By Michael H. Exton
Edition 3.0 — August 2008
Discover the astonishing history of God's true church—how it has survived as a "little flock" for nearly 2,000 years while another church, proclaiming a different Jesus and preaching another gospel, has taken its place on the world scene.
Begin ReadingThe apostolic church, the twelve apostles, and the early spread of the gospel
The "Lost Century," persecution, and the Smyrna and Pergamos eras
The Thyatira Era, Peter of Bruys, Peter Waldo, and the Waldenses
The Lollards, Bible translation, and Sabbath keepers throughout Europe
The Sardis Era, Philadelphia Era, and the Laodicean Church
Final thoughts and contact information
Jesus Christ said, "I will build my Church." Did He build it? That Church would never be extinguished—"the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Has it survived? Where is it today?
Throughout history, very few have been truly faithful to God. At the flood, only Noah was righteous. In Elijah's time, only 7,000 remained faithful among millions. After Jesus preached for three and a half years, there were only 120 followers.
Jesus prophesied there would be few who find the way (Matthew 7:14), calling His church a "little flock" (Luke 12:32). Yet He promised it would never die and would survive until His return.
After Pentecost in 32 AD, the Church experienced remarkable growth. Thousands were added. But this rapid expansion was not to last—the world does not like to hear the truth.
Persecution came early, and devastating persecution led to the complete scattering of the Church's members. Yet even Saul's raging could not stop the progress of the gospel.
The twelve apostles were called specifically to go to the "lost sheep of the House of Israel." Since most Israelites were scattered abroad, the apostles had to travel far and wide.
Northern Asia Minor, Black Sea region, Britain
Spain, Britain, Ireland
Iranian plateau, India
Scythia, Caspian Sea region
Jesus Christ highly commended the first era of His Church for its labor and patience. They could not bear those who were evil, and they tested those who claimed to be apostles but were not—finding them to be liars.
However, Christ warned they had left their first love and threatened to remove their candlestick if they didn't repent. The apostle John, last survivor of the original twelve, died in Ephesus.
After 70 AD, organized proclamation of Christ's true gospel ceased. For the next 100 years, church history is virtually a blank. The records that remain are described as "scanty and suspicious."
When records resume with the earliest "church fathers," we see a "Christian" church that in vital points of doctrine is the very antithesis of the apostolic church. This was not a continuation but a deliberate counterfeit.
Christ characterized the second era of His Church as "poor" in the world's eyes, but actually rich spiritually. The world called them "Ebionites" (meaning "paupers") in contempt. This small church was despised by the world and religious organizations.
Christ revealed that major persecution would come in a ten-year period. These years were fulfilled in the last great pre-Constantine persecution (303-313 AD).
In 325 AD, Constantine established his chosen form of "Christianity" as state religion at the Council of Nicaea. He then issued edicts against all who would not conform.
Constantine was not himself a Christian—he was a sun-worshiper who saw political advantage in allying with "Christianity." The true Church was forced into exile, beginning 1,260 years in the "wilderness."
The scattered remnants of God's Church were now mainly in Armenia. About 650 AD, God raised up Constantine of Mananali, who was amazed at the truth he found in Scripture. He ministered to tens of thousands being converted.
The world called these Christians "Paulicians" (followers of the Apostle Paul). They believed Satan rules this world, rejected praying to saints, rejected purgatory, images, and infant baptism. They practiced baptism by immersion after genuine repentance.
Apostolic Era
"Bitter" Era
Paulician Era
Waldensian Era
"Thyatira" means "sweet savor of contrition"—real repentance. About 1104, Peter of Bruys from the Alpine region began to preach repentance, teaching that infant baptism was useless and baptizing only after true repentance.
After about 20 years, the false church burned Peter alive at the stake. His disciple Henry carried on the work until he too was imprisoned and died in 1149.
God next chose Peter Waldo, a wealthy merchant in Lyons. The sudden death of a friend shocked him into studying God's Word. As he preached, others joined as "co-workers," becoming known as the "Poor Men of Lyons."
They spread the gospel throughout France, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and especially Bohemia. Waldo crossed the Alps to establish a second branch in Italy. They called themselves simply "The Church of God" or "Christians."
The work grew rapidly. A college was founded to train ministers at La Torre in "the valley of Light." Biblical church offices were restored: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Ministers memorized large amounts of Scripture, learned at least three languages, and each learned a trade.
Articles and booklets were copied by hand and given free. The Bible was translated into different languages.
The Waldenses recognized they were the true successors of the apostolic church. They kept the Sabbath, yearly Passover, and held a great "conference" each fall—almost certainly the Feast of Tabernacles.
Under the name "Passagini," we have clear statements that these people observed the whole Old Testament law, including the Sabbath and festivals.
Even their enemies could find no fault with their lives—they were obedient, clean, honest, modest, chaste, and temperate. Their enemies marveled!
On the Waldensian emblem were seven stars. Below the fourth star was a lighted lamp representing the active Thyatira Church. Around the rim was the Latin motto "a light shines in darkness." God's people knew they were the Thyatira Church of Revelation!
In the Netherlands, Waldenses became known as "Lollards." In 1315, Walter the Lollard carried the gospel to England. Later, John Wycliffe translated the Bible into English, and his followers distributed it throughout England.
The Lollards maintained that the Papacy was a "beast" and anti-Christ, that baptism was for adults only, and that relics and claimed miracles were fakes. Many suffered martyrdom but remained steadfast.
About 1450, printing by movable type was developed in Germany. One of the first books printed was the Bible. The first German vernacular Bible (1466) was derived directly from the Waldensian version!
Baptists and Mennonites later preferred the Waldensian version to the Lutheran for over a century.
Daniel prophesied that many in the Church would die by sword or flame, and others would be imprisoned. This was literally fulfilled. Many joined the Church insincerely, and when danger came, many recanted.
The 16th century was a time of great intolerance and cruelty—not only from Rome but from Protestants as well. More people were martyred after Luther's success than ever before.
In the 1400s and 1500s, there were scattered Sabbath keepers throughout Europe: in Norway, Russia, France, Moravia, Bohemia, Sweden, and Finland.
In Hungary, Andreas Eossi led a group who kept the seventh day Sabbath and all the annual Holy Days, including Passover, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. About 1600, they compiled a hymn book with 110 psalm paraphrases—44 relating to the Sabbath and dozens more to the festivals.
From Constantine's decree in 325 AD, 1,260 years brings us to 1585. By this time the Church had almost died out—but then slowly began to grow again.
In 1586-1587, the execution of Mary Queen of Scots removed the threat of Catholic domination in Britain. The defeat of the Spanish Armada by a miraculous storm made Britain supreme, providing a climate where God's work could again develop.
God's Church began to revive in England about 1585. Several books were published urging the keeping of the seventh day. Theophilus Brabourne published works advocating the true Sabbath in 1628 and 1632.
Christ told the Sardis Church they had a "name" as living but were spiritually dead. Only a few had not defiled their garments. They were exhorted to "wake up" and strengthen the things that remained.
In 1664, Stephen Mumford was sent from London to Rhode Island. After seven years, a congregation was established—the mother church in the United States. They called themselves "The Church of God."
Other congregations followed in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The records clearly use the name "the Church of God" for these congregations.
"Philadelphia" means "brotherly love." At a critical moment in church history, Jesus Christ separated a handful of people in Oregon to begin this era. Christ promised to set an "open door" before them—an opportunity to spread the gospel.
This Church has only "a little strength" of itself, but it is magnified through modern "doors" of radio, television, and the printing press—and most importantly, through the power of the Holy Spirit!
"Laodicea" means "the self-righteous people." Christ described them as "lukewarm"—neither hot nor cold. They think they are spiritually rich but are actually "pitiable, beggarly, blind, and naked."
These members are too close to the ways of this world to be truly stirred about God's truth. Christ counsels them to be zealous and repent—showing love by allowing suffering to shake them from lukewarmness.
The history of God's true Church is indeed astonishing. From the apostolic era through nearly 2,000 years of persecution, the "little flock" has survived—just as Jesus promised.
Through Ebionites, Paulicians, Waldenses, Lollards, and faithful Sabbath-keepers in every age, God has preserved His truth. Though often despised, persecuted, and reduced to mere remnants, the Church has never died.
The lessons of Church history are vital for us today. May we learn from the mistakes of past eras and hear the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord!"
God's true Church has always been a "little flock"
True believers have always kept God's Sabbath and Holy Days
Compromise with error has always weakened the Church
Christ has preserved His Church through every age
Michael H. Exton
If you have questions about this book or would like to learn more about the history and teachings of God's true Church, please reach out.
Edition 3.0 — August 2008
© Michael H. Exton — All Rights Reserved