What is the Living Church of God?

Overview and Historical Background

The Living Church of God (LCG) is a Christian denomination that traces many of its distinct beliefs to an earlier fellowship known as the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), founded by Herbert W. Armstrong in the mid-20th century. In 1998, after controversies and doctrinal changes within WCG, Roderick C. Meredith separated to establish what is today the Living Church of God. Since its inception, the LCG has seen itself as continuing the teachings and practices of the early Church, placing special emphasis on biblical literalism, observance of certain Old Testament commandments, and the proclamation of end-time prophecies.

Foundational Beliefs

The LCG’s teachings are grounded in biblical texts, adhering to the conviction that Scripture is inspired and reliable. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Members aim to preserve and practice doctrines they believe were upheld by first-century Christians.

1. Biblical Literalism: The LCG holds to a literal interpretation of Scripture, believing that historical accounts in both the Old and New Testaments are accurate. This perspective aligns with archaeological studies in places like the ancient city of David in Jerusalem, the ruins of Jericho, and other excavations (including those cataloged by biblical archaeology journals) that corroborate many details of the biblical narrative.

2. Holy Day Observances: Much like its predecessor, the group observes the Sabbath on Saturday and upholds the seven annual feasts mentioned in Leviticus 23. They believe these days hold ongoing significance, foreshadowing events in salvation history, which they connect to Christ’s redemptive work (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).

3. End-Time Prophecy: A significant component of LCG theology involves teaching about biblical prophecy, drawing extensively from passages such as Matthew 24, the Book of Revelation, and Daniel. They emphasize the “Great Commission” in preaching God’s Kingdom and warning of future judgments.

Doctrinal Distinctives

Several tenets set the Living Church of God apart from many mainstream Protestant traditions. These distinctives are rooted in their specific interpretation of Scripture and in the theological heritage inherited from the Armstrong movement.

1. God’s Plan for Humanity: While affirming that salvation is made possible by Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection (John 3:16), the LCG views God’s plan for humankind as a process revealed through covenant promises and prophetic fulfillments. They emphasize that the ultimate gift of salvation is realized at the return of Christ, when believers will be resurrected or changed and welcomed into God’s Kingdom (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

2. British Israelism (Ephraim and Manasseh): Following Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings, the LCG holds that many Western nations are descended from the so-called “Lost Ten Tribes of Israel,” with the United States and Britain in particular linked to the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim. They see this perspective as providing a prophetic framework for understanding modern events.

3. Tithing: The group teaches and practices the concept of three tithes. The first tithe is given for the ongoing work of preaching the gospel, based on passages such as Deuteronomy 14:22. The second tithe is set aside for observing Holy Days, while a third is sometimes understood as a tithe for helping those in need within the Church community.

Organizational Structure

The Living Church of God is governed by a Council of Elders, with ministers and regional directors overseeing congregations globally. Leadership focuses on teaching what they view as biblical principles of Christian living, evangelism, and preparing members spiritually for the return of Christ.

1. Ministry and Leadership: Ministers often undergo years of training in what the LCG considers sound doctrine and pastoral care, seeking to remain faithful to scriptural qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3:2-7).

2. Congregational Life: Local congregations meet on the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) for worship services, which include prayer, hymn singing, biblically focused sermons, and fellowship. They also periodically gather for annual festivals, such as the Feast of Tabernacles, which is celebrated in different sites around the world.

3. Media and Outreach: The LCG publishes magazines, booklets, and online resources, most notably under the name “Tomorrow’s World.” They also produce television programs across various networks, presenting a range of doctrinal topics and current event analyses through their lens of biblical prophecy.

Comparison with Mainstream Christianity

While the Living Church of God affirms core Christian doctrines—such as the centrality of Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and the authority of Scripture—it diverges from many churches in its observance of Old Testament laws and holy days, as well as in its interpretation of prophecy and national identity. These differences have positioned the LCG as a restoration-minded fellowship, claiming to uphold what they see as the “faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

Scriptural Emphasis and Key Passages

1. Sabbath Observance: The group often cites passages like Exodus 20:8-11 to affirm the abiding nature of the Sabbath.

2. Feast Days: Leviticus 23 is foundational for their practice of observing annual holy days, seen as both commemorative and prophetic.

3. Prophecy and Watchfulness: Matthew 24 is a cornerstone for the Church’s emphasis on world events signaling Christ’s imminent return, urging believers to be spiritually vigilant.

Critiques and Points of Contention

Some critics within broader Christian circles challenge the necessity of Old Testament feast days for New Testament believers, referencing passages like Colossians 2:16-17. Others disagree with the British Israelism component of the LCG’s theology, noting it is not a commonly accepted mainstream Christian teaching. In response, LCG members argue that their practices align with the biblical patterns rooted in the ministry of Jesus and the apostolic church recorded in the Book of Acts.

Engagement with Scripture and Tradition

Those exploring the Living Church of God’s teachings or considering affiliation often review the group’s literature, attend services, and compare doctrines with Scripture. The LCG encourages personal study of the Bible, guided by its resources and ministry, holding that the Word of God must be the final authority in determining doctrine and practice (Isaiah 8:20).

Salvation and Christian Living

The LCG teaches that salvation is wholly dependent on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ—His sinless life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection (Romans 5:8-10). They emphasize repentance, water baptism by immersion (Acts 2:38), and the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers (Galatians 5:16-17). Obedience to biblical commandments is encouraged as part of Christian growth, not to earn salvation, but as evidence of genuine faith.

Practical Application

1. Weekly Sabbath Services: Members rest from secular work and gather for worship and instruction.

2. Holy Days: Observances like the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles shape the annual worship cycle, with the Church often highlighting the messianic and future-kingdom implications of these days.

3. Evangelism and Outreach: The group’s media presence, personal evangelism efforts, and literature distribution are motivated by Christ’s commission to proclaim the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Summary

The Living Church of God is a Sabbath-keeping denomination that claims to maintain core tenets of Christianity while also upholding distinct theological perspectives on prophecy, Old Testament festivals, and national identity. It emphasizes the authority of the biblical text—both in the Old and New Testaments—believing these set practices were preserved by the apostles and should be observed today. Through its organizational structure, worship practices, and prophetic teachings, the LCG seeks to align itself with what it regards as the continuance of the first-century Church under the leadership of Jesus Christ.