Former WCG Leader Claims Founder Herbert W. Armstrong Will Rise Again as Precursor to Tribulation

Martin C. Filippello, a former minister of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), claimed in an open letter that founder Herbert W. Armstrong would rise from the dead in April 1988. Filippello, who left the WCG to start the Church of God Philadelphia Era, described Armstrong’s resurrection as a precursor to the Tribulation, a period of divine judgment. The letter, published in a Pasadena, California, newspaper, accused the WCG’s current leadership of doctrinal error and moral failings, labeling them as adulterous.

As leader of the WCG, Armstrong promoted teachings that diverged from traditional Christianity. He rejected the Trinity, the soul, hell, and the Holy Spirit as a personal entity. He also enforced Jewish dietary and ritual laws and asserted that the WCG was the one true church. Armstrong passed away in 1986 at the age of 93.

Filippello positioned himself as a latter-day Elijah, tasked with purifying “God’s Church” before the final events of God’s plan. His letter warned of severe consequences, stating that beginning April 1, 1988, no rain would fall on several nations, including the United States, England, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. By July 1989, one-third of the people in these regions would face death from famine, disease, and epidemics.

Filippello identified himself and Armstrong as the two witnesses referenced in Revelation 11 and Zechariah 4. He further accused Joseph W. Tkach, Armstrong’s successor, of being the “son of perdition” from 2 Thessalonians 2. Tkach, according to Filippello, had relaxed the church’s divorce policies and allowed ministers to avoid two of the three tithes required of members, creating a perceived double standard. Tkach also reversed Armstrong’s opposition to medical science.

Despite Filippello’s criticisms, the WCG has continued to grow and thrive in the years following Armstrong’s death. The organization’s annual income rose to $163 million, up from $140 million in 1985, and its membership increased by 7,000 to 87,000. Three spokespeople now share the role of hosting “The World Tomorrow” telecast, which is broadcast on 341 stations and five cable networks, including 16 stations outside North America.

However, the former Radio Church of God, which once reached 400 outlets, has significantly reduced its radio presence. Its programs are now limited to three stations in the United States and Canada. The WCG’s free-subscription magazine, once widely circulated, has also seen a decline in distribution.

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