Michelle Ann Talicuran Wrote:

I HAVE A friend who has questions about the Iglesia ni Cristo. He was brought up as a Catholic and went to a Catholic school but did not attend the services of the Catholic Church.   Some of   his  questions  are   as follows: "An individual who is not inside the Iglesia ni Cristo falls terminally  ill but God would still heal his sickness through medication and doctors and grant what that individual hopes for to live.   Doesn't the Iglesia ni Cristo teach that God only listens to the prayers of those inside the Church.    What is the difference between members and nonmembers of the Church,  if people who are outside the Iglesia ni Cristo still receive blessings from God such  as good health, wealth, fame, etc.?    In other words, why does one still need to enter the Iglesia ni Cristo if this is the case?"

Editor's reply:

Your friend is correct in his observation that there are people who are outside the trueChurch of Christ who also receive many good things from God such as good health, wealth, fame, etc. whether they are good or bad. The Bible states:

⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matt. 5:45, New King James Version).

The truth should not surprise us because God even feeds the birds of the air and clothes the grass of the field (Matt. 6:26, 30, Ibid.).

²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matt. 6:26, 30, NKJV)

However, this does not necessarily mean that everyone who prays or calls on the Lord will be heard by Him. The Holy Scriptures state:

 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” (Isa. 59:2, Ibid.)

Because of sin man was separated from God. Sin is a barrier between God and man. This is the reason why when a sinful man would call upon God, “He will not hear.” It is therefore necessary for man’s sins to be forgiven and for him to be reconciled first to God through the redemptive blood of Christ. This can be achieved through membership in the Church of Christ, because it is the Church of Christ that was purchased or redeemed by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13; Heb. 9:22; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2:13, NKJV)

²² And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. (Heb. 9:22, NKJV)

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

Who else will not be heard by God when they call? Those who refuse to obey His teachings and those who refuse to listen to God’s call:

 “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” (Prov. 28:9, NKJV)

“Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke,…
“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.” (Prov. 1:24-25, 28, Ibid.)

God’s call that man should answer is to have fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ:

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (I Cor. 1:9, New International Version)

This has been God’s master plan of salvation since the very beginning—that all must have fellowship with or be gathered together in Christ (Eph. 1:4, 9-10, NKJV; 3:21, Living Bible).

⁴ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
⁹ having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, ¹⁰ that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (Eph. 1:4, 9-10, NKJV)

²¹ Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:21, NLT)

This is where the importance of membership in the Church of Christ comes in. The true Church is Christ’s body, and by becoming a member of it, one fulfills the will or plan of God for salvation and at the same time he attains the right and privilege to call upon God (Rom. 12:4-5; Col. 1:18, Rom. 16:16).

⁴ For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, ⁵ so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.  (Rom. 12:4-5, NKJV)

¹⁸ And He is the head of the body, the church, . . . . (Col. 1:18, NKJV)

¹⁶ Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. (Rom. 16:16, NKJV)

Here lies the great difference between members and nonmembers of the Church. Apostle Paul explains:

 “At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God’s chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God’s promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God.” (Eph. 2:21, Today’s English Version)

Being outside of the Church of Christ or being apart from Christ means having no hope and being without God in the world or being apart from God’s chosen people. Bear in mind that it is the prayers of God’s chosen people that God hears:

“Remember that the LORD has chosen the righteous for his own, and he hears me when I call to him.” (Ps. 4:3, Ibid.)

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Note: Some cited verses are printed in full to facilitate study.

Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind. For the latest Worship Service Directory of Iglesia ni Cristo Locales and Congregations outside the Philippines, please visit www.iglesianicristoworshipservice.com

Vener Cheng Wrote

I AGREE WITH YOU that it is the Church built by Christ which He sill save (Matt. 16:18). But what makes you think that it is your Church which does not comprise the majority of the people in the world that is going to be saved?

Editor's reply:

The true Church does not need to be composed of the majority for it to be saved by Christ. A church's being composed of the majority does not translate to being its elected or chosen to attain salvation. Of ancient Israel which was the first nation of God, the Holy Scriptures says:

"The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples" (Deut. 7:7, New King James Version)

Bible history proves that God has chosen His own people since the beginning. God elected Noah and his family; by virtue of their election, only eight of them were saved while the rest perished from the great flood (II Peter 2:5). In the first verse we have quoted, it is explicitly stated that God elected His people the ancient Israelites who were few in number, a small nation. There were millions of people who lived during the biblical times, but only few were elected according to God's will. The right to serve God and to attain salvation therefore is not determined by the size of a religious organization but by the election or setting apart by our Lord God (Ps.4:3).

Regarding the election of the Church where we belong, the Church of Christ that emerged in the Philippines, Christ has this prophecy:

"And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:16, NKJV)

Christ "other sheep" which were not yet in the fold or flock when Christ was still on earth, or the people (Ezek. 34:31) who were not yet called in the Church of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation), would come from "distant times" and "afar off" place (Acts 2:39, Rieu and NKJV).

We believe that the phrase "distant times" refers to the "ends of the earth" mentioned in Isaiah 43:5-6 which is the period of time when the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is near, the beginning of which is signaled by a world war (Matt. 24:3, 33, 6-7; Isa. 34:1-2).  On July 27, 1914, the First World War broke out (Story of the Great War, Vol II, p.291; The nations at war, p.8) indicating the beginning od the period "ends of the earth." It is on this very date when this Church of Christ was registered with the Philippine government.

We believe that the "afar off" place in the prophecy refers to the "far country" mentioned in Isaiah 46:11 which is found in the "Far East" (Isa. 43:5, Moffatt), the fulfillment of which is the Philippines, a country which is found in the Far East (Asia and the Philippines, p.169) and from where the Church of Christ in "distant times" emerged. □

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The Bible teaches that there are people who have gone up to heaven. Is this a proof that a man indeed goes to heaven or hell right after he has died? Based on the Holy Scriptures, Iglesia ni Cristo does not agree with the popular belief that man indeed goes to heaven or hell right after he has died.

"Awaiting Judgment Day"

Indeed, the Bible states that there are persons who have gone up to heaven such  Enoch, Elijah, and the Lord Jesus Christ  (cf. Gen. 5:22,24;  Heb. 11:5;  II Kings 2:1, 11;  Acts 1:11).  But it must be noted that except for Christ, the other two went up to heaven without having experienced death.

After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.  And Enoch walked with God; and he wasnot, for God took him. (Gen. 5:22,24, New King James Version)

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”;  for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Heb. 11:5, NKJV)

And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. ( II Kings 2:1, NKJV)

who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, NKJV)

 In the case of the Lord Jesus Christ, He did not remain in the grave because God had risen Him from the dead and took Him up into heaven after 40 days (cf. Acts 1:3-4, 9).

to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.   And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;      Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (Acts 1:3-4, 9, NKJV)

The Lord ascended into heaven to prepare a place for His servants (cf. Jn. 14:1-3)   The fact that He is to PREPARE such place is a clear proof that man does not immediately receive his reward or punishment upon death.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions;  if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
(John 14:1-3, NKJV)

The Bible also makes it clear that only on the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ that everyone will be judged—only then will man accept the reward or punishment for all his deeds, whether good or evil (cf. Rev. 22:11-12; Jn. 5:28-29).   On that day, those who died in Christ will be risen first and together with those true Christians who still live, will be gathered to meet the Lord in the air (cf. I Thess. 4:16-17).

He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”  “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My rewardis with Me, to give to every one according to his work. (Rev. 22:11-12, NKJV)

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. (John 5:28-29, NKJV)

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (I Thess. 4:16-17, NKJV)

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Note: Verses in smaller font were added for clarity.

Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind. 

"How near really is the day of Judgment?"

When our Lord Jesus Christ told His apostles that His second coming was near, He qualified His statement by saying:

".. .when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the very doors" (Mt. 24:33, New King James Version)

What are these things that the Savior was referring to, which, when they would have taken place, indicate that the day of judgment is near? The Lord Jesus Christ explained, thus:

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled-for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

"For nation will rise against nation, and  kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

'All these art the beginning of sorrows"    (Mt. 24:6-8, Ibid.)

All of these signs mentioned by the Lord  Jesus Christ have already taken place and continue to happen in fulfillment of the Savior's  prophesies.   Therefore the day of judgment is very near because it is in these last days that "these things" prophesied by Christ have been fulfilled.

However, no one knows the exact date when Judgment Day will take place, no one,  not even Christ but only the Father (cf. Mt. 24:36).

No one knows the day or hour. The angels in heaven don't know, and the Son himself doesn't know.  Only the Father knows. (Mt. 24:36, Contemporary English Version)

  Hence, the Savior warned us to be ready,  for He is coming at an hour when no one expects Him (cf. Mt. 24:44).

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Mt. 24:44, NKJV)

You are right in saying we must ready ourselves for that day. But how must we prepare for Christ's second coming?    Apostle Paul was very clear on the matter:

And so, my friends, as you wait for that Day, do your best to be pure and faultless in God's sight and to be at peace with him" (II Peter 3:14, Today's English Version)

But where can one find this peace?

This peace can be found in the one body, the Church of which Christ is the head (cf. Col. 3:15; 1:18).

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Col. 3:15, NKJV)

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Col. 1:18, NKJV)

  This Church is the Church o f Christ which was redeemed, by the Savior's own blood (Acts 20:28, Lamsa)

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

Those who have become members of the Church or parts of the body are very certain that on Judgment Day they will not be condemned (cf. Rom 12:4-5: Rom. 8:1).

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Rom. 12:4-5, NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Rom. 8:1, NKJV)

Thus, to prepare oneself for the day of Judgment he must join the Church of Christ and endure to the end (cf. Mt. 24:13).

 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Mt. 24:13, NKJV)

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Note: Verses in smaller font were added for clarity. Emphasis ours.

Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind. 

"Why not publish your own Bible?"

 Carlos Reyes Wrote:                                                                                    YOUR PREACHERS USE different translations of the Bible in delivering a sermon. I was thinking that you do this to suit your own set of reasoning. But upon speaking to a member of your Church I was informed that it is necessary to use different translations of the Bible for there are Bible translations that contain mistranslated verses. If this is true, Why don't you publish your own Bible and put all the correct translation of the verses in it? And given the premise that there are translations that contain errors, how are we to know which one is right?

Editor's Reply:

Your suggestion that the Iglesia ni Cristo publish her own Bible with all the correct translation of mistranslated verses is both well-meaning and appealing. It would be truly convenient and handy to have just one Bible with all the verses that we cite or quote from different translations gathered in one compendium.

By publishing her own Bible, the Iglesia ni Cristo will in effect have a "sanitized" version of the Scriptures--tailor made for her teachings. This is the very thing that the Iglesia ni Cristo avoids, that is, to be accused of manipulating the Scriptures to suit her doctrines.

How, then, are we to know which particular translation of the Bible to use, for example in delivering a sermon? Apostle Paul states the guiding principle to the doctrines of the Bible, thus:

     "This is what we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." (I Cor.2:13, New International version) 

Therefore, there must be no contradiction between the different version of the Bible because spiritual things are compared to spiritual truths. But one may ask, "Who is in a position to compare spiritual things to spiritual truths?" Are all preachers that we see and hear nowadays are qualified to compare spiritual things with spiritual truths, more so preach the gospel? Apostle Paul answers us, thus:

     "And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom. 10:15, New King James Version)

A preacher of the Gospel therefore must be sent by God. Why must he be sent by God?Apostle John states, thus:

     "The one whom God has send speaks God's words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit. (John 3:34, Today's English Version) 

Moreover, the messenger sent by God is entrusted with the ministry and message of reconciliation (cf. II Cor. 5:18-20)

Therefore, even if there are translations of the Bible that contain mistranslated verses, the commissioned preachers of God can identify them because they have been given God's spirit for them to understand His will written in the Bible (cf. I Cor. 2:12). □

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Note: Some words and phrases are in italics for emphasis.

Misconception about the Iglesia ni Cristo "Twice a week worship service is going beyond what was taught in the Bible"

Misconception: 
IT IS TRUE that Iglesia ni Cristo members attend worship services twice a week. Many people think that this practice of going to church twice a week is going beyond what was taught in the Bible. Many people also argue that going to church twice a week is too much for them, as they can't even make it to the once a week worship service on a regular basis. Is it true that this Iglesia ni Cristo  practice is going beyond what was taught in the Bible?

The Truth: 
Conducting worship services on any other day besides Sunday is not something new, nor is it unbiblical because this practice was likewise observed during the time of the Apostles. The first century Christians usually gathered for worship on the first day of the week or on Sundays.
In Acts 20: 7, this is written:

Now on the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. (New King James Version)

But there were also times when they held their worship services in the Temple "every day" or in all days of the week.
In Acts 2:46, this is also written:

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. (New Living Translation)

Thus, the twice a week worship service being done today by the Iglesia ni Cristo is clearly not going beyond what was taught in the Bible. To the faithful members of the Iglesia ni Cristo a twice a week worship service is not a burden but a joy, and doing so edifies their faith.

People may wonder why the great majority of the Iglesia ni Cristo members go to church twice a week overflowing their churches, whereas many religions who have worship services only once a week cannot even fill their churches to capacity and many of them are almost empty? What is the basic reason why Iglesia ni Cristo members enthusiastically go to Church twice a week?

•  Does it have to do with the  "coming to  the knowledge of the truth or knowing the whole truth" that is clearly written in the Bible?
• Does "knowing the whole truth" about God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ gave them the strong faith they need to enthusiastically go to worship services twice a week without fail?

In Timothy 2: 3-6, this is written:

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (New King James Version)

The same verses in another version of the Bible:

³This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior. ⁴God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is,  ⁵There is only one God,    and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us. ⁶God showed us this at the right time.(Contemporary English Version)

A person who does not "know the whole truth" does not have the true faith. For how can a man acquire a strong faith in God and Jesus Christ if He does not know the true God and the true Jesus Christ? In your religion, did they teach and explain to you that the only one God is the Triune God? Did they teach and explain to you that Jesus Christ is God? Are you 100% sure that your beliefs are the whole truth written in the Holy Bible?

Why your speakers deal with the beliefs of other religions instead of just confining yourselves to the doctrines you uphold?

In  discussing the truth about the teachings of other religions, our modest objective is to correct the erroneous doctrines which will cause man not to inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:20-21, New King James Version) To attain such a noble aim, there are some instances when we cannot avoid comparing the beliefs espoused by different religions with the tenets of the Bible, being the sole basis of the true faith. In doing so, we only use the Bible according to its intended function: ".... you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,  All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God maybe complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Tim. 3:15-17, ibid.).

      Notice that aside from being profitable for doctrine and instruction, the Holy Scriptures is also useful for "reproof" and "correction". The Church of Christ therefore believes that examining other religious beliefs in the light of biblical precepts eventually leads to understanding and enlightenment on the part of the people concerned.

     Consequently, identifying what is false is effective and oftentimes necessary to show the truth. And since it is a duty of the Church of Christ to share what is true concerning God's wisdom (Eph. 3:10), exposing false teachings for the purpose of enlightening others , is therefore unavoidable and necessary. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul recommends this method of exposing the truth. He taught: "Try to discover what the Lord wants of you, having nothing to do with the futile works of darkness but exposing them by contrast" (Eph.5:10-11,Jerusalem Bible). 

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Note: Some words and phrases are in italics for emphasis.

Misconceptions* about the Iglesia ni Cristo

Many people have misconceptions about the Iglesia ni Cristo. Misconceptions are mistaken thought, idea or notion; It may also be a misunderstanding; or a false or mistaken view, opinion or attitude. These misconceptions are generally passed around by Iglesia ni Cristo detractors who have nothing good to say about the Church. They make these lies sound as the truth and many people believe them. The purpose of this section is to help refute some of these misconceptions so people who are studying the Church - the Iglesia ni Cristo,  may come to know what is the truth and who is telling the truth based on what is written in the Holy Bible.

Browse through the various Misconceptions about the Iglesia ni Cristo. If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. The minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.

Felix Y. Manalo When and Why He Changed His Name

BROTHER FELIX Y. Manalo was born "Felix Manalo Ysagun." His father was Mariano Ysagun and his mother was Bonifacia Manalo. However, he changed his name into "Felix Ysagun Manalo." When and why he changed his name?



When Did He Changed His Name 

According to Kavanagh, a Catholic priest, the residents of Taguig insist that the changed was made when he started his preaching of the Iglesia ni Cristo (in 1914). However, records show that it was in 1905, after the death of his mother, when he started to used the name "Felix Y. Manalo."

After the death of his mother in summer of 1905, he stayed for a while in Tipas to be with his brother (Baldomero) and sisters (Praxedes and Fausta). When he went back to Manila, he enrolled at Ellinwood Bible Seminary with the name "Felix Y. Manalo." In 1909, when he joined the Christian Mission (Disciples of Christ), he was known as "Felix Y. Manalo."  In a newspaper of the said society published in 1909, it metioned the name "Felix Y. Manalo." When he married his first wife, Tomasa Sereneo, her name was changed to Tomasa Manalo. In 1911, when the first congregation of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the Philippines was established, included in the list of its pioneer members were Felix Y. Manalo and Tomasa S. Manalo.

From 1905, Brother Felix went back to Tipas only in 1914 to preach the Iglesia Ni Cristo in his hometown. Thus, it was only then that the people in Taguig learned that Felix was now using his mother's surname.


The Reasons Why He Changed 
His Name To "Felix Y. Manalo"

The PASUGO (the official magazine of the Iglesia Ni Cristo) tells us that Brother Felix changed his name to "Felix Y. Manalo" because of his great love and affection for his mother. That he grieved his mother's death so much he decided to used his mother's surname. 

However, there was another reason why he changed his surname - he and his siblings wanted to have only one surname. Yes! It was not only Brother Felix Y. Manalo that changed his surname, but also his brother and sisters. The four siblings have different surnames -  Felix and Praxedes were using "Ysagun" and Baldomero and Fausta were using "Mozo." Their mother, Bonifacia Manalo married twice (the first with Mariano Ysagun and the second with Clemente Mozo). The father of Felix and Praxedes was Mariano Ysagun, while the father of Baldomero and Fausta was Clemente Mozo. Since Felix and Praxdedes were not "Mozos," and Baldomero and Fausta were not "Ysaguns," thus, "Manalo" was the most logical, neutral and practical for them to used because they are all "Manalos." Brother Felix's siblings indeed used the surname "Manalo." Their records and families attested to this.

His Name Is "Felix Y. Manalo" 
And Not "Felix M. Ysagun"

Not because he was born "Felix Manalo Ysagun," he must be called "Felix Ysagun" and not "Felix Manalo." If so, the Philippine national hero must also be called "Jose Alonzo Mercado" and not "Jose Protacio Rizal" because he was born "Jose Alonzo Mercado." If "Jose P. Rizal" is the legal name of our national hero, even though he was born "Jose Alonzo Mercado," thus, "Felix Manalo" must also be accepted as the legal name of Brother Felix even though he was born "Felix Ysagun."

If they insist that "Brother Felix must be called "Felix Ysagun" and not "Felix Manalo" because his father was "Mariano Ysagun," they must also insist that the Philippine national hero must be called "Jose Mercado" and not "Jose Rizal" because his father was Francisco Mercado.

There Is Nothing Wrong  With Changing Name 

Changing your name is not wrong and it does not mean that you have no respect to your parents. Take note that the mother of the Philippine national hero was "Teodora Realonda Alonzo," and his father was "Francisco Protacio Mercado," while his name is "Jose Protacio Rizal." After Rizal's death all his siblings changed their surname from "Mercado" to "Rizal." When Rizal and his siblings changed their surname from "Mercado" to "Rizal," their parents did not mind and they were not accused of being disrespectful of their parents.

Also, changing name is not against the Bible: Apostle Paul was first called "Saul"; Abraham was first called "Abram"; and Israel was first called "Jacob."