What is the Restored Church of God?

Definition and Overview

The Restored Church of God (RCG) represents a religious body that traces its origins in large part to the teachings propagated by Herbert W. Armstrong (1892–1986) within the Worldwide Church of God. Officially established by David C. Pack in 1999, it positions itself as a group seeking to “restore” the original doctrines and practices from the first-century church as described in Scripture, particularly focusing on Sabbath observance and appreciation of biblical holy days. The name emphasizes the intent of bringing believers back to what RCG perceives as the foundational truths outlined by the apostles.

Origins and Historical Context

RCG’s formation came in response to doctrinal changes introduced within the Worldwide Church of God following Armstrong’s passing. David C. Pack, a former minister in that movement, gathered a following by claiming that much of Armstrong’s core message was being discarded. Pack’s founding premise is rooted in Revelation’s call to “come out of her” (cf. Revelation 18:4), which he interprets as separating from perceived false or compromised Christian traditions. On this basis, the Restored Church of God developed a communal identity around what they define as “original Christianity.”

Formal Doctrinal Beliefs

1. Sabbath and Holy Days

RCG maintains Armstrong’s emphasis on observing the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) and upholds certain Old Testament festivals—Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Trumpets, Feast of Tabernacles, and others—as obligatory for believers. They juxtapose such observances against mainstream Christian traditions, holding that these biblical holy days remain valid expressions of worship.

2. Emphasis on Prophecy

A distinctive hallmark of the Restored Church of God is the pronounced focus on prophecy interpretation, especially centering on the Book of Revelation, Daniel, and related passages addressing the end of the age. A particular emphasis is placed on the rapid approach of what they refer to as end-time events.

3. God and Jesus Christ

RCG’s theology affirms God as Creator and recognizes Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Son of God who died for sin’s penalty and was raised to life (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). They hold to the essential doctrine that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). While there can be varying nuances in RCG’s depiction of the Godhead, their official statements declare a strict adherence to monotheism and the authority of Jesus Christ as central to salvation.

4. The Gospel of the Kingdom

Influenced by Armstrong’s statements, RCG teaches that Jesus proclaimed “the gospel of the kingdom of God” (cf. Mark 1:14–15). They posit that most Christianity overlooks the millennial reign of Christ on earth and that the Kingdom of God is a coming, literal government that believers will partake in after the return of the Messiah.

Practices, Worship, and Structure

1. Sabbath Services

Congregations meet on Saturdays for worship services, featuring sermons, hymn-singing, and scripture reading. This mirrors the conviction that the command to “Remember the Sabbath day” (Exodus 20:8) endures.

2. Festivals and Feasts

Annual biblical feasts, especially the Feast of Tabernacles, are major gatherings where members assemble for multiple days. It includes preaching sessions, fellowship activities, and worship focused on future prophetic fulfillment.

3. Church Government

RCG follows a hierarchical governance model, recognizing David C. Pack as a leading figure. Ministers serve in local congregations, but doctrinal and administrative authority ultimately resides within the church’s main headquarters.

4. Baptism and Conduct

They practice baptism by immersion for those who assent to their beliefs and repent of sin, pointing to passages such as Acts 2:38. Members are urged to live in obedience to biblical commands, striving to follow principles like “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44).

Key Distinctions

1. Continued Adherence to Old Covenant Practices

In continuity with Armstrong’s teachings, RCG believes certain covenants and festivals were not abolished but remain vital for Christian living.

2. Exclusive Claims

The church often asserts exclusivity in bearing the fullness of what they consider to be true doctrine. This claim sets them apart and can lead to substantial debate with traditional Christian denominations.

3. Prophetic Interpretations

Their interpretation of end-time prophecies, including timelines for events like the Great Tribulation and Christ’s return, can be more date-specific or urgent compared to mainstream conservative circles. Critics frequently question these claims, citing Matthew 24:36, where Jesus states that no one knows the day or hour.

Controversies and Criticisms

1. Authoritarian Leadership

Some former members and outside observers mention concerns over central administrative demands and the strong leadership style. Such individuals raise questions about the extent of control over personal lives and finances.

2. Shifts in Prophecy Timelines

Observers note that when certain predicted events do not unfold as stated by leadership, revisions or new interpretations are provided. This has been a historical point of contention since the days of the Worldwide Church of God.

3. Conflict with Mainstream Doctrine

Many evangelicals contend RCG’s emphasis on Old Testament practices and unique interpretive frameworks for prophecy depart from “the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). The focus on a precise set of works and ceremonies for members is often scrutinized.

Archaeological, Historical, and Scientific Support

While the Restored Church of God is a modern offshoot, they base their beliefs on the scriptural record. Archaeological finds—such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and various ancient manuscripts—have confirmed the remarkable preservation of biblical texts, aligning with the principle that “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Moreover, historical investigations into the spread of early Christianity confirm that Christ’s resurrection was the central message fueling the faith’s expansion. This is consistent with RCG’s stance on Christ’s atoning work and resurrection. Geological and paleontological discussions intended to support a young earth chronology also play into RCG’s broader worldview that rejects mainstream long-ages evolution.

Comparison to Mainstream Christianity

1. Core Christian Beliefs

RCG maintains belief in the necessity of salvation through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (cf. Romans 6:23). In that sense, it aligns with the fundamental Christian confession that Jesus is Lord and the only source of atonement for sin.

2. Areas of Divergence

Key differences arise in how the old and new covenants interact, leading them to continue traditional Jewish feasts. Also, their consistent focus on prophetic details, hierarchy, and exclusivity in doctrinal purity stands out from widespread evangelical approaches.

3. Self-Identification

They firmly hold that they are the direct continuation of the church established by Jesus and the apostles, a position that many other Christian congregations do not accept.

Conclusion

The Restored Church of God exists as a group seeking to preserve what it regards as core biblical practices and teachings lost or neglected over time. Emphasizing Sabbath-keeping, observance of Old Testament holy days, end-time prophecy, and a high degree of organizational unity, it retains the distinctive traits inherited from the Worldwide Church of God’s historical traditions.

Its doctrinal framework includes acceptance of the Bible’s full reliability, a strong focus on literal prophecy fulfillment, and affirmations of Christ’s centrality to salvation. While the group’s claims and interpretations are questioned in many Christian circles, RCG continues to point to Scripture as its foundation and presents itself as preserving the truth of the earliest believers. Its members dedicate themselves to practicing specific forms of worship and expectancy for Christ’s return, viewing themselves as a restored remnant upholding obedience to God.