Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mystery of the Ages

Rate this book
Did you ever ask yourself:
“Who am I? What am I? Why am I?”

You are a mystery.
The world about you is a mystery.

Now, you can understand!

383 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

157 people are currently reading
321 people want to read

About the author

Herbert W. Armstrong

118 books37 followers
Herbert W. Armstrong founded the Worldwide Church of God in the late 1930s, as well as Ambassador College (later Ambassador University) in 1946, and was an early pioneer of radio and tele-evangelism, originally taking to the airwaves in the 1930s from Eugene, Oregon. Armstrong preached an eclectic set of theological doctrines and teachings that he claimed came directly from the Bible. These theological doctrines and teachings have been referred to as Armstrongism. His teachings included the interpretation of biblical prophecy in light of British Israelism, and required observance of parts of the covenant Law including seventh-day Sabbath, dietary prohibitions, and the covenant law "Holy Days".

Armstrong proclaimed that behind world events during his lifespan loomed various Biblical prophecies, and that he was called by God as an 'Apostle' and end-time 'Elijah' to proclaim the Gospel of God's Kingdom to the World before the return of Jesus Christ. He also founded the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation, which promoted the arts, humanities, and humanitarian projects. Through his role with the foundation, Armstrong and his advisers met with heads of governments in various nations, for which he described himself as an "ambassador without portfolio for world peace."

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
123 (57%)
4 stars
35 (16%)
3 stars
25 (11%)
2 stars
15 (6%)
1 star
17 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Kurt.
5 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2014
This book explains the Bible's main message in plain language. It is the basic truth of God, so staggeringly mind-blowing that men have not believed it. Satan hates it, and inspired many men hide, denounce, fight over, and even kill to bury this message. It answers life's basic questions as stated on it's front cover: Did you ever ask yourself "Who am I?", "What am I?", "Why am I?" Now, you can understand! Written for the people of the world!
Profile Image for Roger Blakesley.
57 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2013
A stunning egotist and vain person, Herbert Armstrong, whose biographer Herman Hoeh, claimed Armstrong to be "of royal blood", claimed that this book was "The Greatest Book Since the Bible". Upon reading it, however, it is more than filled with heresy, trite aphorisms stolen from other cultic religions, endless plagiarism and the shallowest hermeneutics a first year baptist Bible College student could take apart in 10 minutes.

The book was wholly written to serve Armstrong's enormous ego and unify, doctrinally, his paper maché cult, The Worldwide Church of God; which promptly dissolved upon his death in January of 1986 into many unprosperous and ineffective splinter cultettes to say nothing of the large production of a new pile of atheists. Of whom, I am one.

(Addendum) Not to mislead. The above two previous sentences do imply I left the faith to Armstrong. No. Not as Hebrews says, no "root of bitterness" was endemic in me. More like what Buddha said, "I'm awake." Like a sinless Pilate, washed my hands of the whole scheme and happily walked away.
Profile Image for Darrell Mowat.
Author 8 books56 followers
December 2, 2017
This was a very interesting book. I have read on the subjects in similar books, and have written about most of the topics mentioned in this book. That being said, I do not necessarily agree one hundred percent with every word the author says, but generally I am in agreement with his work. The Holy Bible should be the first and really only book we need to lead us in this life. Hallelujah and praise the LORD. Amen and Amen.
Profile Image for Tyler Hochstetler.
101 reviews18 followers
February 17, 2017
An extremely unique perspective, Armstrong challenges many traditional beliefs regarding Christianity. He attempts to reveal the truth of our existence by combining modern (at his time) science with Christianity. He proclaimed a very different message than his peers. Through spiritual enlightenment, Armstrong stated that he found the answers to life itself.

Armstrong founded the Worldwide Church of God in 1933. He proclaimed that in his lifetime, behind world events, loomed a prophecy. Foretold centuries before the event, this prophecy predicated the course of mankind - so he claimed. Armstrong fully believed that in Biblical prophecies the truth was available. The World Wide Church of God believed Armstrong was God's apostle in the 20th century.

Profile Image for Brenda Mohammed.
Author 85 books132 followers
June 3, 2017
This is another book which I read many years ago but decided to re-read it in light of current world events.
I am glad that I did.
This amazing book will open your mind to understanding what is going on in the world today and will answer many questions.
Read it for yourself and see that Mr. Armstrong's interpretation of Bible prophecy is right on the mark.
Highly recommended.

Profile Image for Ken.
78 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2012
this book is conspiracy theoristist dream book.
Profile Image for Pita Gabby.
73 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2024
Herbert W. Armstrong's "Mystery of the Ages" is a cornerstone text for the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) and its offshoots. It delves into the author's interpretation of the Bible, proposing a unique and perhaps even alternative perspective on history, prophecy and humanity's place in the divine plan.

Armstrong attempts to weave a grand narrative, tracing a hidden story running through the entirety of human history as revealed in the Bible. The book is known for its clear and accessible language, making complex theological concepts approachable for a general audience. For those interested in Biblical prophecy, the book offers a detailed analysis of various passages, attempting to connect them with current events.

Armstrong's views on certain Biblical concepts, like the identity of the ten lost tribes of Israel, deviate significantly from mainstream Christian scholarship. The book primarily focuses on presenting Armstrong's interpretations, with minimal engagement with alternative viewpoints. Published in 1985, the book's interpretations of prophecy might need reevaluation in light of subsequent historical developments.

For those already familiar with Armstrong's theology, "Mystery of the Ages" provides a foundational text for their beliefs. Those interested in a unique perspective on Biblical prophecy and history will find the book a thought-provoking read, even if they disagree with its conclusions. Overall, "Mystery of the Ages" offers a fascinating glimpse into a particular strand of Christian thought. While its claims warrant critical thinking, the book remains an influential work within Armstrong's religious literary legacy.
1 review
July 13, 2024
A book to make an enlightened & genuinely open-minded atheist think a little further. Without possessing an unbiased approach to knowledge and/or faith in a Creator God you would not understand this work's true purpose if it was read a thousand times. It requires us to have faith in an unseen God of Creation whilst at the same time opening our eyes to the transgressions & great sins of all false versions of Christian Churches during the critically-important embryonic decades of Christ's original, untainted message to humanity, immediately following Christ's crucifixion. Armstrong did the ignorant & spiritually-denuded world the greatest of favours by revealing the many many truths which had been buried or corrupted by false teachings, thus permitting a better understanding of history, religion, prophecy & the true purpose that God has in mind for mankind. Armstrong may not have been perfectly 100% correct in all matters, this goes without saying, but this must be understandable to all reasonably-thinking people, simply because he was, after all, only human. But I believe that God opened his mind & allowed him to point the way for us to better understand the shrouded mystery of our genuine past by opening the floodgates of Christ's original truths concerning the earth, humanity, angels & destiny. Because of Armstrong we now have at least a better opportunity to more properly understand all earthly mysteries.
60 reviews
January 7, 2020
This book was very thought provoking and a lot of points made sense. Although I question the interpretation of some areas of the Bible the author provides, I think this book was very well executed and should be read at least once by every Christian, well everyone for that matter. The Bible is a mysterious book and spending time in the word on your own will reveal truths God wants to share with us individually. I really appreciated a lot of points made and I feel I have a better sense of not just scripture but the history behind the scripture and what that means for me on my spiritual walk now.
40 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2021
One of the best books I have ever read in the field of religion, spirituality, and Christianity.

Armstrong does successfully unpack what scripture means. A great aid for one trying to make sense of the Bible.

Having attended Bible college myself, I was completely unaware of the book, or Mr. Armstrong previously.

I am glad I found him.

Reading many more of his titles. This, however, is clearly his very best work.
1 review
March 5, 2019
THANK YOU TO GOD AND HERBERT W ARMSTRONG FOR THE MYSTERY OF THE AGES. TRULEY SPIRITUALITY UPLIFTING AND LIFE CHANGING..SO MANY ANSWERS TO THIS LIFE NOW AND OUR NEXT...I OWE MY LIFE PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY TO OUR GOD AND THE PCG...MAY WE ALL REPENT..MAY GOD BLESS US ALL
23 reviews
November 10, 2021
While I am highly impressed that Mr Herbert Armstrong was able to write such a book in his ninety’s, a lot of the religious concepts seem to be repeated many times to the point of redundancy. Nevertheless, this is still an easy to read book that quells one’s hunger for Religious knowledge. 3 stars.
1 review
April 28, 2025
Simply Amazing

It is beyond comprehension, you have to want and trust that this is indeed the plan. I should have read this 20 years ago.
7 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2007
It was okay but i am still wondering about the question "who am I ?"
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.