Omega Message William Irvine (Scottish evangelist)

1 omega message

1.1 schism
1.2 jerusalem
1.3 message

omega message

in few years prior first world war, increased emphasis on eschatology noticed. has been later cited 1 of contributing factors towards first division in young denomination. preached age of grace, during alpha gospel had been proclaimed, coming close. message turned towards themes of new era held no place ministry , hierarchy had rapidly grown around alpha gospel, resentments on part of several overseers came head.

schism

all led division in church on period 1914–1918. various leading workers did not accept new developments in irvine s revelation, , although accepted in beginning irvine had received genuine revelation god in alpha gospel , did not accept omega message . these overseers rebelled against saw irvine s increasingly autocratic leadership in 1914, , refused give him opportunity speak @ conventions held within respective geographic regions. hundreds of irvine’s followers excommunicated, , name seldom mentioned time onwards. 1918, parting of ways had become permanent.

the greater majority of church members remained under overseers followed irvine s alpha revelation. few aware of circumstances of departure, , no public discussion of matter seems have occurred, although rumors of mental breakdown or indiscretions women spread (the latter may have arisen out of having fathered son out of wedlock young man prior start in ministry). small group of loyalists continued following irvine. unlike continued follow alpha gospel , these refused adopt official name, although came known among message people or witnesses .

to jerusalem

irvine spent many of world war years in america. during time, again visited pentecostals in los angeles, , reportedly experienced gift of tongues , of interpreting tongues. returned family in kilsyth, scotland around september 1919, , moved permanently palestine in november year.

although irvine had become isolated general membership of larger sect, continued follow alpha gospel , many among leadership continued maintain contact him, making pilgrimage jerusalem visit him. during controversy leading schism between overseers , edward cooney in 1928, irvine asked intervene settle dispute, although limited involvement advising cooney return ireland.

the message

irvine believed final age of grace , alpha gospel had been intended proclaim, had come end in august 1914, , had been chosen god bring last message of jesus christ world before final judgement (the omega message ). part of process, hinted 1 of 2 witnesses of revelation ch.11, have special powers prophesy , perform miracles, , killed in jerusalem , raised after 3½ days , taken heaven in cloud. prophesied there coming great famine, , encouraged followers sell homes , farms , invest money in food , other provisions enable them survive impending calamity.

during remainder of life, william irvine continued develop theology, transmitted followers in continuing series of letters. these letters reproduced selected members, , distributed among followers. collections of these letters bound , saved further study membership. followers believe true meaning of bible , prophecy unlocked studying irvine s reading of scriptures.