JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Deuteronomy 23:2, which states, "A bastard shall not enter the congregation of the Lord.

This instruction forbade an illegitimate child or, as some Bible scholars believe, a racially mixed Israelite from holding a PUBLIC OFFICE in the nation of Israel. we should remember that Old Testament Israel was an unconverted, carnal people whose interests had to do only with the flesh. This statute was given in order to keep the physical nation pure and strong.

Today, however, God is building a spiritual house rather than a physical nation. Each individual may or may not become a part of the building depending on how he conducts his life. A child is not prevented from receiving eternal life because of his parents' sins, nor are the parents to be cut off from God as a result of their children's sins. Our relationship with God depends wholly upon our own actions (please notice Jeremiah 31:29-30).

Jesus Christ said that true Christians are to worship God in spirit (John 4:23-24). Therefore, one's physical ancestry will not prevent one from becoming a child of God today. The descendants of certain nations and peoples were never to enter the congregation of ancient Israel, but today we are told that all men of all nations may enter God's Family upon real repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Please read Acts 17:30, Galatians 3:28-29, and II Peter 3:9.

If you would like additional information concerning true Christianity, please write for our articles about becoming a Christian. There is no charge or obligation, of course.

Whenever we can assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT