# What is the Restored Church of God, and what do they believe?
The Restored Church of God (RCG) is a church founded in 1998 by David C. Pack in Wadsworth, Ohio. RCG considers itself a continuation of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), which was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong. Here is an overview of RCG’s key beliefs and practices:
## Church History and Origins
– RCG was founded in 1998 after a split in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). WCG was founded in 1934 by Herbert W. Armstrong and grew to over 100,000 members worldwide.
– After Armstrong’s death in 1986, WCG began changing many of its core doctrines leading to several splits. RCG founder David C. Pack resigned from WCG in 1993 over doctrinal disagreements.
– RCG considers itself a continuation of Armstrong’s WCG before the doctrinal changes in the 1990s. RCG sees itself as restoring and continuing the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong and the “true Church.”
– RCG is based in Wadsworth, Ohio and headed by David C. Pack. It has congregations and members in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Total membership is estimated to be several thousand.
## Doctrines and Beliefs
Here are some of the key doctrines and beliefs of the Restored Church of God:
### Bible
– The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. The Bible interprets itself.
– The Old and New Testaments were written by inspiration of God and are fully authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
### God
– RCG believes in the Trinity – God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But Christ and the Father form the Godhead.
– Jesus was the God of the Old Testament who interacted with ancient Israel. He gave up his divinity to become human, died for mankind’s sins, and was resurrected (John 1:1-3, 14).
### Kingdom of God
– Faithful Christians will be resurrected at Christ’s return and have positions of authority in God’s coming Kingdom on earth (Revelation 5:10).
– This Kingdom will rule all nations for 1,000 years, bringing peace and prosperity (Revelation 20:4-6).
– After this Millennium, God will complete His master plan for humanity when New Jerusalem comes down from heaven to earth (Revelation 21-22).
### Law and Sin
– Sin is defined as the transgression of God’s law – primarily the Ten Commandments (1 John 3:4).
– All people have sinned and need forgiveness and redemption through Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 3:23).
– Christians must strive to keep God’s laws through repentance, faith in Christ, and the help of the Holy Spirit.
### Sabbath and Holy Days
– The seventh-day Sabbath was commanded by God to be kept holy and is still in effect for Christians today (Exodus 20:8-11).
– RCG observes the same Holy Days listed in Leviticus 23 that were kept by the New Testament Church, including Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Feast of Trumpets.
– These days depict God’s plan of salvation and will be kept in the coming Millennium (Zechariah 14:16).
### Tithing
– Tithing is an eternal moral law requiring Christians to give 10% of their income to the Church. Offerings are also given at Holy Days.
– Tithing was done long before the Old Covenant and was confirmed by Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:23).
– Tithing provides the financial resources to do Christ’s Work of preaching the gospel and caring for members.
### Prophecy
– RCG teaches many of Herbert W. Armstrong’s prophecies and beliefs including the identity of modern Israel as the U.S. and Britain.
– There will soon be a “Great Tribulation” of terrible times just before Christ’s return, as prophesied by Jesus in Matthew 24.
– Faithful members will be protected at a “place of safety” (Revelation 12:14-16).
### Gospel
– The true gospel message revealed in the Bible has been lost, perverted, or diluted over time by mainstream Christianity.
– RCG claims to restore the true gospel of the coming Kingdom of God that Christ and the original apostles taught.
– This gospel and a warning message will go out to the world just before the Tribulation (Matthew 24:14).
### Salvation
– Salvation requires faith in Christ’s sacrifice, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and enduring obedience to God’s laws.
– Eternal life comes only through God’s grace and mercy, not human works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But works demonstrate faith.
– Once saved, a Christian can lose salvation by falling away into sin or losing faith.
## Church Government
RCG follows a hierarchical form of church government with three ranks of the ministry:
– **Evangelist:** The top governing rank. David C. Pack is the Pastor General and oversees the worldwide church.
– **Preaching Elder:** Ministers who pastor churches, assist evangelists, and preach at congregations.
– **Elder:** Local church leaders who serve under the preaching elders.
– All ministers and elders must meet high Biblical standards (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
– RCG believes this government structure is based on the early New Testament Church and preserves church unity.
## Worship Services and Activities
Here are some key facts about worship services and church activities:
– Local Sabbath services have songs and hymns, prayers, and a sermon usually given by a preaching elder.
– Annual Holy Days are observed, including Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost, and the Feast of Trumpets.
– The Church produces a television program, booklets, magazines, and extensive media spreading its teachings.
– Youth camps and regional family weekends are held to bring members together and strengthen the church socially.
– Members are prohibited from military service but are permitted to vote and be employed in non-Church jobs.
## Conclusion
The Restored Church of God sees itself as carrying on the legacy of Herbert W. Armstrong by restoring original Worldwide Church of God teachings and practices. It places great emphasis on obedience to God’s laws, Sabbath and Holy Day observance, prophecy, church government, tithing, and proclaiming its teachings. RCG anticipates God soon setting up His Kingdom on earth when Jesus Christ returns.