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"A Search for "The Truth"
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The Workers' Words Exposed by Lloyd Fortt.
Check out this link: "Language of "The Truth" - Workers and Friends"
(B)
Bad Spirit
Any understanding of Scripture, practice, or belief that differs from the accepted teachings of the Head Workers, workers, or general membership. This would indicate a lost condition in terms of salvation. This term is also used extensively to put off intensive inquiries into just why a particular member or worker has been disciplined, excommunicated, shunned, or otherwise has fallen into disrepute. This term is often used without supporting data on what the error was because often the "error" cited by this term is of a petty or embarrassing nature to the workers. The term can denote anything from sexual misconduct to an unexplained and unjust prejudice against the disciplined member. It is a cop-out term for the workers, who then needn't be accountable for their actions in handing down discipline. To be deemed to have a "bad spirit" is to be marked out for shunning, to have one's views instantly dismissed as irrelevant, even to be treated as nonexistent (if "bad" enough).
Baptism
"Some feel pride and some feel doubt at their baptism but it is an action which must take place to be more accepted. Baptism is a serious step and not to be taken lightly. It means making a commitment for life. " (4b) (4b) Senior Worker.
A baptismal candidate is usually instructed that he or she must show evidence of repentance, and this is shown by a lifestyle of obedience to what they believe is essential to Christian life; no smoking, no drinking, no T.V., radio, jewelry etc. One must also be accepted by all, having come to terms with any disagreement with any other member. The evidence of repentance they demand is not something one can show quickly after conversion, as one must demonstrate consistency in good standing as a "professing" member for some particular length of time, usually about a year; a sort of probation period in which he or she is observed closely by both workers and members. If one meets these requirements, then one can be baptized, which is performed commonly at a Convention, usually on a Sunday morning after the morning meeting, and is done in what "living" or "running" water is available for a full immersion baptism. It is done in the name of Jesus, or in the name(s) of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It must be performed by a "right preacher" in the "right church" in order to be acceptable to God. One must have "put the old man to death" prior to baptism. Baptisms are only performed by the male workers. After one is thus baptized, he or she is entitled to partake of the "bread" and "wine" in Sunday morning meetings.
What does baptism mean? Baptism is the outward show of an inward change, which took place prior to baptism. One enters the water (symbolic burial of the "old man") and exits the water (is raised to new life in Jesus). New life in Jesus is synonymous with joining The Way, The Truth etc. in other words, the Two-by-Two church.
"Baptizo: To baptize, primarily a frequentative form of bapto, to dip, was used among the Greeks to signify the dying of a garment" - Vine's.
Baptism, though held to be a very important step, is generally not considered as essential to salvation. Some members may assume that it is essential due to the stress laid upon its importance, as it was in my own case. Once again, lack of clear teaching results in varied opinions; some of which are quite unBiblical. For myself, the proper place of baptism with regard to salvation was later clarified by Scripture:
Luke 23:42-43 "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. "
The thief who admitted his guilt, recognized Jesus as Lord, and simply asked Him for His remembrance, was promised paradise that very day of his death. He did not have time to get down off the cross, and pass any probation period to become baptized!
Begotten
This is a term that troubled me immensely all my life. It troubled me because there is only one way that I know of for a man to beget a son. This subject was never approached from the preaching platform of any Two-by-Two meetings which I attended, and I suspect that I would not be too far amiss to presume that the subject has never been directly addressed from the platform. However, I do think that my own former view is held by many Two-by-Twos, though it might be wrong to generalize too broadly. The idea that Jesus is in every way compared to a man's son supports the concept that He was begotten by God in the normal human fashion. Just as Two-by-Twos are reticent to discuss human sexuality, so I think the idea that Jesus was begotten after the fashion of other men is taken for granted. Just as people assume that sex is involved in the birth of any son, without speaking of it, so one hardly needs to speak of such private relations where God might be involved. At the very least, the subject is left open for such ideas because of the absence of clear teaching on the subject from the workers. Because of their lack of preaching on this subject, their lack of scholarship in the original languages of Scripture, and the importance of this doctrine, allow me to emphasize the contrast between Two-by-Two and orthodox views. Note the following definition from Vine's Expository Dictionary:
"Only Begotten:
"MONOGENES is used five times, all in the writings of the Apostle John, of Christ as the Son of God; it is translated 'only begotten' in Hebrews 11:17 of the relationship of Isaac to Abraham.
"With reference to Christ, the phrase the 'only begotten from the Father,' John 1:14, R.V. (see also marg.), indicates that as the Son of God He was the sole representative of the Being and character of the One who sent Him. In the original, the definite article is omitted both before 'only begotten' and before 'Father,' and its absence in each case serves to lay stress upon the characteristics referred to in the terms used. The Apostles object is to demonstrate what sort of glory it was that he and his fellow-Apostles had seen. That he is not merely making a comparison with earthly relationships is indicated by para, 'from.' The glory was that of a unique relationship and the word 'begotten' does not imply a beginning of His Sonship. It suggests relationship indeed, but must be distinguished from generation as applied to man.
"We can only rightly understand the term 'the only begotten' when used of the Son, in the sense of unoriginated relationship. The begetting is not an event of time, however remote, but a fact irrespective of time. The Christ did not become, but necessarily and eternally is the Son. He, a Person, possesses every attribute of pure Godhood. This necessitates eternity, absolute being: in this respect He is not 'after' the 'Father' (Moule). The expression also suggests the thought of the deepest affection, as in the case of the O.T. word yachid, variously rendered, 'only one,' Genesis 22:2,12; 'only son,' Jeremiah 6:26; Amos 8:10; Zechariah 12:10; 'only beloved,' Proverbs 4:3, and 'darling,' Psalms 22:20; 35:17.
"In John 1:18 the clause 'The Only Begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,' expresses both His eternal union with the Father in the Godhead and the ineffable intimacy and love between them, the Son sharing all the Father's counsels and enjoying all His affections. Another reading is monogenes Theos, God only-begotten. In John 3:16 the statement, 'God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son,' must not be taken to mean that Christ became the Only Begotten Son by Incarnation. The value and the greatness of the gift lay in the Sonship of Him who was given. His Sonship was not the effect of His being given. In John 3:18 the phrase 'the Name of the Only Begotten Son of God' lays stress upon the full revelation of God's character and will, His love and grace, as conveyed in the Name of One who, being in a unique relationship to Him, was provided by Him as the Object of faith. In 1 John 4:9 the statement 'God hath sent His Only Begotten Son into the world' does not mean that God sent out into the world one who at His birth in Bethlehem had become His Son. Cp. the parallel statement, 'God sent forth the Spirit of His Son,' Galatians 4:6, R.V., which could not mean that God sent forth One who became His Spirit when He sent Him." (5b) (5b) Vine's Expository Dictionary, pp. 140-141.
All this having been said, or written, let me try to simplify it somewhat - applying common-sense logic and using the King James Version of the Bible. Was Isaac Abraham's "only begotten son?" Hebrews 11:17 says so, but if this means that Isaac was Abraham's firstborn and only son, then who was Ishmael? Just because Ishmael was born to Abraham by Sarah's servant does not subtract from the fact that he was nonetheless Abraham's son. The fact that Ishmael was Abraham's firstborn son did not make Ishmael the son in whom Abraham's seed would number as the stars of heaven. God said this would come about through Isaac! So, if Abraham's second born son is called Abraham's "only begotten son" in Hebrews 11:17, then there are only two possibilities; either God lied when He inspired the writer of Hebrews to use that term, or else "only begotten" means other than the first and only son. God said that Abraham's seed would be multiplied through Isaac, not through Ishmael, so that Isaac was Abraham's "son of promise;" his unique son. Lets see how the word "unique" applies to Jesus, the Son of God. First of all, Jesus was promised back in Genesis:
Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. "
It does not immediately become apparent that Jesus is the subject here, but look a bit harder. Can you find another Scripture that refers directly to "her seed?" Who out of all human history would this refer to? It has to refer to one person, because God said, "and thou shalt bruise his
heel." So who in all human history was born only of the female human seed? There is only one that was born of a virgin in all history; Jesus Christ, a very unique figure indeed. He is one of a kind; no other man ever was just like Jesus, since no other man was born of a virgin. Even just this much exposes the lie contained in the workers ' concept that "Jesus was a man just like you and me." Jesus was a man very different from you and me! Jesus Christ is God's Only (Uniquely) Begotten Son! Through Him we all can become adopted sons of God, but we cannot ever become God's unique sons since unique is singular; there can only be one! There are a lot more things that could be printed here about the Uniqueness of Jesus Christ, however, I'll leave you to study them. Try the subject of His resurrection; has anyone else raised Himself that you know of? (John 2:10-22) Oh, by the way, there is one other verse of Scripture that refers to "her seed;" Revelation 12:17, where it does mention Jesus by name.
Bible
"Scripture is not the word of God until it is spoken by a worker. " (6b) (6b) Senior Worker. 1969.
"Faith cometh by hearing, not reading. No one can receive salvation simply by reading the Bible. " (7b) (7b) Worker, Glen Valley Convention, August 4. 1988.
God's Word, The Bible, is believed only to be "brought to life" by a worker of "The Truth" - otherwise it is considered a book of little profit by them.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "
The uniqueness of the Bible among all books of human history leaves no room for it to be classed along with all other books. It is a compilation of sixty-six books, all telling of the one true God. Though these sixty six books were written by some forty different writers, spanning a time period of some sixteen hundred years, they are all united in their message. The Bible has been proven by archaeological discovery of recent times to be geographically accurate as no other ancient book. These things do not, by any means, exhaust the evidences supporting the fact that it is Divinely inspired. The fulfilled and detailed prophesies contained within its sixty-six books are some of the strongest evidences in supporting the claim made in 2 Timothy 3:16. A more complete accounting of the evidences is contained in a book entitled, "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell.
If scripture is indeed the communication that God gave to mankind, then all that it contains is pertinent to every man who ever lived, and is ignored by some to their own destruction. The things that God has said therein are binding upon all men. The choice taken by many to ignore, redefine and twist the teachings of scripture by some, including workers, is tantamount to charging God as a liar. To say that the Bible is a dead book until a man brings it to life through "interpretation" makes just such a charge, for God has said:
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "
This verse says that the word of God is alive (quick). Thus, senior worker Everett Swanson's statement that "Scripture is not the word of God until it is spoken by a worker" is in direct opposition to the Bible. This is to claim that life is given by men! And, since God said that His word is alive, how is it that worker Bruce Waddell dares to state that "No one can receive salvation simply by reading the Bible"?
Two-by-Twos respect the Bible as representing God's will, truth, word and plan. However, they do not believe that the Bible is the only standard and source of God's truth, or that it must be the supreme authority for God's children. Rather, Two-by-Twos depend on the interpretations and revelations delivered by the workers as their ultimate authority.
See 2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 1:20.
Billy Graham
"Billy Graham is representing the false gospel and is doing it to become a millionaire. We must shun this so called gospel. We must be very careful here in the New England area since this false prophet is coming to Hartford. We will reach the world before he does! We estimate our numbers to be about 450,000 for the United States and 600,000 to 700,000 worldwide. " (8b) (8b)Conversation with senior workers, May 12, 1985.
Generally, Two-by-Twos see Dr. Graham as representing all Christianity outside their own group. It wouldn't matter
to the workers if Billy Graham preached, verbatim, the same Gospel written in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. On the mere basis that Dr. Graham is not a member of "The Truth," preaches salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, receives a salary, and has dealings with mainstream churches (which opposes the workers' preaching of salvation by hearing one of their own ministers, membership in the Two-by-Two church, a lifetime of obedience to their laws, etc.) Dr. Graham is derided as a false prophet by the workers.
Black Stockings (The)
An early name attached to the cult. Women were required to wear black stockings into the 1950's. The black stockings signified that they were "dead to the world."
Blindness
To fail to see things in the same way as do the workers.
Bondage
To hold orthodox Christian doctrines, or be in sympathy with any doctrine held by the denominational "churches of Satan," especially to their presumed "paramount doctrine" (i.e., collecting money from their members).
Born Again
"A person may be born again through a living witness, without one - never. What is the good of a man being a preacher if God can save souls without him? One cannot be born again through reading the Bible. "
- William Irvine, Philadelphia Convention, 1907. (9b) (9b) Patricia Roberts.
"The Life and Ministry of Edward Cooney". p. 58.
A term usually ridiculed by Two-by-Twos as it is used by orthodox churches; who, according to the workers, have no idea of what it means. When the workers use "born again," it refers to one's decision to "walk in The Way" (not to be confused with The Way International), and to show it by the radical change expected in lifestyle, appearance, and personal associations with those "not of us." In simpler terms, to join "The Truth." Some workers teach that "we must be born again every day." The corresponding, parallel teaching of the workers is that "we must die daily." You might be very surprised to find out that these both refer to one and the same supposed daily occurrence. What the workers mean is that one has to die to himself daily, and in this act of dying to self, one is at the same time born unto God. Here, the workers' usual reliance upon natural analogy is tossed aside, because if one believed that being born again is a once in a lifetime event, as natural birth is, then their whole hypothesis of works salvation is destroyed; and the slaves would be freed. Therefore, they must not take note of even the natural realm on this topic; which certainly does not present their idea of daily birth for each individual. Neither does scripture present spiritual birth on a daily basis, but one time only for each individual who is born again from above. What actually happens all too often with the Two-by-Two people is that they die daily to their own natural needs and desires, but because there is nothing for them to do in lively outreach for their church, or philanthropic deeds for anyone, they are left dead. It shows on most of their faces. Every time one of them livens up, he is crushed back into death by legalistic rules that strike the death blow to any enjoyment or true happiness in even natural life. They must then pretend to be happy so as not to disparage the supposed joy that they claim is in their church. What a pathetic facade!
"Born again," Greek definition - "Anagennao: in 1 Peter 1:3,23, ana, again, or from above." - Vine's.
1 Peter 1:3, 23 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ... Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. "
Bread
Metaphorical reference to the prophetic word, as shared or spoken at a meeting. This includes the few verses of scripture that are referred to in worker's preaching, or by members giving testimony, along with any other words or interpretations spoken by workers or members.
"Artos: bread; metaphorically, of Christ as the Bread of God, and of Life, John 6:33,35" - Vine's.
There are no other metaphorical uses of the word bread in scripture.
Bread & Wine
Leavened bread and grape juice (wine is used in some countries) taken at each Sunday morning "meeting" by those who have been baptized. (Roughly corresponding to the Lord's Passover supper, "Communion" or "Eucharist" in other churches.) A single slice of bread on a saucer (crust removed) and a glass filled with grape juice is placed on a table in the center of the meeting room, and covered with a cloth before the members arrive. After the time of testimony, the meeting leader asks someone to give thanks for the bread, or does so himself, and the saucer is passed from hand to hand around the meeting, each baptized member in good standing taking a pinch of bread from the slice and eating it. The same is done with the glass of grape juice (also called "the cup"), each baptized member taking a sip from it. A hymn is sung, and the meeting is over. Bread which is left over is burned by the elder in charge after members have left the fellowship meeting, and remaining grape juice is poured out onto the ground.
Breaking Bread
Sharing of one's "testimony" at a meeting. This is believed to be the meaning of "breaking of bread" in Luke 24: 35, and Acts 2: 42, 46; the "spiritualized" interpretation, from which the term is taken. In other words, this is what Jesus and the Apostles were doing; having meetings in the Two-by-Two style.
Broken Heart
I have heard workers preach that Jesus died of a broken heart; therefore came out both water and blood from His pierced side. Scripture states that Jesus gave up the ghost. He died at a moment of His own choice! He, Himself, had power to lay down His own life, and to take it up again at His choosing.
Broken Spirit
"A broken spirit is a pleasing spirit to God. " (10b) (10b) Notes: Olympia Washington, 1970.
This is considered the most important exercise that parents can perform, if they are to show love for the souls of their children; to break the spirit of the children is to prepare them for the "gospel." To understand this, you will need to know that a "broken spirit" is believed to be the prerequisite of God's involvement in one's life, according to the workers. This idea leads to mind control by admonishment to abandon thought, and just accept the "right spirit" (attitudes toward the workers and their church) It is very similar to the military practice of breaking down the individual and subsequent rebuilding of the desired individual. The methods used to break the spirit are very similar to those of the military as well. One is simply pushed beyond his tolerance on ridiculous issues until total submission is the result. After the Two-by-Two "boot camp" the convert has been rendered incapable of critical examination because of various instilled fears. He is dependent upon the workers for instruction on every level of life. The first hook in the process is to convince him that the worker's church is the only true way to heaven. Once this idea is internalized, the convert will endure anything to remain in it!
Brother
This word is usually used to refer to a male worker, but also may occasionally be heard in reference to other male "professing" members.
