The WMSCOG’s Misinterpretation of Isaiah 25:6: "Aged Wine"

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) uses Isaiah 25:6 to claim that the phrase "aged wine" refers to the Passover being lost during the "dark ages" and later being restored by Ahnsahnghong, whom they claim is the Second Coming Christ. They interpret this verse as evidence that the Passover is the "aged wine" that saves humanity. However, a closer examination of the verse, its context, and its translation across multiple Bible versions reveals that this interpretation is not only speculative but also unsupported by Scripture.

This article will analyze Isaiah 25:6 in its proper biblical context and demonstrate that the "aged wine" refers to the quality of wine in the banquet prepared by God, symbolizing the excellence and abundance of salvation, not the Passover or its supposed absence during history.

1. The Text of Isaiah 25:6

Key Verse

• Isaiah 25:6 (NIV):

  "On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines."

The WMSCOG’s Argument

The WMSCOG interprets "aged wine" as symbolic of the Passover and claims:

1. The Passover was "lost" during the "dark ages."
2. The "aged wine" represents the Passover being "stored" and eventually restored by Ahnsahnghong.
3. Without this "aged wine," there is no salvation.

Proper Context and Refutation

1. Isaiah 25 is Prophetic Poetry About God’s Final Salvation:
   • The chapter describes the future banquet of salvation God will provide for all peoples, symbolizing eternal blessings and victory over death. The "aged wine" represents the abundance and quality of God’s provision, not a specific ritual or observance like the Passover.
2. Aged Wine Represents Excellence, Not Restoration:

   • In the ancient Near East, aged wine was a symbol of luxury, celebration, and perfection, as wine improves with age. The imagery conveys the superior quality of God’s blessings, emphasizing the joy and richness of His salvation.

   • Parallel Verse: Amos 9:14 (NIV):

     "They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit."

     • Here, wine also symbolizes abundance and prosperity, not a specific ritual.

2. Analysis of Key Phrases in Isaiah 25:6

"Aged Wine" and "Wine on the Lees"

Some Bible translations render "aged wine" as "wine on the lees," which provides important context for understanding the phrase:

• Isaiah 25:6 Across Translations:
  • NIV: "A banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines."
  • KJV: "A feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined."
  • ESV: "A feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined."
  • CSB: "A feast of choice meat, a feast with aged wine, prime cuts of choice meat, fine vintage wine."