Evidence

for

Eras
Authored by
The Eternal Church of God

This booklet is not to be sold. It is provided free to the public as an

educational service by the authors and the publisher. All Scriptures
are from the King James Version unless otherwise noted.

© 2008, 2013, 2016 the Eternal Church of God

In the book of Revelation, Christ
commanded the Apostle John to
record seven letters and to deliver
them to seven specific churches. Many
believe that these messages were
written to seven chronological eras of
God’s Church, each occurring at
precise times in history. Others
categorically dismiss such a claim,
asserting that there is no evidence for
Church eras in the book of Revelation
or the entire Bible. What is the truth?
Is there evidence for Church eras?
The answer may be the single most
important truth for us to understand
as we enter the end of the age.
Table of Contents

Evidence for Eras

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 1
The Evidence of a Prophetic Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter 2
The Evidence of the Number Seven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 3
The Evidence of the Mail-Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chapter 4
The Evidence of Sevens in Succession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Chapter 5
The Evidence of Christ’s Imminent Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Chapter 6
The Evidence of History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 7
The Evidence of the Old Covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Chapter 8
The Evidence is in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Chapter 9
The Righteousness of the Pharisees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Chapter 10
A Call to Repentance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
 Evidence
for Eras
~ Introduction ~

He that hath an ear, let him hear

what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
~ Revelation 3:22 ~

T hroughout the religious community, the book of

Revelation is one of the most mysterious and
misunderstood books in the Bible. In it, the Apostle John was
taken in spirit to the very throne of God where he witnessed
a series of awesome apocalyptic visions. As these dramatic
prophecies began to unfold, the apostle was presented with
seven distinct letters and instructed to send them to seven
churches located in specific cities of Asia Minor.
These seven messages are similar to other epistles in
the Bible in that they contained both praise and correction to
the Church. Yet, they are unlike any epistle ever written.
While other letters penned by John, Peter, and Paul were
inspired by the Holy Spirit, these seven came directly from
God the Father, through Christ, and were dictated to John by
an angel.
What was God’s purpose in recording these unique
messages? Were they intended only for Christians meeting in
these seven cities? Or were they included in the book of
Revelation for a greater purpose? Is it possible that the
churches are symbolic and prophetic like the other imagery
in this unique book? Could these seven represent the entire
Church existing around the world and throughout time? Is it
possible these letters were written to convey a vital message
of hope and warning for us today?

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 Evidence for Eras .

Three Views
There are currently three views regarding these
churches and their letters. The most fundamental of these
considers the message to each congregation to be literal.
Those who hold this opinion believe that every epistle was
written solely for the purpose of addressing the
circumstances, strengths, and weaknesses of God’s people
living during the first century.
A second view suggests that the churches represent
seven attitudes that would exist within God’s Church at any
one time. Those holding this conviction believe that our
attitude is a reflection of our spiritual state which is always
subject to change. Therefore, there may be points in our
lives when we find ourselves reflecting the moods,
standards, or spiritual condition of any one of these
churches. For this reason, the Savior told each
congregation, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit saith unto the churches.” According to this view, no
matter what age we may live in, we should always heed the
exhortation given to all seven congregations.
A third perspective considers the first two
interpretations as having some validity, but concludes that
each letter addressed to its respective church is primarily
symbolic and prophetic. Advocates of this view believe the
main purpose of the letters is to describe the circumstances
and spiritual state of God’s people during specific times
though history. They would encourage, warn, and correct the
Church living during each of seven eras existing from the
time of John until the return of Christ.

We Need to Know
Is it possible that God’s purpose for recording these
admonitions was to send an important message to His
people during specific times in history? Those who oppose
this belief claim there is no proof that these letters were
written for a later time. Some even declare that believing in

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 Evidence for Eras .

Church eras can be harmful. They charge that this teaching

may cause believers to identify themselves with the
Philadelphian era. By this they may elevate themselves
causing division within the Church.
Other opponents argue that the issue is irrelevant
because it has little or no effect on our salvation. However,
this doctrine is of enormous importance! In fact, it is one of
the most crucial issues facing the Church today.
Consider the immense value to modern Christians if
these letters were actually written as a warning and reproof
to people living at different times. If that is true, then this
subject is not only important, it is of great significance! If
these letters were written to eras of God’s Church, then there
is a message among them for us!
Imagine reading a letter of admonishment from
Christ to you. Such a message would make an enormous
difference. However, what if we mistakenly believe that
His message does not apply to us and ignore the warning?
Such a judgment might affect our eternal destiny—yes,
even our salvation! But, if we heed God’s correction, it
could be a factor that determines whether we are saved
from the great tribulation. It can arm us with a profound
conviction that might make a difference in the reward we
will ultimately receive.
The truth about Church eras is invaluable. The
action we decide to take as a result of Christ’s warning and
instruction could determine our future position in the
Kingdom of God! As the spirit of our age permeates
deeper into the hearts and minds of God’s people, the
advantage of knowing the truth about eras becomes
absolutely monumental!
We are cascading into the time the Bible calls “the
last days.” We should be picking up the pace in our zeal for
God’s way of life! Instead, paradoxically, many of us are
bogging down. We are slowing down spiritually, and some of
our spiritual lethargy is due to the fact that the doctrine of

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 Evidence for Eras .

Church eras is not clearly understood and powerfully taught.

As a result, many do not realize what spirit is affecting the
Church today. Vast numbers of God’s people do not know
what they must resist in order to overcome during this age.
While some may accept that these seven messages
were written to eras of God’s Church, a growing number
are unsure. Today, some actually believe this teaching
should be abolished. Because of these varied opinions, the
doctrine of Church eras is on trial. We need to wake up! We
need to be sure!
This issue is so important, and the consequences so
great, that God’s people must understand the truth! For this
reason, Evidence for Eras presents seven exhibits; each of
which substantiates this doctrine. As each exhibit is
presented, the conclusion will become more obvious, more
profound, and more convincing. The facts presented will
convict us without a doubt that each letter to the seven
churches was written to God’s people living during a specific
time in history. The evidence will conclusively show us
which era is predominant today and what we must do to
overcome in our age.

10
 Chapter 1
~ Exhibit 1 ~

The Evidence of a
Prophetic Book
No prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time
by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as
they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
~ 2 Peter 1:20-21 ~

T he seven letters were set within the framework of a book

that is entirely prophetic. The book of Revelation was
written as a chronological record of events that would occur
over vast periods of time. This is apparent from the very first
verse in the book. Notice that the angel introduces Christ’s
vision with these words:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave

unto him, to shew unto His servants things
which must shortly come to pass; and he sent
and signified it by his angel unto his servant John
(Revelation 1:1).

This opening statement makes two important points.

First, the entire vision is directed to God’s servants. Since
John’s vision covers events that were to take place over
thousands of years, it is written to all of God’s servants;
including those who would live at the end of the age. This is

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 Evidence for Eras ..

apparent as the prophecy almost immediately moves to the

end time, stating that Christ will come “with clouds; and
every eye shall see Him” (Rev. 1:7).
Second, this verse tells us that the entire book was
written to show things that must “shortly come to pass.” By
this, God is NOT referring to events that were to occur
immediately. Rather, He is speaking from the perspective of
Heaven in which Christ considers the last 2,000 years of
man’s rule as the “last days” (Heb. 1:2; 1John 2:18).
Therefore, the purpose of this entire vision is to
reveal pivotal events that would begin in the first century and
continue right up to the return of Christ and beyond.

Seven Letters—One Book

The Savior instructed John to write everything he
saw in the vision and send them to these seven churches. If
each of the letters had no relation to all of the
congregations, the letters would NOT have been recorded
as an integral part of the same manuscript. They would
have been written to each congregation separately; as were
all the other epistles penned by John, James, Peter, and
Paul. Instead, these seven letters were included as an
intrinsic part of a book that is entirely prophetic!
This fact generates a vital question. Why would
God send the entire book filled with these prophecies only
to these seven congregations if they had no practical
application for them? Why send warnings of the beast, the
false prophet, and the great tribulation if these events would
have no impact on them? The only purpose for giving the
churches the entire book was to insure that it was passed
down to succeeding generations who would experience
these things.
The only way these prophecies would have meaning
is if the churches represented eras throughout time. By
recording these prophecies and handing them down to
successive eras, as each age came to pass, the Church

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 Evidence for Eras ..

existing at any point in time would understand both the

history that went before them and the circumstances they
would face during its time.
Therefore, God intended these missives to be an
inherent part of the entire vision for a divine purpose. They
are symbolic and prophetic! Their warnings and admonitions
correspond to prophesied events that would begin in John’s
time and continue throughout the future of God’s Church!
For this reason, the angel told John to:

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the

things which are, and the things which shall be
hereafter (Revelation 1:19).

These profound introductory verses were written to

set the stage so that Christians could understand as their
respective era in time arrived. The book of Revelation is a
calendar of successive world events that would begin in the
first century and continue over vast periods of They will
culminate with the end of this age and finally the
establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth.
These prophecies describe successive stages of a
great whore riding atop an enormous empire called the beast.
They chronicle the rise of a great merchandising
superpower—a modern day Babylon. They document the
pivotal steps in man’s history leading up to the unleashing of
God’s wrath just prior to the return of Christ. They reveal the
establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth and describe
the creation of the new heavens, a new earth, and the
glorious New Jerusalem!
The entire book of Revelation is a panoramic
prophetic chronology, and the messages to the churches were
set within it as an indelible part of its framework and
purpose. Therefore, while these letters might have had an
application for the congregations existing in the first century,
they were engrafted within Christ’s entire revelation. They

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 Evidence for Eras ..

carry enormous meaning for God’s servants who would

experience later circumstances. They were written to ALL of
God’s servants! Therefore, the messages within them are
inextricably tied to the forward march of history.
The fact that the letters are directed to churches
existing at different times becomes more obvious as the
letters to Philadelphia and Laodicea are read. The
messages to these two churches are directed to Christians
living in the last days—not those existing during the first
century (Rev. 3:10-20).
Based on these facts, it is evident that these seven
churches represent seven distinct eras of God’s Church
throughout time. They were written to the Ephesian era in
the first century, but were also addressed to Pergamos,
Smyrna, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—
Church eras that would exist centuries later.

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 Chapter 2
~ Exhibit 2 ~

The Evidence of the

Number Seven
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my
right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven
stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven
candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
~ Revelation 1:20 ~

T hroughout the Bible, the number seven is used to convey

a symbolic meaning. It is the number of completion.
Seven days complete a week. There are seven weeks in the
count to Pentecost and seven weeks of years until the
Jubilee. Noah waited in the ark seven days before the flood
came upon the earth, and God commanded His people to eat
unleavened bread for seven days. The number seven literally
appears hundreds of times in the Scriptures. And when it is
used symbolically, it always denotes completeness. E.W.
Bullinger discusses this unique number in his book, Number
in Scripture, stating:

In Hebrew, seven is shevah. It is from the root

savah to be full or satisfied, have enough of.
Hence the meaning of the word “seven” is
dominated by this root, for on the seventh day
God rested from the work of creation. It was full
and complete, and good and perfect. Nothing
could be added to it or taken from it without

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 Evidence for Eras ..

marring it… It is seven, therefore, that stamps

with perfection and completeness that in
connection with which it is used (pp. 156-157).

By this, we see that seven is the number God uses to

portray that which is complete. With this understanding, the
fact that there are seven messages sent to seven churches
demonstrates an important truth. These churches must
represent the complete New Testament Church throughout
time. Notice how Christ used this number when describing
these churches:

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me.

And being turned, I saw seven golden
candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven
candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man, clothed
with a garment down to the foot, and girt about
the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his
hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and
his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like
unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and
his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had
in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth
went a sharp twoedged sword: and his
countenance was as the sun shineth in his
strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as
dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying
unto me, fear not; I am the first and the last: I am
he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am
alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of
hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast
seen, and the things which are, and the things
which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven
stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the
seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are
the angels of the seven churches: and the seven
candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven
churches (Revelation 1:12-20).

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Candlesticks or Lamp Stands?

The Apostle John explained that he saw seven
golden candlesticks. It is important to understand that
Christ did not give John a vision of seven candles, each
having a wick surrounded by wax and set in decorative
holders as we see today. The Greek word translated
“candlesticks” is luchnia, and its literal translation is
“lamp stand” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the
Bible, G3087). Candles were not yet invented in John’s
time; therefore, the apostle was describing a lamp and
not a candle.
Our modern candles likely began with the Egyptians
who first put beeswax over the reeds that they gathered
along the Nile. These were more like torches. It was not
until the middle ages that wax was used with a wick. At
that time, candles became the chief source of artificial
light. It was this kind of light the King James translators
were familiar with, and likely the reason they translated
luchnia as candlesticks.
In John’s day, the Jewish people used a device that
was closer to the menorah as described by the prophet
Zechariah (Zec. 4:2-3). In the lamp stand, oil was
distributed from a base to the lamp’s various conduits.
The flame would heat the oil and the resulting vapor
burned at the end of each of the branches. Therefore, each
lamp bore its own light from the one main source of oil
which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This imagery
represents the Spirit of the One True God flowing through
the leaders that Christ would send. His Spirit would
ensure the light of truth they preached during each era
would burn brightly.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

While introducing the letters, Christ gave us the key

to unlock their mystery. Notice that He does not say that the
candlesticks are seven OF the churches, but rather they “are
THE seven churches.” Since seven is the number of
completion, these candlesticks must represent the entire
Church of God.

The Entire Book only Sent to Seven Churches?

Imagine Christ revealing prophecies that would occur
over thousands of years yet sending them to only seven
specific congregations in Asia Minor. However, that is
exactly what Christ commands:

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the

last: and what thou seest, write in a book, and
send it unto the seven churches which are in
Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto
Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis,
and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea
(Revelation 1:11).

The prophecies covered in the book of Revelation are

of enormous importance to all of God’s people. Yet, at the
time of their unveiling, Christ sent them only to seven
churches. Why? Did the Savior want to deny the other
congregations access to this information? Did He withhold it
from the congregations in Jerusalem, Thessalonica, Philippi,
Colosse, or any of the others? Of course not!
Christ was not withholding information from any
other congregation. The truth is that the entire book is “The
Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to
shew unto his servants…” (Rev. 1:1). By this, He gave
warning and hope to ALL the churches who would read the
book. Christ commanded that it be sent to these seven
without mentioning the others because these specific
churches were symbolic and represented seven Church eras.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

All of the congregations existing during John’s time

were included in the first era and would ultimately have
access to the book. This is another piece of evidence that
these seven churches represent the entire Church over the
course of history.

Other Churches in Asia Minor

When Christ instructed John to send these letters to
the seven congregations, it must be understood that they
were not the only churches of God in the province of Asia
Minor. While the seven were located in cities 30 to 50 miles
apart, there were several other congregations in close
proximity. For example, Hierapolis was located south of
Philadelphia and approximately six miles north of Laodicea.
Colosse was situated eleven miles to the south of Laodicea.
Therefore, the Apostle Paul wrote of them, stating:

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal

for you (the church in Colosse), and them that
are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis
(Colossians 4:13).

Besides Heirapolis and Colosse, two other churches

are noted in history. Magnesia and Tralles were
congregations positioned on this same route connecting the
other churches, but they were not addressed by Christ in the
Scriptures. This means that a minimum of four other
churches existed along this same route.
Knowing this, why did the Messiah only mention
seven? Did He favor the brethren in these seven cities? No!
Christ is without partiality and does not play favorites (Jam.
3:17). We must understand that, in a book of prophecy, the
number seven is symbolic. Since seven is a number that
means complete or whole, these seven churches represent the
entire Church of God. They picture all believers around the
world and throughout time. Thus, Christ likely chose these

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 Evidence for Eras ..

seven congregations from among all those in the province

because they most closely represented the seven Church eras
that would occur down through history.

The Messiah in Their Midst

It is also important to note that Christ is described as
being in the midst of the candlesticks (Rev. 1:13). In the
same passage, He told us plainly that the candlesticks are
the seven churches (Rev. 1:20). Since Christ is, and always
has been, in the midst of the entire Church, this truth stands
as further evidence that these seven represent the entirety of
His Church throughout time. Each candlestick portrays one
era of the Church of God.

The Seven Angels

As the book of Revelation begins, it states that there
are seven stars in Christ’s hand. We are then told that these
stars are “the angels of the seven churches” (Rev. 1:16, 20).
It is preposterous to consider that only the seven churches in
Asia Minor had angels representing them. If each of the
churches in Asia had a separate angel, then the congregations
in Jerusalem, Macedonia, Colosse, Galatia, Heirapolis, and
Rome would also have an angel. If this were the case, Christ
would have been depicted as having a dozen or more stars in
His hand. However, He is shown only with seven.
By this, the prophetic number seven continues to
instruct us. As the seven candlesticks represent the entire
Church throughout history, these seven stars also reflect the
seven angels who would preside over the Church at
respective points in time. Each angel would be responsible
for their specific era when its time arrived.

Who are the Seven Angels?

In the first chapter of Revelation, Christ is described
as being in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands and
having seven stars in His right hand. He explained that “the

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 Evidence for Eras ..

seven stars are the angels of the seven churches” (Rev. 1:20).
Some have thought that these angels are human leaders,
pastors, or apostles of each Church. Others believe that they
are literally angelic spirit beings. What is the truth?
Those who believe the term refers to angelic beings
cite the fact that the Greek word is aggelos meaning “a
messenger; especially an angel” (Strong’s, G32) In addition,
the book of Revelation uses the word 77 times, and nowhere
does it appear to mean other than angelic beings. Also, the
symbol of a star is used to represent angels in several other
verses (Job 38:7; Isa. 14:13; Rev. 9:1).
On the other hand, Strong’s also states that, by
implication, aggelos can mean “a pastor” (G32). In fact, the
Bible occasionally uses the word angel in reference to a
human messenger. In Malachi 2:7 a priest who gives
instruction is called “the messenger of the Lord.” Later, the
individual announcing Christ’s return at the end of the age is
also called a messenger (Mal. 3:1). In Matthew 11:10
aggelos is used to identify John the Baptist. It is used when
referring to the representatives sent to Jesus from John (Luke
7:24). It is also the term used in James 2:25 when speaking
of the spies who were protected by Rahab.
In addition, stars are sometimes a reference to human
beings. For example, in Daniel 12:3, we are told that those
who lead many to righteousness shall shine “as the stars.” In
Jude 1:13, false teachers are called “wandering stars.”
We must also recognize that God has never used a
human to deliver a message to one of His angels. Since
John was told to write “Unto the angel of the church,” it is
unlikely that he wrote messages intended for angelic
beings. God does not need our assistance to instruct His
angels. Christ simply would have relayed these messages to
them Himself.
From this evidence, we recognize that the word
“angels” can refer to both spirit beings and human beings.
This can be confusing, but perhaps a solution can be found in

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 Evidence for Eras ..

the duality that pervades the Bible.

Scripture often sets up a physical representation of
that which is spiritual. There is the earthly reflecting the
heavenly (Rom. 1:20). For example, man on earth is made in
the image of God in heaven. There is a first Adam, and the
second Adam—Christ. There was a physical temple on earth,
and it was patterned after the spiritual in heaven. There was
physical Israel, and later spiritual Israel—the Church. In
light of such duality, is it possible that this same twofold
representation is found in the angels of these churches?
From the example of the damsel who, upon seeing
Peter, thought she had seen his angel; we realize that there
are guardian spirit beings over God’s people. As Peter had an
angel assigned to him, is it possible that each era has both an
angelic being and human messenger associated with it.
Consider that, as servants of the Almighty, the
angels in heaven minister to, protect, and influence the
human heirs to salvation (Heb. 1:14). As the angels in
heaven bring messages from God to men, God’s human
servants also bring messages from God to other human
beings. In this way, the statement, “angels to the seven
churches” could be dual; representing both spirit beings and
human church leaders.

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 Chapter 3
~ Exhibit 3 ~

The Evidence of the

Mail-Route
What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the
seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and
unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira,
and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto
Laodicea.
~ Revelation 1:11 ~

A s Christ dictated these seven letters, John was instructed

to write them in a book (Rev. 1:11). The word “book” is
biblion in the Greek, a term indicating “a roll: - bill, book,
scroll, writing” (Strong’s, G975). Understanding the writing
material of the time, the seven letters were literally recorded
on a single continuous parchment which was delivered to
each of the seven Churches beginning with Ephesus and
proceeding to the next church named in the letters. As the
scroll was unrolled and the letters were read, they were
viewed in the same order that we see in our Bibles today.
The scroll would then continue its route to each successive
church on Christ’s list.
It is interesting to note that the sequence in which
Christ addressed the churches corresponded exactly to the
location of these cities on a mail route in Asia Minor. John
McRay explained this in his work, Archeology and the New
Testament, stating:

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Our study of transportation routes in the province

has been facilitated greatly by a major work on
Roman roads in Asia Minor by David French.
Roads ran up the coast from Ephesus to Smyrna
and Pergamum, and from there a road ran through
the valleys to Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and
Laodicea. It is no accident that the letters in
Revelation 1-3 are arranged in the same sequence.
Beginning with Ephesus, the roads follow a
geographical semicircle, extending northward,
turning to the east, and continuing southward to
Laodicea, thus connecting the cities on what must
have functioned as an ancient postal route. Thus
the order of the list may simply reflect the order in
which the letter would be delivered to the
churches (p. 242).

Mail Route of the Churches

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Since the city of Ephesus was the port of entry for

goods coming into Asia, the scroll containing John’s vision
was first read there. It was then passed on to Smyrna where
the brethren would read the parchment before sending it to
Pergamos. On it went to Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and
finally to Laodicea. Each presiding elder would unroll the
scroll and read through the messages to the previous
churches until he came to the message directed to Christians
in his city.
The way these missives were delivered and read
serves to help us understand their purpose. This pattern
mirrors the order in which they would be read and
understood by the Church throughout the course of human
history. Each era would first read the letters to the churches
that existed before them and thus be able to understand the
circumstances of the preceding era. Then, they would come
to the epistle addressed to them. They could then apply
Christ’s message of exhortation and warning to the events
and circumstances of their time.
Had Christ addressed the churches in any other order
than the sequence in which they received their mail, there
would be little or no basis for a belief in eras. Small as this
fact may seem, it is of enormous importance. Christ dictated
the letters in the exact order in which they would be received
on this mail-route, and they were read in this very same
sequence for a reason. As will be shown later, these seven
congregations were specifically chosen because their
characteristics coincided with the record of Church history.
Since these messages were placed in a book that is
entirely prophetic, and in view of the historical parallel, it
becomes obvious that this progression also serves a symbolic
and prophetic function. The order in which the letters were
received foreshadows the same successive pattern in which
eras of God’s Church would occur. Thus, we have further
evidence of successive Church eras.

25
 Chapter 4
~ Exhibit 4 ~

The Evidence of
Sevens in Succession
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are,
and the things which shall be hereafter;
~ Revelation 1:19 ~

od’s purpose for recording the book of Revelation was

G to reveal events that would begin during the time of
John and continue throughout the course of human history. In
fulfilling this purpose, He revealed seven separate categories
of prophesy. Within each of these categories are seven
related events—all of which would take place in
chronological succession.

Seven Seals—a Progression through Time

The Apostle John explained that in heaven there
exists a scroll with unique seals. As John described his
vision, he explained that only Christ can open the seals to
reveal the events they conceal:

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the

throne a book written within and on the backside,
sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel
proclaiming with a loud voice, who is worthy to
open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And
no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the
earth, was able to open the book, neither to look

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 Evidence for Eras .

thereon. And I wept much, because no man was

found worthy to open and to read the book,
neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith
unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe
of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to
open the book, and to loose the seven seals
thereof (Revelation 5:1-5).

Each of the seals obscures a specific prophecy from

view. As Christ systematically removes them, the scroll
reveals a new and different calamity. Thus, each successive
seal divulges events that occur in chronological order.
The first seal revealed a white horse whose rider
carries a bow and wears a crown that was given to him
(Rev. 6:2). Armed with authority and weapons of war, he
goes forth conquering. While some have speculated that the
white color portrays religious purity, and therefore
represents Christ, this cannot be the case. Although the
Messiah returns on a white horse, He is described as having
many crowns and a supernatural sword coming from His
mouth, not a man-made weapon of war (Rev. 19:11-15).
Instead, this white horse is one of four banes that would
befall humanity. As Jesus previously prophesied, this horse
represents a false religion, cloaked with the appearance of
righteousness (Mat. 24:4-5).
When Christ opened the second seal, a red horse
appeared whose rider was given the ability to take peace
from the earth (Rev. 6:4). The rider’s great sword and the
horse’s blood-red color prefigure wars and rumors of wars
(Mat. 24:6).
The opening of the third seal unleashed a black horse
whose rider weighs out portions of food (Rev. 6:5-6). This
dark imagery pictures a war scorched earth—land that is no
longer able to produce food. The rider carries a set of
balances portraying a world in which famine permeates
much of the planet (Mat. 24:7).

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 Evidence for Eras .

The fourth seal revealed a pale horse whose rider was

given the name Death and the grave followed him (Rev. 6:8).
The Greek word for “pale” is chlōros and is defined as
“greenish” (Strong’s, G5515). It is the same root word from
which we derive our term chlorophyll. Its hue foreshadows
sickness—disease epidemics that commonly follow war and
famine. From this we can understand the meaning of the pale
horse. It portrays a terrible pestilence that is prophesied to
ravage the earth and lead to the death of untold numbers.

Seals in Succession
The fulfillment of these prophetic events began
shortly after Christ ascended to heaven. Having the
appearance of purity and claiming that Jesus was the
Messiah, false ministers soon arose preaching a false Christ
and a false gospel. Posing as ministers of righteousness, their
perverted message would continue deceiving people until the
very end (Mat. 24:5, 24-26; 2Cor. 11:4, 13-15).
In 70 A.D. war came to Jerusalem and with it terrible
famine. Some inhabitants of the holy city turned to

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 Evidence for Eras .

cannibalism and literally ate their own children. As a

consequence of war and famine, disease epidemics followed
bringing death to many.
However, the fall of Jerusalem was not the end of
these prophecies. It was only the beginning! These terrible
events have continued down through time and have
increased in scope and frequency. Tragically, they will
continue in this same order and the four horsemen will ride
hard and heavy as we near the triumphant return of Christ.
Eventually, these first four seals will dramatically affect the
entire world’s population. As Christ foretold:

... And power was given unto them over the fourth
part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with
hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the
earth (Revelation 6:8).

As the next seals are loosed and their corresponding

events are examined, it is impossible to escape the
conclusion that they occur in a successive order. The fifth
seal becomes more specific to the last days:

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw

under the altar the souls of them that were slain
for the word of God, and for the testimony which
they held: and they cried with a loud voice,
saying, how long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou
not judge and avenge our blood on them that
dwell on the earth? And white robes were given
unto every one of them; and it was said unto them,
that they should rest yet for a little season, until
their fellowservants also and their brethren, that
should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled
(Revelation 6:9-11).

The opening of this seal revealed the martyrdom of

God’s saints. Notice that this verse looks back to the

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 Evidence for Eras .

faithful people of God who were killed in the past.

However, it also foretold the future murder of God’s elect.
In fact, a terrible time of martyrdom is yet to come; during
the great tribulation!
As the sixth seal is opened, we see a onetime event
that will only occur at the end of the age. This seal is a
dramatic sign to all mankind—a warning that Christ’s
return is near:

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal,

and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the
sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the
moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven
fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her
untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty
wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when
it is rolled together; and every mountain and
island were moved out of their places. And the
kings of the earth, and the great men, and the
rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty
men, and every bondman, and every free man,
hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of
the mountains; And said to the mountains and
rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of
Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the
wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his
wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
(Revelation 6:12-17).

This sixth seal serves as a terrifying wake up call. It

is a frightening reminder to mankind that God’s wrath is
about to be inflicted on a hostile world filled with sin.
Finally, the seventh seal is opened to conclude this
series of traumatic prophetic events. However, the
devastation does not end here. This seventh seal begins
another round of seven even more powerful and destructive
plagues that will afflict a defiant humanity:

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 Evidence for Eras .

When he had opened the seventh seal, there was

silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
And I saw the seven angels which stood before
God; and to them were given seven trumpets
(Revelation 8:1-2).

In times of great tragedy, people sometimes pause

for a moment to show respect and reflect on the severity of
what has occurred. The following trumpet plagues are of
such enormity that the angelic realm is absolutely silent for
half an hour.
Imagine the entirety of heaven pausing to consider
what has brought the world and its inhabitants to this
moment. As the Almighty pauses, He ponders the enormous
magnitude of the action He must now take against the earth
and the people that He has always loved (John 3:16).

Seven Trumpet Plagues

As the seventh and final seal was opened, John
witnessed seven trumpet plagues that will literally blast a
defiant earth into submission. Notice again that each trumpet
is blown in succession. As each trump sounds, it signals a
new and awesome destructive plague hurled at the earth:

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail

and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast
upon the earth: and the third part of trees was
burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. And
the second angel sounded, and as it were a great
mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea:
and the third part of the sea became blood; And
the third part of the creatures which were in the
sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the
ships were destroyed. And the third angel
sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven,
burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the
third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of

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 Evidence for Eras .

waters; And the name of the star is called

Wormwood: and the third part of the waters
became wormwood; and many men died of the
waters, because they were made bitter. And the
fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the
sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon,
and the third part of the stars; so as the third part
of them was darkened, and the day shone not for
a third part of it, and the night likewise
(Revelation 8:7-12).

Terrible as these four plagues will be, more terror and

destruction will come. Before the fifth trumpet is blown, an
angel flies through the midst of heaven announcing that the
next three blasts are so devastating that they are called woes
(Rev. 8:13).
When the fifth angel sounds, the bottomless pit is
opened. This symbolism likely portrays the demons who
have been imprisoned for thousands of years being released
in the form of hideous locusts (2Pet. 2:4). These supernatural
creatures will torture men for five months which is,
coincidentally, the normal life-span of one of these insects.
The pain inflicted by these creatures will be so great that
those who have been stung will wish for death, yet their
anguish will be aggravated by the fact that they cannot die
(Rev. 9:1-12).
The sixth trumpet then sounds bringing the second
woe upon mankind. An army consisting of two hundred
million men will wreak havoc on humanity. The ensuing war
will be so devastating that it will destroy one third of the
world’s remaining population (Rev. 9:13-21).
Finally, the seventh trump will sound and the third
woe will be unleashed upon humankind.

The second woe is past; and, behold, the third

woe cometh quickly. And the seventh angel
sounded; and there were great voices in

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 Evidence for Eras .

heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are

become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his
Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever
(Revelation 11:14-15).

The seventh trumpet signals the fulfillment of several

prophesied events. As its blast rends the air, the earth is put
on notice. The Almighty God is about to reclaim the world
that has been ruled by Satan for 6,000 years.
This trumpet also fulfills the great hope of God’s
servants from the beginning of time. Like an alarm clock set
to raise the sleeping dead, the sound of this trump will signal
the highly anticipated first resurrection. Not only will the
dead in Christ be raised, but those faithful who are still alive
will be miraculously changed (1Ths. 4:16-17).
Like the trumpet sounded at the coronation of Israel’s
kings, this last trump will also announce the ordination of
those whom God will inaugurate as kings and priests in His
government on the earth. God will raise His chosen and
crown them as rulers under Christ (Rev. 5:10). This final
blast will also serve as a call to the wedding supper and the
marriage of the Lamb. However, this does not fulfill all this
trump portends. Its blare is also a sound of war. It is a
warning to the world of yet another round of devastating
plagues. As John witnessed:

I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous,

seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in
them is filled up the wrath of God (Revelation
15:1).

Amazing as they are, and as devastating as they will

be, the trumpet plagues do not fill up the wrath of God that
has been generated by the iniquity of man! God’s anger will
not be fulfilled until another round of seven dreadful plagues
has been completed.

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 Evidence for Eras .

The Seven Bowl Plagues

After the resurrection, and during the marriage supper,
another series of seven divine punishments are destined to
take place. The Apostle John explained that Christ will direct
seven angels to pour out seven bowls—the last plagues to rain
down upon a pummeled, yet still defiant people:

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon
the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous
sore upon the men which had the mark of the
beast… And the second angel poured out his vial
upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead
man: and every living soul died in the sea. And the
third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and
fountains of waters; and they became blood… And
the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun;
and power was given unto him to scorch men with
fire. And men were scorched with great heat…
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the
seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of
darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for
pain… And the sixth angel poured out his vial
upon the great river Euphrates; and the water
thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of
the east might be prepared. And I saw three
unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of
the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and
out of the mouth of the false prophet… And the
seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and
there came a great voice out of the temple of
heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And
there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings;
and there was a great earthquake, such as was not
since men were upon the earth, so mighty an
earthquake, and so great… the cities of the nations
fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance
before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of
the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled

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 Evidence for Eras .

away, and the mountains were not found. And

there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven,
every stone about the weight of a talent: and men
blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail;
for the plague thereof was exceeding great
(Revelation 16:2-21).

The book of Revelation reveals a sequence of seven

seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls; all of which are in
successive order. However, these are not the only sevens in
this unique book of prophecy. There are four other sets of
sevens which also occur in succession.

Seven Thunders
The book of Revelation speaks of seven thunders that
will utter their voices. Many have wondered what these
represent. Can we know, or are they destined to remain a
mystery until their utterance finally rumbles on this earth? The
Apostle John wrote:

And I saw another mighty angel come down from

heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was
upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun,
and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his
hand a little book open: and he set his right foot
upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And
cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth:
and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered
their voices. And when the seven thunders had
uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I
heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal
up those things which the seven thunders uttered,
and write them not (Revelation 10:1-4).

Because God commanded their utterance to be

sealed, we can only speculate on the meaning of these
thunders. However, the Almighty does give us clues. By

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 Evidence for Eras .

comparing these verses with other related Scriptures, we can

understand what these thunders might be.
First, consider that the angel has one foot on the land
and the other on the sea. Only after the angel cries out do the
thunders begin to sound. Therefore, we can conclude that the
thunders take place on the earth.
Next, consider that the seven thunders “uttered their
voices.” This is the Greek expression laleō heautou phōnē,
and means to talk, preach, or speak with a tone or voice in
the form of language (Strong’s, G2980; G1438, G5456). The
original word for “voices” is conveying the idea of
disclosing a thing to others by the use of spoken word. This
tells us that when John was told not to write what the
thunders declared, he must have heard a message that was
spoken in a language he could understand. But, exactly who,
or what, proclaims these seven thunderous messages?
The timing of these utterances gives us insight. The
Scriptures reveal that the seven thunders take place before
the seventh trumpet sounds. As John explained:

The angel which I saw stand upon the sea and

upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And
sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who
created heaven, and the things that therein are, and
the earth, and the things that therein are, and the
sea, and the things which are therein, that there
should be time no longer: But in the days of the
voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin
to sound, the mystery of God should be
finished, as he hath declared to his servants the
prophets (Revelation 10:5-7).

By these verses we see the seven thunders take place

during the great tribulation. Understanding that powerful
messages from God are thundering at this time, who is
mightily proclaiming God’s truth during this period of
enormous upheaval? The answer is found in the very next

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 Evidence for Eras .

chapter where God reveals two end-time prophets sent to

preach to the world. They are known as the two witnesses.
As John wrote:

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and

they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and
threescore days, clothed in sackcloth… And if any
man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their
mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any
man will hurt them, he must in this manner be
killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it
rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have
power over waters to turn them to blood, and to
smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they
will (Revelation 11:3-6).

These two servants of God will openly preach the

truth with passion and power during the great tribulation.
During their ministry, they will indict and warn a rebellious
world filled with iniquity. As Moses and Aaron confronted
Jannes and Jambres, these two prophets will also
courageously confront Satan’s human instruments—the beast
and false prophet!
As a means of protection, God will give the two
witnesses powers similar to those He gave to Moses and
Elijah. They will be able to turn rivers to blood, stop and
start the rain at will, and call fire down from heaven to
strike their enemies. During a rainstorm, and when
lightning strikes, it is followed by loud peals of thunder. In
this context, it certainly appears there is a correlation
between the miracles performed by the two witnesses and
the seven thunders.

Sons of Thunder
In light of this truth, it is interesting to consider the
time when Jesus called the twelve disciples to a mountain
alone where He ordained them as the twelve apostles. A

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 Evidence for Eras .

rarely observed detail also took place on that day which

provides another clue to the mystery surrounding the seven
thunders. Christ gave a unique surname to the disciples,
James and John:

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the

brother of James; and he surnamed them
Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder
(Mark 3:17).

Why did Christ give this unique title to James and

John? It may well have been that the Savior called these two
disciples by this term because of a specific experience they
shared while on a trip through Samaria.
At that time the Jews hated the Samaritans. In fact,
they would go to great lengths, even traveling many miles
out of their way, to avoid any contact with them. The Savior
had no such hatred, and He took the natural, shorter, route
through Samaria on His way to Jerusalem. Knowing that He
was Jewish and that His destination was Jerusalem, the
Samaritans refused to accept Him in one of their towns.
When these two disciples witnessed this, they suggested an
unusual response, saying:

Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come

down from heaven, and consume them, even as
Elias did? (Luke 9:54).

These two disciples wanted Jesus to give them the

miraculous power to call fire down from heaven like the
prophet Elijah. After this incident, Christ did not call these
two the sons of fire, sons of lightning, or sons of Elijah. He
called them “the sons of thunder.”
Could it be that, when James and John desired to call
fire down from heaven, it reminded Jesus of the power He
will give the two witnesses? Is it possible that sons of

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 Evidence for Eras .

thunder is the name used in heaven to refer to the two

witnesses, and that is why the request of these two disciples
prompted Jesus to affectionately call them by this term?
With this as a backdrop, could it be that the seven
thunders will occur when the two witnesses are forced to use
their God-given power? When they choose to stop or start
the rain, will the ensuing downpour be accompanied by a
rumbling roar? When they are attacked, will peals of thunder
follow as they call fire down from heaven? Do these
turbulent events occur seven times during the tribulation as
the two witnesses preach an indicting message to the world?
If so, it would make perfect sense for God to command John
not to record these profound messages. If the meanings were
disclosed, they might reveal the identities and events that
were to take place before the appropriate time.
One thing is certain. If all the thunders were uttered
at the same time, their message would be indistinguishable.
It would even be difficult to tell how many thunders there
were. These seven thunders must have been separate and
clear messages. The Apostle John heard them and was
about to write their messages before God ordered him to
stop. From this we can be assured that, like all the previous
categories of prophecy, the seven thunders will also occur
in succession.

Seven Kingdoms of the Beast

As John’s vision continued to play out, another
series of sevens was revealed. This next prophetical
category begins by describing a terrifying creature that is
empowered by Satan the devil. The Apostle John described
his vision, stating:

I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast

rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and
ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and
upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the

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 Evidence for Eras .

beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his

feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as
the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his
power, and his seat, and great authority
(Revelation 13:1-2).

John described the features of this beast as having the

likeness of a lion, a bear, and a leopard. Can we know who
or what this symbolic monster is? The answer is yes! We can
identify this beast by comparing John’s description with the
identical features of the beasts found in the book of Daniel.
God’s prophet of old saw these same creatures in a dream,
and wrote:

And four great beasts came up from the sea,

diverse one from another. The first was like a lion,
and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings
thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the
earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and
a man's heart was given to it. And behold another
beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up
itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the
mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said
thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I
beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had
upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast
had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a
fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong
exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it
devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the
residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from
all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten
horns (Daniel 7:3-7).

The four creatures Daniel saw represent four specific

empires; one of which was further split into four separate
entities. These beasts correspond to King Nebuchadnezzar’s

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 Evidence for Eras .

dream whose image Daniel interpreted to represent four

political powers that would rise and fall over time.
The lion pictured the strong and fierce Babylonian
empire. The bear reflected the Persian Empire whose people
migrated into Russia; leaving their symbol of the bear as this
nation’s logo. The winged leopard pictured the Greek Empire
whose first king, Alexander the Great, used blitzkrieg-like
speed to attack and bring other nations under his control. The
four heads of this leopard represent the four-fold division of
Alexander’s empire by his four generals after his death.
Finally, this fourth dreadful creature represents the powerful
Roman Empire.
Just as God’s revelation to Daniel foretold, the rise of
these empires took place in successive order, culminating in
the great Roman Empire. The following graph depicts the
seven heads of the beast, and the empires they represent.

Head Symbol Ruler Empire

First head Lion Nebuchadnezzar Babylon
Second head Bear Cyrus Persia
Third head Leopard Seleucid Syria
Fourth head Leopard Lycimachus Asia Minor
Fifth head Leopard Cassander Macedonia
Sixth head Leopard Ptolemy Egypt
Seventh head Dreadful Caesar Rome

From Daniel’s vision, we learn that the beast

described in the book of Revelation symbolizes a federation
of gentile nations. God often refers to these nations in terms
of wild animals because they rip and tear at each other in
acts of war. This final beast will be no different. It will be an
unholy political, military, and economic system that is a

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 Evidence for Eras .

composite of those empires that preceded it. As John’s vision

continues, we are informed that this last kingdom would
suffer a fatal wound, but that wound would be healed:

I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to

death; and his deadly wound was healed: and
all the world wondered after the beast
(Revelation 13:3).

This deadly wound occurred when Rome fell in 476

A.D. Uneducated, barbaric tribes consisting of the Vandals,
Ostrogoths, and Heruli repeatedly attacked the weakened
empire until it finally collapsed in defeat—Rome fell!
However, this fourth beast was prophesied to live again, but
its restoration would occur in seven separate revivals.

Seven Resurrections of the Roman Empire

Savage tribes dealt Rome a deadly wound, but this
dreadful empire would not remain dead for long. Destined to
rise again, the kingdom was restored in 554 by Emperor
Justinian. However, with this restoration he brought
something new—an intimate relationship with a religious
entity. From this time forward the kingdom would no longer
be known as Rome. It would now be recognized as the “Holy
Roman Empire.”
This relationship of a blasphemous church and state
is reflected in John’s vision in which he sees the symbol of a
woman riding a beast:

There came one of the seven angels which had the

seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me,
Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment
of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
With whom the kings of the earth have committed
fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have
been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
So he carried me away in the spirit into the

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 Evidence for Eras .

wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet

coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy,
having seven heads and ten horns. And the
woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour,
and decked with gold and precious stones and
pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of
abominations and filthiness of her fornication
(Revelation 17:1-4).

Who is this woman riding the beast? Prophetically, a

woman symbolizes a church (Eph. 5:31-32). For example,
the book of Revelation used this same personification 18
times in its 22 chapters. In some of these instances, the
woman represents God’s Church. In other cases, it reflects a
counterfeit faith. In Revelation 17, the woman is a symbol
of a great false religious system that rides a beast—the
Roman Empire.
This end-time beast has seven heads and ten horns.
The seven heads refer to seven revivals of Holy Roman
Empire. The first of these was the imperial restoration by
Justinian. The Frankish Kingdom followed, and then came
the Empire under Otto the Great. After this, the Hapsburg
dynasty arose, followed by Napoleon’s kingdom. Garibaldi’s
empire formed next, and it was ruled by the two tyrannical
leaders—Hitler and Mussolini.
The final revival of the Roman Empire will take
place when ten horns, or nations, give their power to a single
man. It is this seventh head and this beast that the Church of
God understands to be the king who has “not yet come”—the
end-time empire of the beast and false prophet (Rev. 16:13;
19:20; 20:10).

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 Evidence for Eras .

Head Leader Date

First head Justinian 554 A.D.

Second head Frankish Kingdom 800 A.D.

Third head Otto the Great 962 A.D.

Fourth head Hapsburg dynasty 1520 A.D.

Fifth head Napoleon 1805 A.D.

Axis Powers
Sixth head 1930 A.D.
(Hitler and Mussolini)

Seventh head Yet to Come ------

The Seven letters to Seven Churches

So far, six categories of prophecy have been
presented, and each one includes seven events that play out
in a chronological sequence. God consistently uses this
pattern of seven throughout the book of Revelation.
Understanding this, we should expect there to be one more
category of prophecy consisting of seven sequential events to
complete God’s precedent of using sets of seven, and only
one category can fulfill this pattern—the seven messages to
the seven churches!
Thus, the first set of seven presented in John’s vision
is the prophetic category of God’s Church. Understanding
that the number seven pictures completion, these churches
must represent the entire Church throughout time. In
addition, the letters to the Churches follow the same exact
pattern as the other six categories of prophecy. The seven
letters are related events that play out in chronological
succession. The fact that there are seven sets of seven in the
book of Revelation is another profound evidence for eras.

45
 Evidence for Eras .

 7 Church Eras
 7 Seals
 7 Trumpet plagues
 7 Bowl plagues
 7 Thunders
 7 Kingdoms of the Beast
 7 Resurrections of the
Roman Empire

46
 Chapter 5
~ Exhibit 5 ~

The Evidence of
Christ’s Imminent
Return
Behold, I come quickly:hold that fast which thou hast,
that no man take thy crown.
~ Revelation 3:11 ~

A nother compelling piece of evidence for Church eras is

the fact that the end-time is not discussed in every
letter. Only the last four mention Christ’s return. Of those,
the events immediately preceding His arrival become a focal
point in the letters to the last two churches. The theme of
Christ’s return is of such prominence in the last letters
because their message is intended for those who would live
at the end of the age and witness this monumental event.
While Christ does mention His return to the first
three churches, it is not in the context of returning to
establish the Kingdom on earth. Instead, He speaks of
intervening to rebuke them for their lack of faithful
obedience. Notice His words to these congregations:

To Ephesus
I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy
candlestick out of his place, except thou repent
(Revelation 2:5).

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 Evidence for Eras ..

While Christ does speak of coming quickly to

Ephesus, He did not refer to His triumphant return. As a result
of their waning love for God, the Messiah threatened to
remove their candlestick—their light to the world.

To Smyrna
…and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of
life (Revelation 2:10).

Christ spoke of Smyrna having tribulation for ten

days. This is not the tribulation that comes upon the entire
world during the end time. Instead, the Messiah spoke of a
great trial that would come upon this second era of the
Church. He admonishes them to be faithful, and promises a
reward for their courageous endurance.

To Pergamos
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and
will fight against them with the sword of my
mouth (Revelation 2:16).

To this era Christ said He will come to fight against

them if they do not repent. Again, He is not speaking of the
time when He comes to set up His Kingdom on earth.
Instead, He was threatening these people with a reprimand;
warning them to repent of their polluted religious practice or
suffer the consequences.
Only after His first three letters does Christ begin to
speak of His second coming. He exhorted Thyatira to hold
fast till He returns. He warned Sardis that He will descend
upon them as a thief. Philadelphia is admonished to hold fast
because He comes quickly. Finally, speaking to Laodicea,
Christ implied that they will have to endure the great
tribulation before His dramatic intervention in man’s affairs.
Notice His words to these last four churches.

48
 Evidence for Eras ..

To Thyatira
But that which ye have already hold fast till I
come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my
works unto the end, to him will I give power over
the nations (Revelation 2:25-26).

To Sardis
Remember therefore how thou hast received and
heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou
shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and
thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon
thee (Revelation 3:3).

As the letters progress through each of the last four

churches, the emphasis on the return of Christ becomes
greater. The messages to the 4th and 5th churches indicate that
individuals from these eras will be alive during the end.
However, when the last two are addressed, the end
time becomes a central issue. The subject of the great
tribulation takes precedence in these final messages.

To Philadelphia
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I
also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,
which shall come upon all the world, to try them
that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come
quickly… (Revelation 3:10-11).

Enormous passion for God motivates the

Philadelphians to consistently strive to overcome. These
people refuse to let down, even during the lax period prior to
sudden destruction when peace and safety is proclaimed
(1Ths. 5:3). God tells them that, because they faithfully keep
His Word, He will keep them from this terrible time of trial
and punishment.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

To Laodicea
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that
thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou
mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy
nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with
eyesalve, that thou mayest see (Revelation 3:18).

The Savior also spoke of the tribulation to Laodicea

warning them that, because of their self-satisfied, lukewarm
attitude, He will spew them out of His mouth. He then
admonishes them to repent immediately so that they will not
have to suffer being brutally tested, tried, and even martyred!
In other words, if they do not put forth the effort at
this time, the merciful Christ will still give them the
opportunity to obtain the righteous character they failed to
develop. However, now they will have to build moral fiber in
the great tribulation, and the Messiah advises them to “buy
gold tried in the fire” (Rev. 3:18).
The symbols of gold and fire are of enormous
significance. The Bible reveals gold to be symbolic of
righteous character (1Cor. 3:12-15). Fire is used as a symbol
for trial or tribulation (1Pet. 4:12). As fire refines gold, the
tribulation will be Christ’s instrument to refine the character
of those lukewarm members of His Church.
The last two letters indicate that Philadelphia and
Laodicea both exist during the time of the great tribulation.
This terrible time of trial begins a period of 3½ years before
the resurrection of the saints (Dan. 12:7; Rev. 12:14). The
Church of Philadelphia is promised protection from this
horrific trial. Laodicea must endure it in order to achieve
their place in the first resurrection.
The letters to the last two churches should be all the
evidence needed to confirm the doctrine of Church eras!
These final missives undeniably speak of end-time events,
and yet the churches that once existed in these ancient cities
have long ago disappeared.

50
 Evidence for Eras ..

Philadelphia Today

Laodicea Today

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Obviously, these last two messages were not intended

for the churches in John’s day. The words of warning and
admonition contained in them were meant for those who
would live during the end-time. They were written to us!

The Two Witnesses

Another point of interest reinforces the fact that these
last letters were intended for Christians living at the end of
the age. In the beginning of the book of Revelation, Christ
revealed Himself as being in the midst of the seven
candlesticks or lamp stands. He then stated that these lamp
stands were the churches (Rev. 1:20).
The Scriptures also show us that, at the end of the
age, only two lamp stands will be reflecting God’s light to
this spiritually dark world. Christ began to illustrate this
point in Revelation 11 where He spoke of the ministry of the
two witnesses. In so doing, He made this curious statement:

And I will give power unto my two witnesses,

and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred
and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These
are the two olive trees, and the two
candlesticks standing before the God of the
earth (Revelation 11:3-4).

Christ stated that the two end-time witnesses are “the

two candlesticks.” However, He also stated that “the
candlesticks are the churches” (Rev. 1:20). Therefore, the
two witnesses are directly associated with the two churches.
Could this mean they are leaders or representatives of these
two assemblies?
The answer begins to emerge as we explore the book
of Zechariah where lamps and olive trees are also mentioned.
With the understanding that the term “candlesticks” actually
refer to lamp stands, the prophet Zechariah relates a unique
vision from God, stating:

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 Evidence for Eras ..

I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of

gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven
lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven
lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two
olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the
bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
So I answered and spake to the angel that talked
with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then
the angel that talked with me answered and said
unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I
said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake
unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by
power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts
(Zechariah 4:2-6).

Here, God is speaking to Zerubbabel who was chosen

as governor to restore the temple during the time of Ezra and
Nehemiah. Zerubbabel must have felt completely
overwhelmed facing such a monumental task. In this context,
the angel reminds this great man that the work of God is
accomplished by the power of God’s Holy Spirit and not by
the strength of men.
Since God’s Spirit works through men, this vision
includes the two olive trees. Oil is a symbol of God’s spirit
(Mat. 25:1-5), and the olive trees symbolize the source of oil
feeding two of the seven lamps. As Christ had stated, these
olive trees and the lamp stands are the two witnesses—
leaders who will feed the end-time Church.

On the Right and Left Side

It is important to note that this lamp stand has seven
individual lamps, and each is fed by one of seven separate
golden pipes. Since each olive tree feeds only one lamp, only
two lamps are burning at this time. This reveals that during
the end-time fulfillment of these verses, only two churches

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 Evidence for Eras ..

will be shining their lights to the world. As the angel

continues to explain:

Then answered I, and said unto him, What are

these two olive trees upon the right side of the
candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And
I answered again, and said unto him, What be
these two olive branches which through the two
golden pipes empty the golden oil out of
themselves? And he answered me and said,
Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No,
my lord. Then said he, These are the two
anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the
whole earth (Zechariah 4:11-14).

Like a jigsaw puzzle slowly coming together to

reveal a clear picture, these verses in Zechariah complete
those in the book of Revelation. The two olive trees are
individuals who are anointed by God and set apart for His
holy use. That use is to feed the two lamps—the churches.
Thus, the spirit of each church and the light provided by the
message each preaches is fueled by God’s Holy Spirit
flowing through these two individuals.
With this understanding, it is interesting to note that
the two olive trees are not found standing side by side.
Instead, one is on the right and the other on the left. Could
it be that this is also symbolic? Does this reflect that each
one is associated with a different era—either Philadelphia
or Laodicea? Is it possible this separation is indicative of
the conservative as opposed to the liberal element in the
church? Could this mean that, while one more
conscientiously adheres to the scriptures, the other takes
more liberties in how they live? If so, the difference in zeal
certainly would be expressed in Christ’s admonishment to
each of these churches.
It is evident that the two witnesses are the two olive
trees, the two anointed ones, and they are inextricably tied to

54
 Evidence for Eras ..

the two end-time churches! This means they are the

representatives of the two churches. While the two witnesses
are but men, through the power of the Holy Spirit, they are
able to fuel God’s last light and witness to the world before
Christ’s return.
Since these churches no longer exist in Asia Minor,
and because Philadelphia and Laodicea are shown to be
associated with the two end-time witnesses, there can be no
other conclusion. The letters addressed to them could not
have been written solely to Christians living during the
lifetime of the Apostle John. They must have been intended
for specific eras of God’s Church in existence during the
climactic return of our Savior.

55
 Chapter 6
~Exhibit 6 ~

The Evidence of History

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and
there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient
times the things that are not yet done, saying, My
counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
~ Isaiah 46:9-10 ~

P erhaps the greatest evidence for eras is found within the

historical narrative. When these seven letters are
compared with the actual chronology of the New Testament
Church, we find that the historical account parallels Christ’s
message to the churches.
Before comparing the history of the Church to the
letters in Revelation, notice that Christ addressed each
congregation separately. Every assembly is referred to by the
name of the city in which it was located. Embedded in each
name is the predominant trait the Church would display
during its respective eras. As Christ made this association,
He described Himself as the One who remained faithful
while experiencing similar circumstances. By His example,
the Savior conveyed a valuable lesson to each era.
The following chart demonstrates this unique
relationship comparing the name of the church, its primary
characteristic, Christ’s description of Himself, and the lesson
to be learned.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Church Meaning of Trait of

Name the Name the Church

The one
Ephesus She lost her desire
desired

They experienced bitter

Smyrna Bitterness persecution, prison,
and death

They allowed stumbling

Lifted up
Pergamos blocks such as idols and
high
spiritual fornication

They feared to make the

sacrifice of standing apart
Thyatira Sacrifice from corrupted Christians and
committed spiritual
fornication

They still have the name

Sardis Remnant Church of God, but are dead
in their works

Brotherly They patiently keep

Philadelphia
love God’s Word

The people A people who judge and who

Laodicea
judge are fit for judgment

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 Evidence for Eras ..

How Christ Describes A Lesson in

Himself the Names
He is always with them. He loves
He walks in the midst
them, but the love of many grows
of the candlesticks
cold (Mat. 24:12)

He is the first who rose They are not the first nor will they
from the dead be the last to rise from the dead.

This Church sat up high, but

He fights against them allowed members to stumble by
with His sharp sword their laxness. Christ would cut
them down.
Failing to make the sacrifice of
His feet are like burning
standing up for the truth, they
brass, His eyes like a
must make a sacrifice in the fiery
flaming fire
trial of tribulation.
This Church is a remnant. They
He has the seven spirits
have lost much, but Christ has lost
and the seven stars
nothing (John 6:39).

By keeping God’s Word they are

He that is holy
judged to be holy and true. Christ
and true
considers them His brothers.

They are lukewarm toward the

things of God. They judge people
He is the faithful and
and doctrine by their own criteria.
true witness
They will suffer God’s judgment
and many will be martyred.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

- The Church of Ephesus -

Born in the first century, this first era of the New
Testament Church was filled with the excitement generated
by personal experience. Many Christians were eyewitnesses
to the arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Having seen
the miracles of the apostolic age and the transforming power
of God in their lives, they were on fire for God. They took
their calling seriously as they supported the apostles who
preached the gospel throughout the empire.
As the name of this era implies, Christ had a great
desire for them. One of the gifts arising from His love was
that they were taught by two leading servants of God—Paul
and John. However, it is their waning love that becomes the
Messiah’s primary concern:

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;

These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars
in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the
seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and
thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst
not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried
them which say they are apostles, and are not, and
hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast
patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured,
and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have
somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love. Remember therefore from whence thou
art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or
else I will come unto thee quickly, and will
remove thy candlestick out of his place, except
thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the
deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith
unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I
give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst
of the paradise of God (Revelation 2:1-7).

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Losing Their First Love

Inspired by the Holy Spirit after the day of Pentecost,
the Church was electric with passion at the expectation of
Christ’s return. As time passed, circumstances did not turn
out as expected. The Messiah did not return during their age
and they became disheartened.
It was during this era, in approximately 58-59 A.D., a
sixteen year old, paranoid child named Nero ascended to the
throne in Rome. During the first year of his reign, Nero’s
paranoia led him to kill his mother. Then, in 64 A.D., with a
desire to rebuild Rome, he set a section of the city on fire.
The blaze burned viciously. Hundreds died, and thousands
lost their homes and belongings.
After six days, the inferno was thought to be
extinguished, but it broke out once again and raged for
another three days. Some of the soldiers were aware that
Nero had ordered the fire to be set. Word began to leak out,
and the Emperor had to do something to shift the blame.
Christians became the perfect target.
The Church had publicly taught that Rome was the
seat of evil and that Christ would return and burn the city
with unquenchable fire. Some believed this conflagration
was the beginning of Christ’s prophesied punishment.
Consequently, they refused to help extinguish the blaze.
They were convinced it was the work of God. In his book
titled Nero the Singing Emperor of Rome, Arthur Weigall
related the Christian sentiment during this tragic time for
God’s people:

Also, it was reported that during the blaze, when

asked by their distracted fellowmen if, then they
were glad to see Rome burn, they had replied
that this was heaven's fiery vengeance for which
they were waiting, nor would they raise a hand to
extinguish the flames. The Lord's immediate
return, in actual fact, was the main spring of their

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 Evidence for Eras ..

faith, the Second Coming being the supreme

event which the elect were hourly expecting; and
so great a disaster could not have been thought to
be anything but the beginning of this tremendous
advent. They thought Jesus was coming! The
heavens would open now at any moment, and
they would see Him riding upon the fiery clouds
(pp. 295-296).

Statuary of Nero
64 AD

Because of their open discontent toward Rome, the

Church became the perfect scapegoat for Nero. This
emotionally disturbed child-king began to publicly blame the
Christians for the fire. The persecution became so
widespread that it resulted in horrific and sadistic
entertainment for the pleasure of the perverted emperor. As
the famous historian Tacitus wrote:

Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most

exquisite tortures on a class hated for their
abominations, called Christians by the
populace… Mockery of every sort was added to

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 Evidence for Eras ..

their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts,

they were torn by dogs and perished, or were
nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames
and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination,
when daylight had expired. Nero offered his
gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a
show in the circus, while he mingled with the
people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft
on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved
extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a
feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it
seemed, for the public good, but to glut one
man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed
(Annals, XV, 44).

Christians became the subject of persecution

throughout the empire. Yet, this was not the only difficulty
the new Church faced.

False Apostles and Nicolaitians

Having absorbed some of the Christian beliefs into
their faith, some Gnostic teachers appointed themselves to
the office of apostle and began to preach a perverted gospel.
The propagation of truth mixed with error had a profound
effect on the Church’s struggle to survive during this era. As
Christians experienced this influx of Gnosticism, the faithful
resisted the intrusion, but ultimately the false teaching took
its toll.
Chief among these heresies was that of the Gnostic
teacher Nicholas. While he did not live in, or attend, the
Church in Ephesus, he was one of the first antinomians (a
sect which taught against the law). This movement
infiltrated the entire church; infecting many believers in the
first century.
Like other Gnostics, Nicolas came to believe that
anything physical was evil. He taught that Jesus did not
actually come in the flesh, but that He was only a spirit who

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 Evidence for Eras ..

left no footprints when He walked. Nicolas was also known

to propagate the time-worn lie that as long as men had love
in their heart they could perform any kind of wicked deed
and it would not be imputed as sin. It was this sect the
Apostle John addressed when he said:

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive

ourselves, and the truth is not in us… If we say
that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and
his word is not in us (1 John 1:8-10).

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the

spirits whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby
know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that
confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is
of God (1 John 4:1-2).

In addition to the permeation of such false doctrine,

the first Christians witnessed the destruction of the temple.
After miraculously hearing a voice telling them to flee
Jerusalem, these believers escaped to Pella and lost the holy
city as their headquarters. This era also experienced severe
anti-Semitic persecution emanating from Rome. Finally, they
lived to witness the martyrdom of all the apostles except for
John who was later taken prisoner by Emperor Domitian and
banished to the island of Patmos.

The Last Apostle of the First Era

Having been exiled, John could do little to combat
the Gnostic heresy and the Church’s first love continued to
diminish. However, some time after being given the
astounding vision of Revelation, John was freed from the
rocky prison of Patmos and returned to the city of Ephesus
which became the headquarters of this last apostle of the first
era. As the famous historian Eusebius wrote:

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 Evidence for Eras ..

But after Domitian had reigned fifteen years, and

Nerva had succeeded to the empire, the Roman
Senate, according to the writers that record the
history of those days, voted that Domitian's
honors should be cancelled, and that those who
had been unjustly banished should return to their
homes and have their property restored to them.
It was at this time that the apostle John returned
from his banishment in the island and took up
his abode at Ephesus, according to an ancient
Christian tradition (Church History, Book III, ch.
20:10-11).

From Ephesus, John continued to serve the churches

in Asia Minor. When he died, the “disciple whom Jesus
loved” was buried in this same town. The fact that John
lived, worked, and died in the city bearing the name of this
first era stands as further historical evidence for eras.
John was the last living apostle personally trained by
Christ. His passing brought an end to what historians call
“the apostolic era.” In addition, the Church in that age left a
record of initial passion followed by persecution, the influx
of false teachers, and a letdown in their devotion. Thus, the
history of the first century Church conforms to Christ’s
message to Ephesus.

- The Church in Smyrna -

After the death of John, a notable transition took
place. The Church that followed was radically different from
the one he had helped to raise up. Making note of this
dramatic shift, historian Jesse Hurlbut wrote:

We name the last generation of the first century,

from 68 to 100 A.D, “The Age of Shadows,”
partly because the gloom of the persecution was
over the church; but more especially because of
all periods in the history, it is the one about which

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 Evidence for Eras ..

we know the least... for fifty years after St. Paul's

life a curtain hangs over the church, through
which we strive vainly to look; and when at last it
rises, about 120 A.D. with the writings of the
earliest church-fathers, we find a church in many
aspects very different from that in the days of St.
Peter and St. Paul (The Story of the Christian
Church, p. 33).

As Hurlbut explained, the next Church era was “very

different.” This difference was foretold by Christ as He
addressed Ephesus and then Smyrna in Revelation 2.
As the bishop serving from the city of Ephesus, the
Apostle John ordained a younger man who was to succeed
him upon his death. This new elder no longer served as the
pastor ministering from Ephesus. He lived and worked in the
city which carried the name of the next era—Smyrna. As
Eusibius wrote:

At that time Polycarp, a disciple of the apostles,

was a man of eminence in Asia, having been
entrusted with the episcopate of the church of
Smyrna by those who had seen and heard the
Lord (Church History, Book III, Ch. 36:1).

After John’s death and the transfer of leadership to

Polycarp, the Ephesian era came to a close. To the angel of
the next era, Christ recorded a profound letter in which He
explained the trials to occur in their time as well as what they
must do to remain faithful. The Savior stated:

Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write;

these things saith the first and the last, which was
dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and
tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I
know the blasphemy of them which say they are
Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:

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 Evidence for Eras ..

behold, the devil shall cast some of you into

prison that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of
the second death (Revelation 2:8-11).

Smyrna means bitter, and certainly it was a bitter

time for God’s people during this age. The Church
experienced great poverty, but perhaps the most devastating
experience for them involved the infamous heresies that
shook the Church regarding the Sabbath and Passover. This
era suffered great persecution over these issues, and some
even lost their lives for standing firm in the faith.
Surely one of the bitterest moments these people
experienced was to witness the Apostle Polycarp being
burned by a mob in his home city of Smyrna. After being
miraculously unhurt by the flame, he was finally stabbed to
death. Perhaps in anticipation of the horrific death of this
leader, Christ encouraged this era by reminding them of the
resurrection stating that as He “was dead, and is alive” so
will the faithful live again.
During this time, the Church was referred to as
“Nazarenes.” This was a term originally stemming from
Jesus having come from the city Nazareth, but the name
eventually came to mean “despised ones.” When we consider
the disdain many had for Christ, it is almost fitting that His
followers would carry this same burden.
Despite great persecution, the Church endured. Many
held fast to their faith—even to the end. The Encyclopedia
Britannica documented the beliefs of these people, stating:

[The Nazarenes] …dated their settlement in Pella

from the time of the flight of the Jewish
Christians from Jerusalem, immediately before
the siege in 70 A.D… They recognized the new

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 Evidence for Eras ..

covenant as well as the old, and believed in the

resurrection, and in the one God and His Son
Jesus Christ. They used the Aramaic recession of
the Gospel according to Matthew, which they
called the Gospel to the Hebrews, but, while
adhering as far as possible to the Mosaic
economy as regarded circumcision, Sabbaths,
foods and the like, they did not refuse to
recognize the apostolicity of Paul or the rights of
heathen Christians (11th, p. 319).

Persecution Ten Days

Perhaps the most dramatic evidence for this second
era is found in Christ’s statement that Smyrna would
experience tribulation for ten days. However, there is no
record of a ten day persecution in all of Church history.
What, then, did Christ mean?
It must be remembered that the book of Revelation is
both prophetic and symbolic. Therefore, the book’s reference
to ten days should be understood as a symbolic period of
time. According to Ezekiel 4:6, a day is used in prophecy to
represent a year. Therefore, Christ revealed that this era
would suffer persecution for ten years.
As far as can be determined, the little congregation of
Smyrna in John’s day did not suffer persecution for either ten
days or ten years. However, a terrible period of affliction
known as the Diocletianic Persecution came upon the entire
Church for a ten year period during the fourth century.
At that time, Emporers Diocletian and Galerus held
councils in which they sought to shed blood of Christians.
They proceeded to portray believers as enemies of the state
citing their God (Christ) as a political criminal for claiming
to be the King of the Jews. In addition, they perceived the
New Testament texts as a threat to the Roman state because
they predicted that system’s ultimate destruction.
After a vicious raid on a church meeting place in
Nicodemia, an edict was published. This is documented in

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the history of the Anti-Nicene Fathers which reads:

Next day an edict was published, depriving the

Christians of all honours and dignities; ordaining
also that, without any distinction of rank or
degree, they should be subjected to tortures, and
that every suit at law should be received against
them; while, on the other hand, they were
debarred from being plaintiffs in questions of
wrong, adultery, or theft; and, finally, that they
should neither be capable of freedom, nor have
right of suffrage (Ante-Nicene Fathers; Fathers of
the Third and Fourth Centuries, Chap. XIII).

Statue of Emperor Diocletianus, 284-305 AD

(Photo by Giovanni Dall’Orto)

Beginning in 303 A.D., the Emperors Diocletian,

Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts
rescinding legal rights of all Christians and demanded that
they comply with traditional Roman religious practices.
Persecutory laws were nullified by different emperors at
different times in differing areas of the empire, but
Constantine and Licinius’ Edict of Milan in 313 A.D. marked

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the official conclusion to the horrifying prophesied ten years

of widespread persecution of Christians (Catholic
Encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11707a.htm, retr.
11/15/2012). This proclamation stated the following:

When I, Constantine Augustus, as well as I,

Licinius Augustus, fortunately met near
Mediolanurn (Milan), and were considering
everything that pertained to the public welfare
and security, we thought, among other things
which we saw would be for the good of many,
those regulations pertaining to the reverence of
the Divinity ought certainly to be made first, so
that we might grant to the Christians and others
full authority to observe that religion which each
preferred; whence any Divinity whatsoever in
the seat of the heavens may be propitious and
kindly disposed to us and all who are placed
under our rule. And thus by this wholesome
counsel and most upright provision we thought
to arrange that no one whatsoever should be
denied the opportunity to give his heart to the
observance of the Christian religion, of that
religion which he should think best for himself,
so that the Supreme Deity, to whose worship we
freely yield our hearts may show in all things
His usual favor and benevolence. Therefore,
your Worship should know that it has pleased us
to remove all conditions whatsoever, which were
in the rescripts formerly given to you officially,
concerning the Christians and now any one of
these who wishes to observe Christian religion
may do so freely and openly, without
molestation… (Edict of Milan, 313 AD;
http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/milan.stm, retr.
11/15/2012).

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Statue of Constantine I, 313–324 AD

(Photo by Markus Bernet)

Not only was toleration of the Christian religion

declared during this time, it was written that all property and
places of worship were to be restored to those professing
Christianity. When considering the time frame of Christian
persecution during this era of the Church, we see that
Christ’s prophecy of ten years of tribulation occurred from
303 to 313 A.D.
Consider the importance of this ten-year period in the
light of Church eras. It did not, nor could it, occur in a single
city. The city of Ephesus was about thirty five miles to the
south of Smyrna, and Pergamos was forty miles to the north.
Had this letter been written to the Church existing in the
Apostle John’s time, anyone experiencing persecution could
have simply followed Christ’s instruction; “If they persecute
you in one city, flee to another” (Mat. 10:23). If a ten day
persecution had fallen only upon the small congregation in
Smyrna, these Christians would have easily escaped by
moving to Ephesus or Pergamos where there would have
been safety.

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Christ’s letter to Smyrna was prophetic. Therefore,

this is additional evidence that the doctrine of Church eras is
true. The prophecy that Smyrna would be persecuted for ten
days was directed to the Church that would exist 200 years
after the Apostle John transcribed this letter. This persecution
during the Church’s second era encompassed Christians
living throughout the entire Roman Empire, and it lasted ten
years. In this respect, the letter to Smyrna stands as a
powerful testimony for eras.

- The Church in Pergamos -

The city of Pergamos was located 15 miles inland
and about 75 miles north of Ephesus. The city was built on a
steep hillside, terraced to accommodate the slope. Pergamos
means “fortified” (Strong’s, G4010) and this city was
fortified by virtue of its high position atop a hill. To this
Church, Christ stated:

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,

These things says He who has the sharp two-
edged sword: I know your works, and where you
dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast
to My name, and did not deny My faith even in
the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr,
who was killed among you, where Satan
dwells. But I have a few things against you,
because you have there those who hold the
doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a
stumbling block before the children of Israel, to
eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit
sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who
hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I
hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly
and will fight against them with the sword of My
mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit says to the churches. To him who
overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna

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to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on

the stone a new name written which no one knows
except him who receives it (Revelation 2:12-17).

Satan’s Seat
In Christ’s message to Pergamos, the Church is
described as being located where “Satan’s seat is.” This may
be a reference to the fact that the original city was the seat of
the Roman government in Asia. In addition, Pergamos was
once the center of the Babylonian mystery religion and
Attalus III was the last god-king to rule there in 133 B.C.
In addition, in 321 A.D., Emperor Constantine issued
an edict stating that work should be done on the Sabbath and
Sunday was to be the official day of rest. As a result, many
true Christians were forced to move into the wilderness;
migrating to areas within the mountains of Armenia and the
northern Euphrates. This area was originally the location
where Satan had led Nimrod to set up his seat of authority,
and it was from this area that most false religion originated
(Gen. 10). Because these people now resided in this location,
the third Church era fulfilled Christ’s statement that they
would dwell where Satan’s seat existed.
On another level, is it possible that this is the actual
location of Satan’s throne? God has a seat of authority upon
which He sits, and it is located in a specific place in heaven.
As the god of this world, it is likely that the devil also sits on
an invisible throne somewhere on this earth. From this
location, he rules over a vast number of demons as he
manipulates the kingdoms of this world (Mat. 4:8-9).
Further evidence indicates that this wilderness may
have been in the vicinity of the once beautiful Garden of
Eden. Could it be that such a throne existed in this area of
man’s first sin (Eze. 28:13)?

The Paulicians
Christ’s letter to this third era coincides with the

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history of a people called Paulicians. While some believe this

name originated from one of the sect’s earliest leaders, others
are convinced it referred to them as followers of Paul.
Notwithstanding, the origin of this group can be traced back
to an individual named Constantine who translated the text
of the New Testament into the common language. He also
taught the plain, simple truths expounded by the Savior.
Historian Edward Gibbon explained:

Constantine entertained a deacon, who returned

from Syrian captivity, and received the
inestimable gift of the New Testament... These
books became the measure of his studies and the
rule of his faith; and the Catholics, who dispute
his interpretation, acknowledge that his text was
genuine and sincere. But he attached himself with
peculiar devotion to writings and character of St.
Paul: The name of the Paulicians is derived by
their enemies from some unknown and domestic
teacher; but I am confident that they glorified in
their affinity to the apostle of the Gentiles (The
History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman
Empire, Vol. IV, p. 28).

This group of faithful believers certainly stood out in

the world that existed in their time. George Fischer wrote of
these people in his book, The History of the Christian
Church, stating:

While the Christian world, as it has been the

fashion to call it, was thus sunk into an awful state
of superstition—at a moment when darkness
seemed to cover the earth, and a gross darkness of
the people—it is pleasing to contemplate a ray of
celestial light darting across the gloom. About the
year 650, a new sect arose in the east, under the
name of Paulicians, which is justly entitled to our
attention (p. 443).

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Antipas My Faithful Martyr

The first prominent leader of this era was a man
known as Constantine of Mananali (620-681 A.D.).
Constantine was a well educated man who was anonymously
given a copy of the Bible—a rare possession at that time.
Amazed at the truths he discovered, Constantine began to
preach the gospel about 654 A.D. His efforts revitalized the
floundering group of Christians who had fled Greece and
Asian Minor over two centuries earlier.
Among other truths, Constantine taught the people
that the trinity was false and crosses were idols. He
condemned the sprinkling of water for baptism and the
observance of pagan holidays. This powerful leader
vigorously resisted the idea that there existed an apostolic
succession in the Roman church. For this he became known
as one “against the Papacy.”
Consequently, many believe that when Christ spoke
of “Antipas” a faithful martyr the term actually meant
antipope and was a direct reference to the martyrdom of this
Church leader. This belief is supported by the definition of
the Greek expression which means “opposite, or opposing, a
father” (Strong’s, G493; G473; G3962). Understanding that
the pope calls himself “the most holy father” it is obvious
that a true Christian leader would be directly opposed to this
false religious figure.
Because Constantine’s beliefs contradicted those of
the apostate Roman church, the Papal authority took
measures to silence his voice. In 681 A.D. they sent a group
of Byzantine soldiers, commanded by an officer named
Simeon, to seek out and murder Constantine of Mananali. It
is said that, after finding the Paulicians, Simeon threatened to
kill them one at a time until they confessed the identity of
their teacher. One of their members finally betrayed him, and
Simeon put Constantine to a faithful martyr’s death.
In a turn of events that is reminiscent of the Apostle
Paul’s persecution of Christians, and how he later repented

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and was converted, Simeon was so impressed with the faith of

these people that he returned in 684 A.D. and began to study
with them. Simeon repented, became converted, and
eventually replaced Constantine as their new leader. Ironically,
now a zealous preacher of the truth, he was martyred three
years later in much the same fashion as Constantine.
In 1828, Fred Coneybeare discovered and translated
the last remaining book belonging to this sect titled The Key
of Truth. From these texts, he concluded that the Paulicians
kept the Ten Commandments and the biblical holy days just
as God’s people had done from the beginning. Coneybeare
wrote the following about this era of God’s people:

There were no special Sunday observances…

Wednesday and Friday were not kept as fast days.
Of the modern Christmas and of the Annunciation,
and other feasts connected with the life of Jesus
prior to his thirtieth year, this phase of the church
knew nothing. The general impression which the
study of it leaves on us is that in it we have before
us a form of the church not very remote from the
primitive Jewish Christianity of Palestine (p. 193).

While this work reveals the Paulicians connection to

true Christianity, and that they were a central part of the third
Church era, The Key of Truth was a book written late in their
history. Because of this, the text displays elements of
compromise and, although these people did not deny the
faith, as the Savior had foretold (Rev. 2:13), they began to
compromise and eventually embraced the doctrine of
Balaam. But, what exactly is that doctrine?

The Doctrine of Balaam

The book of Numbers recounts Balak who was a king
of the Moabites. This leader feared the Israelites because of
their military victories and called on a respected soothsayer
known as Balaam for help. He desired Balaam to put a curse

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on Israel, and promised the seer great reward for doing so.
Inquiring of the Almighty, God revealed that Balaam must
not to do such a thing.
Balaam heeded God’s command at first, but because
of his self serving attitude, he eventually found a way to
compromise. Unable to curse Israel, he planned a means to
circumvent God’s will and eventually provoked the Israelites
to sin by leading them to marry women of Moab. Associating
with the ungodly worship of these foreigners influenced and
polluted God’s people; resulting in a curse being brought
upon them by God Himself (Num. 22-25).
The New Testament era of Pergamos eventually fell
to the same sort of compromise prompted by Balaam. As the
Roman church assimilated many of the beliefs of pagans, it
became a perverted form of Christianity that was backed by
a powerful military force. The apostate church and Roman
State exercised its strength; imposing tremendous pressure
on surrounding nations and people.
At this time, motivated by fear, many Christians
attempted to blend in to the religious community by
participating in various practices of the heretical Roman
church. Some avoided persecution by having their children
christened. Others attended mass to evade detection. By
participating in such acts, these Christians committed
spiritual fornication, thus, fulfilling Christ’s prophecy.

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

According to the words of our Savior, the Pergamos
era was also affected by the Nicolaitan heresy. It is believed
that the Nicolaitans were a people who followed the deacon
named Nicolas (Acts 6:5). After being ordained, this man set
out to pervert the faith by infecting it with a form of
Gnosticism. As stated earlier, this teaching professed that the
thoughts of the mind were spiritual and that only knowledge
and matters of intellect were important. This outrageous
doctrine eventually led them to believe that if they simply

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had love in their heart they could sin and it would not be
imputed to them.
The Gnostic influence deceived the Paulicians into
believing they could compromise their religious practice.
Armed with this mindset, many were lured into performing
various Roman Catholic practices. They believed that God
would not attribute this sin to them because, in their minds,
they really knew the truth.
In the 8th and 9th centuries the Byzantine emperors
forced the Paulicians to resettle in the Balkans where they
became known as Bogomils. Having strayed further from
the truth, the Bogomils armed themselves and began to
engage in war for personal protection instead of relying on
God. Once again God’s message to this era of the Church
correlates with the circumstances found in secular history.

The Hidden Manna and a White Stone

To those who overcame during the era of Pergamos,
Christ promised a unique reward. He would give them
hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on
it (Rev. 2:17). What did Christ mean by this statement?
Like the manna which Christ provided sustained
ancient Israel for 40 years in the wilderness, He is the bread
of life. Those who believe on Him will never hunger (John
6:35). Thus, the hidden manna is related to having our daily
provision and eternal life which can only be supplied by
Almighty God—our Sustainer.
When Christ returns, He will raise the saints, give
them eternal life and take His bride to a glorious marriage
supper in heaven where they will receive a white stone and a
new name (1Ths. 4:16; Rev. 19:9). But what does this mean?
In the ancient Middle East, it was common practice
at a trial for the judges to give the guilty a black stone and
the innocent a white one. Those who overcome will receive a
like verdict. They will be found not guilty as a result of our
Savior who paid the price for our sin.

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In a physical marriage relationship, the groom

traditionally gives His bride a diamond—a white stone! The
wife then takes on the last name of her husband. It is a new
name for her. Further, the married couples often give one
another unique nicknames such as sweetheart or honey.
These are personal names of endearment between the two
of them.
Could this white stone symbolize Christ’s marriage
to His bride, the Church? Is it a symbol of their holy
wedlock? Could the Bride’s new name be that of the Father’s
or an intimate term known only by the Messiah and the one
who receives it?
The Bible tells of several instances in which Jesus
gave new names to those who had overcome. Jacob was
given the name Israel—prince of God (Gen. 32:22-32). God
changed the name of Abram to Abraham meaning the father
of many nations, and Sarai to Sarah meaning a princess or
queen (Gen. 17:1-15). God will also give those who
overcome a unique name that reflects their new status and
position in the Kingdom of God (Rev. 3:12).

- The Church in Thyatira -

The fourth era addressed by Christ was that of
Thyatira. As we consider the portrayal of the Church in this
letter, we again find that the historical record corresponds to
Christ’s admonition. The Apostle John recorded the message
to these people, stating:

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira

write; these things saith the Son of God, who hath
his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are
like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and
service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy
works; and the last to be more than the first.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,
because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which

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calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce

my servants to commit fornication, and to eat
things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space
to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that
commit adultery with her into great tribulation,
except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill
her children with death; and all the churches shall
know that I am he which searcheth the reins and
hearts: and I will give unto every one of you
according to your works (Revelation 2:18-23).

During the middle ages, God’s people migrated to

Europe, spreading across the Alps, through France, and into
Italy. As the Church expanded into these areas, several
individuals rose up to provide leadership to the scattered
brethren. These men passionately encouraged God’s people
to be diligent in holding fast to the truth found in the Bible.
Waldo of Lyons was one such leader who stands out in the
pages of history.
A successful merchant, Waldo was called to teach
repentance and adherence to the Word of God. He gave much
of his wealth to the poor and used the rest to translate the
scriptures into the common language. Many throughout
France, Italy, Hungary, and into Russia, were converted
through his work. These people became known as the
Vaudois, Insabbati, Albigenses, and later Waldenses.
Historian Peter Allix wrote of these people, stating:

The Albigenses made the following confession:

“That the Church of Rome was not the spouse of
Christ, but the Church of confusion, drunk with
the blood of the martyrs. That the polity of the
Church of Rome was neither good nor holy, nor
established by Jesus Christ…” The Albigenses
expressly declared that they received the
canonical books of the Old and New Testament,
and that they rejected every doctrine that was not

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grounded upon, or authorized by them, or was

contrary to any one point of doctrine that may be
found there. According to which maxim, they
confessed that they rejected and condemned all
the ceremonies, traditions, and ordinances of the
Church of Rome, which they declared to be a den
of thieves, and the whore that is spoken of in the
Revelation (The Ecclesiastical History of the
Ancient Churches of Piedmont and of the
Albigenses, pp. 178, 194).

Henri Arnold, a Waldensian pastor, also wrote of their

ancient origin. He claimed that these people had:

Descended from those refugees from Italy who,

after St. Paul had there preached the gospel,
abandoned their beautiful country and fled, like the
woman mentioned in the Apocalypse, to these wild
mountains, where they have to this day handed
down the gospel from father to son in the same
purity and simplicity as it was preached by St. Paul
(The Glorious Recovery, p. xiv of preface).

One of the main traits of true believers is keeping the

Ten Commandments and this Waldenses did; including the
seventh-day Sabbath. Some have argued that these people
did not keep the Sabbath because historical records find them
not observing it in their latter years. However, this was after
they began to compromise which Christ strictly warned them
against, and a number of historians documented their long
standing seventh day observance. For example:

Insabbati [they were called] not because they were

circumcised, but because they kept the Jewish
Sabbath (History of the Sabbath, p. 410).

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Observance of the Sabbath by ceasing from

worldly labours, is enjoined (Blair, History of the
Waldenses, Vol. 1, p. 220).

They say that the blessed Pope Sylvester was the

Antichrist of whom mention is made in the Epistles
of St. Paul as having been the son of perdition.
[They also say] that the keeping of the Sabbath
ought to take place (Ecclesiastical History of the
Ancient Churches of Piedmont, p. 169).

That we are to worship one only God, who is able

to help us, and not the Saints departed; that we
ought to keep holy the Sabbath day (Luther's
Fore-runners, p.38).

In 1310, two hundred years before Luther's theses,

the Bohemian brethren constituted one fourth of
the population of Bohemia, and that they were in
touch with the Waldenses who abounded in
Austria, Lombardy, Bohemia, north Germany,
Thuringia, Brandenburg, and Moravia. Erasmus
pointed out how strictly Bohemian Waldenses
kept the seventh day Sabbath (Armitage, A
History of the Baptists, p.313).

For centuries evangelical bodies, especially the

Waldenses, were called Insabbati because of
Sabbath-keeping (Gui, Manuel d' Inquisiteur,
Vol. 1, p.37).

The Waldenses were peaceful, virtuous, and

industrious in their work. Because of this, they were initially
tolerated and even protected by some civil authorities, and
the Church flourished for centuries. However, as their
numbers grew, their teaching became a threat to the Catholic
Church. Rome then used their powerful military to hunt them
down like vicious, wild animals.

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That Woman Jezebel

Christ likens this era to the time of ancient Israel
when Jezebel, using her power to control King Ahab,
seduced him into leading Israel deeper into apostasy and
idolatry. In like manner, during the time of the Waldenses,
there was a church corresponding to this infectious Jezebel.
As we have already learned, a woman in prophecy
symbolizes a church. Thus, the woman who rides the beast is
referred to as the “mother of harlots” (Rev. 17:5). It was the
Roman Catholic Church, a spiritual Jezebel that corrupted
members of God’s Church during this era.
The fear of persecution propagated by the Roman
system caused many Waldenses to compromise doctrine.
History reveals that they eventually turned to the observance
of Sunday instead of the Sabbath. This is noted by the
Catholic Encyclopedia which states:

This period of peace was followed in 1488 by a

crusade summoned by Innocent VIII against the
Waldenses. The war did not succeed in stamping
them out. But, soon after, the Reformation
profoundly modified the sect’s history and
doctrinal development (http://www.newadvent.org
/cathen/15527b.htm, retr. 11/14/2012).

Great Tribulation
As a result of the corrupt influence of the Roman
church, Christ told these people that if they do not repent He
will cast them into “great tribulation.” This statement does
not refer to the great tribulation that comes on the entire
world at the end of the age, but is a reference to the period of
the inquisition and crusades. After living peacefully for
decades, God’s people came head to head with the greatest,
most ruthless religious power in the world. Pope Innocent III
introduced this tribulation with the following Papal Bull:

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Therefore by this present apostolical writing we

give you a strict command that, by whatever
means you can, you destroy all these heresies and
expel from your diocese all who are polluted with
them. You shall exercise the rigor of the
ecclesiastical power against them and all those
who have made themselves suspected by
associating with them. They may not appeal from
your judgments, and if necessary, you may cause
the princes and people to suppress them with the
sword (A Source Book for Medieval History,
Oliver J. Thatcher, E. H. McNeal, p. 210).

Targeting true believers for such severe persecution,

the Roman church began to mark them so they could not buy
or sell. Perhaps this was a type, or forerunner, of that which
will occur in the end time. Regarding the treatment of these
people, Professor Philippus van Limborch wrote:

It was the entire study and endeavour of the

popes, to crush, in its infancy, every doctrine that
any way opposed their exorbitant power. In the
year 1163, at the synod of Tours, all the bishops
and priests in the country of Tholouse, were
commanded to take care, and to forbid under the
pain of excommunication, every person from
presuming to give reception, or the least
assistance to the followers of this heresy, which
first began in the country of Tholouse, whenever
they shall be discovered. Neither were they to
have any dealings with them in buying or selling;
that by being thus deprived of the common
assistances of life, they might be compelled to
repent of the evil of their way. “Whosoever shall
dare to contravene this order, let them be
excommunicated, as a partner with them in their
guilt. As many of them as can be found, let them
be imprisoned by the Catholic princes, and
punished with the forfeiture of all their

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substance.” Some of the Waldenses, coming into

the neighbouring kingdom of Arragon, king
Ildefonsus, in the year 1194, put forth, against
them, a very severe and bloody edict, by which 'he
banished them from his kingdom, and all his
dominions, as enemies of the cross of Christ,
prophaners of the Christian religion, and public
enemies to himself and kingdom. He adds: “If
any, from this day forwards, shall presume to
receive into their houses, the aforesaid Waldenses
and Inzabbatati, or other heretics, of whatsoever
profession they be, or to hear, in any place, their
abominable preachings, or to give them food, or to
do them any kind office whatsoever; let him
know, that he shall incur the indignation of
Almighty God and ours; that he shall forfeit all his
goods, without the benefit of appeal, and be
punished as though guilty of high treason”
(History of the Inquisition, pp. 88-89).

Seducing God’s Servants to Commit Fornication

Under enormous pressure from the great false church
and Rome’s powerful armies, the Waldenses eventually
began to compromise. At first, they practiced true faith in the
secrecy of caves or the homes of members. As their lives
became more unbearable, some began to partake of Catholic
communion to avoid standing out as different. Through such
practices they committed spiritual fornication.
Most of these people eventually adopted Sunday
worship, a practice that has continued over the centuries by
their descendants the Moolikins. Yet a Ukrainian remnant
continues to hold fast to the Sabbath to this very day.
The destructive nature of such compromise is borne
out by the history of this era. Because of their spiritual
adultery, God allowed a time of tribulation to come upon this
era. Christ boldly forewarned these people, explaining what
would become of believers who would allow such heresies to

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creep into their lives. The Savior then followed with words
of enormous comfort and great hope for those who would
hold fast unto the end:

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira,

as many as have not this doctrine, and which
have not known the depths of Satan, as they
speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But
that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works
unto the end, to him will I give power over the
nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of
iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be
broken to shivers: even as I received of my
Father. And I will give him the morning star. He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith
unto the churches (Revelation 2:23-29).

It is interesting to note that some of the European

Waldenses displayed an emblem that reflected their calling
and work. The logo displayed a single candlestick with seven
stars in a half circle at the top. The light from this candle
coincidently pointed to the fourth star. Surrounding the logo
were the words LUX LUCET IN TENEBRIS, which in
English means, a light shines in the darkness.

The Waldensian Emblem

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Is it possible that the light from the candle pointing to

the fourth star was inspired? Did they understand that they
were the fourth era and that their light came through the
fourth angel?

- The Church in Sardis -

In the 16th century, preachers began to emerge from
obscurity caused by severe persecution in the middle ages.
These believers owed much of their new freedom to the
English scholar and theologian John Wycliffe who was
martyred in the 14th Century. Though he was ordained in the
Catholic Church, Wycliffe had a zealous insistence that the
scriptures and not the church was the authoritative center of
Christianity. He was the first to translate the Bible into the
English language and his teaching spawned a movement that
led to the Protestant Reformation.
Wycliffe’s English translation encouraged many to
read the Bible, and this led to God’s Church being able to
preach the true gospel to increasing numbers of people. From
this sprung the fifth era of the Church known as Sardis. Unto
these people, Christ said:

Unto the angel of the church in Sardis write;

these things saith he that hath the seven spirits of
God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that
thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be
watchful, and strengthen the things which remain,
that are ready to die: for I have not found thy
works perfect before God. Remember therefore
how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast,
and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I
will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not
know what hour I will come upon thee
(Revelation 3:1-3).

This letter is clearly reflected in the history of God’s

people. By the 1500s Bible reading led to the emergence of

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several groups called Anabaptists. The historian Closeu

noted their commitment to the Sabbath as well as the
rejection of Catholic instituted holidays. In his book,
Anabaptism he wrote:

The Anabaptists not only rejected the traditional

feast days as Catholic inventions but also
advanced strange views concerning Sunday.
Anabaptists in Franconia, Thuringia, the Tirol,
and southwest Germany and the Hutterites in
Moravia maintained that there was no difference
between Sunday and the other days of the week
(p. 148).

In the latter part of the 15th century, a man named

Andreas Eossi began to teach the truth. His work led to a
movement of Sabbath keepers known as Sabbatarians.
Besides the doctrine of the Sabbath, they also taught God’s
holy days, proper baptism, clean & unclean meats, and real
repentance. In an article printed in 1890, Abrahams and
Montefiore documented beliefs of the Sabbatarians stating:

About 1600, there was compiled 'the old hymn-

book of the Sabbatarians,' probably by Eossi
himself. This book is the most important source
whence acknowledged of the doctrines of the sect
may be derived; it is the oldest monument of their
literature, and contains paraphrases of the Psalms
and other poetical passages of the Bible, metrical
renderings of a few extracts from the Jewish
prayer book.... Of the 110 poetical compositions,
which are to be found in three manuscripts of this
old Sabbatarian hymnbook, no less than 44 relate
to the Sabbath, which, on account of the special
regard in which its celebration was held, gave the
sect the name they bear. Five songs belong to the
New Moon, 11 to the Festival of Passover, 6 to
the Feast of Weeks, 6 to Tabernacles, 3 to the

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New Year and 1 to the Day of Atonement.

They did not celebrate Purim and
Chanukah. But even the Mosaic Laws they did
not observe in their entirety, for they kept the
dietary laws only up to a certain limit, and
circumcision not at all. The Sabbath played the
most important part in their religions life… They
called the Sabbath celebration a 'spiritual
marriage,' and adorned themselves for it in
wedding attire. The Sabbath service consisted of
prayers and hymns, introduced and concluded by
the sermon or 'instruction.' … they maintained
that, in adhering to these observances, they were
following the example and teaching of Jesus. 'He
who keeps not the Sabbath will have no portion
in the inheritance of Christ'; they celebrated 'the
Passover of Israel, according to the command of
our Christ.' They bound up with the Passover
festival (in accordance with the views which they
entertained regarding the millennium) the hope of
the future redemption which Jesus will bring, in
order to build up his millennial kingdom.
They declared the Christian festivals to
be inventions of the popes, and even protested
against the ringing of church bells. They regarded
the Lord's Supper, not as a new institution of
Jesus, but as an old Jewish custom. On the first
night of Passover they ate unleavened bread, 'the
bread of the Messiah,' calling to mind the
Redeemer, who had appeared, and would one day
come again (Jewish Quarterly Review, #4, v. II,
p. 472-475).

During this time, a Church member named Steven

Mumford came to America where he fellowshipped with a
Puritan-separatist movement known as Baptists. Some of
these people were converted and became known as Seventh
Day Baptists. History reveals that several Puritan writers also
became converted to the Sabbath and other scattered

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congregations emerged referring to themselves as the Church

of God.
Because these groups experienced a shortage of
ministers, they sometimes mingled with the churches not of
their faith. They believed that the biblical charge to have love
for everyone gave them license to congregate with those who
held different doctrinal opinions. In so doing, they
compromised the truth and the Church eventually became
contaminated with error.
In this divided state of the 1800’s, some of God’s
people began to associate with those who followed the
prophetic teaching of William Miller who was not a Sabbath
keeper. This preacher studied extensively in the book of
Daniel and believed He had found that Christ would return
between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844.
When his predicted date came and went without any
sign of the Messiah, Miller went back to re-study his figures.
He then produced another date based upon the Kararite
calendar, teaching that Christ would return April 18th 1844.
People sold their possessions and waited for the Savior to
show up. He did not return according to their schedule.
Realizing that no one would know the day or hour of Christ’s
return (Mat. 24:36), Miller proceeded to apologize to his
followers, stating:

I confess my error, and acknowledge my

disappointment; yet I still believe that the day of
the Lord is near, even at the door (Memoirs of
William Miller, J. Himes, p. 256).

That incident became known as the “great

disappointment” in history books. However, many of
Miller’s followers would not accept that they were wrong.
They concluded that Christ must have returned, but they
simply couldn’t see Him. Armed with this conclusion, they
created the doctrine of “investigative judgment” in which

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they believed that Christ did come, but that He was now in
the clouds going over the books before completing His return
to the earth. Many who held this belief became known as
Seventh Day Adventists, and this doctrine is still a part of
that church’s teaching today.

I have not found Thy Works perfect

After the “great disappointment,” those who had
always believed in keeping the Ten Commandments, God’s
food laws, the holy days, and rejected the world’s holidays,
retained the name Church of God (Eph. 3:15). They
reorganized and became known as the Seventh Day Church
of God; eventually publishing The Bible Advocate, and
sponsoring hundreds of congregations around the world.
As a result of their differing opinions, this era of the
Church was unable to do a large or effective work of
preaching the gospel. Although they did retain the name
Church of God and taught the necessity of keeping the Ten
Commandments, they left little in the way of a mark on the
world. They were alive, but it was as if they were dead
(Rev. 3:1).
For example, the Seventh Day Adventists are one sect
that came out of this fifth Church era. Although they
faithfully observe the Sabbath, they became indifferent to the
annual holy days and came to accept observance of
“Christianized” pagan holidays such as Christmas and
Easter. Another offshoot of the Sardis era is the Church of
God 7th Day. Though these people keep the Sabbath, and
reject Christmas and the traditional Easter observances, most
teach that Christians are not obligated to observe the Feasts
outlined in Leviticus 23.
However, to those of this era who would remain
faithful, Christ said:

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have

not defiled their garments; and they shall walk

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with me in white: for they are worthy. He that

overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white
raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of
the book of life, but I will confess his name
before my Father, and before his angels. He that
hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto
the churches (Revelation 3:4-6).

Again we see this amazing truth. The letter to Sardis

is accurately reflected in the secular history of God’s Church.

- The Church in Philadelphia -

As we move even closer to our present age, it
becomes obvious that the letter to the Church of Philadelphia
also coincides with the record of Church history. As the
prophetic scroll to the sixth era was unrolled, it stated:

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia

write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is
true, He that hath the key of David, He that
openeth and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no
man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have
set before thee an open door, and no man can
shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast
kept my word, and hast not denied my name
(Revelation 3:7-8).

Just as Christ had prophesied, the sixth era started

small and with little strength. Loma Armstrong, a quaint
woman with exceptional character, was called as this era
began. Once exposed to the truth, her conscience was
pricked. She was convinced that Christians were required to
keep the Saturday Sabbath and that Christ would one day
rule on the earth for 1,000 years. Loma excitedly brought
this understanding to her husband Herbert.
Convinced that mainstream Christianity could not
possibly be wrong, Mr. Armstrong began a day and night

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study in an attempt to refute his wife’s newfound beliefs.

With the guidance of God’s Spirit, this intensive study led
him to conclude it was he who had been wrong! He found
that the Bible made this subject very clear. Christians were
obligated to keep all of the Ten Commandments!
Herbert and Loma became converted and Mr.
Armstrong was soon privileged to serve in Christ’s ministry
where he would ultimately be ordained the office of an apostle
by the Conference of the Seventh Day Church of God.

In those days, ordinations were reissued annually. This is a copy of the

second one issued to Herbert W. Armstrong by the Church of God.

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At the time, Mr. Armstrong could never have known

that, from these small beginnings, his profound calling
would become a radical departure from the previous era of
God’s Church.
Under the leadership of God, this passionate man
continued to grow in his understanding of the Scriptures. Mr.
Armstrong then brought the truth regarding the annual holy
days and the identity of modern day Israel to the attention of
the present Church organization, but the leadership of the
fifth era was resistant to change. Because they refused to
accept the understanding God was giving him, the apostle
felt compelled to separate from the parent body. In so doing,
the Philadelphia era was born. Mr. Armstrong spent the rest
of his life removing error and restoring God’s truth to the
Church. This great leader indicted counterfeit Christianity
and powerfully proclaimed the gospel message of the
coming Kingdom of God!

An Open Door
The work of the Philadelphia era was characterized
by love, zeal, and a conviction for wholeheartedly seeking to
obey God. As a result of their dedication, this era was
promised an open door to the Kingdom (Rev. 3:7-8). In
addition, another door would be open to this era—a means to
fulfill Christ’s commission to powerfully preach the gospel
to the world and teach those who would be called (Mat.
28:19-20).
Mr. Armstrong began using
personal campaigns and radio to
preach the gospel to the public in
1934. For this reason, the Church
was first called the Radio Church of
God. One year later, the first Plain
Truth magazine was published as
the beginning of an evangelistic
outreach. In 1951 another magazine

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was published for members titled The Good News. This first
humble effort mushroomed into a powerful arm of the
Church of God, and for the next 35 years the Church grew
steadily at an average of 30 percent a year.
By the late 1950s the Church was broadcasting its
World Tomorrow radio program seven nights a week and
using more wattage than any other radio program on the
planet. The subscription list for The Plain Truth grew to an
astounding 7.5 million issues being printed in seven
languages every month.
Over the next five decades, nearly 100 different
books and booklets would be published, and over 1400
articles written. To prepare a people to be kings and priests in
the Kingdom, a thorough Bible Correspondence Course was
created for adults. The Church also offered an introductory
program for kids and teenagers in an attempt to turn the
hearts of the children to the faith of their parents (Mal. 4:6).

A Little Strength
In 1947, with very little money, but armed with
monumental faith, Mr. Armstrong opened Ambassador
College in Pasadena, California. This Bible based
educational institution was created as a means to train new
ministers. In 1960 a second campus was opened in Bricket
Wood, England, and in 1964 a third campus was opened in
Big Sandy, Texas. The commission of the Church had
become a worldwide endeavor so the corporate name was
changed in 1968 to The Worldwide Church of God—a name
that accurately reflected the growing scope of the work.
Soon after, the Church became the largest purchaser
of both radio and television for religious programming in the
entire United States. Church membership grew to 470
congregations around the world with nearly 140,000 people
attending the annual Feast of Tabernacles. By the 1980s, the
work had earned such positive recognition that Mr.
Armstrong was given the opportunity to fly around the world

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and meet with various kings, ambassadors, and dignitaries;

bringing God’s message of hope to millions.

Not Denied My Name

As the Church became a powerful witness to the
world, the money and power generated by this growth began
to attract individuals with a different spirit. Mr. Armstrong’s
various trips abroad created a leadership vacuum at
headquarters.
Liberal-minded men eagerly filled that void bringing
with them personal agendas such as Systematic Theology
Project. This was a self-appointed committee set up to
review and publish doctrinal articles that brought in subtle
changes which were designed to water down the work and
teachings of the Church. Summarizing these events, Mr.
Armstrong wrote:

Late in 1971 many of our members became

confused over propaganda reaching our people
over a “sacred names” teaching. This purported
that whenever the names of God or of Jesus are
mentioned, they must not be spoken by their
names in the English language, but in the
Hebrew language…
At that time, it was suggested that a
special Doctrinal Team be appointed to research
the question more technically to verify the real
truth. We wanted the teaching and doctrines of
the Church to be verified beyond any room for
doubts. I appointed a Doctrinal Research
Committee to pursue an in-depth research of the
subject…
The first committee I had assigned to
research the “sacred names” error did reaffirm the
truth on that question beyond doubt. But soon a
few would-be scholars had established themselves
into a “Doctrinal Team.” What started as an honest
effort to find and establish real TRUTH in due

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time turned into a group of “would-be scholars”

not appointed by me, seeking to destroy the true
doctrines of the Church.
This brought controversy into the Church.
These self-professed “scholars,” influenced by
teaching in universities, in which they were
enrolling for higher degrees, were becoming more
and more liberal. They wanted to skirt as close as
possible to the precipice of secularism, falling off
the cliff into Satan's world.
These were the years when my
commission required that I be absent from
Pasadena, and traveling overseas to almost all
parts of the world as many as 300 of the 365 days
of the year. This liberal group, small at first, came
to be in executive positions at Pasadena,
surrounding and influencing the one responsible
for day-to-day administration at headquarters
during my absence. Much of what they did was
carefully kept from me…
Just before the January, 1978, conference
I was determined to prevent doctrinal
controversy. I was also due to leave on another
'round-the-world trip. I had decided to postpone
the trip until after the conference in order to keep
controversy out of the conference. But the one to
be left in charge in my absence urged me to
remain for the opening morning session, so that I
could open the conference, and keep my
departure at 12 noon, and he gave me his word
no doctrines would be discussed in the
conference, only administrative matters.
I agreed to this. I opened the conference,
left immediately for the airport and had lunch on
the plane… I had not gotten very far out over the
Pacific Ocean that afternoon, until in the
afternoon session of the conference a voluminous
printed work called “Systematic Theology
Project,” or “STP” for short, was distributed to

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the ministry with specific instructions that this

was a definite outline of basic Church doctrines,
and no minister was to preach anything contrary
to this treatise.
I knew absolutely nothing of this STP, or
that it had been in preparation. It had been
carefully concealed from me. It was a flagrant
violation of the promise made to induce me to
leave so this doctrinal change in Church teaching
could be given to all ministers without my
knowledge. I knew nothing of this STP in spite of
claims made by others, until a copy was brought
to me by some loyal ministers in late April or
early May of 1978 when I then notified every
minister in the world to return his copy
immediately and ignore all its liberal doctrines
and teachings…
Some of these liberal ministers who
worked on and produced the STP and the one
who was in charge of executive administration in
my absence were disfellowshipped and others
left the Church (The Worldwide News, June 24,
1985, p 2-3).

The politics and power struggles that resulted from

this liberal spirit ultimately led to an attack on the Church by
the State of California. As Mr. Armstrong continued:

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles that fall,

1978… a conspiracy was hatched to attack and
destroy the Church by the legal process of a class
action lawsuit. Some six or seven liberals, former
members, signed the suit against the Church. This
resulted in an ex parte order by a judge. Secretly
without prior notice, deputies on order of the
Attorney General's office swooped down on the
Church on the morning or Jan. 3, 1979. The ex
parte order had been signed by a judge late the
day before.

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A very severe struggle for the existence

and life of the Church ensued. Some months later
the State dropped the case, and still later an
appellate court judge issued a declaration from the
bench that the lawsuit was groundless and should
never have been filed (ibid, p. 3).

Following these dramatic events, Mr. Armstrong

suffered from cardiac arrest, but was miraculously brought
back from death’s door to put the Church back on track. He
shut down the colleges for restructuring and took over the
television production himself. He proceeded to re-issue the
18 restored truths; an inspired set of doctrinal positions.
There was also a series of ministerial terminations which
seemed to eliminate much of the liberal element. The Church
was restored under his renewed leadership. Its doctrines were
put back in place, but as Mr. Armstrong had written:

For some years now, there have been some, like

vultures, waiting for me to die. They would like to
come back and take over the leadership of the
Church in my stead. I have been deeply concerned
about this (ibid, p. 4).

The Synagogue of Satan

Through these events, the seeds for the birth of the
next era were sown. Just as Mr. Armstrong had predicted,
the same liberal element resurfaced after his death. The new
leaders began to use the resources of the Church to destroy
everything that God had built through him. They formulated
a plan to subtly remake the Church in the image of
mainstream Christianity. The new liberal ministry
disfellowshipped the faithful who protested the changes and
the prophecy of a falling away was realized (2Ths. 2:3;
2Tim. 4:3-4; Jer. 23:1; Eze. 34). To the remnant of the sixth
era that would remain faithful, the Messiah comforts them
with these words:

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Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of

Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but
do lie; behold, I will make them to come and
worship before thy feet, and to know that I have
loved thee (Revelation 3:9).

Those false teachers, who acted as if they were true

Christians, infiltrated and infected the Church of God with
liberalism. Christ reveals that in the Kingdom they will come
to worship at the feet of those who remain faithful. However,
before this takes place, God made another promise to those
who would hold fast. He will protect them from the great
tribulation that is to come:

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I

also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,
which shall come upon all the world, to try them
that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly:
hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take
thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a
pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no
more out: and I will write upon him the name of
my God, and the name of the city of my God,
which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out
of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him
my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Revelation
3:10-13).

As the apostasy deepened, those who remained

faithful either left or were cast out of the church. Various
splinter groups formed from the exodus. The once unified
Church devolved into numerous scattered groups holding
different doctrinal positions. The remnant of this
monumental era would now have to hold fast within
confused and diverse environments.

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The Key of David and the Open Door

Many have wondered what is meant by the key of David and
the open door that Christ promised the Church of Philadelphia.
The answer to this question is found in a prophetic message that
God revealed to His servant Isaiah centuries earlier.
During Isaiah’s ministry, Shebna, the king’s royal treasurer,
usurped a position God intended for Eliakim who was the son of
the high priest. God said he would remove this imposter and
restore the office to Eliakim. The office in question was that of the
key holder to King David’s house. Speaking to Shebna, Isaiah
wrote:

It shall come to pass in that day that I will call my

servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: And I will clothe
him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle,
and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he
shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to
the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David
will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none
shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open (Isaiah
22:20-22).

God referred to a unique key that admitted an individual to

the king’s house. In the days of Eliakim, the office holder wore
this key as a badge of enormous authority on his shoulder. There,
it could be seen by all. Anyone wishing to visit the king was
required to first have the approval of this trusted man. Only he
could admit individuals to the king’s house.
Christ chose this specific example to make a profound point to
those of the Philadelphian era. Christ revealed that, as the Son, He
alone holds the key to the King’s house. Only He has the authority
to admit or reject those desiring to enter the Father’s palace.
To the faithful who find themselves cast out for holding fast
to God’s Word, Christ promises that He will give them an open
door to the Father’s house (Isa. 66:5; Rev. 3:12).

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- The Church of the Laodiceans -

The apostasy occurring after Mr. Armstrong’s death
rocked God’s Church, greatly affecting those who would find
themselves in the last era. The shock wave it produced
worked to create an attitude that would characterize the time
in which we now live. As the Apostle John wrote:

Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans

write; these things saith the amen, the faithful and
true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor
hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then
because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor
hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because
thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,
and have need of nothing; and knowest not that
thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and
blind, and naked (Revelation 3:14-17).

Lukewarm—neither Cold nor Hot

Those who rejected the Protestant changes of the
apostasy were either cast out or eventually withdrew from
the parent body. This had a unique result. The longer people
stayed in the corrupt environment, the more they internalized
the liberal spirit and watered-down doctrine. The
membership watched as a great number of ministers, whose
job it was to protect God’s people, protected themselves
instead. Brethren felt as if they had the rug pulled out from
under them. Stunned and numbed by what God had allowed
to occur, many lost faith and zeal.
Believers began to leave the now apostate church;
forming new, independent organizations. To some, it was an
exciting sense of liberation. A kind of euphoria grew
regarding what they were doing as an organization. However,
many individuals would display little zeal for the primary
purpose of their calling; conforming to the character of
Christ. Instead, thousands became half-hearted toward

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Christ’s commission to preach the gospel of the Kingdom

and warn the world of the tragedy prophesied to come.
As a result of the apostasy, enormous distrust
developed among Church members. Many of those first to
leave developed an attitude of superiority becoming critical
toward those who came out later. Brethren began judging
each other based on their opinion that they were
Philadelphian while others were Laodicean.
Because of the relative failure of the ministry, people
started trusting their personal judgment regarding spiritual
matters; evaluating and criticizing the leadership according
to what they thought should be taught. This judgmental
attitude has led many to have little respect for authority in
the Church of God and few are willing to accept legitimate
correction. We now see that it is not a coincidence that the
name of this last era fits its prevailing attitude.

What’s in a Name?
God names things for what they are or the function
they perform. The name Laodicea comes from a combination
of two Greek words, laos and dikē. The first of these is
defined as “people” and the second is a word meaning
“judgment, punish, or vengeance” (Strong’s, G2992; G1349).
Putting the two definitions together we find an expression
that means a people who judge and a people fit for judgment.
The definition of this name is not coincidental. Christ
addressed this era with a title that fits its prevailing attitude.
This is a time when Church members judge others, decide
doctrines for themselves, and will face God’s judgment. As
Christ stated:

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what

judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with
the measure you use, it will be measured back to
you (NKJ, Matthew 7:1-2).

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In Need of Nothing
This is the era in which we now live. God’s Church is
no longer united in belief, but exists in an environment that
is a blend of truth and falsehood. With no true apostle to lead
and correct the Church, personal preferences have become
deciding factors when determining the meaning of Scripture.
Some have created pet doctrines in self-righteous
attempts for others to follow them. Other groups, afraid of
losing members and tithes, refuse to make changes when
they discover additional truth; choosing instead to cater to
what the people want to believe (2Tim. 4:3-4).
In addition, many Church leaders have become proud
and arrogant. One man claims to be “that prophet,” and
another presumptuously teaches that he is God’s apostle. One
minister says that he and his wife are the two witnesses;
another stated that he will train the two witnesses; and one
more boldly calls himself the “end-time prophet of the God
of Abraham.” Thinking that they are superior, these men
condemn others who do not accept their teaching, or are not
part of their personal work.
Numerous leaders and brethren claim to keep the
commandments, but do so according to their own biases
instead of the clear teachings of the Bible. Consequently, the
Church of God has become sloppy in our obedience or even
selective in what we will or will not believe and observe. In
fact, many have become independent. They harbor their own
unique beliefs, they no longer associate with others, yet they
are convinced that they are fully in the faith.

The time of warning has almost come to its end!

We are asleep and absolutely must wake up!

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Be Zealous and Repent

Christ admonishes the end time Church that, if we do
not change we will have to experience the fiery trial of the
great tribulation. Those who must be corrected in this way
will have to endure unimaginable pain and suffering in order
to obtain the golden character necessary to enter His
Kingdom. The Messiah warned:

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that
thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy
nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes
with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I
love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore,
and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and
knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the
door, I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with me. To him that overcometh
will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I
also overcame, and am set down with my Father
in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches
(Revelation 3:18-22).

Conclusion
Down through the ages, the Church of God has
experienced exactly what was written in these seven letters.
We can be certain that the epistles in Revelation were
recorded as an admonishment—a warning to the seven
Church eras.
The historical record assures us that we are now
living in the last of these eras. A spirit of complacency and
superiority permeates the scattered Church. Thankfully,
among the various congregations, a faction yet remains with
a spirit of Philadelphia. This gives us enormous hope. If we
will repent, we can still have the opportunity to rule with
Christ at His return.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

- Seven Church Eras -

Approximate
Era Historical Name Date of
Existence

Ephesus Christians 31 - 135

Smyrna Nazarenes 135 - 450

Pergamos Paulicians 450 - 1050

Vaudois, Insabbati,
Thyatira 1050 - 1600
Albigenses, Waldenses

Seventh Day
Sardis 1600 - present
Church of God

Worldwide Church of God

Philadelphia now among the scattered 1933 - present
churches of God

Scattered - with various

Laodicea 1972 - present
names

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 Chapter 7
~ Exhibit 7 ~

The Evidence of
the Old Covenant
Now all these things happened unto them for
ensamples: and they are written for our admonition
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:11 ~

T he New Covenant is an agreement between God and His

Church. In like manner, the Old Covenant was an
agreement made by the Eternal and the nation of Israel;
making that nation God’s Church in the wilderness.
The word church is taken from the Greek ekklēsia
meaning “a calling out, meeting, congregation, assembly”
(Strong’s, G1577). In its most basic sense, it means a people
called together by God. Because Israel was the assembly that
God called out of Egypt, they were His Church during the
Old Covenant. Luke pointed this out when he wrote:

This is that Moses, which said unto the children

of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God
raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me;
him shall ye hear. This is he that was in the
church in the wilderness with the angel which
spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our
fathers: who received the lively oracles to give
unto us (Acts 7:37-38).

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 Evidence for Eras ..

The fact that ancient Israel was God’s Church follows

a pattern of duality found throughout the Bible. In His plan,
the Almighty consistently provides a physical representation
that is a forerunner of a spiritual reality.
For example, there was an Old Covenant and a New
Covenant. There was a first Adam and a second Adam—
Christ. There was physical Israel and there is spiritual
Israel—the Church. There was a physical Jerusalem and
there is a spiritual New Jerusalem to come. And these are
only a few of the many parallels between Old Covenant
events and their New Testament fulfillment.
Within this duality, the record of ancient Israel also
reveals seven distinct physical eras. Those historical periods
were like a remarkable mirror foreshadowing the spiritual
eras that would occur in the in the New Testament.

Seven Golden Lamps

Like the seven lamp stands displayed in the book of
Revelation, the Old Covenant eras were also symbolized by
a lamp stand. This unique structure was built for the temple
and constructed exactly as God commanded Moses:

Thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of

beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his
shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and
his flowers, shall be of the same. And six branches
shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of
the candlestick out of the one side, and three
branches of the candlestick out of the other side…
and thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and
they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may
give light over against it. And the tongs thereof,
and the snuff dishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all
these vessels. And look that thou make them after
their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount
(Exodus 25:31-40).

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 Evidence for Eras ..

This magnificent lamp was made from a divine

blueprint, reflecting that which is in heaven (Heb. 8:5). After
this design was given to Moses, it was constructed and
positioned in the holy place opposite the showbread. This
beautiful piece of art was not just for show. It was symbolic;
foreshadowing the light that was to shine forth through the
people of Israel. Like the set of lamps described in the book
of Revelation, each lamp represented one of seven eras that
occurred during the history of the Old Covenant.

Eyewitnesses to Moses and Joshua—Ephesus

The first era of the Old Covenant took place during
the time of Moses, Joshua, and the elders. These people
experienced the establishment of Israel as a nation in
Canaan. The great patriarch Moses had also prophesied that
one day God would send a prophet like himself to Israel
(Deu. 18:15). By this, God made a direct comparison
between Moses and Christ. As an instrument used to redeem
Israel from Egypt, Moses prefigured the Savior who would
one day redeem spiritual Israel—the Church.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Those who assisted and supported Moses also

foreshadowed the early followers of Jesus. They were
eyewitnesses to the miracles performed by God through His
anointed servant. As the Scriptures explain:

When Joshua had let the people go, the children of

Israel went every man unto his inheritance to
possess the land. And the people served the
LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of
the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all
the great works of the Lord, that he did for
Israel (Judges 2:6-7).

We see that the first Old Covenant era comprised of

those who witnessed the works that God performed through
Moses and Joshua. They observed great miracles that
generated awe and enormous enthusiasm. However, as this
period came to an end, the people began to lose heart. The
original leaders were no longer there to guide them. The
people failed to continue to follow God, and this resulted in
persecution from the inhabitants of the land.

The New Testament Parallel

The Church in Ephesus paralleled the first Old
Covenant era. The disciples were eyewitnesses to the
dramatic miracles that Christ performed. They experienced
the establishment of the New Testament Church as newly
begotten believers received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
These new converts followed Christ's chosen leaders as they
also performed miracles. The beginning of the New
Testament Church was exciting!
However, after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70
A.D., the Church found that they had to fight a constant
stream of persecution from without as well as false teachers
who were creeping in. The Kingdom did not come when they
expected, and many lost their first love.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

The first Old Covenant era ended with Joshua who

was the most faithful last eyewitness to Moses. The New
Testament era of Ephesus ended similarly. It concluded at the
close of the first century under the leadership of John, the
last living apostle who was the closest eyewitness to Jesus.

The Period of the Judges—Smyrna

The passing of those remaining individuals who were
eye witnesses to God’s miracles performed through Moses
and Joshua signified a definite turning point in Israel’s
history. Like the corresponding New Testament era, the next
generation was dramatically different. As the book of Judges
continues to document:

All that generation were gathered unto their

fathers: and there arose another generation after
them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the
works which He had done for Israel. And the
children of Israel did evil in the sight of the
LORD, and served Baalim (Judges 2:10-11).

After the first generation passed, zeal for God also

withered. The people let down and lost much of the truth God
had given them. The Israelites began to worship false gods
and, as a result, they suffered persecution at the hand of their
neighbors. Their enemies would run forays into their land,
often stealing their produce. Israel was in a fluctuating state of
fear and poverty. This began the second Old Covenant era—
the time of the Judges. As the Scriptures testify:

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers,

which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and
followed other gods, of the gods of the people that
were round about them, and bowed themselves
unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And
they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and
Ashtaroth. The anger of the lord was hot against

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of

spoilers that spoiled them, and He sold them into
the hands of their enemies round about, so that
they could not any longer stand before their
enemies (Judges 2:12-14).

The New Testament Parallel

During the Old Covenant era of the Judges, Israel
suffered poverty as they were raided by their neighbors. They
claimed to be God’s people and called themselves Israelites,
but many worshiped false gods. By this, they foreshadowed
the New Testament era, Smyrna, of which Christ said:

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty,

and the blasphemy of those which say they are
Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan
(Rev 2:10).

After the death of the Apostle John, a notable

transition took place in the New Testament Church. Because
Rome was the capital of the empire, the Roman church came
to believe it had the right to act as the official headquarters
for the entire body. They claimed to be Jews, that is true
believers of God, but they were not (Rev. 3:9). They were
deeply infected by Gnosticism and the influence of Rome’s
paganism. Just like Israel during the period of the Judges, the
Church let their loyalty for God slip and they experienced
poverty and persecution as a result.

The United Monarchy—Pergamos

The third era of the Old Covenant occurred during
the united monarchy. At this time, God’s people were
protected and they prospered. The word Pergamos means
“fortified” (Strong’s, G4010) and like the New Testament era
of Pergamos, the nation was strengthened.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

After the unification of Israel under the leadership of

King David and Solomon, God’s promise was fulfilled. The
nation had become the “promised land” they had always
hoped for—a land of milk and honey. They were built up,
enjoyed peace, and were generally well off. Regarding this
period, the chronicler wrote:

Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by

the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and
making merry. And Solomon reigned over all
kingdoms from the river unto the land of the
Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they
brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of
his life. And Solomon's provision for one day was
thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore
measures of meal, Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out
of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts,
and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. For
he had dominion over all the region on this side the
river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings
on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides
round about him (1 Kings 4:20-24).

The nation experienced enormous affluence.

However, like the corresponding New Testament era of
Pergamos, ancient Israel also fell into the same apostasy—
the doctrine of Balaam. Intermarriage with unbelievers
became the driving force in the demise of this era of God’s
people. Solomon entered into relationships with foreign
women, and this led to the worship false Gods. As the
Scriptures document:

But king Solomon loved many strange women,

together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of
the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians,
and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the
LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not
go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you:

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 Evidence for Eras ..

for surely they will turn away your heart after their
gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he
had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three
hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his
heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old,
that his wives turned away his heart after other
gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD
his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the
Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the
Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of
the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as
did David his father (1 Kings 11:1-6).

Desiring to cement relations with other nations,

Solomon married the daughters of foreign kings and allowed
them to retain their gods. He erected places for them to
worship and eventually participated in their abominations.
Israel accepted and even welcomed this spiritual fornication.
Consequently, the monarchy began to deteriorate and Israel
became divided as the third era of the Old Covenant Church
came to a close.

The New Testament Parallel

The corresponding New Testament era began with an
age of fortification and expansion. The Taurus mountain
range provided the Paulicians a degree of safety that
permitted growth. However, as the heretical Roman church
became more powerful, invasive, and threatening, many felt
they had to either go along with various aspects of false
doctrine or migrate elsewhere.
Under the influence of the Nicolaitan teaching, some
believed that it did not matter what a person did as long as
they had the love in their heart. Therefore, many found they
could avoid persecution by conforming to Catholic practices
such as christening their children. Others attended mass to
avoid detection. This fulfilled Christ’s words that they would

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participate in spiritual fornication (Rev. 2:14). Rather than

obeying God and seeking His protection, they eventually
took up arms and suffered tremendously under the sword of
the Byzantine Empire.

The Divided Monarchy and Captivity—Thyatira

The fourth Old Covenant era of God’s Church existed
during Israel’s divided monarchy. Because of their many
sins, God allowed civil war and separated the northern ten
tribes from Judah. The northern tribes were led by Solomon’s
servant Jeroboam whom God had ordained to be their king.
The tribes of Judah and Benjamin followed the leadership of
Solomon’s son Rehoboam in the south.
Because the Temple was located in Jerusalem, the
priestly tribe of Levi also allied with Judah. The result of this
conflict led the northern ten tribes to pull away, eventually
forming a nation of apostate believers.
This fourth Old Covenant era corresponds to the New
Testament Church of Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). Christ told
John to write that Thyatira would allow Jezebel to seduce
them into fornicating with false religion. This is a reference
to the manner in which Israel was seduced into worshipping
false gods during the time of the divided monarchy of the
Old Covenant.
The successive kings of the northern tribes became
progressively more evil. King Ahab not only continued in the
sins of Jeroboam, but he married a gentile woman by the
name of Jezebel. He allowed her to lead the people to
worship Baal which resulted in one of the worst reigns in
Israel’s history. Apostasy spread throughout the land and
nearly everyone came to worship a false god. As the
Scriptures explain:

And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing

for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of
Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of

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 Evidence for Eras ..

Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and

served Baal, and worshipped him. And he reared
up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he
had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a grove; and
Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of
Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that
were before him (1 Kings 16:31-33).

God punished the ten tribes for their sins by allowing

them to be taken captive. The brutal armies of Assyria
transported the Israelites to Persia and then transplanted
Persians into the land of Israel where the new inhabitants
became known as Samaritans.
Nearly 100 years later, Judah sinned by boldly
breaking the Sabbath and worshipping false gods. They also
suffered great destruction and were taken captive to Babylon
where practice of the true faith required the consent of gentile
kings such as Nebuchadnezzar and Darius. While the faith of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was preserved, it certainly did not
flourish. As the Chronicler wrote:

And they burnt the house of God, and brake down

the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces
thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly
vessels thereof. And them that had escaped from
the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they
were servants to him and his sons until the reign
of the kingdom of Persia (2 Chronicles 36:19-20).

The New Testament Parallel

The events of this time in Israel’s history are again
reflected in the corresponding New Testament era of
Thyatira. This fourth era also compromised their faith and
had to suffer the consequences. The great whore of Rome
was like Jezebel who led Israel astray and, during the Middle
Ages, Church members made similar concessions in their
worship. As a result, they experienced great tribulation.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

This era endured the horror of the Crusades and the

Spanish Inquisition. Church literature was burned and the
gospel message was almost completely eliminated. God’s
people suffered terribly and, although they were not
completely destroyed, they were no longer a visible entity in
the world (Mat. 16:18). The commission to powerfully
preach the gospel was no longer being fulfilled. Thus these
New Testament events mirror what transpired during the era
of the divided monarchy.

Return and the Diaspora—Sardis

After conquering Babylon, the Persians took a
dramatically different approach to their subject nations. They
believed in cultural pluralism—a system of rule in which the
inhabitants of occupied territories were allowed to live in
their land and worship their own gods. Believing this
approach would give them the favor of all deities within the
empire, King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to their land
and worship their God. Thus the fifth era of the Old
Covenant began as God’s people came out of captivity.
Once freed, a number of believers went back to their
homeland. God used Ezra to lead His people in rebuilding
the temple and re-establishing true worship. Once again
known as the people of YHWH, they carried His name and
the faith remained alive. However, for the most part, the
work was weak and ineffectual. It seemed barely alive.
The majority of the people did not share the zeal
exhibited by a relative few leaders such as Ezra and
Nehemiah. They wavered in their enthusiasm to support
rebuilding the wall, the temple, and establishing God’s law
throughout the land. While the return of Judah to Jerusalem
was certainly God’s doing, the entire work was performed
under the control and sponsorship of a gentile king (Ezra
5:13-17; 6:1-13; Neh. 2:7-9).
In addition, most of the Levites had no desire to
return to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:15-17). Making matters worse,

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 Evidence for Eras ..

the people intermingled and married gentile women (Ezra 9).

Many also seemed reluctant to complete the work. As a
result, God chided them for caring more about building their
own homes than constructing His temple (Hag. 1:6-10).
When Nehemiah heard of the terrible state of the
Jews and the rebuilding project in Jerusalem, he sought
permission from the King of Persia to visit Judah. Upon
arrival, he found unbelievers persecuting God’s people for
their work (Neh. 2:1-6; 4:6-8). Moreover, the people were
not fully committed to God. They lost His blessing resulting
in a lack of basic necessities. Many had to borrow from their
neighbors to continue planting their land. Nehemiah was
shocked to find that wealthy Israelites had exacted usury
from their poorer brethren; even selling some of them to the
heathen as slaves. Nehemiah reprimanded the people and
convinced them to take an oath of obedience to the Eternal
(Neh. 5:1-12).
Soon after this, the high priest had a great chamber
built in the temple for Tobia who was an Ammonite and
friend of Sanballat. By doing this, the very leader of the
priesthood broke God’s law (Deu. 23:3; Neh. 13:1-9). Worse
yet, many of the people let down in supporting the Levites
with their tithes, and the priests were forced to go back to the
fields in order to earn a living. As a result, God’s law was not
being taught publicly. Upon His second return, Nehemiah
corrected these errors—chastising the people for not properly
keeping the Sabbath and other laws of God (Neh. 13:10-31).
Another piece of evidence demonstrating that this
was the fifth era of the Old Covenant Church is found in the
two reactions of the people when the foundation for the
second temple was laid. The younger ones who had never
seen the first temple rejoiced in what they had
accomplished, but for those who had seen the former
edifice it was a bitter moment. This reflected the spiritual
state of this era. As Ezra wrote:

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 Evidence for Eras ..

And when the builders laid the foundation of the

temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their
apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of
Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after
the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they
sang together by course in praising and giving
thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his
mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the
people shouted with a great shout, when they
praised the LORD, because the foundation of the
house of the LORD was laid. But many of the
priests and Levites and chief of the fathers,
who were ancient men, that had seen the first
house, when the foundation of this house was
laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice;
and many shouted aloud for joy: So that the
people could not discern the noise of the shout of
joy from the noise of the weeping of the people:
for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the
noise was heard afar off (Ezra 3:10-13).

Those who had seen Solomon’s temple believed that

they had a good reason to grieve. Not only was this
sanctuary smaller in size, it was inferior in the quality of its
workmanship. Further, upon gaining their freedom, many
Jews chose not to return to Jerusalem. Instead, they thought
it best to use their new found liberty to spread out west in
search of a better life. To preserve their culture and
language in these new lands, they built synagogues in the
cities they inhabited.
Those who did return were restored as a nation. They
survived and continued to carry the name Israel, but they
were less then effectual in restoring commitment and passion
for God in the land. There were no great exploits such as
those done by the Judges. They won no significant wars and
produced no great fortifications or building projects like
those of Kings David and Solomon. Once again, a body of

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 Evidence for Eras ..

God’s people existed, but when it came to their works, it was

if they were dead (Rev. 3:1).

The New Testament Parallel

Following the middle ages, the corresponding New
Testament era arose during the 1500’s when God’s Church
came out of hiding. The terrible persecution they had
endured eased, and to a degree the Church was revived.
Some of these believers were called Anabaptists but during
the next century they were dubbed Sabbatarians.
While they seemed to have more freedom to practice
their faith, they received early persecution just like the
returning Jews in Ezra’s day. People such as John Trask and
his faithful wife were dragged out of church and jailed.
Many fled such discrimination and, as a consequence, the
Church experienced its own form of a Diaspora. A man
named Stephen Mumford was one such Christian who
migrated west.
Like the Jewish people who had built synagogues
where ever they went, Mumford and others brought the faith
to distant lands. Several small congregations rose up in
America calling themselves the Church of God. Having few
to fellowship with, Church members often mixed with other
congregations—thus paralleling the Israelites who
intermarried with Gentiles.
Under the leadership of Andrew Dugger and Clarence
Dodd, many people came to believe in the seventh-day
Sabbath. The main body of these believers called themselves
the Seventh Day Church of God which still exists today.
The Church once again became visible. They had the
name Church of God, but were splintered and lacked
enthusiasm for the whole truth. They accomplished little in
terms of a unified, visible work. For this reason the general
public knows little about them today. However, it was out of
this work that the next New Testament era arose—one that
would be noted for its zeal.

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 Evidence for Eras ..

The Maccabees Restore the Faith—Philadelphia

The sixth era of the Old Covenant began with a
people who came to be known as the Maccabees. While this
monumental era of Israel is not specifically mentioned in the
canonized books of the Bible, their history was recorded in
the book of Maccabees. Virtually all biblical scholars
recognize the first volumes of the book as an authentic
documentation of Judah and the events of God’s people
during the 2nd century B.C. For this reason, many publishers
include them in their printing of the holy Scriptures.
Small in number and having little physical strength,
this movement rose to power and influence during a time of
overwhelming dominance by the next beast power—the
Greek empire. The first book of Maccabees tells the story of
this era’s struggle for religious and political liberty under the
leadership of Judas Maccabeus. This courageous man led his
faithful family and friends in a heroic revolt against the
powerful Greek army.
In 167 B.C., Antiochus Epiphanies was the
commander of the Greek war machine. This general was a
prophetic type of the future beast who will crush all its
enemies during the last days of man’s rule on earth. In like
manner, Antiochus brutally killed thousands of innocent
men, women, and children. He even went so far as to turn
the temple in Jerusalem into a temple for Greek gods and
forced the Jews to worship heathen idols. Jewish history
recorded the tragic story of the tyranny and barbarism of
Antiochus as he attempted to unite the world under his rule:

Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all

should be one people, and that all should give up
their particular customs. All the Gentiles accepted
the command of the king. Many even from Israel
gladly adopted his religion; they sacrificed to
idols and profaned the Sabbath. And the king sent

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letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the towns

of Judah; he directed them to follow customs
strange to the land, to forbid burnt offerings and
sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary, to
profane Sabbaths and festivals, to defile the
sanctuary and the priests, to build altars and
sacred precincts and shrines for idols, to sacrifice
swine and other unclean animals, and to leave
their sons uncircumcised. They were to make
themselves abominable by everything unclean and
profane, so that they would forget the law and
change all the ordinances. He added, “And
whoever does not obey the command of the king
shall die.” In such words he wrote to his whole
kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the
people and commanded the towns of Judah to
offer sacrifice, town by town. Many of the people,
everyone who forsook the law, joined them, and
they did evil in the land; they drove Israel into
hiding in every place of refuge they had. Now on
the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one hundred
forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating sacrilege
on the altar of burnt offering. They also built
altars in the surrounding towns of Judah, and
offered incense at the doors of the houses and in
the streets. The books of the law that they found
they tore to pieces and burned with fire. Anyone
found possessing the book of the covenant, or
anyone who adhered to the law, was condemned
to death by decree of the king. They kept using
violence against Israel, against those who were
found month after month in the towns. On the
twenty-fifth day of the month they offered
sacrifice on the altar that was on top of the altar of
burnt offering. According to the decree, they put
to death the women who had their children
circumcised, and their families and those who
circumcised them; and they hung the infants from
their mother’s necks. But many in Israel stood

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 Evidence for Eras ..

firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat

unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be
defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant;
and they did die. Very great wrath came upon
Israel (1 Maccabees 1:41-64).

Before the revolt of the Maccabees, the Jewish

resistance to this powerful empire was passive and amounted
to little more than prayer and patience. However, in time, a
small cadre of Jews resisted with adamant resolve. Against all
odds, Mattathias Maccabeus led his five sons, grandchildren,
and a band of faithful men to a daring victory against the
Greek army. This small faction of believers exhibited such
strength that they came to be called Maccabees meaning
“hammers” (Strong’s, H4717). This name related to the family
who led God’s people, and it was a reflection of their
unrelenting pounding of the Greek forces.
After several successful forays began to break up the
Greek ranks, Jewish resistance became much more active.
This small but determined group finally drove out the Greeks
and restored the temple, rededicating it on Kislev 25 (The
Original Maccabees Bible, p. 16-17).
Following this amazing victory, the Maccabees
restored courage and great zeal for God among the people.
Faith in God was given a monumental boost. The air was
electric with an enormous passion and dedication to God’s law
and way of life. This ardent family revived enthusiasm
throughout the land. Even though they were often
outnumbered many times over, they overcame armies and
nations much more powerful than themselves. They regained
and maintained control over the temple in Jerusalem as well as
the land of Judah. God’s people even found favor and
admiration in the eyes of surrounding nations. On a number of
occasions, foreign dignitaries would send Israel gifts along
with documents of goodwill in an effort to promote peace.

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The renewed faith generated by this family caused

the Jews to overcome great obstacles. God’s people were
once again a great nation in the midst of the Promised Land.
Their success was an obvious sign of God’s intervention as
He gave them repeated victory over their enemies. These
faithful people left an enormous mark on 100 years of
Church history.
The Jews continue to celebrate their phenomenal
success by the feast of Hanukkah—a celebration that pictures
the eight days during which God purportedly continued the
supply oil in the lamps of the brave soldier’s until they
attained victory. The Maccabees ruled faithfully until 63 B.C.,
when Rome became the dominant empire in the area.

The New Testament Parallel

There is an obvious parallel between this Old
Covenant era and the era of Philadelphia. The sixth era of
God’s New Testament Church is also characterized as having
little strength. It too started small with one man and his family.
Herbert W. Armstrong opposed the paganization of
Christianity and was the instrument the Almighty used to
restore the spiritual temple. He was uncompromising in this
regard. With a strong arm he hammered the unbending
truth of God’s law and Christ’s message of hope into the
ears, minds, and hearts of all who would listen.
As a result of Mr. Armstrong’s efforts many members
responded with renewed zeal. Others were converted, and
tens of thousands wholeheartedly supported the work. This
era of the New Testament Church ultimately left a
monumental mark on the world and in the lives of untold
numbers. A remnant of this work is still alive today and, in
the end, those who remain faithful will not run out of oil—
God’s Holy Spirit (Mat. 25:1-13).

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The Pharisees—Laodicea
About 100 years after the temple was restored by the
Maccabees, General Pompey defeated all opposition and
gained control l of the Middle East for the Roman Empire.
During this time, two main groups formed within the ranks of
those exercising leadership in Judea—the Sadducees and the
Pharisees. Thus, as the sixth era of the Old Covenant waned, a
new group of spiritual leaders arose out of the Maccabean
successes and the seventh era of the Old Covenant began.
The Sadducees were aristocratic families of the
priestly line who recognized only the precepts derived from
the first five books of the Bible. They interpreted the law
literally and denied the concept of immortality of the soul, the
resurrection of the body, and the existence of angels. It was
this group of religious leaders who performed the temple
worship and its rites which included the sacrificial work.
Because the Sadducees were composed primarily of
the upper class, they tended to be less popular with the
common people. Thus, the Pharisees enjoyed the approval of
the general populous. It was this Pharisaic sect of Judaism that
dominated the seventh and final era of the Old Covenant.
The Pharisees accepted the prophets and writings,
believed that angels exercised influence in the affairs of
men, and taught a form of the resurrection of the dead.
However, they emphasized the oral law over the Scriptures
and strictly adhered to their religious traditions rather than
God’s commandments.
By the first century A.D., the Pharisees had come to
represent the beliefs and practices of the majority of the
Palestinian Jews. However, much of their doctrine was
driven by a desire for personal recognition and power. Their
faith became a show of perceived religious superiority, and
they came to believe their own facade. Armed with the idea
that they were the most righteous human beings on the face
of the planet, many scribes and Pharisees felt justified in
slandering and persecuting true followers of God in order to

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preserve their position and power base. Christ identified

these religious zealots with the following words:

Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which
indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within
full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto
men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and
iniquity (Matthew 23:27-28).

The Pharisees created various traditions that

eventually became their rules for religious conduct in Israel.
They believed their sect’s opinion raised them to a higher
spiritual plane, and they condemned others who did not
accept their doctrines. Their oral rules became the focus of
their religion; causing them to miss the spiritual point of
God’s truth. Outwardly they had an appearance of
righteousness, but they were filled with sin. For this reason
they suffered a type of the end time tribulation. The powerful
beast of the Roman Empire eventually stamped them out,
destroyed the temple, and scattered the priesthood. This
destruction occurred over a period of time lasting more than
three years.

The Modern Church Parallel

Today, we see several striking parallels between the
last era of the Old Covenant and that of the New Testament.
For example, Christ came to the earth at the end of the last
Old Covenant era and He will return at the conclusion of
seventh era of the New Testament Church. Moreover, just as
John the Baptist was an Elijah figure before Christ’s first
coming, Jesus explained that another Elijah is yet to come
(Mat. 17:10-12; Mal. 4:5).
One of the two witnesses will likely be this Elijah
figure; a prophet having the power to call fire down from

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heaven and start or stop the rain at will (Rev. 11:5-6). This
powerful spiritual leader will restore all things to a divided
and doctrinally confused Church just prior to Christ’s
second coming.
Another parallel lies in the fact that, like the
Pharisees who were willing to kill Christ to protect their
positions, most Church leaders today are more interested in
protecting their status rather than God’s truth! Therefore,
maintaining the status quo has become a major concern.
When the New Testament Church was faced with an
apostasy taking place among the top leadership, ministers
feared losing their jobs. Instead of speaking the truth directly
to the brethren, the ministry preached “safe” sermons to
protect themselves. Others who resisted the apostasy came to
think that they had sacrificed a great deal. They came to
believe they had “held fast” as a result of their righteousness.
An attitude of superiority developed among many, and as the
doctrines were restudied, an atmosphere of intellectualism
developed among many of the leaders.
On the other hand, because of the great work done
under the leadership of Mr. Armstrong, some came to believe
that he could do no wrong. They refuse to accept any new
understanding; thinking that if Mr. Armstrong didn’t teach it,
then it could not be true. Ironically, like the Pharisees of old
who quoted their favorite Rabbi, many now cite Herbert
Armstrong or their leading minister’s statements rather than
God’s Word. As a result of these varied paths, many
members judge one another and condemn those who do not
follow the doctrinal choices of their corporate sect.
This is where we find ourselves today. In the last era
of God’s Church, many have succumbed to attitudes
possessed by the people of this world. In this way, they have
become much like the Pharisees. Vast numbers in the Church
of God have a form of godliness, but deny His power to rule
over their lives.

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In yet another set of remarkable parallels, the last era

of the New Testament is warned that if they do not repent,
they will suffer severe persecution during the great
tribulation (Rev. 3:18-19). During this time, a man called
“the beast” will be allowed to scatter the power of God’s
people (Dan. 12:7; Rev. 12:17).
This also occurred during the last era of the Old
Covenant—the Pharisees. Christ warned that a terrible
tribulation would come upon them. He said “not one stone
shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown
down” (Mat. 24:1-3). Further, when some of the people
lamented Christ’s crucifixion, He explained:

Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but

weep for yourselves, and for your children. For,
behold, the days are coming, in the which they
shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs
that never bare, and the paps which never gave
suck. Then shall they begin to say to the
mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us
(Luke 23:28-30).

This prophecy is dual in its warning and fulfillment.

It referred to both the end time as well as the end of the
Pharisaic age when the Roman army destroyed the temple,
its priesthood, and scattered the Jewish people. It was
during its first fulfillment that Nero ascended to the throne
of Rome. This young emperor was a type of the end-time
beast during the age of the Pharisees. When written in
Aramaic, a common language of Jesus’ time, the letters of
Nero’s name add up to 666; just as will occur with the name
of the end time beast (Rev. 13:8).
In addition, as the record of history reveals, it appears
that the Messiah gave the people approximately 40 years
from the time of His ministry to repent; after which a terrible
tribulation came upon them. During the spring of 66 A.D., a
revolt by a number of Jews broke out in Caesarea. Nero then

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ordered General Vespasian to put a stop to this uprising. The

Roman military began their terror in 67 A.D. and in a bloody
whirlwind campaign they had taken Galilee by year’s end.
They viciously massacred many of the Jews and destroyed
the temple by September 70 A.D.
In a final parallel, just prior to the destruction of the
temple by the Roman army, true Christians who kept the
words of Christ were protected. As Josephus wrote:

I suppose the account of it would seem to be a

fable, were it not related by those that saw it, and
were not the events that followed it of so
considerable a nature as to deserve such signals;
for, before sun-setting, chariots and troops of
soldiers in their armor were seen running about
among the clouds, and surrounding cities.
Moreover, at that feast which we call Pentecost, as
the priests were going by night into the inner
[court of the] temple, as their custom was, to
perform their sacred ministrations, they said that,
in the first place, they felt a quaking, and heard a
great noise, and after that they heard a sound as of
a great multitude, saying, “Let us remove hence”
(Wars of the Jews, Book. 6, ch.5, par. 3)

A small number was saved from this devastation. The

vast majority suffered terribly until they were completely
destroyed. By this we see amazing direct parallels between
the eras of the Pharisees and Laodecia.
Christ comes to both of these eras. He preaches
repentance to them. In each case, He is preceded by an Elijah
type figure. The Savior teaches God’s truth, is rejected by
most, and the people who repent and hold fast to the
Scriptures are protected. Those who do not repent must
suffer a terrible tribulation under the hand of the beast power.

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Parallels between the Old and New Covenant Eras

Old New
Testament Testament Similar Characteristics
Era Era

 Those first called

The Exodus Ephesus  Eye witnesses of God’s
power

 Spiritual let down

Judges Smyrna  Persecution
 Bitterness

United  Fortified
Pergamos
Monarchy  Strengthened

 Affected by Jezebel
Divided
Thyatira  Apostasy and tribulation
Monarchy
 Captivity

 God’s work restored

Ezra’s
Sardis  Divided in approach
Restoration
 Lack of Zeal

 Zealous
 Restoration of the faith
Maccabees Philadelphia
 Cleansing God’s people of
pagan influence

 Self-righteous
Pharisees Laodicea  Judgmental
 Tribulation

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 Chapter 8

The Evidence is in
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said...
Men and brethren, what shall we do?
~ Acts 2:37 ~

S even exhibits have been presented. The evidence they

contain overwhelmingly demonstrates that the seven
letters in the book of Revelation were written to seven eras
of God’s Church existing down through the corridor of time.
In proving this truth, the following points have been made:
First, these seven letters are an intrinsic part of a
prophetic book that is filled with symbolic imagery. As an
integral part of Revelation, these letters are also symbolic
and prophetic.
Second, the number seven represents completion.
Therefore, these seven churches symbolize the complete
Church around the world and throughout the history of
God’s people.
Third, the epistles were dictated, written, and read in
the exact successive order Christ addressed them; even
though four other congregations not mentioned by the Savior
existed on this same mail route. Thus, the progression
foreshadowed that the letters were to be read and understood
by the Church in this same order through history.
Fourth, the book of Revelation contains seven distinct
categories of prophecy; each containing seven separate events.
In six of these categories the events play out in chronological
order. These letters must follow this same pattern to complete
seven sets of seven in chronological order.

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Fifth, as the last two letters are read, the emphasis

becomes Christ’s return. In fact, the letters to Philadelphia and
Laodecia contain admonishment regarding the great tribulation
at the end of the age. Since those congregations in Asia Minor
no longer exist, and the last three letters speak of future events,
those congregations represent end-time Church eras.
Sixth, the messages contained in each letter match the
historical record. Each letter reflects the environment and
experiences of the Church during periods of time progressing
up to the return of our Savior.
Finally, God commissioned ancient Israel to produce a
lamp stand with seven lamps that portrayed seven eras in
which God worked with His people. That first covenant was a
type of spiritual Israel that would enter a new covenant (1Cor.
10:11). Therefore, those first eras foreshadowed the events
that would be experienced by the New Testament Church.

Seven Sets of Evidence for Eras

The letters are part of
I
a prophetic book

Seven Churches indicate

II
the complete Church

The writing is in the same order

III
in which they were received and read

The seven letters are part of Revelation’s seven sets

IV
of seven; all occurring in succession

The last two letters reflect events to occur

V
just before Christ returns

The letters correspond to the

VI
actual record of history

Seven Old Covenant eras mirror

VII
the seven New Testament eras

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Are We Convicted?
The seven letters ARE written to seven eras, and we
can now be certain that we are living in the last one—
Laodicea. But what does this mean for us? Is it only to
validate a long held doctrinal belief, or is there something of
much greater value to be gained?
Having viewed all the evidence, we are in possession
of a unique opportunity of supreme importance. If these
letters are written to eras then there must be one written to
us. Therefore, we can accept God’s admonition our era. We
can repent and change our lives. We can stop slopping over
doctrine for the sake of unity and start preaching God’s plain
truth! We can behave in a godly manner regarding the
decisions we make in life. We can resist being influenced by
our perverse environment. We can beware of self-righteous
attitudes that are invading the Church.
We can, and we must, stop accepting the behaviors,
values, standards, and entertainment of the world. We should
not be content with our spiritual state. We can be more
forgiving toward others and put greater effort into living the
way that God wants us to.
This should wake us up! The evidence should convict
us! The last era of God’s Church is like the Pharisees of old.
We should be convinced of this important truth, and it should
prompt us to take action!
There are steps that need to be taken—but what are
they? To answer this question, Christ said something of
enormous importance to all of God’s people:

For I say unto you, that except your righteousness

shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the
kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20).

With this statement, Jesus gave us the criteria for

inclusion into the Family and Kingdom of God. Our

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righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. If not, we

will not attain God’s Kingdom. But, how does that square
with the Laodiceans? After all, they are God’s Church. Don’t
they make it into the Kingdom? The answer to this question
is exactly why this issue is of such enormous importance.
Today, it has almost become fashionable to think that
being Laodicean is not all that bad. While many might accept
the fact that these letters were written to eras, and that we are
now living in the last one, there is a tendency to believe that,
although the Laodiceans may suffer the tribulation, they will
still attain the Kingdom.
In light of this belief, there is a vital truth that needs
to be understood. Laodiceans will NOT make it into the
kingdom unless they change! Notice Christ’s admonition to
this last era:

And unto the angel of the church of the

Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen,
the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the
creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art
neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or
hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and
neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my
mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and
increased with goods, and have need of nothing;
and knowest not that thou art wretched, and
miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked
(Revelation 3:13-17).

In this scathing letter of rebuke, God accuses His

people of being lukewarm. They are self satisfied and
spiritually blind. Would God allow individuals with such
attitudes to rule others in His Kingdom? Would Christ leaven
the Kingdom with a half-hearted approach? Absolutely not!
Laodiceans will NOT make it into the Kingdom the way they
are. They must change!

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For this reason He tells them that they must suffer the
consequences of their actions. To change their attitude, they
must experience the great tribulation and be painfully tried
by the fiery trials of a war scorched planet. They will be
subjected to the effects of loss, pain, sickness, starvation,
persecution and death. Out of love for His people, Christ
admonishes this era to “be zealous and repent,” stating:

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that
thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy
nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes
with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I
love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore,
and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit
with me in my throne, even as I also overcame,
and am set down with my Father in his throne
(Revelation 3:18-21).

We who live at the end of the age must heed Christ’s

warning. At this time we still have a small window of
opportunity to avoid His painful and tragic rebuke. We must
work to resist the negative traits now infecting the Church
while we still have a chance. If we do not, Christ will use
any and all means necessary to bring about our repentance.
The horrors of the holocaust are likely to pale in comparison
to what will soon come upon this earth, and those who do not
heed Christ’s warning will suffer the most devastating time
in man’s history (Mat. 24:21).
God will spew the Laodiceans out of His mouth! He
powerfully warns that if we do not change, we will be forced
to buy gold, a symbol of godly character, in the fire, a
symbol of trial or tribulation (1Cor. 3:12, 1Pet. 4:12). If we
hope to enter His Kingdom, we must change!

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Consider the consequences if we do not make the

necessary effort to change at this time. In one striking
example, the Scriptures show Christ fulfilling His promise to
Laodicea. During the tribulation, Satan is empowered to
pursue the remnant left behind. This powerful being is filled
with hatred toward God’s people, and he is allowed to make
war on the saints (Rev. 12:13-17).
This will be a terrifying future for the Laodiceans.
The very thought of Christ rejecting us is horrifying. To lose
His favor and our intimate relationship with Him is
unthinkable. Then consider what it might be like to face
Satan as the devil uses demonic forces to unleash his hatred
on the remnant of the Church who have the commandments,
but do not keep them as God intended. We need to consider
what it would be like to have Satan make war on us. He is
vicious and has no mercy. To those who will face him, his
wrath will be devastating.
With such powerful forces afflicting these people, it
is important for us to consider that if we are lukewarm now,
how will we react when put under such enormous pressure?
If we cannot be firm and have resolve at this time, will we
have the ability to stand firm then? If we do not have the
spiritual strength now, how will we suddenly develop it when
such perilous times come? God’s people must reject this
attitude now—before it is too late!

Identifying Laodicea
It is obvious that we must resist the traits and values
of Laodicea, but what exactly are those traits? Among the
churches of God today there are differing views regarding
the identifying signs of Laodicea. Some believe a lukewarm
attitude toward preaching the gospel to the world through the
media identifies them. Others teach that being a Laodicean is
not believing or practicing every detail that Herbert
Armstrong taught. A few teach that being Laodicean is not
having a specific form of church government. Still others

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claim that someone who does not call God and Jesus by the
names YHWH and Yeshua are Laodicean. There are even
several groups who state that Laodiceans are those who do
not keep the holy days according to their particular
interpretation of the calendar.
However, none of these man-made ideas truly
identify the Church of Laodicea. People have created these
definitions to justify themselves. By setting their own criteria
for what constitutes a Laodicean, they have attempted to
portray themselves as Philadelphian. For this very reason the
knowledge of Church eras is of enormous value.
We now have the Biblical and historical evidence for
eras. We do not have to guess. The last era of the Old
Covenant foreshadowed the last era of the New Testament.
Therefore, we can be sure that God’s view of what
constitutes being a Laodicean is having the characteristics of
the Pharisees. Because of this truth, we must understand
what these ancient people were like and how we reflect them
today. Only then can we reject these wrong attitudes, repent,
and ensure that we do not suffer the prophesied fate of the
last era.

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 Chapter 9

The Righteousness
of the Pharisees
Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, why
walk not thy disciples according to
the tradition of the elders?
~ Mark 7:5 ~

T he Pharisees were noted for thinking they were superior

to others. They believed that righteousness could be
attained by being like them and following their traditions.
While they appeared to keep God’s commandments, they
elevated their own tradition above God’s law. They were
zealous, but their zeal was directed toward the standards that
they had created and not towards the truths expressed in
God’s Word. While they applauded themselves for holding to
the Torah, they were unmerciful and judgmental toward
anyone who was different. They would often attack those in
other sects who taught even slightly different views.
It is this very same spirit that permeates God’s
Church as we enter the end of the age. Many members think
that being lukewarm is being lethargic and half-hearted in
general. As a result, they believe that, because they are
zealous in their church activity, or passionately believe in
their personal views of Scripture that they could not possibly
be Laodicean. But when we look at the Pharisees, we see that
they too were zealous. Their zeal was of the extreme nature,
but without true knowledge. As Paul wrote:

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Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for

Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them
record that they have a zeal of God, but not
according to knowledge. For they being ignorant
of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not
submitted themselves unto the righteousness of
God (Romans 10:1-3).

The Pharisees were extremely enthusiastic about their

sect of Judaism. They were wholehearted about what THEY
were doing and deeply passionate about making converts to
THEIR religion, but they were lukewarm toward what God
desired of His people. This is the very same spirit found in
the Church of Laodicea.
For example, they believe that they are “rich and
increased with goods.” Considering that Church members
today live better than kings of ancient times, the use of
these terms indicates that their possessions have likely
given them a false sense of security. To them, it is viewed
as a sign of God’s approval and therefore they must be rich
spiritually. They believe that they possess a wealth of godly
knowledge and are increased with righteous character.
When Christ described the attitude of Laodecia with
these terms, it is another example of duality in Scripture. The
physical reflects the spiritual, and Christ’s next statement
tells them they are actually “poor, blind, and naked” and
must buy “gold refined in the fire.” Each one of these
descriptive words is symbolic of spiritual attributes.
Yes, Laodiceans might be zealous for what they
believe and what their church organization is doing. In fact,
they may work hard at making converts to their particular
group, or trying to convince others of their pet doctrine.
However, their values are skewed and they mislead people;
corrupting them regarding the pure standards of God. As
Jesus said of the Pharisees:

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Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

for ye compass sea and land to make one
proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him
twofold more the child of hell than yourselves
(Mathew 23:15).

Does this sound familiar? Today, many are zealous

about their particular views on doctrine. They seek converts
to their beliefs, and they work hard at persuading others. In
their mind, a new member to their cause validates them and
seems to confirm that their thinking is correct. It makes them
feel righteous and important to see their work grow.
Thus, ministers and brethren accuse other people of
being Laodicean. They speak of themselves as being “right,”
“on track,” or doing a really “big work.” Perhaps this makes
them feel important. However, desiring to do a big work, one
group overworked its people and had to begin sending a
chiropractor to their main office every week to relieve stress.
Another group teaches they are superior to others
because they have the most members. One wrote on their
website that they are better because they have published the
most material. One exceedingly bold leader even went so far
as to state that his organization was the “only standard by
which God could judge His people.” This kind of arrogant
behavior is a mirror image of the Pharisees and proves that
such thinking is of the Laodecian era.
The Jews in Christ’s day were divided into four
different sects: the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and
Zealots (Josephus, War II:118-168, Ant:169-172 XVIII).
Each believed in the Scriptures and keeping the
commandments. Each had their distinctive interpretation of
the law. Each claimed to have a monopoly on God’s favor,
even recommending to their followers not to marry members
of the other sects within the community of Hebrew believers.
Not only did the Pharisees set themselves in
opposition to all the other sects, but they set themselves

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against the upper and lower economic classes as well. The

infighting between the Pharisees and aristocratic Sadducees,
documented in the New Testament, is an example of this
ongoing hostility (Act 23:6). The fact that the high priest was
Sadduceean was a continual thorn in the Pharisaic side. The
Pharisees had such disdain for the Sadducees, that they
would say, “A learned mamzer takes precedence over an
ignorant High Priest” (Mishnah, Horayot 3:8).
A mamzer was an outcast; a child born of adultery or
incest. The Pharisees had no fear of calling others one of the
lowest names possible. Perhaps it is for this reason that, after
Christ told us that our righteousness must exceed that of the
Pharisees, He then spoke of the future Church stating:

But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with

his brother without a cause shall be in danger of
the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his
brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council:
but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in
danger of hell fire (Matthew 5:22).

While all the sects entertained basically the same

core beliefs, the Pharisees fought with others over pet
doctrines, rank, class, traditions, and just about any other
difference they could find. Today, most organizations within
the Church of God are no different. Leaders and lay
members alike continue to attack one another in much the
same way.
For instance, one evangelist wrote that another
evangelist was “Satan’s tool.” Another leader claimed that
the director of another group was “the most dangerous man
on earth.” The pastor of a different congregation accused
another pastor of being a “curmudgeon” because he taught
against buying and selling on the Sabbath. Ministers have
blatantly lied from the pulpit to make their organization
appear more righteous.

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This attitude of superiority and ridicule is not limited

to the ministry, but has also infected the flock (Eze. 34:17-
22). Various members do not hesitate to speak against other
churches and treating their own brethren as heretics simply
for not believing exactly the way they do. Some lay members
have designed websites and use them to tear down ministers
and brethren. Many wrest the Scriptures in order to feed their
ego. Instead of denying pride, and self righteousness,
thousands have allowed pet doctrines and personal
interpretations of scripture to become the “cross” that they
choose to bear. Today, the vast majority of the Church of
God is fulfilling the characteristics of the last era. It is just as
Christ foretold when He said:

But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart,

My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to
smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with
the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in
a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour
that he is not aware of (Matthew 24:48-50).

The Pharisees were zealous, but their zeal was

without godly knowledge. They were zealous for their sect
and their personal beliefs, but not zealous for the true love of
God. In like manner, a great deal of energy is expended in
the Church today, but in too many cases that zeal is directed
toward discrediting others and validating the self. Yes, men
and women are working hard, but they are working to
advance their own cause—not God’s.
We need to admit the truth. At this stage in Church
history, few are conscientiously working to overcome sin.
We are not striving diligently to imitate Christ. We are not
working hard to purify ourselves. We are not zealous to
overcome the lust of the flesh, the lust the eyes, and the pride
of life. Yet this is exactly what we must do. This is why we
are called to repent of self validating behaviors!

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In Need of Nothing
Perhaps one of the main reasons God’s people lack
the zeal to overcome sin at the end of the age is due to an
inflated view of ourselves. When it came to the Pharisees,
they were filled with self. As Jesus said:

But all their works they do for to be seen of men:

they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the
borders of their garments, And love the uppermost
rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the
synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to
be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi (Matthew 23:5-7).

Looking at the Church today, it appears that little is

different from the time of the Pharisees. There are those who
insist that they be called “doctor.” Others make the
distinction that they are a “senior pastor.” One claims to be a
“leading evangelist.” Another has designated himself an
apostle, and one more arrogantly claims to be “that prophet”
prophesied by Moses (Deu. 18:18-22). Even lay members
without ordination have made themselves out to be Church
leaders and presumptuously assert they are “God’s
instrument of correction.” Some imply that God has even
spoken to them in order to validate themselves. By this, they
boldly assert that God has commissioned their work.
This superior mentality has spilled into the lives of
God’s people everywhere. It is a terrible problem in the
Church of God today. Thousands believe that because they
remained faithful during the apostasy, or are following one
of these men who claim to be God’s only true leader, that
they too are right with God. We have become little different
than the Pharisees who “trusted in themselves that they
were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9). To these
men, as well as to us today, Jesus gave an eye opening
parable, stating:

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Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one

a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee
stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank
thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners,
unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast
twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I
possess. And the publican, standing afar off,
would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven,
but smote upon his breast, saying, God be
merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went
down to his house justified rather than the other:
for every one that exalteth himself shall be
abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be
exalted (Luke 18:10-14).

Jesus described the difference between two

prevailing attitudes. The Pharisee thought that he was in need
of nothing, and it is this very mindset that is flourishing in
the Church today (Rev. 3:17). We have come to feel that we
are heroes. We pat ourselves on the back and congratulate
ourselves for holding fast, but this is simply our duty (Luke
17:10). By choosing to do the right thing, some have come to
believe that one single right choice automatically places us
into the category of being Philadelphian.
It is this attitude of superiority that has bred
complacency in the vast majority of Church members today.
Because we think we have done the right thing in the past, or
because we feel we are in the “right” organization, we have
drawn a conclusion that we have arrived—we are spiritually
rich and increased with goods. Ignoring Paul’s
admonishment, many subconsciously feel as though they
have “apprehended” (Php. 3:14-15).
As a result, we are no longer enthusiastically seeking
the righteousness of Christ as we once did. We may have a
zeal for what we are doing, but ultimately have little passion
for what God wants us to be. We seldom fast to humble
ourselves anymore. Many no longer feel obligated to be on a

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search and destroy mission to find sin and eradicate it from

our lives (2Cor. 13:5; Psa. 139:23). If we would honestly
look at ourselves, most would have to admit we are not
diligent enough. Isn’t it apparent that we are now living in a
different era of God’s Church?
Today, we have blurred the lines of obedience to
God’s law. People attend congregations where pastors
believe in the trinity but are under orders not to teach it. Few
ministers deeply study in order to carefully answer questions
that members might ask—they simply give canned answers.
It has become commonplace for people to do business on
God’s holy Sabbath by going out to eat at restaurants. Admit
it—we have become sloppy in our Christian living!
The irony is that, like the Pharisees, we think we are
righteous. While we point our fingers at others, even
mocking or ridiculing them, we are the ones who cannot be
corrected. In our minds we are in need of nothing. However,
we are in severe need of correction!

They Who Justify Themselves

Most people do not see themselves the way they
really are. Human nature influences us to see ourselves as
better than others. In like manner, it is very difficult for us to
see what has happened to the Church. We don’t realize how
far we have slipped, and how we have created various
reasons to justify our spiritual condition. The Pharisees were
masters at this. As Jesus pointed out:

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men;

but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is
highly esteemed among men is abomination in the
sight of God (Luke 16:15).

One of the most difficult things for human beings to

do is to admit that they are wrong. Everything in our human
nature flies in the face of self abasement. This has been the

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case from the time Adam blamed Eve and she in turn blamed
Satan for eating the forbidden fruit. When accused of doing
wrong, our internal defense mechanisms kick into gear, and
we will almost always try to come up with some sort of
excuse to justify ourselves.
The Laodiceans are characterized by this trait. They
seem to overlook the verses reminding us that every man
appears right in his own eyes and that our hearts are deceitful
and wicked (Pro. 21:2; Jer. 17:9). As a result, when the
churches are faced with the issue of doing business on the
Sabbath, they create scenarios of handicapped people who
can’t make their own lunch, or various emergencies that
require people to work such as those who must redirect
traffic. They create these speculative situations to excuse
their behavior instead of accepting the error of their ways
and being corrected. Rather than looking for ways to obey
God’s commandments, they dream up situations to justify
what they are doing, even if it directly breaks the
commandments. In this, they are no different than the
Pharisees of old.
God help us! We must repent of the traits associated
with this era! Our righteousness must exceed that of the
Pharisees! If we have ears to hear, this is the key to
overcoming in the end time. By continuing to examine
ourselves and take an unrelenting inventory of our motives
and behavior, we humble ourselves before God. Then, in
humility, we can admit our sins, see the weakness of our
humanity, and reject the wrong in favor of God’s
righteousness. In this context, the writer of the proverb stated:

Most men will proclaim every one his own

goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
(Proverbs 20:6)

Yes, it is easy for us to excuse our situations and

proclaim our own goodness. We do this by hopping on a soap

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box and pointing the finger of accusation at others. We twist

our perspective to justify ourselves and rationalize. However,
they are just that—rational lies. This is our wicked human
nature at work. Someone who is humbly honest, who admits
wrong and accepts reproof, is difficult to find.
For this reason, Christ told us to be zealous and
repent! We need to turn from rationalizing our behaviors. We
are all human and no one is like God (Isa. 55:8). Admitting
this is the initial step toward overcoming. It is the first move
we must make in exceeding the righteousness of the Pharisees.

Binding Heavy Burdens

Christ excoriated the Pharisees on several levels. One
of the flaws He exposed was their tendency to put burdens
on others which they would not consider doing themselves.
As our Savior stated:

The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe,
that observe and do; but do not ye after their
works: for they say, and do not. for they bind
heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay
them on men's shoulders; but they themselves
will not move them with one of their fingers
(Matthew 23:2-4).

These verses reflect a characteristic of the last Old

Covenant era that is also found in the last New Testament
era—the age in which we now live. The Pharisaic leaders
required more of their followers than they would do
themselves. Similarly, leaders in God’s Church today often
put burdens on others that they will not bear.
For example, at a ministerial conference sponsored by
one particular group, the ministers were told that brethren
should not attend a different Church of God even if it was
only five miles from their home. The pastors were to instruct

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members that they should be willing to travel 100 miles or

more if necessary to attend with their preferred group. Even
though no specifics were given to validate their reasoning,
they were told that there was a great difference between the
groups, and to attend with others who were not of the same
organization would be harmful. Members were encouraged to
make the long trek without considering that this would force
some to purchase gas and make them subject to the burdens of
unnecessary, time consuming, travel on God’s Sabbath.
At this same time, the ministers were given new cars
and the Church paid for their gas and meals while they were
on the road. Understandably, ministers were sometimes
caught in a preexisting system, and many may not have
agreed with the policy of the Church, but it became a way in
which the leadership put burdens on others that they would
not lift themselves.
In another example, members were rightly told they
must save ten percent of their income as a second tithe to be
used at the feasts. They were taught they could spend the
money only on things that were needed to properly keep the
feast and were to spend the entire sum. If they did not spend
the whole amount, they were encouraged to give any excess
to the Church in the holy day offerings. While these
instructions did not violate the Scriptures, there is no verse
stating that excess second tithe must be given to the Church
and that it cannot be held up for next year. In addition, the
ministry did not bear this burden. They did not have to save a
second tithe. Like a bonus, it was mailed to them. They
received checks twice a year before the two holy day
seasons. In at least one of the larger groups, these checks
were accompanied by a letter reminding the ministers that, if
they did not spend all these monies on feast related activities,
the remainder would be considered income, and as such,
subject to taxes.
In several other cases, when Church members all
stayed at one hotel, the Church would receive two or more

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dollars per day, for each room. The hotels also provided a
certain number of complimentary rooms based on how many
members lodged there. Those complimentary rooms often
were taken by the ministry who were speaking at the site
instead of giving them to the widows or the poor.
In another true story, at one point the Church taught
that an additional tithe should be kept every third year. A
young married couple was struggling with this and could not
pay their bills. They did not know what to do, but desired to
obey God, so they asked a minister to counsel them. Upon
learning that they did not have enough money to pay a third
tithe, the minister told them to put it on a credit card. What is
so hypocritical is that the ministry was never required to pay
a third tithe.
Please understand that these stories are not expressed
to pick on the ministry. Sometimes, the amount of work
performed by God’s servants is overwhelming, and their
many good deeds are often taken for granted. These
examples are given to ferret out, and identify, the kind of
behaviors that are a part of the last era. Those in the ministry
are leaders of the end time Church, and some of them are
acting just like the last era of the Old Covenant. They are
binding burdens on others that they will not lift themselves.
What about us? Are we any different than the
Pharisees of Jesus’ time? Do we expect more of others than
we are willing to do ourselves? Do we expect people to give
to us, yet we do not feel any compunction to give back? Do
we expect our children to surpass the efforts we would have
put forth at their age? What about our relationships to co-
workers, or our mates? Do we smugly take them for granted?
We should not expect anyone to do more than we are willing
to do. This is no small issue. It is no less than the second
most important commandment. We are to love others as
much as we love ourselves (Mat. 22:39).
Consider that every year the Church of God observes

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a unique, and vital, ceremony. During the Passover evening,

we kneel and wash one another’s feet. Some call this the
ordinance of humility. What we do on that night each year is
a reminder of how we are to live each day throughout every
year! We are to be servants of one another. We are not to take
more than we are given. If anything, we are to give more
than we take.
God is creating a servant family—one that serves our
fellow man in love. As the people of God, we must practice
the way of giving and serving one another; do unto others as
we would have done to us (Mat. 22:39). By living this way,
our righteousness can exceed that of the Pharisees.

Swearing by the Gold

During the final era of the Old Covenant, the
prevailing religious community was one that cared more
about the monetary value of things than they did the true
worship of God. Jesus disclosed this ungodly characteristic
of the Pharisees, stating:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence
make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the
greater damnation. Woe unto you, ye blind guides,
which say, whosoever shall swear by the temple, it
is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold
of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind:
for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that
sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear
by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth
by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and
blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar
that sanctifieth the gift? (Matthew 23:14-19)

One does not need to look very hard to see evidence

of this characteristic prevailing in the Church today. It is
tragic that many value physical things more than God who

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created all that is physical. This was a fault of the Pharisees,

and it is no less so with us today. There is enormous irony in
Christ telling Laodicea to buy gold tried in the fire. They
believe they are rich and increased with goods, but they do
not humbly appreciate what they have.
Things of monetary value, such as gold, are what the
majority of men and women care about. Knowing this, God
made it the symbol for what He cares about most—spiritual
character (Rev. 3:18; 1Pe. 3:3; 1Cor. 3:12). The last era of
the Church seeks gold in this life, but not the gold of
righteous character. Therefore, God tells them that they will
have to buy this gold in the fiery trial of the tribulation.
Those in the last era of the Old Covenant loved
money. This shared passion with the last era of the New
Testament may be the reason Christ caused the story of the
young rich man to be recorded. It was delivered to those
living in Christ’s time, but do not make the mistake of
thinking that it was only for them. It was also meant for us!

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good

Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may
have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why
callest thou me good? there is none good but one,
that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep
the commandments. He saith unto him, Which?
Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt
not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou
shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and
thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these
things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I
yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect,
go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor,
and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come
and follow me. But when the young man heard
that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had
great possessions (Matthew 19:16-22).

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When Christ told this man that in order to enter into

eternal life, he needed to keep the commandments. The
young man replied that he had kept them from his youth.
However, when Christ asked him to sell everything and give
it to the poor, he balked. He had great possessions, and by
this statement, Jesus revealed the young man’s weakness.
Though he kept the Ten Commandments, he did not fully
understand or keep the intent of the law. He was covetous
and had little mercy for the poor.
This man is indicative of our Laodicean attitude
today. Like the Pharisees, our desire for wealth, and our
propensity to gather possessions, has developed over time.
Because the scriptures point out that God blesses those who
obey Him, the Church came to view money as a blessing
from God. Many came to think that when the people were
doing right, God compensated them monetarily. This kind of
thinking has evolved to the point that many associate
financial status with righteousness. What is not fully realized
is that God’s blessings may very well be a deeper
understanding of Scripture, a closer walk with God, spiritual
healing, and not necessarily financial security (Mat. 5:3-12)!
Further, since the Laodiceans believe they are “rich
and increased with goods,” it is expected they would
naturally interpret income to mean that they have God’s
favor. What they don’t seem to realize is that today we don’t
live anything like Church of God members in past history.
We actually live better than many of the kings of ancient
times! We live in efficient, well built homes with insulation,
running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, heating, and air
conditioning. We possess washing machines, dryers, ovens,
microwaves, blenders, electric shavers, entertainments
centers, and many other conveniences.
We shop in beautiful stores that are loaded with
colorful, beautiful merchandise. We walk down grocery store
aisles and choose from row after row of exotic and wonderful
foods. We have an array of entertainment provided by

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computers, cell phones, and powerful electronic equipment.

We buy products that have been shipped to us from all over
the world. We drive modern chariots that are luxurious, with
stereo sound, power steering, climate control, and beautiful
interiors. Even the wealthiest state officials of ancient times
never even dreamed of having things that we take for granted.
Compared to our brethren in the past, we are rich beyond
belief; having vast amounts of goods and luxuries.
While many members think this wealth is a
referendum on their righteousness, some Church leaders still
think that it is never enough. Even though the truth has been
revealed, many churches take up offerings seven times a
year—not three as the Bible clearly states. One man advised
his congregation to sell or mortgage their homes and give the
proceeds to his organization. Some churches publish articles,
and give sermons, encouraging members to preach the
gospel with their last will and testament. By this, they try to
take widow’s houses, and ignore the scriptures by preventing
children from receiving an inheritance (Pro. 13:22).
Because of obsession with wealth in this era, there is
also the tendency to give preferential treatment to those who
have money. While this has generally been the case with
humankind, it certainly should not be so in the Church of
God. For this reason, James wrote:

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus

Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
For if there come unto your assembly a man with
a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in
also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have
respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and
say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and
say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under
my footstool: Are ye not then partial in
yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not
God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,

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and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised

to them that love him? But ye have despised the
poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme
that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye
fulfill the royal law according to the scripture,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do
well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit
sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors
(James 2:1-9).

While the Apostle James wrote during the first era of

the New Testament, it was still the end of the last era of the
Old Covenant. The spirit of the Pharisees continued until 70
A.D. when they faced their type of the tribulation as Rome
destroyed the temple and disbanded the priesthood. This
same spirit infects us in this last era of the Church. There is
an emphasis on the power of money. As one Church leader
said, “Mr. Armstrong spent money and I intend to spend it.”
In another example, a minister was transferred to a
congregation in an area that had become a retirement
community. When asked how he liked the congregation, he
responded that there was only one new car in the parking lot.
Another church leader repeatedly speaks of the possibility of
a millionaire being called into the Church and giving big
offerings. Then there have been cases where serious
accusations were brought against wealthy Church members.
Instead of following the correct application of Matthew 18
and making a righteous judgment, the ministry chose to
ignore the situation to avoid losing tithes. In other cases,
ministers have been ordered to give preferential treatment to
wealthy members.
We must come to see this in our own lives. Today, we
have much of the same spirit that the Pharisees had in their
time. We care far too much about money and what it can buy.
How important is money to us? Are we driven by it? Do we
think we need to keep up with the Joneses—the rest of

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society? Do we believe that both parents must work in order

for us to have all that we desire? Or do we seek first the
Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mat. 6:33). Do we
see this life for what it is; a training ground for that
Kingdom? Or do we lean in the direction of this world and
primarily seek the pleasures it offers?
Jesus said that we cannot serve God and mammon
(Mat. 6:24). He warned us to avoid this trap which the
Pharisees and their modern day Laodicean counterparts have
fallen into.

The Traditions of Men

One of the most infamous traits of the Pharisees was
their greater emphasis on their own traditions than on the
commandments of God. They considered their oral law as
having greater authority than that which was written in the
Scriptures. For this reason, they were in error regarding
many doctrines. Jesus repeatedly told them, “You do err, not
knowing the scriptures” (Mat. 22:29). With a touch of
sarcasm, He once asked, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and do
not know these things?” He constantly reminded them that,
“It is written in your law” (John 3:10; 10:34). In another
example, Matthew recorded one of these encounters pointing
out the hypocrisy of these people, stating:

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which

were of Jerusalem, saying, why do thy disciples
transgress the tradition of the elders? For they
wash not their hands when they eat bread. But He
answered and said unto them, why do ye also
transgress the commandment of God by your
tradition?… Thus have ye made the
commandment of God of none effect by your
tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy
of you, saying, this people draweth nigh unto me
with their mouth, and honoureth me with their
lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain

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they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the

commandments of men (Mathew 15:1-9).

While reading the rebuke of Christ, we need to ask

ourselves an important question. Is it possible that we are
walking in the footsteps of the Pharisees? We must be honest
and admit that in too many cases the answer is yes! Today,
the Church of God will often teach and practice its tradition
rather than what God’s Word plainly says.
Consider Matthew 18 for example. In these verses
Christ outlines the proper method of solving conflicts among
brethren. We are to first go to our brother—alone. That
failing, we are to take a witness or two, and then if that does
not solve the problem, we are to take our issue to the Church.
This important procedure is seldom followed today.
Most people skip the first step in reconciliation and go
directly to the ministry when they have an issue with their
brother. In the rare occasion a brother is first consulted, if the
matter is not resolved, there are very few times that a witness
is brought in. In the extremely uncommon instance when the
first two steps are adhered to, it is almost unheard of to have
a hearing in which the witnesses testify.
The scriptures also state that two or more must agree
on a decision in order for Christ to be in the judgment. Since
the tradition has been for an offended member to go right to a
Church pastor, ignoring Christ’s instructions in Matthew 18,
the presiding minister often hears only one side of the story.
He will then make a decision without a hearing, without
testimony of witnesses, and without the required validation of
a second minister who must agree with the judgment.
On another level, the Pharisees often created doctrines
based on issues in which a particular revered Rabbi had
previously judged. In like manner, leading Church ministers
today have openly taught that it is acceptable to do business
on the Sabbath. They teach that is appropriate to frequent
restaurants on God’s holy days, and they boldly justify their

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position by saying “Mr. Armstrong did it.” By this, they are

emulating the Pharisaic tradition of quoting their favorite
Rabbi to establish doctrine—instead of quoting God!
In another example, the Church of God traditionally
takes up offerings seven times a year, on each holy day. When
taking up these offerings, they read the following verse:

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear

before the LORD thy God in the place which he
shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread,
and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of
tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the
LORD empty (Deuteronomy 16:16).

This verse plainly tells us to take up offerings three

times each year. Then, the Scriptures tell us exactly when
these three times are. Instead of following God, we follow
our own tradition. Great irony plays out during each holy day
not mentioned in this edict. While likely borne out of zeal,
this mistake is propagated despite the obvious. This verse is
read seven times a year in hundreds of congregations all
around the world. This means that God’s instructions have
been cited well over 20,000 times from the pulpit in the last
decade. While most ministers continue reading “three times a
year” they continue their unlawful tradition of taking up
offerings seven times instead of three. (For more on this
subject request our free booklet Three Times in a Year.)
In these ways we violate God’s statutes and place our
tradition above the Scriptures. We are following the same
pattern as the last era of the Old Covenant. But again, this is
not only about the ministry.
Do some of our personal traditions take precedence
over God’s commandments? Do we remember to keep God’s
Sabbath, but forget to keep it HOLY? Do we allow ourselves
unholy entertainment on this day? Do we prepare our meals
during the preparation day, or do we cook on the Sabbath?

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Do we dine out, go shopping, or stop at yard sales on this

day? Do we plan personal activities during God’s holy time?
Do we treat our families and brethren with the love of Christ,
or do we lash out when things do not go our way? Do we
practice mercy and forgiveness, or are we quick to condemn
and quick to wrath? Do we give our employers a full day’s
work, or do we extend breaks and take care of personal
matters on their time? Have some of these things become our
traditions? Are we dedicated to patiently keeping God’s
word, or are there times we follow a personal preference
instead? Do we view those in other Church of God
organizations as less than our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Jesus said our righteousness must exceed that of the
Pharisees. We therefore must consider this truth regarding
Church eras. We should evaluate our own lives by asking
ourselves; how much of our existence is tradition based on
human reasoning and how much of it is guided by the Word
of God? What are we putting first and foremost?

Blind and Naked

Clearly, the Pharisees were a forerunner of what
would become the last era of the New Testament. A final
example of this fact is their spiritual blindness.
The Pharisees, and their followers, were primarily
concerned with what was visible. Therefore, they focused on
appearances and not the inner man. They wore broad hems
around their garments accompanied by fringes. They made
long their phylacteries. They washed their hands and arms up
to the elbow meticulously before eating. They made their
faces appear pale when fasting so that everyone would view
them as suffering righteously. They prayed in public and
made offerings in the market place, doing so after a trumpet
was blown to get everyone’s attention.
Today, this might seem like a circus of self
righteousness, but to them it was a way of life. It was the
culture they grew up in and all they knew. To climb the

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social ladder in their culture, they had to be good at these

things—and many were. Confronting these seemingly
religious people, Jesus said:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and
have omitted the weightier matters of the law,
judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have
done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind
guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a
camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the
cup and of the platter, but within they are full of
extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee,
cleanse first that which is within the cup and
platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which
indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within
full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto
men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and
iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the
prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the
righteous (Matthew 23:23-29).

Christ excoriated the Pharisees for their wrongful

behavior that they thought was righteousness. He then
accused them of being blind to the truth of God. It was so
obvious that He made this comment on several occasions.
Imagine how Christ’s statements reeked with irony as He
called these leaders, “blind guides.” The imagery was simply
too crisp, too sharp, and too cutting to avoid recognizing this
obvious truth.
Do we also look through the lens of personal
experience? Do we tend to judge by outward appearance?

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How often do we evaluate a person by their wealth, clothing,

or the type of car they drive?
In another example, many organizations measure
their spiritual success by the number of hits they receive on
their websites. They equate righteousness with the amount of
tithes and offerings, how many booklets they publish, the
income level of members, and lifestyles they are able to
sustain. By this, they are looking at the outward
appearance—numbers and statistics—instead of the inward
spiritual dedication each person has toward God.
It is also common for some ministers to avoid dealing
with with the reality of difficulties face by brethren when
confronting sin. They prefer congregations to have an
appearance of righteousness and would rather see an outward
display of righteousness instead of facing the reality that lies
underneath. Consequently, many ministers do not make
themselves approachable to members of the congregation.
They sometimes act aloof, superior, and distant. If they were
to be more open and available, they would likely find that
the Church is sick inside and needs help!
These underlying problems develop when the
congregants are told how they should live, but are not shown
how to accomplish it. Ministers will thunder what God
expects from a family in sermons without showing the flock
how to attain it. Then, when brethren realize their problems
and need help, they are afraid to go to the minister and admit
shortcomings. This occurs when reality based, helpful
counseling is replaced by telling people that they are not
trying hard enough—that they are not converted—and they
simply need to pray and study more. As a result, there are
hundreds of assemblies that look good on the outside, but
have broken families at home. Marriages are on the rocks,
children are troubled, yet at services they appear to be happy
and well adjusted.

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Unbelievably, some ministers actually prefer this.

After all, it reflects well on them. It makes them look
successful. They want a Church that appears to have no
problems, a congregation that looks as if it is righteous and
untroubled. But inside, where Christ sees all, mothers are
forced to work outside the home. Children are being raised
by so called “politically correct, tolerant” teachers, or worse
yet by the values of television. Business is being conducted
for personal advantage and not for the glory of God. Anger,
pride, and lust are growing among God’s people instead of
the peace, love, and self sacrifice we should be expressing.
The pace of life in our modern age has also had its
effect on us. It has become nearly intolerable. Most people
are exhausted by it all. We are constantly assaulted by
information, noise, and just the shear speed of our world as
we cascade into the last days. We feel constantly rushed—
driven—by the tyranny of the urgent. Life is speeding by,
and we are distracted by all that is required for us to keep up.
We become sidetracked by everything we feel needs to be
done. These details develop into diversions that ultimately
prevent us from taking long, hard looks at ourselves.
We have come to believe that we clearly see the truth.
However, because we have allowed distractions, it is difficult
to perceive what we are really doing and how we are actually
living. In our minds, we are increased with goods. We feel
good about ourselves, yet we put off that which must be done
to correct the error of our ways. We have done a nice job of
white washing the outside of our lives while ignoring the self
serving attitude that prevails on the inside. For this reason,
God told us the plain truth. He sees right through the facade
stating that we are “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and
naked” (Rev. 3:17).
Our righteousness must go deeper than this! It must
exceed that of the Pharisees who were the physical type of
the spiritual reality are living in today.

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 Chapter 10

A Call to Repentance
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:
be zealous therefore, and repent.
~ Revelation 3:19 ~

P ogo was the central character of a long-running comic

strip. In 1971, author Walt Kelly published a famous
cartoon relating the state of our environment. In this, he
unmistakably captured the predicament that the Church finds
itself in today. In the final scene, Pogo sits on the edge of a
vastly polluted forest. He is saddened and confused at the sea
of rubbish that has been generated. As the realization of what
caused this calamity sets in, the caption reads:

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Perhaps the enemy has always been us. We may have

recklessly ignored the debris our sins generate as we
continue polluting our lives. From childhood, it is been our
nature to justify our actions and ignore the need to clean up
spiritually. Sometimes we willingly distance ourselves from
God to lessen the pain of our conscience (Heb. 10:22).
We are living in a very dangerous age. We need to
know what spirit is affecting us. Therefore, this knowledge
of Church eras is of enormous value.
It is time to wake up! Christ is coming quickly (Rev.
22:7), and we must realize that we are living in the last era of
God’s Church (Mat. 24:34). Right now our King and future
Husband is knocking at the door of our minds and hearts. He
wants us to rise from our self-righteous complacency and
answer His call (Sol. 5:2; Rev. 3:20). He desires that we live
our lives in Him, and He in us (John 15:4). He wants us to
develop and grow so that we will become the absolute best
we can be.
In that light, it is our hope that we will consider the
evidence God has provided us in His word and throughout
documents of history. We need to understand that these seven
letters to the churches are prophetic and written to God’s
people living during seven eras in time. We must anoint our
eyes with salve so we can see the error of our ways—realize
that we are the last era—and we desperately need to repent!
Now that we have the evidence, we can be confident
of this important truth. All of God’s people are living during
the Laodicean era. We have been given the proof, and we
need to realize what this means to each of us.
We exist among those Christ spoke of saying they
have a form of Godliness but deny His power (2Tim. 3).
Many act as if it is too difficult to change, or we don’t really
believe that the Messiah has the power to transform our
character. As a result, many are letting down. We seem to
think that, because we cannot overcome every temptation,

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there is little reason to increase our efforts. We have come to

feel that we are basically good enough, and that Christ will
accept us as we are.
Admit the truth! We don’t fear the Almighty God the
way we should! Many have become those who Jesus
prophesied of and believe things are continuing as they
always have, and that Christ has delayed His return (2Pet.
3:4; Mat. 24:48). We no longer hold a vivid picture in our
mind of God’s wrath. Preaching about the day of the Lord is
being pushed aside in many of the churches. Sermons have
become weak and often only deal with tangential issues
(Heb. 5:12-14). They don’t encourage real change and, as a
result, we have been lulled into a spiritual slumber. The
return of Christ is no longer the powerful and profound
reality that it once was, and it seems we don’t deeply revere
God and fear His correction that is soon to come.
If we remain doubtful that this final letter to Laodecia
was written to us, if we close our eyes to Christ’s reproof and
turn our heads to the insurmountable evidence for eras, if we
choose to ignore Jesus’ rebuke, then consider the following
prophetic scenario written to us:

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have

we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will I profess unto
them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that
work iniquity (Matthew 7:22-23).

Vast numbers of God’s people believe this statement

is directed towards those who merely profess Christ. They
believe this situation will play out only for members of false
churches—people who are not called at this time. However,
the people in this prophecy are convinced that they are true
Christians. They performed works in His name, but they did

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not patiently keep His word. Christ’s warning is directed to

those who are called!
Like the rich young man who professed that he had
kept God’s commandments, many of us believe that we keep
them, but we truly don’t observe them in their spirit and
intent—the way God desires. We are half-hearted in our
effort to do God’s will. Christ’s prophecy is speaking to
people God has called, but didn’t make it.
Consider that, even though the Scriptures contain
words that can benefit everyone, the Bible was not written to
the vast majority of humankind. God, through his printed
Word, is speaking to those who are called; not those of the
world! For this reason, the very next verses state:

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of

mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise
man, which built his house upon a rock: And the
rain descended, and the floods came, and the
winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell
not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every
one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth
them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man,
which built his house upon the sand: And the rain
descended, and the floods came, and the winds
blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and
great was the fall of it (Matthew 7:24-27).

Hear His words! These verses make it obvious

Christ’s admonition is directed primarily to those who are
called. God is not trying to save everyone at this time. Now
is not the only day of salvation! He is speaking directly to
us! Therefore, we need to heed His warning.
Every piece of evidence declares that we are living in
the last days. We are the last era of the New Testament and
we reflect the characteristics of the final era of the Old
Covenant—those of the Pharisees.

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Knowing this, we need to ask ourselves a vital

question. How much have we been affected by the spirit of
Laodecia? Has it blurred our perception of right and wrong?
Has it watered down our faith and our commitment to God?
Have we allowed ourselves to partake of ungodly
entertainment? Have we redirected our goals to that of
attaining status or possessions? Have we accepted some
Protestant teachings as acceptable worship of God? Have our
personal opinions and inferences become the standard by
which we live, instead of God’s Word?
Are we zealous about our life, our career, our
congregation, and not zealous for the holiness that God
wants us to practice and what He wants us to become? Are
we filled with self satisfaction, and do we justify sin in our
lives? Are we covetous—always wanting more? Are we
allowing habits and traditions to take precedence over God’s
will and His divine commandments? Are we concerned
about how we look on the outside and close our eyes to what
is going on inside? How do we feel toward our brethren
throughout the Church of God? Are we resentful? Do we feel
superior to others?
We need to take an honest, unrelenting inventory of
our values and standards! If we are sincere, we will admit
that elements of Laodicea linger within each one of us. We
must change and not give in to the infectious spirit of our
age, but carefully and consistently seek out the truth found in
God’s Word.
If we do, our righteousness can, and will, exceed that
of the Pharisees. We will please the great God as we continue
to maintain and build our relationship with Him. Then, when
the tribulation comes, He will protect us from it. And, when
Christ returns, we will be transformed—welcomed into the
glorious Kingdom of our Father. At that time, our Betrothed
will personally deliver the message every true Christian longs
to hear. “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mat. 25:23).

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The Eternal Church of God offers a variety of books,
booklets, articles, video, and audio to help people better
understand God’s Word and His plan for humanity. Some of
the printed material available includes:

The Sabbath Test

Satan’s Fate

The 144,000

The Truth about Tithing

The Calendar Controversy

A Place of Safety

Three Times a Year

The Truth about New Year’s Day

The Truth about Matthew 18

The Truth about Freemasonry

The Truth about Valentine’s Day

The Truth about Mardi Gras

The Eternal Church of God

P.O. Box 80248
Billings, MT 59108
U.S.A

eternalcog.org