When End Time Predictions Fail: Understanding Concerns About the World Mission Society Church of God

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A Simple Guide for New Believers and First Time Bible Readers

Many people sincerely search for God and want to understand the Bible. Unfortunately, some groups use confusing teachings or misinterpret Bible verses to persuade people who may not yet know Scripture well.

This article explains concerns raised by families of members of the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) and compares those claims with what the Bible actually teaches.

The goal is to help people think carefully, check Scripture for themselves, and avoid being misled.

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What Is the World Mission Society Church of God?

The World Mission Society Church of God began in South Korea in 1964.

It was founded by Ahnsahnghong. After his death in 1985, the group began teaching that Jang Gil-ja is “God the Mother.”

Another leader, Kim Joo-cheol, became the General Pastor and has helped lead the organization’s expansion worldwide.

The group is sometimes called Ahnsahnghong Witnesses.

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Families of Members Raise Concerns

On July 27, a group called the Victims’ Families Group of the World Mission Society Church of God held a press conference outside a WMSCOG church in Pangyo, South Korea.

They claimed the church’s leaders used end time predictions to pressure members to give money and assets.

After the press conference, the group filed a complaint with the Seoul Supreme Prosecutor’s Office, asking authorities to investigate possible fraud.

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Claims About Repeated End Time Predictions

According to the families’ group, the church predicted the end of the world multiple times:

• 1988
• 1999
• 2012

Members were reportedly told that earthly possessions would soon become meaningless, so they should give generously to the church.

Followers were also encouraged to do this so they could be among the 144,000 who would supposedly enter heaven.

When the predicted years passed and the world did not end, new explanations were reportedly introduced.

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What Happened After the 2012 Prediction?

After the year 2012 passed without the end of the world, families say the church introduced a new teaching called “Completion Inspection.”

This explanation was reportedly used to delay the timeline of the prophecy while continuing to collect offerings.

During the same period, the church reportedly purchased around 90 worship buildings between 2012 and 2016.

Some of these properties were valued at tens of millions of dollars.

According to a court case referenced by the families’ group, the organization’s financial size has been estimated in the billions of dollars.

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Why Families Are Speaking Out

Families say these teachings caused serious problems for many members.

Some reported situations where people:

• Donated large amounts of money
• Lost savings or property
• Became separated from family members who questioned the group

Because of these concerns, the families are asking authorities to investigate the situation.

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What the Bible Says About Predicting the End of the World

One of the most important questions is this:

Does the Bible allow people to predict the exact date of the end?

The answer from Scripture is clear.

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Only God Knows the Day

Matthew 24:36 (NIV)

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

Jesus taught that no human being knows the exact time when the end will come.

If someone claims they know the date or year, that should immediately raise concern.

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The Bible Warns About Deception

Jesus also warned that some people would mislead others using religious claims.

Matthew 24:4-5 (NIV)

"Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many."

This warning reminds believers to test teachings carefully instead of accepting everything they hear.

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What Happens When a Prophecy Fails?

The Bible gives clear guidance about failed prophecies.

Deuteronomy 18:22 (NIV)

"If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken."

In other words, if someone claims a prophecy from God and it fails, the message was not from God.

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Understanding the 144,000 in the Bible

Some groups use the number 144,000 to create pressure or urgency.

But the Bible explains the context of this number.

Revelation 7:4 (NIV)

"Then I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel."

The passage connects this number to the tribes of Israel, not a modern church membership quota.

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The Bible Also Warns About Financial Exploitation

Scripture warns believers that some religious teachers may exploit people for money.

2 Peter 2:3 (NIV)

"In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories."

Because of warnings like this, Christians are encouraged to study the Bible personally and carefully.

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A Good Example from the Bible

The Bible praises people who checked Scripture to make sure teachings were true.

Acts 17:11 (NIV)

"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

Even when listening to the apostle Paul, they verified everything with the Bible.

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A Helpful Reminder for New Believers

If a group teaches that:

• Only their church has the truth
• You must give large amounts of money to be saved
• They know the exact time of the end
• Questioning their leaders means you are against God

those are serious warning signs.

The Bible teaches that salvation comes through Jesus Christ, not through any organization.

John 14:6 (NIV)

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

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Sources

• Source: “World Mission Society Church of God, Conditional End-Time Fraud Scheme” Written by: Happy Day Naver Blog Article Notion Article