From the beginning of the church in Tellico Plains (Barney…

From the beginning of the church in Tellico Plains (Barney Creek) there was legalism and strict enforcement of rules. There developed a view of sanctification subsequent to the new birth. There rose up teachers who fought against this legalistic bondage. The opposition to these teachers was a Declaration of Faith hastily drawn up in the 1948 GA. It affirmed the 42 year old belief that sanctification was a definite and (subsequent work) after the new birth.

Today it is common to hear COG preachers refer to the old COG as false teachers with false legalistic teachings. This pervasive belief took flight with the 1988 GA in which the teachings of the church was greatly modified.