The Claim of the World Mission Society Church of God Regarding the Abolition of the Passover: A Historical and Theological Examination

The World Mission Society Church of God claims that the Passover was abolished at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. However, this assertion is historically inaccurate. The central issue discussed at the Council was not the Passover itself but the unification of the date and method for commemorating the Lord's Supper. This claim contradicts early church records and reflects a misinterpretation of historical and theological contexts.

1. The Debate on the Lord's Supper Between Eastern and Western Churches

Around AD 70, the early church divided into the Eastern Church and the Western Church, differing in their practices and the dates for commemorating the Lord's Supper.

1.1 Eastern Church Practices (Centered in Asia Minor)

• Observed fasting from the evening of Nisan 13 to the afternoon of Nisan 14 (Jewish calendar) before commemorating the Lord's Supper.
• Focused on Jesus' death and sacrifice during the observance.

1.2 Western Church Practices (Centered in Rome)

• Observed fasting from the afternoon of Nisan 14 until Easter Sunday, emphasizing Jesus' resurrection.
• Celebrated the Lord's Supper on Sunday to highlight the resurrection.

These differences arose from theological interpretations and traditions. The Eastern Church emphasized Jesus' sacrifice, while the Western Church highlighted His resurrection.

2. The Council of Nicaea (AD 325): Discussions and Conclusions

2.1 Unifying the Date of the Lord's Supper

• From around AD 150, debates arose between the Eastern and Western Churches regarding the date and method of the Lord's Supper, but these disagreements persisted.
• At the Council of Nicaea, the resolution was to unify the date of the Lord's Supper according to the Western tradition, celebrating it on Easter Sunday.

2.2 Misconceptions About the Abolition of the Passover

• The Council of Nicaea addressed the date of the Lord's Supper, not the Passover.
• The decision to observe the Lord's Supper on Sunday followed the Western Church’s emphasis on Jesus' resurrection, but it did not abolish the Passover itself.

3. Distinguishing the Passover from the Lord's Supper

3.1 The Biblical Passover

• Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples on the evening of Nisan 13, the day before the Passover.
• On Nisan 14 at 3 PM, the Passover day, Jesus was crucified, fulfilling the prophecy of the Passover Lamb.

3.2 The Early Church's Lord's Supper

• Early Christians fasted until the afternoon of Nisan 14 to commemorate Jesus' death.
• They celebrated the Lord's Supper focusing on His redemptive work on the cross.
• Meanwhile, Jewish communities observed their Passover meal after Jesus' crucifixion, following their traditions.

4. The World Mission Society Church of God's Misinterpretations

4.1 Misrepresentation of the Council of Nicaea

• The claim that the Passover was abolished at the Council of Nicaea is unfounded.
• The Council only addressed the unification of the date for the Lord's Supper and did not discuss or abolish the Passover itself.

4.2 Misunderstanding Early Church Traditions

• Early Christians separately commemorated Jesus’ death on Nisan 14 and His resurrection on Nisan 16.
• The World Mission Society Church of God misinterprets these practices and distorts historical context to support their doctrines.

5. Conclusion: The Truth About the Council of Nicaea and the Passover

• The Council of Nicaea did not abolish the Passover. The goal was to unify the commemoration of the Lord's Supper on Easter Sunday in the Western Church’s tradition.
• The Early Church Practices: Early Christians commemorated Jesus’ death on Nisan 14 and His resurrection on Nisan 16, distinguishing these events from Jewish Passover traditions.
• The World Mission Society Church of God’s Claims: Their interpretation of the Council of Nicaea and early church traditions distorts historical facts to validate their doctrines.

Pursuing Correct Understanding in Faith

To correctly understand the significance of the Passover and the Lord's Supper, believers must rely on biblical and historical accuracy.

• The Passover was a shadow fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
• The early church’s commemoration of the Lord's Supper centered on Jesus' redemptive work and His resurrection.

Rather than perpetuating misconceptions, we must seek a faith rooted in biblical truth and historical understanding. This pursuit ensures that we honor Jesus’ teachings and the true meaning of His sacrifice and resurrection.