The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) claims to be a “non-denominational, Bible-based Christian church” to appear mainstream. However, historical evidence shows that it is a distinct denomination rooted in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and shaped by the teachings of Ahn Sang-hong.
Following his death, the movement splintered into three major groups, all of which trace their doctrines to Ahn Sang-hong. These groups represent what can be described as a new religious denomination known as “Ahnsahnhongism,” whose followers can be called "Ahnsahnhongists". This term collectively refers to the followers of Ahn Sang-hong’s teachings, including the WMSCOG, COGJW, and NCPCOG.
Ahn Sang-hong began his religious journey as a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA). He was baptized in 1948 and actively participated in the church. However, by 1953, he began to claim divine revelations and started challenging the Adventist teachings. Specifically:
Following his expulsion, 23 followers left the Adventist Church and began observing these feasts under Ahn Sang-hong’s leadership.
In 1964, Ahn formally established the Church of God in Busan, South Korea. Thus, the roots of Ahnsahnhongism lie firmly in Adventist theology, with a focus on Sabbath observance and Old Testament practices.
After Ahn Sang-hong’s sudden death in February 1985, disputes over leadership and doctrine caused the original Church of God to splinter into three sects. All three maintain varying interpretations of Ahn’s teachings but share common Adventist roots.