GRACE AND TRUTH

Volume 33

 August 1983

No 3
     
Editor Emeritus,     Rev. Leon A. Bynoe
Editor, John H. Essex

EDITORIAL

LEON A BYNOE
(A Personal Tribute)
by John H. Essex

     It was with great sadness that I learned, too late for inclusion in the last magazine, of the passing on April 15th of my dear friend and brother in Christ, the founder and original Editor of this magazine, Rev. Leon A. Bynoe. He ended the earthly phase of his life in a New York hospital, folowing a fall at his home, at the advanced age of 88 years. My personal sympathy, and that of all Readers of "Grace and Truth" will be extended to his wife, Ethline, and his daughter, Roslyn, in their sad loss.

     I am makinq this issue into a  Memorial one. Included in it will be tributes from some of those most closely associated with him, together with extracts from some of his writings. He was a devoted minister of God, a lover of His Word, which he desired to understand in its purity, a true evangelist and an indefatigable worker. As an illustration of the last point, he worked long hours on the railways of New York in order to earn money to purchase the printing press on which the earlier issues of this magazine were produced.

     He was an extensive traveler, commuting many times between New York and the West Indies, where he had established a number of chapels under the corporate title of “The Bible Truth Church of God.” He made New York its headquarters, and formed branches in England, Africa and other places. Several times on his visits to England, my late wife and I had the privilege of entertaining him at our home, which was always a delightful and spiritually rewarding experience.

     I can never forget the occasion of our first meeting. It was at a gathering in London called together to welcome him to this country. It began at 6:30 p.m., and tributes to him were still being paid over three hours later. Everybody wanted to assure him of a personal welcome. It was around 10 p.m. when he rose to reply in a short but moving address.

     I can only write concerning the years of my association with him; others will write of his earlier ministry. I came to know him through correspondence when he first invited me to write for “Grace and Truth” around thirty years ago. From that point a great friendship developed between us and over the years he asked me to take a larger share in the production of the magazine, until finally, in 1972, he was stricken with illness, and requested that I should take it over altogether with the help of friends in England.

     "Grace and Truth" was first published in April 1951, and every issue since that date has carried a notice recommending the use of the Concordant Version, though it does not exclude the use of other versions. Brother Bynoe had become persuaded of the accuracy of the C.V. through his association with the late Arthur Benta, who contributed many articles to the early issues of the magazine. But the magazine itself was really produced to act as a laison between New York and the various ecclesias which Brother Bynoe had founded, and by the second issue it proclaimed itself to be the official organ of the Bible Truth Church of God. Thus it remained while ever it was published in New York, but once its production came over to England, distance alone made it impracticable for me to continue it on that basis, and Brother Bynoe fully recognised this, and agreed that it should he given wider scope by making it a magazine for all believers, as explained on page 2 of cover. But, after all, this is only in line with its founder’s original introduction, which is reproduced in this issue.

     Apart from "Grace and Truth," many pamphlets appeared over the name of Leon A. Bynoe. Most of these are now out of print, or carry advertisements which are out of date. Among them were "The Pathway to Glory," "The Drama of the Ages," "Universal Reconciliation," "The Eonian Times," "Human Government, Its Origin, Development and End," and "God All in All," the last of which has been reprinted in England, and is included in the list of our current publications. But perhaps his most valuable work (apart from the magazine itself) was his "Manual of Doctrinal Truths," a 58 page booklet which he described as containing "the fundamentals of the sacred scriptures for all believers in Christ Jesus," and which fulfilled his desire to "prepare such a Manual, containing a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us."

     I thank God for our brother's ministry, for his friendship, and indeed for every remembrance of him, for he (under God) has had a profound influence on the last thirty years of my life.

FURTHER TRIBUTES

     The first intimation we received of the passing of our Brother came in a letter from Rev. Thomas R. Sutton of New York, who wrote on April 27th,

"As the Chief Overseer of the Bible Truth Churches of God, I feel it my undertaking to inform you of the passing of the late founder and leader, Bishop Leon Bynoe, on Friday April 15th, 1983. He had spent a short while in the hospital after he had been found on the floor of his bedroom apartment during the cold winter night. As a result of this he took sick and since then never recovered. His wife (Mrs. Bynoe) seems to be taking his passing pretty well. However, in body she is very weak. During his confinement at the hospital, she had to do a great deal of running back and forth to see him. Please remember her in prayer unto the Lord!

     Further details of the funeral, and of our brother’s earlier life, have been supplied by Rev. James Hemmings, National Overseer of the Bible Truth Church of’ God in Jamaica, who writes:

     "The funeral service was held at the International Headquarters of the Bible truth Church of God, 160 W. 127th Street, New York, on Sunday, April 24th. Brother Thomas Sutton, Presiding Bishop, officiated. Interment was at the Wood Lawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York. He left to mourn his loss his dear wife, Ethline, daughter Roslyn, grandchildren and other relatives.

     "Bishop Bynoe was born in the island of Barbados in the West Indies on March 26th, 1895. He came to the United States in 1911. After finishing his schooling, he went to the National Bible Institute to prepare himself for the ministry. He organized the Bible Truth Church of God in 1917, and was ordained to the ministry in 1920 by the United Holy Church of America, Inc. In 1922 he started his missionary work by going to Panama and Cuba. In 1925 he came to Jamaica. He was successful in the ministry there. There are now twelve ecclesias in the name of the Bible Truth Church of God in Jamaica. In 1962 he went to England, and organized a group of believers into the Bible Truth Church of God."

     From Brother I. L. Smith, Secretary of the Class at Hetherington Road, London, we have received the following.

     "In 1962, Mother L. DaCosta and her late husband, Deacon B. DaCosta, visited the U.S.A. During their stay there, the Lord led them to make contact with Bishop Bynoe by a telephone call, after which they met and discussed the church's future. As a result of that meeting, Bishop Bynoe was invited here that same year. He then reorganised and renamed our Church, which was then The Gospel Light Church of God, into the Bible Truth Church of God, which he had founded in the U.S.A. in 1917. During the years that followed, Bishop Bynoe made regular visits to this country, bringing us books pertaining to the church government, and many tracts and pamphlets which he had written, including "Grace and Truth" Magazine, of which he was then the Editor. A very treasured article, which he never failed to take with him, was the chart from which he lectured to us on the different Eons, and on God’s plan and purpose for us after He has gathered us together to meet the Lard in the air, when, according to the scriptures, we shall be ever with Him.

     "Our church has suffered a great loss; our brother can never be replaced. He gave up all his substance for the work's sake so that this world would be a better place for all to live in and enjoy through the grace of God. We can surely say he has left his footprints on the sands of time; gone but not forgotten; only asleep awaiting that glorious dawn, when, from every corner of the earth, we will meet never to part. Our sympathies are with Mother Bynoe and with members of this great Church in every land where it is established. May he rest in peace!"

Moment by moment I’m kept in His love,
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, 0 Lord, I am thine.

D.W.Whittle.

GLEANINGS
from the writings of
Leon A. Bynoe.

Introduction to the Original Issue of "Grace and Truth"

     This church bulletin is making its advent in this month of April 1951, a renewal of the work we aforetime set our hands to do.

     We trust that all the family of God will welcome this pamphlet, and look forward to it every month, or as often as we are able to publish, it.

     It is intended to be a means of Christian fellowship to all, bringing news of God's doings among His children and the world of mankind; thus linking us together though we are scattered far and near.

     In the on-coming eons (ages) a grand position is designated to us, the members of the body of Christ, to rule and reign with Him in the Celestials.

     As Ambassadors of Christ we are privileged to herald the grand work of conciliation to those who are called during this administration of grace, for "faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Tim.1:15), "for there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim.2:5), "Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of those who believe"(1 Tim. 4:10).

     "Now to the King of the eons, the incorruptible, only and wise God, be honor and glory for the eons of the eons. Amen" (1 Tim.1:17).

Leon A. Bynoe         

Preface to "A Manual of Doctrinal Truths"

     "This Manual is the product of long association with the Sacred Scriptures; much light has been re-discovered from the use of many versions, especially the concordant Version. This Manual may appear to be in contradiction to the many doctrines that owe their allegiance to "traditions" taught by man, and the dogmas of sectarianism, but I have sought to cleave to the pure, unadulterated word of God, concordantly rendered and correctly partitioned, which is our greatest heritage and treasure.

     "We are exhorted to, "Endeavor to present yourself to God, qualified, and unashamed worker, correctly cutting the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15, Concordant Version). This is attained only by diligent study; patient and sustained investigation, will lead to rare discoveries of truth. "Correctly cutting the Word of truth," is a metaphor, "a phrase literally denoting an idea in place of another, by way of suggesting a likeness or analogy between them.

     "We must have the confidence and courage to cut a straight line for the truth, turning neither to the right nor the left. When we confuse the truth, we become ourselves confused and exposed to shame. For example, Hymeneus and Philetus did not deny the resurrection, like the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:12), but they misplaced it (2 Tim. 2:17-18). They made it past, when it was future. So all truth has its appropriate place, out of which truth itself becomes the most insidious error, because it seems to have the support of Scripture.

     "We must not transfer the truth of one eon (age) into another, we should leave the truth concerning Israel to them, and that for the Church which is His body, should not be mixed with Israel. In no other way can we understand God's plan and purpose.

     "I firmly believe that there are many of God's people, who, if they really knew what the Scriptures set forth for this era of grace, and what the Lord requireth of them, they would be willing and anxious to accept the Word of God and move forward to higher heights and deeper depths in spiritual things, because, "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Proverb 4:18).

     "I have examined the record with reverence and deep humility, seeking from God an understanding of His revelation. God's intention is never frustrated by man's s0-called will or by his perversity, but moves on relentlessly to the determined goal.

     "Let God be true, but every man a liar" (Rom. 3:4). I, therefore, am presenting this work in accord with Him Who is the head over all things to the ecclesia (the church) which is His body that the truth contained therein may be the means of uniting God's people in the unity of the spirit, that we may all speak the same thing and be of one mind.

     "In the presentation of the truth contained herein, I have drawn largely from some profound Bible Scholars, who do not care to have their names mentioned, and I have had the benefit of the counsel and help, of my friend and colleague, Elder Arthur Benta.

     "This work is recommended to the reader only to the extent that it is found to be entirely supported by the Scriptures."

Leon A. Bynoe          

On Human Government

     "In His wisdom, God has given man thousands of years in which to learn that without the rule of God in his life, nothing but failure can result. All history testifies to the fact that human Government has failed. It is a matter of common knowledge that few have been the governmental heads that have relied upon God for wisdom to rule aright in the affairs of men.

     "From a study of the Scriptures, we learn that human government is only a temporary arrangement to keep rebellious man in check until the time of Christ's reign. Then will He displace the rule of man, clean up, by His mighty power, the mess man and nations, Satan and his cohorts, have made. The Scriptures teach that nations shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Is. 2:4; Micah 4:3)."

From "Human Government"    
by Leon A. Bynoe         

On The Rapture of the Saints

     "The Rapture—The resurrection of the body members is not included with other resurrections. It does not displace any others, and it does not invalidate any timing which the Scriptures elsewhere testify about resurrections. The separate resurrection of the "body church" became part of a new revelation, inserted in the midst of Scripture, which were otherwise complete in themselves. It does not change what the Scriptures say about other resurrections. All who are called and saved from Paul's ministry of the nations (gentiles), to the coming of our Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52) are included in this separate resurrection. They will be seated "in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6), and through them "the manifold wisdom of God" will be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (Eph. 3:10). What a glorious, heavenly destiny for the members of Christ's body!

     "It is interesting for us to observe that the word "rapture" is not employed in the Scripture as such. It nevertheless, aptly describes the experience that the saints will have, when the Lord in descending in the air blows the trumpet to call both the living and the dead saints, and together they will he snatched away, at the same time, for a meeting of the Lord in the air, (outer space) (1 Thess. 4:13-18). This is said only of the members of the Body of Christ, whose destiny is in the celestials (Eph. 1:1-4)."

From "A Manual of Doctrinal Truths"
page 17         

On Resurrection

     "The resurrection of the dead is the great expectation set before us in the evangel for all mankind. It is based upon the fact of our Lord Jesus having died for the sins of humanity, has been roused for their justification. Hence all who have gone into death will be resurrected in order to receive the benefits accruing from the sacrificial work of Jesus the Christ (1 Cor. 15:20-24; John 5:28-29).

     "Some believers teach that those who die are alive in the spirit realm. If this were a fact that the dead are alive somewhere, then there is no need for them to be resurrected.

     "Jesus said, "All that are in their graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth" (John 5:28). Paul said, "There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust" (Acts 24:15)."

From "A Manual of Doctrinal Truths"
page 17         

On Eonian Times

     The Eonian Times are the period of sin and estrangement, but it is also the period God sets apart to bring His rebellious creatures terrestrial and celestial back to Himself. They embrace the entire period of His operation. . .

     The various aspects of time mentioned in the Scripture, days, months, years, times, sensons, etc., are all parts of Eonian Times and conform to His purpose of the Eons. The Eons were not eternal in the past . . . they had a beginning. The Eons will not be eternal in the future; they will have a conclusion. God hath spoken to humans, finite beings in periods of time. Only the infinite Mind can conceive of endlessness or eternity. God hath not given us such minds. He has not made eternity a subject of revelation. Eternity is not known in the original Greek Scriptures or Hebrew text. Let us not add to His Word. Go back to God’s original. The phrase, “Countless ages of eternity,” is unscriptural, unsound.

     What a wonderful understanding God we have!

     What a wonderful Saviour is Christ Jesus our Lord!

     Let us adore Him more and publish glad tidings, tidings of peace--Tidings of Jesus’ Redemption and Release. Yes, Eonian Times will terminate in the Reconciliation of the Universe.

From "The Eonian Times"
page 10 and 11