About Our Cover ...

Our cover is a composite of the cover pictures of your last four lessons. Each Correspondence Course test is designed to TEACH, as well as help you evaluate your progress. You will enjoy this convenient means of putting to PRACTICAL USE the knowledge you have learned. -------------------- an open letter from THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR ...

RECENTLY we received a letter, saying:

"Your idea of doing away with Easter is immature. Sure, there are things connected with it that are unchristian, but some Christians make them really Christian. No matter what you have, somebody will desecrate it or misuse it. Why should everyone do away with it because some use it wrongfully? Why NOT take a pagan holiday and make it into a Christian one?"

WHY NOT?

It's a good question -- and, if there IS NO GOD -- it has an obvious answer!

You see, if there IS NO GOD, and if man is left to decide for himself what is "good" and what is "bad," then your question is self-answerable, self-evident. But since you seem to indicate, in your letter, a belief in things "Christian" and, therefore, belief in God, we will answer your questions thoroughly. Thousands of our readers have asked the same questions.

Many have wondered, "What DIFFERENCE does it make what we do, so long as no one else is hurt by it, and so long as we enjoy it?" It's the same question being asked by millions of youths today.

People often reason: If a "good" Hindu does the best he can, living up to HIS religion the best he knows how, and if a "good" Catholic, or a "good" Jew, or a "good" Protestant does the same, then won't they all be able to reach their reward?

It actually sounds GOOD to people -- this little bit of human reasoning -- so good it becomes a part of their PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE!

What is "right" -- what IS "wrong"? Who is to say?

Today, philosophers and educators tell us there are no absolutes!

They say the ONE thing we CAN COME TO KNOW is that we DON'T KNOW!

They're POSITIVE they shouldn't be positive, SURE they can't be sure; absolutely absolute about no absolutes!

But how silly!

Life is positive. Things do exist. Laws work upon you, upon life, upon things. There are absolutes. You can't SEE wind, thunder, sound, the law of gravity, or friction. You can't see inertia, centrifugal force, or, for that matter, the microbes which aid in your digestion (without the aid of powerful microscopes) -- but you believe in them, nevertheless.

There is such a thing as absolute authority. There IS absolute truth. There are absolutes!

Is there anyone who really should know what is right, and what is wrong?

Surely, if there is a God, and if Christ is ALIVE today as He says He is, then CHRIST SHOULD KNOW!

Or would you say to Christ: "Well! Just because you're right about some things doesn't mean you're right about everything!" Probably, sadly enough, MUCH of this present world would say exactly that! But for those who have the spiritual courage to prove Christ, to prove God, to prove the Bible, and to anchor their faith on the inspired writing of God Almighty as He led His human instruments -- let's continue.

Jesus said, "He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has One that judges him: the WORD that I have spoken, the same SHALL JUDGE him in the last day" (John 12:48). Then it is the Word of God that will judge -- the inspired Word of God that will decide -- God's Word that tells us whether it is right, or wrong, to adapt purely pagan customs into our "Christian" lives!

It is not, mind you, our interpretation that will decide. It is not the "ideas" of men that will decide, or the accepted customs of men, nor is it that which "seems right" to the majority (read Prov. 14:12; 16:25) which will decide!

Jesus said, "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, He gave me a commandment, what I should say; and what I should speak. And I know that His commandment is LIFE EVERLASTING: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak" (John 12:49-50).

Your Bible challenges you to "prove all things, hold fast that which is good" (I Thes. 5:21). Are you willing to do as the Bereans did, who "... received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so"? (Acts 17:11.)

God says, "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20). Christ Himself was inspired to say, "You shall know the TRUTH, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32), and He said, "THY WORD IS TRUTH' (John 17:17).

Is the Word of God the source to which you go for what you believe and practice? Is it, or is it not? If you are a Christian, and you claim to believe in Christ -- how incongruous, how ridiculous, how impossible, how utterly amazing it would be if you rejected the very word of that Christ, and admittedly turned to pure human reason for your deepest and most personal beliefs and practices!

Jesus said, further, "The scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). He said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matt 5:17-18).

So people are RIGHT when they say, "Even if you should be right about SOME things, that does not mean you are right about everything!" That's true of EVERY human being. But it's not true of Christ! HE is RIGHT about EVERYTHING!

And that's precisely why we give you, over THE WORLD TOMORROW program, and in the pages of this Correspondence Course, and in our booklets, what Christ says, and NOT our own "human ideas"! We don't trust our own ideas! How about you?

The letter we received said: "Your idea of doing away with  Easter is immature."

It's not OUR idea.

Don't misunderstand. We don't print any placards saying, "Help Stamp Out Easter!" We have no intention of starting a movement to "do away" with it. That would be a mountainous task, indeed!

And, as to what is or is not "immature" -- just what is "mature" about Easter?

The pagan goddess "Ishtar" (pronounced, today, "Easter") was an imaginary figment of a weird, pagan fool (only the fool has said in his heart there is no God!). Mark that. A goddess "Ishtar" didn't exist! But ancient Babylonians -- including their poor deceived little children, and their mothers, thought she did.

So they busily perpetuated customs accompanying their belief in this would-be goddess of sex, fertility, productivity, and perpetual life.

They even made it a family-type ceremony. It's described in your Bible! God inspired Jeremiah to describe some of the pagan ceremonies carried down into our societies today -- "Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven [again -- the same wildly imaginary figure, dreamed up by superstitious heathens!], and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, THAT THEY MAY PROVOKE ME TO ANGER"! (Jer. 7:17-18.)

God asserts, "I change not"! (Mal. 3:6), and Paul wrote, "Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today and forever" (Heb. 13:8). Then, according to your Bible, your Creator and the God who gives you every breath of air you breathe, is provoked to ANGER by such pagan and heathen practices! Yes, even today!

Notice they made a nice "family" custom out of it. Even the kiddies had a part to play! The "daddies" and "mummies" all entered into it. And -- it probably seemed pretty good to them.

After all, isn't a pleasant hearthside chat good? Isn't the smell of baking cakes around the home-fire good? And isn't it fun when the children can play with the dough, and perhaps make quaint little designs of their own? It really APPEALS to children!

And the SYMBOLS on the cakes? Well -- such historical problems never occur to children, unfortunately -- nor to their mothers. If it's colorful, fun, exciting, and the kiddies ENJOY it -- that's "good enough for them."

And, again, all this is good old-fashioned human reasoning -- even sounds logical -- if there is no God. But there IS a God, and that great God has utterly condemned the practices of heathen, pagan, sun-worshiping savages; just as He has condemned the seemingly innocent COPYING of those identical practices, and then calling them by a different Christian-sounding name.

But mark this. God, out of mercy, allowed the sudden slaughter of those rebellious people for such customs. (Read the succeeding chapters in the book of Jeremiah!) Why. Because departing from His laws led them into such unspeakable wretchedness it brought only untold MISERY and SUFFERING on them! And, further, THEIR sufferings are intended as a monumental witness and warning to us! (I Cor. 10:11.)

When God described the terrible ABOMINATIONS of our ancestors through the pen of the prophet Ezekiel, He included as the very WORST of their heathen practices the sunrise services acquainted with the pagan ideas of sun worship!

The direct carry-over into our times is unmistakable.

"Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Eternal's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz" [the "sun" god, and fake "divine son" of the pagan goddess called the "queen of heaven," and appearing in dozens of guises in many different pagan religions].

"Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these! And he brought me into the inner court of the Eternal's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Eternal, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Eternal, and their faces toward the east; and they worshiped the SUN TOWARD THE EAST." (Ezekiel 8:14-16.) The sun is "toward the east" at its rising!

Here was a SUNRISE service -- utterly CONDEMNED as the most blasphemous and abhorrent abomination IN GOD'S SIGHT.

But, had the prophet Ezekiel waited to get the men's opinions on what they were doing, he would have heard a far different story!

"Why sure we observe these sunrise services," they would have said. "Doesn't everybody?" "And besides," others would have chorused, "What difference does it make?"

Again, we say, not a bit -- if there is no God!

But the God who inspired that little fact of human corruption says IT MAKES A UNIVERSE OF DIFFERENCE to Him! Not to people, no. But to GOD!

So what's so "mature" about Easter?

Today, the kiddies grow up believing rabbits lay eggs. Maybe even their mothers do. Admittedly, bright colors, having a hand in the cooking, dyeing and hiding of eggs is exciting. Admittedly, being invited to the White House lawn for the annual egg-rolling party is exciting. The Easter ads are attractive; the new suits and hats are exciting. Chocolate bunnies taste good. So do egg-shaped jelly beans.

In fact, just about everything acquainted with Easter is exciting to people -- including the early morning forays to the mountain top, the new clothes, the parades, the well-known song, "In Your 'Ishtar' Bonnet" (pronounced Easter!) -- with the conceivable exception of going to church.

And if human involvement in it -- which is to say, human excitement, joy, "fun" and what may appeal to human reason -- were to decide whether or not it is right, the "decision" would be obvious!

But, again, whose opinion counts?

Ours doesn't.

Neither does yours. Nor does anyone else's!

But God's does!

And God Almighty says such pagan mementos of sex (rabbits for their fantastic reproductive qualities; eggs as symbols of fertility and life; the sun at its daily "rebirth" etc.) are a stench in His nostrils.

So: It's not "our idea" about Easter -- but what God says that shall decide. And it's ANYTHING but immature! God has held the same opinion for billions of aeons! And that's pretty mature! The letter said: "But some Christians make them [some of the things connected with it -- Easter] really Christian! "

-------------------------------------------------- FERTILITY SYMBOLS -- Cute little rabbits and hard-boiled eggs are a common sight on Easter Sunday, but are in reality ancient symbols of fertility and life! (See "The Two Babylons", by Alexander Hislop, pp. 103-113.) Read, in the accompanying editorial, what God has to say about using such symbols in worshipping Him. --------------------------------------------------

Do "Christians" decide what is or is not Christian?

Does a "Christian," observed eating mud, make the mud clean? Do "Christians" who quarrel, fight, divorce, beat their children, go to war, hate, kill, rob, steal, commit adultery, cheat, lie, and often commit suicide render all these things lawful?

Does each "Christian" become, then, a perfect law unto himself -- and, like Midas, render whatsoever he touches perfectly golden in character?

Do "Christians" who freely admit their DISBELIEF in the Bible, their rejection of the virgin birth, their contempt for the Ten Commandments, their utter hopelessness toward a resurrection, and their acceptance of evolution, alter, change, or substantiate all of these things by their opinions?

Hardly!

Millions more believe in Communism than in Christianity. But not one Christian, whether real or professing, would give an inch on the idea that such majorities render the belief of the minority incorrect!

Suppose you believe in the good properties of all poison?

You've probably never met such a person, but, in this world of addleheaded, mixed-up, freakish, weird, distorted, twisted, frustrated, defeated, confused, "beat" and hopelessly lost individuals -- there could conceivably be such a person.

And suppose you believe it so thoroughly you've convinced millions of it?

Would all poison then cease to be poison, simply because you began to believe it nontoxic?

"Christians" do not make Christianity. Christianity makes a Christian! And "Christians" did not invent the Christian truths, beliefs, practices, and way of life! Christians are only true Christians when and if they obey what Christ commands!

Is it possible for really "good Christians" to change pagan practices into Christian ones?

Would you admit that the Apostle Paul was one of the greatest Christian men who ever lived?

But Paul didn't have the power to change even one tiny point of what Christ has commanded!

Notice the proof!

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel" (Gal. 1:6).

-------------------------------------------------- PHOTO: EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE -- Worshippers, clad in biblical-type garments, gather at dawn for a "traditional" Easter sunrise service. --------------------------------------------------

Paul was rebuking the Galatians, who were GENTILES, for allowing themselves to be entrapped back into believing in a completely physical type of "religion" which included all sorts of carnal, physical customs!

He said, "Which is NOT another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though

6 we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED"! (Gal. 1:7-8.)

Note that well! Paul put a careful and perfectly honest control over himself! He warned those people that, even if he, PAUL, should CHANGE his doctrine, and begin living by different customs, that such personal, human change would definitely not "change" anything in the unalterable truth of Christ!

He included -- and he was inspired by God's Holy Spirit to do so -- angels from heaven! So even lesser spirit beings do not have the power to change anything God has set down in His Word!

God, your Creator, has said He will not change! And He has put an absolute, unshakable, unbreakable and inviolable guarantee that no other being or power can change His laws!

The "use" of a thing does not alter its essential character! Poison sparingly used is still poison. Paganism in small amounts, and with "Christian" window dressing, is still paganism.

Professing Christians cannot alter or change the basic character of pagan customs by "using" them as a so-called "Christian" custom!

The letter said, "Why should everyone do away with it (Easter, I suppose?) because some use it wrongfully?"

There is, in this case, no right "use" for it! We know of no one who is guilty of "using it" (if the "it" in this case is still Easter) wrongfully. Since all observance or use of it is pagan, there is absolutely no possibility of any RIGHT or GODLY use.

How does one misuse murder? How do you commit adultery "wrongfully"? What is the "wrong use" of war?

The letter continued: "Why not take a pagan holiday and make it into a Christian one?

The answer is obvious!

Because Almighty God our Creator, our Boss, our Ruler and our Judge thunders with all His power "DON'T DO IT!"

But He won't force anyone to obey -- now!

That's still your own private decision.

God warned, anciently (and remember, He never changes!), "When the Eternal thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods [which were only weird figments of their wild imaginations!] saying, 'HOW DID THESE NATIONS SERVE THEIR GODS?' [Or, 'How did the pagans observe various religious customs? Let's find us a cute, interesting, quaint, piquant pagan custom, dress it all up until it looks "right" to us -- more to our taste, more like we would like to have it! Besides, it's probably all right to use pagan customs, as long as we use them for a good cause!' one might reason]. But God continued, "THOU SHALT NOT DO SO UNTO THE ETERNAL THY GOD: for every ABOMINATION to the Eternal, which HE HATETH, have they done unto their gods ..." (Deut. 12:29-311.

God expressly commands His true people not to adapt pagan practices into so-called "Christian" ones!

And why does He expressly command it?

Simply because He knew human nature would not be able, of itself, to see the terrible wrong in it -- that it would "look good" to the average carnal human! So God pointed out it is not good, and commands those who are willing to be obedient to Him NOT to indulge in pagan customs, regardless as to the wrapping,  window dressing, changed names, or seemingly "harmless" and colorful celebrations connected with it.

That, we hope, fully answers the comments made in the letter.

Permit us to explain, lest there be any misunderstanding. We are engaged in no campaign to "do away" with any of the customs or practices of this World! Our calling is to preach the truth of God, the Gospel of the soon-coming Kingdom of God, without fear or favor, and without apologizing for it.

Each person is free to feel, think, say and do as he chooses. He is free to reject truth, dodging behind the ancient, shopworn little bit of human idiocy of "Just who does he think he is!" or some other tart barb of ridicule -- thus absolving himself of the responsibility to prove his own beliefs.

But Jesus said the truth will make us free from the shackles of this world; free from the traditions and ideas of other fallible human beings -- and, best of all, free from ourselves!

May God grant you a love for His TRUTH!

TEST NUMBER NINE THIS examination is given to help you BETTER UNDERSTAND your Bible and EVALUATE your progress. It is a SIMPLE TEST covering your studies in the last four lessons. It's a quick review to help you REMEMBER and put to PRACTICAL USE the vital knowledge you have learned.

Notice that FOUR CHOICES are given under each question. ONLY ONE IS the CORRECT answer! The other three are WRONG. (Generally speaking, the INCORRECT answers are FALSE ideas which are taught and believed about the subject.)

SELECT THE ONE RIGHT ANSWER FROM AMONG THESE FOUR CHOICES. Then CIRCLE the letter of the answer you believe to be correct. The correct answer to the first question is already circled for you as an example.

The questions are divided into four parts -- each part corresponding to one of your last four lessons. Answer as many questions as you can without referring to the lessons. Take sufficient time to understand each question. If you find any difficult questions, do be sure to REFER TO THE LESSONS.

Once you have finished going over the questions and are satisfied with your answers, check your circled selections with the correct answers listed at the bottom of page 16. Then count the number of questions you missed and find your grade in the grading section located on the same page. That's all there is to it. There's NOTHING to send back to us.

Lesson 33

CHRIST'S SACRIFICE BEGINS GOD'S MASTER PLAN

1. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Jesus Christ preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and taught His disciples God's Master Plan.

B. Christ commissioned His disciples to carry on God's Work.

C. Christs' crucifixion completed the plan of salvation.

D. Jesus Christ offered His perfect, sinless life as payment for the sins of the whole world.

2. The creation of Godly character in man

A. is possible without God.

B. takes time.

C. was accomplished in Adam and Eve at the time of their creation.

D. is not an important part of God's purpose for mankind.

3. When Jesus said, "It is finished," He meant that He had

A. completed the plan of salvation on the cross.

B. ended man's need to obey God's Law.

C. completed the work the Father had given Him by offering His life for the sins of the world.

D. finished carrying out God's work for all time.

4. The death of Jesus Christ

A. completed God's plan of salvation.

B. imparts eternal life to those who repent.

C. was useless and meaningless to God's Master Plan.

D. pays the death penalty our sins have incurred -- but only if we repent and accept His sacrifice.

5. God originally created man

A. incomplete -- lacking His Divine Spirit.

B. perfect in character.

C. without human nature.

D. with an immortal soul.

6. God's PURPOSE for human life is

A. to mold mankind into spirit Sons after His own character image.

B. to give all human beings a chance to save their immortal souls.

C. to make tremendous material, financial successes of mankind.

D. to perpetuate mankind as fleshly beings.

7. God first revealed His seven annual Holy Days

A. to Abel, Noah, and Enoch.

B. to the people of Israel as they came out of slavery in Egypt.

C. to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

D. to the Apostle Paul.

8. God's annual festivals

A. reveal His Master Plan of salvation for all mankind.

B. are only for the Jews.

C. were national holidays set aside by Moses.

D. were derived from Canaanitish agricultural feasts.

9. The ten-tribed House of Israel

A. preserved the inspired original Hebrew text of the Bible.

B. preserved God's calendar for us today.

C. went into captivity for not keeping God's Laws, including His ANNUAL FESTIVALS.

D. performed the special mission God chose them for.

10. The Jews

A. preserved both the sacred Calendar and the Old Testament for us today.

B. never went into national captivity for disobeying God.

C. were the ONLY murderers of Jesus Christ.

D. neglected to preserve the Scriptures for us today.

11. Where does the Bible say that "Christ's death saves sinners"?

A. I John 5:4.

B. Matt. 27:49.

C. Acts 17:2.

D. The statement is nowhere found in the Bible.

12. The Law of Biogenesis shows that

A. we can be saved -- given eternal LIFE -- only by the LIVING Jesus.

B. that life comes from dead matter.

C. that Christ's shed blood can impart eternal life.

D. that the Bible is unscientific.

13. The Christian Passover is a memorial of

A. the resurrection of Christ.

B. the death of Jesus Christ who shed His blood for our past sins.

C. the crossing of the Red Sea.

D. the Exodus from Egypt.

14. This world's churches

A. understand that the Passover should be kept today.

B. faithfully keep this important festival in God's plan.

C. completely understand the spiritual significance of the Passover for us today.

D. celebrate a supposed "Easter Sunday" resurrection of Christ, instead of commemorating His death on God's Passover.

15. God had to reveal to ancient Israel that His sacred calendar year begins in the

A. spring.

B. winter on January 1.

C. autumn.

D. early summer.

16. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Lamb's blood was smeared on the doorposts and lintels of ancient Israel's homes on the night of the Passover.

B. The blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel's firstborn from the death angel.

C. The Passover lamb's blood was shed at the END of the 14th day of the first month.

D. The blood of the Passover lamb pictured Christ's shed blood for our sins.

17. Jesus Christ

A. neglected to keep the Passover.

B. never kept the Passover as a young man.

C. stopped keeping the Passover after He began His ministry.

D. never failed to keep the Passover throughout His life.

18. The foot-washing ordinance is

A. unnecessary for Christians to keep today.

B. only to be practiced in dusty areas like Palestine.

C. to be kept today because it was taught by Jesus through His example and by His command.

D. not to be practiced today because it is too degrading.

19. Wine must be used today in the Passover service because

A. it was used in the Old Testament Passover service.

B. it is an emblem representing Christ's broken body.

C. Christ Himself drank FERMENTED wine with His disciples when He instituted the NEW symbols of bread and WINE.

D. -- we shouldn't use wine because Jesus and His disciples used grape juice.

20. Which one of these four statements is TRUE?

A. Christ's death abolished the New Testament Passover service which he instituted the night before His crucifixion.

B. Christ fulfilled the keeping of the Passover in our stead.

C. Christ made the Passover a memorial of His resurrection.

D. Christ merely changed the emblems of the Passover from the roast lamb to unleavened bread and wine.

21. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Jesus Christ's life was worth far more than all other human lives combined.

B. Christ's blood was shed for the remission of your sins.

C. Jesus Christ was human -- subject to death.

D. Jesus was incapable of death.

22. Jesus Christ died

A. a hideous, merciless, brutal death.

B. of a broken heart.

C. because he was a physical weakling.

D. like a martyr, NOT like a criminal.

23. The word "Easter"

A. is not found in any Bible.

B. is found only once in the King James Version where it is a deliberate mistranslation.

C. is unrelated to the name of the pagan goddess Ishtar.

D. is properly associated with Christ's resurrection.

24. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. The Church Jesus founded kept the New Testament Passover during the apostolic period.

B. History records that the New Testament Passover continued to be kept by the True Church long after the apostles were dead.

C. Christ's New Testament Church replaced the Passover with Easter.

D. God's True Church continues to keep the New Testament Passover today.

25. The Passover was kept

A. quarterly by ancient Israel.

B. annually by Jesus Christ.

C. weekly by the New Testament Church.

D. monthly by the New Testament Church.

26. God's True Church

A. was persecuted for keeping the New Testament Passover.

B. changed the Passover date to Easter Sunday.

C. has failed to keep the Passover through the centuries.

D. was willing to compromise with Satan's false church and keep both Passover and Easter.

Lesson 34

YOUR PART IN GOD'S MASTER PLAN

27. Which one of these four statements is Biblically true?

A. "Jesus Christ led a perfect life in your stead."

B. "There is nothing for you to do but believe in Christ."

C. "God's law was nailed to the cross."

D. "If you will enter into life, keep the commandments."

28. Obedience to God

A. is not necessary to receive eternal life.

B. is required for salvation.

C. can earn you salvation.

D. has no place in God's Master Plan.

29. The Days of Unleavened Bread

A. were instituted in Egypt, before Israel reached Mt. Sinai.

B. were instituted along with sacrifices and burnt offerings which were done away.

C. were instituted by the Old Covenant which has been done away.

D. are not a part of God's Master Plan.

30. Jesus Christ

A. faithfully kept the Days of Unleavened Bread.

B. kept the Days of Unleavened Bread only when He was a child.

C. taught that New Testament Christians need not follow His personal example.

D. did not teach His disciples to keep the Days of Unleavened Bread.

31. The Apostle Paul

A. instituted fast days -- called "Lent" -- for the Gentiles instead of God's feast days.

B. kept the Days of Unleavened Bread with Gentile Christians.

C. did not command Christians to keep the Days of Unleavened Bread.

D. did not explain the meaning of this feast to Gentiles.

32. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Leaven is a type of sin.

B. Leaven causes dough to rise.

C. Sin causes human nature to be puffed up with vanity.

D. Understanding the symbolic meaning of "leaven" has nothing to do with the Days of Unleavened Bread.

33. God commanded Israel to

A. eat unleavened bread -- a symbol of active obedience -- during the Days of Unleavened Bread.

B. eat leavened bread during these days.

C. keep the Days of Unleavened Bread only until Christ's death for our sins.

D. put all leaven off their property, because leaven is unwholesome of itself.

34. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Egypt is a type of sin.

B. Leaven is a type of sin.

C. Pharaoh is a type of Satan the Devil.

D. Unleavened bread is never used as a type of anything in the Bible.

35. All of God's Holy Days are

A. a part of the ritualistic "Law of Moses."

B. merely times of physical rejuvenation.

C. times to use in pursuing our own pleasures.

D. holy times for holy convocations.

36. Ancient Israel began actually LEAVING Egypt

A. one whole day after the Passover lamb was killed.

B. the same day the Passover lamb was killed.

C. on the last day of unleavened bread.

D. many days after the Passover.

37. Hezekiah

A. kept only the Passover.

B. rejoiced by ignoring the Days of Unleavened Bread.

C. kept the Days of Unleavened Bread, as well as a SPECIAL additional seven days of rejoicing which he, himself, commanded.

D. refused to keep God's Holy Days when he learned about them.

38. Josiah

A. forgot the ways of God which had been restored under Hezekiah.

B. punished the people for keeping God's Holy Days.

C. kept only the Passover.

D restored and kept God's Holy Days as soon as he learned about them.

39. God's Holy Days

A. are not a part of the Sabbath Sign His people must have.

B. help to identify God's true servants.

C. can be rejected by any nation without it resulting in severe national punishment.

D. do not have to be kept by all people today.

40. Lot's wife

A. is a literal pillar of salt which still stands near the Dead Sea.

B. was willing to forsake her sinful past environment.

C. paid with her life just because she was anxious to SEE wicked Sodom be destroyed.

D. is a type of what will happen to those who begin coming out of sin, but fail to continue faithful in putting sin completely out of their lives.

41. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Jesus told the young rich man the plan of salvation would be completed at the cross.

B. Jesus told the critical lawyer to obey God's commandments.

C. God knows what you are seeking first.

D. God commands you to obey His law and get the "leaven" of sin out of your life.

42. God requires you to

A. exert the maximum of your ability in "unleavening" your  life -- overcoming your human nature.

B. do the minimum and expect Him to forgive you the rest.

C. try hard, but not to let obedience to Him conflict with your business.

D. try hard, but not to let obedience to Him conflict with what your family or friends might think.

Lesson 35

THE CHURCH IN GOD'S MASTER PLAN

43. The Day of Pentecost

A. was never kept by true Christians after the resurrection of Christ.

B. is strictly a "Jewish" holiday which God does not command us to keep.

C. pictures the THIRD VITAL STEP in God's Master Plan for mankind's spiritual creation.

D. was instituted as part of the ceremonial Law of Moses, and therefore is not for us today.

44. What did Christ promise to send His disciples after His resurrection?

A. The THIRD PERSON of the "Trinity."

B. Nothing but trials and sufferings.

C. Angels who would help them.

D. The "comforter" -- the Holy Spirit -- to spiritually strengthen and help them to overcome.

45. Which one of these four statements is TRUE?

A. Christ's disciples held "tarry meetings" in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit.

B. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples on the Day of Pentecost, June 18, 31 A.D.

C. Christ's 120 disciples met together Sunday morning to celebrate Pentecost.

D. Christ's disciples didn't need to keep the Day of Pentecost in order to receive God's Holy Spirit.

46. The Old Testament Wave Sheaf offering

A. was offered every Sunday morning.

B. was always offered on the first Holy Day of the Days of Unleavened Bread.

C. was offered on the Sunday morning following the weekly Sabbath which occurs DURING the Days of Unleavened Bread.

D. signaled the completion of the spring harvest.

47. Christ

A. could not have been symbolized by the Wave Sheaf offering because He completed the plan of salvation.

B. is the "first of the firstfruits" of God's Master Plan; therefore He is symbolized by the Wave Sheaf offering.

C. did not have to be accepted by the Father in Heaven after His resurrection.

D. was accepted by the Father in Heaven on Saturday.

48. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. In Palestine, the spring harvest season ended with the annual Sabbath known as the "Feast of Firstfruits."

B. Another name for Pentecost is "Feast of Weeks."

C. Among the Greeks of New Testament times, The Feast of  Weeks was called "Pentecost."

D. The Apostle Paul never kept the "Day of Weeks."

49. Pentecost

A. is merely an "EXPERIENCE" being repeated today in certain churches.

B. was not observed by Christ's apostles after His crucifixion.

C. is commanded to be observed by true Christians FOREVER.

D. was not kept by true Christians after Paul died.

50. Why must the correct day for Pentecost be counted EVERY year?

A. Because the day (on which the Wave Sheaf was offered) FROM which we begin counting is not a fixed annual calendar date.

B. Because God's Church decided to count it.

C. Certainly not because God commanded it.

D. Because the Levitical Priesthood counted it.

51. Since Pentecost must be counted fifty days from a Sunday,

A. it can fall on different DATES during the month -- but will ALWAYS fall on the SAME DAY of the week.

B. it can fall on DIFFERENT DAYS of the week.

C. it will always fall on the SAME DATE of the month.

D. it must fall on a SUNDAY.

52. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. One day FROM a Sunday is Monday.

B. Seven days FROM a Sunday is the next Sunday.

C. Seven full weeks -- 49 days -- plus ONE ADDITIONAL DAY -- a total of 50 days -- FROM that Sunday always brings us to a Monday.

D. God instructed His ministers to begin counting Pentecost FROM the Sabbath which falls during the Days of Unleavened Bread.

53. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. The apostles understood how to count Pentecost.

B. God has given the lay members of His Church the responsibility of counting Pentecost.

C. God has entrusted His called ministers with the SOLE RESPONSIBILITY of counting Pentecost.

D. Pentecost ALWAYS falls on a MONDAY!

54. The literal definition of the Greek word "ECCLESIA" in English is

A. "church."

B. "firstfruits."

C. "called out ones."

D. "Christians."

55. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. The general harvest of God's firstfruits could not begin until a Christ was accepted as the Wave Sheaf.

B. Christ will secretly and invisibly gather His firstfruits at His coming.

C. The firstfruits from among human beings will stand before Christ at His second coming.

D. God's True Church is composed of the firstfruits of His plan.

56. Which one of these four statements is TRUE?

A. The Holy Spirit Jesus received from the Father is not available to us today.

B. God is a respecter of persons in giving His Spirit.

C. Jesus didn't need the Holy Spirit to control His human nature.

D. You must receive and retain God's Holy Spirit to overcome your carnal nature.

57. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. God's Holy Spirit leads those who will not obey Him.

B. God's Spirit imparts His love.

C. God's Spirit imparts the Godly traits of joy, peace and patience.

D. One must receive God's Holy Spirit to become one of His firstfruits.

58. Which one of these four statements is TRUE?

A. A strong-willed person can obey God without His Holy Spirit.

B. The Holy Spirit does not impart the mind of Christ.

C, Only God's Holy Spirit can give us the supernatural POWER we need to keep God's law in its spiritual intent.

D. The "earnest" of God's Spirit doesn't impart enough power to obey Him perfectly.

59. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. There is no connection between Pentecost, the Holy Spirit and the Ten Commandments.

B. God gave Israel the Ten Commandments at Sinai on the Day of Pentecost.

C. Moses preached to the congregation of Israel about faith and obedience toward God BEFORE coming to Mt. Sinai.

D. The Apostle Paul thought of our coming to the Holy Spirit-begotten Church of the Firstborn as ANALOGOUS to Israel's coming to Sinai and the physical manifestations of the day when God spoke the Ten Commandments.

60. Which one of these four statements is TRUE?

A. The New Testament "CHURCH" is composed of God-called, Spirit-begotten PEOPLE.

B. The word "church" refers exclusively to the building where Christians gather.

C. Many "churches" can be built on the ONE Foundation, with the ONE Cornerstone.

D. God established the SPIRITUAL Church of God in the wilderness under Moses.

61. Which one of these four statements is false?

A. God's Church is founded on the teachings of His apostles and prophets.

B. Jesus Christ is the "Cornerstone" of God's Church.

C. Almighty God dwells in His Church through His Holy Spirit.

D. On the Day of Pentecost, 33 A.D. God founded His New Testament Church on the Apostle Peter.

62. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. God's Church is not called the "Church of the Firstborn."

B. The Day of Pentecost is a sign which identifies God's ONLY TRUE CHURCH.

C. Pentecost identifies God's Spirit-begotten children who will be resurrected at Christ's return.

D. God's True Church was founded by Jesus Christ when He gave it God's Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in 31 A.D.

Lesson 36

WHY CHRIST MUST COME AGAIN!

63. Which one of these four statements is TRUE?

A. Jesus spoke of His OWN generation when He warned that "there should no flesh be saved" (Matt 24:22.)

B. Total destruction of civilization by man was possible in Jesus' day.

C. Jesus didn't prophesy of great tribulation in our time.

D. The extinction of the human race by warfare was never possible until about 1955!

64. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Enough nuclear weapons are stockpiled to wipe out all life MANY TIMES OVER!

B. There are now at least three separate ways to destroy all human life.

C. Many great thinkers are beginning to realize that only some higher power can prevent cosmocide.

D. Jesus Christ cannot possibly save us from total annihilation.

65. The Feast of Trumpets

A. pictures Christ's coming to RAPTURE away His saints.

B. pictures Christ's coming to resurrect His saints and save the world from total annihilation.

C. pictures Christ's coming to just raise all the dead.

D. does not picture the terrible time of world war just ahead.

66. When Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will

A. come in all the power and glory of God's kingdom.

B. come as a meek ambassador of God's kingdom.

C. not FORCIBLY put an end to world war.

D. be cheered by this world's politicians and religious leaders.

67. Jesus Christ prophesied

A. all life WILL be destroyed by world war.

B. there would be no "sign" to herald His second coming.

C. He would return at a time of great world war.

D. He would return to this earth SECRETLY and INVISIBLY.

68. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. The Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of BLOWING of trumpets.

B. Trumpets were never blown on this day in Old Testament times.

C. A blaring ram's horn was blown on the Feast of Trumpets.

D. It was celebrated as a day of gladness, of shouting for joy, with trumpets.

69. The shophar, or ram's horn trumpet

A. was blown by Israel as an ALARM of war.

B. was sounded when news of approaching FRIENDS was  received.

C. could be blown only by Aaron, the High Priest.

D. must be blown today by Christians since Christ became our High Priest.

70. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Jesus Christ will return to earth with the wrath of God.

B. God never set His servants as "watchmen" over His people.

C. Awesome supernatural signs in the sky will signal the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

D. God's anger against sinful mankind will begin with seven "trumpet plagues."

71. What happens to God's "elect" just before the first trumpet plague?

A. They are caught up in the air to be with Christ.

B. They are born of God.

C. God SEALS them by His Spirit to PROTECT them from His wrath.

D. They are killed by the Catholic dominated "Beast" power.

72. The first four trumpet plagues will

A. cause men to be so shaken and frightened, most will repent tearfully.

B. cause severe destruction to earth's vegetation, poison one-third of the waters and disrupt heavenly bodies.

C. cause havoc only in Communist countries.

D. not alter the appearance of heavenly bodies.

73. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. The "three woes" are the last three of the "seven last plagues."

B. Three is God's special number signifying finality.

C. The three woes are the last three trumpet plagues.

D. The three woes basically portray three major climactic battles of mankind's final war.

74. Why did the Apostle John use SYMBOLIC terms in describing the modern war weapons he saw?

A. He didn't want us to know what they were.

B. Because God did not want us to understand the book of Revelation.

C They were totally UNFAMILIAR to John, therefore he could only describe them in the language of his day.

D. He didn't want to frighten his readers.

75. The first woe

A. is modern Fascist Europe's attack to get the "jump" on the Communist hordes.

B. is Russia's attack on Fascist Europe.

C. is Christ's literal coming to earth.

D. is not the fifth trumpet plague.

76. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. During the second woe the Communist hordes counterattack Fascist Europe.

B. Fascist Europe unites with the Communists in the second woe.

C. Modern Babylon is destroyed by the Communist counterattack which is the second woe.

D. The "two witnesses" are killed by the Beast and then resurrected by God during the second woe.

77. During the third woe

A. Christ does not yet return to earth.

B. the world humbly accepts Christ's intervention.

C. BOTH Fascist Europe and Communist Asia will, together, attack Christ.

D. only ATHEISTIC Communists will attempt to fight Christ.

78. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. The seventh trumpet is divided into the seven last plagues.

B. The armies of this world will be gathered at Armageddon.

C. Mankind will dare to challenge Jesus Christ in battle to determine who will rule the earth.

D. Christ will UNMERCIFULLY and UNRIGHTEOUSLY destroy His enemies.

79. Which one of these four statements is TRUE?

A. if you are wilfully refusing to KEEP the Festival of Trumpets, you will NOT be resurrected at Christ's coming.

B. You can put off keeping God's festivals as long as you wish -- it makes no difference to God.

C. You won't suffer God's plagues if you don't obey Him.

D. God will resurrect you if you try to obey Him in everything except keeping His Holy Days.

80. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. Many now hearing God's warning message, but not HEEDING it, will become slaves under the heels of ruthless Fascist overlords.

B. Christ will allow all of His captive peoples to die in slavery.

C. Christ will lead out of slavery those of His people who are still alive at His coming.

D. Israel's second exodus from captivity and slavery will be greater than the first.

81. Which one of these four statements is FALSE?

A. The vast majority of those who hear and read God's warning message ARE preparing for Christ's imminent return.

B. The "fruits" show that only the Worldwide Church of God is accomplishing God's Work in this end time.

C. NOTHING is gained by delay in acting on the knowledge God has already revealed to you.

D. You need to KEEP God's Holy Days if you are to ESCAPE the terrifying times ahead! Now That You've Finished...

You are now ready to correct your own test. All you need to do is compare YOUR ANSWERS with the correct answers listed at the bottom of page 16. After you have done this, simply count the number of questions you missed. Your grade will be next to that number in one of the columns of the grading section located on the same page.

REMEMBER! You are to grade YOURSELF. There is absolutely NOTHING TO SEND BACK TO US.

Be sure to KEEP this test and REVIEW the questions

19 occasionally. Why? Because reviewing will impress the true answers more firmly upon your mind. And reviewing the false answers will help you realize more clearly some of the FALSE ideas which you may have taken for granted. You will thereby grasp and retain the TRUTH more readily as it is revealed to you in the Bible through future lessons. -------------------------------------------------- RELATED STUDY HELPS

Be sure to request your copy of the free booklets and reprinted articles listed below, if you do not already have them. They will help you further understand the subjects covered in Lessons 33, 34, 35 and 36.

Just What do You Mean -- Salvation?

Did Jesus Die of a Broken Heart?

How Often Should We Partake of the LORD'S SUPPER?

God's Sacred Calendar

Recipes for Days of Unleavened Bread

Were the TEN COMMANDMENTS in Force Before Moses?

The New Testament Teaching on LAW and GRACE

This Is the LIFE -- Real ABUNDANT Living! -------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT!

When you have finished taking the test, compare your answers with the correct answers below. Then grade yourself. CORRECT ANSWERS FOR TEST NINE 1-C 10-A 19-C 28-B 37-C 46-C 55-B 64-D 73-A 2-B 11-D 20-D 29-A 38-D 47-B 56-D 65-B 74-C 3-C 12-A 21-D 30-A 39-B 48-D 57-A 66-A 75-A 4-D 13-B 22-A 31-B 40-D 49-C 58-C 67-C 76-B 5-A 14-D 23-B 32-D 41-A 50-A 59-A 68-B 77-C 6-A 15-A 24-C 33-A 42-A 51-A 60-A 69-A 78-D 7-B 16-C 25-B 34-D 43-C 52-D 61-D 70-B 79-A 8-A 17-D 26-A 35-D 44-D 53-B 62-A 71-C 80-B 9-C 18-C 27-D 36-A 45-B 54-C 63-D 72-B 81-A -------------------- YOUR GRADE 1 - 99 13 - 84 2 - 97 14 - 82 3 - 96 15 - 81 4 - 95 16 - 80 5 - 94 17 - 78 6 - 92 18 - 77 7 - 91 19 - 76 8 - 90 20 - 75 9 - 89 21 - 73 10 - 87 22 - 72 11 - 86 23 - 71 12 - 85 24 - 70 --------------------------------------------------