The Worldwide Church Of God
A Time for Sober Thought

by Phillip Arnn

For several years there have been numerous changes in doctrine and practice in the Worldwide Church of God. Joseph Tkach, Pastor General of the Church, has explained, "All doctrinal decisions the Church has undertaken have been and will continue to be based on careful study of scripture, in prayer for the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit" (Worldwide News 3 February 1992, p. 1).

A major change which has been made in doctrine is an increased emphasis on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Prior to the death of the Church's founder, Herbert W. Armstrong, in 1986, the emphasis was not on Jesus but on Law and Government.

This is plainly stated in these quotes, "Keep in mind the clear picture of the true Gospel. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is the message which God sent to the world, and Christ was the divine Messenger who brought and proclaimed it.

"It was not primarily a Message about Himself, but about the Kingdom - the GOVERNMENT - of God. The Gospel to be preached was not the present day message ABOUT the person of Christ but the Message He brought and proclaimed - the Good News of the GOVERNMENT of God.

"What is it necessary to believe to be saved? That which is preached - the Gospel! Whenever the preachers today do away with God's Law, and therefore the government (Kingdom) of God - for there can be no government without law - THEY DENY that which must be believed to be saved - and their followers cannot be saved, but are deceived.

"And, also, it is `he that is baptized' that shall be saved. Its part of the divine Commission - a required ordinance for salvation! (All About Water Baptism 1972 ed., pp. 11-12).

Water baptism was only one of many requirements for salvation enumerated by Herbert Armstrong.

The members are now being told that salvation is a present state of the believer. They are hearing that salvation is a free gift and no works are to be associated with its apprehension.

"Are you qualifying for eternal life in the Kingdom of God? I can tell you on the authority of Jesus Christ you are not!

"Eternal life and entrance into the Kingdom of God IS A GIFT - a free gift. You do not and cannot earn it. You cannot qualify for it. It is God's free gift to you - something you can never achieve, earn or in any way whatsoever qualify for (Good News March 1987 p. 2)

The same change of doctrinal direction from law to grace is repeated in a Dear Brethren letter which states, "...there are two ditches that so many fall into. In one ditch are those who feel no obligation to obey God at all, believing that since Christ's sacrifice covers all sin, they have no need to respond to Him in obedience.

"In the other ditch are those who have the impression that they do not now possess salvation, and if only they could work hard enough, they would be able to get it. This is not the truth, either!" (24 May 1990)

Within the text of the letter there are a number of words which are underlined for special emphasis. For example, "The salvation we possess has obligations. We are not working for salvation. Instead, as God's elect, we are working with the salvation God has given us so that it may become full.

"The salvation we now possess is leading to the inheritance, `kept in Heaven for you' (1 Peter 4:1). Jesus said, `He who stands firm to the end will be saved (Matt. 10:22)" (Ibid).

For sixty years the members were taught that salvation was acquired at the resurrection after a life of works. Words and phrases such as those mentioned above can act like keys which open volumes of teachings learned over many years under Herbert Armstrong.

Whereas, the intent of the underlining may have been to emphasize the truths of present salvation and grace of God in Christ, it may have had the opposite effect on many.

Such a drastic change may take time to be absorbed by the members of the Worldwide Church of God.

Joseph Tkach wrote in his Personal column "The Worldwide Church of God has a long history of facing and changing its mistakes because its goal is to be faithful to and honest with the word of God" (Worldwide News 3 February 1992 p. 5).

It is precisely because of "...a long history of... changing its mistakes" that members and those who are interested in the Church's teachings should read the Bible for themselves without the aid of past or present Church literature as a guide.

To go from salvation by works to salvation by grace alone is no small matter. When Stavrinides, a Worldwide Church of God theologian, says, "Speaking from the perspective of God's Word, there is no reason for the Church today to hold the doctrine of God's nature, in isolation, as a criteria of orthodoxy or heresy" (Reviews You Can Use January\February 1991).

It is cause for any thinking person to be alarmed.

The nature of God and His revelation, through Christ, as well as the way of salvation are cardinal doctrines that separate false teachers from true Christianity.

For decades, members of the Worldwide Church of God have placed their faith in their own works for salvation. Now they are being told that salvation is by grace.

Do all roads lead to heaven? Can one believe in any God and still be accepted by the True God? The subjective gospel of the Worldwide Church of God demands sober consideration and evaluation.