To the Members of the Church of God Restoration:
This letter is written not in bitterness, but in truth, with the prayer that you will consider carefully the claims that have been made to you and the obedience that has been demanded of you.
You have been told by your leaders that the matter of their apostleship is settled—that they are not to be questioned. But consider this: if apostles declare themselves above examination, what is to restrain deception? What is to prevent a man from exalting himself beyond the measure given by God?
The early Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, navigated continual threats from within and without. The Scriptures are not silent about this. From the beginning, impostors arose, seeking influence and gain. In Acts 8, Simon the magician attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. This was not an anomaly—it was a pattern. False apostles, deceitful workers, and self-exalting teachers emerged quickly in the church’s history. Lucian of Samosota, though a pagan, observed with clarity: “If any charlatan and trickster, able to profit by occasions, comes among them, he quickly acquires sudden wealth by imposing upon simple folk.”
Christ himself warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15–16). The Apostle John echoed this concern: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). In Revelation 2:2, Christ commends the Ephesian church for exposing false apostles. And Paul, who truly was appointed by Christ, declared, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:13–14).
These warnings were not issued for a bygone era only. Satan does not invent new heresies—he repackages old ones. Do not be deceived into thinking that because the language has changed, the threat has passed. The same lies reappear, clothed in religious fervor and backed by authoritarian structures. Twice in recent years I have heard ancient heresies argued passionately as if they were newly revealed truths. False teaching does not fade—it adapts.
Now, if we are to entertain the claim that thirteen Gentile apostles have been raised up in these last days, we must hold such a claim to the light of Scripture and the testimony of the early Church.
The New Testament establishes specific and unambiguous criteria for apostolic office. In Acts 1:21–22, the qualifications are outlined: an apostle had to have been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry and to have witnessed His resurrection. Paul, though an exception, still met this standard—having seen the risen Christ (1 Cor. 9:1)—and was directly appointed by Jesus Himself (Gal. 1:1), just as the original twelve were appointed (Mark 3:14).
Nowhere in Scripture do we find the apostles appointing successors to their own office. The foundation was laid once. The Church thereafter was shepherded by elders and bishops—not new apostles. No mechanism was ever given for continuing apostolic succession. The post-apostolic Church confirms this: in the first two centuries, “apostle” refers only to the original twelve (and Paul). The office was unique and unrepeatable. To claim otherwise is to add to Scripture.
Further, true apostles confirmed their ministry by signs and wonders. Paul writes, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you… with signs and wonders and mighty works” (2 Cor. 12:12). Hebrews affirms that God testified to the Gospel “by signs and wonders and various miracles” (Heb. 2:4). No such confirmation accompanies the apostles of the Church of God Restoration. Their authority is conferred by men, not by Christ. Their message is not the pure Gospel, but a hybrid of fear, control, and self-glorification.
And here is the heart of the matter: Why do you venerate these men beyond the apostles of Christ? Why do you tolerate the hagiography that surrounds them—revering Ray Tinsman as the greatest man since Jesus, viewing Stephen Hargrave as the judge of the world, or speaking of Henry Hildebrandt as though he were Christ Himself? This is blasphemous. These men are not Christ. They are not apostles. They are not above scrutiny. They are not the foundation of the Church.
It is time to acknowledge the truth. You have been misled. You have submitted to men who exalt themselves and demand allegiance that belongs to Christ alone. Turn back. Christ is not far off. His people remain. There is hope, but only if you forsake what is false.
Return to Christ. Return to the Scriptures. Return to the true Church, whose foundation has already been laid and does not need to be relaid by impostors. This is an urgent matter. Hear the Spirit, not the imposters.
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