Ahn Sahng-hong’s Handwritten Notes and His Failed End-Time Predictions

Ahn Sahng-hong’s eschatological predictions, as revealed in his handwritten notes, show that he proclaimed 1971 as the end of the world. These claims were based on arbitrary interpretations of scripture and heavily influenced by Adventist theology.

1. The Basis of the 1971 End-Time Prediction

1.1 Rooted in 1844 and Adventist Doctrine

Ahn considered the founding year of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (1844) as the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement prophecy and interpreted Moses’ 167-day period to complete the tabernacle as 167 years.

Interpretation Process:

1. 1844 + 167 years = 2011
   • Starting from October 22, 1844, the Day of Atonement.
   • Moses’ 167 days to complete the tabernacle was reinterpreted as 167 years.
2. Arbitrary Deduction of 40 Years:
   • Ahn claimed that God would shorten this timeline by 40 years for the sake of the chosen people.
   • 2011 - 40 years = 1971.

1.2 Proclamation of 1971 as the End

Ahn declared 1971 to be the year of the world’s end, asserting that the heavenly sanctuary would be completed on the first day of the sacred year.

2. Insights and Flaws in His Handwritten Notes

2.1 Content of His Notes

Ahn wrote:
"Thus, 167 years from the year 1844, earthly ministry will be completed. However, for the sake of the chosen people, God will shorten it by 40 years. Therefore, in the year 1971, on the first day of the sacred year, the Ark of the Covenant will be placed in the Most Holy Place."

2.2 Issues with His Interpretation

1. Arbitrary and Unfounded Interpretations:

   • The reinterpretation of Moses’ 167-day tabernacle completion as 167 years lacks biblical evidence.
   • The 40-year deduction is an entirely speculative claim without scriptural support.

2. Forced Connections to Historical Events:

   • Associating the founding of the Adventist Church in 1844 with the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement prophecy is unfounded and speculative.

3. Failure of the 1971 Prophecy:

   • No eschatological events occurred in 1971, rendering the prediction entirely invalid.
   • This failure undermined the credibility of Ahn’s doctrine and necessitated its revision.

3. Ahn Sahng-hong’s Predictions and the Church’s Adjustments

3.1 Adaptations Following the 1971 Failure

Despite the repeated references to 1971 in Ahn’s early writings, the failure of this prophecy forced his followers to either revise or obscure his teachings.

1. Changes in Doctrine (1951–1978):

   • Early doctrines centered on the 1971 prophecy, which was later downplayed or removed after its failure.
   • The publication of God Coming in the Flesh by Um Soo-in introduced new interpretations, shifting focus to the throne of David.

2. Introduction of the David’s Throne Doctrine:

   • After the failure of the 1971 prophecy, the church introduced the concept of David’s throne to restore credibility.
   • The start of Ahn’s ministry was backdated to 1948 and tied to the idea of David’s 37-year reign.

4. Conflicts Between 1971 Predictions and David’s Throne Doctrine

4.1 Contradictions Between Doctrines

• 1971 Prophecy: Predicted the completion of the heavenly sanctuary in 1971.
• David’s Throne Doctrine: Claimed Ahn ministered for 37 years, starting in 1948.
• These two timelines conflict, revealing inconsistencies in the church’s theological framework.

4.2 Fabricated Start Date of 1948:

• The claim that Ahn’s ministry began in 1948 was retroactively introduced to align with David’s throne doctrine.
• However, historical records show Ahn was baptized in 1954, not 1948, exposing the fabricated nature of this claim.

5. Conclusion: Arbitrary Interpretations and Failed Prophecies

5.1 Key Observations from Ahn’s Handwritten Notes

1. Speculative and Baseless Interpretations:

   • The reinterpretation of scriptural timelines lacks biblical or historical support.
   • Arbitrary calculations, such as the 40-year deduction, undermine the credibility of these predictions.

2. Failure of the 1971 Prophecy:

   • The lack of any eschatological fulfillment in 1971 invalidates Ahn’s predictions.

3. Doctrine Revision:

   • The failure of his predictions led to significant doctrinal revisions, including the introduction of the David’s throne doctrine.

5.2 Modern Implications for the World Mission Society Church of God

1. Historical Manipulation:

   • The church has obscured Ahn’s early doctrines and failed prophecies, instead emphasizing selectively revised teachings.

2. Doctrinal Inconsistencies:

   • The contradictions between early predictions and later doctrines highlight a lack of systematic coherence.

5.3 A Call for Truth in Faith

• Faith must be rooted in truth and supported by objective examination of doctrine and history.
• The arbitrary interpretations and manipulations of failed prophecies by the World Mission Society Church of God undermine its theological credibility.

To pursue genuine faith, believers must critically evaluate the origins and evolution of teachings, ensuring alignment with scriptural truths and historical accuracy. Truth, not distortion, is the foundation of authentic belief.