2008

“Anoint Your Eyes”

Christ’s Warning to His People

BY DAVID C. PACK

Christ warns Laodiceans to “anoint your eyes”—WHY? What did He mean? WHO did He mean—and how can you know? This all-important instruction, to all Christians living in the last days, must be understood. This extensive book—the most crucial written to the WCG splinters—thoroughly covers things never before explained, and in extraordinary detail. For those hoping to escape the Great Tribulation, it reveals exactly what Christ meant and how to apply this most critical warning!

A Crucial Video Message (18:17)

INTRODUCTION

Few doubt that the Laodicean age has arrived. This means questions of supreme importance stand before the twenty-first century Church of God. Prophecy reveals that most brethren today will avoid them or answer them incorrectly. Why? Because they will be unwilling to believe and obey Christ’s counsel to “anoint your eyes…that you may see” (Rev. 3:18). The result will be that they will never come to understand how to apply His instruction to “buy of Me [Christ] gold tried in the fire.”

Once the Great Tribulation is here—the worst fire of all time!—only one-half of Laodicea will be saved, but then only after enduring torment and death. Too spiritually weak to survive, the other half will accept the mark of the beast, trading eternal life for only a very little more physical life.

What could be more serious for those who miscalculate—who make the wrong decisions at the end of the age?

Yet, who really questions or talks about “anointing their eyes”? Very few, if any. How often do you hear, or have you ever heard, people discussing the meaning of the term? Even though there is nearly universal agreement that the Laodicean age has arrived, and even though Christ commands Laodiceans to do this, when was the last time—if ever—that you were concerned about it? Also, have you ever heard a sermon about this subject, even one? Almost certainly not, and this is because virtually no one believes that he or she could be Laodicean.

Why examine or study what could not apply?

Questions arise: Where is Laodicea? Whom was Christ addressing? Have you anointed your eyes? Are you sure? Are you certain you know what this means?

You can know what—and whom—Christ meant!

Understanding these questions, and the issues they represent, is vital to every true Christian. While all of our books to the “splinters”—addressing crucial issues now facing each one of God’s people—must be read to grasp the scope and manner in which the prophesied falling away arrived, this book overarches the others. It puts into perspective the decision you cannot avoid if you hope to escape the Great Tribulation—and receive eternal life!

Making the Right Comparison

This book will look at the subject of Laodicea in detail—and in a way that most have never begun to understand. We will closely examine what Christ said to this era and why. This will include an examination of the ancient city of Laodicea, as well as what Mr. Armstrong taught about the final era of the Church. We will also carefully review what a Philadelphian is, and this includes a fascinating look at ancient Philadelphia. Also, since the last era is known for being lukewarm, this volume will explain how to take your temperature—in relation to what Jesus Christ reveals, not to how your organization fares when compared to others.

Paul warned, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (II Cor. 10:12), then added, “For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (vs. 18). The meaning of “approved” will slowly grow in your thinking.

In two places, Daniel stated that at the “time of the end,” only “the wise shall understand” (12:10). He was referring to unfolding conditions and events, and God’s purpose (11:32-35). In other words, in part, whom God commends—approves!—and whom He does not. Both of Daniel’s passages identify and connect this understanding with being spiritually “tried, purged, made white and purified.” All of this will be made abundantly clear as the book progresses. You will not be able to misunderstand, unless you choose to!

There is much, much more in what Paul recorded than meets the eye. You will learn what the process of receiving God’s approval is, and how it directly ties to Christ’s New Testament command for His people to “anoint your eyes.”

Two Views—Both Wrong!

Two incorrect views—one hostile, the other simply wrong—describe how most have seen “ANOINT YOUR EYES” – Christ’s Warning to His People.

On the one hand, for obvious reasons, certain brethren and leaders feel threatened by this book. This has caused some to attack it outright. Of course, they have done this at their own risk, jeopardizing their own future safety. That is their decision. But you must ask whether you will allow the attacks—and the “analysis”—of others, in effect, to do your thinking for you.

On the other hand, some generally agree with the book but reduce it to merely containing some “nice points” or “good principles” or “interesting insights.” Be very careful of summing up the book in this way, because you could be fooled into thinking this meant you applied its message. Any who diminish what should be the tremendous impact of its message on the reader into simply “helpful hints” has, in fact, completely missed the message of the book!

Extensive Spiritual Exercise

What you will read is not an intellectual treatise, written for the scholarly, in the language of scholarship. It has been written as much as is possible in a style similar to Mr. Armstrong’s. God’s people are generally “the weak and foolish of the world” (I Cor. 1:27-29). Since I am not an exception, I know we need things clearly spelled out.

Therefore, this book is written as a practical guide explaining precisely what the title references. At times, it will use very explicit detail to make points impossible to miss.

It will reveal how you must undergo an extensive—and intensive—spiritual exercise, not able to be accomplished through the application of an easy formula. It will tell you how to be “wise” to Christ’s instruction to His people—how to “anoint your eyes.” It will explain exactly how to be “approved” of God in this age—and why Christ says that He “counsels” His people about this.

“ANOINT YOUR EYES” will explain what Christ meant when He described Laodicea as “naked,” and how this was connected to a certain kind of “shame.” All of this is directly tied to Laodicea’s “lukewarm(ness),” which, in turn, is connected to other aspects of what Christ describes as Laodicea’s condition.

You will learn why Christ said, “Be zealous and repent”—and the specifics of how it is zeal that propels Laodiceans to grasp what they must repent of to achieve the only proper spiritual outcome that Christ will accept. We will see what they must repent of.

All of this must be explained, and the book will thoroughly do this.

I am aware that some have seen the title and skipped reading it, on the assumption that they have already fulfilled Christ’s command or know its contents. I pray the number doing this is few, because they have almost certainly not correctly done what Christ requires—and in all likelihood have not even begun the process!

From time to time, in the book’s early stages, I will sprinkle critically important statements without immediate qualification. But we will later return to examine them in greater detail. I urge you to be patient with the need to develop this enormously important subject in the only way to do it. There is too much to cover, and too much at stake, to dismiss the book early on because you may see things mentioned before they are thoroughly addressed!

Compelling Reading

In the world, books containing mysteries are often the bestsellers. Everyone seems to like a “Whodunit?” The meaning of Christ’s instruction to His people in the last days has been a mystery!

The mysteries of men’s religions always remain mysteries. They are never explained—never solved—in the end, and followers are told to accept this on faith. Of course, most do. Yet, the Bible’s mysteries can—and should—be made plain (I Cor. 2:9-10). What Jesus taught about anointing the eyes should be understood!

What has happened in our time is truly a modern “Whodunit?” As with any mystery involving a crime, there are several critical elements that must come to light: perpetrator, victim, crime scene, weapon, motive and other evidence.

Although some crimes remain mysteries—and there are those guilty of spiritual “crime” in this matter—Christ has solved this one through and within His Word! We will watch the Bible interpret the Bible in everything that is covered. No guesswork will be necessary—anywhere in the book!

Consider. Most people do not typically think of technical Bible explanations as “compelling reading.” But this book is an exception. It is truly the story never told—until now.

If you will set aside any personal offense that you may feel early in your reading, particularly when you suspect that your group is being described, you will go on to learn things more fascinating than you can now dream. And, if you read far enough, you may not be able to put the book down.

Armstrong Worshippers?

At the risk of being called “an Armstrong worshipper,” I have chosen to quote Mr. Armstrong periodically—and sometimes extensively—throughout. There will also be quotes from other apostles. But this does not mean I worship any of them. The term “Armstrong worshipper” has been used to denigrate and belittle those who hold fast—who will not compromise the truth—to make them feel guilty for doing this and for being “unable to grow” with others who have not been willing to take the stand for proven truth that such “Armstrong worshippers” have taken.

Tragically, the apostasy has produced a class of “survivors” who do largely worship Mr. Armstrong’s person. These have mistaken God and Christ for focus on a man. Like the Catholics with Mary, these people need a visible, physical human being from whom to draw their strength to continue. (Remember, a lesson of the world’s religions is that physical minds require visible idols to substantiate their worship.) They confuse the teachings and work of Mr. Armstrong with the man himself. My experience with such people is that they rarely recover. They are perhaps the group least likely to “see” that Christ’s command applies to themselves, and most certain to believe that it is addressed to others—assuming they believe this subject to be important at all.

But, in general, there are those who understand and accept what Mr. Armstrong taught, and those who will not. It is also unlikely that I can say anything to this latter group to change their minds. However, Mr. Armstrong’s statements are included, without apology, for those with an open mind—for those who wish to remember his words.

The Full Picture

Finally, I caution you now: What is written here is both graphic and direct. This is not by accident. Very strong language is used because this is what today’s circumstances demand. Vital truths are contained here and I am trying to communicate them in the most urgent manner possible!

This book is also very comprehensive. What the living Jesus Christ says about and to His people in the final Church age is much more profound than meets the eye, yet, again, virtually no one bothers to consider it. That is the biggest part of the problem.

Understand therefore. To get the complete—full—picture being presented, and to realize what you must do to receive God’s approval, you must read it all. Each section builds on the previous one—and each chapter builds on the one before it, causing the entire book to build as it continues. Realize that it is only in the book’s latter chapters that its many elements are completely tied together.

Do not lose sight of this method in which the book is written.

While some may feel they can “hop around” within the text, and still get the point, this cannot be done! Neither can you speed-read any part, including the quotes from Mr. Armstrong. I urge you to study each page most carefully, and then read the book a second time with an open Bible.

The points, principles, scriptures and teachings that will be covered are neither suppositions, hypotheses, theories nor opinions. They are the facts of our time—and are proofs, straight from God’s Word, history, Mr. Armstrong and basic logic, about the truth of what you face.

Note that the complete picture of events at the end of the age, because of the apostasy that struck the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), is presented and explained in additional detail in the books listed at the back. Various sermons—all part of our Splinter Explanation Packet—also shed light on truths explained in this book. It should be noted that this is especially true of the 2-part series “The Body of Christ: How Most Are No Longer in It—But Assume They Are!” These are perhaps some of the most important sermons I have ever given, and they work directly with this book. Each assists in helping to fully understand the other. (So do the crucially important books THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD – Understanding Offices and Duties, introduced later, and THE WORK OF GOD – Its Final Chapter!) Occasionally it has been necessary to repeat certain principles from other parts of the packet because of their direct application to Christ’s warning. There will also be some necessary repetition within the book. This will happen when different aspects of related points need to be driven home in a different context.

For reasonable minds, this book will explain beyond all question exactly how to “anoint your eyes”—and exactly to whom the warning is addressed!

Christ’s time to reveal this vital understanding has come. But first the stage must be set, and this will take time.

CHAPTER ONE –

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

World history is replete with historians who revisit, review, revise and sometimes even completely rewrite the actual truth of events to reflect what current circumstances seem to dictate. They bring their own agenda and worldview to history.

In the same way, within the Church, thousands have either forgotten or never understood even the most fundamental facts of what has happened since Mr. Armstrong’s death. The who, what, when, where, why and how of recent Church history have become blurred almost beyond recognition by people who think that they have a grasp of the basics.

Some review sets the stage for the rest of this chapter.

A Brief History

Herbert W. Armstrong died in early 1986. In summary, here is what followed. In the years after Mr. Armstrong’s death, false leaders captured the corporate church and ceased to believe and teach virtually every one of the doctrines revealed through him. Over time, these men completely threw out the truth and destroyed the visible church, leaving it spiritually dead. Subsequently, several ministers left the Worldwide Church of God to form organizations comprised of brethren generally unhappy with the changes that had occurred.

Through the first half of the 1990s, approximately 75 percent of the members completely departed from the truth. The remaining 25 percent scattered into various splinters, holding to varying degrees of the truth. Most agreed on certain basic doctrines, but disagreed on many others.

The problem is best defined this way: While most agreed that they disagreed with Mr. Armstrong on various doctrines, they could not agree on where they disagreed. As a result, thousands found themselves no longer able to “walk together” (Amos 3:3) in the unity that the Church once enjoyed. Thus, they scattered into many places—where they could meet with others of relatively similar belief. However, in every case, these groups generally saw themselves as “standing up for the truth.”

A vital distinction must be made at this point. These organizations are not to be confused with earlier groups that left in the 1970s, prior to Mr. Armstrong’s death. These were born of rebellion against the truth and God’s government when the Church was on track. Most brethren were once able to recognize that none of these organizations were of God—period. We all knew they had left Christ’s Body. Time, coupled with the blindness that has settled over most of God’s people, has clouded the ability of most to even see this much. Many now consider these early groups to be additional, viable options. This new position represents an astonishing reversal of understanding.

Now let’s briefly profile the groups that appeared after the truth began to be cast from the Church.

In December 1989, the first true WCG “splinter” was created. This organization eventually became home to several thousands, who went there believing it would help them hold to the full restored truth.

In December 1991, another pastor left, claiming the Work was over and that Mr. Armstrong had put too much emphasis on it. Over time, several hundred people came and went from his group.

In January 1993, another group formed. This occurred after the senior evangelist who started it petitioned Mr. Armstrong’s successor to remain in the WCG “as a Local Church Elder.” Only after being turned down did he begin his group, and it quickly grew in size.

In May 1995, the largest splinter formed, consisting of hundreds of ministers, with certain senior WCG leaders, and many thousands of brethren. This group had finally decided to end their inaction after witnessing almost 300 doctrinal changes. They organized under the leadership of an elected committee, which in turn elected the group’s leader.

In 1998, the latter two groups suffered major splits within their ranks, each involving 1,500 or more brethren. Both of these splits were essentially power struggles, and were almost entirely unrelated to doctrine. All these groups have since experienced the breakaway of several additional smaller offshoots. The 1989 group has also suffered numerous splits, often over administration and dictatorial government, but more often over doctrine, because of the absolutely blasphemous and unbiblical nonsense taught by its leader.

Like the vast majority who remained in Sardis, the 1995 group, having begun with many false doctrines already in place, may soon pass out of Christianity altogether. This is because it continued to accept additional heresies and continues watering down the remaining truths it has. More likely, the end of the age and the Great Tribulation will cut short their slow, but accelerating, journey back to the world.

On the other hand, the leader of the 1989 group has already completely departed from God, becoming as false as the original apostates themselves. Tragically, others near him at the top appear to be following his lead. This organization has developed two mindsets—those who agree with the leader’s many assumed titles and offices and those who do not. It appears that more splits there may be imminent, with survivors choosing where to go or giving up entirely.

The result of all this has been that the 1993 group (although becoming increasingly Pentecostal and suffering ongoing and severe internal problems and tragedies), and a couple of other smaller groups, sit snugly—and smugly—in the middle, believing themselves more balanced, loving and “able to grow” than the 1989 group, and more zealous and doctrinally faithful than the 1995 group. These “middle” groups generally see themselves as the best option—the “true remnant of Philadelphia.” Therefore, it will be harder for them to see their condition in a true light.

We will learn why none of these groups could remotely represent Philadelphia!

Mr. Armstrong Shouted Warnings

Throughout his ministry, Mr. Armstrong “cried aloud and spared not” when fulfilling his duty to warn those headed for punishment—for sudden calamity. He always “lifted up his voice like a trumpet,” never worrying about what people thought. He told people what they needed to hear, with no regard for what they may have wanted to hear.

With a consistent boldness, strength and descriptive language, Mr. Armstrong continually practiced—in reality, obeyed—Isaiah 58:1. He saw the clear responsibility to warn those—of either physical or spiritual Israel—who were headed for the Tribulation. We must examine how he did this, taking extra time as we do, so that you will never doubt Mr. Armstrong’s approach to warning those headed for certain disaster, if they do not awaken.

Following is an extensive series of urgent quotes from Mr. Armstrong. In effect, they are his voice, fulfilling the responsibility to warn you now. Later, we will read statements from other specific areas of what he taught, which directly apply to Christ’s command to “anoint your eyes.” This will happen periodically throughout the book.

Be careful you do not find yourself offended at the strength of Mr. Armstrong’s language, which you may not have heard for many years. Instead, savor his words, beginning to carefully reflect on your own condition. These set the tone for how I have tried to write the entire book. (Most of the emphasis is Mr. Armstrong’s, and some—generally the italics—is mine throughout.) Read slowly, carefully:

“Brethren, I am terribly DISTRESSED and sick at heart at the reports from all over, that MANY of our members are LUKEWARM, or entirely LETHARGIC, spiritually. If YOU are one of those, I have to warn you—you may not be on the way to God’s Kingdom—but on the way to your END in the LAKE OF FIRE!”

“Reports indicate that many have ‘come in’ to God’s Church in this manner: They have come to really SEE and KNOW that this is, truly, GOD’S Church. They know there is terrible WORLD TROUBLE just ahead. They have heard how God’s Church is to be taken to a PLACE OF SAFETY…So these people come in, selfishly, for a sort of spiritual and physical SECURITY—to assure PROTECTION when the Great Tribulation bursts upon the world! But they are NOT themselves ‘on fire for GOD!’ They are spiritual DRONES! And God will not give them protection!”

“If so, let me burn your ears before the Almighty God burns you in the Lake of fire! If that has been your attitude—if you are only on the getting side, and shun helping, and giving to the cause of God, then I say to you on authority of Jesus Christ, if you don’t repent and quickly, and change…you do not belong in God’s Church! You are some of the rotten, putrid, spiritual waste that has been plugged up inside the spiritual body of Christ’s wife…” [Editor’s note: Does this language offend you—or does it lift and stir you to action?]

“And if THAT doesn’t make your ears tingle, and AWAKEN you, then Jesus Christ says to YOU through me, YOU are in danger of the Lake of Fire!”

“Did you ever read of Gideon’s experience in choosing men for battle? There were 32,000 men. There are about 32,000 actual BAPTIZED adult members (or professing members) in the Church of God today! God had Gideon proclaim to them: ‘Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from Mount Gilead. And there returned of the people 22,000; and there remained 10,000.’ Then God put them to a TEST, and, finally, ONLY 300 out of that 32,000 were chosen by the living ETERNAL!”

“Oh BRETHREN! MUST it be that way with God’s CHURCH today—the very BODY of the living Christ?”

“Unless I PUSH you—PULL at you—REMIND you to act in this DUTY TO GOD AND HIS WORK, you don’t go along on God’s road—you lie down and QUIT…”

Brethren Letter, Mar. 2, 1967

“The world has sunk into a complacent, indifferent slumber.”

“The world is too busy enjoying this new found prosperity, basking in the comfortable sunshine of luxury, to be much concerned about the on-coming NUCLEAR World War III that WILL, unless prevented by Almighty God, simply erase human life from this planet!”

“Soft words and pretty speeches do not arouse people out of this pleasant dream. It takes a JOLT!”

“Personal from the Editor,” PT, Sept. 1965

“Ezekiel’s message is for our day—a prophetic warning for America and Britain, now!”

“Always the true prophets and ministers of God have stood almost alone, and opposed by the overwhelming majority in Israel. That is Israel’s history of old. It is true today.”

“Ezekiel catalogs our sins—our customs and ways which seem right in our eyes but which are contrary to God’s laws and an abomination in HIS sight.”

“Our people today can’t see where these things make any difference! But Ezekiel says the preachers have deceived the people, and led them astray. They have condoned all these things, until the people have lost God’s pure TRUTH!”

“In the meantime, our job is to WARN America and Britain of what lies ahead! To shout the warning to come out of BABYLON (Rev. 18:4)—that those who heed may find God now—may come under His divine protection (Psalm 91), and by a true Spirit-filled life obedient to GOD’S WAYS and laws, be prepared to become a ruler or a teacher in Christ’s soon-coming glorious Kingdom!”

“Will Russia Invade America?”, PT, Nov. 1948

“There are times, I have to confess, when I feel impotent, helpless, frustrated. I wonder if any of our readers could put themselves in my place, and realize what I see and know, and how I feel.”

“Yes, millions are hearing God’s last solemn, frantic warning! Would you suppose that fact would fill me with joy, sweep my being with elation? it doesn’t! Instead, I feel defeated—frustrated!”

“Do you know why? Because I see, as Christ said of his preaching to the people, that ‘they seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.’ Only at Nineveh did the people ever heed a warning!”

“It gives me a feeling of utter futility—of putting forth supreme effort, fighting thru the years with all my own strength and energy, plus all that I’ve been able to drink in from God—and yet, it’s like being on a tread-mill—actually making no progress!”

“I, personally, see what lies ahead! It fills me with frantic terror—for the safety of all the people whom I love—people who could be spared and protected from the catastrophes they are bringing on themselves—even as I fully expect to be spared thru God’s supernatural protection—but they won’t!”

“will you understand? Will you heed—and spare your own precious life from the things to come? will you take warning?”

“God says that if we ourselves see these things coming, and warn you, we have acquitted ourselves—your blood is not on our hands. But that is not enough to satisfy me—just to save my own skin. I want to see you saved, too!!”

“Heart to Heart Talk With the Editor,” PT, Apr. 1956

“If someone tells me my house is on fire, I’m not going to laugh at him and refuse to take it seriously. I’m going to examine, and be sure! If he’s wrong, then at least I shall KNOW my house is safe. I learned years ago that it can be very dangerous to carelessly assume, or just take for granted. It’s much wiser and safer to get all the FACTS, and then decide.”

“And one’s life for eternity is much more precious than his house.”

“I have given you God’s Word faithfully. It is not popular. It is not what the popular majority tell you.”

“My responsibility ends with telling you. I have cried aloud. I have lifted up my voice.”

Which Day Is the Christian Sabbath? (1976), pp. 7, 107

“God sent His prophets—HIS DIVINE SON—His Apostles—His true ministers, pleading with a world forced to choose—warning this world of the inevitable result of its folly of rebellion.”

“Most people today are like a person in a deep sleep, dreaming a pleasant dream. When one tries to arouse him to tell him his house is on fire and he’s about to be burned up, he drowsily protests:”

“Don’t! Don’t wake me up! Go ’way—let me sleep!”

“Well, listen! Your house is on fire!”

“I have to warn the people—or have their blood required at my hand! God Almighty commands me, ‘cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions.’ (Isa. 58:1). God doesn’t say ‘whisper.’ He does not say, ‘preach soft and smooth things soothingly.’ He tells me to lift up my voice—to cry aloud!—to thunder forth His warning!”

“The time for soft, dainty, purring, soothing preaching is past!”

“I do not talk softly, soothingly, on the air. I cry aloud! I do not spare you—I tell you the truth with all the power God gives me!”

“We seek not to please people. We seek only to obey god, and to help and to save people—because we love them!”

“In His Message to His true Church of this time, which is yielding itself to be His instrument for shouting this very warning, and carrying Christ’s gospel to the world, Jesus said: ‘Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee from the hour of trial (Great Tribulation—day of the Lord), which shall come upon all the world.’ (Rev. 3:10). But those that are lukewarm, careless, indifferent, Christ says He will spew out of His mouth. (Rev. 3:16).”

“I feel exactly as the prophet Jeremiah felt, when God revealed to him the destruction soon coming on the land of Judea, because of the sins of the Jews of his day. The Chaldean armies of King Nebuchadnezzar were about to march on Jerusalem. Jeremiah saw it—realistically. But the people were sound asleep. It made Jeremiah sick at his stomach.”

“‘My bowels, my bowels!’ Jeremiah cried, clasping his hands tightly around his abdomen. ‘I am pained at my very heart! My heart is beating wildly. I cannot keep silent!’ (Jer. 4:19.)”

“Yes, I know how Jeremiah felt!”

“Do you think I can keep silent, today? God has revealed to me your danger! I can also see your lethargy.”

“Some few have written me gripes and criticisms. Some few have not wanted to see such realistic pictures of what’s coming in real life! Some few have threatened to stop reading The plain truth…”

“…if by God’s grace, thru his power, I can make this real enough, I can be the means of saving some of you. And your lives are very precious! Every single one that is saved is worth all the effort—all the criticism from those who want soft and smooth things and deceits—all the persecution.”

“your life is very precious. It’s a potential child of god! I hope to see you, and know you, and love you, in the kingdom of god! Yes, your life is very precious to me! I’m going to try to wake you up to reality, if I can. Criticize and condemn me…I can do no other than to make this warning plain! It’s motivated by a spirit of love! God help you to wake up and heed!”

“Yes, I Know,” PT, Feb.-Mar. 1955

Does it upset you that I have quoted Mr. Armstrong so many times and in this way? Do you think it was presumptuous? If so, why?

The principles and truth of Mr. Armstrong’s words are timeless. Of course, he is no longer here to deliver—to shout!—these warnings himself. Someone else must do it for him, recognizing that the danger he spoke of is now greater—more imminent—much closer at hand—for those who have not heeded!

All ministers of God must possess the heart of a shepherd. True shepherds love God’s sheep, and must be prepared to give their lives for them. God says that He chastens every son that He loves (Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:6-11), and He often uses His servants to bring His chastening. If the balance of this book offends you, that may be good—if it stirs you to action. If you choose to resent my words, this is a price that I am prepared to pay—with the hope that it could then awaken you later to what you must do.

There is no longer time in this age to speak any way but boldly. But doing this—and with authority—comes at a price. I will continue to do this—no matter the price for me personally, and no matter how few or many are willing to pay it with us! Those who will not pay God’s price now ought to recognize that prophecy reveals that price will soon increase dramatically for His people—and for all people on earth.

Fix this clearly in your mind: It is still not too late to forsake the majority and escape what they must endure!

Proving People of Two Conditions Fled

Over time, it became apparent that when the WCG completely left the truth, leaving it a dead church, brethren of potentially two different Church eras (Philadelphia and Laodicea)—actually two different conditions—were forced to flee. They did this in a co-mingled fashion. This departure process from the WCG continued throughout the 90s.

Before continuing, and before one can understand all that has happened since, it must be recognized that those reflecting Laodicea and those few possibly then still reflecting Philadelphia both left the Worldwide Church of God! To conclude otherwise is to believe that the WCG is still part of Laodicea—and any who believe this either no longer understand or never understood God, the Bible and the truth—period!

Therefore, departure from the apostasy has always been a two-step process. Let me explain.

When the WCG leadership rebelled against God and completely fell away, as explained, all converted minds there were forced to leave that organization to survive spiritually. The vast majority have long since done this. (Perhaps some last few could still leave.) And this was the first step.

The second step mirrors Mr. Armstrong’s willingness to leave the Sardis era to fully serve God. Today, those either of or seeking to return to the condition of Philadelphia (the sixth era) must subsequently depart from the dominant Laodicean “remnant” of Revelation 12:17, represented by several major (and at least a few smaller) groups. This step has been much more confusing and difficult for most to understand.

Of course, prophecy shows that the great majority will never recognize and accept the need to take the second step! It is much like the proverbial “frog in the pot,” sitting in water slowly being brought to a boil. Before long, the frog is too cooked to escape.

Unlike the frog, those who are willing to take the second step know that they have to escape the hot water—destined to get much hotter in the Tribulation. But, in the strange twist of today’s circumstances, those who want to escape being boiled in the hot water must actually increase their own temperature to do it.

This book will clearly demonstrate—beyond all doubt—that Christ has established—actually reconstituted—His one unified Church and Work for those with clear vision and who are willing and strong enough to take both steps. And, gradually, more and more faithful brethren are separating from the seventh era. All who love the full, pure, uncompromised truth, as the whole Church once understood it, and want to finish God’s Work, under His government, as the Church once did it, now have a place to do this!

Forgetting What You Once Recognized

Because I was fired in early 1993, I watched and counseled a great many people who were fleeing the apostasy very early. They were seeing things that thousands of others, who followed later, could not yet see. Many once knew that they had an obligation to act, even though tens of thousands could not yet bring themselves to take a stand and leave. Herein lies a true irony. Let’s understand this.

In retrospect, we now know that the WCG completely departed from God. They threw out practically every single doctrine, and details within them, that brethren all once identified as truth. Again, this disqualifies that organization from further consideration in God’s equation for His Church. This much is now at least generally, though not fully, understood.

Here is the point. Thousands were not sure of this prior to early 1995, when many had either already left or were in the process of leaving the WCG. Therefore, a fascinating reality becomes evident: Large numbers of people were willing to leave the WCG when they believed that it was Laodicea. They did this believing that it was necessary in order to remain Philadelphian!

But a dramatic change has occurred. Most brethren have come to be unwilling to take an identical step—a second time—that they were once willing to take!

Many thousands of brethren once heard my “90 Reasons to Follow the Truth” sermon series (given in 1993-94). These reasons have the exact same application—once again!—that they did when God’s people left the WCG. In one sense, they are even more applicable now—and I cover several of them throughout the book, with a section near the end devoted to many more. For those who have heard these points, recall that one of the very first of the “90 Reasons” explained that objects eventually take on the temperature of the room they occupy. This is still the same danger for all of God’s people!

Here is the difference now—and this is what is confusing so many. The splinters, large and small, have in fact become the Laodicean Church we once thought the Worldwide Church of God would remain. Their acceptance of a mixture of right and wrong doctrines, continually adding more that are wrong, and now reflecting what the WCG taught in the early-to-middle stages of the apostasy—plus new false teachings—proves this. (Our other splinter books demonstrate this beyond question.)

Why then do so many remain among them? What happened to the conviction of most, when they were willing to join a smaller group even though the majority would not?

I liken it to what Paul told the Galatians: “You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not [any longer] obey the truth?” (5:7). This verse has come to pass in the lives of many thousands of God’s people. They took the first step correctly—then stopped dead in their tracks!

Of course, the largest splinter, formed in the spring of 1995, may be somewhat of an exception to what I have said. Here is why.

This was the only organization (essentially the last to form) that left the WCG as it simultaneously passed completely off the Christian radar screen. When the previous Pastor General there threw out the Law, the Sabbath, the Holy Days, tithing and the knowledge of unclean meats, all doubt about whether the remnant of WCG would remain Laodicea was removed.

(More than any other, the 1995 group almost seemed to set out to prove itself to be the Laodiceans. We will discuss later how their formation is subtly confusing many thousands who are not with them. Keep this in mind. Having demonstrated their ability to tolerate far more heresy than those who had left earlier, the people in this final organization may be the least likely to understand what I have just explained.)

The vast majority of God’s people are in Laodicea. They are simply not fully holding fast and are not Philadelphian—but are kidding themselves that they are. Many today like to refer to “the Laodicean climate,” as though the problem is not Laodicean organizations, comprised of Laodicean individuals—in the same way that there were Sardis organizations, comprised of Sardis individuals!

It will be made plain that this is an organization issue, and organizations are made up of individuals, of which you are one. It is not merely a climate issue as so many gullible people seem willing to believe.

When the Time Comes to Flee

Let’s look ahead for a moment. A kind of mystical, superstitious, blind “faith” now exists that all Philadelphians will magically—and simultaneously—arrive at Petra, or wherever the place of safety is, but supposedly come from many organizations and backgrounds. The great majority today, of those even still believing in a literal place of safety, have accepted the idea that Christ will gather Philadelphians from throughout the splinters when it is time to flee.

This theory is wrong, actually ludicrous—and can be proven to be impossible! Yet, so many seem to believe it.

Imagine thousands of people arriving at the entrance to the place of safety with a host of different doctrinal ideas and approaches to government. They would be coming from different organizations, practicing different beliefs and different traditions, having followed different—and favorite—leaders. There would be mass confusion over just the question of which leader to follow, let alone the division caused by all the other doctrines that some might think should or should not be believed or practiced. Loyal to their chosen organizations, as the best background from which to come, most would never even be able to agree on who the leader should be, let alone what form of government he should employ. And in today’s climate, have no doubt that people would want their voices heard in this matter. (And then there is the separate question of how people in many organizations would simultaneously receive and recognize God’s signal to flee. This is covered in much greater detail in a long latter chapter of THE WORK OF GOD – Its Final Chapter!)

Let’s state this again for emphasis: Everyone would have been practicing totally different forms of government—under different leaders—in differing groups—with different beliefs and traditions—and doing so for years!

God would NEVER reward such compromised organizations and people with protection. Doing this would be merging the confusion of those who have not held fast with the unity and clarity of those who have. Grasp this central understanding! God would also never permit such impossible circumstances—such terrible division—to exist at the place of safety. Supposed “Philadelphians” of every stripe would not arrive with a hodgepodge of different ideas, and be able to circumvent Amos 3:3, permitting them to “walk together” in disagreement in such a close confine for 3½ years, with other very different kinds of supposed “Philadelphians.”

None should be foolish enough to believe there are many faithful people (“Philadelphians”) hidden invisibly in every organization who are secretly holding to and carefully practicing all the correct teachings that the rest of their organization is not. You cannot decide, in effect, that “I will just be a ‘Philadelphian’ in the middle of all these Laodiceans. I don’t have to actually do anything, or take a stand now.”

This is identical thinking to those who claim that they do not have to actually eat unleavened bread, during the seven days, as long as they merely have “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” in their minds—their “hearts.” Many in the world know and practice this verse and others like it in exactly this way.

This said, those small few, who may already now be in the process of anointing their eyes, and who could soon be ready to take action, will—and must—also soon, come to understand that they have to leave their group. All others who eventually leave will have to first anoint their eyes to be able to see and accomplish this.

Mr. Armstrong repeatedly explained why there must be complete unity in God’s Church. While no organization should claim to hold your automatic “ticket” to the place of safety (and one group does claim this), all those who will be protected must come from a common background, administration and doctrinal position—meaning from one organization! They must all see the truth in the same way.

(To learn who will and will not be protected, take time to read our detailed booklet God’s Promised Protection – Place of Safety or Secret Rapture? Again, the chapter just referenced in THE WORK OF GOD covers this.)

It is my hope that after reading “ANOINT YOUR EYES,” you will reject the soothing, reassuring (and rehashed Protestant) siren song illusion that God will accept you and your beliefs “just as you are”—regardless of your spiritual condition, your beliefs and the organization you have chosen—and then permit you to be protected from the Great Tribulation!

What Mr. Armstrong Taught about Government, Unity and Division

You do not need to believe me on this matter—you may read Mr. Armstrong’s own words. The first quote asks you to “stop and think.” In one sense, this is the greatest goal of this book. Take time to consider how each quote is intertwined with Church government, unity and division. Also notice that these statements span many years in Mr. Armstrong’s thinking:

“What about the ‘loner’ Christian who says, ‘I will serve Christ in my own way’? What about the one who leaves God’s Church to have his own private relation with Christ—to get his own salvation—without giving his part of the Church’s effort to send the true gospel into all the world?

“Or, what about the one who follows a man because of that man’s personality, charisma or attractiveness, or some other group?

“Stop and think!

“Is Christ going to marry a number of differing groups, not in complete harmony with each other—yet all ‘professing Christ’?

“Jesus said, ‘He that is not with me [and since He is the Head of God’s one and only Church, He plainly meant with Him where He is working—in God’s one Church] is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad’ (Matthew 12:30).

“Jesus Christ is going to marry the one and only true Church—not a number of scattered groups or scattered individuals.

“…The one who tries to get his salvation apart from the one Church Christ is going to marry is on the ‘get’ way. Those loyally in the Church are giving of their prayers, loyalty, encouragement and support…in giving the good news to the world—its only hope!”

“7 Proofs of God’s True Church,” PT, Sept. 1979

“The Word of God clearly teaches us that there is but the one Spirit, and the one Body. (I Cor. 12:12-13, 20).”

“That one body of Christ, carrying on his work, must function as a unit. It must work in harmony and unity, with teamwork, for God is not the author of confusion. There must be no pulling off in different directions by different men in that one Body. There must be no competition, or division. And any who knowingly promotes, or encourages anyone in promoting, such disharmony, competition, and division, becomes the enemy of God, and is serving the devil and not God!”

“In order that this oneness—this unity of purpose and action—this harmony and co-operative teamwork, be maintained and preserved in God’s work, God has ordained government in His Church. And He has empowered His Church with divine authority.”

“That government in God’s Church is government from God, thru Christ, thru apostles, thru evangelists, thru pastors, thru other elders, in that order!”

“Must God’s Ministers Be Ordained by the Hand of Man?”, GN, Oct. 1962

“Until about 1969 we in God’s Church did all ‘speak the same thing.’

“By 1978 many…ministers were speaking different things! God had withdrawn…His blessing and power that for 35 years caused the Work of His Church to grow at the approximate rate of 30 percent every year over the preceding year!”

“What caused God to withdraw His blessing and power?”

“Precisely the same thing that choked the growth of the Church of God at Corinth from a.d. 56, 25 years after the Church was founded at Jerusalem. They were following different leaders, speaking different things, watering down the sacred and precious truths of Christ!”

“Christ’s apostle wrote to the Corinthian church, in a.d. 56, ‘Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment’ (I Corinthians 1:10).”

“They were starting to follow different leaders teaching different doctrines. The Church was becoming divided! And a church divided against itself cannot stand!”

“It is only common sense to realize that if everyone teaches what he, personally, believes, or if we follow different leaders each speaking his own thing, we have only confusion!”

“But the self-minded among us, even…in the ministry, do not understand!” [Author: Do you?]

“Christ Sets Church…on Track Doctrinally,” GN, Apr. 1979

“I want you, brethren, to think about and understand what happened to God’s Church in the 1970s lest history repeat itself! I want you to see the ‘fruits’ of rebelling against God’s way and God’s government.”

“After all, the basic issue all along was that of God’s government in the Church. One who followed one liberal who, as the apostle Paul predicted, sought to draw away followers after himself (Acts 20:30) said, ‘We are liberated from that church government and now have a loosely knit organization, and that’s the way we like it.’”

“The Church is ‘built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord’ (Ephesians 2:20-21). Note, the Church is organized and fitly framed together, not organized with competing and differing branches.”

“Notice Ephesians 4, there is only one organized church ‘fitly joined together and compacted’ (verse 16)—compacted as if welded together into one well-organized body. And how did He organize this body? How was it governed? ‘And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith…(Ephesians 4:11-13). It is not DISunity or some other type of organization and government. Paul also said ‘that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment’ (I Corinthians 1:10).”

“To make clear one of the reasons—if not the primary reason—for the conflict caused by the liberal element, I quote from a Western newspaper. In an interview with a former minister, who had sought to draw away a following of members after himself, it was stated concerning this split-off church that they have ‘a completely different administrative structure.’ [Author’s note: This is the problem in so many of the splinters.]

“Most…dissension of the past in the Church has been over…government. The dissenters believe in a very liberal government—the way of Satan and his world.”

“We who remain in the one and only true Church grieve over the loss of those who are so far failing in their final exams.”

“Recent History of the Philadelphia Era of the WCG,” WN, June 24, 1985

“…the one and only true Church is not an organization of men, but a spiritual organism. Yet that fact does not preclude organization.”

“This spiritual organism is the ‘Body of Christ’ existing for the purpose of carrying on the Work of God.”

“If every individual in it goes out alone, independently, trying to carry out the divine Commission in whatever way he sees fit, we shall have confusion, a house divided against itself.”

“Christ has, indeed, organized His Church, so fitly joined together as a physical building put together with the precision of every part of the most expert craftsmen.”

“Just What Is the Church,” Reprint, 1970

“But it is still true that two can’t walk together except they be agreed. I am agreed with God and with Christ the Head of the Church. I shall never water down the truth He has revealed to me, nor in any manner compromise with it. We are all of us going to have to agree with God and with Christ HIS Son, if we are to walk together with them, into God’s Kingdom.”

“Reports About Garner Ted False,” WN, Mar. 6, 1981

Mr. Armstrong spoke constantly of organization, structure and absolute unity within the Church, so necessary to stabilize and feed the flock. Many today have come to believe that Christ no longer requires such complete unity—or that it was ever possible in the first place. As a result, believing it passé, many no longer even look for this among God’s people and are content to ignore many false teachings within their splinter.

Such people have almost become blind by choice!

Mr. Armstrong Left Sardis

It is well known that Mr. Armstrong slowly ceased contact with the Sardis organizations that he originally fellowshipped with during and after the time he learned the truth. Armed with the facts necessary to make a correct decision, he made a conscious choice to separate in order to not compromise what he had proven.

Given the same choice in the 30s (and assuming you could have known then that Mr. Armstrong was leaving to establish what would become the Philadelphian era), would you have remained in any of the then dominant Sardis groups of the fifth era? Would you have ignored the opportunity to join the tiny organization led by Mr. Armstrong? Would you have believed that you could either be or become Philadelphian while staying in Sardis?

Of course not! Why? Because all once understood that only those who left—who removed themselves from fellowship with—the fifth era and actually joined with those of the sixth era could be considered part of it. Why then are so many unwilling to leave a group of the seventh era? Why have they forgotten that they still—today!—must actively join—must do the Work with—must fellowship with brethren of—the sixth era?

Though Laodiceans are Christ’s people, in a weak and deplorable condition, He cannot possibly be leading them or their organizations. Again I ask, why? Most probably understand by now that the word Laodicea essentially means, “the people rule, judge and decide.” It was Christ who gave all those of the final era this name! Surely He understands that He is not ruling those to whom He gave this name!

We will learn later that Mr. Armstrong taught that the government of God was restored only to the Philadelphian era. This is the only place where people actively hold fast the full truth. This is the only place where Christ is leading and present within the government.

This is plain. Any converted people in Sardis (are there some tiny few today? – Rev. 3:4) could never be considered Philadelphian unless they stop making excuses, leave Sardis and join Philadelphia. The same is true of any “Thyatirans,” of which some few apparently carry at least certain thinking (however highly improbable that any could or will be converted), somewhere on earth today (Rev. 2:25). These all would eventually have to come to the one, unified Body of Christ—and this is what Mr. Armstrong taught as early as 1954 regarding those who may still have had God’s Spirit in Sardis!

If this has long been obvious to everyone, why do so many seem unable to see that Philadelphians must do the same—that they must be separate from Laodicea to not be part of it? Why do thousands exempt themselves from what God’s people have long recognized about other Church eras?

Let’s be most plain. One is Laodicean until he leaves Laodicea, all excuses notwithstanding—whether he is a laymember, deacon, elder, pastor or evangelist. Yet, how many brethren may have the best of intentions, but will never leave the comfort and familiarity of their organization, deciding instead to just consider themselves “Philadelphians” where they are?

Remember that God told Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:16-17). The great lesson of this instruction was to avoid a mixture of true and false knowledge. This would certainly include right and wrong doctrinal knowledge. Mr. Armstrong repeated this scores, if not hundreds, of times, throughout, and especially near, the end of his life. This constant theme was, quite literally, the essence of his final message to God’s Church before he died!

Of course, Mr. Armstrong practiced this himself throughout his life. This unwillingness to compromise the truth began with the decision—and willingness—to leave his association with Sardis to fellowship with a tiny, initial group of just nineteen people (six of whom were his own family) in October 1933. But his determination went on to include every later encounter with error that tested his resolve.

In retrospect, I cannot help but believe that God allowed Mr. Armstrong to leave this often-repeated “two trees” message as a strong witness—and warning!—to those in the final era, who now seem to have so completely ignored or forgotten it.

It will become evident by the conclusion that one had to be commissioned to bring you Christ’s next and almost certainly final warning, explained in this book.

CHAPTER TWO –

THE ONLY PLACE TO START

Many years ago, a popular television commercial illustrated how most people were not inclined then to wear a seatbelt when riding in a car. Of course, laws have changed and this is now generally required everywhere in the United States, and in many other countries. The message sought to convince travelers of the danger of not buckling up.

The commercial worked off a familiar cliché—“accidents only happen to others.” It went something like this: “Of course, we all know that accidents only happen to others, but, just in case you are one of the ‘others,’ please wear your seatbelt.” The commercial took a left-handed approach to get peoples’ attention. I never heard statistics demonstrating whether it worked before laws changed, but it was catchy and it worked from a correct premise in the thinking of the majority of human beings.

Most people do live their lives believing that bad things generally only happen to others—other people get cancer—other people’s houses burn down or are struck by tornadoes—other people’s children die of drug overdoses—and so forth. The truth is that for everyone who is forced to suffer one of these tragic events, there is someone who probably believed such awful things could only happen to someone else.

Discerning Philadelphia and Laodicea

God understands human nature. He recognized that the natural tendency in people to whitewash themselves, coupled with the nature of society in the last days, would give birth to the final era. He also knew that most brethren alive at the end of the age would start with the assumption that Laodicea is somebody else, somewhere else—that this accident could only happen to others. Therefore, He would have to be sure that no one had an excuse for accidentally choosing the wrong era. He had to provide a plain, clear way for all those humble, determined and sincere brethren to be able to know where He is working, so that they can escape “the hour of trial,” prophesied to strike the whole world (Rev. 3:10; Luke 21:35).

God expects and requires each converted person to properly recognize—correctly discern—Church eras or conditions. Yet, most are confused about the identities of Philadelphia and Laodicea (and, of course, some have now rejected the whole idea that there are Church eras).

But they are without excuse! Here is why.

Let’s return to consider Sardis for a moment. No one with any understanding is confused about their identity. Why? Because the Church was taught who they were by the Bible, Mr. Armstrong and history. Likewise, everyone was also taught—again, by the Bible, Mr. Armstrong and history—how to recognize the identity of Laodicea. (We will later examine this much more closely.)

Almost no one has become confused about or forgotten the identity of the fifth era. So why have so many become confused about who comprises the last era of God’s people?

What is it that they have forgotten?

Understand this. Virtually no one will tell you that he is Laodicean. Neither will any group. Yet this era is now dominant. On the other hand, virtually everyone will tell you that he is Philadelphian. So will almost every group. Yet, this era is not dominant now. Remember, Christ said that Laodiceans are blind. Obviously, just from this single sampling of peoples’ thinking, a great many have become blind to the reality of their condition—and the era or condition in which they reside.

This great question arises: How does one know which is which—who is who?

Remember, God expects you to correctly discern the difference between the two final eras, or spiritual conditions. Again, since what people say is obviously not a sufficient guide, God must reveal this! Sincere people must have some means to discern the earmarks of each era. God must offer a standard—His standard—of how to do this. Otherwise, He could not hold individuals accountable for the conditions they select.

Recall that Christ taught the apostles to “Beware when all men speak well of you.” Therefore, what persecutors or detractors say about this, that or the other group, could not be the guide—except perhaps to serve as an indirect compliment of who may be right, depending upon what is being said (John 15:20; II Tim. 3:12). Therefore, God’s people must have a clear means—a scriptural method—of discerning an organization’s true “fruits”—its doctrine, Work, government, objectives and how it feeds the flock. It has become my task to explain this.

Mr. Armstrong always emphasized that prospective members should never simply believe what he said, but rather should prove his words from their Bibles. As an aside, let me say at this point that the same is true of The Restored Church of God as with any other group. Our teachings, Work, government, objectives and fruit should be easy to determine—and examine! The same standard should be applied to all groups.

If you read this book and apply its contents to anoint your eyes, the fog of confusion will lift from your thinking in an astonishing way! This is why I spent thousands of hours writing well over 1,800 pages of “splinter” material, with this volume as one of the three all-important centerpieces, thoroughly proving who truly represents the remnant of Philadelphia—and where Christ is now gathering His faithful flock.

Beginning in 1999, and led by God more than I then knew, I determined to remove all doubt and opportunity for procrastination and excuse-making by those who seemed unable to make a clear decision. Almost every conceivable question one could ask about the enormous choice now facing all who have God’s Spirit is answered by this book and the rest of our splinter material.

I urge you to read all of it!

However, in all probability, because of what prophecy states, even you will be tempted to procrastinate, ignore or explain away the need to take the second step! This book could make the difference—if you dig deep into its message, and act on it.

“He who thinks he stands…”

One of the greatest warnings in the New Testament is found in I Corinthians 10:12: “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” If the entire Church had merely practiced this verse, the Laodicean age would never have come. Sadly, almost no one applied it—and the seventh era hit with full force!

The context in which this statement is found offers fascinating insight into what people are willing to blindly tolerate, while thinking their spiritual condition to be sound. Take a moment to read the seven verses preceding verse 12. Almost the entire chapter is about ancient Israel’s tendency to slip into idolatry and the worship of false gods without resistance. Actually, this is exactly what most of spiritual Israel did from October 1992 until the spring of 1995.

Let me explain, because an amazing insight arises from it, bearing directly on what happened.

The infamous God Is… booklet arrived in the WCG in November 1992. This booklet plainly introduced a false god to the Church. It was soon followed by acceptance of the idolatrous, pagan symbol of the cross in January 1993. It was during this three-month period that I determined I had to leave the Worldwide Church of God. I do not condemn others who left sooner, but I knew my point of departure had only then arrived.

Let’s understand. The context of I Corinthians 10:13 reveals that God creates a way of escape at this point of false doctrine entering the Church. After all, once the true God has been removed by Church leadership, it can no longer be the Church of God. Rather, at best, it has become the “church of another god.” Of course, many of God’s people remained in the WCG even though the true God was gone. Technically, it was at this point, not when the Law, the Sabbath and the Holy Days were cast aside, that the WCG officially rejected the God of the Bible, thus passing out of true Christianity.

Do not miss this central reality!

Here is the point. Most brethren who eventually left were neither reading nor practicing I Corinthians 10:5-13. If they had been, they would have left long before they did. This is important to understand because it shows that the vast majority of people who eventually came to believe they were “standing up for the truth,” had, in actuality, been perfectly willing to sit for years in an organization that had disfellowshipped the true God. Incredibly, they did not seem to miss Him!

This alone reflects an astonishing blindness in most brethren, already present on a scale that surpasses the ability to characterize in words.

Of course, about 75 percent of the WCG happily, knowingly, willingly and permanently accepted this false god. Understand therefore. I am only speaking of the condition of those who were strong enough to eventually leave. This is one of the greatest proofs that the blindness (Rev. 3:17-18) of the Laodicean age had already descended on the Church.

Do you see this? Will you see this?

A Revealing Prophecy

Let’s examine an aspect of human nature, through use of a familiar prophecy. It illustrates most poignantly the amazing ability of human beings to become blind to impending danger, and virtually overnight, even in the face of repeated strong warnings, given over a long period of time. Let’s fast-forward, in our minds, over 1,000 years into the future, to the end of the millennium.

All brethren know that Satan is prophesied to be loosed “for a little season” at this time. Revelation 20:6-9 describes how just before the millennium ends vast numbers of people—described as “Gog and Magog”—will become so deceived (apparently happening very quickly) that they will actually turn and attack what is called “the camp of the saints,” gathered at Jerusalem, possibly for the Feast of Tabernacles. Their rebellion will result in immediate destruction at the hand of God.

How could this happen? What quirk of their own nature could allow so many to be so completely deceived so suddenly—and in the face of so many warnings?

Think. Obvious, intensifying and ever more frequent warnings of Satan’s imminent release from the bottomless pit will be given as the millennium draws to a close. The approaching “little season” will surely be much talked about. Despite all nations having been continually cautioned—for 1,000 years!—that millions will soon be deceived, it will happen anyway. No doubt, prior to this, none of these same millions will believe “It could happen to me”—yet it will! This extraordinary aspect of human nature, hidden in this prophecy, testifies to people’s ability to become blind—faster and more profoundly than they could believe possible!

Similarly, in our age, though long foretold, the “falling away” took the vast majority of the WCG by surprise. Though God knew it would, this should never have happened. But further, in the apostasy’s wake, the arrival of the Laodicean age, in the very same way, caught people almost completely by surprise. Despite repeated warnings for years, from Mr. Armstrong and others, most of those with God’s Spirit (apparently, as he often wondered aloud, most in the WCG never had it) took on all the characteristics of the last era in short order.

This occurred almost entirely because so many assumed “accidents only happen to others.” They were unwilling to “take heed lest they fall.”

When Judgment Begins

In John 9, Christ had an unusual—and most instructive—exchange with the Pharisees. A familiar verse, though not quoted as often today, serves to introduce it.

First, notice the apostle Peter’s warning to the Church. It sets the stage: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (I Pet. 4:17).

A basic question arises: Why does God begin His judgment of mankind with those who are in His Church? Two verses reveal the obvious answer—and set up the account in John 9. All of this has a direct bearing on the prevailing blindness in our age. The first is James 4:17: “Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.” The second is Hebrews 10:26: “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins.”

These verses show that those who have been given the knowledge of what sin is—in other words, what is not “good”—are the ones held responsible for avoiding it. Hebrews 10:26 drives home what is at stake for all who ignore their responsibility to act on what they know. Knowing the truth is not enough. People must act on it or they will be judged for sins they recognized but did not address and overcome. This is not new understanding, but it forms a helpful review serving as the background for what follows.

Those Claiming “We see”

All of this has a direct bearing on another incredible quirk of human nature. It explains why some will anoint their eyes at the end of the age and most others will not. It has to do with what people may claim to see or not see in regard to matters for which they are responsible. The following account carries a remarkable parallel with the condition of God’s people today.

Now for Christ’s fascinating discussion with the Pharisees in John 9. The exchange is specifically about those who “see” and those who are “blind.” Notice verse 39: “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.”

What is Christ saying?—what is He talking about?

The Pharisees wanted to know what He meant, and if this applied to them: “And some of the Pharisees which were with Him heard these words, and said unto Him, Are we blind also?” (vs. 40).

Before reading Christ’s answer, let’s consider the similarity of the above passage to Christ’s statement in Matthew 9:13: “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” In the previous verse there, He had just said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (vs. 12). What Christ meant was, “I come not to heal the righteous, but to heal the sick.”

Since the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10; Psa. 14:1-3; 53:1-3), what did Christ mean? He was talking about the self-righteous—those who think they are whole, when they are actually sick, or even very sick. This is another way of saying that many people think they are righteous when their lives are actually filled with sin. The problem is that they do not see themselves as god sees them.

How does this relate to Christ’s words in John, “that they which see not might see”?

God calls the weak of the world—people not having so many talents and abilities that these would cloud their ability to see the truth that God is trying to show them (I Cor. 1:29-31). Those God calls are people who admit—who are able to see—that they “see not.” Do not be confused. This is not difficult understanding. These are people who generally know that they are not the “great” of this world. They can at least see that they do not see the answers to life’s biggest questions. They realize that only God can reveal these spiritual truths to them.

On the other hand, the world is filled with people who think they see the answers, who think they know it all. They think they see the right approach to life—the right culture, church, society, political position, comfortable philosophy to live by, and so forth. In general, no one can tell them that they are wrong. Because such people think they see, Christ states that His judgment is to make them blind—another way of saying, “they which see might be made blind.”

To those who are willing to admit, “I see not, I do not understand life, I do not know what makes me tick, or why I was born, or what makes the world go around,” Christ says, in effect, “I am come that you who are willing to admit that you are blind, will see.”

Christ continued with the Pharisees in verse 41: “If you were blind, you should have no sin…” In other words, if they had no knowledge of their sin, or sin in general, they would not be judged at that time. Instead, the Pharisees claimed to see. Christ acknowledged their position, “…but now you say, we see”—and His conclusion was: “…therefore your sin remains.”

Without realizing it, the Pharisees had painted themselves into a corner. They saw and portrayed themselves as people who understood the Law, could explain the Bible, knew who Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and David were, what Solomon wrote and who the prophets were. They were plainly saying to Christ, “We see, therefore, we don’t need you to teach us!” Christ answered, in effect, “Well, if that’s your thinking, then your lives are loaded with sin and that sin remains.” Truly, Christ could not teach such people.

This account presents a titanic message for every spiritually blind Christian of today—all those of Laodicea!

In truth, all who claim to see had better hope that they have always been blind, because otherwise God was and is judging them. Could you be doing what the Pharisees did? Could you be saying that you see when you are actually blind and need to “anoint your eyes…that you may see”? Does it concern you that just claiming to have sight, when you could be completely blind, will bring Christ’s judgment that “your sin remains”?

Consider—and reconsider—and consider again—this account very carefully. Its message is to every person alive in the Laodicean age. Christ tells you, “Admit that you are blind and I will help you see” or “Continue to claim that you see and I will ensure that you remain blind—and that your SINS REMAIN!”

Will you receive Christ’s counsel in this book the way the Pharisees received His counsel?

The Greatest Wrong Assumption

As previously explained, it is now clear that the Worldwide Church of God totally left the true God. If you accept this reality, a painful question looms: If the WCG is not even Laodicea, then where are all the people of the dominant, seventh era? In other words, where are all the laodiceans?

No one hoping to escape Laodicea—to recover from its condition—can escape a direct confrontation with this towering question!

Remember, this group forms the majority of God’s people at the end. Their numbers are so large—so dominant among God’s people in their time—that Christ declares they comprise their own era. Also remember the pattern of Church history. We have long understood that there is a change in eras when the majority of Spirit-begotten people in God’s Church have taken on a completely different set of spiritual characteristics. This can be either very good, as with Smyrna and Philadelphia, or generally quite bad, as with Pergamos, Sardis and Laodicea.

Let’s return to the above question. My experience is that most brethren even willing to consider the question of identity begin with this assumption: Laodicea is somebody else—somewhere else!

This is the crux of why almost all today are Laodicean! Again, this very majority factor is why God calls it an era.

We now ask a greater question in two ways: How could this happen when we were forcefully warned for decades that this era was coming? It arrived and few were ready! Why? What was it that set up so many people to be caught in a trap they could not see coming?

For the time being, set aside who these people are, and keep your focus on these questions.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

The American justice system holds that those accused of crimes are “innocent until proven guilty.” Almost everyone is familiar with this phrase. Though this has now changed, the British justice system historically operated on the opposite premise—one was until proven innocent.”

These two legal templates have a direct application to all Christians living in the Laodicean age. Let me explain!

As described, most people start with the assumption that they are not Laodicean. Though no longer true, there was a time when, at least theoretically, this might have been a more fair way to start the personal examination of one’s spiritual condition.

When Mr. Armstrong was alive, the Church was on track doctrinally, God’s government was in place, the Work was going full force and we were in the Philadelphian age. No one was confused about these things. In principle, converted people within the WCG were possibly—perhaps even probably—more likely to be Philadelphian. In effect, regarding being Laodicean, brethren were a little more generally “innocent until proven guilty.”

This has all changed!

The dominance—the majority factor—of the Philadelphian era is gone, replaced by the Laodicean age and condition. Strangely, most do not start with the assumption that they are part of this new era. Yet, this is the case. Actually, it has to be the case.

In the Laodicean age, everyone is “guilty until proven innocent.” It could not possibly be any other way! It does not have to remain this way—for anyone—but recognizing this is the only correct starting point toward recovery!

Another question looms: Why are so few willing to believe they are part of an era that is dominant in their time—that involves the vast majority of all those with God’s Spirit? Again, why is it that only rarely will anyone start with the assumption, “If this is the Laodicean age, the odds are that it includes ME”?

The greatest reason people do not begin by examining themselves is because Laodicea, among other things, is “blind”—and also “naked” (Rev. 3:17). These two characteristics work together. Would anyone unintentionally walk around naked, unless he were also blind? Of course not! Therefore, the worst part of being “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” is being blind! Look at all that just this one condition leads to.

Why do I say this?—why is blindness worse than the other bad characteristics of this era? Do not all these qualities sound equally bad?

The answer is that if one is not blind, he can see that the rest of this description applies to himself. This is why Christ tells Laodicea to first “anoint your eyes with eye salve.” This era does not see itself for what it is—its brethren do not see themselves for what they are! Nothing can change until their eyesight is restored. Above all else, this must happen first.

The remainder of this book is to help you see what so many others now cannot see.

Christ also tells His people in the seventh era to “be zealous…and repent”—and to “buy gold tried in the fire.” Unfortunately, prophecy shows that the majority will never awaken to their condition—will never attempt to “be zealous…and repent.” They will not be willing to put in the effort to anoint their eyes, and to improve their spiritual condition and character (“gold”). They will never come to accept how to anoint their eyes, and where to buy more gold. This is because they will stubbornly insist that they already see. Sadly, although this is not necessary, prophecy foretells that blindness will permanently grip most brethren at the end of the age.

My prayer is that these words sober you—as they should!

All human beings are free moral agents. You need not remain blind. You can break rank from the majority. You can recover, even if most others do not!

CHAPTER THREE –

A LOOK AT THE WARNING

No one enjoys issuing a warning. Certainly I never enjoy having to warn or caution brethren whose conduct is jeopardizing either their personal safety or their eternal life. It is a serious responsibility—never to be taken lightly.

The most important part of a warning is to be sure that people understand what is at stake, if they reject it. Christ has issued a very powerful warning to His people at the end of the age. If you reject it, you need to understand what you have rejected.

Double Warning to Laodicea

Revelation 2 and 3 describe Christ’s evaluation of, and (in five cases) His warning message to, each of the seven eras of His Church (Matt. 16:18). At the end of each message (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22), Christ cautions, “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the Churches.” The phrase is identical in every case. The implication is that some in every age will not hear—will not listen to—Christ’s words.

Naturally, this warning is also repeated to Laodicea. This is interesting because their problem has to do with sight—with the need to anoint their eyes as the way of addressing and solving their problems. In effect then, with Laodicea, Christ is emphasizing a double need for all people there to stop, LOOK and LISTEN—to start with a personal examination in the light of how He describes them.

Obviously, some in every era have a tendency not to listen. But only this era is in danger of being both deaf—and blind! In other words, in this case, Christ is saying, “If you have ears to hear, you will anoint your eyes with eye salve!” (We will later learn what the eye salve is.)

This is the message of this stronger—double!—warning from Christ to His people in this age! In Laodicea’s case, it is as though His warning is to receive special emphasis—and He is adding extra punch to what He is trying to convey.

Christ actually proves that blindness is this era’s worst problem, because He instructs His people to “anoint your eyes.” This is because it is the anointing of the eyes that starts them on the path to recovery.

Above all, get this straight!

(An aside: At this point, it is understood that we are not explaining what the anointing process is—what it consists of. This will come later. But we must establish that Laodicea has a vision problem—that one’s eyes must be corrected.)

Obviously, self-righteousness and smugness also define this era, with an attitude reflected by “It can’t include me, so it must be somebody else, somewhere else!” Yet, it does include many thousands who do not see themselves within the parameters of Christ’s command.

The problem with these brethren is that so many are not willing to anoint their own eyes. The Pharisees proved that very bright, educated, knowledgeable people can think that they see, when they are actually stone blind! Take time to read these additional passages in which Christ repeatedly labeled them “blind” (Matt. 23:16, 24, 26).

First, you must deeply desire to see the spiritual condition of your character! You must desperately want to avoid ingesting false information, false doctrines—and anything else that is false.

Over and over again, the lesson of physical Israel is that they refused to see the truth, preferring soothsayers to the messages of God’s true servants. Here is the point. God, in His Word, states that the accounts of their mistakes are “written for our learning” (Rom. 15:4), and “they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (I Cor. 10:11). Note this last verse well. It is found in the verse immediately preceding “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Also note this well: The time of the “ends of the world” has arrived. This time is NOW—so this means US!

The command to “anoint your eyes with eye salve” applies to all brethren throughout the splinters. Here is how you know this.

Let’s return to the current condition of the WCG. Having fallen away and returned to the world, they are no longer God’s people—either having never had God’s Spirit or having lost it if they did. Anointing their eyes—and you will learn later why this would be impossible—is out of the question. They would never be willing to consider it. (I am not saying some very few with God’s Spirit could not still leave the WCG, if they repent and take action soon—but the WCG remnant has been in a Protestant church and in the presence of a false god and false ministers since late 1992.)

I often hear of people who remained there who supposedly still believe in “government.” This is ridiculous! Understand that 99.9 percent of these have already fallen away—demonstrated by the fact that they now meet on Sunday and have ingested many other abominable doctrines, no matter their protestations to the contrary. They are also sending God’s tithes to assist His very worst enemies. They have been directly helping these enemies to murder God’s flock! “Following government” is merely an excuse to avoid the decision to follow truth, no matter the cost.

Therefore, recognize this. Christ’s “counsel” to “anoint your eyes” has to be primarily to those who escaped the WCG apostasy—but who have not reflected the eight crucial characteristics of Philadelphia.

Christ “Counsels” His People

While Christ’s words to Laodicea could be described as correction, instruction or warning, He uses the word “counsel” to describe His intentions. Notice: “I counsel you to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Rev. 3:18).

The Greek word for “counsel” is sumbouleuo. Its meaning is fascinating, and particularly instructive for those interested in receiving the counsel. It means: “To give or take advice jointly, to recommend, consult, give or take counsel together.” After Christ had stated, in verse 17, that Laodiceans are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, He says, in effect, “Let’s talk about this together.” Another way of describing the meaning of this word is similar to when Christ, as God of the Old Testament, said, “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18).

This form of counsel includes give and take—involving the willingness of a Christian to ask Christ to counsel him about why he is in such an awful spiritual condition! Extensive “give and take” must occur. This becomes more fascinating to understand when you read verse 20: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man [spoken to individuals] hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”

Once again, being willing to listen first appears to actually precede what Christ will say to individuals who open the door, and accept Him into their house so that they can reason together. Since listening to Christ’s voice (calling from outside the house) precedes receiving His counsel, we must know precisely—removing all doubt—how to identify Christ’s voice.

First, recognize that this verse pictures an open dialogue, initiated by Christ, but accepted by the one who answers the door. The result is a meal shared together, for the obvious purpose of discussing what Christ wants the individual (remember, “if any man,” not “if any organization”) to see regarding his spiritual condition. (Take note: Organizations do not—and will never—collectively wake up, so Christ does not picture Himself knocking on the door of churches, groups or organizations. This is critical to see. Note it well.)

Defining Christ’s Voice

At this point, we must note that the living Head of the Church always warns His people when they are in danger. An extraordinary promise is outlined in John 10:3-5, revealing what Jesus Christ always does when His sheep are threatened. Let’s take a moment to read it.

Now notice that Christ says He calls His sheep “by name” at these times: “To Him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when He puts forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

Christ’s use of His voice to call His sheep is specific—individual—by name! It is not general in nature. Christ is concerned about every one of His sheep—every one of His brethren. But all these—unless their condition is too weakened!—will still “know his voice.” This will be true even if they find that they have not heard it for a long time.

But we must ask the all-important question: Exactly what is the “voice” of Christ?

The most critical of the twelve rules of Bible study is that the Bible always interprets the Bible. (How many of these rules do you still recall?) Therefore, Jesus must define His voice or the statement has no meaning. He does this eight chapters later in John, where He was conversing with Pilate: “Everyone that is of the truth hears My voice” (18:37). This “voice of truth” will take on far greater meaning to you as the book develops. But it is certainly clear at this point that the most important matter that Christ would discuss—“counsel”—with each person would be a series of issues involving the truth—and its relationship to them per doctrine, conduct, receiving His government, doing His Work and where to fellowship with others who believe and do the same. This much should now at least be obvious.

Revelation 3:19 shows that the core of Christ’s message involves having to “rebuke and chasten” those who let Him in the door. He understands that jolting people is the only way to awaken them to their awful, deplorable spiritual condition! However, it should be easy to see that most people’s natural tendency would be to avoid this kind of unpleasant discussion. I liken it to a bill collector or one with a legal subpoena ringing the doorbell. It would be natural and easy for human nature to make excuses, and to hide in the back of the house until the person stops knocking. No one enjoys potentially unpleasant confrontations.

Do you see this? Christ wants you to “answer the door.” If you do not do it now, your only other opportunity will be during the Tribulation—and prophecy reveals that half wil