon, in honor of the moon god.

TUESDAY - The planet Mars, in honor of the god Mars. The Saxons named this day after their god Tiw and called it Tiw's day. "Tuesday" comes from the name of this Saxon god.

WEDNESDAY - The planet Mercury. Later named in honor of the Teutonic god Wedn or Woden.

THURSDAY - The planet Jupiter. Later named in honor of the Teutonic god Thor.

FRIDAY - The planet Venus. Later named in honor of the Teutonic goddess Frigg or Freia.

SATURDAY - The planet Saturn, in honor of the Roman god Saturn.

But how did this planetary week come to be so commonly used in the professing Christian world?

Hutton Webster, in his book "Rest Days," provides the answer: "The early Christians had at first adopted the Jewish seven-day week with its NUMBERED weekdays, but by the close of the third century A.D. this began to give way to the planetary week .... The use of planetary names by Christians attests the growing influence of astrological speculations introduced by converts from paganism .... Thus, gradually a PAGAN INSTITUTION was engrafted on Christianity." Emphasis added. See pages 220-221.

This planetary week with its days named after pagan deities is not of God. God Almighty DID CREATE the week with seven days. But He merely numbered the days one through seven (Gen. 1; 2:1-3). The only day He named was the seventh day. He called that day "Sabbath" (Ex. 16:22-26; 20:8-11).

The names of the months and their meanings are as follows:

Month - From the Latin:

JANUARY - Januarius, in honor of the Roman god Janus.

FEBRUARY - Februarius, in honor of the Roman festival of general expiation and purification.

MARCH - Martius, in honor of the Roman god Mars.

APRIL - Aprilis, which was derived from APERIO, a Latin verb meaning to open. So called because it is the month when the earth opens to produce new fruits.

MAY - Maius, in honor of the Greek goddess Maia.

JUNE - Junius, in honor of the Roman goddess Juno.

JULY - Julius, in honor of Roman emperor Julius Caesar.

AUGUST - Augustus, in honor of Roman emperor Augustus Caesar.

The rest of the months -- September, October, November, December -- are derived from the Latin words for the numerals 7, 8, 9, and 10. They were the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th months of the old Roman calendar. For further information about the calendar, read our booklet HAS TIME BEEN LOST? in the Basic Literature section of our library.

The Title “Reverend”

Thank you for your recent question. You asked whether a minister should be addressed by the title "Reverend."

When we look into the Bible, we find the word "Reverend" refers ONLY TO GOD -- not once is it applied to man. In Psalm 111:9 we read: "He (God) hath commanded his covenant for ever: HOLY AND REVEREND IS HIS NAME."

God alone has a NAME worthy of REVERENCE. No man, including any minister, has a name worthy of such respect or worship.

The use of religious titles, such as "Reverend," began when the great apostasy set in at the close of the first century. Ministers put themselves "IN THE PLACE OF CHRIST." Hence they took upon themselves the attributes and titles of divinity. God's true ministers have never done so.

Since some ministers might take offense were they not addressed by some title, perhaps "Pastor," "Elder," "Bishop," or "Evangelist" could be used instead. See Matthew 23:8-10.

Jury Duty

Thank you for your question regarding jury duty.

The Bible teaches that Christians should not involve themselves in judging others (Matt. 7:1). God's people ought to decide matters within the Church (I Cor. 6:1-5), but they should not sit in judgment of those outside the Church (I Cor. 5:12-13). Notice that on one occasion even Jesus refused to make a judgment when asked to settle a dispute over an inheritance (Luke 12:13-14).

Those who are converted to God's way of life are called ambassadors for Christ (II Cor. 5:20). Paul wrote that we are "citizens of heaven" (Phil. 3:20, NEB). As ambassadors and citizens of the Kingdom of God, true Christians must not be a part of the affairs of this world (Rev. 18:4).

Man's judgments are mainly concerned with the letter of the law and usually do not take into account repentance and other spiritual factors. In contrast, God looks on one's heart and is concerned with the spirit and intent of the law. Jesus taught that Christians must be willing to forgive others (Matt. 6:14-15).

The Constitution of the United States establishes and protects each person's rights to his religious beliefs. Those whose deeply held religious convictions do not allow them to serve on a jury will usually be excused once they make their belief known to the proper officials. Simply writing "My religious convictions prevent me from service, and, therefore, I request to be excused" on the jury duty notice is normally all that is necessary. Also attaching a short statement giving the biblical reasons for one's convictions is a good idea. Of course, the form should be returned within the specified time.

Birth Control

Thank you for your recent request for information about birth control.

To correctly understand this often-misunderstood subject, we must look to the One who created the human body. The Bible reveals that God holds parents responsible for providing for their children (I Tim. 5:8). A couple should not have more children than they can care for and support in every way in deep concern and love. This, of course, means that each couple will likely need to consider the use of some form of birth control.

A further consideration is the welfare of the mother. A woman's health can be severely affected by having too many children too closely together. Husbands ought to have a proper concern for the health of their wives (Eph. 5:25).

The Bible does not describe the various modern methods of birth control. This is a physical matter, and God expects us to investigate and evaluate the information available and come to a responsible conclusion. It should be noted that some methods are less reliable, some may be permanent, and some may have undesirable side effects. Each couple should take into account their particular circumstances when evaluating which method is best for them.

Several books on the subject of birth control methods are listed in the latest edition of our book THE MISSING DIMENSION IN SEX (pp. 187-188). Included are "The Commonsense Guide to Birth and Babies," by the editors of Time-Life Books (Holt, Rinehart and Winston); "The Ovulation Method of Birth Regulation/The Latest Advances for Achieving or Postponing Pregnancy -- Naturally," by Mercedes Arzu Wilson (Van Nostrand Reinhold Company); "The Complete Handbook of Pregnancy," by George B. Feldman, M.D., with Ann Felshman (G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York); "Enjoy Sex in the Middle Years," by Christine E. Sanford, M.D. (Arco Publishing Inc.); and "Conception, Birth and Contraception -- A Visual Presentation," by Robert J. Demarest (McGraw-Hill Book Co.; it is our understanding that this book is currently out of print, but it can be found in many libraries). These books and others contain information on each type of contraception available today and describe the advantages and disadvantages.

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever ..." (Rev. 14:11)

Thank you for your recent inquiry in which you asked how to understand the scripture, "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever ..." (Rev. 14:11).

Notice that verse 8 gives the time setting of Revelation 14:11. It concerns the impending fall of "Babylon."

Verses 9 and 10 state, "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark ... he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone ... in the presence of the Lamb" (that is, at Christ's Second Coming).

Those who have a part in this system of "Babylon," and who receive this frightful punishment from Almighty God, have "no rest day nor night" as long as they remain in that land falling under God's wrath. They will either have to flee that area and seek God's mercy or be tormented by sulphurous fumes TILL THEY PERISH.

This passage does NOT say these individuals are being tormented forever in an ever-burning hell. Verse 11 says, "The SMOKE of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever."

The Bible plainly teaches that flesh and blood is subject to combustion and death. Malachi 4:3 says that in the end the ashes of the wicked will be under the feet of the righteous. The wicked will be DESTROYED and will die that death -- the second death -- from which there is never to be a resurrection (Rev. 20:6, 14).

Origin of the Cross

Thank you for your recent inquiry concerning the origin of the cross.

History shows that the cross was used centuries before Christ. For example, in the British Museum is a statue of the Assyrian king Samsi-Vul, son of Shalmaneser. Around his neck is an almost perfect Maltese cross. On an accompanying figure, that of Ashur-nasir-pal, is a similar cross.

The ancient Greek goddess Diana is pictured with a cross over her head, in much the same way the "Virgin Mary" is represented by many medieval artists. Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, is often pictured wearing a headdress adorned with crosses. Different types of crosses were used in Mexico centuries before the Spaniards arrived. The Egyptians used cross symbols in abundance, as did the Hindus.

The surprising thing is that the Christian use of the cross did not begin until the time of Constantine, three centuries after Christ. Archaeologists have not found any Christian use of the symbol before that time. According to one writer (W. E. Vine, "Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words," article "Cross"), the cross as a "Christian" symbol was taken directly from the pagans.

The New Testament does not specifically describe the instrument upon which Christ died, though Acts 5:30; 10:39; and 13:28-29 refer to it as a "tree." The Greek word "xulon," translated "tree" in these verses, can mean a stick, club, tree, or other wooden articles.

There is absolutely no evidence that God's true Church ever used the cross symbol for any purpose. Nowhere does the Bible command its use. It surely would if God expected this of Christians.

19 Year Time Cycle

Thank you for your question about the 19-year time cycle. A brief comparison of the Gregorian and the Hebrew calendars will help us understand this important subject.

The calendar commonly used today is of Roman origin. It is based on the solar year. That is, it contains about 365 1/4 days. And though the word "month" means "moon," the months are not governed by its phases. They are of arbitrary beginning and length.

On the other hand, the Hebrew calendar is based on both the sun and the moon. The length of the year differs significantly, and the months are directly related to the phases of the moon.

In the Hebrew calendar, 12 lunar months result in a year that has about 354 days (about 11 days shorter than a solar year). Such common years, as they are called, are regularly balanced by leap years, which contain 13 months each. Leap years are about 384 days in length (about 19 days longer than a solar year). Notice how these lunar months are related to the solar year.

Every 19 solar years the moon revolves around the earth 235 times. In other words, 235 lunar months equals about 19 solar years. This remarkable astronomical relationship makes it possible to combine 12 common Hebrew years (of 12 months each) and 7 leap years (of 13 months each) together every 19 years. This means that the solar (Roman) calendar and the lunisolar (Hebrew) calendar very nearly coincide as the sun, moon and earth return to their approximate position of alignment with each other every 19 years.

Nineteen-year patterns can also be seen in history. For example, ancient Israel spent 38 (19 x 2) extra years wandering in the wilderness (Deut. 2:14; Num. 14:33-34).

Pictures and statues of Christ

You asked whether it is right to have pictures or statues of Christ.

The Second Commandment prohibits the use of anything which represents God or could easily become an object of worship: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth" (Ex. 20:4). Since Jesus Christ is God (Heb. 1:8), this would directly prohibit any picture or likeness of His person.

In addition, so-called pictures or statues of Christ have no similarity whatever to the way Jesus Christ really looked. Christ inspired the apostle Paul to write: "Doth not even nature [the inborn quality of a man as contrasted to that of a woman] itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?" (I Cor. 11:14). Yet, these pictures invariably show a man with long hair, soft feminine features, and a sentimental, sanctimonious look in his eyes. This is NOT the Christ of your Bible.

Jesus was undoubtedly very masculine in appearance. As a young man, He was a carpenter -- working outdoors (Mark 6:3). In fact, He continued to spend most of His time outdoors even during His ministry. He was not womanish in appearance, but rather had short hair like a man should have.

Christ inspired the prophet Isaiah to describe His human appearance in this way: "For he [Jesus] shall grow up before him [the Father] as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him" (Isa. 53:2). As a human being, Jesus was a normal, healthy, perhaps somewhat "outdoorsy"-looking young Jew.

Therefore, most crucifixes, pictures, and images of Jesus are in total opposition to every description given of Him in the sacred Word of God. They give a false impression of the true Jesus Christ in every respect.

If we think of Jesus' appearance at all, we should think, in general terms at least, of the way He looks today. He inspired John to describe His present appearance in these words: "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire" (Rev. 1:14). Christ, through John in the book of Revelation, tells us that His overall countenance is as the sun shining in its full strength (Rev. 1:16).

Amen

Thank you for your question regarding the use of the word "amen."

It is true that an Egyptian god was called AMEN (the supposed personification of air or breath and represented by a ram or a goose). But, we can find no evidence to link the Hebrew word amen -- meaning "truth" or "so be it" -- in any way to this or any other pagan deity.

What we do find is that the inspired writers of the Bible were led to use this Hebrew word frequently. Surely that is endorsement enough. But, there is more, as we will see shortly. First, however, what about the claim that those who wrote the Bible got this word from the Egyptians?

It would appear that if anyone "borrowed" this word from another people, the Egyptians got it from what was once the pure language spoken by everyone prior to the building of the tower of Babel. Was this a deliberate counterfeit? In the Bible we find that Jesus Christ is called "the Amen" (Rev. 3:14).

How does the Bible define this word? Notice again the passage just cited. Jesus is "the Amen, the faithful and TRUE witness." Its use here, directly connected with the word TRUE and emphasizing the TRUTH for which Christ stands, shows conclusively what its meaning is as used in the Scriptures.

If our own use of the word is based on the Hebrew, we need not fear that we are sinning when we use it. Of course, if we attribute existence or power to some mythical god in our minds as we use it, we ARE using it wrongly and not the way those who wrote the Bible did. See Romans 14:23, last part. Jesus Himself included the word AMEN as part of the model prayer He gave for all Christians (Matt. 6:9-12).

Baptism for the dead

Thank you for your question concerning "baptism for the dead."

The practice of being baptized for those who have died is based upon a wrong understanding of I Corinthians 15:29.

The inspired New Testament Church did not follow this practice, and the apostle Paul did not teach it. This custom was introduced into the professing Christian world about A.D. 150 by Marcion, a man who created his own religion and established his own church in Rome in A.D. 144.

The Bible clearly shows that before a person may be baptized, he must first repent (Acts 2:38) and believe (Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31, 33). The dead are not able to repent or believe, because "the dead know not any thing" (Eccl. 9:5). Baptism is for the living. Baptism is a symbol whereby the living acknowledge their sins, figuratively die with Christ in a watery grave, and rise out of that watery grave to live a new (righteous) life through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6:4; 8:9; Gal. 2:20).

Baptism is also a symbol of the resurrection. To rise up out of the watery grave is to acknowledge belief in the resurrection of the dead (Rom. 6). To surrender one's life to Christ now, to crucify the self now, to be baptized -- all this is foolish unless there is a resurrection of the dead. If there were no hope of the resurrection, life could be summed up this way: "Let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die." Please compare I Corinthians 15:32.

I Corinthians 15:29 now becomes clear. The subject of the entire 15th chapter is the RESURRECTION. Paul cites the example of those who were baptized as one proof of the resurrection. Their actions symbolized their hope that they would live again. The resurrection is THE HOPE OF THE DEAD. "Why were they baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not?" seems to be Paul's question in the King James Version. But, this verse is not correctly translated from the original inspired Greek.

Paul is not talking about being baptized "in the place of" the dead, or "on behalf of" the dead, or "for" the dead. The Greek word translated "for" is HUPER. This word has several meanings and can be translated "above," "over," "instead of," "for the realization of," or "for the hope of," depending upon the context in which it is used. Notice the following example.

Paul declared, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). The Greek word translated "of" in this verse is HUPER, the same word used in I Corinthians 15:29. In Philippians 2:13, HUPER cannot mean "instead of." It would be senseless to say, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do INSTEAD OF His good pleasure"! Correctly translated, this verse says, "God worketh in you both to will and to do FOR THE REALIZATION OF His good pleasure." This is the translation given in "The Analytical Greek Lexicon". What is God's "good pleasure"? "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," declared Jesus (Luke 12:32). God works in us "in the hope of" giving us His Kingdom!

Thus, the Greek word HUPER in I Corinthians 15:29, according to the context, should be translated "for the hope of." Notice the verse again: "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the hope of the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the hope of the dead?.

What is the hope of the dead? It is the resurrection! Paul is writing about baptism; baptism illustrates the hope of the resurrection. Baptism -- arising out of a watery grave -- is a symbol of the hope of the dead, which is the hope of the resurrection. This verse, then, has nothing to do with the false doctrine of baptism on behalf of the unbaptized dead.

God’s Tithes

The Bible reveals that we are to tithe on the increase we receive, that is, the result of our productive effort (Lev. 27:30-33; Deut. 14:22). Therefore, a person working for wages would tithe one tenth of the total amount of his pay -- before income tax, social security, or other deductions are removed.

Tithable income also includes such sources as capital gains from investment property, dividends from stocks, and interest from bank accounts. It does not include social security benefits, welfare pensions, gifts, or loans that must be repaid.

A farmer or a person in business should tithe on the income from his business or crops AFTER operating expenses (but not personal living expenses or personal taxes) are deducted. Also, the value of products used out of the garden or field should be included in figuring total income, because we must not omit paying tithes on that part (Matt. 23:23). The value of garden produce should be figured according to the wholesale price, the price you would receive if you sold it.

If you have any special problems figuring your tithe, please feel free to write us about them. We will be happy to serve you.

The second tithe is an additional tithe of one's income and is saved by the individual each year for use in joyously observing God's Holy Days. Instruction concerning this tithe is found in Deuteronomy 14:22-26: "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat [of the tithe] before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, ... And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set His name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money ... and thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after [desires] ... and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and shine household."

God's Holy Days are outlined in Leviticus 23. The Worldwide Church of God observes these feast days somewhat differently today because additional meaning has been revealed through the New Testament. Our booklet PAGAN HOLIDAYS -- OR GOD'S HOLY DAYS -- WHICH? explains the meaning and importance of observing these Holy Days and is available upon request.

The Feast of Tabernacles is held in the fall for eight days at various locations throughout the United States and around the world. This is the one Festival during which the whole Church comes together to worship and rejoice before God. The other annual Holy Days are observed in the local church areas. (If you would like a calendar giving the dates of the festivals, please write for one.)

Brethren who have more second tithe than they will use for their own expenses may wish to give the excess to others who are in need.

In ancient Israel, God instructed His people to set aside a special tithe to assist those in need such as orphans, widows, strangers, and Levites (Deut. 14:28-29; 26:12-15).

Today, God's Church meets its Christian duty toward its needy brethren through the third-tithe program. This is an additional tithe, entirely separate from the first tithe which supports God's Work of preaching the Gospel. Like the first tithe, the third tithe is a full ten percent of a person's increase. While the first tithe is paid year by year, the third tithe is paid only on the increase earned during the third and sixth years of a seven-year period.

A person should begin counting the third-tithe years soon after the knowledge is gained. Since most members of the Church learn about this tithe just prior to baptism, they count their third-tithe years from either the Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles, whichever is closer to the date of their baptism.

In some cases the individual may give his third tithe to a near relative. A widowed mother, sister, or daughter, for example, would qualify under the guidelines set out in Deuteronomy 14 and 26. Orphans in a similar category would also qualify. However, you should discuss the matter with your local pastor before making personal arrangements for giving the third tithe.

We encourage our members to send their third tithe to the Church for distribution, since this tithe supports many needy widows at this time. When sending your third tithe to the Church, please indicate that it is third tithe. Checks, etc., should be sent in according to the information in our section to the left entitled “How Can I Help.”

The third tithe is God's way of taking care of those who are in need. Many have told us that they have learned by EXPERIENCE that God blesses those who faithfully follow His instructions.

The point from which to start counting one's third-tithe years has largely been left up to the individual to determine. However, one should begin counting soon after learning about this tithe. Since most members of the Church learn about the third tithe just prior to being baptized, they count from either the Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles, whichever is closer to their baptism. But, any convenient date is acceptable as long as that date is used consistently.

Each person should keep track of these years to the best of their ability. One point to keep in mind is that the third-tithe years are the third and sixth years out of each set of seven years following one's baptism.

If you still have guestions regarding this special tithe, please feel welcome to contact us again. It is our pleasure to serve you in this way.

God's law tells us that we should tithe the "increase" we receive (Deut. 14:22). "Increase" means the adjusted gross income that comes to us as a result of our own productive efforts. In other words, it is income that we earn ourselves.

Therefore, unearned income such as social security, old-age assistance, unemployment compensation, pensions, gifts, disability, and the like, need not be tithed. But, of course, you are certainly free to tithe or give offerings from such income, as long as doing so does not jeopardize your finances.

If you need further assistance in determining what income you should tithe or if you should have other Bible questions, you are welcome to discuss these matters with our minister in your area. If you do not know how to contact him, let us know. We would be happy to put you in touch.

Is there Evidence besides the Bible that Christ Lived?

You asked if there is evidence, apart from the Bible, that Jesus really lived.

Actually, the accounts in the Bible, which are God's inspired revelation to humanity, are proof enough. But extrabiblical sources also amply attest that Jesus lived, that He was born of a young virgin, preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and was condemned to execution.

Justin Martyr, a second-century theologian, wrote: "Now there is a village in the land of the Jews, 35 stadia from Jerusalem, in which Christ was born, as you can ascertain also from the registries of the taxing under Cyrenius your first procurator in Judea" ("First Apology," Chapter 34).

Justin Martyr was referring to public records that existed in his day to demonstrate that Jesus was born in Judea. Of course, one would expect that a religionist such as Justin Martyr would naturally support Jesus' authenticity as a historical person. But what about a historian who despised Christians?

Cornelius Tacitus, Roman historian, senator, consul, and governor of the province of Asia, wrote this concerning Jesus and His followers: "Nero ... punished with every refinement the notoriously depraved Christians (as they were popularly called). Their originator, Christ, had been executed in Tiberius' reign by the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. But in spite of this temporary setback, the deadly superstition had broken out afresh, not only in Judea (where the mischief had started) but even in Rome" ("The Annals of Imperial Rome," XV, 44).

The fourth-century Roman emperor Julian the Apostate (named this because he turned from Christianity after being brought up in it) wrote a major work against Christianity in which he said this: "Jesus, whom you celebrate, was one of Caesar's subjects. If you dispute it, I will prove it by and by; but it may be as well done now. For yourselves allow, that he was enrolled with his father and mother in the time of Cyrenius .... But Jesus having persuaded a few among you, and those the worst of men, has now been celebrated about 300 years; having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of remembrance; unless anyone thinks it a mighty matter to heal lame and blind people, and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany" ("Cyril Contra Julian," VI, pages 213, 191).

These are reports from pagan Romans who despised Christianity. They had access to government records, and, if they could have disproved Jesus' authenticity, they would have done so. But, they could not. Their writings are additional proof of Christ's life.

What about the Jews? If Jesus did not exist, the Jews would have had no reason to reject Him! The Jewish historian Josephus admitted that Jesus, His disciples, and John the Baptist lived. He called John the Baptist "the good man" ("Antiquities of the Jews," XVIII, 5, 2). Scholars recognize as genuine his account of the death of James, "the brother of Jesus who was called Christ" (Ibid., XX, 9, 1).

According to "The Jewish Encyclopedia" (1907 edition) and other sources, Jesus is also mentioned in the "Talmud," the collection of Jewish tradition consisting of the Mishnah and the Gemara. The sections of the "Talmud" which are said to be references to Jesus are Shabbath 104b and 116b; Sanhedrin 43a, 67a, and 107b; and Sotah 47a. You may also wish to read the article "Jesus of Nazareth" in "The Jewish Encyclopedia" (1907 edition), the article "Jesus" in the "Encyclopedia Judaica," the articles "Jesus Christ" and "Talmud and Midrash," which shows how the "Talmud" (Mishna) is organized, in "The New Encyclopaedia Britannica" (1981 edition), and the book titled "Jesus Christ in the Talmud, Midrash, Zohar, and the Liturgy of the Synagogue," by Gustaf Dalman (1973).

These facts, all from sources outside the Bible, clearly substantiate the existence of Jesus Christ. Jesus was not a myth. The Bible record is true.

If you would like further information about Jesus Christ and the Gospel He came to announce, please read our booklet WHAT IS THE TRUE GOSPEL?

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