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United Church Of God Biography & Facts

The United Church of God, an International Association (UCGIA or simply UCG) is a nontrinitarian Christian church based in the United States. The UCG calls itself "The United Church of God, an International Association", with the last three words italicized in order to differentiate the UCG from local congregations and denominations which bear similar names. The UCG was organized in 1995 by churches that had been part of the Worldwide Church of God, and holds doctrines and beliefs similar to those taught by Herbert W. Armstrong and the former Worldwide Church of God. Government The UCG is governed by a 12-man board called the "Council of Elders" that is elected by the church's paid and lay ministers, which form the "General Conference of Elders." The General Conference of Elders meets once a year in May to perform tasks including budget approval, operational planning, strategic planning, electing members of the church council, and participation in seminars. The council acts as the governing body for the international association and is responsible for forming policy and doctrine for the Church. The council meets four times a year. The UCG's international headquarters is referred to as the "Home Office" and is located in Milford, Ohio (a suburb of Cincinnati). This office is headed by the UCG's president, who is the church's official spokesperson and is charged with administrative responsibility over day-to-day functions, such as managing the church's paid ministry and producing literature or other publications. The president is appointed by the Council of Elders (COE) and can be removed from his appointment by the COE. The COE must remain in the confidence of the General Conference of Elders, and COE members serve on a rotating system of election wherein four of twelve men are up for re-election or replacement in any given year. Fundamental beliefs The UCG follows and believes in many of the basic doctrinal principles of Christian churches, such as the inspiration of the scriptures, Christ's bodily resurrection, and the three ordinances of baptism, and agrees with Protestant theology regarding the tenets of sola scriptura and that justification is a gift given freely by God. However, its teachings differ from mainstream Christian (Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant) theology in a number of key areas: Nature of God — There are two distinct, uncreated, and eternal divine Beings presiding over the creation: God the Father and the Word, who became flesh as Jesus Christ. They are considered "one" in belief, direction, and purpose, much the same way members of the Church are united while remaining separate physical beings. Jesus is both God and the Son of God, and is the Creator of all things through the direction of the Father. Together they make up "the God family." The Holy Spirit is the transforming power of God rather than a person. This non-Trinitarian doctrine was condemned by the Council of Nicea in 325AD. The Bible — Both the Old and New Testaments preserve God's divine revelation to humanity and are his "complete expressed will to humanity." In agreement with 2 Timothy 3:16, all scripture is inspired by God. The UCG also holds that scripture is infallible in its original writing and the final authority in a person's life. There is no doctrine regarding the type of translation one must use. Satan the Devil — Satan is the ultimate adversary of God and, by extension, man. He is the deceiver and accuser of man who has temporarily been given limited power over the world by God. Humanity — Humans are created in the image of God with the potential to be children in God's family. Mankind was formed from the dust of the ground and given the breath of life by God. Humans are mortal, and do not possess an immortal soul. Sin and God's Law — Sin is defined as transgression of God's law. Sin, introduced to humanity in the garden of Eden, withholds God's gift of eternal life from mankind. Only through the forgiveness of sins, by God's grace, will a person receive eternal life. However, despite God's grace, open rejection of God's law and a return to sinful ways will ultimately lead to death. The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ — The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christianity. Jesus gave His life for all mankind so that we might live, freed from the penalty of sin. Three Days and Three Nights — In accordance with his prophecy concerning himself, Christ would be raised after three days and three nights, literally. The UCG holds that Christ died on Wednesday afternoon and was raised shortly before sunset on Saturday. Repentance — Repentance is a major part of conversion and is necessary for true conversion into God's family. Water Baptism — The United Church of God holds baptism as an important ordinance for all Christians. Complete immersion is the only form of water baptism accepted by the UCG. Baptism must be preceded by faith and repentance and represents a believer's death and newness of life in Christ Jesus. Baptism is considered an outward expression of an inward conversion. Infant baptism is strongly discouraged, as only those who fully understand and appreciate what baptism symbolizes are baptized. The baptism ceremony is followed by the “laying on of hands” where a believer is believed to receive the Holy Spirit. The Sabbath Day — The Sabbath day, as a day set aside by God, was established at creation, given to Israel in the Ten Commandments, and made for all mankind. Members hallow the Sabbath by worshipping and resting on the Seventh day. Passover — members of the UCG observe the Passover meal every 14th of Abib, imitating Christ's last supper. The Passover meal, the bread and the wine, are viewed as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice. The Passover ceremony, which consists of the bread, the wine, and foot washing, is observed once a year. Belief concerning the Festivals and Holy Days of God — The UCG observes seven annual Festivals and seven annual Holy Days (annual Sabbaths): Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, and The Last Great Day. Food Laws — According to the teaching of the UCG, God's food laws were established before the formation of Israel and are therefore still binding to Christians today. Evidence of their continuing importance is believed to be found in the example of Jesus' and His disciples' abstinence of biblically unclean meats. Military Service and War — The UCG holds that Christians are forbidden by the commandments of God from taking a life. Christians are viewed as being called out of this world, having their citizenship in heaven, and discouraged from participating too closely in worldly affairs. John 18:36 is often used to defend this position, "Jesus stated, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants fight.'" Also, because most militaries require you to sign away certain rights, The UCG strongly dissuades members f.... Discover the United Church Of God popular books. Find the top 100 most popular United Church Of God books.