A nontrinitarian Christian movement with deep roots in the 19th-century Adventist milieu, known for its unique views on the devil and the nature of Christ.
The Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith (COGAF) is a non-Trinitarian Christian denomination, established in the United States during the late 19th century. Emerging from the broader Church of God movement, which itself sprang from the 19th-century Adventist movement, COGAF maintains a strict monotheistic interpretation of Christianity. It identifies closely with the belief in one God, the God of Abraham, distinguishing itself from mainstream Christian doctrines such as the Trinity.
Founded on the teachings of Benjamin Wilson, an influential figure within the church, COGAF places high regard on his translation of the New Testament, the “Emphatic Diaglott.” This translation is celebrated for its monotheistic interpretations of biblical texts, reflecting Wilson’s pivotal role in shaping the church’s foundational doctrines, notably its rejection of the Trinity. The denomination’s roots can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Wilson, after migrating to Geneva, Illinois, in 1844, criticized local Baptist teachings and formed his own congregation. Originally a loose fellowship of congregations across the Midwest and Eastern United States, the COGAF officially separated from the main Church of God movement in 1888 due to doctrinal differences about the nature of Jesus Christ and the Godhead. This split was part of larger theological debates prevalent among Adventists and other Sabbatarian movements at the time.
COGAF practices believer’s baptism and upholds the observance of the Seventh-day Sabbath, reflecting its Adventist heritage. Its eschatology emphasizes the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ, the physical resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. Governed congregationally, each local church maintains autonomy while adhering to the denomination’s doctrinal standards.
Throughout its history, COGAF has committed to evangelism and missionary work, promoting its interpretation of Christian doctrine through publishing, preaching, and teaching both domestically and internationally. The denomination underscores the importance of community and fellowship, advocating a lifestyle and worship practices marked by simplicity and piety.
The Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith today includes two historically linked denominations: the Church of God General Conference (CoGGC) and the Church of the Blessed Hope. A significant split in 1921, prompted by differing interpretations of the devil, led to the formation of these groups. The CoGGC, the larger faction, adopted a belief in a literal devil, while the Church of the Blessed Hope retained Wilson’s allegorical interpretation.
Key doctrinal distinctions of COGAF include:
- Biblical Authority: Upholding the Bible as the supreme rule of faith.
- Nontrinitarianism: Rejecting the Trinity, viewing God as singular and Jesus Christ as His Son, who came into existence at his conception.
- Jesus Christ and Salvation: Emphasizing the role of Jesus Christ as God’s only begotten Son and the necessity of repentance and a consecrated life for salvation.
- Second Coming of Christ: Believing in the premillennial return of Jesus and the literal resurrection at his return.
- Kingdom of God: Anticipating the establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth, fulfilling promises made to Abraham.
Presently, COGAF continues to operate numerous congregations across the United States, maintaining its distinctive theological identity within the broader Christian landscape and engaging in ecumenical efforts to foster understanding and cooperation among various Christian denominations.
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