After beginning to understand the concept of Grace and Faith in Christ for salvation and what the New Covenant meant for true believers in Christ it seemed too simple. It was eventually easy to shed the burden of the Law under Armstrongism. This understanding did not come to me all at once but over a long period. As I wrote in my letter found on this blog "Unraveling Armstrong's Doctrinal Errors - A Personal Journey" I had grown up in the Worldwide Church of God. From 1963 when I attended my first Feast of Tabernacles with my Mother and two younger brothers in Jekyll Island, Georgia until 2010 when I finally severed ties with the United Church of God I felt there was a great degree of hypocrisy in the doctrines of the church. I was able to read and grasp the concepts of the Old Testament Festivals of God at a very young age and the instructions for their observance. One need only read with an open mind Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 and see Herbert W. Armstrong, while claiming God "Commanded Christians" to observe these days the church fell FAR short of actually fulfilling these requirements. After all what was the Apostle Paul writing about in Galatians 3:10, " For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written, "Cursed is EVERYONE who does not continue in ALL THINGS which are written in the book of the law to do them," Armstrong certainly then fell under the curse of the law and brought his church under the same curse as well.
Within the Churches of God that found their beginnings in Armstrongism and base their theology on these false doctrines still prepare their annual festival cycle around this toxic soup that Armstrong brewed from some elements of an abolished old covenant and elements of the new covenant. Some Elders and members of these groups will read this blog, and they do read, with contempt and think, Hersey, Apostate!
But the Apostle Paul warns all those who reject Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ and count themselves unworthy for salvation and more so those who teach doctrines of men that cut their membership off from salvation by going back to the Abolished Covenant and rejecting the New Covenant, THE ONLY COVENANT OF LIFE THROUGH CHRIST.
Here is one of many Bible Study passages for those who believe salvation comes from keeping, or pretending to keep, the Old Covenant Festivals that were given to ancient Israel. Paul is warning the Christians in Galatia against Jews who were bringing a very similar false doctrine to what Herbert W. Armstrong taught. False for Christians then and now.
Galatians 3:25(NIV)
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? 4 Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” 13 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”
15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. 19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.
21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
Children of God
23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
In this all important excerpt from Paul's letter to the Galatian church which was made up of both Jewish and Gentile Christians CLEARLY STATES the Law of Moses including the Annual Festivals, including ALL of the Ordinances that were abolished at the cross ( Col. 2:14) were ONLY INTENDED UNTIL CHRIST,THE SEED ARRIVED. Verse 19; "...until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come."
Christ was the END OF THE LAW, as Paul writes in Romans 10:4. There is no purpose in attempting to keep Old Testament Feasts that actually cut believers off from Christ and are left fallen from Grace. Paul told the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Galatians 5:1-7 that were being taught FALSELY that they had to keep the Law of Moses for salvation that they, "should NOT become entangled AGAIN in a YOKE OF BONDAGE, which came directly from the Jerusalem Decision (Acts 15:10).
As the Apostle warned then and now in verse 7,
"...who hindered you from obeying the truth?"
Michael Maynard , Publisher of this blog is the "Prime Suspect." James REALLY! Fact Check before you publish, Please.
A misleading commentary titled, Watch For: The New Direction, appeared in The Shining Light Blog February 26, 2011 in response to a personal and private email message I sent to James Malm, the writer and publisher of the Blog. He asked that I keep his response confidential, which I did. Subsequently I became an unwitting subject and by-product of James’ korah-rupt keyboard, lumped into the heap of carnage spewed daily from the SLB writer - though being in good company with many other devout Christians who have come into James’ cross hairs. Those unwashed, miserable, blind fools who may hold to different modes of worship of the one true God and his Son who James claims to know (about) who have been ridiculed, slandered, mocked, and libeled.
As such, I thought it imprudent and irresponsible to form any decent response and pointless to clear my otherwise respectable name and defend my documented and sincere writings. But....I just can’t resist, so against better judgment here I go...
First here is what James Malm wrote directed at me (The Red Letters are Not Christ speaking but James’ misleading rhetoric):
“This is what happened in the WCG with the Tkach era and it is what is now happening in the UCG. In May there will be another Conference and election: WATCH the direction that is takn after that. The fruits should become clear by the fall Feast.
I received a message from a man in the UCG, who is now taking a sabbatical to write a book on Law and Grace in preparation for the coming changes. His Blog is an excellent placce to see the subtlty of the new take on the Covenants, and Law and Grace; that are slowly being inserted into the UCG.
Michael Mynard’s Blog will put right before your eyes in a nutshell; what will be done subtly over many months in the UCG. His web site is now under construction. By all means look through this Blog and its pages to see the subtle errors. See how he says that the sons of the King are “above the law” subtly twisting a scripture on the temple tax to somehow include all the law. Be sure to notice how many “New Age” quotes and translations he uses.
Read through this Blog and then take a listen to the New Covenant series of audios by Robin Webber. Look for the subtlities, the inferences, the allusions and the little twists, as he uses a six or seven part series to put over the new UCG agenda and bury it in a multitude of words. “Church family is to love one another; we obey God because we love him and for no other reason because we no longer have to obey, only love.”
Double speak to confuse and distract as the subliminal message of “love trumps law” is entrenched in this phsycologiocal warfare of the spirit. Teaching us that we should just wink at and tolerate sin; and compromise with God’s law anytime the going gets difficult.
Teaching that “love” is the “easy way” and that when the going gets tough we should just push the “easy butten” and compromise with God’s law because he is love and will understand and forgive. This series was started on 1 Jan in Los Angeles. The New Covenant and Christian Responsibilities. Be sure to notice how many “New Age” quotes he uses.”
In Response I write...
I could thank James for the considerable promotion bestowed in his piece, elevating me to the Doctrinal Committee of the United Church of God (UCG). Unfortunately, I am not in attendance with the UCG and not presently an employee of UCG nor ever was. (OOPS JAMES) Alas, I would gladly do the work of adjusting their doctrines to come into unity with Apostles Paul, Peter, James, John, not to leave out Christ, all of whom they blaspheme in a routine and most methodical way. Much as the Tkach led Grace Covenant Church (or whatever they are now), and fell into the ditch of Catholicism/Paganism, Armstrongism falls into the other ditch of Pharisaical laws and rituals. Both equally wrong and leading followers AWAY from Christ and Fallen from Grace. (OOPS JAMES)
James, The reason I left the UCG and Armstrongism is because I DO NOT see them abandoning the doctrines of Armstrong (OOPS AGAIN) ....why would they? Why would they kill the goose that lays the golden eggs? Just look at Geraldean’s (my pet name for Gerald Flurry) PCG. Herbert W. Armstrong’s mug is nearly their copyrighted corporate logo. Why? Cash Flow! Armstrongism at it’s finest....except there are too many of us sheep who have educations. Empire building while ignoring the True Doctrine of Christ exemplified in Acts 2:43-47 that resulted in, “...the Lord adding to the church DAILY those who were being saved,” (OOPSIE DAISY)
“I am the door,” says Christ, “any who attempt to enter into the kingdom another way are thieves and robbers.” One Door, One True Shepherd, One straight and narrow path one narrow gate into the kingdom, and wide is the way to destruction.
James apparently sees little need for love as he clearly promotes “deeds of the law” as the way to salvation, oh yeah and the Jesus person is cool too! Right James? Maybe he thinks like HWA and his discipleship that Christ was just all gushy when He said, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. (OOPS AGAIN)
Now lets see the LAW TRUMP that in the LOVE realm James! (OOPS) Did the LAW of Moses ever bring that to the table? NO I don’t think so! Did the Torah ever successfully lead the Israelites to “Love their neighbors as their selves?” No I don’t think so! (OOPS)
If this kind of love equals your “EASY BUTTON” then we will see if you will be willing to stick with your beliefs and burn at the stake, for a fellow Christian, one you don’t even know...or stand in front of a firing squad...for a SINNER like me? That is a standard I bet most Armstrongites never consider...take the Law James, all of it! I will gladly take your portion of Love since it will just be left on your plate and tossed into the trash. Why waste it if you don't want it? (OOPS)
Peter warns you Judizers...You who TEST GOD! You who try to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither we nor our fathers could bear. And that was not just clipping off a tad of skin from a baby boy! That was the WHOLE LAW OF MOSES. (OOPS) The Apostle James says to you, “ We gave NO SUCH COMMANDMENT!”(OOPSIE) Do you James? The UCG teaches in their doctrinal paper , The Two Covenants of God, this was only physical circumcision, the fleshly removal of a males foreskin. I do not agree! Neither did James (not you), Peter, Paul, Barnabas, or the others there in the meeting in Jerusalem (except maybe James Malm, and the Pharisees in verse 5, who were still hopefully growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ). They all knew how Paul and Barnabas stood because that is why they were there. Paul taught Christians throughout Asia, Jew and Gentile, to FORSAKE THE LAW OF Moses! (Acts 15, and 21, please! read it all)
Galatians 5:
1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (OOPS AGAIN) (personally I am getting tired of oopses)
2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. (OOPS)
4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
12I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (OOPS AGAIN JAMES)
Did the creator give his only begotten Son...His ONLY SON, who came willingly to do the will of the Father and FULFILLED EVERY ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW WITHOUT EVEN ONE SIN AND WAS BRUTALLY MURDERED FOR ALL HIS GOOD DEEDS....FOR US. No Love there James?(OOPS) I think so!!
James, you want law? You be my guest...just remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in
Galatians 3;
1 O foolish Galatians, (JAMES) who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
4Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (OOPS)
and verses 9 - 14;
9So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Did you ever read all of the verses and not leave just a few out? I know you do, you do it all the time in your articles.
You learned it from HWA and his disciples....twist it to fit, if it won’t fit...make it up! If all else fails...IGNORE IT!
I write because I have made a decision to read and believe only what Jesus Christ and the Apostles of the Church of Jerusalem taught and discard all other. I was a “Pharisee” as strict as they come in Armstrongism. Would have made Paul proud! Paid my three tithes, at Sabbath Services every week, observed all of the Holy Days with zeal. Held many positions of responsibility in The WCG, PCG, and UCG. In charge of the Information table and printed the weekly bulletin, Gave Bible Studies, President of Spokesmen Club and Graduate Club. Married for 33 Years and blessed with two beautiful children, now grown.
I have been blessed with every blessing imaginable, a successful business, great income, boats, RV, home with a pool. But then I was always internally in turmoil, and it came through in harshness toward my wife and children. I had rules, Armstrong has rules and regulations.
I was one of the first to resign from the WCG in 1993, even before most even realized there were a changes in the wind. And they were about to blow the church away! I saw them coming in subtle way in 1988. Small things said from the pulpit and in the publications, in the Hymnal. Even the Pastors and elders didn’t see them. (Or the Pastors wouldn’t admit they did.)
So James Malm, I was probably more self-righteous and presumptuous than you ever dreamed of being... if that is possible!?! But I was sincere, because I grew up in the WCG and only knew this way of life. And ‘in the day when terror gripped’, (fear of a false prophet I mean) one dared not question the Apostle and Profit (yes sp ok) Herbert W. Armstrong.
Every year before the Feast days I would study. I would get out my library of reference Books, Study Guides, Concordances, Cross references, Commentaries, Greek Translations, Hebrew Translations...you get the point. I was THOROUGH, I intended to come into a closer relationship with God and Christ through knowledge and preparation. When the Feast of Tabernacles rolled around, I was ready, plenty of second tithe, luxury Condo reserved, New Custom Van Loaded with new clothes for the family...had to look good..appearance, attire I mean, at the Feast was paramount.
At the Feast we dined on the finest, Porterhouse Steaks and Prime Rib, fine wines and liquors. Had loads of fun, family activities, side trips to cool places for the kids. The obligatory feast gifts for sure!
While enjoyable, nothing spiritual accomplished except cutting ourselves off from Christ and falling from Grace. Now I see how much time and money was wasted that could have been utilized elsewhere rather that furnishing HWA’s mansions and financing his lavish life style.
I will conclude the matter for the readers and for our beloved James Malm. One must have the Holy Spirit to perceive why Grace and Love is a stone of stumbling for you. Those who understand that the Holy Spirit transforms the believer such that the Law of Moses is of no consequence since the LAWS are WRITTEN in OUR HEARTS as David said, and Now We Hear. James I would NEVER break God’s Holy Sabbath, because I love my neighbor! If you love your neighbor as yourself then by default you love God. I Jn. 2:8-10 explains your challenge with Grace and Love. And the FULFILLMENT of THE WHOLE LAW is just that. AND NO more than that DO WE OWE TO ANY MAN.. Not To You, Not to Armstrong, Not to Flurry, Not to Rodman (another pet name, Rod Meredith), Not to Pacman (you figure that one) to no man.
We who are under Grace through Faith live thus:
I Peter 4:8, "And above ALL things have fervent LOVE for one another, for love will cover a multitude of Sins." At least it is our goal! And of course we fall short of the mark.
We worship at the Altar before our High Priest at the most Holy Place where He is continually hearing our prayers and sprinkling his shed blood for the sins of the repentant. Continually 24/7 until his return as our King. AMEN!
Watch for my upcoming article; Christ at the Well Of Jacob which opens up the signifigance of John chapter four. In my view one of the MOST PIVOTAL teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The very point where Christ himself VERIFIES the END of the Old Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant. Christ’s use of the historical symbolism of Sychar and the Well of Jacob is MindBlowing! You will have few questions left concerning the two covenants of God after reading this article.
