1. The Core Doctrine of the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG): The Passover

The WMSCOG bases its central doctrine on the Passover, which serves as a foundational pillar for their theological framework and the justification of their leaders, Ahn Sahng-hong and Zahng Gil-ja. If the Passover doctrine collapses, the church's doctrinal foundation and identity are at risk of falling apart.

The WMSCOG claims:

• Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples on the Passover (Nisan 14 evening in the Jewish calendar), providing bread and wine as symbols of forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and protection from disasters.
• The Passover was abolished by Satan at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, cutting off the path to eternal life.
• Ahn Sahng-hong restored the Passover in 1964, reopening the way to salvation.

However, these teachings lack biblical and historical validity and stem from misinterpretations. Below is an analysis of their claims and a presentation of the truth.

1. The Last Supper Is Not the Passover

1.1. Evidence from Church History
The WMSCOG equates the Last Supper with the Passover, but historical and biblical evidence refutes this claim.

• The Eastern Church commemorated Jesus' death on Nisan 14 afternoon with the Lord’s Supper.
• The Western Church observed communion on Resurrection Sunday, leading to conflicts between the two traditions.
• The Council of Nicaea in AD 325 resolved this issue by deciding to celebrate communion on Resurrection Sunday.
• Biblically, the Last Supper occurred on the evening before Passover and was distinct from the Passover itself.

2. Jesus Died on the Passover

The Bible clearly states that Jesus was crucified on the Passover.

• Matthew 26:2: Jesus declared, "The Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified during the Passover."
• John 18: Jesus was interrogated by Pilate the day before Passover while the Jews were preparing themselves for the Passover meal.

3. The Claim That the Passover Was Abolished Is Historically Inaccurate

The WMSCOG alleges that the Passover was abolished by Satan during the Council of Nicaea. However, this claim is historically unfounded.

• The Council of Nicaea did not abolish the Passover. Instead, it focused on adjusting the date of Easter and standardizing communion practices.
• The assertion that Satan intervened lacks theological and historical support.

4. The Claim That Jesus Died on the Feast of Unleavened Bread Is Misinterpretation

The WMSCOG teaches that Jesus died on the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Nisan 15), but this contradicts the Bible and Jewish tradition.

• Leviticus 23: The first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread was a sacred Sabbath when no work was allowed, making execution or burial impossible on that day.

5. Jesus Fulfilled All Prophecies of the Passover Lamb

In the Old Testament, the Passover lamb was selected on Nisan 10 and sacrificed on Nisan 14 at 3 PM.

• Jesus entered Jerusalem on Nisan 10 and was crucified on Nisan 14 at 3 PM, fulfilling this prophecy.
• John 19:31-36: The fact that Jesus’ bones were not broken further confirmed the fulfillment of the Passover lamb prophecy.

6. Misinterpretations and Errors of the WMSCOG

6.1. Distorting the Passover
The WMSCOG twists the meaning of the Passover to elevate Ahn Sahng-hong as a divine figure.

• Ahn Sahng-hong claimed that the death of Egypt’s firstborns during the Exodus occurred on the Feast of Unleavened Bread and connected this to Jesus’ crucifixion.
• However, the Bible emphasizes that the Passover lamb's blood saved Israel's firstborns, not the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

6.2. Historical and Theological Inconsistencies

• The Passover and Jesus’ death are closely linked, but claiming He died on the Feast of Unleavened Bread contradicts biblical accounts.
• The WMSCOG's insistence on keeping the Passover as a ritual for salvation ignores the fulfillment of the Passover in Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Conclusion: The WMSCOG’s Doctrine Contradicts Biblical and Historical Truth

The WMSCOG misinterprets the Passover to justify their doctrines and the divinity of their leaders. However, the Bible and church history confirm:

• The Last Supper was held the evening before the Passover and was distinct from the Passover itself.
• Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of the Passover lamb by dying on the Passover.
• The Council of Nicaea did not abolish the Passover but resolved differences in communion and Easter practices.
• Claiming that Jesus died on the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a misinterpretation of biblical and historical facts.

The WMSCOG’s Passover doctrine is a distortion of biblical truth.

True understanding and salvation lie in recognizing Jesus' fulfillment of the Passover through His death and resurrection, rather than adhering to a ritualistic interpretation.

“Truth is confirmed in the Bible and historical evidence. Discerning the errors of the WMSCOG and adhering to biblical truth is our responsibility.”