We occasionally receive inquiries from people asking about our origins and beliefs. While there are endless claims by various groups that they, alone, are the one and only true Church of God, the question remains—can they prove it?
Jesus, when warning about false prophets, said, “‘by their fruits you will know them’” (Matthew 7:20). The “fruits” of true Christians can be understood as the way of living among those who have received God’s Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). By contrast, note what Paul writes:
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Whether or not God is really behind individuals or groups was an issue the early New Testament Church faced. Following the remarkable establishment of the Church of God on the Day of Pentecost (31 A.D.), the apostles of Jesus faced severe persecution from the religious leaders in Judah. One of them, Gamaliel, gave this recommendation as a test to apply regarding the followers of Jesus Christ:
“And he said to them: ‘Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it–lest you even be found to fight against God’” (Acts 5:35-39).
Truly, the Church of God has continued to exist from that time forward. It is even more important to understand that the living Jesus Christ is the head of the Church of God (compare Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:17). In fact, even before His death and resurrection, Jesus promised to build His Church (Matthew 16:18). The record of the New Testament shows that Jesus continues to guide His Church (compare Mark 16:20; Revelation 1:11). And so it is in our time—Jesus preserves His Church!
From our website, www.eternalgod.org, in our Statement of Beliefs, under Doctrinal Foundation, we write:
“The major doctrines of the Church are those, which were taught by Herbert W. Armstrong, derived from the Biblical teachings as followed by God’s faithful servants, and originally established by Jesus Christ through the founding of His Church in the time of His chosen early apostles. Since we are to increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, we are committed to review and alter any of our teachings, if and when proven to be wrong by the Bible.”
We also follow the admonition given by Peter to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The Church of the Eternal God (USA); Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (Canada); Kirche des Ewigen Gottes (“Church of the Eternal God”) (Germany); and Global Church of God (United Kingdom) are our established locations—including an Elder in Australia. Our founding in the US was in 2001; in Canada it was 2000; and in the UK it was 1993. Facing the upheaval and destruction of the Worldwide Church of God following the death of Herbert W. Armstrong in January of 1986, many groups were formed to carry forward the doctrines and work of the Church of God.
Not all of these attempts proved to be true to the biblical doctrines once established. As the prophetic record of chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation attest, the Church of God has arisen to powerfully preach the message of Jesus Christ only to then suffer fragmentation as trials and deception set in.
We have much written about the Church at Ephesus, and to this Church Jesus said, “‘Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love’” (Revelation 2:4). In spite of such a spectacular beginning, the fervency for the Truth of God would erode, and Paul warned the brethren, especially the ministry, about this:
“‘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 20:28-31).
That first generation of the Church virtually disappeared from history!
The Church of the Eternal God was founded to stand up against compromises with the Word of God. Examining all the messages given to the seven Churches described in Revelation 2 and 3, one admonition has served to give direction to our efforts:
“‘I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name… Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown’” (Revelation 3:8, 10-11).
Our focus is to do the work of the Church of God, and the work which Jesus Christ began–note:
“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15).
This is what He has also commissioned His Church to do:
“‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come’” (Matthew 24:14).
It is notable that the Internet became mainstream for most US households in 2001. Now multiple billions of people all over the earth have access to the Internet. We in the Church of the Eternal God use this opportunity to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God and to provide Sabbath and Holy Day services as well as communicating with our brethren. Additionally, we have established and maintain various websites which publish our booklets, letters and recorded sermonettes and sermons.
Of special focus are the StandingWatch and AufPostenStehen programs which Evangelist Norbert Link presents in both English and German (available on YouTube and our own websites). The tagline for these programs is: “Proclaiming the warnings of prophecy for our times and announcing the good news of the coming Kingdom of God.” We understand that Jesus has also commissioned His Church to watch world events and to include that in our preaching (Matthew 25:13).
Each week we publish an Update containing an Editorial, Q&A, and news of the Work. Also in these Updates are many articles which reflect the News of the Week and which often includes commentary relevant to biblical prophecy. You may subscribe to this FREE Update by visiting our website.
If you would like to find out more about us, please visit our website at www.eternalgod.org. Personal contact information is also provided at this location.
Lead Writer: David Harris