The amazing work of the gospel is now continuously occurring all around the world as the glory of God Elohim is proclaimed among all nations according to the prophecies of God. In the evening of April 9 [the 14th day of the first month in the sacred calendar], the Sacred Assembly of the Passover 2009 was held in all the Churches of God throughout the world. The members, who had diligently carried out the mission of the couriers for the Passover to share the blessing of eternal life granted by God with people around the world, participated in the promise of salvation with joy and thanksgiving.

The Passover is the day when the Israelites who were slaves in Egypt escaped the plague of death through the blood of the Passover lamb and were released from their 430 years of bondage in Egypt. God commanded them to celebrate the day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come (Ex 12:1-14). On this day, Jesus Christ let His disciples eat bread representing His flesh and drink wine representing His blood. By doing this, He delivered mankind from the slavery of sin and death and established the new covenant that has the promise of eternal life (Jn 6:53-54; Mt 26:17-28; Lk 22:7-20).

ⓒ 2009 WATV

At 6 p.m., the worship service for the feet washing ceremony was held before the service for the holy bread and wine ceremony. General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim said, “We are to hold the feet washing ceremony according to the example of Christ who personally washed His disciples’ feet before the holy bread and wine ceremony of the Passover. It has an important meaning, proving our relationship with God.” In addition, he explained the history of Israel in the Old Testament as a shadow, saying that the priests washed their hands and feet with water before they entered the sanctuary so that they would not die (Jn 13:4-10; Ex 30:17-20). The members washed one another’s feet, as Christ taught them, saying, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (Jn 13:15).

Then began the worship service for the holy bread and wine ceremony. Mother thanked Heavenly Father for forgiving His children’s sins and swallowing up death forever, and prayed that Her children would participate in the bread and wine of the Passover with faith and realize the true love of God and be fully born again. She also prayed that they would lead numerous souls around the world into life and share the blessings of heaven with them.

ⓒ 2009 WATV

General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim reminded the members of the power of the Passover through which they can escape disasters and receive the promise of eternal life as well as the right to become children of God, and prayed that the people of Zion would celebrate the Passover with perfect faith and receive all the blessings prepared for them. Then he delivered a sermon titled “The Tree of Life and the Passover.” In his sermon, he reminded the members that mankind’s death originated from the sin committed in the spiritual world, and emphasized, “The Passover of the new covenant, which Jesus established through His sacrifice and love in order to free us from our sins deserving death, is the core of the Bible, the reality of the tree of life in Eden and the key to eternal life.” In addition, he urged them, “Let’s quickly preach this joyful news of salvation to human beings who tremble in fear because of pouring disasters and lead them to the way of eternal life” (Ge 3:22; Jn 6:53; Lk 22:7-20; 1 Co 11:23-27).

The members throughout the world, who participated in the bread and wine of the Passover, thanked God Elohim from the bottom of their hearts for granting them the grace of salvation freely. They also committed themselves to living a life pleasing to God, preaching the gospel of the new covenant more diligently according to the will of God who wants all mankind to come to repentance and salvation.