The Name of the Church

Letter from Romeo Estores:

I WOULD LIKE to know why you call your Church Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ—you use Christ's name in the name of your religion—when you believe that Jesus is not God?  Also, shouldn't the Church be called "Church of God" as stated by Apostle Paul in Galatians 1:13, I Corinthians 10:32 and II Thessalonians 1:4?

Philippines

Editor's reply:

     The Church of Christ upholds to belief that the Lord Jesus Christ is a human and is not God. Jesus Himself attested to this (Jn. 8:40). It was also who He introduced the Father in heaven – and not Himself – as the only true God whom people should recognize (Jn. 17:1, 3).

     Regardless of His state of being, however, Christ is the founder of the Church. This justifies the fact that the Church was called after His name – Church of Christ. In Matthew 16:18, the Lord declared that He would build his Church when He said, “…I will build My church” (New King James Version). Since He called it “My church,” it is biblically sound that the Church be named after Him.

     Moreover, Apostle Paul gave emphasis on the relationship existing between the Church and its founder, Christ:

     “The mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.” (Eph. 5:32, Amplified Bible)

     Since Christ is the head of the Church, which is His body (Col. 1:18, 24), it is logical to call that body after its head – body of Christ, Church of Christ. Apostle James further taught that true Christians are called by the name of Christ (Js. 2:7, Amplified Bible). Thus, when Apostle Paul greeted the early Christians, he addressed them as “churches of Christ” (Rom.16:16), referring not to many churches but to the many members of the Church.

     When Apostle Paul called the Gentile Christians as “church of God” in Galatians 1:13;  I Corinthians 10:32, and II Thessalonians 1:4, it was to emphasize among the Gentile converts.

     Remember that the Gentiles, prior to their conversion in Christianity, were pagans who used to be “carried away from these dumb idols” (I Cor, 12:2, NKJV). They did not have the right to worship or deify the true God then and, hence, were described in that earlier state as “without hope and without God” (Eph. 2:11-12, Today’s English Version). But when they received the gospel and became members of Christ’s Church, the Gentiles were already recognized by God as His people (Rom. 9:24-26, NKJV) who belonged to the Church ofChrist (Rom. 16:4, 16).

     Thus, by addressing them as “church of God,” Apostle Paul wanted the Gentiles to realize that they no longer belong to the worship of dumb idols, but to the Almighty God. Moreover, in using the designation “church of God” for the members of the Church of Christ, Apostle Paul was merely emphasizing that those who are of Christ are also of God. Rightly so, for this what Jesus Himself testified:

     “I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me … I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but those you gave me, for they belong to you. All I have is yours, and you all you have is mine; and my glory is shown through them.” (Jn. 17:6, 9-10, TEV)

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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

To find meaning in a passing world

LIFE ON EARTH is not meant to last forever. Nothing here is permanent, thus, the paradox that says the only thing that remains constant is change. School ends, work begins. We make new friends, we lose old ones. Either we move to different places or the neighborhood itself undergoes changes. Loss and gain alike touch us with sadness, reminding us that nothing in this world is really permanent.

With these incessant changes around us, this is what the Holy Scriptures advises us all to realize when we reflect on life:

“Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more. My life is no longer than my hand! My whole lifetime is but a moment to you. Proud man! Frail as breath! A shadow! And all his busy rushing ends in nothing. He heaps up riches for someone else to spend.” (Ps. 39:4-6, The Living Bible)

Not even we ourselves will remain. Children are born, the elderly pass away, and eventually one generation gives way to another.

Amidst a fast-changing world, the desperate pursuit of the basic necessities for survival has the ironic effect of sometimes making us forget the inevitability of death. But even if we forget about death, if only for a little while, this is the kind of life we all experience in this world:

“HOW MANKIND MUST struggle. A man’s life is long and hard, like that of a slave.” (Job 7:1, Ibid.)

Life in this world is a constant struggle: making ends meet, supporting a family, supporting oneself, among others. Other than brief moments of rest and even briefer interludes of happiness, man’s life is filled with labor and toil, day in and day out, year in and year out, until the day he dies.

Meaning and contentment

“God has given to some men very great wealth and honor, so that they can have everything they want, but he doesn’t give them the health to enjoy it, and they die and others get it all! This is absurd, a hollow mockery, and a serious fault.

“Even if a man has a hundred sons and as many daughters and lives to be very old, but leaves so little money at his death that his children can’t even give him a decent burial – I say that he would be better off born dead. For though his birth would then be futile and end in darkness, without even a name, never seeing the sun or even knowing its existence, yet that is better than to be an old, unhappy man. Though a man lives a thousand years twice over, but doesn’t find contentment – well, what’s the use?” (Eccl. 6:2-6, Ibid.)

No matter how long or materially prosperous a person’s life in this world may be, all it amounts to, without contentment, is nothing. Without true peace, that person’s entire existence is considered less valuable than that of a stillborn baby.

If we want this life in such a wretched world to have any meaning at all, the Bible advises us to ponder this question:

“For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?” (Eccl. 6:12, New International Version)

In order to find meaning and value in our very existence, we must recognize the One who knows what is good for us. Some people have asked this question and found their answer in certain leaders or political ideologies, devoting their very lives for a particular cause.

Can those who place their hope on man or any human invention find true peace and contentment? Should we seek what is good for us from man or any man-made ideas?

Ironically, the great things man has accomplished only lay bare his limitations. The rapid advancements in science and technology have been truly wondrous. However, one of the greatest wonders in all of these achievements is that man’s condition seems only to worsen. Wars have become more devastating, crimes committed more abominable, the numbers of poor and hungry increasing, and even the natural environment itself continuously declining in irreparable decay. And the biggest problem that man can never overcome by himself is death.

How about the man-made philosophies masquerading as religions, claiming to bring people to a higher level of spirituality or even back to God? The Bible curtly depicts their utter uselessness:

“There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Prov. 14:12, New King James Version)

If any belief or religion claims to bring people back to God and what the people are doing there seems right or good, but what are taught are only man-made ideas, this would only bring its members to a futile end in deep pain and despair. The final end, for those who follow such ways is an eternal torment so horrible that it is called the second death (Rev. 20:14).

We humans are not the ones who know what is good for us and what we must do for our good. It is God, our merciful Creator, who knows:

“Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.” (Rom. 12:2, Today’s English Version)

The will of God – His secret plan

The Bible teaches us the will of God we should all recognize, the good work that we must fulfill for our own good:

“God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.

“All things are done according to God’s plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning.” (Eph. 1:9-11, Ibid.)

In order to follow God’s will we must be in union with our Lord Jesus Christ, with Christ Himself being our head. Once we have followed this, this is how God will consider us in relation to Christ:

“Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.” (Eph. 2:15, NKJV)

God considers His Son, Jesus, and all those in union with His Son as one new man. The Church that is in union with Christ as Christ’s own body – and therefore has Christ as its head – is the Church that all people must join to fulfill God’s will. This Church is the Church of Christ (Col. 1:18, Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

Whether we deem the present situation in this world to be happy and fulfilled or gloomy and miserable, we must all do this. Following God’s will – His call to enter the Church of Christ – will give our life meaning and true peace. The Bible tells us why:

“I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people.” (Eph. 1:18, TEV)

Hope gives meaning and value to our life in this impermanent world. Those who listened to and obeyed God’s call by joining the Church of Christ have found true hope. They can hope in God’s wonderful blessings that He has promised to all who would become His people. That hope all Church of Christ members can carry is the certainty of attaining the true life that never ends:

“A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” (Titus 1:2, NIV)

Despite the sadness and the changes which we are all destined to experience here on earth, God, our merciful Father, gives us all the opportunity to join the Church of Christ. Through His words written in the Holy Scriptures, He reminds us that even though this world is filled with more pains than joy, time is nearing when He, our loving Creator and Great Provider, will always be with us to take away all the pains and make our joy complete. He will give us true and everlasting life. God’s promise to His people were seen in a vision by Apostle John. He recounts:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had passed away and no longer was there any sea. I saw the new Jerusalem, the holy city coming down from God, out of heaven, adorned as a bride prepared for her husband. A loud voice came from the throne, ‘Here is the dwelling of God among men: He will pitch his tent among them and they will be his people. God will be with them and wipe every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain, for the world that was has passed away’.” (Rev. 21:1-4, Christian Community Bible)

Even though we all may feel pain in this world – even though all people, regardless of personal wealth or social position, experience loss – this will all pass away. We still have the chance to return to God and join Him in the true home intended for us. By joining the Church of Christ or Iglesia ni Cristo and serving the Lord until the end, we can fulfill the purpose of our existence and find true meaning, joy, and peace.

If it were true that the Father is the only true God, why then did Jesus declare in John 10:34-35 "God said you are gods"? Doesn't this mean that there exist other gods aside from the Father?

"God said, 'You are gods'"
(John 10:34-35)

Ralph Cyril Quevedo Wrote:

I UNDERSTAND THAT in the Church of Christ you believe that the Father is the "only" true God (emphasis on the word "only"). You publicly declare this in your sermons, magazines, and even  in  your television programs. If it were true that the Father is the only true God, why then did Jesus declare in John 10:34-35 (Good News Bible), "God said you are gods"? Doesn't this mean that there exist other gods aside from the Father?

Stockton, California, U.S.A.

Editor's reply:

     To answer your question, let us first quote in full John 10:34-35 from the Today’s English Version, otherwise known as the Good News Bible:

     “Jesus answered, ‘It is written in your own Law that God said, “You are gods”. We know that what the scripture says is true forever; and God called those people gods, the people to whom his message was given.”

     This pronouncement that was made by our Lord Jesus Christ before the Pharisees who questioned His words is an allusion to some verses in the Old Testament, Psalm 82:1 and 6, which reads:

     “God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. … I said, ‘You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High’.” (New King James Version)

     The word “gods” in these verses was used metaphorically of those whom God had placed as judges in the nation of ancient Israel. This is similar to what is written in Exodus 21:6. The Amplified Bible renders it, thus:

     “Then his master shall bring him to God [the judges as His agents]; he shall bring him to the door or doorpost and shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him for life.”

     Another proof that those referred to as “gods” in Psalms 82:1 and 6 are not of the same nature as the God Almighty is that they were to die like “mere men”:

     “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? ...    “But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler.” (Ps. 82:2, 7, New International Version)

     Going back to John 10:34-35, our Lord Jesus Christ alluded to Psalms 82:1 and 6 in order to stress a point to the Pharisees who took offense at His statement that He is the Son of God. In the succeeding verse, John 10:36, Christ was pointing out to His detractors that if they were to accept that those from whom God’s word came are called “gods,” then why should they accuse Christ of blaspheming when He introduced Himself as the Son of God:

     “As for me, the Father chose me and sent me into the world. How, then, can you say that I blaspheme because I said that I am the Son of God?” (TEV)

     But, even as there really are “so-called gods” as mentioned in the Bible, this should not lead us to believe in and worship other gods aside from the only true God, the Father, as stated by Apostle Paul:

     “Even if there are so-called ‘gods’, whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these ‘gods’ and ‘lords’, yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live …” (I Cor. 8:5-6, Ibid.)

     The belief that there is more than one true God other than the Father is erroneous and is biblically untenable. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself made it quite clear when He declared that the Father is the only true God:

     “After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. … And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent’.” (John 17:1, 3, Ibid.)

     It is very important for one to have the right knowledge about God. According to Jesus Christ, to know and believe that the Father is the only true God and to know Jesus Christ whom He sent is to gain eternal life.                  

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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. 

Before Iglesia ni Cristo couples exchange marriage vows, they are made aware of each other’s responsibilities and are taught how these should be carried out. But, what makes their marriage work is their adherence to the biblical instructions they have receive in the Church.

The key to a happy family

Charles Davidson Wrote:

MY WIFE AND I could no longer patch up our differences and so we agreed to get a divorce. She has custody of our two kids who are still young. The tragic ending to our four-year marriage happened two years ago.

Just last year, my job assignment took me to the Philippines—to a neighborhood of mostly Iglesia ni Cristo families. Some are young couples and two have already celebrated their golden wedding anniversaries. On the onset of our acquaintance, they handed me a copy of PASUGO magazine. Upon reading, your letters section attracted  my attention.

I would like to know how husbands and wives in your religion maintain harmonious relationship despite problems that set in.

Editor's reply:

Married members of the Iglesia ni Cristo do experience the problems and difficulties common to married life. But, what makes their marriage work is their adherence to the biblical instructions they have receive in the Church. Before Iglesia ni Cristo couples exchange marriage vows, they are made aware of each other’s responsibilities and are taught how these should be carried out. The following are some of the biblical guidelines concerning the primary duties of the husband and wife to each other and to their family:

First, husband and wife should have mutual love and respect for each other. The man must love his own wife as his own body (cf. Eph. 5:25, 28-29).

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.
²⁸ Men ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. (²⁹ None of us ever hate our own bodies. Instead, we feed them, and take care of them, just as Christ does the church; (Eph. 5:25, 28-29, GNT)

Abusing one’s wife, whether physically, verbally, or emotionally, is against the teaching of the Bible. In the same manner, Christian wives must also love their own husbands (cf. Titus 2:4).

⁴ that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, (Titus 2:4, NKJV)

Second, mutual respect and understanding of each other’s person and character is very important. Apostle Peter writes that husbands must treat their wives with respect and with the proper understanding that they are the weaker sex (cf. I Pt. 3:7).

⁷ Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (I Pt. 3:7, NKJV)

Apostle Paul, on the other hand instructs wives to respect their husbands (cf. Eph. 5:33).

³³ Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33, NKJV).

Indeed, this is very crucial for if there is lack of understanding on the part of either spouse, their marriage is bound for trouble.

Third, conjugal obligations must be observed diligently, that is, the duties and responsibilities that husband and wife must be understood that the woman was created by God to be man’s companion in life to be of help to him (cf. Gen. 2:18).

¹⁸ Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him.” (Gen. 2:18, TEV)

One area of joint responsibility lies in child-rearing. Apostle Paul instructs Christian parents to bring up their children in Christian discipline and instruction (cf. Eph. 6:4).

⁴ Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction. (Eph. 6:4, TEV).

The husband, as head of the family, must be the provider for the family’s needs while the wife looks after their children and their home (cf. Prov. 31:26-28, NIV). Parents, however, are not only there to provide for their children’s emotional and material needs (cf. I Tim. 5:8).

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her: (Prov. 31:26-28, NIV)

⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. NKJV

Above all, they must lead their children into the righteous way of worshipping the true God just as the early servants of God did. A good example is Joshua (cf. Jos. 24:15).

¹⁵ And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Jos. 24:15, NKJV)

Lastly, prayerfulness is an important virtue that husbands and wives must put into practice and must cultivate in their children, knowing that by ourselves we cannot possibly overcome all odds (cf. Lk. 18:1; Philip. 4:6).

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Lk. 18:1, NKJV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philip. 4:6, NKJV)

These are but some of the many biblical tenets which, when followed diligently, will ensure married couples of a blissful family life.

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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

The most valuable wisdom

MILLIONS OF STUDENTS long for the day when they will receive the much-desired diploma in their chosen course. Whether a person graduates from elementary, high school, college, or graduate school, the receiving of a diploma in recognition of his efforts in gaining knowledge is one of the finest moments in his life. For the student, it is a day of achievement. For the parents, it is a day of pride. And for all, it is a day of inspiration.

Having a thirst for knowledge is one of the most admirable qualities of people. Because of this thirst, inventions have been made, uncharted territories have been explored, and different philosophies and schools of thought have developed. Indeed, knowledge is potentially beneficial for man, and usually, the people who acquire knowledge are the first to reap its reward.

The most valuable knowledge

However, if a person strives to gain worldly knowledge, he must understand that there is a particular body of knowledge that he should all the more strive to acquire and thirst for with all his being. The Bible teaches concerning this knowledge:

“That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight.” (Prov. 1:2,Amplified Bible)

Godly wisdom and instruction should be sought after above worldly wisdom. While the benefits of education and worldly knowledge cannot be denied, godly wisdom offers rewards far greater than recognition, honors, high paying jobs, or positions of power in the community and in the business world. In fact, godly wisdom offers the greatest reward. It gives man life and places him in God’s favor:

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise. And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD.” (Prov. 8:32-35, New King James Version)

Blessed is the person who receives and obeys God’s instruction, for he finds favor from the Lord.

Many desire to get education from prestigious schools and universities because they realize its benefits in fulfilling their career and financial goals. They cite reasons such as “the higher the education, the higher the salary.” Even after people have left school, many still strive to gain knowledge in their chosen fields, realizing the importance of knowledge as a means to move up the corporate ladder.

It must be acknowledged, however, that a college education does not guarantee success and wealth. Ironically, after finishing college, some even find themselves jobless or underemployed and in debt because of their college loans and bills. The business world does not also guarantee instant wealth and much more a worry-free life. On the contrary, some have experience greater anxieties and dissatisfaction instead of contentment after entering the business world. And in extreme cases, some have even committed suicide because of pressures brought about by school and work.

What we should understand is that God has the power to provide us with true prosperity and success. The Lord may bless the family and one’s education, career, or status in life if he hears God’s commands and lives by them. Thus, if one is earnest in succeeding in life, it is vital that he attains wisdom that comes from the Lord.

The righteous will succeed

By attaining godly wisdom, a person can triumph over all obstacles that may prevent him from succeeding. This is the Lord’s promise:

“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.” (Prov. 4:11-13, Ibid.)

If a person takes hold of God’s instructions, his steps will not be hindered – he will run and will not stumble. This does not mean, however, that a righteous person will no longer experience disappointments and difficulties. The fact is, everyone experiences ups and downs in life. But those who have received God’s wisdom coupled with His favor rise to any challenge. They continue even when times get rough:

“Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.” (Prov. 24:15-16, Ibid.)

The righteous will never be left alone by the Almighty. Each time they fall or experience disappointments, God will be ready to help them rise and continue in their endeavors.

The words of God are the means for a person to become righteous or holy:

“Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth.” (Jn. 17:17, Living Bible)

God’s words are written in the Holy Scriptures:

“And you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (II Tim. 3:15, Today’s English Version)

The words of God written in the Holy Scriptures is God’s wisdom that leads man to salvation. For this reason, one who receives godly wisdom or God’s words written in the Bible and makes them his guide in life will receive life.

The life awaiting the righteous is the true life in the Holy City:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: ‘Now God’s home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared’.” (Rev. 21:1-4,Ibid.)

Eternal life is the most precious benefit of attaining godly wisdom. It is incomparable with anything human institutions can offer. Thus, a person should make learning and obeying the commands of God their top priority in life. If a person receives and diligently obeys the inspired words of God, he will experience the benefits of godly wisdom not only in this life, but most of all in the life to come.

Destruction of the world by fire

We believe that God will destroy the world by means of fire on Judgment Day as the Bible teaches. Apostle Peter explained this by comparing what would happen on Judgment Day   with what happened during the time of Noah:

“For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which now exist are kept on store by the same word, reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men… But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” (II Pt. 3:5-7, 10, New King James Version)

As the ancient civilization was destroyed literally through a great flood, the present world will also be literally destroyed by fire on Christ’s Second Advent. Apostle Paul wrote:

“And to give who you are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (II Thess. 1:7-9, NKJV)

Even before the Christian era, God forewarned through His prophets that He would destroy the world by fire:

“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land.” (Zeph. 1:18, NKJV)

Hence, just as God’s wrath is real, no one should conclude that the fire He will use in destroying the world is unreal or only a figure of speech.

We would also understand that Christ does not by Himself know when the day of Judgment will come, but only the Father in heaven does (Mt. 24:36).

³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. (Mt. 24:36, NKJV)

In spite of this fact, Jehovah’s Witnesses has repeatedly tried to predict the Second Advent of Christ and failed consistently. These failures were published in its magazines, proving that it is not the true religion.

The true religion teaches that only the Heavenly Father knows the exact time of the day of Judgment and that He will destroy the earth by means of real fire as written in the Bible.

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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 or just click link at home page.

Nasa Biblia Ba Ang Aral Na Ang Diyos Ay May Tatlong Persona?

ANG ISA SA mga aral na itinataguyod ng Iglesia Katolika at ng mga Protestante ay ang tinatawag na “Santisima Trinidad.” Maraming mga tao ang nag-aakalang mula sa Biblia ang aral na ito. Dahil dito ating suriin ang aral na ito upang matiyak kung ito ay nakasalig sa mga katotohanang itinuturo ng Banal na Kasulatan. Gagawin natin ang pagsusuri sa pamamagitan ng isang magaang na paraan ng pag-aaral.

Tanong. Ano ang tinatawag na Santisima Trinidad ng Iglesia Katolika at ng mga Protestante?

Sagot. Ang Santisima Trinidad daw ay ang isang Diyos na binubuo ng tatlong ibat’t ibang persona – ang Ama, ang Anak, at ang Espiritu Santo – na tunay raw na pantay-pantay at walang pagkakaungusan.

“Iniaaral ng Iglesia Katolika na may isang Diyos lamang,…

“Sa isang Diyos na ito’y may tatlong iba’t ibang Persona, - Ang Ama, ang Anak, at ang Espiritu Santo, na tunay na pantay-pantay at walang pagkakaungusan.” ¹

T. Ayon na rin sa pagtatapat ng Iglesia Katolika, nasa Biblia ba ang tinatawag nilang Santisima Trinidad?

S. Wala at hindi rin naaayon sa Biblia ang Trinidad.

“Though the exact terms in which the Church has formally defined the dogma of the Blessed Trinity… are not in the Bible, and may, therefore, in a sense be called unscriptural;…” ²Sa Pilipino:

“Bagama’t ang mga tiyak na salitang ginamit ng Iglesia (Katolika) upang opisyal na ipaliwanag ang aral ng Pinagpalang Trinidad… ay wala sa Biblia, at maaari, kung gayong sabihin, sa isang kahulugan na hindi naaayon sa Biblia;…”

T. Sino ang umimbento ng terminong Trinidad?

S. Si Tertuliano.

“The term ‘Trinity’ is not found in the Scriptures,… The invention of the term is ascribed to Tertullian.” ³Sa Pilipino:

“Ang katawagang ‘Trinidad’ ay wala sa Banal na Kasulatan,… Ang pagkakakatha ng katawagan ay ipinalalagay na gawa ni Tertuliano.”

Nota: Si Tertuliano ay hindi kabilang sa mga naging alagad ni Cristo ni kasama sa mga taong sumulat ng Bagong Tipan. Kundi, isa siya sa mga itinuturing na unang Ama ng Iglesia Katolika.

T. Ano ang dahilan at inimbento ni Tertuliano ang terminong Trinidad?

S. Inimbento ni Tertuliano ang termino upang gamitin sa binalangkas niyang doktrina na Trinidad.

“Tertullian was the first to use the term ‘Trinity’ and to formulate the doctrine, but his formulation was deficient, since it involved an unwarranted subordination of the Son to the Father.” ⁴

Sa Pilipino:

“Si Tertuliano ang unang gumamit ng terminong ‘Trinidad’ at siyang bumalangkas sa doktrinang ito, ngunit ang ginawa niyang balangkas ay may kamalian, sapagkat nasangkot doon ang di makatwirang pagtuturo na ang Anak ay mababa kaysa sa Ama.”

T. Kailan sinimulang buuin ng Iglesia Katolika ang kanilang aral ukol sa Trinidad?

S. Noong ika-4 na siglo lamang.

“…The Church began to formulate its doctrine of the Trinity in the fourth century. The Council of Nicea declared the Son to be co-essential with the Father (325 A.D.), while the Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.) asserted the deity of the Holy Spirit. Though not with the same precision.” ⁵

Sa Pilipino:

“…Sinimulang buuin ng Iglesia (Katolika) ang doktrina nito ukol sa Trinidad noong ika-4 na siglo. Ipinahayag ng Konsilyo ng Nicea na ang Anak ay may esensiya na katulad ng sa Ama (325 A.D.), samantalang iginiit ng Konsilyo ng Constantinople (381 A.D.) ang pagiging-diyos ng Espiritu Santo, bagaman hindi kasing tiyak.”

T. Ano ang suliraning bumangon samantalang binubuo ng Iglesia Katolika ang kanilang aral na Trinidad?

S. Nagkaroon muna ng malawak at mga mapapait na pagtatalo sa loob ng Iglesia Katolika tungkol sa pagpapaliwanag sa Trinidad.

“…Tertullian and Cyprian in North Africa, Clement and Origen in Alexandria, began to clarify and define the still inchoate doctrine concerning the relation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to set forth the claims of the Church to power and authority. But lack of complete agreement among them gave scope to acrimonious disputes.” ⁶

Sa Pilipino:

“…Nagsimulang linawin at bigyang pakahulugan nina Tertuliano at Cipriano ng Hilagang Aprika, Clemente at Origen ng Alejandria, ang hindi pa organisadong mga doktrina tungkol sa relasyon ng Ama, Anak at Espiritu Santo, at upang ipahayag ang mga pag-aangkin ng Iglesia sa kapangyarihan at karapatan. Subalit ang kawalan ng pagkakasundo sa gitna nila ay nagpakalawak sa mapapait na mga pagtatalo.”

T. Ano ba ang naging paniniwala o opinion ng lahat ng mga teologo ng Iglesia Katolika tungkol sa Anak (Cristo) bago ang Konsilyo sa Nicea?

S. Ang lahat ng mga teologo ng Iglesia Katolika noon ay nagkaisa ng paniniwala na mababa ang Anak sa Ama.

“Before the Council of Nicea (AD 325) all theologians viewed the Son as in one way or another subordinate to the Father.” ⁷

Sa Pilipino:

“Bago ang Konsilyo sa Nicea (AD 325) binigyan ng opinion ng lahat ng mga teologo na ang Anak ay mababa kaysa sa Ama.”

T. Ano naman ang paniniwala ni Origen na isa rin sa mga kinikilalang unang Ama ng Iglesia Katolika tungkol sa Espiritu Santo?

S. Ang paniniwala ni Origen ay mababa ang Espriritu Santo sa Ama at maging sa Anak.

“…Origen went even further in this direction by teaching explicitly that the Son is subordinate to the Father in respect to essence, and that the Holy Spirit is subordinate even to the Son….” ⁸

Sa Pilipino:

“… Pumalaot si Origen sa direksyong ito sa pamamagitan ng maliwanag na pagtuturo na ang Anak ay mababa kaysa Ama kapag ang pag-uusapan ay esensiya, at ang Espiritu Santo ay mababa maging sa Anak….”

T. Kailan lamang nabuo ng Iglesia Katolika ang kumpletong pormulasyon ng doktrina ukol sa Trinidad?

S. Noon lamang 675 A.D. sa ika-11 Kapulungan ng Toledo.

“The most complete formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity in a Creed since the times of the Fathers is found in the Symbol of the 11th Synod of Toledo (675), which is composed mosaic-like out of texts from the Fathers (above all from St. Augustine, St. Fulgentius, St. Isidore of Seville), and of former Synods (especially that of the 6th Synod of Toledo, 638), D. 275-281.” ⁹

Sa Pilipino:

“Ang pinaka-kumpletong pormulasyon ng doktrina ng Trinidad sa isang Kredo mula nang panahon ng mga Ama ay matatagpuan sa Kredo ng ika-11 Kapulungang Toledo (675), na binuong tulad sa mosaik na hinango sa mga tekstong mula sa mga Ama ( higit sa lahat mula kina San Agustin, San Fulgencio, San Isidro ng Seville), at sa mga naunang Kapulungan (lalo na ang ika-6 na Kapulungan ng Toledo, 638), D. 275-281.”

T. Mapapatunayan ba ng Iglesia Katolika sa pamamagitan ng katuwiran ang kanilang aral ukol sa Trinidad?

S. Inamin ng Iglesia Katolika na hindi nila ito kayang mapatunayan sa pamamagitan ng katuwiran ni hindi rin nila mapapatunayan na ang aral na ito ay possible.

“…according to the teaching of the Church, the dogma of the Blessed Trinity… is a mystery in the fullest sense; that is to say, it cannot be proved by reason,… nay, it cannot be proved to be possible.” ¹⁰

Sa Pilipino:

“… sang-ayon sa turo ng Iglesia (Katolika), ang dogma ukol sa Santisisma Trinidad… ay isang hiwaga sa pinakaganap na kahulugan; na ang ibig sabihin, ito ay hindi maaaring patunayan sa pamamagitan ng katuwiran,…na hindi rin maaaring patunayan na ito ay posible.”

T. Ang mga karaniwang kaanib ba lamang sa Iglesia Katolika ang hindi makapagpapatunay at hindi nakauunawa ng aral tungkol sa Trinidad?

S. Walang sinumang makauunawa ng kanilang aral na Trinidad – maging ang kanilang pinakamarunong daw na teologo, ang pinakabanal daw na Papa, at maging ang pinakadakila daw na santo.

“The Trinity is a wonderful mystery. No one understands it. The most learned theologian, the holiest Pope, the greatest saint, all are mystified by it as the child of seven. It is one of the things which we shall know only when we see God face to face….” ¹¹

Sa Pilipino:

“Ang Trinidad ay isang kamangha-manghang misteryo. Walang sinumang nakauunawa nito. Ang pinakamarunong na teologo, ang pinakabanal na Papa, ang pinakadakilang santo, silang lahat ay nahihiwagahan dito tulad ng isang batang may pitong taong gulang. Isa ito sa mga bagay na malalaman lamang natin kapag nakita na natin ang Diyos nang mukhaan…”

T. Anu-ano ang mga aral ng Biblia na sinasalungat ng pagtuturong ang tunay na Diyos ay iisa subalit may tatlong persona?

S. Sinasabi sa Biblia na ang Diyos ay mag-isa at walang kagaya.

“Sapagka’t ikaw ay dakila, at gumagawa ng kagilagilalas na mga bagay: Ikaw na magisa ang Dios.

“Walang gaya mo sa gitna ng mga dios, Oh Panginoon; Wala mang mga gawang gaya ng iyong mga gawa.” (Awit 86:10, 8)

T. Bakit hindi na maaaring dagdagan pa ng magiging kagaya ang tunay na Diyos?

S. Sapagkat ang tunay na Diyos ay isang ganap na Diyos at wala nang iba liban sa Kaniya.

“Kayo’y mangagpahayag, at mangagpasapit; oo, magsanggunian silang magkakasama: sinong nagpakilala nito mula nang unang mga panahon? Sinong nagpahayag niyaon nang una? Hindi baga ang Panginoon? At walang Dios liban sa akin: isang ganap na Dios at Tagapagligtas; walang iba liban sa akin.” (Is. 45:21)

T. Sa paglipas kaya ng mga panahon ay hindi na mababago ang katotohanang ito?

S. Hindi na, sapagkat pinatutunayan mismo ng Diyos na wala ng ibang Diyos kahit pa sa darating.

“Israel, ikaw ang saksi ko, Hinirang kita upang maging lingkod ko, Upang makilala mo ako At manalig ka sa akin, Walang ibang diyos na una sa akin, Ni mayroon pa mang iba na darating.

“Ako ang Diyos, Sa mula’t mula pa, Ang nasa kamay ko’y Hindi makukuha ng sinuman; At walang makahahadlang Sa aking ginagawa.” (Is. 43:10, 13,Magandang Balita)

T. Bakit sa lahat ng panahon ay isa lamang ang tunay na Diyos na dapat kilalanin ng tao?

S. Sapagkat ang tunay na Diyos ang kauna-unahan at kahuli-hulihan.

“Ganito ang wika ng Panginoon, hari ng Israel, na kanyang manunubos, ang Panginoon ng mga hukbo: Ako ang kauna-unahan at ang kahuli-hulihan; at liban sa akin ay wala nang iba pang Diyos.” (Is. 44:6, Abriol)

T. Kaya, nang dumating ang panahong Cristiano, sino at ilan ang tunay na Diyos na ipinakilala ni Cristo?

S. Ang Ama ang ipinakilala ni Cristo na iisang Diyos na tunay.

“Ang mga bagay na ito ay sinalita ni Jesus; at sa pagtingala ng kaniyang mga mata sa langit, ay sinabi niya, Ama, dumating na ang oras; luwalhatiin mo ang iyong Anak, upang ikaw ay luwalhatiin ng Anak:

“At ito ang buhay na walang hanggan, na ikaw ay makilala nila na iisang Dios na tunay, at siyang iyong sinugo, sa makatuwid baga’y si Jesucristo.” (Juan 17:1, 3)

T. Sinasang-ayunan ba ni Cristo ang itinuturo ng Iglesia Katolika at ng mga Protestante na magkapantay sila ng Ama?

S. Hindi, sapagkat kinikilala Niya na ang Ama ay lalong dakila kaysa Kaniya.

“Narinig ninyo kung paanong sinabi ko sa inyo, Papanaw ako, at paririto ako sa inyo. Kung ako’y inyong iniibig, kayo’y mangagagalak, dahil sa ako’y pasasa Ama: sapagka’t ang Ama ay lalong dakila kay sa akin.” (Juan 14:28)

T. Ano ang lalong nagpapatotoo na hindi nga kapantay ng Ama si Cristo?

S. Kapag ang lahat ng bagay ay napasuko na ng Diyos kay Cristo, si Cristo naman ay paiilalim sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos.

“Ganito ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan: ‘ Ang lahat ng bagay ay lubusang pinasuko sa kanya ng Diyos.’ (Ngunit sa salitang ‘lahat ng bagay’, maliwanag na hindi kasama rito ang Diyos na siyang naglagay ng lahat ng mga bagay sa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ni Cristo.) At kapag ang lahat ay nasa ilalim na ng kapangyarihan ni Cristo, ang Anak naman ang paiilalim sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos na naglagay ng lahat ng bagay sa ilalim ng kapangyarihan niya. Sa gayon, lubusang maghahari ang Diyos sa kalahat-lahatan.” (I Cor. 15:27-28, MB)

T. Sino naman ang pinatutunayan ng mga Apostol na nasa ibabaw ng lahat na katunayan pa rin ng malaking kahigitan ng Ama kay Cristo?

S. Ayon kay Apostol Pablo ang Ama ang nasa ibabaw ng lahat.

“Isang Dios at Ama ng lahat, na siyang sumasa ibabaw sa lahat, at sumasa lahat, at nasa lahat.” (Efe. 4:6)

T. Naaayon ba sa aral ng Biblia ang pagtuturong ang Espiritu Santo ay kapantay ng Ama?

S. Natitiyak nating hindi sapagkat ayon kay Cristo, ang Espiritu Santo ay isinusugo ng Ama.

“Datapuwa’t ang Mangaaliw, sa makatuwid baga’y ang Espiritu Santo, na susuguin ng Ama sa aking pangalan, siya ang magtuturo sa inyo ng lahat ng mga bagay, at magpapaalaala ng lahat na sa inyo’y aking sinabi.” (Juan 14:26)

T. Ang Ama ba lamang ang tanging nakapagsusugo sa Espiritu Santo?

S. Naisusugo rin ng Anak ang Espiritu Santo.

“Datapuwa’t pagparito ng Mangaaliw, na aking susuguin sa inyo mula sa Ama, sa makatuwid baga’y ang Espiritu ng katotohanan, na nagbubuhat sa Ama, ay siyang magpapatotoo sa akin.” (Juan 15:26)

T. Ayon na rin sa patotoo ng Iglesia Katolika, sino ba ang higit na nakatataas, ang nagsusugo o ang isinusugo?

S. Pinatutunayan ng Iglesia Katolika na mas nakatataas ang nagsugo kaysa isinusugo.

“Di ba ang kapangyarihang nagsusugo ay mataas kaysa sinusugo?” ¹²

Maliwanag na pinatutunayan ng Biblia at maging ng iba’t ibang aklat ng Iglesia Katolika at ng mga Protestante na ang doktrina ukol sa Trinidad ay wala at hindi naaayon sa pagtuturo ng Biblia. Kaya ang sinumang magpapatuloy sa paniniwalang ang tunay na Diyos ay may tatlong Persona ay nagtataglay ng hidwang pananampalataya at ang hidwang pananampalataya, ayon sa mga Apostol, ay hindi ikaliligtas kundi ikapapahamak.

SANGGUNIAN:

¹ James Cardinal Gibbons, Ang Pananampalataya Ng Ating Mga Ninuno, p. 8.

² Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pohle, Ph. D., D.D., The Divine Trinity: A Dogmatic Treatise, p. 22.

³ Augustus Hopkins Strong, D.D, LL.D., Systematic Theology, p. 304.

⁴ L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology, p. 82.

⁵ Ibid., p. 82-83.

⁶ John B. Noss, Man’s Religions, p. 624.

⁷ Eerdman’s Handbook to the History of Christianity, pp. 112-113.

⁸ Berkhof, op. cit., p. 82.

⁹ Dr. Ludwig Ott, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, p. 33

¹⁰ Rev. C. F. Blount, S. J., The Blessed Trinity. p. 2.

¹¹ Martin J. Scott, S.J., God and Myself: An Inquiry Into The True Religion, p. 118.

¹² Gibbons, op. cit., p. 8.