Unity: Which Church of God for You?

by COGwriter

(This article was published in The Journal: News of the Churches of God, in the year 2000. A few minor edits are in this version as the CGCF/UCG 'merger' has since taken place.)

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity!" (Ps 133:1). Although the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) had various imperfections, by and large there was pleasant unity among the brethren. But what about now? There are probably as many groups (small and large) that once had their origins in WCG as there are denominations of Protestantism. Why is this? What, if anything, can be done about it?

Many of the articles this author has read concerning the scattering of WCG members place the blame on the ministry. And certainly this is consistent with the warnings in Ezekiel 34 concerning the bad shepherds. Probably the best modern quote on this subject this author ever heard was from a minister who had left WCG who said, "Those ministers who had earlier told members to lose jobs over the Sabbath, where not willing to lose their own jobs over the Sabbath". Apparently, one of the reasons for the lack of unity is that many so-called shepherds were not committed to what they publicly proclaimed. But is this the only problem?

Jesus taught,

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own...My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. " (John 10:11-14,27).

Thus, while Jesus blames the hireling, He also teaches that the sheep are to know and follow Jesus.

In Acts, it strongly supports the concept that the original, but small, New Testament Church of God started out united,

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers...And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers...So continuing daily with one accord in the temple Acts 1:14;2:42,46).

Later Paul suggests this was no longer the case,

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you (I Cor 1:10-11).

The fact that doctrinal and other differences are shown in the seven churches in Rev2 & 3 also supports the concept that there have been differences in the Churches of God. The following statement in the Book of Acts shows that these differences among believers were often significant as,

Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them (Acts 15:2).

Many are Called, Few are Chosen

Although many blame governance, the Tkach group, the ministry, the leadership of the various Church of God (COG) groups, and other external factors for the lack of unity, the fact remains that God holds each of us responsible for doing the right thing whether or not the ministry does its job. As taught in Ezek 33:6,

...if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity.

The apostle Paul warned,

For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears (Acts 20:27-31)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12).

Well, since the death of Herbert W. Armstrong, most who appeared to have obeyed during his life have fallen away.

Why?

Because apparently they failed to "test (or prove) all things; hold fast what is good" as Paul warned (I Thes 5:21) and, quite likely, had originally failed to follow the fundamental teaching of Herbert Armstrong, "Don't believe me, believe what is written in your own Bible!" It seems clear that most who attended the old WCG did not prove whether or not the doctrines were in fact true.

Even though Jesus also taught, "But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matt 24:13), most of the people that were once part of WCG have renounced what WCG used to teach. Most are not members of what this author will refer to as the 'greater Church of God'. This should not surprise us as it was predicted.

Paul warned,

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first (II Thes 2:3).

Jesus likewise warned,

For many are called, but few are chosen (Mat 22:14)

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Mat 7:13-14).

John wrote,

...for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us (I John 2:19).

Parable of the Tares

Though it is not 'politically correct' to say this, it is possible that the following parable from Jesus is also applicable,

The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' (Mat 13:24-30).

Thus, some who left the faith may have not have been uprooted earlier to assist those of us who still remain.

Why Many Groups?

Even though about one quarter of those who used to profess to believe have not renounced their affiliation with the greater Church of God, there are now many different groups.

Why are these groups separate?

Other than leadership issues (which this author considers to be secondary), a major reason is apparently that many who remain do not agree with some of the fundamental doctrines which were in place at the time of Herbert Armstrong's death even though Paul warned,

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines (Heb 13:9).

Most groups have renounced what Herbert Armstrong claimed was God's form of governance. HWA himself taught:

In founding God's Church, Jesus worked primarily through one man, Peter, even though He originally chose His 12 disciples. Few have ever noticed that Peter was the real leader. Acts 15: Here is the crux chapter, not generally understood... The Jerusalem conference showed that PETER was preeminent over even Paul, although Paul was the ONE MAN God worked through primarily in the ministry to gentiles... This crucial crux chapter has been misunderstood, twisted and distorted. I have tried to take space to MAKE IT CLEAR in this article" (Armstrong, Herbert W. Originally published in Worldwide News article 2/19/78 and quoted in the Living Church News. Jan-Feb 1999; p.7).

But to go on with the things that have been restored...The government of God has been restored to the Church, and the government of God has been placed in the Church. You read that in Ephesians 4 and I Corinthians 12. Christ is the head of the Church and under Christ in the administration of the government are an apostle or apostles, then evangelists, then pastors, then all are called elders, all ministers all the way up clear down to the lowest. So then there are teachers and elders both speaking elders and preaching elders, deacons and deaconesses. And the Church is restored in that form of government. The Sardis Church even didn't have the right form of government (Armstrong HW. Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era. Sermon, 12/17/83).

The government of God is of necessity government from the top down. It cannot be 'government by the consent of the governed' (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages. p.49).

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote about Jesus' idea of governance:

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Most groups have declared (or indicated) that since Herbert Armstrong preached the "gospel of the kingdom" (Mat 24:14) to the world that this either does not need to be done or at least it is not the leading priority for their group.

Many, if not most, groups have changed the belief in Church eras and a place of safety. Many groups have eliminated tithing (or at least parts of it). Several groups have adopted a different calendar system. Several groups have gotten involved with the 'sacred names' movement. Several others have adopted Jewish customs and rituals (even though Jesus warned the Pharisees about that in Matt 15). At least one group claims to have a 'prophet'. Another claims to have a way to 'uncode the Bible' instead of reading it as written. Many former WCG members, frustrated by all the problems in the various groups, consider themselves 'independent' and refer to those in the groups as members of 'corporate churches'. It should be added that many of the independents have wildly different beliefs on what most of us once affiliated with WCG considered to be biblically backed doctrine.

In summary, most remaining do not seem to feel that they need "to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). How can we be together if we do not "all speak the same thing" (I Cor 1:10).

It should be added that those of us who still believe in Church eras, believe that there will be at least three different broad groups (not limited to any particular corporations) during the end time. One that has a name that it is alive, but is dead (Sardis, Rev 3:1), another who keeps Jesus' command to persevere (Philadelphia, Rev 3:10), and the final one that is lukewarm where, apparently, the people rule (Laodicea, Rev 3:14,16; note 'justice of the people' is how Smith's Bible Dictionary translates Laodicea).

Efforts at Unification

Since as Paul wrote, "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection" (Rom 6:5), it would seem to make sense that those of us in the Church of God should be united now, if possible.

Some public efforts towards unification within the various fellowships seem to be happening. The Bible Sabbath Association has long tried to cooperate with many groups. Giving and Sharing has as well. Roderick Meredith, of the Living Church of God (LCG), has publicly stated that he feels it is shameful that so many groups now exist and perhaps, if doctrinal matters (and priorities) are resolved unity, can be achieved (it is also interesting to note that UCG and others are now picking up Dr. Meredith's recurring theme of 'servant leadership'). Now that Garner Ted Armstrong is no longer part of Church of God, International (CGI), it appears that there may be some cooperation between Church of God Outreach Ministries (COGOM) and CGI.

The discussions between the United Church of God (UCG) and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (CGCF) did not surprise this author as he had long felt that the two groups may eventually merge. However, the following comment in a publicly disclosed letter from UCG's board to CGCF's board (dated May 10, 2000) was a surprise,

Many have asked the question in recent years, 'Why do people who believe the same doctrines assemble in different places and refuse to meet together?' We need to answer this question. At recent Feasts members and ministers of both of our churches have enjoyed fellowship, combined youth activities, talent shows, and visiting for services. It has been recognized by most of us that our common heritage remains strong, our teachings and understanding of God’s word are the same, and what differences remain are primarily a matter of perceptions or past hurts.

Unless at least two of the people on CGCF's board have changed their positions on certain doctrines, the differences are more than "primarily a matter of perceptions of past hurts"--they hold to different doctrines in certain important areas. Essentially, UCG has done away with third tithe, changed governance (but so has CGCF), and changed the priority of proclaiming the gospel (but so, essentially, has CGCF). (For partial documentation, please see the article Differences Between the United Church of God and the Global Church of God in The Journal issue January 31, 1998 which includes older quotes from the leadership and some of the membership of these two organizations. There is newer article at the author's web site titled Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God which documents some of the current differences between the main two groups which had their origins in the Worldwide Church of God.)

Lest this author give the wrong impression, he is pleased that groups once affiliated with WCG are talking and may possibly merge or cooperate. The only objection is that unity based on doctrinal compromise (which may happen if some of the groups merge, and did happen in the case of the CGCF/UCG 'merger') is not good thing (it should be also understood that some minor differences of opinion are normal and not considered to be doctrinal compromise). Let us not forget our world history--the Catholic (which means 'universal' or 'unifying') Church has a history of compromise for growth--we are not to be one of her daughters (Rev 17:5;18:4). If, however, the doctrinal issues are properly resolved (and one would hope they would be able to be resolved to agree with the Bible and traditional WCG teaching) then unity is 'good and pleasant' (Ps 133:1). This is an excellent time for UCG to officially declare that it will specifically hold to the teachings at the time of Herbert Armstrong's death on the aforementioned matters (which is supposed to be their official position according to their founding documents--changes were to be made only by a 3/4 majority--however other than governance issues, none of the changes alluded to were so approved); if so, perhaps the joint task force was inspired by God for this particular purpose! That would be absolutely fabulous.

Perhaps the most fundamental is what Paul wrote:

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? (II Cor 6:14).

Jesus similarly taught that,

Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matt 7:22-23).

Thus, one should not be part of a group that practice (or teaches lawlessness)--the current WCG sadly is a group like that.

Jesus also taught, And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:27)

Thus one probably should not chose one fellowship over another because one seems 'easier' to bear.

The Bible indicates that financial reasons are also unacceptable (Matt 13:22). The fact that one likes the preaching style of one minister (or group) more than another also does not seem to be biblically sanctioned (I Cor 1:12-13), nor does the fact that one does not like aspects of the leading minister (II Cor 10:10).

Jesus taught:

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples...You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit (John 15:7,8,16).

Thus individual members are to bear fruit. And,

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them (Matt 7:15-20).

Thus groups should be judged by their fruits! The next verse says,

Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven (Matt 7:21).

Jesus clearly indicates that this is not just talking about an individual improving one's own life as He said,

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it (Mark 8:35)

But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty (Matt 13:23).

Therefore, it appears clear that one should be affiliated with a group that places a high priority of developing fruit through proclaiming the gospel! Even though this author has heard some say that this is the job of the two witnesses (Rev 11:3,7) or the 'third angel' (Rev 14:6), here is what Jesus says this to those who want to wait for someone else,

Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! (John 4:35).

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An article of possible interest may be There are Many COGS: Why the Living Church of God?

B. Thiel. Unity: Which COG for You? www.cogwriter.com (c) 2000/2002/2006/2007/2008