World Mission Society Church Of God: Core Beliefs Explored

Hey guys! Ever heard of the World Mission Society Church of God? It's a pretty unique religious organization, and today we're diving deep into what they believe. Understanding their core tenets can give you a solid grasp of their identity and how they view the world. So, let's get started and explore the fascinating beliefs that shape this church.

Who is God According to the World Mission Society Church of God?

The World Mission Society Church of God has a distinctive view of God, which sets them apart from many other Christian denominations. Unlike the traditional concept of a singular, male God, they believe in God the Father and God the Mother. This belief is central to their theology, and they support it with various biblical interpretations. They argue that the Bible subtly reveals the existence of a female aspect of God, often pointing to Genesis 1:26-27, where it says, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness," suggesting a plural form of God. This interpretation forms the bedrock of their belief in God the Mother.

The concept of God the Mother isn't just a symbolic representation; they believe she is a real, divine entity who plays an essential role in salvation. They identify her as the "New Jerusalem" mentioned in Revelation 21:2, which descends from heaven to be with humankind. According to their teachings, God the Father, represented by Ahn Sahng-hong, and God the Mother, whose name they believe is revealed within the church, are both necessary for complete salvation. This dual divine structure is at the heart of their faith, influencing their practices, worship, and understanding of the scriptures. They emphasize that recognizing and believing in both the Father and the Mother is crucial for receiving eternal life, as it fulfills the complete picture of God as presented in the Bible.

The implications of this belief extend into how members of the World Mission Society Church of God perceive their relationship with the divine. They believe that through God the Mother, they can receive special blessings and grace, experiencing a more profound connection with the divine. This belief fosters a strong sense of community and devotion within the church, as members see themselves as part of a unique family under the care of both the Father and the Mother. The emphasis on both divine figures also shapes their evangelistic efforts, as they seek to share this understanding of God with the world, inviting others to recognize and accept God the Mother as an integral part of their faith.

What is the Significance of the Sabbath and the Feasts?

The World Mission Society Church of God places immense importance on observing the Sabbath and various annual feasts, viewing them as essential commandments of God. Unlike many Christian denominations that observe Sunday as the day of worship, they strictly adhere to the seventh-day Sabbath, which falls on Saturday. They believe that the Sabbath was sanctified by God in the Old Testament and that Jesus and his apostles continued to observe it in the New Testament. This observance is not just a tradition but a divine ordinance that must be followed to show reverence and obedience to God.

In addition to the weekly Sabbath, the church also observes several annual feasts that are rooted in the Old Testament. These feasts include the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. They believe that these feasts are not merely historical commemorations but have spiritual significance in the New Testament era as well. For instance, they observe the New Covenant Passover with unleavened bread and wine, believing it symbolizes the flesh and blood of Christ and offers forgiveness of sins. They interpret each feast as having a specific prophetic fulfillment related to Christ's ministry and the salvation of humankind.

The adherence to the Sabbath and the feasts is deeply ingrained in the church's practices and beliefs. Members believe that by diligently observing these appointed times, they are following in the footsteps of the early church and maintaining a connection to the original teachings of the Bible. These observances also serve as a way to remember and celebrate God's grace and blessings throughout the year. The World Mission Society Church of God emphasizes that keeping these commandments is a sign of genuine faith and love for God, and it plays a vital role in their spiritual growth and ultimate salvation. The detailed and meticulous observance of these days reflects their commitment to what they believe is the true and complete gospel.

What About Salvation and the New Covenant?

For the World Mission Society Church of God, salvation is intricately linked to the concept of the New Covenant, which they believe was established by Jesus Christ. The New Covenant refers to the agreement between God and humanity, mediated by Jesus, offering forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. They emphasize that this covenant is distinct from the Old Covenant, which was established with the Israelites through Moses. The church teaches that the New Covenant is superior and offers a more profound and direct relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Central to their understanding of salvation is the observance of the New Covenant Passover. They believe that Jesus instituted this special Passover during his last supper with his disciples, as recorded in the Gospels. During this Passover, Jesus offered bread and wine, symbolizing his flesh and blood, and instructed his followers to partake in remembrance of him. The World Mission Society Church of God teaches that by observing the New Covenant Passover according to the biblical instructions, believers can receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. This observance is considered a crucial step in attaining salvation and is regarded as a sacred and solemn event within the church.

Furthermore, the World Mission Society Church of God emphasizes the importance of baptism for the remission of sins as another essential aspect of salvation. They believe that baptism symbolizes the believer's death to their old self and resurrection to a new life in Christ. It is seen as a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow Jesus' teachings. Coupled with faith and obedience to God's commandments, including the Sabbath and the feasts, baptism is considered a necessary step towards receiving salvation. The church teaches that salvation is not achieved through works alone but through faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to the New Covenant, which encompasses both belief and obedience. This holistic approach to salvation underscores their commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with the teachings of the Bible.

What is Their View on the Bible?

The World Mission Society Church of God holds the Bible in extremely high regard, considering it the ultimate source of truth and the inspired word of God. They believe that the Bible, consisting of both the Old and New Testaments, contains everything necessary for understanding God's will and plan for humanity. It serves as the foundation for their doctrines, teachings, and practices. They emphasize the importance of studying the Bible diligently and interpreting it correctly to gain a deeper understanding of God's message. The church encourages its members to read and meditate on the scriptures regularly, seeking guidance and wisdom from its pages.

However, the World Mission Society Church of God also believes that the Bible can only be fully understood through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Christ. They emphasize the role of Ahn Sahng-hong, whom they recognize as Christ second coming, in restoring the truth of the Bible. They believe that many biblical truths were distorted or lost over time and that Ahn Sahng-hong came to clarify and restore these truths. Therefore, while they deeply respect the Bible, they also rely on the interpretations and teachings provided by the church's leadership, which they believe are divinely inspired.

The World Mission Society Church of God approach to biblical interpretation often involves looking for symbolic meanings and prophetic fulfillments within the scriptures. They believe that many events and figures in the Old Testament foreshadowed events and figures in the New Testament, and they seek to uncover these connections to gain a deeper understanding of God's plan. This hermeneutical approach shapes their understanding of various doctrines and practices, including their observance of the Sabbath and the feasts. While they uphold the authority of the Bible, their specific interpretations are often unique to their denomination and set them apart from other Christian traditions. This reliance on both the text and their unique interpretations underscores their commitment to what they believe is the complete and accurate understanding of God's word.

What are Some Unique Practices of the Church?

The World Mission Society Church of God has several unique practices that distinguish it from other Christian denominations. One of the most notable is their belief in and worship of God the Mother. As previously discussed, they believe that God exists not only as the Father but also as the Mother, and they emphasize the importance of recognizing and believing in both for salvation. This belief is reflected in their worship services, where they often address prayers to both God the Father and God the Mother.

Another distinctive practice is their strict adherence to the seventh-day Sabbath, which they observe on Saturday. They believe that the Sabbath was sanctified by God and that it remains a commandment for Christians today. In addition to the weekly Sabbath, they also observe various annual feasts that are rooted in the Old Testament, such as the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These feasts are celebrated with special services and rituals, and members believe that observing them is essential for maintaining a connection to God and receiving blessings.

Furthermore, the World Mission Society Church of God places a strong emphasis on evangelism and spreading their beliefs to others. They actively engage in missionary work and seek to share their understanding of the Bible and their faith in God the Mother with people around the world. They believe that it is their duty to spread the gospel and invite others to join their church. These unique practices, combined with their distinctive beliefs, contribute to the identity and mission of the World Mission Society Church of God, setting them apart as a unique and dedicated religious community.

Alright, guys! That’s a wrap on the core beliefs of the World Mission Society Church of God. Hope you found it informative and insightful! Understanding different faiths is super important, so keep exploring and learning!