Was sent an email that I read today which started off with the following:
With this, I am reminded of the Fundamental Premises that were introduced into the WWCog toward the end of HWA’s leadership. That being:
By HWA, the author meant Hebert W. Armstrong, who died on January 16, 1986, at age 93 1/2.
Here is my email back:
Yes, the old WCG clearly taught that God had one primary man He works through.HWA said that God used him to restore proper church governance.When speaking of doctrines that had been restored to the Philadelphia era of the church, Herbert W. Armstrong stated:The government of God has been restored to the Church, and the government of God has been placed in the Church. You read that in Ephesians 4 and I Corinthians 12. Christ is the head of the Church and under Christ in the administration of the government are an apostle or apostles, then evangelists, then pastors, then all are called elders, all ministers all the way up clear down to the lowest. So then there are teachers and elders both speaking elders and preaching elders, deacons and deaconesses. And the Church is restored in that form of government. The Sardis Church even didn’t have the right form of government. (Armstrong HW. Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era. Sermon given on December 17, 1983 in Pasadena, California)
In a sermon titled Rely on God, Herbert W. Armstrong said:
KEY ISSUE IS GOVERNMENT …
THE WHOLE THING WAS GOVERNMENT! THE THING THAT SATAN TOOK AWAY WAS GOVERNMENT. THE THING THAT CHRIST IS COMING TO RESTORE IS GOVERNMENT. AND WHAT HE RAISED ME UP FOR WAS TO RESTORE GOVERNMENT IN HIS CHURCH. And the whole test, the challenge in the first place …, was a point of government. (Armstrong HW. Rely on God. Sermon, April 6, 1985)
Notice that Herbert Armstrong said God raised him up to restore church government in His church. And he did, though most end time Christians do not accept that–at least not fully–which makes them lukewarm.
In his sermon titled Challenged on April 19, 1981, Herbert W. Armstrong plainly taught:
… the government of God has been established in the Philadelphia era of God’s church.
Yet many teach against and/or push aside proper hierarchical church governance and still be Philadelphian.
The rejection of the restored truth about government is fundamental to the splits that and division we have seen.David Pack and Gerald Flurry do not seem to be converted, hence it should be obvious that neither could be that one man.
There are some other things, perhaps I should have added.
For example, Herbert W. Armstrong also wrote:
Why has God’s Church in this Philadelphia era gone through a period of friction, controversy within the Church and split-offs, with certain ministers leaving the Church to take followers after themselves …
The contenders, the disgruntled, the liberals did not want God’s government in the Church. … The contenders, the disgruntled, the liberals did not want God’s government in the Church. (Armstrong HW. Recent History of the Philadelphia Era of the Worldwide Church of God. Worldwide News, June 25, 1985)
The Philadelphia era, according to Herbert W. Armstrong, was to have a hierarchical governance:
The Church is organized under theocratic government, hierarchical in form (Mystery of the Ages, p. 246)
The Apostle Paul wrote:
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Notice that the purposes of hierarchical governance include preventing doctrinal error as well as unity for the church to allow each member to grow personally as well as to be able to contribute in love.
By attempting to heed Jude’s admonition “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), the Philadelphian Church will heed the words of Jesus to hold fast to the Truth that was restored in that era (cf. Revelation 3:7-11).
Notice more of what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
The PURPOSE for which Christ built the Church exemplifies its WORK … 1) To ANNOUNCE to the world for its witness the coming Kingdom of God … 2) To prepare the people to whom God adds to the Church … He has worked with O N EM A N at a time … The WORK consists of proclaiming the Gospel, by radio, by television, in print (Armstrong HW. JUST WHAT IS THE WORK? PASTOR GENERAL’S REPORT – VOL.3, NO.6 February 6, 1981).
The Philadelphia era was to take on new life, vigor and vitality, restoring truths that had been lost. Again God raised up one man through whom the living Christ would work. … ALWAYS God, in using MAN, has dealt through ONE MAN at a time. He has not used committees or groups. (Armstrong HW. The History of the Beginning and Growth of the Worldwide Church of God – Chapter 1. Good News, April 1980)
God has always, in dealing with humans, worked through ONE MAN at a time — one who believed God! Some in ancient Israel challenged this one-man leadership. Some, like-wise, have challenged it today! (Armstrong HW. And NOW Christ Sets Church Back On Track Doctrinally. Good News, April 1979)
God only deals through one man at a time. GOD DOES NOT WORK THROUGH COMMITTEES. God works through ONE MAN AT A TIME. I want you to notice it as we go along now. Let’s understand the way of God. The world has not understood it. So God worked through one judge at a time. (Armstrong H. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)
Philadelphia must be led by one man, not a committee–also not a bunch of independent Christians thinking they could be Philadelphian. ‘Independent Christians’ are not Philadelphian, and since they are not “gathered together” before the decree to flee will be given (cf. Zephaniah 2:1-3), they will not be subject to the protection that Jesus promised Philadelphian Christians in Revelation 3:7-10.
So, ask yourself, who is that one man today? Could God somehow have put him in his office and somehow confirmed it?
Herbert Armstrong was speaking in a July 21, 1978 Bible Study about Zerubbabel’s temple and the proper view of how God would replace him if he died:
“Are you worried about if anything happens to me? I’m not. I know that God will do one of two things: He’ll either keep me alive or He’ll raise up the right man, that’ll be His man. And it won’t be someone that you people are going to vote on. You’ll have nothing to say about it!”
Anyone who had been in the old Worldwide Church of God in the 1980s, while Herbert W. Armstrong was alive, should have heard him repeatedly emphasize the importance of proper Church governance and one man hierarchical rule (as far as Zerubbabel goes, check out the article Zerubbabel and Prophecy).
But most later (after his death in 1986) DID NOT accept this teaching, and many of those who thought they did had issues truly understanding and abiding by it–they became cold or lukewarm (see also Laodicean Church).
Now in the 21st century, while led by one man the Philadelphian remnant Church of God does a work collectively. The faithful remnant will continue to attempt to go through whatever doors are open (Revelation 3:7-9) in order to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom as a witness (Matthew 24:14). It is led by one, but it also has many others assisting in the process.
By rejecting true Philadelphian governance, the most end time Christians have become Laodiceans.
Most do not understand that there is a true Philadelphian remnant that they should support.
The Continuing Church of God also put together this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:
If the Philadelphia era of the Church of God (COG) ended the last century, would there be a remnant in the 21st century? Can parts of two different eras of the COG exist at that same time? Are all COGs the same as far as God is concerned? Did Herbert W. Armstrong and the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God point to Philadelphians being around until fleeing to the wilderness before the Great Tribulation? What are scriptural reasons why there must be a Philadelphia remnant? What did dreams have to do with the old Radio Church of God and the Continuing Church of God (CCOG)? What is different about Bob Thiel being a prophet? What are ways that the CCOG differs from other COGs? Did Habakkuk predict that the work would be revived? Was there a gap in the dream that Loma D. Armstrong had? Is the CCOG preparing for the short work of Romans 9:28 while also reach Gentiles consistent with Romans 11:25? What group is getting the Ezekiel warning out? What about the 18 restored truths? Are there any important truths that were restored in the CCOG in the 21st century? Are there are any parallels to Zerubbabel? Why will the lukewarm Laodiceans not finish the warning and gospel proclamation gospel? Could there be a scriptural need for a Philadelphia remnant of left now because the short-work of Romans 9:28 needs to be done, Matthew 24:14 still needs to be fulfilled, God promised to pour out His Spirit and give dreams and prophecies in the end before Jesus returned (cf. Acts 2:17-18), an end time Zerubbabel would be part of the Philadelphia remnant to rebuild the second spiritual temple–which would NOT look anywhere near as impressive as the previous temple physically (Haggai 2:3-4,9), all things needed to be restored (Matthew 17:11), and the mantle held, the full number of Gentiles must come in (Romans 11:25), the end time Ezekiel watchman warning must go out (cf. Ezekiel chapters 3, 5, 6, and 33), the Philadelphian remnant is to be targeted by the Beast power before (Daniel 7:25a, 11:29-35; Revelation 12:13-16) he goes to persecute the rest of the Christians (Revelation 12:17, 13:5-10, 14:12-13), and that the Philadelphians are the only one that Jesus promises protection from the coming hour of trial (Revelation 3:10) and that has not happened yet? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and more.
Here is a link to the sermon: The Philadelphia Remnant.
Those interested in learning more about Herbert W. Armstrong, himself, should read the article Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today?
Several items of possibly related interest include:
The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had? What are some of the scriptural limits on ecclesiastical authority? Do some commit organizational idolatry? Here is a Spanish language version La Biblia, Policarpo, Herbert W. Armstrong, y Roderick C. Meredith sobre el gobierno de la Iglesia. Here is are link to two sermons: Hierarchical Governance and Corruption and Church Governance.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.
What is Armstrongism? Did Herbert W. Armstrong raise a new faith or promote the original Christian faith? Here is a link to a related video: What is Armstrongism? Are Some Dismissive of Original Christianity?
Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle Herbert Armstrong claims God had him raise the Philadelphia up. Are there reasons to believe that the Philadelphia mantle in now within the CCOG? Here is a link to a related sermon: Herbert W. Armstrong and the Philadelphia Mantle.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The Philadelphian organization striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. This page has links to materials in over 200 languages. To watch what has been happending in the CCOG so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and Continuing COG’s 10 Unique Years.
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.
21st Century Church of God Prophets Are there any true prophets in the 21st century? What about false prophets? What are scriptures and fruits to identify the true from the false? Will you prove all things and test the spirits?
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
18 Truths Restored to the Churches of God Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that he felt he had restored at least 18 lost truths to the Church, here is Herbert W. Armstrong’s list given 12/17/83. This articles also has links to show that these truths were believed by professors of Christ in earlier times, hence they were not some invention of Herbert Armstrong.Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Lista de Herbert W. Armstrong de las 18 verdades restauradas. Here are links to a related two-part sermon: The 18 Restored Truths: 1-8 and The 18 Restored Truths: 9-18.
Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things Have all things been restored? Is there restoration going on? Is there supposed to be a 21st century Elijah? Here is are links to two related sermons: 21st Century Elijah and CCOG: Restoring All Things. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: La restauracion de todas las cosas.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
Here are Some Quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong on Laodicea and Holding to Doctrine.
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.
The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings Who is 2 Thessalonians 2:3 referring to? Are there multiple falling aways? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG. There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses some early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, CG7-Salem, Jerusalem 7DCG, and COG-7th Day-Denver. Here are two historical sermons: Sardis Church Era: Beginnings, Doctrines, and Leaders and Sardis: SDBs, SDAs, & CG7s.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era and Remnant Though the era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D., but a remnant has continued. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God were part of the era, and now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God. Here is a link to a related sermon: Philadelphia Church Era: History & Teachings.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?
Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Why is there a Philadelphian remnant of the true Christian Church of God? Did the old Worldwide Church of God essentially predict a Philadelphian remnant? Is a Philadelphian remnant needed for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Philadelphia Remnant.