The Claim of the World Mission Society Church of God: An Analysis of Ahn Sahng-hong’s Baptism and Doctrinal Evolution

The World Mission Society Church of God asserts that its founder, Ahn Sahng-hong, was baptized in 1948 at the age of 30 in Nakseom, Incheon, by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, this claim is inconsistent with historical records. Official Adventist records confirm that Ahn Sahng-hong was baptized on October 9, 1954, at Haeundae Church by Pastor Kim Seok-young.

This document examines Ahn Sahng-hong’s life, how his doctrines evolved, and the distortions presented by the World Mission Society Church of God.

1. Ahn Sahng-hong’s Early Background: Influence of the Adventist Church

1.1 Connection to the Adventist Church

Ahn Sahng-hong was deeply influenced by Adventist theology, following the teachings of its founder, Ellen G. White.

• Activities in the Adventist Church: He operated within the Adventist theological framework, emphasizing eschatology and the observance of feasts.
• Departure in 1962: Ahn left the Adventist Church and later established the World Mission Society Church of God in 1964.

1.2 Initial Doctrines Based on Adventist Beliefs

His early teachings mirrored those of the Adventist Church:

• Writings: His book Letters to the Laodicean Church was directed at Adventist members rather than being a critique of Adventism.
• Eschatology: Ahn adopted the Adventist interpretation of 1844, which influenced his prediction of the end of the world in 2012, demonstrating a direct continuation of Adventist eschatology.

2. A Turning Point: Changes in Doctrine After 1978

2.1 Pre-1978 Teachings

Before 1978, Ahn Sahng-hong did not claim to be the Second Coming of Jesus. His teachings remained an extension of Adventist theology without significant originality.

2.2 The Influence of Um Soo-in’s Book

In 1978, the book God Coming in the Flesh, written by Evangelist Um Soo-in, greatly influenced the doctrines of the World Mission Society Church of God.

• Content: The book argued that Ahn Sahng-hong was the Second Coming of Jesus, connecting him to Melchizedek and David’s throne.
• Impact: These ideas, absent in Ahn’s initial teachings, were adopted by the church to elevate his status as the Second Coming of Christ.

3. Ahn Sahng-hong’s Manuscripts and End-Time Predictions

3.1 Early End-Time Predictions

• 1971 End-of-the-World Prediction: Ahn initially predicted that the world would end in 1971.
• Basis: This calculation was derived from the Adventist interpretation of 1844, subtracting 40 years after adding 167 years.
• Failure of Prophecy: After the prediction failed, he revised his eschatological timeline.

3.2 David’s Throne Doctrine and Contradictions

• David’s Throne Claim: Ahn taught that he would minister for 37 years, beginning at the age of 30, to fulfill the prophecy of David’s reign.
• Contradiction: His sudden death in 1985 disrupted this doctrine.
• Manipulated Timeline: To address this inconsistency, the church retroactively designated 1948 as the start of his ministry, despite historical evidence showing his baptism occurred in 1954.

4. The Fiction of David’s Throne Doctrine

4.1 The Concept of David’s Throne

The doctrine states that Ahn began his ministry at 33 and ministered for 37 years, mirroring David’s reign.

• Failure of Fulfillment: Ahn’s death in 1985 invalidated this timeline.

4.2 Falsified Start Date

• 1948 Claim: To resolve the contradiction, the church fabricated the claim that Ahn’s ministry began in 1948.
• Reality: Historical records confirm Ahn was baptized in 1954, and the 1948 claim emerged only in the 1980s to fit the church’s revised narrative.

5. Conclusion: Fabricated Doctrines and Distorted History

5.1 False Claim of a 1948 Baptism

The assertion that Ahn Sahng-hong was baptized in 1948 is historically false.

• Historical Record: Ahn was baptized on October 9, 1954, at Haeundae Church, as confirmed by Adventist records.
• Fabricated Narrative: The claim of a 1948 baptism was created posthumously to resolve doctrinal inconsistencies.

5.2 Evolving Doctrines

Ahn’s initial teachings were rooted in Adventism but drastically changed after 1978.

• Adoption of New Ideas: Concepts such as Melchizedek and David’s throne were introduced through external writings like Um Soo-in’s book.
• Doctrine Adjustments: The church continuously revised its teachings to address contradictions and maintain legitimacy.

5.3 Distorted Legacy

• Posthumous Changes: After Ahn’s death, the church introduced doctrines that were not part of his original teachings.
• Historical Manipulation: His life and teachings were reshaped to align with the church’s evolving narrative.

Seeking Authentic Faith

The doctrines and claims of the World Mission Society Church of God are fraught with inconsistencies and historical inaccuracies.

• Historical Evidence: The record shows that Ahn Sahng-hong’s teachings and ministry were manipulated posthumously.
• True Faith: Genuine faith must rely on biblical truths and historical accuracy rather than fabricated narratives.

Believers must examine the origins and development of doctrines critically, seeking the truth that aligns with Scripture and historical fact. Only through such discernment can one find the path to authentic faith.