Church of God News

A slightly difficult uphill and narrow way in Tobago

COGwriter

Do You Know that God Has a Loving and Exciting Plan?

Since God has a plan for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 13:38) and is a God of love (1 John 4:8,16; John 3:16), the Bible shows He will intervene for the elect’s sake (Matthew 24:22) and that He has a loving and exciting plan (Revelation 21:1-8).

Since God is love (1 John 4:16), we in the Living Church of God believe that He has a plan that takes into account how human beings would have rebelled against Him (cf. 1 Peter 1:20-21). We also believe that God is smart enough to have developed a plan that does not result in the vast majority of humanity having to suffer end-less torment. Thus we believe it is logical that His plan will result in nearly everyone who ever lived, no matter what their religion or background was, to be saved. And that there are hundreds of verses in the Bible that show this—and this is God’s will (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16-17). This plan is also consistent with writings about Christianity throughout history—though most in modern times seem to wish to overlook that fact.

We in the Living Church of God specifically believe that the Bible teaches that God made everything and it was “very good” (Genesis 1:1-31). And that God made humans upright (Ecclesiastes 7:29), but that humans felt that they could decide to disobey God’s commands (Genesis 3:6). Because of that disobedience, God stopped humans from having immediate access to the tree of life on their own (Genesis 3:22; John 6:44)–even though He had a plan of redemption from before “the foundation of the world” involving Jesus (Revelation 13:8).

We in the Living Church of God believe that God gave humans 6,000 years to live their own way (please see chapter 60). We believe that humans will mess things up so bad, “unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved” (Matthew 24:22).

Notice that the Bible teaches that some are elect now, and others blinded now:

What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (Romans 11:6-7).

And since those blinded do not have that held against them (John 9:41), scripture shows:

…all flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:6).

Thus, salvation will be offered to all—either now or later.

Predestined to Be Called, to Serve, and to Have Others Join Us

But the Bible also shows that some are predestined to be called and converted in this age.

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote about predestination:

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified (Romans 8:28-30).

11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:11-13).

Paul is teaching that there is a work for those who are predestined to be called in this age. Notice also that Paul specifically refers to those who FIRST trusted in Christ. The implication is that there will be others who were not predestined in to be called in this age to be called later. And that is basically what predestination is all about—some few people were predestined to be called in this life in order to show others (both now and in the future) that it is possible to live God’s way of life and so that they can be called later.

People can only be called now if the Father draws them to be called:

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44).

It is on that last day that those predestined in this age will be the praise to Christ’s glory to those on the earth in a way that has not happened before.

Jesus was clear that only a few will find this way in this age:

23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able (Luke 13:23-24).

14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:14).

So only some few will be called in this age. And there is an “age to come” (Matthew 12:32) where even infamous sinners will have an opportunity (cf. Matthew 10:15;11:22).

Jesus to establish a millennial kingdom on earth (Revelation 11:15; 20:4). During this 1,000 year reign the world will become beautiful again (Isaiah 35:1-10). Those predestined now will help rule in His kingdom (Revelation 20:4-5) to teach and assist those who will not always know how they should live (Isaiah 30:20-21).

So while some are predestined to be called in this age and to rule in the millennium, all others will be called later. After this thousand year reign, all who ever lived will be resurrected for judgment (Revelation 20:5).

One thing that many do not realize about that time of judgment is that God will not only judge, He will plead His case:

The LORD stands up to plead, And stands to judge the people (Isaiah 3:13).

A noise will come to the ends of the earth–For the LORD has a controversy with the nations; He will plead His case with all flesh (Jeremiah 25:31).

And those not called in this age, those who never really had an opportunity for salvation, will be called then.

Before explaining what God might plead, notice what Ezekiel was inspired to write happens when this noise occurs:

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ‘ ” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 “Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’ ” (Ezekiel 37:7-14).

So, after a noise there will be a resurrection and those that thought that they had no hope will be raised. It is important to understand that this time of judgment and resurrection is after the Day of the Lord and after the millennium (Revelation 20:4-13). But it is after this noise that God will judge and He will plead His case with all flesh (Jeremiah 25:31).

Why then?

This is because God will be able to point out how the human race came to the point of utter extinction, but that God prevented that for the sake of the elect. Notice:

And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22).

God will be able to contrast His ways with the ways of humankind. When those resurrected see how humans started out with a very good and beautiful earth and messed up and nearly completely destroyed it (Revelation 11:18) in their 6,000 years, they will realize that it was not wise for humankind that distanced itself from the true God.

God might point out that He had to intervene to stop this destruction and that he implemented His kingdom for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-5), God may also point out how well humans did during the millennium (Isaiah 35:1-10).

Most resurrected humans will realize that it is God’s way of life that worked best and they will accept His generous offer of salvation.

Those who are called now in this age were predestined to serve. We in the Living Church of God believe that the way of God is the way of give, while the way of the world is the way of get. And because of Satanic deception (Revelation 12:9), human society cut off from God (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Peter 1:4), and personal selfishness (James 1:14-15), all sin (Romans 3:23)—this is why Jesus taught that few are chosen in this age (Matthew 20:16).

This differs greatly from much of what passes for mainstream Christianity as the Catholics and Protestants normally teach that most who ever lived are such horrible people that God will torture them for all eternity.

The Holy Days Reveal This Plan

We in the Living Church of God believe that the biblical Holy Days (Leviticus 23) reveal God’s loving plan of salvation.

The following is from the Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs of the Living Church of God:

ANNUAL FESTIVALS PICTURE GOD’S MASTER PLAN OF SALVATION

God’s annual Festivals are listed in Leviticus 23 and in Deuteronomy 16. These God-given holy days were commanded to be observed “forever” (Leviticus 23:14, 21, 31, 41). The Apostolic Church observed the annual Sabbaths (Acts 2; 12:3-4; 18:21; 20:6, 16; 27:9; 1 Corinthians 16:8). These Sabbaths will continue to be observed during Christ’s millennial rule (Zechariah 14:1, 9, 16-19).

God’s annual Festivals picture the seven vital steps in His plan of salvation:

1. The Passover pictures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36; Revelation 5:6) sacrificed for us, (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus established the New Testament Passover with the symbols of bread and wine (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

2. The Seven Days of Unleavened Bread typify purging the leaven of malice and wickedness out of the believer’s life, and partaking of God’s nature, the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:6-13; Luke 12:1).

3. The Feast of Firstfruits (Pentecost) pictures the small harvest of “begotten” followers of Christ who will be harvested at the “first resurrection” (Revelation 20:4-5), as “a kind of firstfruits” (James 1:18).

4. The Feast of Trumpets points prophetically to the second coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 11:15-18; 19:15; Zechariah 14:9).

5. The Day of Atonement pictures the banishment of Satan, and man’s becoming “at one” with God (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 15-27; Revelation 20:1-3).

6. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the soon-coming wonderful world under the government of Jesus Christ and His saints (Zechariah 14; Matthew 9:37-38; 13:1-30; Luke 12:32; John 7:6-14; Acts 17:31; Revelation 12:9; 20:4-6).

7. The Last Great Day features the great judgment that will occur at the end of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth (John 7:37; Leviticus 23:36, 39, 33-34; Revelation 20:11-12).

RC Meredith of LCG also added:

Notice Revelation 20:11-12: Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books…

Revelation 20 then describes the opening of another book—the Book of Life. What is this books purpose? Paul explains that the saints names are written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3). Revelation 21:27 describes the New Jerusalem as inhabited by only those who are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
The opportunity for eternal life is at last presented to these multitudes of people small and great. They are resurrected back to physical life for perhaps a period of 100 years—long enough for a thorough opportunity for them to learn, grow and be tried and tested as to their willingness to live eternal life Gods way (Isaiah 65:20). They will be called and have the opportunity to study and to understand the Bible. Then—and only then—God says that these resurrected people will be judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books (Revelation 20:12). Finally, after being given a genuine opportunity to know and to act upon the Truth, these people are judged by how they respond to and obey the teachings of the books of the Bible.

God truly does have an exciting plan. All who ever lived will be offered an opportunity for salvation.

Several articles of related interest may include:

Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits.
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 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?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?

Is there just one Pontiff past Pope Benedictus XVI?

COGwriter

James Malm, of Shining Light, posted the following:

Roman Catholic tradition indicates that the next Pope will be the last one.  While we should not stand on any non scriptural tradition, Benedict XVI at 80 is visibly slowing down.  Benedict may be empowered and strengthened to last until the return of Christ, or he may go the way of all flesh.  If he does pass on; who will replace him?

In the Catholic Church are many intelligent and highly talented persons available for a leadership position.  There is no way to know for sure who the next Pope will be.

And while Catholics do have differing views, it is true that some do believe that the next pope will be the last pope. (James Malm, while not the problem that Ronald Weinland has been, also has falsely predicted that the Great Tribulation would begin in 2008–see At Least Two Wrongly Claim Great Tribulation Will Begin in 2008–and even though he has a few more months before his prediction is proven false–it will be as the Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2008).

In the 12th century, a Catholic saint named Malachy predicted, with what some to believe is complete accuracy, every pope since 1143.  When it his list became public in the 16th century, it was considered to have been so accurate in predicting the 12th – 16th century pontiffs, that some thought it that it had not been written until the 16th century.

While its original date is hard to absolutely prove (I tend to accept the 12th century date), many of the post 16th century predictions on Malachy’s list have apparently come true. Some Catholics have written the following about it:

…a list…attributed to St. Malachy…has given fitting descriptions of every pope since the 16th century, when it was discovered (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.19).

…the vast majority of Malachy’s predictions about successive Popes is amazingly accurate (Bander, Peter. Introductory commentary in The Prophecies of St. Malachy. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 11).

I should add that Malachy’s list includes several leaders that the Roman Catholics call antipopes (e.g. Clement VII, Benedict XIII, Felix V, Alexander V, etc.) and those are inserted sometimes together as opposed to always being in strict chronological order.  The fact that Malachy’s list is NOT completely accurate should show people that the list was not inspired by God.  But it is accurate enough that I believe that the False Prophet will point to it as further “proof” that the Roman Catholic Church is the proper church, and many people will be deceived.

Specifically, I believe that the False Prophet (like most other Catholic bishops have) will falsely claim that there were bishops in Rome from Peter onwards (which is untrue, please see chapter ), that there have been bishops of Rome from the 2nd through 21st centuries (which is essentially true, though some were in France), and that since Malachy’s list has accurately predicted every pope since the middle of the 12th century (which is not quite true as the list includes what Catholics would consider to be false or “antipopes” without indicating that they would be false), that therefore the Roman Catholic Church is the one true Christian faith (which is untrue).

Now if Malachy’s prophecies on the popes is a complete list, there is only one pope left to come after Benedict XVI.

Since some other Catholic prophecies that state prior to the last pope, another pope will flee and die, then (if these prophecies are accurate) this would mean that this would happen with the current pope (who is elderly and German). Therefore, the following are Catholic prophecies that might apply to Pope Benedict XVI:

Nun Emmerich (19th century): I also saw the Holy Father– God-fearing and prayerful. Nothing left to be desired in his appearance, but he was weakened by old age and by much suffering (Dupont p. 68).

Helen Wallraff (19th century): Some day a pope will flee from Rome in the company of only four cardinals . . . and they will come to Koeln [Cologne] (Dupont, p. 78).

The Prophecy of Premol (5th century): And I see the King of Rome and his Cross and his tiara, shaking the dust off of his shoes, and hastening his flight to other shores. Thy Church, O Lord, is torn apart by her own children. One camp is faithful to the fleeing Pontiff, the other is subject to the new government of Rome which has broken the tiara. But Almighty God will, in His mercy, put an end to this confusion and a new age will begin. Then, said the Spirit, this is the beginning of the End of Time.

Comment: From this prophecy, it is clear that the true Church will be faithful to the Pope in exile; whereas the new Pope in Rome will be, in fact, an anti-pope…a large number of Catholics will be misled into accepting the leadership of the anti-pope (Dupont, pp. 72-73). {Note the comment is from Dupont personally}.

So if the current pope flees and goes to Cologne (Germany) he might fulfill those prophecies.

However, it should be noted that decades ago, the editor of a book I own on Malachy’s list specifically wrote that Malachy’s list does not require that there could be no other popes prior to the last one.  Notice:

Some medieval interpreters have gone out of their way to stress that Malachy in his prophecies does not specifically mention that no Popes reign between Gloria Olivae and the last Petrus Romanus; nor on the other hand does he mention that there will be others (Bander, p.96).

So, the above does give the Roman Catholics “wiggle room” if there remains more than one pope left.  But if there is only one, the next one would likely be the False Prophet of Revelation 16:13.

Notice also the following prophecy:

St. Malachy (12th century): During the persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit upon the throne, Peter the Roman…the City of Seven Hills (Rome) will be utterly destroyed (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 138).

Notice that the final Pope sits on the City of Seven Hills (which the Catholic writer G. Culleton labeled RomeBabylon the Great sits on in Revelation 17:9—but then God has it destroyed in verses 14-18. above)—the one that Babylon the Great sits on in Revelation 17:9—but then God has it destroyed in verses 14-18.

Certain Catholic prophecies warn that a major “antipope” is to come—and since this has not happened—they could be interpreted to mean that the next pope is likely to be an antipope:

Anna-Katarina Emmerick (19th century): I saw again a new and odd-looking Church which they were trying to build. There was nothing holy about it… (Dupont, p. 116)

Yves Dupont {writer interpreting A. Emmerick}: They wanted to make a new Church, a Church of human manufacture, but God had other designs…The Holy Father shall have to leave Rome, and he shall die a cruel death. An anti-pope shall be set up in Rome (Dupont, p. 116).

Jeanne le Royer (d. 1798): I see that when the Second Coming of Christ approaches a bad priest will do much harm to the Church (Culligan E. The Last World War and the End of Time. The book was blessed by Pope Paul VI, 1966. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 128).

Yves Dupont {reader and collector of Catholic prophecies}: “prophecies are quite explicit about the election of an anti-pope…Many prophecies predict an anti-pope and a schism ” (Dupont, pp. 34,60-61).

Catholic priest and writer R. Gerald Culleton (20th century): A schism of short duration is destined to break out…An antipope, of German origin, is to be set up, and finally Rome itself will be destroyed” (Culleton, p. 42).

Frederick William Faber (died 1863): Antichrist…Many believe in a demonical incarnation–this will not be so–but he will be utterly possessed…His doctrine as apparent contradiction of no religion, yet a new religion…He has an attending pontiff, so separating regal and prophetic office (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 87).

Blessed Joachim (died 1202): Towards the end of the world Antichrist will overthrow the Pope and usurp his See (Connor, p. 76).

Merlin (7th century): There will come a German Anti-Pope. Italy and Germany will be sorely troubled. A French King will restore the true Pope (Culleton, p. 132).

St. Francis of Assisi (d. 1226): There will be an uncanonically elected pope who will cause a great Schism, there will be divers thoughts preached which will cause many, even those in the different orders, to doubt, yea even agree with those heretics which will cause My order to divide, then will there be such universal dissentions and persecutions that if these days were not shortened even the elect would be lost (Culleton, p. 130).

Priest E. Sylvester Berry (published 1920):  It has been a matter of history that the most disastrous periods for the Church were times when the Papal throne was vacant or when anti-popes contended with the legitimate head of the Church.  Thus shall it be in those evil days to come (Berry ES.  The Apocalypse of St. John, 1920.  Quoted in Culleton RG.  The Reign of Antichrist.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 195).

Catholic writer and priest P. Huchedé (19th century): …the false prophet…will not be a king, nor a general of an army, but a clever apostate, fallen from episcopal dignity.  From being an apostle of the Gospel he will become the first preacher of the false messiah…(Huchedé, P. Translated by JBD. History of Antichrist. Imprimatur Edward Charles Fabre, Bishop of Montreal. English edition 1884, Reprint 1976. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 24).

Priest Herman Kramer (20th century): This false prophet possibly at the behest of Antichrist usurps the papal supremacy…His assumed spiritual authority and supremacy over the Church would make him resemble the Bishop of Rome…He would be Pontifex Maximus, a title of pagan emperors, having spiritual and temporal authority.  Assuming authority without having it makes him the False Prophet…Though he poses as a lamb, his doctrines betray him (Kramer H.B. L. The Book of Destiny.  Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus.  Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 319 ).

Thus there are many Catholic writers who have warned of some type of an antipope, and that he could even be the False Prophet.

And, it is highly possible that this could be the next Pope (or antipope).

COGwriter

The Book of Revelation goes into various end-time events. One chapter specifically has to do with what are commonly referred to as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Here is what the Bible specifically mentions about them in Revelation:

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”

7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth (Revelation 6:2-8).

Here are a couple of passages that LCG evangelist Richard Ames wrote, essentially summarizing the roles the four horsemen:

In Revelation 5, we read about a scroll sealed with seven seals. Jesus, the Revelator, opens the seals to the book. We read the description of those seals in Revelation 6. The first four seals are known as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first horse—the white horse—and its rider represent false religions, false Christs. Jesus Himself points out the sequence of these end-time events in Matthew 24, also known as the Olivet prophecy because Jesus spoke it on the Mount of Olives.

The second seal reveals a horseman riding a red horse, with the power to take peace from the earth. The third seal presents a rider on a black horse, representing the scarcity of food and the resulting famine. The fourth seal shows a rider on a pale horse, with the power over one-fourth of the earth to kill major portions of earth’s population.

Cynics say there have always been wars, famines and pestilences. But, as time goes on, we will see the four horsemen of the apocalypse intensify their ride, with increasing global consequences. These four horsemen comprise the first four seals (Ames R. What Is The Day of The Lord? Tomorrow’s World magazine, March-April 2007).

Jesus’ disciples had asked him about the sign of His coming and the end of the world, or the end of the age. He spoke about religious deception, wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes. These trends reveal, in sequence, the meaning of the four horsemen of Revelation 6, who, toward the end of this age, intensify their dangerous ride (Ames R. The Middle East in Prophecy. Living Church of God, 2006, p. 24).

In 1973, the old Worldwide Church of God went into a lot of detail about the first horseman:

A Counterfeit Creeps In

The very first world development Jesus Christ warns about is the advent of many false preachers, misleading and deceiving the many, not the few. This condition began immediately after Christ’s death and resurrection. The Apostle Paul warned that the spirit of iniquity was already working, even as he wrote.

Jude, the younger brother of Jesus Christ, exhorted early Christians to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 3, 4).

In the first century true Christians witnessed a counterfeit Christianity creeping in, deceiving many. Such religious deception has now increased in intensity until the whole world has become deceived about the true message of Christ. By the time of the end, your Bible says that Satan the devil “deceiveth the whole world” (Rev. 12:9).

There is no greater sign of this universal ignorance about God than the misunderstanding of who the first horseman of Revelation 6 actually represents.

“Another Christ”

It is true that the white horse represents a Christ, but it is a false Christ. It is true that the first horseman represents a gospel and a church, but it is a false gospel and a false church—all in the name of Jesus Christ, but in truth a deception and a counterfeit. Jesus Christ says so Himself in Matthew 24, and the Apostle Paul amplified Christ’s words very plainly in II Corinthians 11.

“I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted” they might be deceived. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (II Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15).

Your Bible identifies Satan’s ministers as being professing Christians! They don’t appear Satanic, of course. They appear as “angels of light.” They look like the white horse of Christ’s return, but they are in truth a clever counterfeit of the true Christ.

Paul isn’t warning us against obviously false religions—such as pagan animism. Eastern occult sects, outright Satan worship, or bizarre semi-Christian cults—but rather against a subtle Counterfeits, like bogus money, attempt to be as close as possible to the original, yet with subtle flaws discernible only to experts. Counterfeit Christianity is the same. It may appear Biblical or Christ-like, but subtle flaws exist throughout its beliefs. counterfeit.

The horseman aboard the white horse in Revelation 6 is just such a subtle counterfeit…

All three of the remaining horsemen, however, have their basis in this world’s false Christian religions…

If you are still part of this world’s religious Babylon, this very book of Revelation warns you to, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Rev. 18:4). To escape the following three horsemen, come out of the first horseman: counterfeit Christianity—the root cause of war, famine and pestilence prophesied to come on all mankind during your lifetime! (Alexander G. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ambassador College Press, Pasadena (CA), 1973, pp. 14-16,17,19)

As regular readers of the COGwriter page are aware, a false religion calling itself “Christian” has been perceived by many as the true Christian religion. Thus, the first horseman apparently began his ride early on, but as will be seen in later chapters, this will intensify with a final false religious prophet (Antichrist)—and he will have military support (666).

We in the Living Church of God believe that since humankind, since Adam (Genesis 3:6), has by and large rejected living the way of give as God’s commandments and statutes teach, that humankind has been deceived by false religions which result in curses such as war, famine, and pestilences. But that at the end of this age, it will mainly be a false Greco-Roman form of Christianity which will bring the world to the point of utter destruction—but a destruction that God will prevent from being complete. As Jesus taught:

And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22).

And those who recognize how successful this first of the four horsemen has been, may be able to escape falling for this final fulfillment, as well as the other three horsemen whose biggest disasters in terms of war (#2), famine (#3), and pestilence/death (#4) lie ahead. Notice what else Jesus taught:

Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

Flag of the Arab League

COGwriter

In an addendum to his weekly update last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong wrote a section with the following:

The Coming “Moment of Truth” with Iran

The latest in a long line of Iranian provocations was this week’s test-firing of nine ballistic missiles, with coincidental statements by one of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s spokesmen for the Revolutionary Guard. The statement indicated that Tel Aviv, U.S. ships in the Gulf and U.S. interests around the world will be “burned down” if “the first bullet” is fired against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Late word is that Iran has fired another 20 ballistic missiles on day 3 of “The Great Prophet” war games.

What could be more apparent than the coming showdown with Iran? The question is, will it come before or after Iran has the ability to employ nuclear weapons?…

The whole tangled scenario is a major subject of political posturing in both Israel and in the U.S. Former Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz is cited in today’s Jerusalem Post as saying that any attack against Iran should be undertaken by an international force lead by the United States. “At the moment of truth, America will be with us.” But the still politically active Peretz also allowed for the possibility that Israel might have to go it alone.

Either way, the Iran situation reigns as the most dangerous current threat to the Middle East, and to the world’s economy. It seems clear that there will be no clean way out of this problem, particularly given Iran’s angrily defiant posture. The situation has vexed the Middle East, Europe and the U.S. for years now. At length, Iran dealt with the UN’s nuclear regulatory body in apparent good faith, until they were caught in repeated bald face lies regarding their enrichment work. Most analysts suspect that Iran is now very near to completing work on their nuclear weapons program. The “moment of truth” cannot be far off.

As I have long believed, something is going to knock Iran off as the premier agitator of the Islamic world as it is NOT the prophesied King of the South.

On a related note, ICG’s Mark Armstrong has taught:

Even the UN’s IAEA worries in public that Iran is concealing the military ambitions of their nuclear program. There are further reports that Iranian bases involved in training and supplying insurgents in Iraq may soon come under U.S. attack. What should we make of all the talk of war? Is Iran the “King of the South” of Bible prophecy? Would military conflict with Iran by either the United States or Israel signal the beginning of “tribulation”? As many advances as we’ve seen in the overall scenario, it seems that there are major portions of the equation that are simply not yet in place (Weekly update. 6/06/08).

So, ICG believes that Iran may be the future King of the South, but it is not sure.

PCG, though, is more certain that it is as its “prophet” Gerald Flurry wrote:

Daniel 11:42 implies that Egypt will be allied with the king of the south, or Iran…The king of the south, or Iran, is going to “push at him”—that is, the king of the north (the European Union)… The king of the south is about state-sponsored terrorism. That is how Iran became king! Daniel 11:40-43 is an end-time prophecy. It is about a nation that is always pushy in its foreign policy. It pushes until it starts a war. Having such power means that it must be a large oil-producing country. This king is close to Jerusalem, Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya. Who else could it be in this end time but Iran? Iran is extremely radical and the king over radical Islam” (Flurry, G. The King of the South. PCG Booklet).

Notice this prophecy in Daniel 11:40: “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.” Iran leads this “king of the south” (Flurry G. From the Editor: Why You Must Watch Europe. Philadelphia Trumpet. Nov-Dec 2006).

Hence, PCG clearly and repeatedly teaches that Iran will be the King of the South.

But Iran is not.  It is not really south of Jerusalem.

To learn more on these matters, please consider the following articles:

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? What does the Bible say?
The Arab 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?
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.

Galileo Logo

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

I have long explained that that Galileo project was intended for military applications, and this recent vote helps to once again demonstrate that. The fact that it is intended to possibly be operational in 2013 appears consistent with biblical prophecy.

Currently, the USA (GPS), Russia, and China have their own systems. Having Galileo will make the EU a true possible global military superpower presuming that it further develops its weaponry by then.

Some articles of 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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and the Hindu Indians (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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”?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?

Young Grasshopper

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

Grasshopper plague takes a tur for the worse

Baker City Herald, Oregon - July 10, 2008

A grasshopper plague spawned in drought-parched rangeland where the voracious insects laid their eggs last summer, is spreading to wheat, hay and potato fields, where crop damage could be devastating.

“The USDA’s threshold for economic damage is eight grasshoppers per square yard. In some heavily infested areas, we’ve had counts of 100 to 120, and possibly up to 140 grasshoppers per square yard,” said Cory Parsons, Oregon State University Extension agent for Baker County.

“They are probably as close to an epidemic as they can be in Baker Valley,” Parsons said. “When you get into them, you know, because the ground is just crawling with grasshoppers.”

Three weeks ago the grasshopper infestation was limited to pockets scattered around the county, primarily on rangeland, but Parsons said the situation has taken a dramatic turn for the worse.

“We’re finding grasshoppers from the north end of the Baker Valley off Ladd Canyon all the way to Huntington, and from Medical Springs, Sparta and Keating to the Burnt River, Unity and Hereford,” Parsons said.

“Eagle and Pine Valley, around Halfway and Richland, the Sumpter Valley and Whitney Valley are the only places we have no grasshopper populations,” Parsons said.

When grasshoppers are small they typically remain in the dryer rangeland areas where they hatch from eggs, but once they mature and sprout wings, Parsons said “they will move into wheat, alfalfa and potato fields and do some substantial damage.”

That scenario appears to be coming to pass, Parsons said, based on phone calls to the Extension Service and aerial pesticide applicators from concerned farmers and ranchers across Baker County.

“With the rangeland drying up, the guys out cutting hay are finding grasshoppers coming into hay ground,” Parsons said.

The infestation extends far beyond Baker County to an estimated 1 million acres across Northeastern Oregon, according to reports from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, which dispatched a team to help locate and map areas with the heaviest grasshopper populations.

Aerial pesticide spraying initiated this week is designed to kill flying adult grasshoppers after spring applications of biological control products failed to knock down the grasshopper population at the egg or nymph stage, Parsons said…

He warned landowners who do nothing and hope for the best that “once grasshoppers finish devouring vegetation on your land, they will move to your neighbors.”…

The downside of applying broad-spectrum pesticides is that they can also kill off beneficial insects ranging from lady bugs to honey bees, Parsons said.

In an effort to protect the region’s already declining honeybee population, Parsons is encouraging landowners and pesticide applicators to notify owners of beehives to move their hives before spraying to control grasshoppers. http://www.bakercityherald.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=6869

Killing honey bees and ladybugs in order to control grasshoppers can lead to food reductions and increases of other insects.

Infestations of grasshoppers, like the ancient locust plagues, can lead to severe food shortages (locusts are one of the problems China is having this year, please see China Disasters). The grasshoppers combined with the fact that the USA has had some severe earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires this year suggest that perhaps things are starting to turn against this nation.

The Bible indicates that when there are a lot of grasshoppers, that God expects His people to pray to Him:

28 When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is; 29 whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple: 30 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men), 31 that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live (2 Chronicles 6:28-31).

The Bible encourages prayer, forgiveness, and personal repentance.

Now the end itself (meaning the Great Tribulation) cannot occur for several years yet. However, things may get quite difficult before they get really bad.

Two prophetic articles of interest may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and the Hindu Indians (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
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?

Righteous(ness)	= Sheep	+ Hand	+ Lance

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

Perhaps, I should add that China itself has a policy that smites the SECOND born (actually they diligently attempt to prevent there from being a second born).

This aggressive abortionist approach is not righteous (Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose).

Despite its spectacular economic gains, the 21st century will NOT belong to China. Various events will affect it (see, for example, Myanmar Cyclone & China Quake).

Notice what RC Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote:

Many publications have suggested that the 21st century will be “China’s century.” Even though the Chinese are fiercely moving forward, and their progress in developing their industries is obvious, these publications are dead wrong for two reasons. First, the inspired word of God describes specifically how a coming European Union will be the dominant force in this world—obviously within the next several years. Therefore, brethren, I would like to focus your mind on this matter so you can more intelligently “watch” world events along this line as they unfold before your very eyes. In the coming years, you will perhaps even see a revolt of the peasants in the outlying Chinese cities, who have lagged far behind the standard of living afforded those who have moved to Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, the tremendous pollution of the water, air and foodstuffs may bring about massive disease epidemics and other problems for the Chinese.

In addition, distracting wars and other events may— as God chooses to guide it—greatly undermine the material progress now being made by the Chinese. Meanwhile, you will soon see the European Union evolve into an absolutely powerful and dynamic force in the world— ultimately to become the “Beast” as revealed in Revelation 17 in your own Bible!

So the 21st century will not be the “Chinese century!” Rather it will appear to become the European century for a few years, until the magnificent return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. From then on, the 21st century will be, indeed, “Christ’s century!” And all of us who are able to understand the “Big Picture” of world events from God’s point of view should be preparing to help straighten out the appalling degree of suffering, starvation and misconduct we find on this earth today in virtually every nation (Meredith R.C. An Inspiring and Successful Trip. Living Church News. May-June 2007, p. 21).

China will have ups and downs. And as this year has indicated, perhaps more downs than most would tend to think.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?

Page 9 of the Mayan “Dresden Codex” (from the 1880 Förstermann edition)

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

Will the World End in 2012?

The world will not end in 2012 (please see End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?). It is simply not possible according to the Bible (please see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?). Those who think it will simply have been deceived by Satanically-inspired false prophecies.

The Bible also teaches:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Those who are convinced by Mayan and other non-biblical prophecies otherwise are not correct and simply are not being directed by God–they are leaning on their own inaccurate misunderstandings.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and the Hindu Indians (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? Note: This article has been expanded this week–so you may wish to read it now, even if you have read it before.  It also now includes a copy of the final page of the Dresden Codex–the one that shows water–which has been interpreted by some as signally the destruction of much of the world by flood.
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”?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them? Even though the Netherlands is not an island, it may be affected when the islands are.

The Above Building is Where the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Meets with Dignitaries

COGwriter

Zenit.org, a Vatican-supporting news service reported the following on Monday:

Orthodox Patriarch Says Dialogue Is Progressing

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople says dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is going forward, despite “considerable difficulties that exist and the well-known problems.”

Patriarch Bartholomew I affirmed this in his homily Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica for the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul…

The patriarch stated that the Orthodox “honor and greatly venerate Peter — he who made his salvific confession of the divinity of Christ, as much as Paul — the vessel of election, who proclaimed this confession and faith to the ends of the universe in the midst of the most unimaginable difficulties and dangers. […] To strongly emphasize their equal importance, but also their weight in the Church and her regenerative and salvific work through the centuries, the East honors them in an icon in which they either hold a little ship in their hands, which symbolizes the Church, or they embrace and exchange the kiss in Christ.”It is indeed this kiss that we have come to exchange with you, Your Holiness, emphasizing the ardent desire and love in Christ, things which are closely related to each other.”

Bartholomew I then turned his attention to the progress toward unity between the two Churches.

“The theological dialogue between our Churches ‘in faith, truth and love,’ thanks to divine help, goes forward despite the considerable difficulties that exist and the well-known problems,” he said. “We truly desire and fervently pray that these difficulties will be overcome and that the problems will disappear as soon as possible so that we may reach the desired final goal for the glory of God.

The truth is that the Orthodox are not wise to think that the Catholics do not want to totally absorb them.

In the past I have cited the following:

Abbott Joachim (died 1202)…A remarkable Pope will be seated on the pontifical throne, under special protection of the angels. Holy and full of gentleness, he shall undo all wrong, he shall recover the states of the Church, and reunite the exiled temporal powers. As the only Pastor, he shall reunite the Eastern to the Western Church…This holy Pope shall be both pastor and reformer. Through him the East and West shall be in ever lasting concord. The city of Babylon shall then be the head and guide of the world. Rome, weakened in temporal power, shall forever preserve her spiritual dominion, and shall enjoy great peace…At the beginning, in order to bring these happy results, having need of a powerful assistance, this holy Pontiff will ask the cooperation of the generous monarch of France (Great Monarch)… A man of remarkable sanctity will be his successor in the Pontifical chair. Through him God will work so many prodigies that all men shall revere him (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, pp. 31-33).

Last night I ran across another Catholic writing that confirms it:

St. Bridget of Sweden (d. 1373): Let the Greeks know that their empire, their kingdoms, or dominions, shall never be  secure or in settled peace…until, with true humility and good will, they shall have devoutly submitted themselves to the Church of Rome and to her faith, conforming themselves entirely to the holy ordinance and rites of that Church (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 154).

Now, I should add that I do believe that the Church of Rome will compromise some to accept the Orthodox (and at least one Catholic priest has prophesied that, please see Meeting with the Orthodox in Constantinople).

Because of control, the biblical warnings, and doctrinal reasons, I have long advocated that the Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics.

Hopefully, individually they will do that before it is too late.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Churches of God Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.

COGwriter

The following church news item in China was of interest:

Christianity is flourishing in China

Sadly, it will be difficult for the Chinese to get much information about the true Christianity, but throughout history it appears that true Christianity did get to China.

Historically, there have been Sabbath-keepers in China and others who simply did not accept the mainstream “brands” that pass for Christianity.

The Bible states that the whole world will become involved in worship, hence this will also include the Chinese–and though many will be deceived at the end, the Bible shows that the Chinese will see through this religious deception before the Europeans will (details are in the article China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 3: China in Prophecy).

The Chinese have long had biblical ties. For example, notice what a Chinese character meaning righteous is made of:

Righteous(ness)	= Sheep	+ Hand	+ Lance

The New Testament account of Abel refers to:

…the blood of righteous Abel (Matthew 23:35).

And the Bible refers to Christ as the lamb of God who was slain by the hand of a man who forced a sword of some type into Him. Hence, even some Chinese symbolism has some ties to the Bible (please see the article China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters ).

Hopefully, many in China will pray, study their Bibles, and study the History of Early Christianity so that they will be able to practice what the Bible calls “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and not be subject to the religious deception that will come further upon the world.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.