Mark 13:21-23 (Chinese Union Version)
21 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 23 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Equip yourself, guard against the heretical “Eastern Lightning.”
Chiu Ching-ping
“Eastern Lightning” (also known as: Almighty God Church) is a homegrown cult in mainland China. It is organized, financially stable, and skilled at propaganda. Since its inception in the early 1990s, it has launched offensives in Chinese communities outside of mainland China, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. On their website, they claim that the Almighty God Church is a specimen model God has created in China, that the pilot work God has secretly done in China has concluded, that the great work has long been accomplished, and that God will soon reveal Himself publicly to countries and regions around the world.
In recent years, the rampant activities of the Lightning faction in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have included:
At the end of last year (2012), there was a major public announcement in mainland China and Hong Kong that the end of the world was imminent. It was claimed that there would be no sun for three consecutive days on December 21st, that electronic systems would be affected by the approach of Planet Nibiru, and that various natural disasters would occur. It was also preached that only by believing in “Almighty God” could one be kept safe. They widely distributed promotional materials such as “The Last Ticket to Salvation 2012,” "The Last Ticket from Heaven," "God's Manifestation Brings a New Era," and "Evacuation Notices." In some places, banners were hung and loudspeakers were used for propaganda, creating panic and causing disturbances. They also promoted "paying money to buy peace" to amass wealth. According to reports, over a thousand people were arrested in mainland China.
In Hong Kong, they target new immigrants from the mainland, with Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, and Tin Shui Wai being the “hard-hit areas.” The "Lightning Faction" not only targets Christians but even lures pastors. A senior female pastor with over 20 years of pastoral experience and training from two seminaries was introduced by a church member to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for back pain last year. Two weeks later, the practitioner invited her to attend a Bible study group, which was studying the book "The Word Incarnate." The practitioner claimed this book was the manifestation of God's word in His second incarnation, and that the returning Christ was waiting in China. Although the evangelist, surnamed Wu, had doubts, she was eager to learn more about the Lord's return and couldn't resist their persuasion. She reasoned that she needed to know more to discern accurately, so she stayed. Two months later, she even invited sisters from her church to join.
What led her into their trap was that they also emphasized fearing God, loving God, obeying God, living a holy life, and discerning between true and false teachings. Their leaders constantly spoke of overcoming the enemy, the devil, as if they themselves were preachers of the true gospel. By the end of November, Eastern Lightning members began spreading doomsday rumors and also asked her to encourage church members to attend “Life Truth” seminars. When the church found out, she confessed to her denomination (Missionary Society) that she had accepted the doctrines of the “Almighty God” sect. As a result, she was fired on December 7th. At that time, she had not yet realized her mistake. It wasn't until December 21st passed and the prophecy did not come true that she finally understood she had been deceived. Fortunately, she did not join Eastern Lightning, and none of the members she brought with her were fooled. She deeply regrets her actions and is willing to accept the help of Pastor Law Sook-wai, a consultant at the “Hong Kong Research Centre for New Religious Movements,” to rebuild her life.
“The ”Eastern Lightning“ cult has also spread to Taiwan. In early 2013, they placed full-page advertisements in major Taiwanese newspapers over ten times to propagate their heretical doctrines. According to reports, churches in the Taoyuan Zhongli and Neili areas have been severely harmed by the Church of Almighty God. A couple, both elders in the Zhongli Church, were even lured away. Many churches have reported instances of infiltration by the Eastern Lightning heresy. They set up booths in public places such as parks, train stations, and busy commercial areas. They even impersonate legitimate churches (such as ”New Song Church“ in Kaohsiung) to promote themselves. On March 2nd, 56 organizations from various denominations, seminaries, and institutions in Taiwan officially issued a joint statement in the ”Christian Times." On March 4th, they published full-page advertisements in newspapers like "China Times" and "United Daily News." Churches, denominations, and seminaries have also organized "anti-lightning" special conferences and lectures to help believers raise their awareness.
This question refers to the “Joint Statement of the Taiwan Christian Churches,” which states: “After investigating and carefully reading the two major websites advertised and the main content of their publications, and after verifying the organization's speech and actions with pastors and elders in Hong Kong and mainland China, we hereby solemnly issue this statement,” and “this organization is not related to Jesus Christ, nor is it a church that conforms to orthodox biblical teachings.” Instead, "it is a heresy that violates orthodox biblical teachings... it is a repeat offender that has harmed social order abroad for many years... they infiltrate churches, deceive the flock, and mislead inquirers." The statement calls on and reminds Christians or inquirers not to participate in any activities of the "Lightning Sect" or associate with them. The statement elaborately distinguishes from a biblical perspective how the "Lightning Sect" deviates from scripture, acts in darkness and unlawfully, and harms people by any means necessary. You can read more online at: http://www.ct.org.tw/news/detail/2013-00561
The following will examine the doctrines, writings, and actions of the Lightning Sect based on the Bible and orthodox church teachings, in order to discern their deviations:
Origin
The Lightning Way introduces their origins on their website: “Christ (not the Christ Jesus in the Bible) was born into an ordinary family in the north and knew in his heart from childhood that there was God (author's note: he did not know he himself was God) and grew up like ordinary people. In 1989, during the Holy Spirit's great work in the house church, Christ abandoned his studies and officially entered the house church. At that time, Christ's heart was on fire, eager to serve God. Two years later, he began to speak, and was then recognized, becoming the actual God admired and loved by humanity. Christ not only has normal humanity but also complete divinity... just like Jesus.” Do they believe Jesus is not Christ? Or are there two Christs? They also say: “Since Christ appeared, the spoken words have increased, gradually entering the right track of God's work... The name Almighty God emerged, and with God's new work and words, the Bible naturally became outdated, and various sayings and theories of the age of grace naturally went unnoticed... .” By discarding the authority of the Bible, they can act as they please.
The Lightning Church initially rallied around a “female Christ,” claiming a woman surnamed Deng from Zhengzhou, Henan, was the “Almighty returned in flesh.” Later, individuals who had been defrauded and escaped learned from insiders that the so-called “female Christ” was merely an idolized puppet, and the true founder of Eastern Lightning was Zhao Weishan from Acheng, Heilongjiang Province.
Zhao Ben was a devout follower of the “Shouting Sect” and broke away in 1989 to establish his own “Eternal Foundation Church,” claiming to be the “Almighty God.” Within two years, he led thousands of followers, leading to his church being sealed and him being pursued by local authorities. Zhao and his core collaborators fled to Henan Province, the most active region for the “Shouting Sect,” and sought refuge there. Later, in 1993, Zhao organized the “True God Church” in Henan, selecting seven individuals to be the incarnations of God, giving them new names: “Almighty,” “Complete,” “Glorious,” "Wisdom," "Mighty," and so on. Zhao himself was "Almighty," and "Mighty" was the "female Christ" he later promoted. This woman had actually suffered a mental illness around 1990 after failing the college entrance exam in mainland China. She was later brought to the church and believed in Jesus. She diligently studied the Bible and her mental health temporarily recovered. Subsequently, she often claimed to be moved by the Holy Spirit, experiencing dreams and visions, which she then interpreted for others.
One time, she claimed to be possessed by the spirit of God and personally wrote a passage stating that she was God. Her colleagues actually recognized her as God because of this. Zhao then took the opportunity to promote “Almighty God,” appointed herself as the high priest, responsible for the organization and administration on behalf of Almighty God. She also selected seven unmarried women and reverentially called them the “Seven Stars,” also known as the “Seven Spirits before God.” Their responsibility was to serve the “Almighty God female Christ” and record and compile her sayings. Sometimes they were inspired to bear witness for the “female Christ,” hence this sect is also known as the “Seven Spirit Sect.” This false Christ cited a Bible verse: “Who has aroused someone from the east, calling him to His service in righteousness? …” (Isaiah 41:2), concluding that the returning Christ must be from the east and specifically from China. In reality, this verse refers to Cyrus the Great, king of Persia (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1). Furthermore, she misinterpreted Matthew 24:27: “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” She claimed herself to be the lightning that comes from the east and shines to the west, intending to spread her published “words” from China to Western countries. In reality, this scripture is Jesus saying that His second coming will be a visible appearance in the sky like lightning, and everyone will see and hear it.
As the Apostle John prophesied in Revelation: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him….” (Rev. 1:7) Paul also said: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven… then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air….” (1 Thess. 4:16-17) Clearly, the Lord has not yet returned, as no one has seen or heard him to this day. Therefore, this person, who falsely claims to be “the returned Christ in the flesh,” has to justify himself by saying: “He (the Lord Jesus) has long since descended with white clouds (his Spirit, his word, his entire disposition and being) among the overcomers to be made in the last days.” (The Holy Spirit, p. 436) If this is the case, then the Lord has not returned “in the flesh.”
True Way discernment
The Fallacy of Flash-in-the-Pan
The doctrines of the Lightning Sect are extremely absurd. They deny the Trinity and willfully misinterpret the Bible to support their heresies. On the other hand, they contradict themselves by saying the Bible is outdated. This “female Christ” claims her name is “the Almighty God himself.” Her words are the words of the “Holy Spirit” and have absolute authority. “Whether right or wrong is none of your concern; you only need to obey absolutely.”
She denies the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, saying that only she, the “female Christ” of the “second incarnation,” brings life and truth. Without her, “you can't possibly get truth and life.” She also said, “The Chinese people can represent all humanity in accepting God incarnate (herself).”
For detailed information, please refer to the book "Understanding the True Way" published by our association, pages 211 to 220.
Development of the Lightning Party
It's rumored that in 2000, with the help of certain government officials, Zhao Weishan obtained a passport, leaving behind someone named Luo Gang to manage the domestic work of the “Lightning” sect; he himself first went to Japan and then transferred to the United States. The following year, under the guise of being the founder of the Chinese house church "Eastern Lightning" and citing religious persecution, he applied for political asylum, which was granted. Zhao quickly gained support, established headquarters in New York, and directed the work of global expansion; they also set up a website, printed large quantities of (traditional) books, and produced CDs, which were distributed among Chinese churches in North America.
The author was once preaching at a church in San Francisco. As soon as the service ended, a young man and woman came in and began distributing some books and CDs. The book was titled “The Words of the Holy Spirit to the Churches,” and the CDs (five in total) were called "Selected True Hymns of the Holy Spirit." Both were quite elaborately printed. The woman started chatting with me and introduced herself as being from a house church in mainland China. I looked at the inner pages and table of contents of the book and knew something was wrong, so I asked them if they were from the Eastern Lightning sect. She flatly denied it. I saw the email address inside the book was thealmightyhasreturned.com, which means "The Almighty has Returned." When I pressed further, she said she didn't understand English and then changed the subject, asking for my address. Fortunately, I didn't give it to her.
Upon returning home, I immediately took books of the Eastern Lightning sect from the bookshelf. As expected, this book in traditional Chinese characters was an excerpt from books printed on the mainland such as “Eastern Lightning,” "The Word Appears in the Flesh," and "God's Voice to the Whole Universe." These books are actually excerpts from each other and are repetitive. Since the sect has been deemed heretical by mainland churches and classified as a cult by the Chinese government, they have changed their name and appearance to deceive people. The content of these books is chaotic, the language is vulgar, and they are full of typos, with very low quality. It is estimated that they will not attract much interest; however, considering they print without regard for cost, one book I received at church that day had 700 pages. They spare no expense in trying to infiltrate churches and deceive believers, to use their own words, to "liberate the church with the truth."
Afterward, a simple survey was conducted among churches in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it was discovered that over 20 Chinese churches had been harassed by members of the "Lightning" faction within a month or two. Fortunately, church leaders were prepared and promptly asked them to leave without any room for negotiation.
They also utilize modern technology, such as the “True Way Hotline,” gospel videos, and social networks like Facebook and blogs, to promote their doctrines. Pastor Law, an advisor for the Hong Kong “Emerging Religion Watch Ministry,” once found a “book friend” in his Facebook friends list who was promoting the teachings of the “Lightning Sect.” He immediately removed them. This illustrates the extent to which the sect is "infiltrating everywhere." However, what is most terrifying is their strategy of infiltrating churches. They first appear as "angels of light" to deceive. If this fails, they resort to any means necessary, such as intimidation, house arrest, or even assault, doing all sorts of evil in the name of God.
How to prevent
Eastern Lightning is not only a deceptive heresy but also a dangerous cult. They distort and slander the true gospel of the Bible to the utmost. On the other hand, they attack the faith of believers and damage the reputation of leaders, causing great destruction to some churches.
Thank the Lord that churches in Taiwan and Hong Kong have united in prayer, issued public statements, and held various seminars to equip believers, sharing information about the movements of the Lightning Sect and continuing to report on and expose the dark deeds of the Lightning Sect through written media, all to protect God's flock. It is hoped that other regions will also unite in this way, forming a protective net and keeping watch over one another, so that the Lightning Sect will have no opportunity to act.
How to equip
I. Equipping believers with truth
To train believers to clearly understand the fundamental doctrines of the Bible and to know what they believe. Heresies and cults are the “unpaid bills” of the church, meaning that orthodox churches have deficiencies in their teaching and practice of truth, thus providing opportunities for those with ill intentions. Fundamental doctrines are expounded based on Ephesians 4:1-6, which include “bibliology” (doctrine of the Bible), “theology” (doctrine of God, one and triune), “Christology” (doctrine of the two natures of Christ), “soteriology” (doctrine of justification by faith), “ecclesiology” (doctrine of the church), and “eschatology” (doctrine of end times), or alternatively, based on the “ contenido del Credo de los Apóstoles.” Only when believers are united in the truth and grow into maturity can they avoid the winds of heresy and false doctrine (see Eph. 4:11-14).
Believers also need to learn how to wield the sword of truth to discern and identify the content of various heretical beliefs, recognize their deviations, and train believers in discrimination skills, enabling them to practice self-sustenance and self-guarding. These can be taught in Sunday school classes, and the book “Heresies and Extremes” (published by Overseas Campus and The Great Commission), written by the author, can be used as a textbook for Sunday school use and practice. This book includes how to discern the "Eastern Lightning" sect.
II. The Leader's Awakening
Leaders must first have a full and deep understanding of the true doctrine, walking with the Lord daily, so that the Holy Spirit can illuminate and guide them at all times. The "Lightning Group" deliberately targets church leaders for destruction, so pastors and preachers must be especially vigilant. They will use wealth, sex, and even power as bait to tempt. Preachers must rely on the Lord to protect themselves in their lives, constantly examining themselves before the Lord to avoid any breaches. They also need companions for mutual watchfulness, which could be family members, colleagues, or close friends in the Lord, asking them to pray for them or to pray together regularly.
III. Church Measures
Please stop anyone distributing leaflets or publications inside or outside the venue if they appear suspicious. They should only be distributed after review and approval by the church staff in charge.
2. Teach the heresies of Eastern Lightning on the podium or in articles, and include the articles in the weekly bulletin so that everyone attending can recognize them.
3. If the congregation is invited to attend a meeting outside of the church, please first clarify their beliefs and character with the spiritual elders.
4. If a believer suspects that a fellow member is influenced by heresy, they should inform the clergy as soon as possible. The clergy should then investigate and address the situation promptly and appropriately.
5. If believers or coworkers have already been deceived, persuade them to repent and leave the heresy immediately. If they refuse to listen, please ask them to temporarily suspend their church life. If they have a ministry, suspend their ministry. If they are coworkers, suspend their duties and follow up appropriately and closely.
Summary
The church flourishes because God's word is widely spread and produces effect in people's lives. The devil's most potent tactic is to confuse the Lord's way, distort the truth, destroy people's faith, cause Christians to go astray, and make preachers fall. The Eastern Lightning (also known as “The Church of Almighty God”) is a genuine heretical cult. It has already caused much chaos and destruction in mainland China and around the world. Churches and believers should be discerning and avoid it.
Article link: http://ccmusa.org/read/read.aspx?id=prs20130605
Please cite ”Originally published in *The Trumpet* bimonthly, Issue 151 (China Gospel Mission).”
