Resolving the “Calendar Issue”

Back to The Truth About God’s Calendar

Certain calendars, offered by critics of the Hebrew calendar, make assumptions according to Jerusalem time—the new moon before the vernal equinox—the new moon after the vernal equinox—the new moon nearest it, whether before or afterwards. Streamlining nothing, they add significant confusion to the issues. None of these “alternative” calendars improves on the traditional, time-tested-for-millennia Hebrew calendar. As in all other areas, man’s alternatives fall far short of God’s insight and foresight. In spite of men’s new techniques to trace the conjunction of the new moon to a precise instant in time, their alternatives only serve to complicate (requiring further corrective parameters), rather than to streamline or simplify.

Mr. Herbert Armstrong faced the calendar issue early in his ministry, and like other leaders of the Church of God in previous eras, he recognized that the Hebrew calendar should be accepted. He spent much time carefully proving this point. This same man, whom God used to lead the Philadelphian Work, and to restore Holy day observance, was led to investigate, study and accept this calendar. He recognized that the Hebrew calendar was the only basis for defining both the sacred year and the proper placement of the Holy Days, year after year!

False teachers will continue trying to undermine the faith of those who seek God through a variety of means. This booklet has been written to provide a better foundational understanding to resist these efforts (Eph. 4:13-15)! The “calendar issue” is always vulnerable for attack. This booklet answers most reasonable challenges. Because the struggle against false teaching is ongoing and dynamic in nature, issues will inevitably arise that have not been addressed here. But the foundation for this understanding is in place.

Will you accept—and hold fast—the truth of God’s calendar? For the benefit of calendar enthusiasts, the Appendix contains detailed instructions for calendar calculation. It shows how to determine the day of the week and the day of the month upon which the Molad of Tishri will fall. You may wish to cover this fascinating—and inspiring—information now or reference it later, if it is of interest.