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What is the World Mission Society Church of God, and What Do They Believe?

Brief Answer

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) is a religious group founded in South Korea in 1964, which teaches unique doctrines about God, including the belief in “God the Mother” alongside “God the Father.” They believe that Ahn Sahng-hong, a South Korean man, was the second coming of Christ. Their teachings differ from mainstream Christianity, especially in their interpretations of the Trinity, salvation, and eschatology, and are considered outside orthodox Christian doctrine.

Understanding the World Mission Society Church of God from a Biblical Perspective

Biblical Perspective on God’s Nature

The core beliefs of WMSCOG, particularly their doctrine of “God the Mother” and Ahn Sahng-hong as the second coming of Christ, conflict with biblical Christianity’s view of God. In orthodox Christian belief:

The Trinity: God is revealed in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct but one in essence (Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).
Jesus as the Final Revelation: The New Testament teaches that Jesus’ incarnation, death, and resurrection fully revealed God’s plan for salvation, eliminating the need for another “second coming” that involves an additional Messiah figure.

WMSCOG’s teachings add doctrines not found in Scripture, such as the concept of “God the Mother,” which is not supported biblically. The Bible emphasizes the singularity of God as both Creator and Redeemer, and that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Historical Context of WMSCOG

Founded in 1964 by Ahn Sahng-hong, the World Mission Society Church of God originated in South Korea and later expanded globally. Ahn Sahng-hong was a former Seventh-day Adventist who claimed to be the second coming of Christ. After his death in 1985, some followers, including his successor, developed the doctrine of “God the Mother” based on select interpretations of verses like Galatians 4:26, which they interpret as referring to a female deity. The group spread quickly in Asia, North America, and other regions.

The church’s eschatological focus, including predictions of an imminent end of the world, is similar to other movements in Christian history that sought new revelations or reinterpretations of end-times prophecy.

Practical Implications

Understanding the distinct beliefs of groups like the WMSCOG helps Christians discern biblical truth and avoid being misled by doctrines that stray from Scripture. The Apostle Paul warns in Galatians 1:8 that even if someone brings a “different gospel,” it should be rejected.

Key implications for Christians include:

Seeking a biblical understanding of God: It’s essential to compare any teaching with Scripture, which presents God’s revelation through Jesus.
Knowing the sufficiency of Jesus: Jesus alone is the way to salvation (John 14:6), without needing any additional revelation or reinterpretation.

Theological Depth and Insight

The teachings of the WMSCOG diverge from traditional Christian theology in several critical areas:

Person of Jesus: Orthodox Christianity holds that Jesus is the eternal Son of God who completed His redemptive work through His death and resurrection (Hebrews 1:3). The WMSCOG’s belief in Ahn Sahng-hong as a second incarnation undermines the completeness of Jesus’ work.
Role of “God the Mother”: While the WMSCOG bases this belief on passages like Galatians 4:26, these interpretations deviate from the biblical understanding of God as solely revealed in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This perspective raises questions about the finality of Scripture and the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice, leading believers to return to biblical texts that affirm the completeness of God’s revelation in Christ.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Bible’s emphasis on God’s singular nature and His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ is foundational. Scriptures affirm:

God as Sovereign: Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God reveals Himself as singular and sovereign (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Jesus as Savior: Jesus is God’s final revelation, and His work on the cross is once and for all (Hebrews 10:10).
Warnings against false prophets: Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets and those claiming to be Christ (Matthew 24:24), a caution that applies here.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth (John 16:13) and reminds us of Jesus’ teachings, which are sufficient for salvation and understanding God’s nature. The Holy Spirit helps Christians discern teachings that stray from the gospel and to cling to the truth in Scripture.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

The rise of movements like the WMSCOG highlights the importance of knowing God’s Word and discerning sound doctrine. In a world where new interpretations and revelations abound, believers are called to:

Test every spirit: 1 John 4:1 urges Christians to test teachings against the truth of Scripture.
Stay rooted in the gospel: Paul’s teachings remind us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

God’s love is fully demonstrated in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation freely and completely to those who believe (John 3:16). The belief in “God the Mother” and another messianic figure can detract from the singularity and completeness of God’s love displayed through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Bible Characters Relevant to the Discussion

Paul the Apostle: Paul continually warned the early church against “different gospels” that attempted to distort the truth of Jesus’ teachings (Galatians 1:6-9).
John the Apostle: John encouraged the early Christians to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and reject false teachings (1 John 2:27).
Jesus Himself: Jesus cautioned His followers about false prophets and the need to be vigilant for distortions of the truth (Matthew 7:15-16, Matthew 24:5).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

How can we discern teachings that are not in line with the gospel of Christ?
Why is it important to recognize the sufficiency of Jesus’ work on the cross?
How can we be more vigilant in studying Scripture to strengthen our understanding of God’s nature?
How does understanding the true nature of God deepen our appreciation of His love and grace?

In summary, the World Mission Society Church of God introduces doctrines that diverge from biblical Christianity, particularly regarding the nature of God and the person of Jesus. For Christians, it is essential to recognize the sufficiency of God’s revelation in Scripture and Jesus’ completed work on the cross. This calls believers to cling to the gospel truth and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance in discerning teachings that stay faithful to God’s Word.