THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT
Another Armstrong Error Exposed.
It has been the Armstrong teaching that most people aren’t “called” in this life, so in order to make God “fair”, God will give them “an opportunity” to be saved in another lifetime. Thus, they say, that 99% of all the humans aren’t responsible to answer to God for what they do in this lifetime and that they will be in another lifetime. This they call the “first” chance to be saved. The do admit that some only a small percentage, those at are “called” to help the Armstrong movement spread the message of keeping God’s Holy
Days and the other few things that they pick up from the Law of Moses as necessary to keep.
Days and the other few things that they pick up from the Law of Moses as necessary to keep.
We will study volumes of scriptures to test the validity of
In Romans 1:18‑21, we are given the state of the gentile nations as they progressed in the ages to the point that they came to reject God and believe in and worship false gods. Verse 18, states that God's attitude towards the gentiles is that they are under wrath as long as they are continuing to suppress the truth by their unrighteous living. The gentiles he is speaking of are those who are worshiping false gods as the context goes on to explain.
Verse 19. Paul demonstrates that the knowledge of the true God is plainly available to them, that is to all nations everywhere, because: "Because that which may be known of God is manifest to them; for God has shown it to them. For the invisible things of him ARE CLEARLY SEEN, being understood by the things that are made EVEN HIS ETERNAL POWER AND THE GODHEAD; SO THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE." It is obvious Paul means without excuse before God, so that they cannot claim that God did not manifest himself to them and that is why they worshipped false gods or believed in no God at all. I believe Paul picked up this thought from Psalm 19, Notice verses 1‑4, " The heavens declare the glory of God ; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows forth knowledge."
Here, the psalmist declares that the heavens above show that there is obviously a great creator God and that his great creation is manifest to them, day after day, and night after night. Like a endless witness speaking day after day the creation is declaring God's glory and his existence. The day shows forth early the things that God has created on earth and the night displays the vastness of the heavens above that even from the greatest minds to the least seek to understand it's wonders. Language is not a barrier since verse three and four plainly state: " There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. There line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. (this is also included in a very popular hymn sang in the WCG and Armstrong churches) In them he has set a tabernacle for the sun." The fact that God exists cannot be doubted by any unbiased mind, nor can it be said that idols with made with human hands made these things or cows or anything which was created could possible create these things. So it is clear that the gentiles deliberately put the true God out of their mind and rebelled so that they could go their own way. Nevertheless, God has been revealing himself to them day after day and night after night since creation.
In Romans, Paul goes on to show that God gave them up to their own desires, which grew increasingly more corrupt (verses 21‑32). Verse 32; declares that they knew the judgment (decree) of God that they who do such things are worthy of death, not only those that do the same but also those who have pleasure in them that do them. But how did the gentiles know from generation to generation that God's judgment was against them? They were not without warning as all the civilizations have a record of death, the Noahian flood, and since then, the rainbow. And if any should so desire to look into the matter they could easily trace the stories of Sodom and Gomorrha and how God turned those cities in to ashes "...making them an example unto those that afterward should live ungodly," (2Pet. 2:5‑6). Remember that these are perpetual and eternal warnings to those who live after the time of Sodom and Gomorrah. As God dealt with Israel He constantly left a witness to the gentile nations and cities that he hated sin and would punished city after city for their wickedness and gave them to Israel while giving them a chance to repent. As God dealt with them some would repent hearing and fearing the God of Israel, e.g. Rahab and Nineveh.
Picking up the thought again from Romans 2:1, Paul does not want in anyway exclude the Jew in his description of those who are under the wrath of God for doing evil. The Jew felt that circumcision ie. his association with Abraham was enough to keep him out of gehenna or the wrath of God.
So Paul stated that anyone guilty of doing such things or showing approval of others are worthy of death. Now notice verse two: " But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which do such things." Here he means God's decision to punish the sinner with his wrath as the context goes on to say. There is no doubt that the judgment of God will come against them if they continue to sin and that it is according to truth. Paul makes no claim that God will give a person another chance to repent or to be “called” in the second resurrection. Verse three asks the question whether or not any man which did such things would escape the judgment of God. Secretly in the back of an evil man's mind he hopes that he will get away without punishment or a day of accountability. Please note that the judgment of God here is not a special time when all men will be saved. Rather it is a day of God's wrath as verse 5 will plainly show. Then Paul asks if they are putting off repentance because they despise the riches of his goodness and his forbearance; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance. Paul here showing that God is now being patient and showing forbearance while holding back his wrath,(cf Eccl 8:11 and Ps.10:13, Ex.34:6) and giving space for repentance unto salvation (2Pet.3:9,).
If ANY man refuses to repent in this life he is "..because of the hardness of his rebellious heart treasuring up wrath for himself for the day of wrath and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God." God does not say, the rebellious and the unrepented will get saved in some future resurrection “when they are called”, but that they ARE STORING UP WRATH FOR THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. In these verses the day of judgment cannot be a day to receive another lifetime to repent after living one life complete and utter sinfulness in rebellion to God. Rather, it is a day when that person will receive his the punishment deserved for his unrepentant life while on earth before Christ return (cf 2Peter 2:9, 3:7). Also, scripture says, it is “righteous judgment” to punish the wicked, not unrighteous. I say this because the WCG has taught that if God were to punish a man for his sins in this life, on the day of judgment without giving him fully another opportunity it would be "unfair of God " or unrighteous. Notice what follows this thought from Paul verse 6, "Who will render every man according to his deeds." It is so clear that he means the deeds committed in this life not in some other life. It is unmistakable. These are exactly the same words used of the second resurrection and the great white throne judgment in Rev. 20:12‑13, and when Christ spoke of the same time period in Matt.16:26‑27.
Verses 7‑11 of Romans is more specific and unequivocal as it says " To them who by patient continuance in well doing, (obviously he means in this life) seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; But to them who are contentious, and do not obey they truth, (in this lifetime) but obey unrighteousness; indignation, wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul that does evil, of the Jew first , and also the gentile. For there is no respect of persons with God." Verses 12‑16 describe the standard.
In 2Thes.1:4‑8 we see Paul writing to a church under persecution from those outside the church. After expressing his deep feeling and compassion for them and appreciation for their faithfulness under persecution and tribulation in verse 4 and 5 in verse 6 he says " Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you: And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord, (1Pet4:17) Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power." This scripture offers no future opportunity to be saved after this life. Also note that these people were specifically said not to know God. According to the WCG thinking, they are therefore qualified to rise in the second resurrection and given a chance to know God. But not so according to the Apostle Paul.
In a similar situation with the church at Phillipi, Paul says to them " and in nothing be terrified by your adversaries which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation and that of God. The "adversaries" are the unconverted persecuting the converted. Here perdition is the exact opposite of eternal life (Philippians 1:28). Remember these are people that the WCG would say; never had a chance for salvation since they don't know God yet. Paul uses the word, “perdition” to speak of the end result of the wicked “who are unconverted in contrast to the word “salvation” for those that do righteousness. Again, these explicit words of the Apostle Paul clearly have no thoughts of some future resurrection to be given “a chance” to be saved after this life.
In 2Thes. 2; we have an end time prophecy of the great false prophet coming with all types of lying signs and wonders to deceive the people. Note verse 10, "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness IN THEM THAT PERISH; because they RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED (here they are having their opportunity, and also note the distinct contrast between the words perish and saved) AND FOR THIS CAUSE (because they reject salvation in this life) God shall send them (here he means the whole world of unbelievers) strong delusion that they should believe a lie: that they all might be DAMNED who believe not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. It is easily perceived that those who willfully follow unrighteousness will suffer the loss of salvation. Several things we should consider about these verses: 1) These people who perish have the opportunity to be saved and to know the truth but reject it, and are held accountable. The WCG would say that they will be saved in another lifetime but nothing of the sort is said, rather the opposite. 2) The reason they reject the truth is that they have pleasure in unrighteousness and preferred to disregard the truth, just as in today's world most people reject truth because they would rather live their own life as it is in Romans 1. 3) God sends them strong delusion because of this disbelief. 4) The strong delusion is sent to bring about their damnation or loss of salvation. To toy with word "damned" and even remotely imply that another chance would be given to these people completely nullifies the warning and would do tremendous violence to the context of this scripture. The whole point here is that they will lose any chance of salvation if they love unrighteousness at this time. These are plain scriptures how can anyone deny them?
The same thing is taught in Rev. 13:4‑8, 17:8, and 20:12. Those who worship the beast are not given another chance to repent at the second resurrection, their names are not written in the book of life Rev. 14:6‑11, 21:8. In Rev. 14:6‑11 we see an angel preaching the gospel to all kindred, peoples and tongues. Verse 9, warns of the wrath of God, that will come upon the unrepentant. Verse 10, they are threatened with the lake of fire. And so clearly in verse 11 does it remove the last thought of any latter repentance.
It is inconceivable that the WCG as well as the CGI and others have implied that those who worship the Satanic power and receive the mark of the beast during the tribulation period could be given another chance in the second resurrection. This is a direct contradiction to the scripture in Rev. 19:20. How could anyone claim that one can worship Satan, who will blasphemy against God and his name, his tabernacle and them which dwell in heaven (Rev. 13:6) and still have another lifetime to repent is truly incredulous! Rev. 14:8 says that all who worship him and dwell upon the earth are those whose names are not written in the book of life. Rev. 19:20 says specifically that they are thrown into the lake of fire. Yet, the WCG would have you believe that the next chapter of Revelation offers these people another lifetime to repent latter. No such thing is said. These scriptures alone should make one seriously reconsider the idea that the second resurrection is a resurrection of a second lifetime to prove oneself. Why would anyone suffer any persecution at all if he knew that in the second resurrection he would be given a chance to repent when things are going to be a lot easier. The scripture makes no such claim anywhere. This is exactly what Satan would have us to believe, and many youth and others have given up their faith because of false doctrine. God is going to hold the teachers of such doctrine responsible.
Ephesians 2:2, Paul is writing to the church concerning their former position prior to their conversion and says: "Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: among whom also we at all had our conversation in times past in the lust of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature children of WRATH EVEN AS OTHERS. Paul is very plain that those outside the truth are under the wrath of God, but that wrath will not be executed until the day of judgment so that every individual has a given space to repent.
Eph. 5:5 says explicitly "For this you know that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of God. Yet for years the church has been taught that they might not now have an inheritance but they will in the future when they get another lifetime to be saved. Paul states no such thing. Rather he goes on to say: "LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU WITH VAIN WORDS: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." Does Paul leave room for yet a future time in another life for their conversation? No. For he says in verse six " Be not partakers WITH THEM." There is no doubt in the Apostle Paul’s mind that they who are unbelievers and those who continue in these sins will partake in the wrath of God on that final day of judgment.
Much of what has been taught on this subject has been said on the premise that God is not now dealing with the world and therefore will not hold those not now called responsible for their sins. Nothing of the sort is taught in scripture. When Paul was Athens he told those to whom he preached: "At the time past of this ignorance God winked at, BUT NOW COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT." Why? BECAUSE HE HAS APPOINTED A DAY IN WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he HAS GIVEN ASSURANCE TO ALL MEN IN THAT HE RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD." Acts 17:30‑31. Here he says that the gentile nations should to repent because God has appointed a day in which they will be judged for their sins and for rejecting the gospel. Notice that the command for everyone is now to repent and it is to all men everywhere because proof has been provided that Christ has been raised from the dead. The idea being that unless they do repent now they will be accountable. As to how accountable they were to be one can reference Mt 10:15 where it says it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha than for that city.
Undoubtedly the best known of all scriptures expresses the same thought. Consider John 3:14‑17. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believes in him SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. Here perish means not simply to die but to suffer the lose of salvation as indicated by the contrast between salvation and perish. Besides, if perish only meant to die in this life, it is obvious that we are all appointed once to die. But here it can only mean to lose out on salvation.
" For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should no perish but have everlasting life." Again the obvious point in the whole context is that those who do not repent in THIS LIFE will perish cf (1Cor.1:18, 2Cor. 2:15‑16, 2Cor. 4:3). The next verses are proof of this meaning. "for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED." The purpose of God sending his son into the world was to save the world at this time. Herbert Armstrong taught exactly the opposite. HWA taught that God was not trying to save the world at this time but God was going to do that in another age. The proof that God is now immediately trying to save the world is clear. It's in the next verse. Verse 18; "He that believes on him is not condemned: BUT HE THAT BELIEVES NOT ON HIM IS ALREADY CONDEMNED, BECAUSE HE HAS NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD." To try to make the word "condemned", "judged" as if to imply some hope of a future lifetime to be saved is to do violence to the whole context, nullify the seriousness of the warning, meaning of this scripture and point of thought that the Christ was trying to express. Verses 19 and 20 answers why most will not believe so as to change their life. It is the exact same reason given in Romans 1 and in Revelation 14 and 2Thes. 2, because their deeds are evil and they hate light and love darkness.
Now look at John 3:36, "He that believes in me has everlasting life: and HE THAT BELIEVES NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE: BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDES ON HIM." These scripture are in exact harmony with Eph 2:2‑3, 5:6, and Romans 1:18, and 1Cor. 1:18. NOWHERE DOES THIS OR ANY OTHER SCRIPTURE OFFER A YET FUTURE TIME FOR THE UNBELIEVER. Christ does not say the unbeliever has nothing to fear because he hasn't really had a chance to know me. Rather he implies that he is having his chance and better repent or he will receive the wrath due to him now at the day of judgment. The entire intent of this scripture is to make warning to the unrepentant of what he is to expect. And, it is certainly not the intent to promote a concept of some other lifetime to be saved by Christ.
In John 8:21‑24, Christ warns that the unbelieving Jews would die in their sins because of their unbelief, and as a result they would find no forgiveness and pay the ultimate penalty. According to the thinking of some he should have no fear of dying in their sins since they were not really called now and again God is going to save all Israel in the future isn't He?
Mark 16:16, Christ could have not said it any more explicitly as he commissioned his disciples to go out and preach the word to every creature. Again, it is the explicit intent of Christ to preach the gospel to the world and save those who would accept the gospel and condemn them who refuse. "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not SHALL BE DAMNED." Again to change the word damned to judged for the purpose of implying a yet future chance for salvation is totally out of the context and would make the very serious warning it is intended to be, nullified. I challenge anyone who is honest with themselves to do a study of the words; judged, condemned, and damned or damnation by any noted Greek scholar and try to justify changing the words to judged as if to imply a yet future life to be saved. Yes, they can mean judged but only if that definition is used as the meaning of pronouncing sentence and executing punishment. The translators of all the recognized versions of the bible knew this and hence nearly always choose the words condemned and damned or words of similar meaning.
In Mt. 10: 11‑14 Christ told the apostles that if a town or city would no receive them they were to shake the dust off their feet and leave in the day of judgment it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha than for that city. I have heard ministers in both the WCG and CGI read this scripture and say: "you see there is an element of toleration at the day of judgment". What nonsense! The point here is that the Jews believed that Sodom and Gomorrha were the most wicked of cities ever to exist and were to experience the worst sort of everlasting punishment. The warning here is meant to be that those who Christ had sent out, these very apostles, were going to provide a warning that Sodom and Gomorrha did not get and because of this they would be held more responsible and deserving of a greater punishment on that day.
In Mt. 11:20‑23 Christ makes a similar statement about the cities of Chorazin and Bethsiada BECAUSE HERE HE HIMSELF HAD PREACHED THE GOSPEL AND HAD DONE MIGHTY WORKS and they still did not repent. When he said: "Woe unto you," He wasn't making a promise about a yet future opportunity to be saved but a threat of great judgment and punishment to come unto them. Why? Because they had received so great a witness from Christ himself. What more would he do for them in a supposed future 100 year period? No, This warning was intended to be the strongest possible way of saying this is it and you are passing over your only chance. If you don't repent you only have a worse punishment than that of Sodom and Tyre to look forward to on that day.
2Pet 2:2‑9 Brings out the same thought. In verse 1, Peter begins with the false prophets who would bring damnable heresies. Verse 3, he speaks that their judgment is not long waiting. Verse 4, he says that the angels that sinned are kept in chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment. Verse 5, Peter gives the example of how God condemned them, Sodom and Gomorrha with an overthrow "Making them an example unto those that should afterward live ungodly." And Then he calls to mind how Noah and Lot both escaped wrath and God punished the wicked. But now coming to the conclusive point in verse nine: "The lord knows how to deliver the godly from temptation and to reserve the unjust unto the DAY OF JUDGMENT TO BE PUNISHED." Other versions catch the verb tense of "reserve" and translate: "The Lord knows how to deliver the just and to keep the unjust under punishment until the day of judgment." cf RSV, NIV, NAS. The point being that the day of judgment is a day to punish the wicked of this world in the final judgment of mankind. There is no place found for a second life to repent and have faith. No, the sins of this life will be punished on the final day of judgment if not repented of in this life.
2Peter 3:7 make the point abundantly clear when it says: "But the heaven and earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the DAY OF JUDGMENT AND THE DESTRUCTION OF UNGODLY MEN." Of course he means the men who are ungodly in this life not another. Otherwise the warning is of no value whatsoever to those who either hear this word or read it. If one reads closer the context of this scripture is that they are willfully ignorant, as so many today desire to be. Verse 9, shows why God is delaying his wrath NOW. But declares it will come in verse 10. But where does it say that the wicked ever have a second lifetime to repent?
The doctrine of another life to repent is simply not taught in scripture. John 5:24; Christ says: "TRULY, TRULY, I say unto you, he that hears my word and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, (the opposite of having everlasting life, proof of the words true meaning.) But is passed from death unto life." Notice the natural state of man is one of condemnation and death. Escape is made from death if he believes on Christ. Christ proceeds to tell them that judgment is given unto him in earth on the day of resurrection to judge all mankind.
"Marvel not at this: the hour is coming in which all that are in their grave shall hear his voice and shall come forth; They that have done good unto a resurrection onto life and they that have done evil unto a resurrection of damnation." John 5: 27‑29. The word here for damnation is the same word as in Mt. 23:23. Both the words for condemnation in verse 24 and in 29 of this chapter are same cf Thayer 2920. It is so clear that Christ is talking about the deeds that in this life not another. How could anyone imply that one could live a God life rejecting, fleshly, evil life in this life and still receive another life to repent. The teaching of this scripture is very similar to that of Dan. 12:12. There the prophet Daniel speaks of the resurrections when he says: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake , some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting contempt." Were the wicked of this life to learn from this scripture that there is yet another future lifetime to repent? Or were the wicked to learn there would not be any other time except this lifetime to repent and if they did not they would face the resurrection unto everlasting contempt? How can anyone ignore the relationship of the words "everlasting contempt" to the words in the Gospel John of Christ speaking of a resurrection unto condemnation?
The idea of a resurrection again of a lifetime (a hundred years as supposed by the WCG) to have a chance to repent has caused multiple problems with the understanding of these plain scriptures. For the sake of reviewing the WCG argument let us try to fit the plan as they say into the scriptures and apply their reasoning. We know that the destruction of the wicked is called the second death in Revelation 20:14‑15. As such, it does not disagree with John 5 or Dan 12. Going along with a WCG approach, conceivable; one could be born in this life and "not have an opportunity to know God" and die. That would be one death. Then he would be resurrected with billions of others like himself and have an opportunity but could reject it. This would occur as during the supposed Great White Throne Judgment of a hundred years. However, since he rejects God then he dies again. That would be a second death. Then he would be raised for a third resurrection and then would die in the lake of fire. That would be a third death. It doesn't fit. There is no such thing as a third death in the scriptures. The lake of fire is supposed to be a second death as in Rev. 20:14. The whole problem stems from trying to force a supposed hundred year period in the end of the millennium. This the WCG gets from Isa. 65:20.
Let us look at this scripture to see if the doctrine fits. "There shall be no more thence infant of days, nor an old man that has not filled his days: for a child shall die being a hundred years old; but the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed." Most of the time some quick explanation is given regarding this scripture a then they turn somewhere else.
First, we should ask does this verse say what we have always been told it says. Does this verse say that there will be no infants in these days? No. Rather in verse 32 they are begetting children as in verse 22 (the meaning of the phrase "bring forth"). It does say that there will be no infant of days. Most scholars interpret this to mean that there will be no infant that only lives a few days during this period of time.
Secondly, does this verse say that this is a hundred year period? NO. It doesn't say how long a period of time it is, but that it is a long period of time (verse 22).
Does this scripture say anything about a second resurrection? NO. Does it say anything about a second lifetime? NO.
Does it say that this period of time is after the millennium? NO. Does it say that all the people who have ever lived on earth is given another life time after they lived wickedly their first life. NO.
However one might interpret this scripture one should not read into them such a false doctrine or wild speculation as has been done.
In Rev. 20:12, We see all of the dead standing before God at the day of judgment and the book of life is opened to see if their name is written in the book of life. Note it does not say it is a time to write their name in the book of life at all. If their name does not appear written in the book of life then they are judged out of the things written in the books, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS. This is exactly the same wording as in Romans 2:6, Mt. 16:27, 2Cor. 5:10, Prov. 24:12, 12:14, Ps. 62:12. These scripture say nothing of another lifetime to have their name written in the book of life, but rather are judged according to their works which they did in this lifetime. Whosoever' name is not found written in the book of life is thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. The WCG has said that the judging goes on while the person lives out his life and that is the sense of the verb of being judged. These verses as well as all of Jewish thought and writings picture the day of judgment as the time when a person must give account of his deeds performed in this life to God, and God will reward him according to his deeds. Mt. 12:36, Shows that man is giving account of every idle word said in this lifetime on the day of judgment. How can anyone miss the point? The day of Judgment is a day in which one give account for the deeds, even every idle word, said and done in this lifetime.
It is THIS lifetime he is being judged for not another life. Like that of a criminal who when he appears before a judge gives account of the deed he has performed in the past and is declared guilty or innocent. Likewise, this same thought is expressed here and throughout the scriptures and all of church history.
Rev. 21:7&8 speak of the fearful, unbelieving (Lk. 12:46) and the abominable and murders, and whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone: which is the second death. But the WCG denies that these people will die in the lake of fire but rather say they are first given another lifetime to repent then if they don't repent they will be thrown in the lake of fire. We must admit the scripture says no such thing, but rather the opposite. The WCG rather promotes unrighteousness by not truly warning the wicked to repent while there is yet time. Because if they don't repent, they are storing up wrath for the day of wrath on the day of judgment. In Gal 5:18‑21 Paul proclaims that: "they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Yet the WCG and the CGI say they will have an inherit the kingdom, although it will be after the millennium. If this is so then the warning here is utterly false.
In Mt. 3:7‑12 John the Baptist warns them of the wrath to come and of the unquenchable fire that will burn the wicked. Yet here the WCG would respond: oh, no! They have yet to be converted in the second resurrection. There is no doubt a serious conflict between the WCG and scripture.
When one of the followers of Christ asked if only a few would be saved Christ answered: "Strive to enter in at the straight gate: for many will seek to enter in and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up and has shut the door, and you begin to knock at the door and saying: Lord, Lord open unto us; We have eaten and drunk in your presence, and you have taught in our street. But he shall tell you, I know not from whence you are: depart from me you workers of iniquity." Lk. 13:23‑27. Christ vividly displays before their minds that now is the time to repent and their will not be a future lifetime available. Once he rises up he shuts the door even though they are still begging to get in he will not let them. It is in this lifetime they must repent.
In Mt 8: 6‑12 we are told that the children of the kingdom,(Israel at that time) who do not believe are thrown into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. No other opportunity is given to them.
Consider now some parables. Mt. 13:1‑42 here the field is the WORLD and the sowing good seed are those who repent and hear the gospel. The bad seed are those wicked of the world. The tares are gathered at the time the Son of man returns with his angels and are cast into the lake of fire, verse forty two. No second life.
Mt. 25: 1‑46 shows many that are ignorant the they are not feeding and clothing Christ when they chose not to feed and cloth his brethren. Yet they are cast out of the kingdom in their ignorance. The WCG would have you believe that they are yet to have future chance. Instead they are thrown into the lake of fire according to this scripture.
Mt. 21: 28‑41 shows many (Israelites) are going be miserably destroyed who did not believe because they refused to believe when even the harlots at that present time were convinced and repented.
In 1Cor. 1: 18 Paul says: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." Here note the contrast presented between those who are saved and those who are to perish. The word perish cannot mean simply to die because we are all expected to die whether righteous or not, Heb. 9:27. The words perish and saved are deliberately contrasted to show the righteous believers are saved (granted eternal life) and those who perish are those who will not ever be able to inherit eternal life, now, since they will not repent or ever.
2Cor. 4:3, Paul writes: "But if our gospel is hid it is hid to them that are lost." Paul expressly points out that the gospel is not something hid from the world. But if it is hid it is hid to them who are lost. Meaning those who will suffer the loss of salvation because they did not repent.
A common and expected answer from one of the belief in another lifetime to repent is to say that well then you believe God is losing the battle with Satan to win souls. Certainly, if God so decided he could save almost all men now. What difference would it make to wait until the second resurrection? But God has not so decided, so is God unfair or unrighteous? God Forbid! No, but who are you oh man to reply against God? To insist that God save all men now or in the future is to judge God according to our own standards of what we believe is fair. If God so decided to give another lifetime it would be his prerogative. But it is not revealed that way in the scriptures.
I Pet.4:14‑18, Here in verse 14, Peter warns that no professing Christians should suffer as a murder or and evil doer and not to be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. Peter is saying that God's judgment is beginning with the house of God when the church is under persecution for those outside the church. Here, God is using persecution to correct and divide those who are truly Christian and those who are not. Then he goes on to say that time is now that judgment is beginning with the house of God. That God is using judgment to correct the church, "What then shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?" The obvious implication is that they will be forever lost. He arrives to the summary of what God is doing on the earth. "If the righteous are scarcely saved where shall the sinner appear?" In the terrible day of judgment is of course the implied answer. The point is if the righteous are saved barely by suffering and persecution how will the sinner possibly be saved? The WCG would answer in the next life. But Peter leaves no doubt about the sinners fate at all.
The parable of Lazarus and the rich man, Lk.16:22‑31, is filled with the idea that man does not have another lifetime after his death to repent. The rich man wants Lazarus to go to his brothers who are still alive and warn them to repent lest they come to the same place of torment. But Abraham refuses to allow it and says that they have Moses and the scriptures let them hear them. The point being they are being held responsible for the scriptures in this lifetime even though they are ignoring them or ignorant. Also the point is made that even though someone from the dead went to tell them of what will be their destiny if they do not repent in this life, they still will not repent.
2Pet.3:3‑9, The Apostle Peter warns that there shall be many scoffers in the last days waking after their own lusts. Verse 4, They ask where is the promise of his coming. All things seem to continue as they were even from the fathers falling asleep. Verse 5‑9, says this; "For this they WILLFULLY are ignorant of that by the word of God the heavens were of old , and the earth standing out of the water and in the water. Whereby the world that was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth , which are now, by the same word are kept in store reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." Here the Apostle Peter warns against the scoffers who have heard of the coming of Christ and the day of judgment but are willfully ignoring the scriptures as most of humanity is doing. But Peter warns that by the same word that destroyed the old world by flood will catch these also off guard as the flood came suddenly upon the unprepared old world, cf verse 10. But God is holding back because he is: " ... not willing that any should perish, (not simply to die but to suffer the loss of salvation while there was time.) but that all should come to repentance IS NOW, not after the millennium)." Verses 10‑12 make it unmistakable that he is referring to the destruction of the heavens and the earth. So when he speaks of the destruction of the ungodly, we know that he means the ungodly of this life, not the ungodly of another lifetime or that the ungodly now, should have another lifetime yet to repent. His waiting and wanting all to come to repentance is now and not another lifetime afterwards. Otherwise, this warning is no warning at all. That God is not willing that any should perish, does not mean that therefore he will give everyone another lifetime to repent. One must take note here that he is holding back the wrath so that everyone will have time and space to repent in this life. The thought is exactly the same as Paul in Romans 2 where he declares that those that do not repent are storing up wrath and despising the long‑suffering and goodness of God.
The Old Testament like the New Testament is full of threats and warnings against the wicked. I will list only a few and detail one or two for example.
Isa. 3:10; "Say unto the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for he shall eat of the fruit of his doings. Woe unto the wicked for it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
Prov. 11:31; The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner.
Eccl 11:19; Rejoice, Oh young man, in your youth: let your heart cheer you and walk in the ways of thy heart and in your sight of your eyes: But know for all of these things God will bring you into judgment.
Eccl. 12:14 God shall bring every work into judgment, and every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. Compare this scripture with Rom. 2:15‑16. In this scripture Paul specifically declare that at the day of judgment God will judge mankind by the secrets of their hearts, cf 1Cor. 4:5. Of course he means the thoughts of their heart in this life, not another.
Ezek. 18:1‑32; Ps. 9:16; Ps. 1:6; Prov. 10:28; Ps. 90:11‑12; Isa. 59:18; Jer.32:19; There are so many others but I think this is sufficient to prove the point. Job 8:20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
Proverbs 2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the [wicked], when it cometh.
Proverbs 3:33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the [wicked]: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the [wicked] himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. Proverbs 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Proverbs 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Proverbs 6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
Proverbs 10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the [wicked].
Proverbs 10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the [wicked] no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the [wicked] shall be shortened.
Proverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the [wicked] shall perish.
Proverbs 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the [wicked] shall not inhabit the earth.
Proverbs 11:7 When a [wicked] man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. Proverbs 11:21 Though hand join in hand, the [wicked] shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the [wicked] is wrath.
Proverbs 11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the [wicked] and the sinner.
Proverbs 12:7 The [wicked] are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the [wicked] shall be put out.
Proverbs 14:19 The [wicked] is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the [wicked] for the day of evil.
Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the [wicked], and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Proverbs 24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the [wicked] shall be put out.
Ezekiel3:18 When I say unto the [wicked], Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the [wicked] from his [wicked] way, to save his life; the same [wicked] man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Ezekiel 13:22 Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his [wicked] way, by promising him life: This is exactly what the WCG and CGI have said to the wicked: Don't worry about repenting now because see if your not called now you'll be called in the future life and the 99.9999% of you will inherit eternal life. They promise the wicked that they will be saved in “another life time” , thereby strengthening the hands of the wicked that he should not turn from his wicked ways BY PROMISING HIM ANOTHER LIFE! Even Hitler (according to them) will get another lifetime to be saved. Indeed Hitler put many righteous to death and yet you promise him life! Because the Lord promises the wicked death you say he is unfair.
Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? If the wicked turn not from their sins, they will die says Ezekiel 18.
Ezekiel 21:3 And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked." What foolishness is it to say all the wicked will have another lifetime to repent.
What about the scripture in Romans that says all Israel shall be saved? Let us now look at Romans 9‑11. The gospel at that time had been preached both by Christ and the apostles, to Israel. While thousands had repented, yet many other thousands had refused to repent and believe the gospel. A warning had been given to Israel that many millions to day wished they could have seen and heard. However so, still the majority of the Isrealites did not receive (respond) the gospel. Paul's deepest concern is that they might be saved. In chapter 10:16, Paul says; "But they have no all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says: who has believed our report? An indication that it was foreknown that only a few in Israel would respond. In verse 18; Paul plainly says that they, Israel, have heard the gospel when he says:" yes, truly their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." while they were not responding God decided to provoke them to jealousy by calling the gentile nations in hopes that they would then repent and likewise receive salvation. But some will say that god really wasn't calling all Israel then was he? Notice verse 21; "But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."
Obviously Israel was then receiving the opportunity to be saved. Because they were not responding as a nation was God then just giving up on trying to save them? NO. God forbid as Paul would say in Chapter 11:1. But note how he goes on to say that as in the days of Elias so in these days only a remnant would be saved. God was using the falling of many of the Israelite to bring salvation to the nations so if while there was yet time they repented they would be received to the salvation that God was offering, for that was part of the very purpose God was working out in the calling of the gentiles.
Now notice the word usage in verses 15‑24. In verse 15 we have a contrast between those that are being cast away and those that are being reconciled. The key to understanding the word usage lies in the way Paul uses the example of being grafted in and being cut broken off. Does he mean they would loose out on salvation? The real answer lies in verse 22. "Behold therefore the goodness and the severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you goodness: IF you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off." The point here being that while they (Israelite unbelievers) are losing out on salvation the gentiles believers should take note that if they didn't continue in the Christian life they to would be cut off. But if they (Isrealites) repented in this lifetime, even though they were considered lost they would be grafted in again, Verse 23.
Verses 25 & 26 are two most abused by the WCG and the CGI. Here Paul explains that because blindness has happened in part to Israel the gentiles should not be wise in their own conceits, and that once the deliverer comes out of Zion all Israel shall be saved. Every scholar recognizes that this deliverer is Jesus Christ. And that this time period is the second return of Christ. It is not a 100 year period at the end of the millennium. Nor does the context even remotely imply that it is. There is nothing in these verses that imply another lifetime to repent and receive Christ for those who never repented in the first life.
In Rev. 7 we see 12,000 from each tribe being saved before Christ returns. 12 is the number for physical Israel. 12,000 must be understood as the to the depths of Israeli conversion to Christ before his return. Its whole significance is that ALL Israel will be saved in this last time when once the fullness of the gentiles has come into the church.
In Hebrews 11:35 we have another favorite of the WCG. Here it says something about receiving a better resurrection. Certainly that must mean better in terms of another resurrection. Yes, it does, but not a comparison to that of the first and second resurrection. In this verse we have a complete picture that the author is trying to present by contrast. One of women receiving their dead back to life, ie this life now, in which they would then die again and another of receiving a resurrection which they would not die again as those whom had been raised from the dead and now brought back to life. This verse says nothing about the second resurrection at all.
The concept being that a resurrection in this life is not to be compared to that of the resurrection onto eternal life. Or the relief of suffering from this the death sentence and lived out their life, would be nothing compared to the reward of the just in the next life.
There are questions in this life that we would love to answer with exact information that anyone else has. Such as what happens to babies when they die? Or what about those whose mental abilities are severely limited and others like these. While answers do not appear in the scriptures it is important that we always strive to preach the truth not a made up story or doctrine with no scriptural basis. The idea that the scripture is an answer to every question is wrong. We all know and agree that whatever God does he is righteous and in this we can take comfort. But by no means should we preach a doctrine of another lifetime to the wicked of this earth as a way of consoling ourselves or the wicked. Rather we are to pray for the wicked to repent and to preach the gospel, truly as a warning and a witness.
There are those who believe that the purpose of the second resurrection is for man to finally agree that the judgment of God against man and his wrath is truly that of a righteous punishment for when they come to see all that they have rejected in his loving patience and grace gift to man they will acknowledge Christ as the savior whom they rejected and worthy of his punishment. Until then I think it prudent not to proclaim a promise of another lifetime to receive salvation because they make a mockery of Christ first coming and his sacrifice, trodden under foot his blood, and do despite unto the Spirit of Grace, lest there blood be upon our head, and we like those wicked preach a gospel with doctrines that are the tradition of man and not the very word of God.
The basis for all of the beginning of this doctrine seems to have come from Ezek. 37. Ezekiel here implies a resurrection of the flesh of the Isrealites. It is well acknowledged among scholars that these scriptures are speaking of the time when Israel would be restored because they were in captivity at the time and had lost all hope of be a united nation ever again. Here the prophet uses the type of a resurrection to show that God again would unite Israel and this was to restore the hope to those who felt hopelessly abandoned by God in captivity. I am sure Ezekiel would be most amazed and astounded to find that the church has now come to the conclusion that this means God is going to give almost everyone another lifetime to repent and to be saved. Consider the whole history of Israel for a moment and think of the enormous works God had done for Israel. King David lips offer the praises throughout every Psalm. Yet, here we are to believe that God was not calling Israel? He was not trying to save Israel? Through all the miracles in coming out of Egypt we answer God was not really dealing with Israel and they are not responsible to their actions. Through all the miracles God did in the wilderness (bread from heaven, quail, their shoes and clothes never sore out, death to the rebellious, commandments from Mount Sinai...etc, ad nauseam) we answer the same. Through all the prophets who continually prophesied against Israel, do we still answer that God was not calling them then?
Notice Ex.32:32‑33. Here, God says that whoever sinned he would blot out of the book of life. What can this mean, except exactly the same thing it meant in Rev.20:12 & 15, 17:8. Who can deny this language in so early in Israeli history? How can it be said that God was not offering Israel salvation if he had already written their names in the book of life and was threatening to blot their name out? What can the blotting out of the book of life mean, except to remove them from the hope of receiving eternal life? For indeed, Exodus, the book of the law was kept with Israel almost continually in history, always esteemed inspired, and that by all the Jews even down to this day. It is so clear that when theses are raised at the resurrection they are not given another chance, but are judged according to their works in this lifetime and condemned and do not inherit eternal life. Why? Because their names are not written in the book of life at the judgment day. That is why the book of life is opened to verify the names of those written in it!
Concerning Ezekiel; IT IS THE SAME PROPHET THAT SAID THIS WHO WROTE EZEKIEL 37; that said in Ezekiel 13:22 Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the [wicked], that he should not return from his [wicked] way, by promising him life: The Armstrong followers and their ministers have PROMISED A SECOND LIFE TO BE SAVED. This is exactly what the WCG and the CGI have preached and taught.
The last but the greatest witness is that of death itself. It is rightly feared in order to make man contemplate his day when he will be judged according to his works. Only a fool believes differently because the scripture agrees a fool has said in his heart that there is no God. Death itself is what God has used from the beginning to show his displeasure of sin and that man might seek after God to remove from him this sin and guilt. Yet, will you say man has not been warned? Surely he has! At the very thought of death man tries to seek refuge and safety. He knows his own guilt and his sin by his conscience if not by the law of Moses. Who can deny such a witness both with the scriptures and without? How can anyone say that God is not witnessing to all man kind? Who has escaped this warning over and over again in there own life as they watched others die and know that they themselves will also.
Just what then is the Day of Judgment and the Great White Throne Judgment? First let us look closely from the scriptures about what appears at the judgment seat. According to some it is then that others will have a complete lifetime to repent and to turn to God. Acts 25:6-20;
"And when he (Festus) had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. {7} When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, {8} while he answered for himself, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all." {9} But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?" {10} So Paul said, "I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. {11} "For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar." {12} Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!" {13} And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
{14} When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying: "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, {15} "about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. {16} "To them I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.' {17} "Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. {18} "When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, {19} "but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. {20} "And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. Now I ask you. Do you for one moment think from the context of these scripture that when Paul was going to Jerusalem to be "judged" concerning these matters, do you believe that means he is going to live a time in Jerusalem so that the judges can judge him? Or does not it mean that he is going to Jerusalem to be tried and investigated concerning these matters and to be found guilty or innocent? So indeed, when we are to arrive at the day of Judgment or the Great White Throne Judgment or will judge us for the way we have lived this life. He is not judging us for the life we are about to live, but that which we have lived in this life.
In the history of both the Jews and the Church for thousands of years the teaching of the both has been that the day of judgment is a day when man will give account of the deeds done in this life. Not until HWA did anyone remotely believe that there was going to be another lifetime for all the evil doers to repent after this life. One could go on endlessly through the scriptures and history to show hundreds if not thousands of examples.
If The WCG and the CGI choose to continue to mislead it's members concerning this vital doctrine then I can only say that God will hold them accountable for making void the word of God that they may hold to their erroneous tradition. Beware lest it be said of you which was said of those in Matthew 13:13-16 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. {14} And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: {15} For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. {16} But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. But in all of these things shall you give account on the day of judgment. For you are all with the utmost of evil doers to suffer eternal punishment when you promise them another lifetime to repent when their isn't, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (back) the truth in unrighteousness;" Romans 1:18.
Mt. 13: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
I’ve only touched on a few scriptures there are volumes and volumes more. It’s nearly on every page of the New Testament.
