I know my sheep and am known by my own’

UNLIKE TODAY WHEN there are many controversial religious issues, there was one major issue during the first century and that was believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, this is no longer the issue. In fact, so many people today claim to be Christians, expressing their belief in Christ and claiming that they belong to Him. The question, however, is whether those who claim to know and believe in Christ are also recognized by Him or not.

The Lord Jesus Christ described those who believe in Him as known to Him and called by His name:

“I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and my sheep know me –

“The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (Jn. 10:14, 3, New International Version)

Hence, it is not enough for people to know and believe in Christ. More importantly, they must also be recognized by Christ as His own sheep and must be called by the name given to Him by God:

“I pray for them, I do not pray for the world but for those you gave me, for they belong to you.

“And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me.” (Jn. 17:9, 11, Today’s English Version)

The name that is above every name is the name given by God to Jesus. That name is “Christ” who was made Lord by God, so that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God (Philip. 2:9-11); Acts 2:36, New King James Version). Thus, Christ’s sheep are called by the name “Church of Christ”:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

Those who truly know Christ and at the same time are recognized by Him as His own are the members of the Church of Christ.

A Catholic authority, Francis B. Cassily, agrees to the fact that the true Church is called “Church of Christ”:

“5. Did Jesus establish a Church?

“Yes, from all history, both secular and profane, as well as from the Bible considered as a human document, we learn that Jesus Christ established a Church, which from the earliest times has been called after Him the Christian Church or the Church of Christ.

“This Church, founded and organized by Christ and preached by the apostles, is the Church of Christ. …It is the only true Church, and the one which God orders all men to join.” (Religion: Doctrine and Practice, p. 330)

Even Bible scholars conform to the truth that the Church, which is Christ’s body (Col. 1:18), is called after His name. A professor of Ozack Bible College says:

“The church is the body of Jesus Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23. The idea of ownership is absolute here. As a man’s body is his own and not another’s, so the church is the church of Christ and not of another.

“Nothing could emphasize more strongly than these statements the right of Christ to call the Church His own, and to give the church His own name.” (The Church in the Bible, p. 349)

Since Christ considers His Church as His body (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:23), His ownership of this Church is absolute and unquestionable. The name “Church of Christ,” therefore, is perfectly right.

The Church of Christ is also the sheepfold, the flock, and those who enter in it shall be saved (Jn. 10:7, 9). Hence, those who truly believe in Christ and are recognized by Him as His sheep are the members of the Church of Christ. Salvation is through Christ and this Church.

The other sheep of Christ

The name “Church of Christ” is not the only identifying mark of those who belong to Christ. Those who belong to Him are chosen and appointed (Jn. 15:16, NKJV). They are sure of their calling and election (II Pt. 1:10, Ibid.), because their election is founded or anchored on the prophetic word of God (II Pt. 1:19, Ibid.)

On the strength of which prophecy does the Church of Christ that emerged in the Philippines in these last days base its claim on God’s election? This Church was prophesied as Christ’s “other sheep”:

“I have other sheep too. They are not of this flock here. I must lead them also. They will listen to my voice. In the future there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (Jn. 10:16, Easy-to-Read New Testament)

The “other sheep” also belong to Christ and are recognized by Him. They would also be gathered into one flock. They are called the “other sheep,” because they don’t belong to the first-century Church of Christ, but were to be called in the future as one flock. As stated earlier, the flock is the Church of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation). These other sheep of Christ would hear Christ’s voice, although He is already in heaven, through the preaching function of the prophesied messenger. To hear the messenger sent by Christ is to hear Him (Lk. 10:16; Jn. 13:20, NKJV). Therefore, those who listen to Christ’s voice through the preaching of His messenger would be gathered as one flock, in the Church of Christ.

The first-century Church of Christ ceased to exist because it veered away from God’s unadulterated teachings (I Tim. 4:1, 3). From the ruins of the first-century Church of Christ emerged the Catholic Church whose doctrines are contrary to God’s truth. But the true Church would reemerge through God’s appointed messenger. The uniqueness of the preaching function of God’s messenger is that the believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (Eph. 1:13, NIV)

We sincerely believe that Brother Felix Y. Manalo, who registered the Iglesia ni Cristo with the Philippine government on July 27, 1914, is the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning God’s messenger in these last days. What is the proof that he was instrumental in sealing God’s servants in these last days? He is the fulfillment of the angel from the east who had the seal of the living God:

“Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,

“Saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” (Rev. 7:2-3, NKJV)

The word “angel” denotes the office and not the nature of the one sent by God:

“A minister or pastor of a church” is called an angel (Cruden’s Complete Concordance, p. 16). Thus, the preacher sent by God is called an “angel.” The angel from the east having the seal of God is a preacher of the gospel because he bears the seal of God.

This is why the members of the Church of Christ are confident that they are among those whom God and Christ recognize as their servants. As servants of God and of Christ, they are blessed and their deeds will follow them (Rev. 14:12-13, NIV). Christ Himself assures them salvation.

The angel who ascended from the east

July 27, 1914 was a truly significant and memorable day. It was a day that changed the course of world history and affected the lives of so many people in more ways than one. It was on this day that World War I broke out in Europe. It was a war like no other before it in terms of the number of countries involved and in the way it was fought by land, air, and sea.

In the religious scene, July 27, 1914 was also a day of historic proportions. It was on this day that the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo) was registered with the Philippine government through the instrumentality of a man whom the members of this Church recognize as God’s messenger, Brother Felix Y. Manalo

This belief that Brother Felix Y. Manalo is God’s messenger is these last days is one of the fundamental doctrines the Church upholds. It is based on the words of God written in the Bible.

This study will focus mainly on Revelation 7:2-3, one of the passages of the Holy Scriptures that prove the truthfulness and validity of this doctrine. It reads as follows:

“Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads’.” (New King James Version)

The meaning of the word ‘angel’

There are key words in Revelation 7:2-3 that must be studied closely in order to acquire a clearer understanding of the prophecy in question. The first word that needs clarification is the term “angel.” When some people think of angel, what immediately comes to their mind is the traditionally portrayed figure of a human-looking being with wings on its back and a halo above its head. In truth, the true angels of heaven are spirit in nature and are sometimes sent by God for specific purposes.

However, the word “angel” does not only refer to spiritual beings but also to human beings sent by God. The word “angel” itself comes from the Greek word aggelos which means messenger. Furthermore, Bible scholars attest that angel can refer to a pastor who is a human being:

“Agg’-el-os: … a messenger; … by impl. a pastor: -angel, messenger.” (Strong’s Dictionary of the Greek Testament, p. 7:32)

To say then that there was “another angel” means that there was another messenger. Thus, in the Young’s Literal Translation of the Bible, the opening sentence of the verse reads:

‘And I saw another messenger going up from the rising sun, having a seal of the living God.” (Rev. 7:2, emphasis ours)

What makes us so certain that this messenger is not spirit in nature? As we can note, this angel or messenger bears the seal of the living God and would seal His servants. What does this mean by biblical terms? In the following verse, we can find the answer:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.” (Eph. 1:13-14, New International Version)

The seal is the Holy Spirit. The sealing function is the preaching of the gospel. Those who are sealed are the ones who believed in the words of truth that were preached.

Thus, the angel or messenger spoken of in Revelation 7:2-3 is not a being that is spirit in nature, but rather a human being who is a preacher of the gospel. The term “angel” then denotes the office or duty of the one sent by God.

Ascending from the east

Aside from the office and the work of this angel or messenger, there are other factors that must be taken into consideration in order for us to identify the fulfillment of the prophecy. Where, for instance, would this messenger come from and preach the gospel? Apostle John wrote that the angel would ascend from the east or, in other translations of the Bible, from the rising of the sun (Revised English Version). This word may puzzle some people since the east is divided into three regions – near, middle, and far east – not to mention the fact that there are many countries situated there.

From the Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, we can glean that the Greek word for “east” used in Revelation 7:2 was translated into Hebrew as mizrach (p. 637). The use of mizrach as opposed to kedem (which also means “east”) is explained:

“East. The Hebrew term kedem properly means that which is before or in front of a person and was applied to east…on the other hand mizrach is used of the far east.” (p. 154)

The word “east” that is used in Revelation 7:2 refers to the Far East. One of the countries that lie in the Far East, almost at the geographical center to be exact, is the Philippines (Asia and the Philippines, p. 169). Thus, to say that the true messenger of God in these last days came from the Philippines would not go against any biblical doctrine. It is a statement that is, in fact, supported by both biblical and scholarly references.

The time element

In what period of time would this messenger ascend from the Far East to preach the gospel? Revalation 7:1 provides the answer:

“After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.” (NKJV)

In biblical symbolic terms, wind means war (Jer. 4:11-13, 19) and the four corners mentioned refer to the four directions of the earth, namely, north, east, south, and west (I Chron. 9:24). In other words, there would be a war of global proportions going on at the time the angel or messenger in question would be ascending. What about the four other angels who had the power to bring the wind or war under control? Does history speak of such kind of four leaders?

“The treaty of Versailles. Of all the treaties made at the close of the First World War, that of Versailles was the most significant. It was drafted by the Versailles Conference composed of the delegates from 32 Allied nations. The defeated nations, neutral nations, and Russia were not represented in the Conference. Four of the greatest political leaders of the world at that time – Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States; Lloyd George, Prime Minister of Great Britain; Clemenceau, Premier of France; and Orlando, Premier of Italy – dominated the Versailles Conference. They were known as the ‘Big Four’.” (World History, p. 860)

History indeed attests that there were four leaders who had the power to stop the wind or war that was occurring in the world at that time. As to the fact that in Revelation 7:2-3 there are four angels being spoken of, government leaders are also considered angels inasmuch as they are sent by God, not as preachers of the gospel, but to punish evildoers or criminals (I Pt. 2:13-14).

When did this world war begin? Written records show that this war broke out on July 27, 1914:

“Austria, backed by Germany, swept aside all the efforts of the other powers of Europe to intervene in behalf of peace and declared war upon Servia on the 27th of July [1914].” (The Nations At War: A Current History, p. 8)

It was in this period of time that the messenger would ascend from the Far East.

The prophecy fulfilled

Was this prophecy mentioned in Revelation 7:1-3 fulfilled? Was there someone who fit the prophetic description of the “other angel” who ascended from the Far East when there was a world war and preached the gospel of salvation? Yes, indeed. That person was Brother Felix Y. Manalo.

Brother Felix Y. Manalo began preaching the true gospel or the words of God at Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila in the Philippines, a country in the Far East. On July 27, 1914, the same exact day that World War I broke out, the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) was registered with the Philippine government. This was no coincidence. This is, without doubt, the fulfillment of the prophecy written in Revelation 7:2-3.

Almost eighty-seven years later, this Church continues to grow in number and gain new evangelical footholds at a rapid pace. To date, there are congregations established in over 70 countries and territories throughout the world. Included among these congregations are the ones in Rome, Jerusalem, and Athens.

The success of this work Brother Felix Y. Manalo began in this era is a clear indication that he is a true messenger of God. What he accomplished can only be attributed to the help of the Almighty Father. For who would have ever thought that from an obscure town in a poor and underdeveloped country would emerge a man – lowly and uneducated in the eyes of his own countrymen – who would lead the emergence of a Church that is now steadily spreading worldwide? Who could ever foresee that from one man, a multitudes of true believers of different races, cultures, and social standing would soon follow? As Christ had mentioned long ago with regard to His authority to preach God’s words:

“But I have a witness on my behalf which is even greater than the witness that John gave: what I do, that is, the deeds of my Father gave me to do, these speak on my behalf and show that the Father has sent me.” (Jn. 5:36, Today’s English Version)

References

Abbot, Willis John. The Nations At War: A Current History. New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1917.

Boak, Arthur E. R., Preston Slosson, and Howard Anderson. World History, vol. 2. Madison, Wisconsi: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1942.

Costa, Horacio dela. Asia and the Philippines. Manila: Solidaridad Publishing House, 1967.

Hackett, H.B., ed. Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 1. Michigan: Baker Book House Company, 1981.

Strong, James. Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1980.

TO THE CALLED OUT ONES - All Things Work Together for Good

HAVE YOU EVER felt terribly sad and desperate because of the tremendous problems and heavy burdens you carry in life? Do the situations surrounding you paint a bleak future, making you feel apathetic, unhappy, and uncertain? How much time and energy have you spent all day and night, wrestling with your troubles yet failing to find the needed solution?

Now think about this, where in this world can you ever find lasting peace and happiness? Most probably you would give up the search for pure happiness and settle down with a clever taunting remark that such a place still exists, in the mind at least.

So, how do you go about your life that is continually peppered with adversities? The Bible teaches us how children of God must view the problems they struggle with day by day. From the truth found in the Bible, all of us can learn how to deal correctly with frustrations and how to practice prudence in order to enjoy life somehow, with relative ease and contentment.

Universal truth, unchanging fact
All of us must understand basically that in the present life there are things that we human beings can not change. One that is relevant to the present inquiry is the fact that happiness and suffering do not exist in isolation to each other – by and large they do co-exist throughout life. Pain and suffering exist vis-à-vis with comfort and happiness, as good and evil are both present in this life. Neither of them can be deeply understood without knowledge about each of them. Each one of this distinct feelings is recognized and appreciated with due consideration of its opposite sensation.

There is no gainsaying the fact that both good things and bad things practically happen to all people – whether they are good or bad. And even among us who are members of the Church of Christ both experiences of happiness and sadness interchangeably fill our life. We are not immune to such variety of exposures. Therefore, what we need to learn is how we ought to deal with both experiences with prudence and profound understanding.

But, while other people would usually complain about their vicissitudes in life, we find ourselves able to cope with such uncertainties through the guiding words of the Holy Scriptures. This is because we have adopted quite a different way of looking at things and events that occur every step of the way. The Bible is our best and ultimate source of guidance and inspiration as to how to deal with and respond to the various experiences we have in life.

So, why are tribulations and problems seen by the people of God in a way very different from that by which others view it? What is their belief regarding the various kinds of suffering they experiences in life? Writing to the Christians in Rome, Apostle Paul declared this:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28, New King James Version)

All things work together for good. That is the key to understanding and accepting the present realities of life. “All things” refers to practically anything – people and evernts – that affects us, whether in a positive or in a negative way. These are the things that produce happy and sad feelings within us. These are those that fuel our reactions that are later on judged by others as either right or wrong, or maybe as either acceptable or unacceptable, as the case may be.

However, the Bible says that those who love God and are called by Him, that is, those who belong to the true Church (Col. 3:15, 1:18; I John 5:3) are undaunted or unmoved in the face of such adversities. For them, all things work together for good and in fulfillment of God’s sovereign purpose. The one best thing for us to do, therefore, is to consistently and unconditionally surrender to the will of God as explicitly stated in the Holy Scriptures (Ps. 100:2-3; I John 2:3).

But, some people view this biblical truth as apparently paradoxical and absurd. For indeed, how and why would the pain of tribulations ever work for the good of those who suffer them? In response to this, we quote the Bible as saying:

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Rom. 5:3-5, NKJV)

Here, Apostle Paul explains to us that all things work together for the good of God’s children who love Him. The apostle does not assert this in favor of just any individual and regardless of the latter’s response to feelings of comfort or discomfort in life. He emphasizes that tribulations or troubles produce perseverance, which in turn produces character, and which finally produces hope. And those who have hope, the apostle concludes, are not disappointed, having received the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Therefore, only those not gifted with the Holy Spirit (or not counted among God’s children) are prone to the feeling of frustration and hopelessness.

Trials and tribulations are inevitableTrials and tribulations are practically part of man’s life. Whether they are welcome or not, they just inevitably come and therefore, our pains and sufferings are not to be construed as necessary evil – but as merely natural occurrences – as it is clearly understood by the enlightened servants of God.

But, why won’t God rid the present life of pains and sufferings instead? He definitely will, but will only do it in His own time and according to His sovereign purpose and design. Apostle Paul declares that God will “… give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (II Thess. 1:7, Ibid.). So, the pains caused by troubles in life will surely end at God’s appointed time. We hope to find rest from our troubles when our Lord Jesus Christ is finally revealed from heaven. Not right now, as we would probably have wished it to be, but when the Lord comes, on the day of Judgment.

This is why, as members of the Church of Christ, we boast even in the face of tribulations. For, after having endured them, we will be given respite or relief for our tired and weary souls. This heavenly comfort that will be granted to those who suffered tribulations was vividly presented in the Book of Revelation, which says:

“Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?’ And I said to him, ‘Sir, you know’. So he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’.” (Rev. 7:13-17, Ibid.)

The Book of Revelation in which is recorded the last things that are bound to happen says that those who will be given rest from their labors are those who have “come out of the great tribulation.” These are the people of God who will have emerged victorious against the painful effects of their troubles in life. They shall eventually rest from their sufferings and will be rewarded with the kind of life that follows a new order, that is, a life completely devoid of hunger, thirst, and tears. There will be no more pain and no more death by then, where God and Jesus Christ will dwell with them in the new heaven and the new earth (Rev. 21:1-4). This biblical truth should give us consolation while we are still agonizing here on earth, so that we may triumphantly overcome trials and tribulations.

The right response to correctionFeelings of agony and emotional pain also come into our lives as a punishment from the Lord, a way by which we are being persuaded to live righteously. Such pains come as a corrective punishment. If a servant of God suffers as a consequence of his misdeeds, this will still redound to his own benefit. How? In Hebrews, it is stated clearly:

“When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life.” (Heb. 12:11,Today’s English Version)

True indeed to our own experiences, when we are being punished (for having done wrong), we feel most uncomfortable emotionally because of fear and guilt; deep inside we feel the pain that is inflicted on us because we have violated God’s commandments. We sadly receive the corresponding discipline for our errors. Naturally, such punishments never produce joyful feelings but bring both physical and emotional pain. But, after having paid the price for the sins we might have committed, “the peaceful reward of a righteous life” follows. Notice that this applies only to “those who have been disciplined” or to those who have learned their precious lessons from the unpleasant experiences.

So, when God’s people have deeply understood the meaning and purpose of God’s punishment, and have made the appropriate response, they reap the fruits of a righteous life. Why can’t one appreciate God’s corrective punishment then?

What we only need to do is to look far ahead of us to see what it is that the Lord is preparing for us, so that we will benefit when we are subjected to rebuke or correction. To further appreciate the purpose of God’s punishment to His erring servants, we need to learn another lesson. The Bible says, “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17, NKJV).

Corrective punishment is not by itself evil. It is good as it affords one who commits error the chance to acknowledge his fault and to plead guilty before God, and consequently produce change in his ways to receive forgiveness. Punishment is not a thing to be despised owing to the noble purpose for which it is divinely applied. It calls our attention to what God requires us to do. Punishments meted out to correct us should therefore be appreciated as they work together for the good of those who truly love the Lord and learned from them.

God Almighty said, “I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins” (Rev. 3:19, TEV). Such words must serve as the source of our comfort and hope. Clearly, God loves those whom He corrects. He made it very clear that He wants His children to be zealous and to be repentant. So, those who have learned their lessons from God’s corrective punishment do not rebel or resent it. On the contrary, far from being demoralized, they even gain strength and inspiration from it, knowing that the love and forgiveness of the Lord is at hand. The right response, therefore, is to surrender completely to God’s sovereign will, to seek His mercy and forgiveness, and to be more enthusiastic and zealous in serving Him (II Chr. 7:14; Isa. 1:18).

While it shouldn’t discourage us if we experience chastening because or our wrongdoings, it would turn worse for us when God would cease to rectify us; it would mean that He no longer loves us and, therefore, by allowing us to continue in our sins, we will be finally condemned when Jesus Christ comes. By then, forgiveness will be too late.

Trials as the test of faith
Some of us may view trials in life as very unpleasant and undesirable – unwelcome events indeed. But, this should not be the case. Something good comes after the people of God have endured trials. By going through trials, they are eventually led to perfection. Apostle Paul says that “… when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:3-4, TEV)

Indeed, trials are essential in our life for us to be brought to perfection. But, this purpose is fulfilled only if we are faithful and obedient to God, not departing from His commandments (I John 5:3). When being tested, therefore, we get the chance to prove our faith in God by enduring the tests of faith all the way. Job says:

“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.” (Job 23:10-12, NKJV)

In times of trials, it is important for us to find out not how we can avoid the pain, but rather, how we can put our faith and hope together to bear the tests of our faith. After this, we shall emerge as pure gold – this means our trials will have led us to perfection. Remember that God expects us to remain faithful to Him even when we are under pressure due to various circumstances. Note that Job remained faithful to God despite the severe hardships and fierce trials he went through, and so, he was blessed.

Drawing back leads to misfortune
While trials are for our own good and while we just need to understand their nature and purpose so that we can adopt the right outlook and react positively, we will suffer misfortunes if we transgress God’s commandments and do not hold on to a righteous life. That means, if we do not renew our life toward perfection and spiritual maturity, we would not be spared by the hand of the Lord. (Ezek. 33:12).

The Bible tells us that children of God will also suffer misfortune should they draw back because God is not pleased with them who fail to live according to the faith:

“For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (Heb. 10:37-39, NKJV)

While the Bible testifies that all things work together for the good of those called by God, drawing back from Him produces negative consequences. Worst among these, drawing back leads one to perdition. Since God does not want us to perish, He commands us to turn away from sinning and from drawing back from Him. God Almighty says:

“I will forgive the sins he has committed, and he will live because he had done what is right and good.” (Ezek. 33:16, TEV)

God loves those who have turned away from their sins and have completely renewed their lives. This is right and good, and those who do this shall be forgiven of their sins. God will no longer count their sins against them and, for this, they shall surely live.

The Almighty God truly loves us. He wants us to live or to be saved. While it is true that He allows us to suffer trials and tribulations, He does this for a purpose that will benefit us in the end. So, during times of trials, He even guides us so that all things will finally be working for our own good. He disciplines not because He rejects us but in order to correct us and lead us back to Him.

Never lose hope whatever our experiences in this life would be. Let us always keep in mind: “All things work together for the good of those called by God.”

Extending the work of salvation to the Gentiles

DECADES AFTER ITS reemergence in the Far East, the Iglesia ni Cristo has traveled thousands of miles to Europe and set foot in the southernmost country of the Balkan Peninsula, in Greece – the land whose rich ancient civilization has been colorfully painted in the canvas of history, the nation whose invaluable heritage is treasured to this day.

On the 10th day of May 1997, the Iglesia ni Cristo was officially established in Athens – an event considered historic in the continuing epoch of the Church of Christ.

More than just a symbol and a springboard of the Church’s propagation and expansion efforts worldwide, the founding of the locale in Greece followed by the continuous preaching of the gospel in that part of the world is of great significance. It carries a profound meaning in the Almighty’s grand design of continuing His work of salvation for the benefit of mankind.

According to the divine plan, the gospel of salvation was not intended for the Jews alone but also for the Greeks. Apostle Paul said this in his epistle:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16, King James Version)

However, when Apostle Paul mentioned the term “Greek” in the passage just quoted, he was referring not only to the native citizens of Greece. He had a vision of the Church with members coming from various races. Other Bible translations render the same verse in this manner:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Rom. 1:16, New International Version)

“Gentile” refers to people belonging to the nations at large as distinguished from the Jews. That means, all people, outside the Jewish race, are collectively called Gentiles.

It is, thus, of great significance that the gospel of salvation be brought not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles or to all nations – and God has willed that this work of salvation reach out to the end of the earth:

“And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” (Is. 49:6, KJV, bold ours)

In another version of the Bible, the same verse is rendered this way:

“He says, It is too light a thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors [of the judgments]of Israel; I will also give you for a light to the nations, that My salvation may extend to the end of the earth.” (Is. 49:6, Amplified Bible, bold ours)

To fulfill this plan, God had appointed men who would preach to both the Jews and the Gentiles. Who then were the commissioned messengers tasked to execute His will?

Light for the Gentiles

The evangelizing of the Jews initially took place with the preaching of the Lord Jesus Christ and His 12 apostles. Christ was the servant of God who would set up the clans of Jacob or Israel and would be the light for the Gentiles. The gospel according to Luke records this, thus:

“And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

“Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

“A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Lk. 2:27-32, KJV)

The Savior of all mankind was the “light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” When Christ had ascended to heaven, His apostles continued His work of preaching the gospel to the Jews first, then later to the Gentiles. In Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christians in Galatia, this is recorded:

“On the contrary, they saw that I had been given the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been given the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews.

“For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

“James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.” (Gal. 2:7-9, NIV)

The apostles of Christ, among them Peter, John, and James were sent by the Lord to preach the gospel to the Jews whereas Apostle Paul and Barnabas were appointed the task of preaching to the Gentiles. In proving his authority to evangelize to the Gentiles, Apostle Paul cited Isaiah’s prophecy, thus:

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:46-47, KJV)

Hence, the work of Apostle Paul and his companions in preaching the gospel to the Gentiles was part of the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the light for the Gentiles.

Members of the Church of Christ

In apostolic times, the Jews and the Gentiles who received the gospel belonged to the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul confirms, for instance, that the Jews whom he addressed in Thessalonica were members of the Church of Christ:
“Brothers and sisters, you followed the example of the churches of God in Judea, churches of Christ Jesus. For you suffered from your compatriots the same trials they suffered from the Jews.” (I Thess. 2:14, Christian Community Bible)

This shows that as early as the time of Apostle Paul’s ministry, the preaching of the gospel of salvation had already transcended the Jewish race. Counted among the early Christians then were the Gentile converts who received the very same teachings the Jewish Christians did.

However, the first-century Church of Christ was not able to continue the work of salvation. Zechariah, in a related prophecy, explains about the misfortune that would befall the early Church. He said of the Church of Christ:

“And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.” (Zech. 13:8-9, KJV)

The first two parts – the Church of the Jews and the Church of the Gentiles – were led away from the faith or were apostatized while the others were martyred. As the prophecy states, “…two parts therein shall be cut off and die…” Even before Apostle Paul died, he had forewarned the Christians brethren about the coming apostasy:

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for that day cannot come without the coming of the apostasy first, and the appearing of the man of sin, the son of perdition, who sets himself against, and exalts himself above, every so-called ‘god’ or object of worship, and goes the length of taking his seat in the very temple of God, giving it out that he himself is God.

“Do you not remember that while I was still with you I used to tell you all this? And now you know what restrains him, in order that his true character may be revealed at his appointed time. For lawlessness is already at work in secret; but only until the man who is now exercising a restraining influence is removed.” (II Thess. 2:3-7, Weymouth Version)

Though the existence of the Church in Thessalonica to whom Apostle Paul ministered proves that the work of salvation had already reached Greece at that time, history attests that the church locales established then perished, as what happened to the Church in Philippi:

“The subsequent history of the church at Philippi is rather disappointing, like that of the other apostolic churches in the East. …The name of its bishop is mentioned here and there in the records of councils, but that is all. During the middle ages the city was turned into a wretched village, and the bishopric into a mere shadow. …’Born into the world with the brightest promise, the church of Philippi has lived without a history and perished without a memorial’.” (History of the Christian Church, vol. I:Apostolic Christianity, p. 792)

History records the fact that the Church of Christ in the first century did not continue. Hence, the prophecy that it would survive until the end of the earth wasn’t fulfilled through the preaching of the early messengers of God. Yet, the prophecy will have to be fulfilled for it is God’s will.

Notice that a third group is mentioned in the prophecy of Zechariah (cf. Zech 13:8-9). This third group, those in distant times and places (cf. Acts 2:39, Rieu Version), is the one to continue the work of salvation until the end of the earth. That’s why God said there would be left a third part – a remnant seed of the first Church of Christ – that would reach unto the farthest places and to the end of the world.

The extension of the work of salvation

The prophecies in the Bible affirm that there is indeed a work of salvation – the daughter of the first Church – the same Church of Christ which would reach out to the day of Judgment:

“Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

“And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.” (Is. 62:11-12, KJV)

Zion symbolizes the Church of Christ. Even Bible scholars attest to the fact that Zion refers to the Church of Christ:

“ZI’ON

“A name for Jerusalem (Matt. 21:5; John 12:15); or symbolically, for the church of Christ (Rom. 9:33).” (Master Study Bible: Authorized King James Version, p. 1840)

Undoubtedly, the Church of Christ would continue God’s work of salvation to reach out to all nations throughout the world. Thus, we could be certain that aside from the work of Apostle Paul and his companions during their time, God would send another messenger who would preach the Church of Christ or the Iglesia ni Cristo in these last days.

As planned, His last work of salvation would arise from the Far East. The Holy Scriptures testify, thus:

“From the far east will I bring your offspring, and from the far west I will gather you.” (Is. 43:5, Moffatt Version)

God designed that the establishment of His last work of salvation should begin from the Far East. This was fulfilled when Brother Felix Y. Manalo preached the Iglesia ni Cristo on July 27, 1914 in the Philippines, a country in the Far East.

Therefore, the Iglesia ni Cristo is the one tasked with the mission of carrying out the work of salvation in these last days. It is this Church which would bring further fulfillment to Isaiah’s prophecy – that God’s salvation “may extend to the end of the earth.”

It is for this reason that the official establishment of the Church of Christ in Athens on May 10, 1997, through the worship service officiated by Brother Eraño G. Manalo, is of great significance – for that historic event not only symbolizes the extension of God’s work of salvation but marks the continuation of a more vigorous campaign of spreading the Word to all nations until the end of the world.

The wonder of God’s words

INDISPUTABLY THE BEST seller of all time, the Bible is the most read and most studied book in all history. It is said to have been translated, in parts and in whole, into more than 2,000 languages (Guinness World Records2002, p. 154). With that awesome circulation, the Bible is one book that has undoubtedly affected and influenced so many lives, cultures, countries, and peoples throughout this habitable planet. And its readers, including the so-called Bible students have viewed and regarded it in so many different ways: as a history book, as a book of customs and morals, as a mere literature of the Hebrew people, and as an “open book.” The last of which should be seriously addressed. However, to those who believe and value the Bible, this is no ordinary book. The Bible is the repository of God’s words. As such, there is more to the Bible as a book than meets the eye, and on this regard our Lord Jesus Christ enlightens us:

“… ’To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, So that “Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them”’.” (Mk. 4:11-12, New King James Version)

Concerning knowledge of God’s kingdom and all things pertaining to it, the Bible is the authority. However, according to Christ, there are those who are given understanding to know the mystery of this kingdom, and there are those who are not. To those who are outside, all things come in parables – they can see but do not perceive; they can hear but do not understand. This is so because God’s words are hidden in mystery as testified to by Apostle Paul:

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began.” (Rom. 16:25, Ibid.)

He further adds:

“Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (II Tim. 3:7, Ibid.)

Such is the wonder of the words of God. Although many have studied the Bible, not all have come to the knowledge or understanding of the truth, as proven by their conflicting interpretations regarding what is written therein. It goes to show that the Bible is not an “open book” as many want to believe. Not just anyone who knows how to read can understand it. And neither can such understanding be gained through diligent study alone. What would happen if those who have not been given understanding dare to preach the gospel? Apostle Paul provides us the answer:

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, Which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Gal. 1:6-7, Ibid.)

Inasmuch as the preaching of those who do not truly understand God’s words results in a different gospel or perverted gospel, Apostle Peter forewarns the danger awaiting those who listen and believe in such false preachers:

“This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.” (II Pt. 3:16, Today’s English Version)

Thus, we should not believe a preacher simply because he uses the Bible. If he does not have the gift of understanding of God’s words, then he would only succeed in endangering the souls of his listeners.

The preaching of Christ

There is no doubt that Christ, being the greatest of God’s messengers, was given the understanding to know the mystery of God’s words. No wonder His preaching elicited awe from His listeners:

“The Jewish authorities were greatly surprised and said, ‘How does this man know so much when he has never been to school?’” (Jn. 7:15, Ibid.)

The Jews marveled how Christ came to know so much when they said He had never been to school. Such was again displayed in His encounter with the Sadducees:

“When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way. The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked him, Saying: Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. ‘Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her’. Jesus answered and said to them, ‘You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?” God is not the God of the dead, but of the living’.” (Mt. 22:22-32, NKJV)

The Sadducees thought that they could ensnare our Lord Jesus Christ through their questions but they were instead silenced by the wisdom of the Savior. The Pharisees also tried the same thing to test the Lord Jesus Christ, but only to no avail. This account was written by Matthew:

“But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, will all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets’.” (Mt. 22:34-40, Ibid.)

Christ was able to answer clearly the question posed to Him by the Pharisees. And to show them how ignorant they were concerning God’s words, He in turn asked them a question which they could not answer. Matthew narrated further:

“While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, ‘What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?’ They said to Him, ‘The Son of David’. He said to them, ‘How then does David in the Spirit call Him “Lord,” saying: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool?’” ‘If David then calls Him “Lord,” how is He his Son?’ And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.” (Mt. 22:41-46, Ibid.)

The preaching of the apostles

When our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, His apostles took the cudgels of preaching the gospel to the people. Their preaching was also awe-inspiring in spite of the fact that they were perceived as unlettered. The book of Acts recorded this account:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, Ibid.)

The reason God chose many who are uneducated and unlettered as His servants, especially as instruments in preaching His words, is clarified by Apostle Paul, thus:

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly thing of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (I Cor. 1:26-29, New International Version)

Clearly, God had intended it to be so that no one might boast before Him. And although there were some who were educated like Apostle Paul, they didn’t use their own wisdom in convincing people to believe in their preaching:

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” (I Cor. 2:4-5, Ibid.)

Sent and anointed by God

Christ and His apostles clearly understood God’s words and were able to preach them to the people because they were sent by God. They had the spirit of God in them. Says our Lord Jesus concerning His authority to preach:

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed’.” (Lk. 4:18, Ibid.)

The same can be said of His apostles, as Christ, before He ascended into heaven, promised to send them the Holy Spirit, who would teach and guide them in their preaching:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (Jn. 14:26, Ibid.)

And this is also true to the messenger in these last days whom God commissioned to preach to us His words. The Bible prophesied the sending of the messenger from the rising of the sun who has the seal of God:

“And I saw another messenger going up from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he did cry with a great voice to the four messengers, to whom it was given to injure the land and the sea, saying ‘Do not injure the land, nor the sea, nor the trees, till we may seal the servants of our God upon their foreheads’.” (Rev. 7:2-3, Young’s Literal Translation)

The work of the prophesied messenger was to seal the servants of God. In carrying out the mission of sealing God’s servants, he was not alone – he has co-workers. It says in the prophecy, “till we may seal the servants of our God” (emphasis ours). The Church of Christ believes that this prophecy was fulfilled in Brother Felix Y. Manalo and the ministers in the Church of Christ. The seal is the Holy Spirit, and sealing is done by means of preaching the gospel as explained by the Apostle Paul, thus:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.” (Eph. 1:13-14, NIV)

Inasmuch as the messenger in these last days was given the gift of the Holy Spirit, he as able to understand and to preach to the people the gospel of salvation. The members of the Church of Christ, being the fruits of his preaching, are certain that what has been taught to them are the words of God that will lead them to salvation. As it is, only God’s messengers can preach the pure gospel which is hidden in mystery. As the Apostle Paul asked rhetorically, “And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Rom. 10:15, NKJV)

Hence, any church or religious group that does not believe in the commissioning of God’s messenger has certainly not come to the knowledge of truth. And if there are those who would claim to have been taught by a messenger of God, but fail to show biblical proof of God’s commissioning, they would only end up to perdition, for they have not understood the wonder of God’s words written in the Bible.

Drawing the Line Between TRUTH and FALSITY

Understanding the message of the Last Messenger
While the doctrines he upheld are very much unlike the existing ones, yet they are distinctively and undeniably biblical.

The teachings he preached are but a restoration of those taught by Jesus Christ and preserved and propagated by His apostles.

IN FULL APPRECIATION of the Lord’s purpose in commissioning His messenger in these last days and in remembrance of the man whom God sent forth to preach His words, it is truly necessary that we arrive at a full understanding of the message that the messenger exalted most. Indeed, failure to understand this message is to jeopardize the very purpose of God in sending His messengers to people in every dispensation of time.

The many biblical prophecies fulfilled in the late Brother Felix Y. Manalo whose evangelical ministry brought about the reemergence of the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo) in 1914, is our compelling argument that he is truly the messenger of God in these last days. This work as geographically designed by God has the Far East, specifically the Philippines, as its country of origin. Now, the Iglesia ni Cristo has spanned the globe with a wide membership coming from 87 countries and territories, undoubtedly phenomenal by any human standard.

Despite bitter opposition from other religious groups, especially during the early decades of its historical beginnings, the Church’s membership has increased steadily and its expansion has gone unabated. People from all walks of life, even some from among its zealous detractors, have eventually found their way into this Church after having gained substantial knowledge and understanding of the biblical doctrines that Brother Manalo preached.

What is it really that this messenger from the Far East propagated? Was he sent to preach doctrines that are similar to those of the so-called Christian religions already existing during his time? Or, was he to introduce new doctrines that are truly unorthodox? What has drawn the attention of people in countries indisputably dominated by Catholicism and Protestantism to the Church he preached? What has attracted people of various races and cultures in the continents of Asia, Africa, Australia, the Americas, and Europe to embrace the Iglesia ni Cristo faith?

Strict adherence to the Bible
To differentiate the teachings preached by Brother Felix Manalo from those espoused by the other Christian-professing religions is to draw the line that separates truth from falsehood. The fact is the preaching of this messenger has often been perceived as unique and peculiar, in the sense that the teachings he introduced do not identify with the dogmas already spawned by the major religions and readily accepted by the majority.

Most notably, there are many points of disagreement between the doctrines upheld by the Iglesia ni Cristo and the teachings and practices of Catholicism and Protestantism. Why? Not because Brother Felix Manalo introduced new doctrines that are alien to the Holy Scriptures, but because the doctrines upheld by these major religions are those that have evolved into teachings that contradict the truths of the Bible.

Here, in the Iglesia ni Cristo, the Bible is the sole basis of the faith and is highly magnified. Whatever the Bible says, the Church upholds with utmost fidelity, very cautious not to allow the slightest deviation or departure. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe, for in it is revealed the righteousness of God (Rom. 1:16-17). It is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, so that the children of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works (II Tim. 3:15-17).

However, the authority to preach the gospel is given only to those sent by God (Rom. 10:15), and those who preach without such authority merely preach “another gospel” (Gal. 1:6-7). Such unauthorized practice is a form of deviation from the truth that ultimately leads to destruction (II Pet. 3:15-16).

Precursor to the last commissioning
As the bishops who took over the administration of the early Church after the death of the Twelve failed to preserve the pristine teachings of the Mater, the Church gradually departed from its original state (Acts 20:28-30), This apostasy slowly but surely gave birth to a religious hybrid, a church whose doctrines are quite different from the original. The Church of Christ, therefore, evolved to become the Catholic religion which many generations worldwide have gotten acquainted with and have embraced for centuries, as though it were still the Church founded by Christ in its pristine state.

Following the Renaissance period, the sparks of negative and vehement protest loomed in the horizon. Such protests waged by the more enlightened individuals and members of the clergy ignited great interest in religion, and stirred challenging doubts on the scriptural or biblical soundness of Catholic doctrines and practices.

This crisis on the issue of doctrinal validity eventually caused an inevitable rift or division in the universal church, which reached its peak during the period of the Reformation in northern Europe. This development led to the withdrawal of many Catholics from the faith of their birth, not excluding the ex-communication of those who were charged of heresy, and the rise of numerous Protestant denominations, with a common battle cry – sola scriptura (the Scriptures alone) and sola fide (Faith alone).

Indeed, no amount of religious persuasion or eloquence was able to dissuade the protestant separatists from abandoning the Catholic faith. Such events marked the beginning of Protestantism.

This brand of Protestantism that was brought to North America was planted on Philippine soil by the Americans after the seeds of Catholicism were already set in place by the earlier colonizers, the Spaniards. That was the historical backdrop for the providential emergence of the Church that will restore Christianity to its original characteristics.

The year 1914 came, not merely as a historical period but as the time for the fulfillment of God’s plan for man’s salvation in these last days. This was the year when the Church of Christ reemerged through the last messenger in the person of Brother Felix Manalo.

When Brother Manalo called for allegiance to the truth and fidelity to the written words of God, he sounded nothing short of being heretical to those who held on tightly to the so-called orthodox teachings of the apostate church. Thus, his preaching stood in constant opposition to Catholic and Protestant hermeneutics. While the doctrines he upheld may have been viewed as unusual and, in fact, are very much unlike the existing ones, yet they are distinctively and undeniably biblical.

The message he preached
The following is a brief presentation of some fundamental teachings upheld by the Church of Christ that reemerged through the instrumentality of Brother Felix Manalo. These teachings and others that will not be mentioned here because of space limitations have time and again invited a variety of reactions from other religious groups. To wit:

The true God. The one and only true God is the Father, the Creator. He alone is the Creator of heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things therein, and the seas and all that is in them (Neh. 9:6; Isa. 44:8; 45:21).

This teaching from the Old Testament is what our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles preached (John 17:1-3; I Cor. 8:6). That one God as introduced also in the New Testament is a spirit (John 4:24) and, therefore, has no flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).

The same teaching opposes the widespread belief in the Trinity. The Bible speaks of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but never did it refer to all of them as gods nor as three persons in one. Both the Old and the New Testament Scriptures point to the Father alone as the true God.

The Son Himself emphatically declared that the Father is the only true God (John 17:3, 1). The prophets also taught that we have only one Father who created us (Mal. 2:10; Isa. 64:8). He alone is God; there is no one like Him (Isa. 46:9), who is from everlasting to everlasting, eternal (Ps. 90:2), immortal (I Tim. 1:17), and tireless (Isa. 40:28).

The Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Matt. 3:17), is the only Savior appointed by God (Acts 13:23). He is the sole mediator between God and man (I Tim. 2:5) and the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

He does not have two natures. He is not god-man (Hos. 11:9; Ezek. 28:2). He is a man in nature or state of being according to His own testimony (John 8:40) and according to the writings of His apostles (I Tim. 2:5; Acts 2:22; Matt. 1:18, 20).

Human attributes were present in Christ. He experienced hunger (Matt. 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), weariness or tiredness (John 4:6). He slept (Matt. 8:24) and died (Matt. 27:50; I Cor. 15:3). But, distinct from all mortals, Christ did not commit any sin (I Pet. 2:21-22; Heb. 4:15).

He has been exalted by God and made as Lord (Acts 2:36). He was given a name above all other names, that in the name of Jesus Christ every knee should bow, those in heaven and those on earth (Phil. 2:9-11).

He has been elevated by God far above all principality, power, might, and dominion, and every name that is named, and all things have been put under His power and authority (Eph. 1:21:22). But, Christ will eventually subject Himself to the true God (I Cor. 15:27-28).

He had in so many instances introduced Himself as the Son of God but never did He during his entire public ministry appropriate for Himself the title God or God the Son, because He is not God but a man.

The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power (Acts 1:8) sent by the Father in the name of Christ to teach and remind His messengers of all things that Jesus said (John 14:26). God reveals the meaning of His words to His messengers through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (II Pet. 1:20-21).

The Holy Spirit is also sent by Christ to help His servants overcome their weaknesses and infirmities (John 15:26; Rom. 8:26). The Holy Spirit strengthens, edifies, and comforts the Church (Eph. 3:16-17; John 14:26). It has never been referred to as God in the Scriptures. It is not God but one of the spirits being sent by God on earth (Rev. 5:6).

Church membership. Membership in the Church of Christ is indispensable for the attainment of salvation in the Christian era. All men need salvation inasmuch as all men have sinned and, consequently, all of mankind is sentenced to die in the lake of fire, the wages of sin (Rom. 5:12; 6:23; Rev. 20:14). To be saved from the liability of eternal punishment, man should by faith enter the fold or flock which is the Church of Christ, the only Church He redeemed through His crucifixion (John 10:9; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23).

Inside this Church, members are taught the right way of living in accordance with the commandments of God. Therefore, righteous living, not excluding sacrifices when necessary, is among the requirements of Church membership (II Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22-24; Matt. 24-13).

Christ will not save those outside His Church because this will violate the law of God. The law requires that sinners should atone for their won sin (Deut. 24:16; Rev. 20:14) and only the sinless man Jesus Christ can pay the ransom for the sins of His Church (Rom. 5:8-10; 3:24-25; I Pet. 2:21-22). Faith alone, or faith without works, can not save man, but faith made perfect through works can (James 2:14, 17, 22-24).

Baptism. Baptism as commanded by Christ (Matt. 28:19) and practiced by His apostles is done through immersion in water (Rom. 6:4; John 3:23; Acts 8:36-38). To qualify for baptism, one must be thoroughly educated about the words of God, believe in them. Repent, and renew his life (Mark 16: 15-16; Acts 2:38).

Infants are not baptized in the Church of Christ because they are incapable of fulfilling the requirements for baptism. Rather than receiving baptism, infants or little children are dedicated to God in prayer, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them (Matt. 19:13-15). Their baptism comes later on in life, that is, after they shall have qualified for it.

Worship. The Church uncompromisingly rejects all forms of idolatry. The members worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24) during the congregational worship service, through psalms and hymn-singing, prayers, study of the words of God, and the sacrifice of offerings and thanksgiving (I Cor. 14:26, 15; 16:2; Heb. 13:16; II Cor. 9:7).

Christ Himself considers as important the assembling together of the Church members in order to worship. The Bible says every time the Church members meet to worship, Christ stays in their midst through the Spirit, as He promised (Matt. 18:20; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 3:16-17).

Therefore, the worship service is not to be neglected or forsaken. Willfully forsaking it is regarded as a serious violation of God’s commandment (Heb. 10:25-27).

Brotherhood of believers. Members of the Church observe the brotherhood as established by Christ (Matt. 23:8). Brethren ought to love one another for this proves that they are the true disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35; I Pet. 2:17).

It is evil to hold a feeling of hatred against a fellow believer for whoever hates his brother is a murderer and shall not attain everlasting life (I John 3:15).

In observance of genuine brotherhood in the Church, members who have conflicts or disputes among themselves are commanded to reconcile through the guidance and mediation of the elders or officers in the Church (Matt. 5:23-25; Eph. 4:32; I Cor. 6:4).

Unity in the Church. The Church adheres to sacred unity. This unity is absolute as defined in Scripture, for in this, God, Christ, and the Church are joined together as one (John 17:23, 21). As the Father and the Son are completely united in everything, so should the members of the Church always be (John 17:9-11, 23).

This unity is to be observed in the name of Jesus Christ and for the glory of God (I Cor. 1:10; 10:31). Discord or dissension is strictly forbidden among Church members because the body of Christ, which is the Church, is not a divided entity. Divisions and strife are earthly, sensual, and devilish (I Cor. 1:10, 13; James 3:14-15).

Resurrection of the dead. The dead will be resurrected on the appointed time, which is on the Second Advent of the Lord. Christ would not have been resurrected if there were no resurrection at all (I Cor. 15:12-13).

However, there are two kinds of resurrection. Those who have done good will rise first (on the Second Advent of Jesus) and receive eternal life. On the other hand, those who have done evil will rise after a thousand years (from the time of the first resurrection) and will be condemned in the lake of fire (John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:14).

Those who died as faithful members of the Church will join the first resurrection on Christ’s Second Coming (I Cor. 15:23). The disciples who will be found alive upon His return shall no longer experience the pangs of death but will be included among those to be resurrected first, to meet the Lord in the air and dwell with Him in the Holy City forever and ever (I Thess. 4:16:17).

The Holy City, New Jerusalem. The Lord has prepared a place, the Holy City, where He promised to take His disciples on His Second Advent (John 14:2-3). The splendor of this city is described as having the glory of God (Rev. 21:10:21). It is the future and permanent home of those whom Christ will save. Life there is perfect – no more hunger, thirst, sorrow, pain, evil, and death (Rev. 7:15-17; 21:1-4, 23-25; 22:1-5).

But, only those handed over by the Father to Christ may enter the New Jerusalem (John 17:12). These people are those who were called by God into the fellowship of His Son (I Cor. 1:9) by means of the pure gospel as received from God’s messengers (II Thess. 2:14; II Cor. 5:19-20). Those who are called by God are gathered in one body (Col. 3:15), which is the Church (Col. 1:18) named (after its founder) Church of Christ or Iglesia ni Cristo (Rom. 16:16; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

Upholding the messageThe aforementioned beliefs are but some of the fundamental teachings expounded upon in the ministry of Brother Felix Manalo. It was not his purpose to divert from the mainstream beliefs, but to present the unadultered words of God which are found in the holy Scriptures. This is the very purpose of his commissioning in these last days.

The doctrines he propagated may be perceived as new and unique because many people in this era have been deceived into believing unscriptural doctrines and adhering to traditional religious practices. But those who will embark on a serious and objective study of the teachings preached by Brother Felix Manalo will no doubt conclude that these teachings are but a restoration of those taught by Jesus Christ and preserved and propagated by His apostles. This is Christianity in its true form and shape.

So, these teachings handed down by the man whom Iglesia ni Cristo members believe to be God’s messenger in these last days are faithfully upheld by this Church to this very day, without fear of contradicting beliefs that were branded per accidens as orthodox teachings of Christianity.