A friend of mine, along with a dedicated team of advocates, started this petition to help bring awareness to the recruitment tactics and experiences associated with the WMSCOG (World Mission Society Church of God).

Over the years, many former members and concerned families have shared their stories. Some describe feeling manipulated, isolated, pressured, or fearful of leaving. Others have spoken about loved ones being recruited during vulnerable times, particularly on college campuses.

Recently, a young man shared a video about wanting to leave WMSCOG but being afraid of what might happen if he does. To anyone who has had personal experience with WMSCOG, whether you are a former member, a family member, or someone who has supported a loved one through leaving, your insight could make a real difference.

If you have constructive advice, words of encouragement, or resources that helped you or someone you know, please consider sharing them. Hearing from people who have walked a similar path can remind someone that they are not facing these challenges alone.

These are just a few of the testimonies from people who support this petition,

"I am concerned my young adult might be likely to fall prey to their manipulative tactics. I will do my best to get through to her. But, I want there to be awareness so that her peers are not victims of these scams." - Madhura

"I'm all for freedom of speech, but it's unsettling and unfortunate how many religious organizations take advantage of it. Forcing these groups to be transparent about what they intend can help so many people make informed opinions and choices on their own. I am in total support of this and hope it gets to see some light!" - Joshua

"College is a time of great change and exploration for young impressionable minds. Protections should be in place to ensure these young minds do not fall prey to manipulation into rigid, dangerous structures. I believe this act will do that." - Therese

Whether you agree with the petition or simply believe people deserve informed consent and the freedom to make decisions without coercion, please take a moment to read it, share it, and help raise awareness.

If you or someone you know is trying to leave WMSCOG and is feeling afraid, know that there are people and communities who understand what you're going through and want to help.

Together, we can encourage open conversation, support those seeking to leave, and help others recognize potential warning signs before becoming involved.

#Awareness #WMSCOG #ReligiousAbuseAwareness #SupportSurvivors #InformedChoice #CollegeSafety #ProtectTheVulnerable

A Simple Bible Study for New Believers, Teens, and Anyone Exploring WMSCOG Teachings

Many people who are approached by the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) have never been taught how to read the Bible in context. Because of this, it can be easy to accept teachings that sound biblical without carefully examining what Scripture actually says.

One of the central teachings of WMSCOG is that Ahn Sahng-hong was the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

The question is simple,

Does the Bible teach this?

The best place to start is 2 Thessalonians 2 because this entire chapter was written to help Christians avoid being deceived about Christ's return.

When we read the chapter from beginning to end, Paul's warning becomes very clear.

_____________________________________________

Why Paul Wrote 2 Thessalonians 2

The Christians in Thessalonica were hearing claims that Jesus had already returned.

Paul writes,

"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us... saying that the day of the Lord has already come."
(2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, NIV)

Notice the problem.

People were being told that Christ's return had already happened.

Paul wrote this chapter to correct that false idea.

That should immediately get our attention because WMSCOG teaches that Christ already returned as Ahn Sahng-hong.

Paul's warning is directly related to claims like this.

_____________________________________________

Paul's Main Warning, "Don't Let Anyone Deceive You"

Paul says,

"Don't let anyone deceive you in any way..."
(2 Thessalonians 2:3, NIV)

This is one of the strongest warnings in the entire chapter.

Paul knew that false teachings about Christ's return would appear.

He does not tell Christians to trust a church simply because it sounds convincing.

He does not tell believers to follow a leader who claims special knowledge.

Instead, he says,

Do not let anyone deceive you.

Every teaching must be tested against Scripture.

_____________________________________________

Paul Gives Signs That Must Happen Before Christ Returns

Paul continues,

"For that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed..."
(2 Thessalonians 2:3, NIV)

Paul gives a sequence of events.

Before Christ returns,

• A great rebellion occurs.
• The man of lawlessness is revealed.
• Major end time events unfold.

Paul's point is simple:

Jesus cannot return before these things happen.

This means Christians should be very cautious whenever someone claims:

"Jesus has already returned."

Paul says there are biblical signs believers should look for first.

_____________________________________________

What Is the "Man of Lawlessness"?

Paul describes this figure,

"He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped."
(2 Thessalonians 2:4, NIV)

Many Christians have different views about the exact identity of the man of lawlessness.

However, everyone agrees on one thing,

Paul is warning believers about deception, false religion, and opposition to God's truth.

The focus of the chapter is not on identifying one modern individual.

The focus is on recognizing false teachings that pull people away from the truth of Christ.

_____________________________________________

The Real Issue Is Deception

Later Paul writes,

"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works." (2 Thessalonians 2:9, NIV)

Then he says,

"They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved."
(2 Thessalonians 2:10, NIV)

This is one of the most important lessons in the chapter.

Deception is not always obvious.

False teachings often sound spiritual.

They may use Bible verses.

They may sound convincing.

They may even claim to offer deeper knowledge.

But if they lead people away from biblical truth, they are dangerous.

Paul's warning is that Satan uses deception to draw people away from the truth.

_____________________________________________

Connecting the Dots

Let's compare Paul's warning with the claim that Ahn Sahng-hong was Christ.

Paul warns about,

• False teachings concerning Christ's return.
• Claims that Christ has already come.
• Religious deception.
• Believing a lie instead of the truth.
• Departing from apostolic teaching.

WMSCOG teaches,

• Christ already returned.
• That return was Ahn Sahng-hong.
• Most Christians failed to recognize it.
• Special teachings are needed to understand it.

Can you see why many Christians immediately think of 2 Thessalonians 2?

Paul wrote this chapter specifically to protect believers from claims that Christ had already returned.

_____________________________________________

Was Everyone Gathered to Christ?

Paul begins the chapter by connecting two events,

"The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him."
(2 Thessalonians 2:1, NIV)

Ask yourself,

If Jesus returned as Ahn Sahng-hong, where is the gathering of all believers?

Did all Christians gather to Christ?

No.

Did the resurrection occur?

No.

Did Christ establish His visible kingdom on earth?

No.

The events connected to Christ's return did not happen.

That alone should cause Christians to question the claim.

_____________________________________________

Jesus Said His Return Would Not Be Hidden

Jesus taught,

"For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
(Matthew 24:27, NIV)

Lightning is visible.

It is obvious.

It is not secret.

Jesus taught that His return would be unmistakable.

The idea that Christ returned and nearly the entire Christian world missed it does not fit Jesus' own description of His coming.

_____________________________________________

Jesus Warned About False Christs

Jesus also said,

"For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
(Matthew 24:24, NIV)

Notice that Jesus expected people to claim special authority.

Because of this, Christians should carefully examine every claim about Christ.

The safest question is always,

"What does Scripture say?"

_____________________________________________

The Bible Says Jesus Will Return From Heaven

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels told the disciples,

"This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
(Acts 1:11, NIV)

The New Testament consistently points believers to the future return of the risen Christ from heaven.

It does not teach that Jesus would return as another person who would later die.

_____________________________________________

Why WMSCOG Teachings are Dangerous

There teachings move people away from the simple gospel taught by Jesus and the apostles.

The apostles preached:

• Jesus died for our sins.
• Jesus rose from the dead.
• Jesus reigns in heaven.
• Jesus will return again.

The apostles never taught that Christians must recognize Ahn Sahng-hong to be saved.

They never taught that Christ would return secretly and die again.

They never taught that most Christians would miss Christ's return.

These teachings go beyond what Scripture teaches.

_____________________________________________

Paul's Solution, Stay Grounded in the Apostles' Teaching

Paul concludes,

"So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you."
(2 Thessalonians 2:15, NIV)

Notice Paul's answer.

He does not say,

• Look for a new Christ.
• Look for a new prophet.
• Look for a new revelation.

Instead he says,

Hold firmly to the teachings already given by Christ and His apostles.

That is the safest place for every Christian.

_____________________________________________

A Message for Anyone Studying With WMSCOG

If you are studying with WMSCOG, do not be afraid to ask questions.

Read entire chapters, not just isolated verses.

Read 2 Thessalonians 2 from beginning to end.

Read Matthew 24.

Read Acts 1.

Read the Gospel of John.

Ask yourself,

• Does the Bible really teach that Ahn Sahng-hong was Jesus?
• Did the events connected to Christ's return happen?
• Does this teaching match what the apostles taught?

God is not afraid of honest questions.

Truth stands up to examination.

_____________________________________________

Where to Go From Here

The entire purpose of 2 Thessalonians 2 is to protect believers from deception regarding Christ's return.

Paul warns Christians,

"Don't let anyone deceive you in any way."
(2 Thessalonians 2:3, NIV)

When the chapter is read in its full context, it teaches that,

• Christians should reject claims that Christ has already returned without the biblical signs being fulfilled.
• Believers must be on guard against religious deception.
• Truth must always be tested by Scripture.
• Christians should remain faithful to the teachings handed down by Jesus and His apostles.

The safest course is to trust the Jesus revealed in Scripture, remain grounded in the gospel, and remember that when Christ truly returns, His coming will be glorious, unmistakable, and known throughout the world.