Recently, I was searching for news about Iran and I happened to stumble across an article in the Trumpet on that subject. The author stated that: 1: Iran was the King of the South, 2: that Iran was, or was becoming; the leader of the world’s Islamic Extremists, 3: that American efforts to deal with the situation were ineffectual, 4: that Iran would eventually provoke Europe, 5: and that a European entity would come up against Iran; conquer it and occupy the Middle East.

This is an interesting scenario; however it is entirely based on the premise that Iran is the King of the South.  When considering any position, always consider the basic premise.

The idea that Iran is the King of the South was taken from the fact that Herbert Armstrong wrote around 1950 that he thought that Egypt could NOT be that nation. [It should be pointed out that after the 1979 Egypt/Israel peace treaty; Herbert began to back away and admit that Egypt could well be the King of the South after all.  Ted later wrote similar ideas. gta   ]  I point out that the words of Daniel were sealed until the very time of the end, Dan 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: and Dan 12: 9: And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

The 1950’s were NOT the time of the end, even though some thought they were. Therefore the book of Daniel was sealed and could NOT be understood at that time!  Neither HWA nor anyone else can be faulted for not understanding what Almighty God had concealed from humanity. Therefore the possibility, even the probability exists that HWA was simply mistaken.  Egypt could very well be the King of the South.  And that would completely change how we should view what is coming.  Please see our article on: The Kings of the North and South

The author’s belief that Iran is a leader of Islamic Extremism is correct and cannot be disputed.

The idea that American efforts to handle the situation are ineffectual;  is superficial.  They are only going through any attempts to negotiate to: buy time until the military and political preparations are completed; before launching a devastating combination of military action and revolution in that nation.

The Iranian regime has been very carefully set up for a fall.  A military attack is being prepared by the United States that will devastate the Revolutionary Guard propping up the regime and open the door to an internal revolution. See our article on The Imminent Middle East War

The scriptures say that the tribulation will not come UNTIL Peace and safety have been declared, 1 Thes 5: 3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

It is therefore clear that Islamic Extremism [including IRAN] MUST be defeated first, so that a condition during which people feel secure enough to declare that Peace and Safety have been achieved; will arrive. The American-Israeli plan will succeed, or some other means will be found to stop Islamic Extremism in its tracks and bring about such a declaration of peace.

Gentlemen; A major war is coming in the Middle East. In that war Islamic Extremism [including Iran]: WILL BE DEFEATED and in the aftermath a successful dialogue for peace will take place.

You have set out a clear scenario. I have set out a clear and different scenario.  Let the people judge by the truth of what actually happens.

You make it a point of faith that Herbert W Armstrong was the Elijah to come.  It is written, as you know; that this Elijah will “restore ALL things”, Mark 9: 12: And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things.   How is it then that HWA did not reveal; and admitted not knowing: the identity of the King of the South?   There are many other things that he did not know, or even admitted not knowing. How is it then, that you can claim that he was the Elijah that restored all things?

 If he did not restore all things, then he WAS NOT the Elijah to come; and since the words of Daniel were concealed by Almighty God until the end: how could a man who died two decades ago have fulfilled that prophecy of Jesus Christ?

Your teaching about Herbert Armstrong is contradictory and also contradicts the Holy Scripture.

Dear Brethren: the words of all men should be tested by the standard of the Word of God.  Our religion should be based on the Father and his Christ and the Holy Scriptures.  We should NEVER judge the Word of God as explained by some man, any man; no matter how respected or revered.  The word of HWA should NEVER be our standard.  It is ALMIGHTY GOD who shall judge us, and he shall judge us by HIS WORD; and not by what some man says about his Word!

ANYTHING ELSE IS THE SIN OF IDOLATRY

                                                                               James David Malm