(This is not a personal
letter.)
Some centuries after the early church, Christians had many antagonists even as we do today. In order to withstand such opposition to the truth, there were also leaders then who strongly contended for the faith by using their language talent and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. The glorious explanation culminated concerning the deity of Christ and was decreed at the Council of Nicaea. Of course the people of that era had other contemporary religious contentions to resolve and work out for themselves even as we do today, but a great and commemorative, lasting work was accomplished. If you have ever wondered what you might say to the cult blasphemously calling themselves "Jehovah's Witnesses," just study this early Christian doctrine.
One of the major problems within the church today is agreeing upon a doctrine that satisfies God's marital sanctity and chastity requirement laws. There is ignorance, deception, contention, mockery, disobedience, and antagonism concerning this matter even as there was in much earlier times concerning the deity of Christ at Nicaea and its contemporary religious centers. Enclosed is my letter concerning various personal disputes concerning this contemporary heresy with extolled, wealthy, prominent, but soul-deceiving and erroneous, religious contenders of our time.
Hesedken
Hesedken Site
Hesedken Site Hesedken Site
April 6, 1996
Dear friends,
Mercy unto you, and peace, and love be multiplied. There are many good things that I would like to share with you concerning the common salvation; however, it is needful for me to "exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude, v. 3)
Things started to get messed up in the church even at the time period of Jude. Later on, after the early church, there were many more problems. Eventually, the Romanists really messed things up with "modern" religion by developing an addition and inventing subsequent heresies after the glorious creed established at the Council of Nicaea. Many other things have divided the church as years have passed, and today we have to contend with all kinds of religious deception and repeated, or even further developed, confusion.
Beware of prophets and teachers who proclaim heresy. People must learn to study the Bible and studies that pertain to it, such as history and original language, for themselves, and take a stand against corruption in the church. There is so much false teaching and promotion of lust through the media today. Fornication is widespread. Good opportunities in the lives of many Christians and others have been ruined due to the bad effects of perverted sexual doctrine. Financial reward, sexual gratification, ungodly company and peer pressure, irreverence, disobedience and other things either manifesting or promoting deception and sin have a part in the destruction of God's people. Some nefarious teachers and preachers of our time have accumulated large financial resources through a huge audience and deceived followers.
I explicitly reproved and confuted Billy Graham as far back as 1986 concerning his heresy of legalized adultery. I exposed his sin and others among many churches. Where are other knowledgeable men of God who will stand up against such prestigious deceivers? I know that God has some who are wise and helping others understand His good things, trying to encourage those who do well and prevent the naive from harm, but there are so many who are not!
As far as I know, Mr. Graham still has not repented. Worse yet, many who have been enlightened and made aware of his error disobediently continue to uphold him. Consequently, misled, unlearned and innocent people have been devastated, and others have been either spoiled and disgracefully suppressed, or afflicted and oppressed. Many other preachers and teachers have made general alliances and fawned their deceived hero if not having construed and promoted their own deceptions.
Following is a written conversation with a similar, wealthy, prominent deceiver, Pat Robertson, whom I decided to contend with after having received from his organization a letter wherein Billy Graham was honored:
"In "The 700 Club Viewer Guide," Feb. 1996, your administration spotlighted Franklin Graham. You referred to him as 'son of world-renowned evangelist, Billy Graham.' Sad, but true, you are greatly mistaken.
"Let me explain. Billy Graham was a great and beloved man until he irrepentantly began to pervert the gospel; however, he has become a present day heretic. I have included documentation to prove this: the ecclesiastical papers, "Irreligion" and "Official Business," expose direct quotations of Mr. Billy Graham, and I have much other proof available at your request. Due to his condoning legalized adultery he is not worthy of the designation of 'world-renowned evangelist,' but rather, 'world-renowned heretic.'
"I also made a former attempt to reprove his son Franklin some time ago, but instead of receiving a direct reply, he forwarded my letter to the staff of Samaritan's Purse, one of the organizations he heads. Following, the staff representative sent me a three page letter which was polluted with gainsaying and denial of the truth. Therefore, both Billy and Franklin are under the same condemnation.
"I am concerned about your personal welfare. I am also concerned about the welfare of others who may hear you. I exhort you in the name of Jesus: don't champion or support anyone who promotes any of the sins mentioned in Gal. 5:19-21, particularly in this situation--adultery.
"We are living in a day of approaching apostasy. Heresy is rampant and many ministers pervert judgment with gloss. Take heed to the warning to Israel: 'Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?' (Malachi 2:17).
"I believe an apology is due from you."
I closed with the words, "In Christian love and admonition," and signed my name. Then Mr. Robertson responded by letter with a falsely glorifying and pernicious testimonial of Mr. Graham, and his own ruinous misconception and illusion concerning the matter of life after divorce for a believer. He also stated, "I do not believe that the statement by Billy Graham that you quoted in your paper "IRRELIGION," is unscriptural because God indeed is 'faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'" He referenced I John 1:9. However, in unambiguous contradiction to Mr. Robertson's statement, particularly to this issue, God does not forgive a person who continues in his or her sin without repentance and obedience to His marital sanctity and chastity requirement laws. I have clearly and explicitly explained this matter through many of my mentioned papers and others.
Let me give you more detail and explanation: Mr. Robertson was condoning Billy Graham's passive and treacherous counsel, "God never meant for people to be divorced, but if you are already divorced, ask God to forgive you, to cleanse you, to straighten you out and make you a good wife or a good husband to your present spouse, if you have one."1
Futilely and odiously so, concerning Mr. Graham's quote, that is like saying, "If you are already living in sin, give God some lip service, and ask Him to help you continue in your sin." What he should have said is this: "If you are already divorced, ask God to forgive you, to cleanse you, to straighten you out and make you do whatever it takes to keep you from becoming unchaste and committing adultery."
In regard to this subtle deviation, the Bible clearly states, "The wife is bound by the law for the length of time her husband lives." (1 Cor. 7:39) "So then, if she be married to another man while her husband lives, she shall be called an adulteress." (Romans 7:3) Such immoral activity is condemned: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [adultery], fornication ... that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:19-21)
Adultery, even though it may be legalized, is condemned. A person who continues to commit sexual immorality is a wicked person. The Apostle Paul said, "let a man have his own wife [not someone else's wife]," and "every woman her own husband [not someone else's husband]." (I Cor. 7:2)
I have included an excerpt from my paper "Restoration" in order to give you critical insight concerning this matter:
"God is the one who ordained marriage. He has established the marital law: these laws concern a male lying with a virgin female (Ex. 22:16, Dt. 22:13-20, 28, 29). Thus marriage of a virgin female occurs in one of three ways: choice, seduction and rape. When a couple enters into marital unity according to God's specified marital establishment, then it is God who has joined them together. The Lord warns that no one should separate this marital yoke (Mk. 10:9). Therefore, concerning a case of choice, it is very important that a man and woman soberly cherish one another as a prospective future mate and perhaps offer prayer before ever completing the sexual act which constitutes marriage. (It is a blessing to the soul for a person to establish the practice of reading, praying and fasting before his or her pre-marital years.)
"Now let's consider a less mutual happy case. For instance, in a case of seduction of a virgin female who is not betrothed (pledged to some man by the father of the female), the issues of virginity and non-betrothal, and bride price are essentials according to Ex. 22:16. Even if the father refuses to give his daughter to the man (the father has the authority to finalize the decision), the bride price is still due from the seducer and hypothetically, the daughter would be directed to live a single life as a bride separated from her husband (Ex. 22:17).
"Having discussed briefly choice and seduction, let's see what the Bible says concerning the institution of marriage due to rape. Society has been influenced through the law courts and media that this is a crime, rather than a marital institution or both. However, if the female is a virgin and she is not pledged to a man, she is considered a wife in God's sight. The man can not divorce her ever (Dt. 22:28, 29).
"The Biblical precept of marriage is a physical sexual act between a virgin female and a male (Ex. 22:16; Dt. 22:13-21, 28, 29): not a mere contract--once again I recommend that you see my paper "Illusion." Sexual fornication is a physical sex act which results in unchastity whereas marriage does not; and adultery is a species of fornication. A woman was condemned to death in the O.T. for an unchaste act such as promiscuity while still living in her father's house (Dt. 22:21); and both offenders were condemned to death for adultery (Dt. 22:22). These strict laws were designed by God to purge the evil from the land. The Lord wanted to free the people from sexual uncleanliness. These laws are still useful today (I Tim. 1:8-11). However, condemnation to death did not continue in the early church; although, righteousness, inheritance, vengeance and the eternal judgment of God was preached. Before David became king of Israel he had enemies among God's people and those that were not God's people against him. Pressure was upon him, and great numbers tried to prevent him from inheriting the good things that he did (I Sa. 26:19). Beware, the wicked try to destroy the good inheritance of the righteous, the innocent and those that would come unto God. Paul warned that there were some men troubling the church and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Then he gave his judgment: 'But though 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). Take heed: 'Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom? Be not deceived: neither [fornicators] ... nor [adulterers]'--people who live in sexual immorality are not able to be saved except they should repent (I Cor. 6:9).
"In Ezra's day there was a terrible sin among God's people. They had married foreign wives against the law of God. Today, there is a similar sin in the church against God's marital establishment and covenant: Sexual uncleanliness is widespread. Many of the popular leaders called 'Christian' condone and promote this abomination among those that call upon God.
"The consequences when a woman commits adultery are severe. The defilement of her marital relationship is irreparable. She can not be restored to her former family because of uncleanliness (Dt. 24:4). Through ignorance of God's marital principles and desiring not to abide alone, many such women have complicated matters through remarriage. I wish men and women would realize how serious the sanctity of a marital relationship is. It is essential to family unity, especially when raising children. When the sanctity of a marital relationship is broken, it afflicts everyone in the family. When a woman cheats on her husband to the degree of physical defilement, the premise for divorce is precipitated. Then the only remedy is to put away the adulteress. It is very difficult for children to live without their mother; but nevertheless, it is much better for the children to live with one parent than to have to live in an unclean house wherein the adulterous woman is imposing her disgrace upon the whole family.
"Those among the church that are willing to separate themselves from this ungodly group and do the will of God will be lights among this perverse and crooked generation. The Bible encourages us to be strong in doctrine. We need to study the word of God in order that we may withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, and have victory over the wicked one.
"We need to respond similarly as Ezra and the people who feared God's word and gathered around him. We need to tremble at God's word, pray, confess, weep, and throw ourselves down before the mercy of God. We need to be honest and forward as Shecaniah, admit our sin and resolve it in a godly manner (Ezra 10:2). Perhaps, all hope will not be lost. A penitent woman who has committed this sin may repent, confess and be forgiven, live a separated and single life never to remarry, and even join the church....
"Children may be sanctified through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ; they are not responsible for their parent's sins. The mother of Jeph'tha-e was a harlot. However, he is noted one of the great faith men in the book of Heb., ch. 11. That proves to you children of unclean parents can not only be clean, but precious to the Lord, and great helpers to God's people and the world. (By the way, every woman in these terrible times should know that God wants to bless every unborn child regardless of the sins of the mother. Thus, no abortion should ever take place.)"
Furthermore, not only have I contended with Billy Graham and his son, I also formerly strongly exhorted an official of Billy Graham's organization:
"This will be the final time I write to you, knowing that if you reject my admonition that you are subverted, sinning, and self-condemned (Titus 3.10, 11).
"You quoted Billy Graham, 'The sins of the past cannot be undone, just as you cannot unscramble eggs.' Let me tell you something. A sinner can change the sins of the past! It requires REPENTANCE. That is what this issue is about.
"You are consenting to Billy Graham's promotion of fornication, legalized adultery, ignoring God's plan of redemption of the sinner through repentance of his or her sins. You are misleading many, including sinful people who otherwise perhaps would be convicted of their adultery, repent, and be saved.
"A thief is a person who steals. A repentant thief no longer steals, and a reconciliatory, repentant thief makes amends to those he has defrauded. Likewise, a repentant adulterer ceases the forbidden sexual activity, and a reconciliatory, repentant adulterer begins living a separate life, assuming responsibilities which resulted from the previous sin.
"A repentant person who has been living in a state of remarriage and desires to correct his or her life must separate from the other person. If a person truly loves and obeys Christ, he or she will do whatever is necessary to live a sanctified life. The separation may seem to cause legal, economic, social, family and other problems, but the remarriage must be annulled. A single sanctified person (whether a parent or not) having separated from the forbidden state of remarriage may join the church.
"Therefore, if you want to remedy your present situation as one of Mr. Graham's officials, recognizing your heresy, repent, put your own life in order, and apologize to those you have misled."
Sexual desire is a great battle at times for Christians. The world thinks it is strange that a divorced person does not want to date, bring disgrace upon himself or herself and violate God's commandments, but even in spite of this worldly pressure upon the divorced person, he or she does not have to give in to the temptation: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-16)
Now, back to Mr. Robertson's return letter, I sent him the following letter below:
"We have received your letter of February 29th regarding your opinion of Mr. Graham and the letter that I wrote to you on the 14th. You enclosed a copy of material from your book, Answers to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions, on the topic of divorce and remarriage.
"I would like you to understand a very important point. On page 167 and 168 you stated that 'if an unbelieving spouse leaves a believer, the believer is not bound to the marriage relationship, but is free to remarry.5' That is a falsehood! It simply is not true. What such a situation does induce is the freedom for the believer to 'remain unmarried' mene'tow a'gamos (I Cor 7:11, 15).
"I have enclosed my papers, "Restoration" and "Excommunication." I also further admonish you in love, fear and admonition in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: 'Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.' (Heb.13:4) 'For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And Again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' (Heb.10:30, 31)."
The letter was closed with "Sincerely," and I signed my name. Take note of his distinct, defiant condonation of adultery--"free to remarry"--through his partial, negligent, and contradictory misinterpretation. From another excerpt of "Restoration," you can see Jesus and the Apostle Paul related scrupulously, tenaciously and ethically to this matter:
"Paul emphasizes unto the married woman that it is the Lord who commands her not to depart from her husband (I Cor. 7:10). However, the woman who departs from her husband has two choices: (1) she may remain single, never to marry another man while her husband is living, or (2) she may be reconciled to her husband. Paul also emphasizes to the married man that it is the Lord who commands him not to put away (leave) his wife (I Cor. 7:11). Of course, this applies to a chaste wife (Dt. 24:4). (Note) the contrast of the speakers in I Cor. 7:12.
"Fundamentally, from a synoptical viewpoint, there are two distinct acts, the one subsequent to the other, which constitute adultery. The first act is a sin of 'putting away' because the Scripture says the husband 'shall cleave to his wife' (Gn. 2:24); and also, that no one should separate what God has yoked together (Mk. 10:9)--'one flesh' (Gn. 2:24). The second sinful act, 'marry another,' is subsequent to the first. It also contradicts I Cor. 7:10, 11. Whenever a man puts away a woman, he separates a unified entity which God has joined together. This act in itself does not constitute adultery. However, afterward, if he should marry, he commits adultery against her (Mk. 10:11, Lk. 16:18). Also, if a woman should put away her husband and marry another man, she commits adultery ( Mk. 10:12). Any man who marries her that is put away from her husband commits adultery (Lk. 16:18).
"Every married man has a responsibility to keep his wife under every circumstance, except one: if his wife is unchaste, that is, if his wife has partaken in a sexual act with someone else--this is fornication. Then, and only then, is the husband lawfully (according to the Bible) to put away his wife, and to give her a bill of divorcement. Logically, if a woman, has committed a sin of fornication with someone, a bill of divorcement does not induce her to become unchaste--she has already committed the act which defiled her. If a man puts away his wife for any reason other than fornication, he causes her to commit adultery (Mt. 5:32). Such an act would also violate I Cor. 7:10, 11."
To my sadness and grief, Mr. Robertson has not responded directly since! I share accord with the writer of Heb. 10:38 as he says, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Take note of Eph. 5:1-17. I would like to close:
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." (Jude 20-25)
Sincerely,
Br. Ken
P.S.
If you like, fax or mail a copy to a friend.
Works Cited
1 Graham, Billy. "Marriage, Your Home and You," Decision, June 1986: 2.
Sermons mentioned above First page Marriage Issues Index About the Hesedken SiteGenetic Anthropology: Henry Kissenger, William Cohen: Torah-unacceptable as Jews
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