March / April 2000

The Austrian Crisis – Its Real Significance!

Will the emergence of a strong right-wing leader in Austria precipitate crucial end-time events long predicted in the pages of the Bible? What is really in store for 21^st-century Europe?

European history has a habit of repeating itself. Those repetitions, though never exact in detail, nonetheless manifest a general pattern of significant happenings that have re-occurred several times, chiefly within the bounds of the old Holy Roman Empire.

Also, the principle of cause and effect impresses itself on astute historians and those who study contemporary affairs. For instance, we in the early beginnings of century 21 are still very much living under the impact of Hitler's Third Reich (1933-1945). This in turn helps explain the almost hysterical reaction to the presence of Jörg Haider, leader of the People's Party and the Austrian right wing movement.

Hitler's concept of Europe

In early 1942 Hitler entertained a Danish citizen at dinner. In the conversation he explained his ambitions for Europe: 'I've rebelled against the idea that Europe has reached the end of its mission…Why shouldn't we have the strength necessary to become one of the world's centres of attraction? 120 million people of German stock, when they've consolidated their positions – that's a force against which nobody in the world will be able to do anything. I see it in my own case. My native land is one of the most beautiful countries in the Reich, but what can it do when left to itself? What could I undertake as an Austrian?

'If Germany hadn't had the good fortune to let me take power in 1933, Europe today [1942] would no longer exist…We cannot exist except under the condition that all Germanics are united. They must compose the nucleus around which Europe will federate' (quoted from The Times, 14 February 2000, emphasis added).

The point is well taken. Haider's political influence on Austria alone can do little. It is only if this always-latent nationalism (with its extreme elements) spreads its tentacles into the rest of Europe – and particularly into a much more powerful country like Germany – that the rest of the world should worry unduly about the current Austrian crisis.

The Sunday Telegraph recently said that 'Jörg Haider is  the first man to unite Europe against itself.' Not quite true, because Adolph Hitler did the same, and many millions were dead before his Nazi war machine was finally extinguished. Its historical impact turned out to be enormous.

Hitler briefly launched a United Europe under German dictatorial control. But out of the ashes of The Third Reich sprang the current European Union. Previously, Napoleon's Europe provided the climate necessary for Bismarck's Germany of the 19^th century.

Adolph Hitler's Europe led to Brussels, and very possibly in the near future to Berlin. Distinguished Times journalist William Rees-Mogg said that Jörg Haider has 'a strong appeal to the grandchildren of the old Nazi constituency, certainly inside Austria, perhaps potentially in Germany. His parents were both Nazi officials' (emphasis added).

Europe in Bible prophecy

The Good News' continual interest in reporting critical European events ultimately comes from the pages of the Judaeo/Christian Bible. A significant portion of God's Word is clearly prophetic. Key passages in the books of Daniel and Revelation centre around future events largely within the territorial boundaries of the old Holy Roman Empire. Both a biblically described 'beast' (a great political leader) and a 'false prophet' (a super-charismatic religious personality) will play massive roles on the world stage from a future unified Europe.

In the words of John, the writer of the book of Revelation, 'all the world wondered at the beast'. Many will be fatally deceived into following these two charismatic leaders. Ultimately these two will meet a fiery end, but their relatively brief presence will mark the seventh and final revival of the ancient Holy Roman Empire – and finally precipitate the second coming of Jesus Christ and the beginnings of His utopian, 1000-year rule – the wonderful world tomorrow.

In these uncertain times you cannot afford to neglect biblical prophecy. Please write for Are We Living in the Time of the End? and You Can Understand Bible Prophecy. These two free booklets will help you follow crucial world trends destined to mark century 21.

John Ross Schroeder

The Christian Passover –
Humanity's Ultimate Atonement

In St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, you can see a remarkable and historically accurate event in the form of a painting. The portrait in this architecturally superb building depicts the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

What is unfortunate about the wall mural is that the artist paints the Jews of Christ's time with the most ugly faces possible. That Stephen was stoned by the religious establishment is accurate and based on biblical fact.

But what is not based on the Bible is the widespread belief that the Jews alone are responsible. The prejudicial sentiment portrayed in the painting singles out one particular people as being more sinful than the rest of humanity. That is biblically unsound. It misses the point of why Christ had to die.

Spring – a time of reflection

As we approach another spring – the time when Christians commemorate Christ's death – let's look into the Bible to see exactly where the responsibility lies for the death by crucifixion of the long-prophesied Messiah.

The apostle Paul wrote, 'While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8). In other words all of us had a part in His death, both individually and collectively. We might further ask: for whom did Jesus Christ die? The answer: 'Christ died for the ungodly' (verse 6). That includes all sinners from time immemorial up to and including now. His supreme sacrifice was for each one of us individually. No one is excluded from responsibility.

Certainly the Jewish leaders of Christ's time condemned Him. Certainly the Roman authorities crucified Him. But at the end of the day we all share the guilt. We are all tarnished with the same brush – having sinned and come short of the glory of God.

At this particular season of the year Christians will concentrate on their relationship with their Creator, bearing in mind God's supreme love and concern not only for the biblical 'firstfruits', but for all humanity as well (John 3:16). George Handel's popular oratorio of the suffering Messiah is based partially on Isaiah 53. Performed successfully first in Dublin and later in London, it reminds us of Christ's supreme sacrifice and the atoning qualities of that ultimate offering of Himself.

Isaiah's prophecy

Let's read Isaiah's prophetic message. 'Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; Yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed' (Isaiah 53:4-5). The prophet ends with, 'And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all' (verse 6).

Isaiah was in no doubt as to who was really responsible for Christ's death. All of us share the blame. But we may also share in His promised redemption. Christ made eternal life possible for us all.

Gerhard O Marx

Questions from Our Readers

Q: What is the ultimate nature of our resurrection bodies, flesh or spirit?

D K B, Telford, Shropshire

A: One biblical passage crucial to understanding our bodily composition at the time of the first resurrection is found in 1 Corinthians 15:50. 'Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption [this fleshly body subject to decay] inherit incorruption [an eternal spirit body].'

Continue with verses 52 and 53: 'For the [last] trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible [body] must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.'

Philippians 3:21 speaks of the very same momentous occasion. But Jesus Christ 'will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body; according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself.'

Concerning the first resurrection to everlasting life, the apostle Paul wrote: 'It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body…' (1 Corinthians 15:44). Even those who are raised to physical life in the second resurrection, to take place at the beginning of the Great White Throne Judgement at the end of Christ's millennial rule (Revelation 20:4-6), must eventually be transformed into spirit beings.

Following that final period of judgement during which those who died without ever knowing Christ will be given an opportunity for salvation, 2 Peter 3:10 indicates that the entire earth will then be burnt in a cleansing fire. Anyone remaining who still has a physical body and whose name is not written in the Book of Life will perish. The Bible indicates that the numbers in this group will be small in comparison with the vast majority of mankind who will experience God's wondrous salvation of eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Only those who persistently insist on rebelling against God and His law will be thrown into a lake of fire.

The new heavens and the new earth of Revelation chapters 21 and 22 follow. God's ultimate purpose for mankind is to have us join His eternal ruling family exclusively composed of beings with spirit bodies. In the trans-figuration account Christ appeared in a glorious body as a visionary picture of the coming Kingdom of God. Notice that Moses and Elijah also appeared with Him in glory (Luke 9:30-31).

All of these marvellous occurrences are explained in much greater detail in our booklets What Happens After Death? and What Is Your Destiny? Please write for your free copies.

Q: I have your Good News literature and you print a lot of my thoughts and fears. But you give me hope and I just feel I should donate somehow. How do I go about it?

P B, Rugby

A:. We deeply appreciate the donations we receive in the service of getting the message of Christ's gospel out to as many others as possible. A cheque or postal order may be made out to the United Church of God and sent to the Milton Keynes address given below.

Q: Is the Church making full use of the Internet, and of promoting Christianity into 2000?

J E F, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

A: We are constantly updating our website capacity as opportunities present themselves. You may have noticed on page 2 of the main magazine that we have added a new website for The Good News and our other literature: www.gnmagazine.org. In the month of January we had almost 10,000 visitors to our various web pages.

Letters from Our Readers…

Editor's Note: Except for the last few, the following letters constitute a selection of our readers' comments, questions and reactions to our semi-annual letter, sent out to the entire regional Good News subscription list late last year.

The letter advertised two free booklets, Making Life Work and What Is Your Destiny?, along with the Bible Study Course. Reader response was very encouraging. Even if you didn't write, it is not too late to receive these free publications.

About The Good News

I truly believe that through faith in God all things are possible, and receiving The Good News reassures me of that. I get great comfort from my faith (even though I don't go to church). I pray morning and night for His guidance. Receiving The Good News also helps me put the catastrophes of this world in perspective.

Mrs J D C, Cumbria

Thank you for the time and trouble you have taken in sending The Good News so regularly. Born and bred in India, I am 83 1/2 years of age and have read the Bible since the 17^th of January, 1927, and I am still learning with gratitude.

C R R, Fife, Scotland

I am grateful to receive The Good News and other booklets as I eventually send them to a school in Zimbabwe where I taught for 42 years.

W A S, Canterbury

I enjoyed your magazine very much. I always wondered why Christians worship on the first day and not on the Sabbath. And there are too many denominations. It's a lot of confusion and God is not the author of confusion. Thanks very much for your help in my search.

J H, Glasgow

I find your magazine very comforting to read. I took religious studies to 'O' level and received a grade of B. I would love to study more. I have purchased a Good News Bible and when I have time I read passages that give me hope in this present world, but still find life confusing and unfair.

Mrs J G, Hull, E Yorkshire

That's one reason we publish the free booklet, The Road to Eternal Life.

General comments

Thanks for your generosity and the enriching publications you send me. Have a happy new year! Looking forward to our continual communication.

F O, Stockholm, Sweden

Sounds like interesting reading. Our new Vicar says life does not have a plan. I disagree with him. The Bible says so.

Mrs I G, Bridgend, South Wales

Right! Again that's why we've published What Is Your Destiny?

I would like to receive your leaflets as mentioned and to enrol in the Bible Study Course. You have certainly given me food for thought even if I don't agree with what you have written. It takes one quite a while to study your papers as I have a concentration and memory problem, but I hope to improve in the future. God willing, I will.

 Miss A J, Kent

Only to say thank you. My faith, need of God, ebbs and flows. It's still a fragile thing and gets tested even in this beautiful place. Your publications help.

B B, Castlegregory, Ireland

Good News Supplement
You speak of such wonderful facts from the Bible and about prophecy, which I follow very much. As I am only an old-age pensioner and subscribe to several other missions and churches, I would like to send you a small gift towards your great work. I was delighted to see my initials in the supplement.

R J H, Kilcoole, Ireland

I read in your Good News Supplement that you are organising a Bible-study course soon. I shall be much obliged if you will put my name down for the course.

A B, Kent

You have been enrolled and lesson one has been sent.

Letter from Yugoslavia

Hi! My name is Vladimir. I live in a small town in Yugoslavia. Please send your magazine The Good News …[and] the booklets The Ten Commandments, Is the Bible True?, What Happens After Death?, and You Can Have Living Faith.

V B, Sid, Yugoslavia

Please send your letters to:
The Good News
P. O. Box 4052
MILTON KEYNES
MK13 7ZF

Tel 020 8386 8467
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