Statement from United Christian Churches in Taiwan Regarding the Eastern Lightning Heresy
3/2/2013
Subject: Notice and Reminder to all Christians and Inquirers: Regarding the group that calls itself the "Almighty God Church."
We have reviewed their recent advertisements continuously appearing in newspapers and have found that their teachings are not fundamental, orthodox, and complete teachings of the Bible. Furthermore, this organization is not the church described in the Bible. It is an heretical organization from mainland China known as "Eastern Lightning," also called "The Church of Almighty God."
Because many believers and friends have had strong reactions to the statements in the organization's advertisements and website, (leading them to believe that mainstream churches in Taiwan have deviated from the true path), we, the pastors and elders of various churches, must issue this solemn statement. We call upon the public to discern carefully, so that those who earnestly seek the true doctrine do not mistakenly enter their erroneous system and unknowingly fall into the harm caused by this organization in various parts of mainland China.
Explanation: There is a group calling itself the "Almighty God Church." Utilizing the names of Jesus and the church, they have placed advertisements in major Taiwanese newspapers more than ten times since January of this year, which has elicited continuous reactions from followers of various Christian churches in Taiwan. After our verification and careful reading of the main content of the two major websites and publications advertised, and after confirming this organization's statements and actions with numerous pastors and elders in Hong Kong and mainland China, we hereby solemnly issue this statement to inform all Taiwanese Christians, inquirers, and the public that this organization is not related to Jesus Christ, nor is it a church that conforms to orthodox biblical teachings. Furthermore, we declare that this organization's teachings are heretical and violate orthodox biblical teachings. Churches overseas also hope that the Taiwanese public understands that this organization has a history of repeatedly disrupting social order overseas for many years.
Regarding the organization's actions to enter Taiwan, infiltrate churches, deceive the flock, and mislead seekers by using aliases and disguises, we hereby issue a call and warning to all people and churches across Taiwan. Do not participate in any of their activities or associate with them. Reject this organization that falsely claims to be "Christian" and calls itself a "church." Do not allow them into your homes, small groups, or church gatherings, lest they succeed in their "undercover groundwork," become deceived, and be unable to leave the organization. We urge those who have already fallen into their clutches to sincerely repent to God and leave the organization, and not to cooperate with them.
Content:
I. Legally speaking, whether the organization is a legally registered incorporated association or incorporated foundation, a group that files its articles of incorporation, personnel, and financial statements with the civil affairs authority, is undergoing a process of strong reactions and inquiries from Christians from all walks of life. This is to prevent believers from donating funds meant for God and the church to an unknown destination. We will also send the full text of this statement to the relevant authorities to request assistance in the investigation.
Second, spiritually speaking, the pronouncements proclaimed by the organization are "heresies" that deviate from biblical truth. Naturally, the organization is absolutely not the "church" spoken of in the Bible.
Due to space limitations, we'll only excerpt the sensational statements from their advertised webpage https://www.godfootsteps.org, as shown in the slanted text below:
By disparaging the Bible, they distort the work of the Holy Spirit, essentially replacing it with their own writings and claiming to be spokesmen for the Holy Spirit and God.
"Although some books of the words of life were collected in the Bible, such as 'The Epistles of Paul' and 'The Epistles of Peter,' and people can gain supply and help from these books, these books are still outdated books, still books of an old era. No matter how good these books are, they can only adapt to a period of time and cannot last forever." - Excerpt from "The Work of God in the Latter Days," The Bible's Saying (4)
"The Bible and religious spiritual books, being outdated, can only be read as leisure material. If they are read during gatherings, it is a manifestation of disrupting God's work, an act of resisting and betraying God, and must be prohibited. If someone insists on reading the Bible or spiritual books during gatherings, it proves they are resisting God, disrupting and disturbing God's work, and are certainly antichrists. God's chosen people must reject and dismiss them. All who believe in Almighty God must eat and drink and enjoy Almighty God's words during gatherings; this is a church regulation that no one is allowed to change." – Excerpted from "Compendium of Church Work Arrangements Throughout the Years," Part Two: Compendium of Church Work Arrangements Throughout the Years—Principles of Practice for Church Life, from "Communications and Arrangements Regarding Church Work."
"…At present, the Bible has become an obstacle to God's latest work. Without the Bible, people could seek God's footprints elsewhere, but now God's footprints are all 'controlled' by the Bible, making the expansion of the latest work extremely difficult and impossible to move forward…." "You must understand why you are not allowed to read the Bible now, why there is another work outside the Bible, and why you cannot find renewed and more detailed practices in the Bible, but a greater work has appeared outside the Bible. These are all things you should understand. …Since there are new words and new work, why continue to live in old historical records? …The highest word is also the latest work. With new work, the previous words, no matter how high, have become historical memories, and even with reference value, they are old words. …Today God will condemn you if you cannot keep up with the Holy Spirit's work today!"
"You eat the Old Testament and the New Testament, and you are outside the stream of the Holy Spirit!" "You should not need to find more biblical basis; as long as it is the work of the Holy Spirit, you accept it..." - Excerpt from "The Work of God in the Latter Days" Biblical Statements (1)
The organization uses the tactic of demeaning the Bible as the old way and "exalting" the Holy Spirit's new work to lead God's children astray. However, their words cannot hide their intention: that all Christians are engaged in old works except for them, and that people must follow them to experience new works. Furthermore, those who follow them do not need to read the Bible, so that no one can use the Bible to scrutinize their work. Most terrifyingly, they can condemn people on behalf of God. Even when they use partial Bible verses, it is for this purpose.
Matthew 24:35 states, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." 2 John 9 says, "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God." However, judging by the rhetoric of this organization, they not only fiercely attack the absolute authority of the Bible but also deny orthodox Christian beliefs. For instance, they clearly do not acknowledge the triune God, deny God's omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, and deny the completeness of Jesus Christ's redemption, among other things. The following points will enumerate their deviations from fundamental biblical and orthodox beliefs regarding the concept of God, Christology, and soteriology:
II. Denies the Triune God and negates the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of the true Triune God in order to achieve the goals of their god-making movement. This organization holds a heretical view of God.
You don't know right from wrong because you are too infected by religious concepts. You have accepted traditional religious notions too deeply; you are too poisoned. Therefore, you are also poisoned regarding this matter, because the God who is three in one does not exist. The God of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, does not exist. These are all human traditional concepts, and they are the erroneous ways humans perceive things." "Actually, I tell you
I will sue you, the "God who is three in one" does not exist throughout the universe. God has no Father, no Son, and no Holy Spirit used by the Father and the Son together. This doctrine is the greatest fallacy in the world! —Excerpted from "The Word Appears in the Flesh," Utterances of the Son of Man in His Incarnation While He Mingled with the Churches (II)
Does the triune God exist?
"Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit" – this saying is the most fallacious! To say this separates God, as if God is cut into three pieces, each with its own position, each with its own spirit. Can it still be one Spirit? Can it still be one God? "Before His crucifixion, He was merely the King of the Jews, the Son of Man, and Christ. He was not yet a glorified body. Therefore, He had to stand from the perspective of a created being to call God Father... So, tell me, who does the 'Father' you refer to point to? If it refers to Jesus, then what is Jesus' 'Father' to you? After Jesus departed, the saying of Father and Son no longer existed. This saying was only applicable during the few years of Jesus' incarnation. Otherwise, it is the relationship between the Creator and created beings when you call God Father. At no time can there be the saying of the Trinity of Holy Father, Holy Son, and Holy Spirit. This is an unprecedented fallacy, which does not exist!" – From "The Working of God in the Latter Days" Does the Triune God Exist?
Such arguments as the above are presented in other publications, such as the article "Refuting and Dissecting the Heresies and False Arguments of Various Denominations Resisting and Judging God's End-Time Work," all attributed in the first person to "Almighty God says." This self-proclaimed divinity, using these assertions that violate the orthodox teachings of the Bible as God's words, aims to emphasize that "Almighty God's work" is different from the "past work of Jehovah and Jesus."
Although the Bible does not contain the term "Trinity," the revelation of God as "triune" is a truth found from Genesis to Revelation. Numerous scriptures clearly demonstrate that the one God we believe in is a personal God, a triune God. This is, of course, a mystery that human finite reasoning cannot comprehend (Genesis 1:26, Matthew 28:19, John 14:16, 2 Corinthians 13:14).
If, according to that organization's argument, the titles Father and Son only apply to Jesus during the few years of His incarnation, then why, after Jesus' resurrection, did He personally tell His disciples in Matthew 28:19, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"? This clearly shows that the organization, in order to win people over, has openly denied what is explicitly stated in the Bible. It is conceivable how damaging such a group, which disregards God and His Word, is to the correct faith in God and to the church.
3. Taking God's name out of context, presumptuously defining Jehovah and Jesus’ names as no longer existing, and self-proclaiming "Almighty God." Boldly usurping the divine status of Jehovah God and Lord Jesus.
"Therefore, in the end times, when the final era arrives, my name will still change. It will not be called Jehovah, nor Jesus, nor Messiah, but will be called the mighty, Almighty God Himself, and with this name the entire era will conclude." - Quote from "The Work of God in the Latter Days," "The Savior" Has Already Returned on a "White Cloud"
"Until one day, God will not be called Jehovah, nor Jesus, nor Messiah. He will be 'the Creator'. At that time, the names he took on earth will all come to an end, because his work on earth will come to an end, and with it, his names too. All things will be subject to the Creator's authority. Would he still need to be called by a very appropriate, yet not completely fitting, name? Do you still pursue God's name now? Do you still dare to say that God is called Jehovah? Do you still dare to say that God can only be called Jesus? Can you bear the sin of blaspheming God?" – Excerpted from "The Work of the Age of the Kingdom (1991), Vision of the Work (3)"
The name "Almighty" was proclaimed by Jehovah God to Abram as early as Genesis 17:1. In Exodus 6:3, when God spoke to Moses, He said that He appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty. The name "Almighty" is also used in Psalms 68 and 91. The name "Almighty" could in no way be a "new name" as claimed by that organization. Furthermore, Revelation 1:4, 8, and 4:8 still feature the name "Jehovah," the name of "He who is, and who was, and who is to come," which carries the same meaning as the name of God Jehovah presented in Exodus 3:14. Similarly, in many chapters of Revelation, we see the names Jesus and Jesus Christ. Jehovah and Jesus' names have not passed away, nor have they been replaced. On the contrary, the name of Jesus appears as many as thirteen times. At the end of Revelation, the Lord Jesus speaks in the first person: "'I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. ... Surely I am coming quickly.'" We believe that Jesus Christ is God, the Almighty, but we absolutely do not agree with that organization's distortion of the Bible and intentional misleading of people to believe in a "renamed God." We most strongly condemn that organization for falsely claiming their pronouncements are from the Almighty God, and the sin of blaspheming God will be upon them.
Acts 4:12 clearly states: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Therefore, Jesus' name did not end after His successful redemption on earth. Instead, as Philippians says, after Jesus was crucified, "God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord." This proves that what that organization preaches is a heresy that departs from the Bible. The Apostle John said: "Who is the liar? It is the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son" (1 John 2:22). This passage is so true.
It must be that organization!
IV. Extreme Misinterpretations of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ
The chaotic age theory, which claims the Age of Grace has ended, is equivalent to closing the door of grace that allows eternal life through faith in Jesus. "The work of the end times is the final step in the three stages of work, the work of a new era, and does not represent the entire work of the economy."The six-thousand-year management plan is carried out in three stages. No single stage can represent the work of all three eras; each can only represent a part. The name Jehovah cannot represent all of God's disposition, ... Therefore, one era represents a part of God's disposition, ... After God finishes the work of the Age of Law, ... the Age of Grace concludes, ... the work of the last days will reveal to man all the mysteries that Jehovah worked, Jesus worked, and that man did not understand, thereby revealing mankind's destination and end, and concluding all the work of salvation among mankind. The work of the last days is the concluding work..." — from "The Mystery of the Incarnation (4)" in *The Word Appears in the Flesh*
This organization haphazardly divides God's work into three eras, abolishing the pre-law era, which is equivalent to completely disregarding the account in Genesis. Furthermore, they have declared the "grace era," in which we live today, to be "over." However, according to the Bible, grace and reality came with Jesus' advent, thus beginning the "grace era" (John 1:17). This grace era will continue until Jesus Christ's second coming, at which point the glorious kingdom will descend, followed by the new heavens and new earth that will endure forever. They deny all these orthodox teachings, claiming that the grace era has ended and that we are now in the "final work," "end-time work," or "conquest work." We must see through their aim in distorting their explanations and coining new terms: to deceive people with unstable doctrinal foundations and weak spiritual grounding into becoming their members by presenting "Almighty God who changes names" alongside "new work."
2. They claim that the work of the first incarnation was incomplete and fabricate a second incarnation and Jesus' return in the flesh.They say that the first incarnation was to redeem humanity, and the second return in the flesh is to conquer people's hearts and defeat Satan. This is completely heresy, denying the eternal efficacy of Jesus' redemption, which is in fact denying Jesus' divinity, and this is heresy. Hebrews 10:10 and 12 say that the incarnation of Jesus Christ is effective once and for all: "By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. ... But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God."
"Jesus came to do that stage of work, but he did not represent all of God. He performed some miracles and wonders, spoke some words, and was finally crucified. He represented a part of God, and he could not represent all of God. He did a part of God's work." - *The Work of God in the Latter Days* Regarding the Understanding of God's Current Work "The first incarnation of God did not complete the work of incarnation, only completing the first stage of work that the flesh should do. Therefore, in order to complete the work of incarnation, God returns to the flesh a second time, living out all the normal and actual aspects of the flesh. That is, God's Word is manifested in a most normal and ordinary flesh, to complete the work that God had not finished in the flesh." - *The Work of God in the Latter Days* The Substance of God's "Flesh"
3. Claiming that the Age of Kingdom has arrived and that one cannot be brought into the Kingdom unless they accept "the second incarnation of God."
This heresy completely covers up what Revelation 11:15 says: "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said, 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'" Most of the prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, but some prophecies before the sounding of the seventh trumpet are yet to be fulfilled. Moreover, in Matthew 24, the Lord himself told his disciples the signs before his second coming and the end of this age. How can we say, in light of the scriptures mentioned above, that the age of grace has ended and the kingdom age has begun today? Furthermore,
Between God and man, Jesus Christ is the only mediator; but this organization, in order to employ deceptive means to fool the masses, can fabricate "God incarnated for the second time" as the mediator for entering the kingdom. This is another great heresy.
"In the last days, God has again become flesh. This time His incarnation has ended the Age of Grace and brought in the Age of Kingdom. All those who can accept God's second incarnation will be ushered into the Age of Kingdom and will personally accept God's guidance." - Excerpted from the Preface of "The Last Ark of Almighty God"
4. The heresy that God took on flesh a second time "casually" chose a female body, hence she is a female Christ. The purpose of this heresy is to flatter women, to promote female compatriots, and to achieve their behind-the-scenes illegal control plot. This organization's intentions have been completely exposed in mainland China.
The Bible has many prophecies about the Lord Jesus' second coming. The Lord Himself also said: "You will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Where does this passage say there will be "two incarnations"? When the Lord Jesus spoke of His own second coming, where did He say He would come to us as a Chinese-speaking woman? The statements of that organization are not only completely deviating from the Bible but are also a slander against truth, alleging that God is a God who is not distinguished by gender, for their misconduct in mainland China that transcends gender boundaries.
Why is it said that the two incarnations completed the meaning of incarnation? God’s word answer (2): “The first stage of the work of redemption was only the beginning of the incarnation, and the flesh in the work of conquest completed the entire work of incarnation. In terms of gender, one was male and the other was female, which completed the meaning of incarnation. So that man has no notion of God, that is, God can become male and can become female; the essence of God made flesh has no sexual distinction. He created man and he created woman, and in His eyes there is no sexual distinction.” —Excerpts from “The Word Appears in the Flesh · The Essence of God in the Flesh”
...Then my brother fellowshiped with me on the second point. In the scriptures, God says, "Every step of God's work has practical significance. When Jesus first came, He was male, and this time He has come as female. From this, you can see that God created both males and females for His work.
And there is no distinction of gender in God. His Spirit can freely put on any flesh, and this flesh can represent Him. Regardless of whether the gender is male or female, it can represent God...’" - Excerpted from "The Word Appears in the Flesh, The Two Incarnations Have Perfected the Meaning of the Incarnation"
5. The "omnipotent god" is a god with one appearance at one time, one temperament at one time, one form at one time, and one job at one time, yet it overturns the eternal and unchanging divine nature of God revealed in Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
To say that Jesus was once Jehovah, and that the current Jesus is no longer Jesus, is indeed heresy, completely violating God's divine nature that "He is the same yesterday and today and forever." "The name Jehovah cannot represent all of God's disposition... therefore, one age represents a part of God's disposition..." — Excerpted from "The Mystery of the Incarnation of God," Chapter 4 of *The Word Appears in the Flesh*.
Question (81): What are the differences and connections between the two incarnations? The Mythical Answer (1): "Jesus and I are from one Spirit. Although the flesh is irrelevant, the Spirit is one; though the content of the work is different, and the responsibilities borne are different, the substance is the same; the form taken by the flesh is different, that is because the times are different, and it is different according to the needs of the work; the official positions are different, which bring about different work, and the dispositions revealed to people are also different. ... God incarnate in two different periods." — Excerpted from "The Incarnation of God in the Two Sessions Completes the Meaning of the Incarnation"
"You should know that I have carried out the work of redemption. I was once Jesus, but I could not remain Jesus forever, just as I was once Jehovah, but later I became Jesus. I am the God of mankind, the Creator, but I cannot forever be Jesus, nor can I forever be Jehovah." - From "The Word Appears in the Flesh" How do you understand "faith"?
The early church saw the emergence of "Modalistic Monarchianism," of which Sabellianism is the most well-known example. This heretical view denied the Trinity, attempting to interpret the mystery of God's "oneness" and "threeness" through the concept of "one person in three offices" or "one actor playing three roles." It is a result of this organization attempting to force the divine personhood of God into human logical frameworks, inevitably leading to extremism and heresy.
6. It is wrong to say that Jesus did not have the taste of God before he fulfilled his duty.
This denies the coexistence and unity of Jesus Christ's divine and human natures, a Christology historically condemned as heresy. The organization contradicts the opening words of Romans which state that we must consider the two aspects of Jesus' divinity and humanity, "according to the flesh" and "according to the Spirit of holiness" (verses 3, 4), as the orthodoxy of Scripture.
Jesus' life on earth was also a normal earthly life. He lived within normal human fleshly integrity. Whether it was the authority of His work and words, or the authority to heal the sick and drive out demons, these extraordinary things were basically absent before He began His ministry. Before He was twenty-nine years old, that is, before He began His ministry, it was fully evident that He was merely a normal human being. Since He was a normal human being and had not yet begun His ministry, people could not see any trace of divinity in Him. They saw Him only as a normal person, an ordinary person, just as some people at the time believed Him to be the son of Joseph.
7. Establish an extreme authoritarian hermeneutical model, deceiving people with plausible-sounding spiritual jargon.
Revelation 14:14 clearly states the Lord sits on a white cloud and comes, so they can contend that it is not a real cloud. However, when it comes to Matthew 24:27, "For as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man," they stubbornly claim that Christ is lightning and the east is China. This principle, which is neither literal interpretation, spiritual interpretation, nor interpretation by scripture itself, completely violates orthodoxy. When they are pointed out their errors, not only do they not repent and turn back, but they repeatedly come up with confusing phrases. This is a heretical method of interpretation according to private understanding.
"Unshakable Proof That Leaders of Various Denominations Have Been Conquered by God's Word, 135 Instances"... The scripture says: "For thousands of years, man has longed to see the coming of the Savior, to see the Savior Jesus descend in a white cloud in person among those who have longed and yearned for Him for thousands of years... All men believe that after Jesus was crucified and resurrected, He ascended to the right hand of the Most High in heaven in a white cloud. Similarly, He will still come in a white cloud... to appear to them... all of this is what is held in man's conception. However, the Lord Jesus did not do so; what He did was precisely the opposite of man's conception. He did not descend among those who suffered and longed for His return, nor did He appear to all people riding on a 'white cloud.' He had already descended, but man did not recognize Him, nor did man know; they were merely waiting for Him aimlessly. Do they not know that He has long since descended riding on a 'white cloud' (the white cloud refers to His Spirit, His word, His entire disposition, and that which He is) among the overcomers He will make in the last days?" — Excerpted from "The 'Savior' Has Long Ago Returned Riding a 'White Cloud'"
V. Denying the complete and full redemptive work of Jesus's crucifixion, arbitrarily defining that Jesus the Savior only accomplished the redemption of humanity's sins.
This statement is merely another preparation for the promotion of "Almighty God." This heretical claim deliberately and completely ignores the two aspects of complete salvation mentioned in Romans 5:10: on one hand, "we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son," which is positional; and on the other hand, "much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life," which refers to the qualitative aspect. Furthermore, we can continually experience the salvation that Jesus Christ gives us, until "your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Those who frighten people with the idea of "salvation is paused" or that "Jesus Christ's salvation cannot completely save sinners" are heretics.
The irrefutable proof that the leaders of various denominations have been conquered by God's word, Rule 49: A brother presented God's word to read: "If people still hope for the Savior Jesus to come in the last days, and still expect Him to come in His Jewish image, then the entire six-thousand-year plan of management will remain stuck in the Age of Redemption, unable to move forward. The last days will never come, nor will the age be ended. Because 'Jesus the Savior' was only for redeeming and saving mankind, and the name 'Jesus' was only for sinners of the Age of Grace, not for ending all of mankind. — Excerpted from 'The Savior Has Already Returned Upon a White Cloud' in The Word Appears in the Flesh."
"If this work were not through the incarnation, it would be impossible for it to achieve effective results, and it would be impossible to fully save sinful man." – from "The Mystery of the Incarnation," chapter four of *The Work of God in the Latter Days*
III. In terms of methods, the organization in mainland China resorts to kidnapping for ransom, moral corruption, intimidation, and threats or inducements to recruit and develop members. In mainland China, it promotes itself as "Almighty God," "the Last Incarnation," "the East Lightning," and "the Female Christ." It is a group that operates under the guise of Christianity but harbors ulterior motives.
I. Using extreme language to denigrate and damage the value of Chinese people, completely deviating from the humanistic value of God's love for all people in the Bible. "Chinese people have never believed in God, never served Jehovah, never served Jesus. They kowtow, burn incense, burn paper to worship Buddha, and worship idols. They are extremely rebellious... God is supreme, and His greatness and righteousness are manifested in saving a group of lowly people whom no one looks up to... Under the heavens, Chinese people are the most backward of all humanity, born lowly, with low character, dull and numb, vulgar and corrupt, filled with Satan's nature, filth, and debauchery. You have it all. After this work is done and these corrupt dispositions are removed, people will be completely obedient and perfected. Such a work effect is a testimony among created beings!" - Excerpt
The Word Finally Appears in the Flesh
2. By exalting themselves as gods, they transform their arbitrary and willful speech into "God says" to incite the masses against the government, thereby achieving their political goals.
"The Chinese people not only have the toxins of the great red dragon, but also reveal more of the great red dragon's nature more obviously. However, God does not directly state this... God only says, 'The focus of this step of My work is mainly on you, and this is also one aspect of the significance of My incarnation in China.' To be more precise, God has primarily come to conquer the typical representatives of the great red dragon's offspring, and this is the meaning of God's incarnation in China." - Excerpted from *The Word Appears in the Flesh*
This organization extremely devalues the Bible, yet arbitrarily quotes the Book of Revelation's symbolism of Satan as the "great red dragon" as a basis for its specific denigration of the value of Chinese people's existence. Then, without any basis, it "represents" God and defines the meaning of God's incarnation in China. These methods merely demonstrate their desire to distort the Bible in order to promote the idea that this organization is God's new work to save the Chinese people. This is exactly the same as the "Eastern Lightning" rhetoric that emerged on the mainland starting in 1993. The only changes are shifting the propaganda focus from "the Lord has already returned" to "the final incarnation," and directly changing "Lightning in the East" to "saving the dragon's descendants of China." The relationship between Almighty God and Eastern Lightning is becoming increasingly clear.
3. The claims and publications are the same as those of "Eastern Lightning," which has been designated a cult.
On the surface, the Eastern Lightning sect has many published works, such as "The Savior Has Already Returned," "God Speaks to All the Universe," "The Word Appears in the Flesh," "Judgment Begins in the House of God," "God's Hidden Work," "God's Voice," and "Walking in the Light." The two most popular are "Eastern Lightning" and "God's Hidden Work." Currently, because "Eastern Lightning" is considered a heresy by all churches in China, reissued books do not use the title.
The name "Eastern Lightning" might be re-released with a different book title every so often. In fact, the content of these books is mostly similar, just with changed titles, chapter order, or rearranged content. For example, "The Secret Works of God" and "Judgment Begins in the House of God" have identical content and only differ in chapter order from "Eastern Lightning." "The Word Appears in the Flesh" has three volumes, which are basically collections of sermons. Almost all the content in their selected works can be found in these volumes. The main doctrine of "Eastern Lightning" is the "understanding of the three stages of work," which they believe is a new vision, a new revelation, and the only way to know God. In reality, they are all organizations collectively referred to as "Almighty God," just "one group of people with multiple labels." Their publications are all based on the "insider story of God's six-thousand-year work."
The following excerpts from "Eastern Lightning" publications show that their rhetoric and claims are identical to those of "Almighty God." It is therefore not difficult to discern the relationship between the two:
"Believing the Bible is believing rumors." - The Flash, pp. 417/419
"So let's not study the Bible. Let's not deal with the Bible." – *The Dailies*, p. 368
"Those who pay attention to and believe in the Bible are the watchdogs of the Bible... the lackeys of the scriptures." -- *Speaking Out*, p. 28/30
"No matter how much the Bible has helped people in the past, it has now become an obstacle to God’s latest work. The Bible has become an idol in people’s minds and a hindrance to their thinking." - *The Appearance* p. 799
"But these books are still outdated books, still books from the Old Testament era. No matter how good these books are, they can only be applied for a period of time and cannot last forever... No matter how good they are, they are outdated... as for the New Testament 'Word of Life,' that is, the 'Apostolic Epistles' and the 'Four Gospels,' they have become history books today, old calendars... aren't they all outdated? Aren't they all worthless?" -- "The Revelation," page 815
"The God who is three in one does not exist, that is, the God who is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in one being does not exist." -- The Great Controversy, pp. 393, 399
"Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, this expression is most mistaken." - *The Revelation*, p. 869
"How can the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be one? May you believe in one God, not three Gods." - *The Revelation*, page 874
"The Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament is not Jesus. The Messiah has not come, but Jesus has arrived." - *The Revelation of the United Spiritual Community*, p. 257
"If it were not for the incarnated flesh (the second time)... sinful people could not be completely saved." - *The Lightning*, pp. 381, 431, 440
"The second incarnation of God is female and in China" – Foreword of "The Lightning Flash" page 1, main text pages 384-389
"The 'man from the East' in Isaiah 41:1-14 is the 'female Christ.' It is also said: The first incarnation was male, named 'Jesus,' and the second incarnation was female, named 'Lightning' (according to Matthew 24:37). These two incarnations complete the meaning of God's incarnation, and more importantly, fulfill the purpose in Genesis 1:27 of 'God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.'" - *The Apocalypse*, page 860.
Cite the I Ching's "Dao differentiates into Yin and Yang" to support their argument -- pg. 35 of "Speeches"
IV. Moral Corruption of Those Associated with "The Eastern Lightning"
Publicly available information from mainland China states that Eastern Lightning first appeared in Henan Province in 1993. It has been designated a heretical cult and has been severely suppressed, using methods such as sexual manipulation, lying, beatings, kidnappings, and confinement to spread its teachings. The cult leader is Zhao Weishan, who is wanted for illegal activities. He abandoned his family and fled from Heilongjiang to Henan, where he exploited Yang Xiangbin, who had experienced mental distress and claimed to see visions and predict the future, promoting her as the "female Christ" and "Almighty God" in order to use her to develop the organization. Their heretical doctrines became the "Words of Almighty God." Zhao appointed himself "priest," holding supreme power and controlling everything from behind the scenes. In 2000, Zhao fled to the United States, continuing to collect fraudulent funds through underground channels. In 2012, Eastern Lightning, under the name "The Church of Almighty God," continued to be active or move around in regions such as mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. This group would stop at nothing to achieve their goals and recruit members. Their methods and steps for recruiting followers are fourfold: undercover work, paving the way, follow-up, and coercion (detailed in their book, "Detailed Rules for Investigating and Paving the Way," for training evangelists). Many who were once misled into joining their group have testified that the organization's methods include lying, money, material possessions, sexual exploitation, and coercion, sparing no effort to force people into joining, which is extremely morally corrupt. After joining, the organization demands absolute obedience, loyalty, dedication, and proselytizing for the "female Christ." Those who perform well in their "achievements" can receive considerable financial rewards, while others face threats, intimidation, and even severe beatings. These past victims state that the organization uses these methods to expand its organization and is willing to go so far as to disrupt family and marital relationships; some couples have become estranged, some have abandoned their families, and some parents have lost their beloved children forever, causing lasting pain to families.
5. The "evangelism" and "preaching" of "Eastern Lightning" and "Almighty God" are not the preaching of the gospel as stated in the Bible. Their training manuals instruct their "preachers" to "lay the groundwork" and "pave the way."
The so-called "probing and paving the way" is their most common deceptive tactic. Their internal regulations stipulate:
Sounding out and paving the way involves four steps: First, sounding out thoroughly, which means understanding the situation by participating in activities at Christian home meeting points; second, building relationships, by finding common ground; third, changing concepts, by attempting to alter the other person's beliefs; and fourth, bearing witness, by promoting the false miracles of Almighty God.
Based on the reactions of people who have been deceived in mainland China, members of The Church of Almighty God typically present a very kind demeanor. They claim their faith is also Christianity, a religion permitted by the state, and that joining primarily involves learning to overcome bad habits and do good deeds. Once they understand the situation, they then discuss God's omnipotence and the benefits of believing in God, based on specific circumstances like family discord or poor health, in order to indoctrinate people with the heretical doctrines of The Church of Almighty God. Furthermore, they consider individuals holding positions within other churches as key targets for recruitment. After initial assessment, if these individuals' weaknesses are identified, they may even resort to tactics such as feigning a request for counseling, initiating romantic relationships, using sexual enticements, or taking indecent photos to force compliance.
The book "Principles of Evangelism" states: "Previously, various methods of evangelism were effective, such as: being led by an insider, building relationships, making friends, being influenced by love, establishing emotional connections, and persistent persuasion. These methods should be used long-term, and shrewd tactics should be employed when necessary. To save people, all means are permissible. ... To win people, any price is worth paying; this is the principle of 'evangelism'."
The next step after assessing someone's willingness to learn is to declare the Bible an outdated book and that only "The Book of Almighty God" is God's latest revelation. The next step after helping someone read the Bible is to seize the opportunity to promote books such as "The Church of Almighty God, the Last Ark," "Singing New Songs with the Lamb," "Believing in God for Salvation," "The Lord's Hidden Work," and "The Word Appears in the Flesh." In reality, any member of this organization cannot endure reading the Bible for extended periods because their "mission" is impossible to hide. Sooner or later, they will coax people into reading their more than thirty self-compiled books.
Six. Their actions are secretive and their methods vicious. They operate through layers of organization, controlling things covertly, and are fundamentally not people who act in the light.
"If My public work were evident, wouldn't the devil have seized it long ago? Would they have tolerated My existence? If I were to preach and teach people, wouldn't I have been torn to shreds long ago?" (The Word Appears in the Flesh, p. 353)
"God says: 'When I created the world, I divided mankind into four classes according to My requirements: the firstborn sons, the people, the servants, and the damned. Why are the firstborn sons not included among them? Because the firstborn sons are not created beings; they come from Me and do not belong to mankind.' (From "The Word Appears in the Flesh," Christ's Initial Dispositions and Testimony, Speech 114)"
The Bible records how Satan the devil fears Jesus Christ, the true God, yet followers of "Eastern Lightning" fear the devil? They even boast that God's existence depends on the devil's mood? We must expose these sneaky, cunning, double-tongued actions that deceive people with specious spiritual jargon. They divide humanity into five levels: the eldest sons, the elder sons, the people, those who serve, and those who are destroyed.
The female Christ calls herself "the Almighty." The second tier has several high priests. The third tier is the "guide" (i.e., sectional leader). The fourth tier is the "pathfinder" (i.e., local leader). The lowest tier is the "receptionist" (i.e., small group leader). Receptionists must emigrate to designated locations to establish roots. Any "objects" found that can be utilized must be reported. All organizational levels have a single line of contact. No one has ever seen the female Christ, nor has anyone ever heard her speak. It is difficult for people to understand the inner workings.
Many Christians react that if they call to request a free book according to their advertisement, they are told it requires a personal meeting. When asked about their meeting place, they say it is secret and cannot be disclosed. This behavior of "high-profile" newspaper advertisements and "low-profile" hiding, claiming that the Chinese mainland government restricts religious freedom, thus requiring them to hide, has resulted in them still being secretive and clandestine in free and democratic Taiwan. This is sufficient proof that this organization belongs to the children of darkness.
In mainland China, the organization established a rigorous system. Beneath the "priests," multiple tiers were set up, including "supervisory groups, pastoral areas, districts, sub-districts, churches, and small groups." The heads and deputy heads of the supervisory groups were the highest leaders of Almighty God in mainland China, receiving direct orders from Zhao Weishan outside the country via the internet.
In addition to appearing as "Almighty God," the organization has also alternated between various names in the past, such as "True God," "Eastern Lightning," "Lightning Cult," and "Goddess Sect." Organization members claim they will rename themselves "New Song Church" again to confuse the public. We request that all Christian churches in Taiwan remain vigilant and guard against any breaches in the blessings God has bestowed upon Taiwan. Organization members also use various pseudonyms and aliases, making them very secretive. The organization operates in a clandestine manner: directives are given by levels, communication is one-on-one, superiors know their subordinates but subordinates do not know their superiors. There are individuals specifically responsible for external communication to relay instructions. Core members’ residences are constantly changing, and they are transferred to different locations for exchanges. Within the organization, pseudonyms are used, and members are forbidden from asking for real names and addresses. Meetings are called with short notice, multiple meeting points are established, and lookouts are stationed. They have a set of secret codes for internal conversations and frequently change communication tools. Currently, they often use internet phone services like Skype and frequently change group accounts. They are not allowed to use home phones to discuss or contact matters related to the organization's internal affairs.
The organization also compiled a booklet titled "Typical Cases of Punishment for Resisting Almighty God by Various Denominations and Sects of Christianity in Mainland China," which fabricated numerous cases to strengthen spiritual control over believers. Another booklet, "Several Things to Be Communicated in Case of Environmental Accidents," stated: "Anyone who betrays brothers and sisters or the church will be dealt with like Judas"; "If you betray the church and become a Judas, you will be expelled forever and utterly destroyed."
The province of Henan, mainland China, has seen multiple incidents where members of house churches were beaten and harmed by perpetrators from "Almighty God" and "Eastern Lightning." These members suffered severe injuries at the time for defending the truth and resisting them. "Eastern Lightning" has, in reality, endangered the lives of others, bringing fear and harm to society.
IV. The Vigilance That All God's Children Should Have
2 Peter 1:1 says: "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the master who bought them—bringing swift destruction upon themselves."
Jude 3-4 says: "Dear friends, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints. For certain men have secretly slipped in among you—men who were long ago marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."
As prophesied in the Bible, heresies and cults have never ceased since ancient times and have plagued the church like shadows. Heretics do not believe that the Bible is inspired by God and widely attack its divine authority. They criticize the Bible with contempt, even uttering arrogant words, denying the divine revelation God has given to humanity throughout history. Their arguments are contrary to the truth of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible.
Act 4:12 clearly states, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Yet, this organization can openly deny the one true God, openly deny that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the universe, and claim to be God themselves. This is a great blasphemy against God and Savior Jesus Christ. It goes without saying how they deny Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and how they misinterpret Christ's second coming. The words and deeds of this organization above show that they are the antichrists foretold by the Apostle John in his epistles. The Apostle John says that anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ, denies the Father and the Son, and does not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is a deceiver and an antichrist. Any assertion that denies Jesus Christ's divinity, humanity, death, resurrection, ascension, or second coming, that preaches another savior or another gospel, is absolutely heretical and deviates from the orthodox teachings of the Bible. All of God's children should rise up and resist with all their might.
So, all you children of God, be cautious and alert! For in these last days, the devil roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Soldiers of Christ, rise up and stand firm! When we see Christ's body corrupted by heresy and harassed, when we witness the body of Christ being damaged, it is our time to step forward and defend the church of the Lord with the truth of the Bible. We all love this land that God has blessed, and we thank God for the people on this land who are praised globally and are rarely seen for their kindness, compassion, and love. However, when we see people who, under the guise of Christianity, the church, or God, and by invoking religious freedom, seek to deceive the love of the Taiwanese people and harm their good nature, thereby damaging the beautiful image of the gospel of Jesus Christ that the people of Taiwan have held for hundreds of years, we, the pastors and elders of all churches, cannot remain silent. We must speak out to be worthy of God and worthy of the people of Taiwan.
We declare: Christ triumphs! He will triumph again! Victory over falsehood! Victory over darkness! Glory to God! Blessings to His church! Grace to all the people of Taiwan! Amen!
Statement by Taiwanese Christian denominations regarding the ”Almighty God Church” heretical group - Co-signatory Form (0301 Version)
Statement of the Christian Community in Taiwan Regarding the Heretical "Church of Almighty God". (Signatures are still being collected...)
● AllTaiwan Gospel Hall127 Section / Brother Wu Youcheng
● Chinese Methodist ChurchGeneral Bishop / Pastor Lin Changzeng
Chairman of the Christian Local Church Fellowship / Elder Lam Tung Leung
● Director General of the Evangelical Free Church of China, Taiwan Province Convention / Pastor Kao Chia-cheng
● Chinese Christian Association of Hong KongChairman of the Association / Pastor Cheung Chun Wah
● Christian Lutheran Church of TaiwanPastors' Association / Chairman Chang Fu-min
● The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan General AssemblyGeneral Secretary / Reverend Cheung Tak-chim
● Christian Lutheran Church of TaiwanGeneral Overseer / Pastor Chen Zhihong
● Baptist UnionGeneral Secretary / Pastor Tsang King-yan
● General Secretary of the Chinese Christian Cooperative Church / Pastor Yang Shilin
● Taiwan Holy ChurchPresident / Pastor Chung Chung-ho
● Christian Quakers TaiwanAssociation Chairman / Pastor Tai Kun-yi
● China Council of Assemblies of God TaiwanPresident / Pastor Yan Jinlong
● Chinese United Methodist ChurchAnnual Conference President / Pastor Luo Yuanping
● Taichung Zhongxiao Road Presbyterian ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Wang Wu-Tsung
ChristianityTaipei Truth ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Chu, Jhih-Sen
● Pastor / Senior Pastor of City of Light Church, Jia-Zhong Li
Christian BaptistGrace Lutheran ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Li Yaobin
● Taichung Grace Covenant ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Du Mingda
● Taipei Foursquare ChurchBread of Life Global Apostolic Network Chairman / Pastor Joseph Chow
● Chief Pastor / Pastor Kao Chien-yuan, Keelung Dawulun Church, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan
● Taipei Foursquare ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Au Wing-leung
● House of ChristSenior Pastor / Pastor Shao-En Kou
● New Store Full Gospel ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Chang Mao-Sung
ChristianityTaipei Pure Gospel ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Chee-Yip Cheung
Presbyterian Church in TaiwanShuanglian Reformed ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Chen Wen-chin
● Assemblies of God Glorious ChurchResident Pastor / Pastor Jingyi Chen
● Taoyuan Joint Prayer Meeting Chairman / Pastor Huang Jiongruong
● Torchbearers' AssemblySenior Pastor / Pastor Yang Yongmin
● Taipei Truth ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Yang Ning-ya
● Good News ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Kevin Ko
● Shilin Bread of Life ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Daniel Liu
● Chinese Christian Baptist MissionWuchang ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Cheng Po-jen
HualienMeilun Baptist ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor David Hsiao
● Pastor Hsiao Hsiang-Chiu, Senior Pastor of Taichung Flag Church
Taipei CityHong Kong Chinese Christian Church, Faith ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Hsieh Rong Sheng
● New Life Community ChurchSenior Pastor / Pastor Chi-Yun Ku
● Central Taiwan Theological SeminaryActing Dean / Dean of Academic Affairs, Wang Cui-zhen
● China Evangelical SeminaryDirector / Pastor Kongwo Ju
● Holy Light Theological SeminaryDirector / Pastor Chen Jih-sung
● Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary President / Rev. Dr. Jui-Yi Tsai
● Living Bread Theological SeminaryDirector / Pastor Hsieh, Hung-Chung
● Wesley Theological SeminaryActing Director / Pastor Pang Kwan Wah
Taipei ChristianChina Gospel FellowshipChairman / Pastor Caleb Yu
● Campus Evangelical FellowshipSecretary General / Pastor Wang Wenyen
● Chairman of the Christian Hakka Gospel Association / Pastor Yu Qingrong
● Cosmic Light All-Person Care OrganizationSecretary-General / Professor Lin Chih-Ping
● Angel Heart Family Social Welfare FoundationCEO / Brother Lin Zhaocheng
ChristianitySalvation Broadcasting AssociationPresident / Elder Hong Shanqun
● Chinese Christian Evangelical AssociationSecretary-General / Pastor Hsia, Chung-Chien
Taiwan LotteryRainbow Love Home Life Education AssociationSecretary-General / Brother Chen Jinlong
● The Chinese Sunday School AssociationCEO / Pastor Huang Ching-yi
ChristianityElinor BooksGeneral Manager / Elder Huang Sheng-chi
● Taiwan Bible Study AssociationGeneral Secretary / Pastor Liao Ming-fa
● Christian Renewal MinistriesGeneral Secretary / Pastor Liu Minhe
● General Secretary of the Christian National Prayer Network Association of the Republic of China / Pastor Pan Liu Yu-Hsia
● Dandelion Hope FoundationCEO / Pastor Reverend Lee Ai Lin
● Director General of the Far East Broadcasting Company / Elder Chen Min-ben
● Good News RadioDirector / Pastor Lu Siyu
● Good News TelevisionGeneral Manager / Brother Tseng Kuo-sheng
● Nation Revival NewsPresident / Pastor Liu Chun-mao
● Christian TodayPresident / Brother Cheng Zhongxin
● Today Christian ReportPresident / Pastor Wei Tieh-Hsiang
ChristianityLove Net All-Human Care Social Welfare Charity FoundationExecutive Director / Pastor Su Yi-chang
(Signatures are still being collected...)
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).”
