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A Prophet's Warning

The following message was written and delivered to the leadership of the Worldwide Church of God, following the illicit ejection of my wife and me from the church in December 1990.

In January 1991 I was guided by the Holy Spirit through the book of Isaiah to see how God predicted long ago the spiritual subjugation of His people. As He led me through the words of Isaiah’s prophecy, God’s Spirit highlighted various parts and moved me to write them down. When I read the final product, I was horrified at how strong and uncompromising the language was. I knew it was meant to be sent to the wayward leadership of the WCG in the UK, but I could not bring myself to send it until three months later. (I vainly hoped that the WCG leaders would come to see the error of their ways, obviating my need to send it to them.)

Until 1990, I had been staunchly supportive of the WCG. God called me into the church in the late 60s. I was a student at the church’s Ambassador College from 1968-1972 and I gave my wholehearted support to the organisation until my ejection in 1990, when a false minister conspired to expel my wife and me on trumped up charges.

The writing and opinions about the WCG being ‘God’s Church’ reflect my bias at that time. It was not until later that year that Jesus re-educated me to see the much broader scope through which He has been working for so long. This elementary ‘discovery’ of other Christians whom He has inspired formed the basis of the booklet Understanding The Mind of God – A Message to Worldwiders which soon followed, and later Understanding The Mind of God – A Message to Law-Keepers and Understanding The Mind of God – A Message to Sabbatarians.[2]

The warning which follows was finally sent in April 1991, but was ignored. Spiritual attrition and blindness inevitably sets in when God’s warnings are not heeded. The days of the Worldwide Church of God were now numbered!

A Prophet’s Warning to the Church

Of all the Prophets of God, the words of Isaiah contain some of the most scathing and penetrating indictments against, not only Israel and Judah, but also towards God’s people (His Church) throughout history. His inspired language is vivid and poignant, “quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword...” (Heb 4:12). As he says himself under God’s inspiration, “He has made my mouth like a sharp sword” (Is 49:2).

THESE ARE THE WORDS OF THE LOGOS HIMSELF — JESUS CHRIST, the all-powerful One (Rev 1:16).

Placed protectively and centrally in the very heart of God’s Word, the book of Isaiah contains deliberately 66 chapters, 6 x 11. Eleven is the biblical number denoting writings, (there are 11 books in the Hebrew Old Testament classified as ‘Writings’, as distinct from the Law and the Prophets), and 6 denotes evil. (The ‘Beast’ of Rev 13:18 is depicted by the number 666. He represents the total embodiment of evil in a human being).[3]

In other words, God is revealing through Isaiah in writing the evil that permeates all nations, Israel, Judah and even His Church! The book contains God’s written judgements upon evil.

God is speaking bluntly and boldly, as incisively as only God can, to His people down through the ages as the messages recorded here apply to them. Today, also, if the same messages apply to His Church, God wants us to heed. If the shoe fits, we must wear it!

The book begins as boldly as it ends. Isaiah calls for the attention of ALL – the heavens as well – to listen and heed the sure warning that man’s rebellion against his Maker (1:2) will end in sure death (66:24). But it is a message God has recorded for all time, preserved for posterity, for us in this end time (30:8).

It is no mild rebuke, but a lambaste of incrimination against, not only Israel and Judah, but ‘Zion’ (the Church prophetically) as well! (1:8.)

Has God spiritually nourished and brought up children who have turned on Him in rebellion? (1:3.) The ox knows his owner, but do we[4] KNOW our God? (1:3.) Who provokes God more than His Church, if she turns away from Him? (1:4.)

Because some of the leadership in the Church (or is it MOST of the leadership of the Church? – 1:5) have failed to heal spiritual wounds, bruises and putrefying sores, the daughter of Zion (today) is left as a besieged city (1:8) – open to evil influences of wicked spirits.

No wonder God uses such strong language in likening us today to Sodom and Gomorrah, for although the evidence of such demonic influence may manifest itself today in different sins to those of Sodom and Gomorrah, they are nonetheless just as despicable to God! (1:10.)

Who is bringing sacrifices? (1:11.) Who is this appearing before God? (1:12.) Keeping the Sabbaths, the Festivals? (1:13-14.) Who is it that prays to God so much? (1:15.)

It is Zion (1:8,21,27) – God’s people – unrecognisably derelict spiritually! It is the faithful city who has become a harlot (1:21) by not seeking justice and righteousness, allowing things to carry on in the Church that are not right instead of relieving the oppressed (1:16-17). Murderers even lodge in her!

Oh, she has the truth all right! She knows what she should do (1:11-15), but the problem is she doesn’t do it (1:15). It doesn’t suit her to do so!

The Church as a whole has been asleep! (Matt 25:1-5.) Now is the time to awake to the changes that must take place in our lives! Those who do (unfortunately, not all – see 1:27 margin) will receive their reward when Christ comes.

Some who have associated with the Church but never really been a part of it spiritually will in That Day be shown up for what they really were and shall be consumed (1:28-31 and Rev. 3:9).

The message of Isaiah is dual. Not only is it directed towards Israel and Judah, but its primary spiritual impact at this time is for the Church who should be in a spiritually receptive condition, and be capable of receiving the strong meat it contains.

She is told to awake (Is. 52:1; 51:9 and 51:17), three times signifying the finality of the warning. We must heed! God will not contend forever (57:16).

Although we seek Him daily (58:2), do we really change our ways ? (vs 3-8.)

God has called, but we have ignored Him (Prov 1:24-26). We have rejected the words of His prophets, rejected His correction because it might have come from an unexpected source. We have rejected new revelation of truth because He chose to reveal it through insignificant people (vs 29-30). Consequently God will reject those who reject Him (vs. 26-28,31). Their complacency will destroy them (v 32) because they lack true fear of God (v 29). If you refuse and rebel you shall be devoured with the sword (Is 1:20).

A Warning Against Complacency

Isaiah’s contemporary Amos, also rebuked God’s people vehemently for their complacency (Amos 6:1).

Woe to them that are at ease in Zion... you put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near (Amos 6:1,3).

Their sumptuous lifestyle has caused them to become calloused toward the suffering of their brothers (6:4-6). Because they (church leaders) hold the reigns of power, they hate any who dare to correct them (5:10), even if such words are words of righteousness (5:10). They will trample all over the powerless with impunity, disregarding equity and justice (5:11-12).

Can God’s prophets be silent when such flagrant abuse prevails?

A lion has roared, who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken, who can but prophesy? (Amos 3:8.)

God tells His prophets to speak without fear or favour.

I am He who comforts you, should you be afraid of a man that shall die? (Is. 51:12, paraphrased.)

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced [confounded]; therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame (Is. 50:7).

You cannot silence those who bring truth from God!

The Eternal comes from far, burning with His anger, and the burden thereof is heavy. His lips are full of indignation and His tongue is as a devouring fire (30:27, paraphrased).

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot... so then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth (Rev. 3:15-16).

Why? Because of complacency, indecision and an unwillingness to concede a need to change! (v 17.)

Spiritual Blindness

Inasmuch as these people draw near [Me] with their mouths and honour Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment [precept] of men.

Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvellous work among this people, a marvellous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden (Is 29:13-14).[5]

God has allowed this because of corruption in high places. Those who should have known better have compromised with the plain word of God and deceived themselves into believing they could get away with it (vs 15-16). The result is a spiritual blindness. Blurred vision and lack of judgement akin to drunkenness (v 9), for God has blinded them (v 10).

Those in Elstree House [the offices of the WCG in the UK] who sought to preserve the status quo and have not sought true justice have fallen into this snare. Instead of “watching for iniquity” they have turned the tables on those who do! (29:20.)

They have unwittingly fulfilled the words of the prophet in making “a man an offender for a word, and laying a snare for him that reproves in the gate and have turned aside the just for a thing of nought” (29:21).

I am sad to say that the very headquarters of God’s Church has become the headquarters of the Synagogue of Satan (Rev 3:9).

That is why the prophet laments “Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower” (28:1) for those on the HEAD of the fat valleys have become spiritually overcome with a drunken stupor.

They ... have erred through wine, and through intoxicating drink [symbol of deception or false teaching] are out of the way; the priest and the prophet [spiritual leaders] have erred through intoxicating drink... they err in vision, they stumble in judgement (28:7).

That is why the Church in Britain needs Christ’s intervention (v 16) to lay judgement to the line and righteousness to the plummet, to sweep away the refuge of lies, and for the waters to overflow the hiding place (28:17).

It should come as no surprise, then, to learn of the fact that God views such rulership of His Church as oppression – captivity! (Is. 52:2.) It is captivity to sin (v 1).

She must awaken and put on the beautiful garments (v 1). But first the uncircumcised and the unclean must be expelled (ibid), then she can begin to be released from the bands of her captivity (v 2). Those in the Church of the Synagogue of Satan must be put out! Those who have obstructed truth and justice must be banished. They are not ministers of God but ministers of Satan (1 Cor 11), hindering the progress of God’s Work.

To leave such men in office is to leave the foe within to do even more damage than that which they have done already by excommunicating members willy-nilly on fickle charges, and ruling the Church by a regime of FEAR instead of love.

God says through the prophet:

What is going on, that my people is taken away for nought? They that rule over them make them to howl, and My name continually every day is BLASPHEMED! (52:5, paraphrased.)

Incontrovertible evidence of wrongdoing and abuse by certain men in authority has been presented both to the administration here and to the Pasadena office, but ‘WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?’ (53:1.)

Do not think it strange that insignificant people rise up at a time like this to make bold statements. God creates the fruit of the lips (57:19), so His servants will cry aloud (58:1) without sparing. One day, all those involved will know Who it was who spoke (52:6).

We are not the only ones who bring reports of thorns and briers to Zion (55:13), of blind watchmen, useless shepherds (56:10), sons of the sorceress (57:3), men doing a job merely for financial gain (56:11), enjoying their position at the expense of others (56:12, 59:13), accusing falsely God’s chosen (58:9, 57:4-5).

The righteous will even die as a result of such corruption (57:1), but few will really lay it to heart! The hands of some will not only be defiled with iniquity, but blood too! For their lips have spoken LIES (59:3). They don’t know the way to peace, and there is no judgement in their paths (59:8-9).

That is why the Church suffers! (59:10-11, 1-2.) Oppression! (59:13.) Falsehood!

Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter!! (59:14.) ...And God saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice! (59:15.)

The prophet is told to heap it up (57:14 RSV) to pin the blame where it belongs, so that the STUMBLINGBLOCK can be removed!

God dwells with such a man – because of his humility God can reach him (66:2). He will revive the spirit of the humble, and raise him up to speak out (57:15). “My words shall not depart from your mouth” (59:21).

For Zion’s sake no prophet can hold his peace (62:1). “I will not rest until righteousness prevails”. The prophets’ job is never to give up (62:6-7).

If God calls, we must not refuse (65:12). Those whose self-righteous smugness precludes such admission are a stench in God’s nostrils! (65:5.) We have been hated and cast out for doing good (66:5 KJV), who’s going to be ashamed?                              Malcolm B Heap, Written January 1991, sent to WCG 4-4-1991

The Outcome

The hierarchy of the church did not heed, however, and spiritual attrition set in as a result.

Similar apostasy has occurred, and is occurring, in other churches who ignore God’s prophets.

Footnotes

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