Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

Cecil Willis is inviting several younger men to do writing as part of the Staff of Truth Magazine. Our name turned up in the list somehow, he tells us. With his permission, we would like to say a few things about writing in general and Truth Magazine in particular.

Why Write?

Beginning with Acts 2, the early history of the church was characterized by teaching, teaching, and more teaching . . . and not only on a collective basis. The Apostles and other Christians told sinners daily about the Good News of Christ; as a result, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Also, saints were constantly edified as “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (vs. 42). Even when severely persecuted, “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word . . . and the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord” (9:4; 11:21). In short, every Christian did all within his power to teach the Word of the Lord. Opportunities to teach “with ink and pen” should be used as readily as those which are “face to face” (3 John 13-14).

Edmund Burke is credited with saying that all that is needed for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. This applies nowhere so well as in our service to Christ. Alexander Solzbenitsyn, Noble Prize-winning author and one who professes Christianity, recently was permitted to leave Russia by its atheistic regime because he was a thorn in the side. Not only did he trouble the civil regime, he crossed swords with the Russian Orthodox Church’s hierarchy for their compromises. He wrote in the Eastern Churches Review,

“By what reasoning is it possible to convince oneself that the planned destruction of the spirit and body of the Church under the guidance of atheists is the best way of preserving it? Preserving it for whom? Certainly not for Christ.

Let us not deceive ourselves that external chains have power over our souls. Things were no easier at the birth of the Christian faith; nevertheless it held out and prospered. And it showed us the way: sacrifice.”

Solzhenitsyn was answered by “Father” Sergil Zheludkov in the same publication. After explaining that the “Patriarch” would jeopardize his position if he answered for himself, this lackey pled for “a healthy acknowledgment of reality.” “We are not permitted to work at the religious education of children or of adults,” and so we must see that under such “strictly determined conditions” there is nothing to do but “accept the system.” “And anyway, one man cannot change anything” (Italics added). Solzhenitsyn picked up his pen and called for an effort to teach even if it takes “personal sacrifice.” ” `One man can do nothing,’ you say. That’s not true. One man can do something. Anyone can.”

Some brethren advise against writing and do not write because they fear that one may write something wrong, learn better, and have to face what he wrote in the future. The solution of that problem is the same as for any other kind of teaching we do: admit the mistake and correct it, like Saul of Tarsus. It is no more necessary for every one to teach by writing than by speaking from a pulpit, but the above excuse would eliminate all kinds of teaching. While the Christian is doing all he can to teach, he should also be doing all he can to learn, improve his teaching, and correct mistakes.

We hear of preachers who discourage brethren from taking teaching magazines because the publication “might go wrong” and take several people with it. Such fearful men overlook the other side of the coin: teaching publications can increase one’s knowledge, stimulate his devotion to truth, and prepare him to meet error! Brethren some time fall into false teaching which they might have avoided had they been encouraged to do broader thinking about current problems. Are these souls any less important than the ones who might be misled by a publication which compromises its devotion to truth? The attitude of a preacher who reads these magazines for their actual good while discouraging brethren from reading them because of a potential danger is ridiculous. It manifests a high view of self and a low view of brethren. Such a brother ought not to send out a bulletin or give out a tract because the author (i.e., the preacher himself who is “guarding” everyone else) “might go wrong”! No one has to ever see a bulletin, tract, publication, or newspaper article to go to heaven. How we learn the truth is unimportant, but careful use should be made of every opportunity to teach and learn-including “ink and pen.”

Why Write for Truth Magazine?

An obvious reason for deciding to work with Truth Magazine as a staff writer is that we were invited; we could no more turn that opportunity down than we could turn down opportunities to write in a local newspaper or teach in other ways if invited. But going another step, we are glad to take advantage of this particular opportunity because we have considered the character of Truth Magazine. It has a character like every publication (Time, Newsweek, U.S. News, Ladies Home Journal, etc.). Truth Magazine’s character includes a deep devotion to the truth which is God’s Word; desire to teach the gospel in its fulness and to oppose error in its every manifestation; initiative, zeal, and militancy in teaching truth and fighting error (rather than a milk-toast posture); clearness in presenting convictions, even if a price must be paid (as opposed to ambiguity and double-talk so as to avoid being clearly understood with the result of a price being paid); open door policy, willingness to present both sides; desire to expand and improve in the amount of good done (not just financial, capitalistic goals); appealing format. This is the character we see and it ought to be the character of any effort.

Of necessity, the character of a paper is closely kin to the character of its editor. The characteristics stated above are reflected in Truth Magazine partly because they belong to Brother Willis. None will deny he is clear and to the point. None will deny he is energetic in presenting truth and militant in opposing error. These are characteristics we long for and admire in a world filled with compromise, platitudes, the indecisiveness and ambiguity of political utterance, double-talk, and general lack of conviction. So we like the way Brother Willis says what he says . . . though some will see his directness and depth of conviction as intolerant, bigoted, and egotistical. Furthermore, we like what he says-he is teaching the truth, dealing with the particulars, and presenting the truth in a straightforward manner. He is grappling with error, naming the particulars, and not shrinking from the responsibility to specify exactly who he believes to be perpetuating false doctrine. It is easier (more “in season”) to hide behind a rock and take “pot shots” or to set oneself above all the trying difficulties of hand-to-hand combat and simply cast vague aspersions everywhere in general but nowhere in particular. Paul dealt with truth and error; specified the particulars, named both the false teaching and false teachers without apology. Men of faith Will teach the truth in love in the same fashion today. We believe the editor of Truth Magazine is such a man doing such a work. He published the first article we ever wrote for a paper like Truth Magazine. (“Immorality Won’t Work,” Vol. IX, No. 6, Mar., 1965); he gave advice and encouragement at that time which has not been forgotten. We look forward to further inspiration and guidance from him in this new working relationship.

Attitude Toward The Work

A few words about our attitude about being on the Staff are appropriate. First, we look upon this new work as an opportunity, a responsibility, and above all a privilege. It is a privilege to be associated with good men, to have a hand in a good work. Secondly, we intend to teach the whole counsel of God and to oppose all kinds of unsound doctrine. The gospel only, the only gospel: that is all our desire. “For I am determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). But, thirdly, we believe it is imperative for all public teachers of God’s Word to be open to further study on any topic. Public teaching invites public examination; any teacher who whines when publicly challenged has no business teaching-and that rule starts on our own doorstep. We welcome criticism, challenge, suggestions for further study.

Fourthly, our identification with the work of Truth Magazine does not mean we believe it is the only good teaching magazine, the only one worth reading, writing for, or sending to others. But it is excellent, among the very best. The editor has invited us; therefore, we intend to give Truth Magazine our best effort and wholehearted support.

Fifth, brethren sometimes exp:ess fear of papers as “power structures” or a threat to churches’ autonomy and function. Papers can be abused, but that does not make papers per se wrong. What is said of papers on this matter can be said of all efforts of men, individual and cooperative, humanly-devised efforts and divinelyappointed efforts. Individuals have a right to pool their resources in a teaching effort like Truth Magazine even though no scripture tells us how to arrange or operate such an effort. Resources placed in the church treasury can be used only for church functions under the direct guidance of Christ. The line between the, church treasury and resources retained in one’s own possession is very distance-God having left the latter “in thine own power (exousia, authority)” (Acts 5:4). Thus God has left us free to arrange, re-arrange, collect, combine, and utilize resources within our “own authority” so long as we do not violate the principles of honesty, and propriety. We may use such funds for business purposes, family needs, benevolent works, or teaching efforts-individually or collectively, as we see fit-and that is the proper basis upon which Truth Magazine exists. Any such paper becomes abusive when it takes church donations to do the work of the church, speaks for the churches, or ties up with other human organizations to organize churches into a centralized structure. So the truth is: (1) papers have a right to exist, (2) Truth Magazine is aware of the abuses and has fought them, (3) Truth Magazine is not guilty of the abuses and continues to fight them.

Therefore, we say to those who are concerned about Truth Magazine and power over churches that we- are concerned about such abuse and so is , Truth Magazine-which is one more reason we recommend it to you. We are happy to support Truth Magazine as it supports truth, retaining to ourselves the right to object is so far as it deviates from truth. If and when Truth Magazine compromises its commitment to Bible truth, we shall withdraw our support and encourage all others to do the same.

To sum it all up, Truth Magazine is an excellent teaching medium; it is doing a good, sound work. It is a privilege to have a hand in this work. The paper can be a blessing to you over and over again . . . if you will subscribe and read it, searching the scriptures. Invite your friends to subscribe. Subscribe for someone who might not be motivated to do so themselves, .but who might be blessed and stimulated to a greater interest in spiritual things if such informative literature were introduced into their life. Subscribe for parents, children who are off at college, preachers, elders, deacons, Bible class teachers. For $10.00 per month, you can bless 20 homes 50 times a year with the pages of Truth Magazine; many of our readers waste that much money each month and others are able to invest more than $10.00 per month in the good of their fellow men.

Truth Magazine XVIII: 4, pp. 55-56
November 28, 1974

By Ronald D. Howes

James E. Talmadge’s Articles of Faith (p. 273) gives the reasons why Mormons accept the Book of Mormon and in reality the rest of Smith’s works as the authentic Word of God. Reason number 3 at the bottom of the page is:

“3. The strict agreement and consistency of the Book of Mormon with itself.”

We find that the book fails miserably to measure up to Talmadge’s fine requirements. Mormons are not about to scoff at Talmadge’s requirements; James E. Talmadge was one of their 12 apostles, and faithful to the cult till death.

Does the Book of Mormon Agree With Itself?

This section will compare not only Book of Mormon references but also Doctrine and Covenant statements. Perhaps the worst witness for the internal consistency of the book is poor old Nephi, .supposedly the author of much of the first part. (Book of Mormon references are to page and verse.)

“And now I know that the record which I made is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge (B.M., page 1, v. 3).”

A little later he wasn’t so sure ….

“Nevertheless I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think (emphasis mine, rdh) it be sacred. And now if I do err, even did they err of old . . . because of the weakness which is in me,, according to the flesh (B. M., page 41, v. 6).”

Fortunately, he picked up confidence toward the end of his efforts.

“But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know (emphasis mine, rdh) that no man can err . . . (B. M., page 90, v. 7)”

So far, the Book of Mormon has proven to be about as consistent as a case of frostbite in Florida. The picture grows worse, not better. How can a prophet of God like poor old Nephi make an inspirational boo-boo like that? First he’s positive; then he is not so sure; then he has it all together again. It makes for fun psychoanalysis, but very poor scripture. Read 1 Cor. 14:33, over and over and over again. We must not knock old Nephi too much, for now we would like to quote him as an authority.

Prophetical Problems

“I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (B. M, page 5, v. 7).

On September 22 and 23 of 1832, Joseph Smith, Jr., self-proclaimed “seer,” “revelator,” and “prophet” of the Latter Day Saints, gave this commandment from God in section 84, v. 5 of the Doctrine and Covenants. He said, ” . this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it” (see v. 3, the house to be built in Missouri, and v. 4, to be erected in that generation). The “prophet” gives the Mormons one generation in which to erect the house, about 1832 to 1842, and during the lifetimes of those alive then. All those have long since died and the house was never reared. As a matter of historical embarrassment, the Mormons were chased out of Missouri not too long after this. Did God guide Nephi? Did God guide Joseph Smith, Jr., the “prophet?” Was the “commandment of the Lord” accomplished? No! This is not the only commandment the Lord supposedly gave the Mormons, which He did not prepare a way for them to fulfill.

A Marriage Counselor’s Nightmare!

“Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same. For behold, I reveal unto you a new and everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant then are ye damned” (Doctrine and Covenants section 132, vs. 3-4). Mormons are commanded to listen to the instructions, rear, and obey those things. The alternative to obeying these directives is a front row seat on the next fast plane to Hell! Sounds a little like Nephi was in one of his more confident moods. Well, what was this covenant? Read verse 1.

” . . the principle and doctrine of their having many wives” (also verses 37-39). Do Mormons have many wives today? Has God provided a way for them to keep this commandment and covenant of His? Remember that those who do not, cannot be saved, but are looking forward to damnation!

Woodruff and Snow Recant

The official declaration of Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow on the doctrine of polygamy is now law. These past Presidents of the Mormon Church lent their consent to the ban on polygamy on pages 256 and 257 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It seems that in 1890, Utah wanted Statehood more than they wanted concubines and wives ad infinitum. So, in the last analysis “political expediency” won out over damnation and anathema.

Righteous-Unrighteous, Good-Bad, Sins

Concerning plural marriages, especially those contracted by David, the Book of Mormon said,

“And now it came to pass the people of Nephi under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines and also Solomon, his son” (Book of Mormon, pp. 108-109, v. 15).

How ridiculous can a person get? This totally contradicts everything Joe said in Doctrine and Covenants; section 132, about the righteous practice of plural marriages by Mormon men.

“David also received many wives .and concubines, and also Solomon and Moses my servants, as also many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin save in those things which they received not of me” (Doctrine and Covenants, section 132, v. 38).

In one place it’s a wicked abominable practice, and in another place it is said “and in nothing did they sin.” Will the real Joseph Smith, Junior, seer, prophet, arid revelator please stand up?! Does the Book of Mormon have strict consistency with itself and with the truly inspired writings of the prophets of God? Not at all!

Truth Magazine XVIII: 4, pp. 54-55
November 28, 1974

By Larry Ray Hafley

A proper presentation of the person and a correct declaration of the work of Christ will preclude numerous doctrinal errors. The sufficiency and superiority of Jesus in His character and mission were the antidote to first century heresy. The nature of neither Christ nor error has changed, therefore, the medicine used by the holy apostles and prophets will cure similar doctrinal ills and evils today.

Cases In Point

(1) When the Docetists of John’s day, in their hatred of the body as a prison house, denied the fleshly form of Jesus, John declared a Christ “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which our hands have handled” (1 Jn. 1:1). All who were disposed to despise such a fact were described as deceivers and antichrists. “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God” (1 Jn. 4:2). The human nature of Christ is sufficient to condemn present day cult claims and creeds as it was in John’s day.

(2) When the churches of Galatia were hindered regarding the works of the law as essential to righteousness, Paul presented a Christ who redeemed all men “from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). Rather than the law, righteousness comes through the faith, the gospel system, ‘of Jesus Christ. It is not the law of Moses but the faith of Jesus. This justification given in promises to Abraham is received by faith in Christ. To prevent a frustration of the grace of God in our day, the revelation of Jesus must yet be the declaration of studied minds and sincere mouths.

(3) Parallel wise, when certain Hebrew Christians were ready to make themselves a captain and return to the fleshpots of Judaism, the Hebrew author cited the five stage supremacy of Christ. One, his ‘eternal appointment to the heirship of all things in the moral and material universe. Two, the creation of the worlds by Him. Three, His continued might in upholding all things by the word of His power. Four, the redemptive work which He accomplished by Himself, the purging of our sins. Five, His subsequent exaltation and glorification as He sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high (Heb. 1:2-4). Over and above Abraham as founder, Moses as lawgiver, and Aaron as High Priest, Christ doth reign. These facts as to the person and work of Christ repudiate and invalidate doctrinal errors on all sides relative to the place and nature of the kingdom of God.

(4) When false teachers in Corinth denied a resurrection from the dead, Paul faced them with the resurrection of Christ. Again, it is the knowledge of Jesus that refutes the . ignorance of men. All the accomplishments of the gospel are downed if Christ be not raised, but appeal to that keystone truth is the cornerstone that crushes the stumbling stone of the Corinthian errorists.

(5) When the Colossian Christians were introduced and seduced to the worship of angels, Paul revealed the dominance and preeminence of Christ. As Ephesians shows the perfection of the church, so Colossians reveals the completeness of the Christ. There is no realm of insight, understanding, or knowledge where Christ does not present the ultimate glory. To the riddle of earthly death and the reality of heavenly life, Christ provides wisdom and completeness or perfection, so let no man spoil, corrupt, or beguile you from Him who is the head, even Christ.

Conclusion

Were every page of the New Testament to be filled with the vain repetition of “Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus,” it would not emphasize the Lord Jesus more fully than it does. There is a lesson to be gleaned. Learn of Him, live in Him, and in that wisdom and life, you may off-set and upset every form of falsity. The reason Christ’s person and work are not more frequently used to destroy every false way, every false deed and doctrine, is because His person and work are not as familiar in our hearts and lives as they ought to be. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.”

Truth Magazine XVIII: 4, p. 50
November 28, 1974

By Cecil Willis

(NOTE: From 1953-1957 I lived in Indianapolis, and preached upon radio stations WISH and WIBC, both of whom required that a manuscript be prepared. Thus in those four years, I wrote about 1600 pages of manuscripts, none of which has ever been published, except for about 250 mimeographed copies which were mailed out weekly as requested by radio listeners. As time necessitates, and as space permits, I intend to print a few of these radio lessons. Luther Blackmon says that “originality is the art of forgetting where you got it.” 1 am sure that I borrowed material from many sources. If 1 now could identify the sources, I would cite them. Occasionally I used someone else’s manuscript, with very little change. These 1 have sought to delete from the ones I intend to publish. However, I might let one slip through inadvertently. Thus, brother, if I used one of your radio sermon manuscripts, it would be appreciated if you would not sue me for plagiarism. Just write me, and an apology will be forthcoming. There are several quite long series on first principle type lessons. Having received much help from many sources, perhaps these lessons might be useful to some young preacher somewhere who is now and then pressed for a radio manuscript. If so, I feel quite sure that the brethren from whom 1 borrowed them will not mind if you also use them. I think I wrote all of the ones that I will print but if I should let one that I borrowed slip through, 1 ask your apology in advance.-Cecil Willis)

In this lesson, we are to study “The Church In Sacred History.”. By sacred history, we mean the Bible. The Biblical record of church history is the only infallible record we have. There can be no mistake in the record in the Bible, for this was written by the Spirit of the living God. He who in the beginning brought order out of chaos is speaking to us today in the Inspired Record. To reject His Record is to reject God. To question or doubt the wisdom revealed in the Bible is to question the wisdom of God.

The stream of Christianity has been corrupted by theological speculations for almost twenty centuries. We should never judge a fountain by the stream flowing from it, if the stream has gone through trashy places and has been defiled. So in studying Christianity one should never be content to drink of all the corruption that has been added through the years. We should all go back to the fountainhead and drink of its undefiled purity. Let us notice the church as it appears in sacred history.

Sprit-Guided

The church of the first century was a Spirit-guided institution. In determining the matter and form of the Gospel proclamation the apostles could have made no mistakes, for they spoke “as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Through the wisdom given them by the Holy Spirit, they were able to settle the differences between the Jew and Gentile, edify the church through spiritual gifts, interpret the Scriptures, direct the movements of the evangelists, and disclose the future. Their views on any one subject did not contradict their views on any other subject, for the Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. The apostles went forth confirming the great salvation which Jesus began to speak in the great commission. God accompanied them with gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. Their words were confirmed by miraculous demonstrations. By the Holy Spirit which was given them in the baptismal power, they cast out demons, raised the dead, and did many other wonders to confirm their message. It should also be remembered that the miraculous presence and power of the Holy Spirit were peculiar to the Apostolic age. The only Divine testimony we have that such supernatural phenomena ever existed is in the New Testament. In later years facts and fables were so mixed in the tales about miraculous demonstrations that human wisdom must turn back to the inspired record to separate them. As nature began in a miracle, and now stands in the clear light of science, so did Christianity begin in these superhuman phenomena, and moves under the guidance of the Divine law. If anyone should claim miraculous power now, he must show his supernatural credentials. The modern claims to miraculous powers, if the Bible be true, originated with a diabolical instead of a Divine power.

Well Organized

Because the Holy Spirit guided the early church, it was a well organized church. Of greatest importance in this consideration was its organic simplicity. All Christians were kings and priests unto God. The work of the church was divided among the servants of Christ, but there was no ecclesiastical ladder of prominence to tempt an unholy ambition. The only New Testament prototype of modern ambitious ecclesiastics was Diotrephes, who loved to have the pre-eminence. Each local congregation of the Lord had its elders and deacons. There was no elder or bishop over many congregations, but many elders or bishops in each congregation. each congregation was independent. They were not formed together in an unholy alliance to usurp the authority of the Son of God. The wisdom of the Holy Spirit in such an arrangement is easily seen. If trouble arose in one congregation, it would in no way affect the order and peace of another congregation.

No Speculative Theology

Then it is easy to notice the absence of speculative theology in the first century preaching. These men were so busy preaching Christ and Him crucified that they had no time to write out a system of Divinity. They obeyed Paul’s admonition to Timothy to preach the word. They did not give themselves to foolish questions, and words that engendered strife. Paul, Peter, Silas, Philip, and John had one sermon-Christ and his kingdom. No reader of the New Testament is so dull or negligent as to fail to see that this is true. The oppositions of science (falsely so-called) gave these gospel preachers no worry at all. They condemned even the slightest tendency for Christians to be divided into different camps, wearing different human names. These men preached, indeed, the Gospel.

A United Church

Further it is easy to see that sacred history discloses a united church. “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul.” Such marvelous unity brought immeasurable results. The world about the New Testament church was convinced that such religion was worthwhile. Even the untold persecutions which fell upon the Apostolic church failed to split the ‘ranks of Christians. Their allegiance to the Captain of their salvation is unsurpassed. There was no discrepancy between their faith and their practice. What they believed, they did and taught. We should try to follow them in this principle. When the world sees a great variance between what the church preaches and what its members practice, there must be many evil effects on the Lord’s cause. Let us not see a letdown of this doctrinal and moral purity in the practice of church members. In denominational churches, one not only sees a disparity between their doctrinal and moral practice, but one sees both a moral and a doctrinal letdown. Such a letdown can only produce evil. Too many sinners are using the lukewarm or immoral members of the church as an excuse for their not obeying the Gospel. The early church was one in faith and in practice.

Growth of the Church

For several years the Apostles remained in the city of Jerusalem preaching the Gospel there alone. After the persecution that arose upon the stoning of Stephen, the members of the church numbering thousands were all scattered abroad, except the Apostles. Where they went, they preached the word. Congregations were established in nearby and in distant cities. With the reception of the Gentiles into tie fold in Acts the tenth chapter, there began a concerted effort to carry the Gospel to earth’s remotest bounds. Paul and Barnabas, later ‘Silas and John Mark; were sent on evangelistic journeys. The church went forward from conquest to ‘conquest. Converts multiplied with amazing rapidity. The early church was evangelistic-minded. Three thousand, five thousand, a great company of the priests, and millions of others were reached by the close of the first century. “Country after country fell before it-Judea, Samaria, Phoenicia, Cyprus, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, the Roman Empire, Babylon, Arabia, and Ethiopia. Before the death of the last apostle, the whole world had heard the wonderful proclamation; and all this without armies, without steamships and railroads, without printing presses and libraries, without colleges and favoring Christian governments-all this in the midst of heathenism and against the bloodiest opposition” (Everest). The apostles and early preachers established churches and then revisited them either in person or in their epistles. Truly their line went “out through all the earth; and their words to the end of the world” (Psa. 19:4). They were uniform in their preaching on the first principles of the oracles of Christ. They all taught the same answer to the question: “What must I do to be saved?” Their teaching on the laws of induction into the kingdom was uniform. They all claimed to be members of the church of Jesus Christ upon the earth, and living in hope of eternal life beyond. “Could we but reproduce the church of the first century in spirit and power; with our millions of money an& millions of men, and with our peaceable access to almost all tribes and nations of the earth, how soon would all the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (Everest).

The picture of the New Testament church in sacred history closes with inspired warnings against a great falling away from the faith. According to the prophetic announcements, the departure would begin among the elders of the church. During the declining years of John, the last living apostle, the leaven of iniquity was already at work. Certain men such as Diotrephes were ambitiously seeking preeminence. John was making a last heroic stand against the oncoming forces of apostasy. The aged apostle’s remonstrations against the doctrines of the Nicolaitans, Gnostics, and Balaamites were barely heard in a world filled with the sounds of false prophets. This is the true picture of the church in sacred history.

Truth Magazine XVIII: 4, pp. 51-53
November 28, 1974