Part 1: The WMSCOG’s Teachings on the Sabbath Day – A Critical Examination

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) teaches that seventh-day Sabbath observance (Saturday) is mandatory for Christians and essential for salvation. They interpret specific biblical passages, use historical claims selectively, and reject Sunday worship, calling it a pagan tradition. In this part, we will present their arguments as they teach them, setting the stage for a detailed biblical and historical refutation in subsequent parts.

1. The Fourth Commandment as an Eternal Law

The WMSCOG claims that the Sabbath commandment, found in the Fourth Commandment of the Ten Commandments, remains eternally binding:

• Exodus 20:8-11:

  “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy... For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

• They argue that the Ten Commandments are part of the Moral Law, which is eternally binding on Christians.

• They emphasize Ezekiel 20:12 as proof that the Sabbath is a sign between God and His people:

  “Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.”

Key Claim: The WMSCOG asserts that Sabbath observance is not just a Jewish practice but an eternal sign for all believers.

2. Jesus’ Example of Sabbath Observance

The WMSCOG points to Jesus’ Sabbath-keeping as a model for Christians:

• Luke 4:16:

  “He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom.”

• They argue:

  1. Jesus deliberately observed the Sabbath as a religious obligation.
  2. Jesus never abolished the Sabbath but confirmed its importance, citing:

     • Matthew 12:8:

       “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Key Claim: Jesus’ observance of the Sabbath proves its continued relevance for Christians today.

3. The Apostles Observed the Sabbath

The WMSCOG claims that the apostles continued to observe the Sabbath after Jesus’ resurrection, proving its continued necessity in the early church:

• Acts 17:2:

  “As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.”

• Acts 13:14-15:

  Paul preaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath.