ⓒ 2018 WATV

The Church of God believed in Jesus Christ, the Savior who came in the flesh, and kept the truth of the new covenant 2,000 years ago (1Co 1:2; Gal 1:13). After the Apostolic age, however, the teachings Jesus Himself taught changed and abolished, and the Church of God disappeared in history.

In 1964, however, the Church of God, which had existed only in the Bible, reappeared in Korea, the country at the ends of the earth in the East. The year 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Christ Ahnsahnghong who came to the earth, restored the new covenant, and established the Church of God, according to the prophecies of the Bible.

A few days before His birthday on December 1 by the lunar calendar, the 100th Anniversary of Christ Ahnsahnghong’s Birth Celebration was held at the Go&Come Training Institute on January 14. Around 15,000 people such as the pastoral staff, male adults, young adults, students, and Sabbath School teachers attended the event and gave thanks to God for restoring the truth of life and praised God’s grace. On January 17, His birthday, Commemoration Services were held at around 7,000 Churches of God in 175 countries.

When the celebration commenced, Heavenly Mother offered up prayer to Father who came to the earth once again in the flesh and restored the new covenant to save those who could not avoid the eternal punishment for sins committed in heaven. Mother recalled the life of Father who came in the time of destitution and walked the path of suffering. “Let’s hold fast to the truth of life Father restored with His endless sacrifice and put into practice the given words, so that we can reach salvation with spotless faith,” Mother said.

ⓒ 2018 WATV

안상홍님 성탄 100주년을 기념하기 위해 옥천고앤컴연수원에 모인 성도들.

“The purpose of Christ’s coming a second time is to save mankind, and for this, the gospel of the new covenant must be preached,” General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol said with emphasis. “As it’s Heavenly Father’s 100th birthday, let’s be united, having 100% faith and 100% beautifully refined character, and carry out the mission, ‘Make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,’ ” he exhorted everyone (Heb 9:28; Mt 28:18–20; 24:13–14; Heb 9:15).

ⓒ 2018 WATV

The flashlight performance of young adults led to the full-fledged celebration. More than 240 young adults dynamically showed with flashlights in the dark the Savior who came as the Light of the Truth and His fulfillment of the Bible prophecies. Children’s musical presented a lesson and fun at the same time with their songs and dance. The video messages from overseas members expressed their longing for Heavenly Father and their will to complete the gospel, which moved attendees at the event.

A full-size Messiah Orchestra and a choir of 150 members; a video depicting the passing of time from the Apostolic age to the modern era, based on historical and Biblical materials; and a musical all at the same time—it was a magnificent stage, telling us why God had to come a second time, in what kind of historical background He came, how much sacrifice God had to undergo while restoring the truth, and how valuable salvation is as it is the fruit of His love. A beautiful fan dance, reminding us of the angelic world, was the grand finale.

ⓒ 2018 WATV

Mother complimented all the event staff that had worked hard for many days despite the cold weather. “Father must be happy to see His children devote themselves to the gospel and preach the truth,” said Mother, blessing repeatedly that everyone would finish the race of faith and reach salvation without an exception.

Participants replied to Mother’s word with “Amen” and heated up gospel fervor. The church members from all over the world, who attended the commemoration service on the 17th, watched the event through videos and became likeminded. In the year marking the 100th anniversary of Christ Ahnsahnghong’s birth, the members, who lead the missionary and voluntary works, are getting busier with a resolution: “What God wants is everyone’s salvation. With 100% faith and 100% devotion, we’ll follow Father’s path until we actualize God’s will.”