The End Times Bible Report Quarterly

Spring 2018: Issue Number 84

LIGHT NOW SHINING EXPOSES

DEEDS OF DARKNESS

“…bring to light the hidden things of darkness…

make manifest the counsels of the hearts.”

— 1 Corinthians 4:5 —

Prophecies indicate that at the time of our Lord’s second advent he will both expose the hidden things of darkness and make manifest the condition of the hearts of those who have been masquerading as noble. The consequence of lifting this dark shroud of secrecy, which for centuries has gone unchecked, is that everything that can be shaken will be shaken, and at every level — political, social, financial and religious. “I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come.... and in this place will I give peace.” Haggai 2:7, 9

There is no question that this prophetic shaking is in the process of fulfillment as we witness one scandal after another being exposed in every dark corner of society. And nothing is too sacred for scrutiny, as corporate CEOs, popular TV anchors, politicians, doctors, movie moguls and even church leaders have not been spared. “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the [light of] day shall declare... every man’s work of what sort it is.” This enlightenment is truly shaking up the world. But God intends this to be a blessing — first to those who have been abused, and in due time to those who will learn from their mistakes and show repentance. “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire [severe discipline].” 1 Corinthians 3:13,15

Political Corruption Uncovered

Bible chronology indicates that the time of the end began in the period of the French Revolution. Since then, the light exposing governmental corruption world-wide has been shining brighter and brighter, and many more revolutions have been the result. And although corruption continues, the increase of knowledge foretold to come during the time of the end has brought amazing instruments of communication and investigation to the masses — providing nearly everyone the ability to speak out against political oppression, fraud and greed. Daniel 12:1-4

Before the advent of technology, corruption and abuses of governments were only locally known — what happened on the other side of the world would take months, if not years, to reach around the globe. Today, however, what a government leader and regime used to do in secret is now exposed worldwide.

As an illustration, video footage spread like wildfire when North Korea’s Supreme Leader had his half-brother murdered in public in a Malaysian airport. It has also been revealed that he “has executed more than 340 people since taking power in 2011...” (USA Today, 2/27/17) Although the world can do little about such political crimes at this time, the masses of people in North Korea will one day rise up to challenge this oppressive regime, just as a few brave souls in communist Russia are beginning to do today. Many opponents of the powerful Russian regime have been permanently silenced. “The corrupt and often ruthless system... is clearly a killer.... 25 journalists were killed for work-related reasons. Many of them had been investigating corruption... and exposing injustice....” (Washington Post, 3/23/17) These once hidden atrocities are stirring up discontent among the masses in many countries and will result in revolutions. (Joel 2:1-11) Although, in the short term, these uprisings are often destructive, they are leading to a time when greater freedom will begin to bless all the people of these countries.

What about governments and political leaders of the free world? Scandals, which previously were hidden or easily white-washed, are now more quickly uncovered by advances in technology. As these abuses of government are exposed, special councils are being demanded to investigate corrupt practices, and the result is a purging and purifying of policies for the benefit of all.

Today, hundreds of watch-dog groups are scrutinizing the practices of politicians and policies which affect the common people. Fact-check internet sites make it their mission to seek out and expose fraud and corruption in government. No stone is being left unturned.

On the local level, incidents of police brutality and racial profiling are being challenged as never before. Cell phones have captured the abusive practices of those in positions of power — those who were entrusted with the protection of the innocent. In addition, individuals who have been falsely accused are now beginning to find a voice. Advocate groups are investigating hundreds of corrupt or careless prosecutions. DNA testing is also helping in this task — clearing the innocent and prosecuting the truly guilty.

As prophesied, the light of truth now shining is making manifest the condition of every selfish heart, and, it is providing a blessing for those who were previously unable to find a voice. Indeed, a great transition is taking place in earth’s history — the due time has come for Messiah’s spiritual government to begin to take control of earth’s affairs. Mankind has been allowed to try many forms of government, and they have all failed because of selfishness. These failures only prove that we are incapable of accomplishing equitable self-rule. It will require the new rulership of Messiah in God’s righteous kingdom to thoroughly bring about lasting justice and blessing for all. “My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation.... For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.” (Zephaniah 3:8, 9) The light now shining in every nation is doing this mighty work in preparation for God’s kingdom, and the result will be glorious!

Light Exposing Darkness

Sparks Social Revolution

There have always been social injustices — so what is different today? Social media is creating a worldwide information revolution, revealing every hidden thing on an international level — instantaneously. And, according to prophecy, this is all happening right on time.

Overwhelming the news today is the public shaming of countless men, once in unshakable positions of power, who are now being exposed for their crimes of abuse. Hundreds of women, and men, are coming forward on social media to say “Me Too!” and “Time’s Up!” Multiple allegations of assault in all quarters of society have put to public shame the most powerful men in entertainment, politics, education, medicine and finance. Almost all of the accused have lost their high-paying and previously sheltered careers — some have even been put behind bars for monstrous criminal behavior. “This reckoning... has actually been simmering for years, decades, centuries. Women have had it...with the fear of retaliation, of being blackballed, of being fired from a job they can’t afford to lose....They’ve had it with men who use their power to take what they want from women.... nearly every day, CEOs have been fired, moguls toppled, icons disgraced.” — Time Magazine, 12/18/17

Notable along this line has been the world-wide broadcast of testimonies given by over one hundred brave young gymnasts. Light shining on the abuses they have endured for decades is working together for the good of future athletes. In addition, exposure of the sin of complicity is proving to have a purifying effect, as individuals and institutions are forced to examine their roles in ignoring the abuses of those who depended on and trusted them.

The light now shining is also exposing elder abuse. Several news agencies have posted lengthy articles revealing numerous cases of elder abuse in nursing homes. “Vulnerable seniors are being... abused by the very people paid to care for them.” (CNN.com/interactive/2017/02) Prompted by public outcry, a study was prepared by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee. The Committee reported that “30 percent of nursing homes in the United States — 5,283 facilities — were cited for almost 9,000 instances of abuse over a two-year period....” (ABC News.go.com, 7/30/17) Exposing such abuse is bringing about real reform and providing advocacy for helpless individuals who deserve dignity and respect.

Along with technology exposing corruption, education is also a factor as it brings enlightenment to underdeveloped areas of this world — further enhancing awareness of social inequality. One little girl, Malala Yousafzai, has sparked a revolution against inequality worldwide. She was seriously injured in 2012 by a Taliban gunman who attempted to silence her from promoting education of young women. While she remained unconscious and in critical condition for months, social media erupted with support for her cause world-wide. As her condition improved, her efforts to promote education grew from a local dream to an international movement. Unheard of before, the Muslim world began to react: “Weeks after her murder attempt, a group of fifty leading Muslim clerics in Pakistan issued a fatwā against those who tried to kill her.” (DailyMail.com, 10/19/17) The Muslim world is now forced to consider the right of young women in their countries to an education. The moderate masses are still fearful of raising their voices for change in many of these countries, but the light of day is dawning as the cry of liberty echoes around the world.

Because of selfishness, response to social injustice comes about slowly, and not all abusers are being held accountable — yet. But with ever increasing light exposing the hidden things of darkness, the day is coming when none will be able to keep their secrets concealed. “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies....” Isaiah 28:17

The Light of Truth is

Revealing Financial Corruption

Prior to the dawning light in this time of the end, individuals in positions of power were able to hide their corruption and abuse of the poor. In the 1800s, it was revealed that railroad titans abused their Chinese workers, and rich plantation owners stripped away the dignity of “their human property.” Although slave trade can still be found, it is the due time for the light of liberty to shine into the dark places of selfish hearts. “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.... Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you.... Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.” James 5:1-5

In the 1960s, the literal cries of the reapers could be heard when hundreds of migrant workers cried out for respect from California land owners ­— demanding safe working conditions and fair wages. “Mexican-American Cesar Chavez was a prominent union leader and labor organizer. Hardened by his early experience as a migrant worker, Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962.... Stressing nonviolent methods, Chavez drew [international] attention for his causes via boycotts, marches and hunger strikes.” (The History Channel, 2017) His cries were not only heard, but were successful.

Among the rich who have taken unfair advantage of the poor are pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. While providing life-saving medicine for millions, many are also being exposed for greedy financial practices. Ohio’s Attorney General filed law suits against five leading manufacturers, accusing them “of leading patients to believe that opioids were not addictive, which... fueled the current opioid epidemic in Ohio.... A record of 3,050 people in Ohio died from drug overdose in 2015....” Since then, that figure has increased exponentially nationwide. (ABC News, 5/31/17) The light now shining upon corporate greed is bringing about awareness and reform.

Many other corporations are also being held accountable by brave whistle-blowers who are willing to go public with their stories. Programs such as 60 Minutes, Dateline, 20/20, Frontline, etc. are seeking and demanding truth — having the means to not only uncover but publicize their findings. Documentaries have been produced revealing hidden health hazards of ground water contamination, cancer causing agents in tobacco, faulty auto design, poisonous lead in pipes and paint — and the list goes on. Until recently, few of these hazards were exposed to public scrutiny. Giants of industry, which previously concealed dangers to the public, are now being held more accountable — becoming more aware of the need for and implementation of self-regulation.

At this point, progress is slow, because the hearts of most remain selfish and greedy. But, as corruption, greed and abuse is exposed, laws and safeguards begin to be set in place to prevent future abuse. And, although selfishness continues, the time is fast approaching when abuses will no longer be permitted to defraud and deceive. In God’s merciful plan, it is now time for the light of justice to penetrate every dark corner of greed and corruption. This is preparing the world for the incoming Kingdom, when humbled hearts will be ready to cooperate with Messiah in bringing about lasting reform. Malachi 3:18

Religious Misconduct Exposed

The cry of justice has even reached into the dark corners of religious institutions. As Christians are being enlightened by truth now due at this end of the age, they are being called to come out of unhealthy spiritual conditions and to gather with those who love God’s Word and His righteousness. “Be thou an example of the believers....” 1 Timothy 4:12

It has only been two hundred years since the Bible has been accessible to all. Prior to this time, it was primarily the rich or church hierarchy who were privileged to own a Bible. But, in 1803 Bible societies were formed, making Bibles available and affordable on a massive scale. In the late 1800s, Bible study tools became available, making it possible for many to take personal responsibility for their doctrinal understanding based on the Bible alone — not on the sectarian creeds of men. And today, anyone with a computer or cell phone can examine the Bible to determine whether what they are being taught and demonstrated from the pulpit is truly God-honoring.

Not only is the light of truth accessible today, but by means of technology, the scandalous practices within religious institutions have been made widely known. Greed, false teachings, immoral behavior and reprehensible criminal acts are being exposed as never before — the most detestable of which are cases of rampant child abuse committed by priests! It has been estimated that worldwide over 2,000 priests now living have been accused of child sexual abuse, and hundreds more have turned a blind eye or have covered up this horrific practice. One attorney said that he “...fields between 100 and 200 calls a day from survivors....” — The New York Times 4/27/02

As a result of these terrible abuses and so many other scandals, the entire professed Christian community has become soiled in the eyes of non-Christians. (Hebrews 4:12, 13) One demoralized parish member said, “Well, what can we do? We are only the congregation. This is up to the bishops to handle.” Herein is the mistake. Soon after the early church was established, a hierarchy was set up which became lords of the flock, rather than servants of God to shepherd His flock. (1 Peter 5:3) For centuries, this unscriptural clergy/laity system created a culture of unchecked power whereby deviant behavior was kept secret and allowed to continue without consequence. A practice of covering up immoral behavior by the clergy is rooted in a vow that Cardinals must make to keep in confidence anything that would cause a scandal in the church. This is a serious disregard of the Scriptures, which state that it is far better to acknowledge sin in your midst and root it out that the whole might not be contaminated. The Apostle Paul warned:“...if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner... put away from among yourselves that wicked person.…” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13

The light of truth now shining is exposing hypocrisy ­— truly one of the greatest of all sins. Jesus said little about thieves, murderers and injustices of various kinds. Although these are all in opposition to the Law of Love, Jesus devoted most of his denunciations to those who made a pretense of being holy. “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed... whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light....” Luke 12:1-3

As Christians, we have a responsibility to live in accordance with the Prince of Light and in opposition to the Prince of Darkness, his works and his ways. God bids his people to separate themselves from all sin and sinful conditions. Christians are told to come out from among the midst of perverted systems and to remain separate. Revelation 18:4

Cleansing Fire Creating Cleansed Hearts

“Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap....” (Malachi 3:2) This refining fire is not literal — it is symbolic of trouble. But the Lord is not causing the trouble — those responsible for the darkness bring fiery trouble upon themselves. The Lord is simply shining a light and allowing natural consequences to take their course. Yes, the refining fire of trouble is self-inflicted:“ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

God is permitting this painful, cleansing process, knowing that it will be an everlasting lesson to teach the bitter consequences of disobedience. Education in all areas of earth’s society is key in preparing the world for God’s righteous kingdom when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9) All of the cleansing work happening in this time of the end is making way for “the Sun of Righteousness to arise with healing in his wings.” Malachi 4:2

The hidden things manifested by the light of truth now shining is just one phase of Messiah’s work in preparation for his kingdom, where abuse will not be tolerated. Soon, this light will bring about the collapse of every unjust institution, and Christ, as Jehovah’s agent, will build upon the ruins an unselfish government — with real liberty and justice for all. Then, humanity will awaken to a government based upon love and mercy. With humble hearts, mankind will be ready to listen to God’s glorious plan of salvation through His beloved Son. “Yet once, it is a little while... and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory....” Haggai 2:6, 7 

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Past Issues on Related Topics

To learn more about the subjects treated in this issue,

we recommend reviewing the following past issues.

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•  Liberty & Justice For ALL — No matter what progress the world has made toward enlightenment, as long as there is sin and death, mankind has no lasting happiness. When God’s Kingdom is inaugurated its standard will be that of exact justice — the only way to achieve universal harmony. Liberty to deceive, to defraud, or in any way to abuse oneself or others will be totally denied. The only liberty that will be granted will be the liberty to love and to do good. Then, none shall hurt nor destroy in all God’s holy mountain. Isaiah 11:9

1. • Hidden Things of Darkness Brought to Light — Conditions today are reminiscent of the days of Noah: “...every imagination of the thoughts of [the human] heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5) Our present evil world (Greek: cosmos-social order) is coming to an end. (Galatians 1:4) Under the Lord’s judgment the corrupt systems are disintegrating and will soon be replaced. To the extent that churches have been involved in the evil practices, they will also come under this judgment of God. The result will be mankind’s ultimate blessing throughout eternity.