Church of God News

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

It is claimed that some affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood have infiltrated the US government, including its military:

Three Star General: Muslim Brotherhood Has Infiltrated Our Government

Breibart – Sept 26, 2012

U.S. Army Lieutenant General (Ret.) William Jerry Boykin claims that individuals with connections to the Muslim Brotherhood hold security clearances in both the Pentagon and the Department of Defense.

While the Obama Administration has worked with the Muslim Brotherhood in North Africa and the Middle East, the above is a potentially disturbing development.

Let us look at what the Muslim Brotherhood wants:

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?
The world’s largest and most influential Islamist movement. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the group was originally focused on ridding the country of corrupting secular influences brought by British colonial rule. Over the years, it established branches and affiliates in many countries to promote traditional Sunni Islamic morals, social justice, and the eradication of poverty and corruption. “The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

The Muslim Brotherhood apparently wants as its top priority a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam. Many Muslims long for the rising up of a leader called the 12th Imam, often referred to as the Imam Mahdi. It will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to Oman (with possible involvement and/or coordination with Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and/or Indonesia).

This type of Islamic confederation is consistent with one prophesied in the Bible (Ezekiel 30:1-8) that is to be led by one it calls the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).

Historically, the Muslim Brotherhood has not cared for the United States.  Yet, one of the leaders associated with the Muslim Brotherhood may well become the King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40-43).  And Bible prophecy seems to suggest that some involved in the King of the South confederation will also work with the final King of the North power (Daniel 11:27).  While other prophesies show that their cooperation will not work out well for the United States and some of its allies. (Daniel 11:39; Psalm 83:4-8).

If the Muslim Brotherhood is to be part of the King of the South confederation and the deals in Psalm 83 and Daniel 11, having their members “infiltrating” the US government does not bode well for the USA.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Vladimir Putin, Official Photograph

COGwriter

Russia’s President Putin is believed to prefer Barack Obama over Mitt Romney in the upcoming US presidential election:

The above is not really a surprise.  The main surprise is that this has been made somewhat public.

Speaking of things being made public, last March Barack Obama thought he was making an off-camera remark to then Russian President Dmitri Medvedev when he (Barack Obama) said:

“This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility.”

Immediately, Dmitri Medvedev responded with a promise to relay that information to his mentor, Vladimir Putin (who had just, again, been elected Russia’s new president).

Well, apparently Vladimir Putin liked that.  Russia has long wanted the USA to have less secure missile defensive systems.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

Towards the end of his speech to United Nations, Iran’s President made some statements related to his prophetic views:

Loathed in the West and weakened at home, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrapped up his annual address to the U.N. General Assembly on a theological note Wednesday, hailing the imminent arrival of an “Ultimate Savior.”

“God Almighty has promised us a man of kindness,” the Iranian leader told world leaders and senior officials gathered in New York, at what was expected to be his last speech to the assembly as president of Iran.

Of course, the Bible is clear that JESUS, not the Imam Mahdi, is the ultimate Savior and will bring about world peace (Revelation 19-22).

Despite trying to give an impression that the Imam Mahdi brings peaceful blessings, the reality is that the President of Iran specifically believes that ultimately it is his special calling to create enough chaos in order to stimulate the arrival of an Islamic leader that he and others refer to as the Imam Mahdi. This leader is supposed to unite Islam and root out problems within its religion.  But Iran is not quite ready for that yet, though its leadership believes that the Iman Mahdi has made his presence known (Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it) and it hopes that he will become publicly known soon (see Iran’s Leader Preparing for ‘Armageddon’ and the Imam Mahdi), which he confirmed in his UN speech.

There is a video that Iran released in 2011, featuring its President Ahmadinejad, which shows that it plans to take over Jerusalem MILITARILY and then give it to the Imam Mahdi (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).  While Iran’s President Ahmadinejad likely believes that the destruction associated with the Imam Mahdi will be a blessing to all (as he stated in the UN yesterday), part of the reason for that is that he also seems to believe that it is a blessing to be Muslim.  Most in the West would not agree with his conclusion, and hence need to be careful about the real intent of his speech.  In the past, Iran’s President Ahmadinejad has indicated that the Imam Mahdi would rise up before he leaves office (which may be as late as November 2013)–thus he might be hinting that he plans to take some actions fairly soon that he hopes will bring about the arrival of his, sadly, preferred savior.

For various reasons,certain aspects of the Imam Mahdi sound a lot like the final King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40-43).  And he may be part of a deal intended to destroy Israel, the USA, and its Anglo-allies (Psalm 83:4-8). And this will not be good.

Yet, the final King of the South will not be Iran (Iran is basically east of Jerusalem), but apparently Arabic (which includes those of Egypt, Libya, etc.). Iran’s actions and rhetoric continue to stir up the situation in the Middle East. So much so, that it is likely to get it power reduced (or somehow neutralized) before the King of the South fulfills certain biblical prophecies (though Iran may provide some support to it per Ezekiel 30:5).

But many in the West do not understand that. They seem to think that the Iranians, being Shi’ites, are on the fringe of Islam and that the majority of Muslims, who are Sunni, do not really have quite the same goals (Iran wants the Sunnis to support it and its version of Islam, while the Sunnis basically want the reconstitution of an Islamic empire).

Many of the Sunni Muslims really want an Islamic confederation called a Caliphate–and this is the stated goal of such Sunni-oriented groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.   Many in the West seem to wish to overlook the real goals of Islam.  And according to the Bible, there will be a confederation that consists of the lands of the Islamic nations essentially of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arab peninsula; plus it will likely, at least temporarily have Turkey (who will likely ultimately betray it) and other lands.

Notice some of the ancient peoples that the Bible suggests will support the confederation known as the King of the South at the time of the end:

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (Daniel 11:40-42).

43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. (Daniel 11:43, NIV)

4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; (Psalm 83:4-7)

1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:

“‘Wail and say, “Alas for that day!” 3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near- a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. 4 A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush. When the slain fall in Egypt, her wealth will be carried away and her foundations torn down.

5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt.

6 “‘This is what the LORD says:

“‘The allies of Egypt will fall and her proud strength will fail. From Migdol to Aswan they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Sovereign LORD. 7 “‘They will be desolate among desolate lands, and their cities will lie among ruined cities. 8 Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I set fire to Egypt and all her helpers are crushed.

9 “‘On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is sure to come (Ezekiel 30:1-9, NIV).

The above will come to pass no matter what Western analysts conclude or how Iran’s President tries to spin his words.  The fact that leaders associated with the Sunni-oriented Muslim Brotherhood now have leadership positions in several Arab governments means that the pieces for this confederation are starting to fall in place.  While Iran may be a factor in causing the unity, however, it will not be the leader of this group according to properly understood Bible prophecy.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the Arab and Persian world in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.

Occupy Madrid, May 20, 2011 (Kadellar)

COGwriter

Spain and Greece had major protests:

European Markets Jolted Amid Protests in Greece and Spain

New York Times-26 September 2012

ATHENS — After a period of relative calm, European markets shuddered once again on Wednesday as protests erupted across Greece and demonstrators surrounded the Spanish Parliament for a second day to protest the austerity program of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy…

On Tuesday in Spain, tens of thousands of demonstrators besieged Parliament to protest austerity measures planned by Mr. Rajoy. Last week, more than half a million people marched in cities across Portugal to protest an increase in social security contributions, and a million marched in Barcelona calling for Catalan independence.

In Athens, trade unions called a nationwide strike Wednesday to contest billions of dollars in new salary and pension cuts being discussed by the government and its international creditors.

This is not a surprise to me. Back in 2010 (see Civil War in Greece?), I warned, “Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest.” As well later in December 2010 (see Civil Unrest in Greece (and it was predicted) where I warned:

Civil unrest in Europe is expected. Places such as France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Eastern Europe have potential for this occurrence. In addition to austerity measures, Islamic protests and immigration related issues will also likely be factors in flaming protests and devastating riots. Expanded civil unrest will have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself.

And back in May 2012, I warned that more unrest was expected to come from Spain (see Over 100,000 Protest Austerity in Spain).  And we are seeing that.

I expect more civil unrest in Europe.  Specifically more in Greece and Spain, as well as Eastern Europe.  But I also expect that even in countries like Germany, Austria, and/or the Netherlands and elsewhere there will be unrest, including violent unrest.

Expanded civil unrest will have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself. It is highly likely to propel a European leader to rise up. The final leader will be the one known as the Beast (Revelation 13:3-4) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:22-44) of Bible prophecy.

Europe is prophesied to have problems (Daniel 2:41-43) and not all the problems have happened yet. Spain and other parts of Europe are likely to have even more significant civil unrest before a strong leader is granted power (cf. Revelation 17:12-13).

World events are aligning with properly understood prophecy. There will be ups and downs in Europe until the final European beast power rises up. The protests may ultimately turn quite violent and this may be a major trigger for the rise of the prophesied final King of the North.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?

Mitt Romney (Gage Skidmore, 2011)

COGwriter

Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, was interviewed by Jay Leno.  Here is something from that interview:

Sep 26, 2012

Ann Romney: Electing Mormon would show progress

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

Ann Romney took her turn on Jay Leno’s couch last night, talking about her husband’s caring ways and his chance to make history as President Obama did four years ago.

“I love the fact that we have the first African-American president,” Romney said on The Tonight Show. “That means to me that we’re leaving prejudices behind. I would hope that if Mitt were elected, we would see more of the same, that prejudices are left behind.”

Mitt Romney is the first major-party presidential nominee who is Mormon.

Mitt Romney is also a lay priest, and former bishop, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), a group commonly referred to as Mormons.

Exactly what kind of progress would electing a Mormon show?

It would seem that it would show that the USA has less concern about religion as a criteria for USA president (although the election of Barack Obama, in various ways, also suggests that).

There is a Mormon belief passed down, supposedly unofficially, that the USA will need a Mormon leader:

Mitt is a high priest in the Church priesthood hierarchy…the “White Horse Prophecy” or the prophecy of the “One mighty and strong.” Now, this is not public, formal LDS doctrine, but it was taught by many leaders of the Church and is still taught today. It is said by LDS leadership that when the Constitution is in dire peril, one will come who is mighty and strong. He will come riding (figuratively perhaps) on a white horse and will wield awesome political and spiritual power.

This mysterious priesthood elder would somehow seize control of the US government to prevent the total abrogation of the Constitution. He would assume total power and create an LDS “Kingdom” in America. At that time, this “one mighty and strong” would be proclaimed the new “Prophet “ (First President) of the LDS church and would also be president of the United States. Thus, he would wield both supreme political power of the most powerful nation on earth and also be the “Prophet, Seer and Revelator” of the LDS Church. (Schnoebelen W. Republican Mitt Romney and the “Mormon Plan for America.” Cutting Edge Ministries, 2007 http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n2226.cfm)

White Horse Prophecy,” … describes as “a belief ingrained in Mormon culture and passed down through generations by church leaders.”

Former candidate for Nevada governor Michael Moody writes in his memoir that the prophecy “motivated me to seek a career in government and politics” because he felt he had been divinely directed to “expand our kingdom” and help Romney “lead the world into the Millennium.” Now a critic of the Mormon church, Moody says he was indoctrinated with the White Horse Prophecy.

“We were taught that America is the Promised Land,” he said in an interview. “The Mormons are the Chosen People. And the time is now for a Mormon leader to usher in the second coming of Christ and install the political Kingdom of God in Washington, D.C.” (Kerby R. Are “unacceptable religions” fatal for U.S. presidential candidates? BeliefNet, http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2012/05/are-unacceptable-religions-fatal-for-u-s-presidential-candidates.php#ixzz1wDiR2U6g)

Apparently there is a Mormon prophecy that when the US CONSTITUTION IS HANGING BY A THREAD, that a Mormon or American would come along and probably be President or a leader to help the nation so that the US CONSTITUTION would not be destroyed. Apparently a lot of Mormons consider Barack Obama to be the anitchirst (Lolly. Is Romney Fulfilling the Mormon White Horse Prophecy? The Daily Paul, March 19, 2012 http://www.dailypaul.com/221808/is-romney-fulfilling-the-mormon-white-horse-prophecy)

While it could be argued that the US Constitution is hanging by a thread, there is no way that U.S. President Barack Obama is the final Antichrist (nor, will Mitt Romney be the final Antichrist, even if he were to become USA president).

Mitt Romney, it should be noted, unlike his church, favors allowing homosexuals becoming Boy Scouts (see Romney and Obama Agree on Having ‘Gay’ Boy Scouts). So, even the LDS should have some moral concerns about him (his prior support of abortion would be another pause for concern).

Of course, I do not intend to endorse any USA presidential candidate (see Should a Christian Vote?), and thus do not believe that an LDS leader will somehow save the USA–the USA needs the return of Jesus Christ.

Neither the current US President nor Candidate Romney has called for national repentance and, even if either did, it is not likely that they would call for repentance for Americans to go to the faith of the original Church of God of the New Testament.  But personal repentance still remains an option–and all should decide that is the direction now to go.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Genuine Church of God The genuine Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.

Roderick C. Meredith (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Roderick C. Meredith, the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God (LCG) wrote the following in his latest commentary:

Commentary: Should Christians Observe The Day of Atonement?

By Roderick C. Meredith…

Many of you are aware that Jews around the world will begin observing the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur in the Hebrew language, at sunset on Tuesday, September 25 this year. It is a day of fasting during which Jews all around the world abstain totally from food and water for a full 24 hours, humbling themselves before God. But did you know that many thousands of true Christians all over the world are also observing the Day of Atonement? Why would they do that?

The answer is simple. They are following the scriptural example of the New Testament Church. The church of the Apostles continued to observe the annual holy days established by God in the Old Testament, including the Day of Atonement. In the first century after the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Bible records the beginning of the Christian Church on another Holy Day, the Day of Pentecost. The Apostle Peter spoke to the assembled Jews on that day. As a result of his preaching, 3,000 people were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament church began under the leadership of the Apostles.

Should Christians in this day and age keep the Day of Atonement? Yes, they should! Jesus and the Apostles continued to observe the holy days instituted by God. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus observed the Passover with his Apostles and instituted the New Testament Passover symbols, which Christians understand to be symbolic of Christ, the true Passover Lamb. Jesus also observed the fall holy day season, including the Feast of Tabernacles (See John the 7th chapter). In fact, the New Testament Church began on an annual Sabbath—Pentecost. Read the second chapter of the book of Acts in your Bible. The Day of Atonement is referred to in Acts 27:9 as “the Fast,” because the Day was observed by fasting to humble oneself before God.

Let’s understand! The key question Christians need to ask themselves is simply: “Am I following the example of Jesus Christ and the Apostles?” They set us an example of true Christianity—and that way of life is recorded in your Bible. The very foundation of true Christianity is defined in Ephesians 2:19-20. Notice, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.” Yes, true Christians continue to follow the example of Christ and the Apostles, even in the 21st century.

On the Day of Atonement, Christians humble themselves before God remembering the awesome sacrifice of the Lamb of God, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose blood atoned for our sins. The Hebrew word for Atonement, kapar, literally means “to cover over.” Our death penalty has been paid for us, and our sins have been buried, or “covered over.”

The Day of Atonement also looks forward to the time when the whole world will have the same opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation. That future time, tomorrow’s world, will usher in the rulership of the King of kings, Jesus of Nazareth—a time when all peoples and nations will submit to the Kingdom of God on earth. The Day of Atonement also signifies the time when the god of this world, Satan the devil (Ephesians 2:2) will be expelled and restrained for a thousand years. It is a supremely important and meaningful day to Christians.

Everyone needs forgiveness, because everyone has sinned. We urge you to deeply examine your life. Jesus and the apostles commanded everyone to repent and believe the Gospel. One major emphasis of the true gospel is that our forgiveness is made possible through the sacrifice of Christ and His shed blood. On the Day of Atonement, we deeply consider all that this day pictures in regard to our own personal lives now, as well as in tomorrow’s world when peace will be established and humanity will be at one with God. To learn more about this important annual festival, read our informative free booklet, The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan.

History records that people who professed Christ kept this day well after Jesus died as well as after His original apostles died as well.

Until sunset September 26  is the Day of Atonement for the year 2012.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Michael’s Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting Jesus said, “But by Prayer and Fasting” and this article by Dr. Meredith focuses on fasting and provides his physical and spiritual fasting tips. Does fasting help prevent heart disease?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur

COGwriter

US President Barack Obama spoke at the United Nations today:

25 September 2012

United Nations (CNN) — Embroiled in a tight campaign for re-election, President Barack Obama warned Iran and Syria that their leaders are on the losing end of a sweeping tide of democracy across the Middle East and North Africa.

“In Syria, the future must not belong to a dictator who massacres his people,” Obama told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

The American president also blamed Iran for “propping up a dictatorship in Damascus,” restricting freedoms at home and supporting terrorist groups abroad…The United States “will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” he said, reminding other world leaders in attendance that a “nuclear-armed Iran is not a challenge that can be contained.”  http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/25/world/new-york-unga/index.html

25 September 2012

The following is a transcript of President Obama’s address to the U.N. General Assembly…

We were inspired by the Tunisian protests that toppled a dictator because we recognized our own beliefs in the aspiration of men and women who took to the streets.  We insisted on change in Egypt because our support for democracy ultimately put us on the side of the people. We supported a transition of leadership in Yemen because the interests of the people were no longer being served by a corrupt status quo…

And even as there will be huge challenges to come with the transition to democracy, I am convinced that ultimately government of the people, by the people, and for the people is more likely to bring about the stability, prosperity, and individual opportunity that serve as a basis for peace in our world.

So let us remember that this is a season of progress. For the first time in decades, Tunisians, Egyptians and Libyans voted for new leaders in elections that were credible, competitive and fair.

The democratic spirit has not been restricted to the Arab world. Over the past year, we’ve seen peaceful transitions of power in Malawi and Senegal and a new president in Somalia.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/25/transcript-obama-address-to-un-general-assembly/#ixzz27VzoQvSf

Barack Obama is right to suggest that the regimes of Iran and Syria are not on the winning side for what will develop in the Middle East and North Africa.

But what will end up there will not truly be an American-style democracy.

The Bible shows that a confederation of Arab states, most definitely including Egypt, will form (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).  Syria will likely support this and it will not be led by Iran (who, as I have written for some time, will likely be neutralized some way–perhaps involving civil unrest, regional conflict, emp weapons, and/or nuclear weapons, etc.).

With having leaders now in place in Egypt, Tunisia, Gaza, and to a degree now, even Libya (and behind the scenes in Syria), it is those with affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood that are starting to rise up in North Africa and parts of the Middle East.

President Obama’s support of the Muslim Brotherhood (see Obama Administration supporting objectives of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt) is a major prophetic concern.

Why?  It is the goal of that group is to have an Islamic caliphate from Spain to Indonesia. And while biblically, I do not believe that Spain will be part of it, and biblically Indonesia does not need to be, the reality is that a confederation of nations in the Middle East and North Africa is prophesied (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8) and Barack Obama seems to be encouraging that.  All US political leaders should study the scriptures as they could give them clues as to where the movement in the Middle East and North Africa will end up.

Biblically it appears that the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to Oman with possible involvement and/or coordination with Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and/or Indonesia.  Notice a prophesied confederation from the Book of Ezekiel:

1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:

“‘Wail and say, “Alas for that day!” 3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near- a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. 4 A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush. When the slain fall in Egypt, her wealth will be carried away and her foundations torn down.

5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt.

6 “‘This is what the LORD says:

“‘The allies of Egypt will fall and her proud strength will fail. From Migdol to Aswan they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Sovereign LORD. 7 “‘They will be desolate among desolate lands, and their cities will lie among ruined cities. 8 Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I set fire to Egypt and all her helpers are crushed.

9 “‘On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is sure to come (Ezekiel 30:1-9, NIV).

The Bible indicates that various Arabic and non-Arabic Muslim nations (cf. Daniel 11:41; Ezekiel 30:5) at some point in time must end up with a leader (which the Shiites call a Mahdi) that the Bible shows will be the Future King of the South.  And while this may temporarily encourage many of the discouraged and oppressed in the Middle East and North Africa, it will end in disaster for those to closely aligned with this confederation (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

There in another claim about the location of the biblical Ark of the Covenant:

Ark of Covenant resting beneath Temple Mount?

With Mideast in turmoil, new evidence Solomon made provisions to hide

WND – Sept 22, 2012

One of the persistent theories about the whereabouts of the Ark is that it lay buried in secret tunnels and passageways constructed by King Solomon for the specific purpose of keeping it from enemies who might one day capture and destroy the Temple.

Now there is compelling new evidence that’s just what happened – and that the Ark still rests beneath the chamber known as the Holy of Holies, moved there through an elaborate machine constructed under the direction of Solomon long before the invasion of the Babylonians and the sacking of the Temple.  http://www.wnd.com/2012/09/ark-of-covenant-resting-beneath-temple-mount/

The most humanly proposed claimed location of the original Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia.

The Bible shows that well after Solomon’s sons would have died, that the Ark was still in Jerusalem:

35:1 Now Josiah kept a Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of the LORD. 3 Then he said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to the LORD: “Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built. It shall no longer be a burden on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel (2 Chronicles 35:1-3).

But that does not mean that it is still there.

Notice also the following:

The Book of Revelation says the Ark is in the temple of God in heaven (Rev. 11:19). Muslim scholars say it will be found near the end of times by the Mahdi – a messianic figure in Islam. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=102119

It is interesting, however, that many of the Muslims believe that there Mahdi will rise up after the finding of the Ark (the Mahdi of Islamic prophecy seems to be the same one that the Bible indicates will be the final King of the South). Events seem to be happening in the Arab nations that align with the rising up of such a leader. Perhaps, if the claimed Ark is publicly shown (either the one claimed in Ethiopia or whatever may be in Jerusalem or somewhere else), he could point to it as proof that his timing for rising up was prophesied. We will see.

I perhaps should add that certain Catholic prophecies indicate that the two witnesses (which they often consider will be Enoch and Elijah) will rise up after the Ark is found:

Bl. Dionysus of Luetzenberg…prophecies:

“After the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant, Enoch and Elias will restore the Holy Sacrament of the Altar; Because of the fact that the Ark of the Covenant will be in the possession of the two holy prophets and not in Antichrist’s hands, the Jews will recognize that Jesus is the true Messias…”

( Luetzenberg, Antichristus Chapter 29 as cited in Birch D.A. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph. Queenship Publishing, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 509)

Now the Bible is clear that the Ark of the Covenant will be in heaven:

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. (Revelation 11:19)

And it probably is there now. But since both Islamic and Catholic prophecies suggest that it will be found, it is possible that some of them will point to the Ark in Ethiopia or one in Jerusalem (or elsewhere) as proof that their prophecies are to be fulfilled. Or perhaps to a different location in the future.  Or Catholics may claim that since the Ark has not been found, that some will claim that this is additional proof that the real two witnesses are not God’s two witnesses.

I presume that if the Ark is shown or publicly claimed, some may wish to more thoroughly examine it.  However, if it is the actual Ark of the Covenant, this would seem to be quite dangerous from a biblical point of view:

1 Again David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the LORD of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. 3 So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill, accompanying the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark. 5 Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals.

6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. (2 Samuel 6:1-7)

Only Levites were supposed to move the Ark (cf. Deuteronomy 31:25; Joshua 3:3), and that is what David finally realized.  Non-Levites, like Uzzah were never supposed to touch it.

While it may be remotely possible that the Ark could be in Ethiopia or Jerusalem or elsewhere (as I think the Bible more strongly indicates that it is in heaven and not on the earth–though it may be that which is in heaven is what the Ark on earth was patterned after was already in heaven–which is another theory some have proposed), I remain highly skeptical that what might be shown will actually be it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Were there Sabbath-keepers in Ethiopia? Will God call all the Africans?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

VS.

COGwriter

It has been a while since I posted anything from Ronald Weinland of CGPFK/CGPKG.  But as he posted some additional false predictions today as well as earlier this month, perhaps they should be exposed for the false prophecies that they are.  Anyway, Ron Weinland wrote:

September 25, 2012…

Armies are being gathered together in the Mideast, and they are being gathered together by the only One Almighty Self-existing Eternal God, as He prepares this world for its final battle and the overthrow of every government. Then on the final day of man’s government, May 19 of 2013, God will establish His government, the Kingdom of God that will rule over the earth, bringing it true and lasting peace.

September 15, 2012

TIME HAS RUN OUT…on May 27th God revealed we had entered the “day” of Christ’s return, but that it was a “prophetic day” which is a literal year in length, from God’s Holy Day of Pentecost of 2012 to Pentecost of 2013. We now have 35 weeks remaining before the coming of the King of kings to reign over all the nations of this world. We are in the prophetic “Day of the Lord,”…We now find ourselves in God’s Day that has only 35 more weeks to be completely fulfilled. All that the world has been warned would come, but would not listen, is now at hand. As God’s final witness given to mankind, the world is about to enter its final world war and it is coming as the product of a clash in the three major religions that have evolved from the descendants of Abraham…God will bring an end to man’s governments and man’s religions, as He commands the “Trumpets” to sound that bring about this final end and opens the way for the true Messiah of this world to come on Pentecost of 2013.

Ronald Weinland was a PROVEN false prophet many times and it is surprising that any would still be following him.  This is the same Ron Weinland who insisted that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012, and the same one who wrote a book claiming that 2008 was “God’s final witness.”

For those unfamiliar with him, Ronald Weinland was a former WCG then UCG minister who falsely claimed to be one of the two witnesses, Elijah, etc. He was again proven wrong last May when Jesus did not return as he has claimed He would. And he will be proven wrong again when Jesus does not return on Pentecost in 2013.  He also was convicted of income tax fraud in June 2012 (see CGPFKG’s Ron Weinland Found Guilty of Income Tax Evasion) and is awaiting sentencing.

The main point of COGwriter posts about him is to warn all not to let false prophets and false apostles like Ron Weinland turn people away from the God of the Bible.  The final “Day of the Lord” did not begin May 27, 2012, the Great tribulation did not begin on December 14, 2008 as Ronald Weinland has written, and Jesus will not return in 2013.

In the past, when his predictions have not come to pass, Ron Weinland basically tries to spiritualize his failures away and say something to the effect that God has been merciful (hence no massive destruction during the Great Tribulation to the scale that Jesus taught yet) and that God keeps granting more time for spiritual growth.

One interview that should stop all of his followers in their tracks years should have been the following that Ronald Weinland said on The Edge radio on December 15, 2007 (which I listened to):

The proof is coming…

If it doesn’t come to pass…starting in April, then I’m nothing but a false prophet…

Beginning in April, its important that people believe it…

What we’re talking about happening in this country and around the world is a horrendous thing, it really is…

Things do start in 2008….It will be done by 2011…

There’s already been six seals opened up…and the world is ignorant of it…The seventh seal they will know though…

The destruction of the United States, we are the first to suffer…I wouldn’t want to be in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York…

By the fall of 2011, that’s when Jesus Christ returns…

A little after April…a dollar bill won’t be worth anything…We’re going to be brought down the tubes, very quickly, starting in April…What happens when a nuclear weapon goes off in New York and Chicago?…

If we come to the point in time where what I’ve said doesn’t come to pass, the reality is that I’m just a false prophet. That’s the bottom line…

The reality is if it doesn’t happen, then you’re just false…I’ll acknowledge my error, my wrong, if I’m wrong…

The primary things…for the world…actually begin after April 2008…

The abomination of desolation has already happened…

By January 2009, we (the United States) will be down the tubes…

It is 4 1/2 years past April 2008 and the US dollar still has value (yes, it will lose its value, but Ronald Weinland’s prediction about it was false).  He also predicted a nuclear strike on the USA by the Summer of 2008 which did not happen (more details on that and other false predictions from him are in the article Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God).  He stated that things would be done by 2011 (he was teaching that Jesus would return on the Feast of Trumpets in 2011 back then).  He has repeatedly been proven wrong.

Certain events that Jesus stated in Matthew 24 as well as other biblically-required ones simply have not happened yet for Him to return in 2013.  And until they do, the end is not here yet.  False assertions from proven false prophets such as Ronald Weinland do not change the truth.

Some articles of possible interest related to prophecy may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012, and then claimed that Jesus would return on May 19, 2013 (he originally had Jesus returning on September 28/29 2011). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What is the Book of Revelation trying to tell us about them? Does the first one deceive many?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.

The Christian Day of Atonement is based on the English translation of the Hebrew term for the Holy day Jews tend to call Yom Kippur. It began tonight at sunset tonight, September 25, 2012 and lasts until sunset September 26, 2012.

In the original Hebrew, the Bible calls the day Yom Hakippurim (which is Hebrew for “Day of the Atonements”).

The day is commemorated with a 25-hour fast by some Jews, but normally a 24 hour fast by Christians who observe it (see also Spiritual Benefits of Fasting). While not observed by the mainstream of professing Christianity, the Christian groups (mostly those with origins in the old Worldwide Church of God) that do observe it usually refer to it as the Day of Atonement.

Because it is endorsed in the Bible, the faithful in the genuine Church of God observe the Day of Atonement.

While it is mentioned in the Hebrew scriptures (the Old Testament), the focus of today’s article will be the New Testament and post-New Testament.

The Day of Atonement in New Testament Times

Bible believing Christians recognize that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is an atonement sacrifice to reconcile us to God. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Christians that observe the Day of Atonement normally teach that on that day they are to be at one with God. And that fasting humbles them and makes them realize how dependent they are on God for all their needs. They also believe that they are dependent upon the sacrifice of Jesus for their salvation, but that Satan does play a role in encouraging people to sin.

The Living Church of God states this about the Day of Atonement (and more detail is in the article The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance):

…Old Testament meaning
…A day of fasting and repentance, known to the Jews as Yom Kippur (Leviticus 23:26-32)

…New Testament meaning
…Pictures the binding of Satan at the beginning of the Millennium and the world becoming at one with God.

The New Testament shows that the the Gentile Gospel writer Luke knew about the Day of Atonement, when he wrote:

…sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over (Acts 27:9).

What was Luke referring to according to Protestant commentators? Why the day of Atonement. Notice two such commenataries (note italics/bolding are from the sources cited):

Acts 27:9-11… Sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was already past, that is, the famous yearly fast of the Jews, the day of atonement, which was on the tenth day of the seventh month, a day to afflict the soul with fasting (from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.).

Acts 27:8-9… The fast to which Luke refers is the Day of Atonement (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).

The fact that Luke used that term for a Christian audience (Acts 1:1) strongly indicates that the Day of Atonement was known, recognized, and observed by early Christians.

Post New Testament

This is further substantiated in a Jewish account (reported in the Talmud), as related by a Catholic scholar may also be helpful here. It is recorded that an early second century Christian named Jacob (100-120 AD) with a Jewish scholar discussed the Day of Atonement and the Christian Jacob explained how it helped show “Christ head of the angels” (Bagatti, Bellarmino. Translated by Eugene Hoade. The Church from the Circumcision. Nihil obstat: Marcus Adinolfi. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 26 Junii 1970. Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, p.97).

And of course, when God has an angel bind Satan (Revelation 20:1) this will be another related fulfillment for the Day of Atonement.

Furthermore, it is known that in the first and second century, Polycarp of Smyrna kept both the Spring Holy Days and the Fall Holy Days.

The keeping of these days, however, was condemned by John Chrysostum near the end of the fourth century. He specifically condemned observing the Day of the Fast that the Jews also kept (see Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days?):

The festivals of the pitiful and miserable Jews are soon to march upon us one after the other and in quick succession: the feast of Trumpets, the feast of Tabernacles, the fasts. There are many in our ranks who say they think as we do. Yet some of these are going to watch the festivals and others will join the Jews in keeping their feasts and observing their fasts.

This condemnation, though, is specific proof that some who professed Christ still observed the Day of Atonement into the fourth century.

Additionally, comments by Jerome and Epiphanius near that time concerning the Nazarene Christians would also seem to support that those who kept the Holy Days, such as Atonement, were located in several areas at that time (see Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes?).

Notice that the Sabbath-keepers in Transylvania in the 1500s (and probably later) kept the Fall Holy Days such as the Day of Atonement:

The Sabbatarians viewed themselves as converted Gentiles..They held to the biblical holidays…The Day of Atonement was a day of fasting, although they emphasized that pentinence is more easily acheived by a peaceful and quiet meditation on the law and one’s life than by fasting. (Liechty D. Sabbatarianism in the Sixteenth Century. Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs (MI), 1993, pp. 61-62).

People attempting to be faithful to the Bible have observed the Day of Atonement and we  faithful in the genuine Church of God continue to do so in the 21st century.

Jesus and Paul observed this day, do you?

Those who have more interest, may wish to study the following articles:

The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Michael’s Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting Jesus said, “But by Prayer and Fasting” and this article by Dr. Meredith focuses on fasting and provides his physical and spiritual fasting tips. Does fasting help prevent heart disease?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
LCG 2012 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂