Reaching the blissful Holy City

DO YOU WANT to have a vacation?

Probably, you are one of those who feel burned out and dream of going to a place where you can relieve yourself from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy even a few days or weeks of rest and relaxation.

There may be some place where you can try to relax for a while, but we know too well that no matter where we may go in this world, no matter where we may run, we could never fully escape from discomfort, hardships, and problems. Yet, true Christians know that this world is not all there is; they know and believe that there is a place so wonderful that the present world cannot compare with. That place is the kingdom of heaven or the Holy City.

A city of pure gold and of eternal life

The Bible gives a vivid description of the Holy City:

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

“The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald. The fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” (Rev. 21:1-2; 16-21, New King James Version)

Apostle John further describes the Holy City. He wrote:

“In the middle of the street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 22:2-5, Ibid.)

Think about this for a minute. A city of pure gold, clear as glass; the building of its wall jasper; the foundations of its wall garnished with precious stones, with its 12 gates 12 pearls; and its street pure gold. In the midst of the street is the tree of life. Is there any place like this in the whole world?

Regarding the life in the Holy City, Apostle John says:

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them, and be their God’. ’And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’.

“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 came 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. 21:3-4; 7:13-17, Ibid.)

In the Holy City, there will be eternal life. Man will enjoy an existence devoid of sorrow, crying, pain, hunger, or thirst, which are all present in this world no matter where we live. In that wonderful place or splendor, God’s servants will be with Him, serving Him day and night. Who among us would not want to live in a place such as this? The fortunate ones will dwell in this place on the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:1-3).

The wrath of God in the lake of fire

But, the Holy City is not the only place that the Bible speaks of to which man may go. There is also that which is referred to as the lake of fire:

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev. 20:14, NKJV)

Take a look at how the Scriptures describes how frightening it is to end up in the lake of fire. The Book of Revelation records this grim description:

“He himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” (Rev. 14:10-11, Ibid.)

In the lake of fire, men will be tormented with fire and brimstone. They will have no rest day or night. Once cast in the lake of fire, there is absolutely nothing that a person could do to get out. He will remain there suffering forever. So, this is the other end – eternal condemnation in the lake that burns with an unquenchable fire. No one in his right mind will ever want to end up in that horrible place where together with him suffering are the devil and his angels (Rev. 20:10; Mt. 25:41).

Reaching the Holy City

The Bible does not only teach us that there is a Holy City and that there is going to be a lake of fire; it also teaches us how to avoid ending up in the latter and make it to the former. Apostle John says this:

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14, NKJV)

The blessed men and women who will be granted entrance into the Holy City and will have the right to the tree of life are those who do or obey the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. Obedience is necessary if we truly want to be saved and reach this beautiful and sacred place. Thus, it is not true that for man to be saved, he only needs to believe in Christ or accept Him as Lord and personal Savior. Faith is important, and so is obedience to or compliance with Christ’s commandments.

One of the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ that one should obey is recorded in John 10:9. This is written:

“I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe.” (Revised English Bible)

The Lord commands everyone to come into the fold to be saved. Jesus did not say that anyone who just believes or accepts Him as Lord and personal Savior will be saved. Which is the fold or flock everyone should enter?

“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 Translation)

So, for us to reach the glorious Holy City, we must become members of the Church of Christ or Iglesia ni Cristo

Mere membership in the Church is not sufficient

But there is another thing everyone must understand. Although joining the Church is very important, it is not the only thing a person needs to do to attain salvation. As faith alone does not save, neither does mere membership in the Church.

There are certain things that a person ought to avoid in order to enter the kingdom of heaven or the Holy City. He should make sure that he is not defiled or filthy in the eyes of God and that he is not doing anything that is abominable in His sight:

“But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes and abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” (Rev. 21:27, NKJV)

Those who are defiled or unclean and guilty of abominations are people who live in sin and practice the filthy works of the flesh, which were enumerated by Apostle Paul:

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, Idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, Envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal. 5:19-21, Ibid.)

We must not do these things in order for us to be saved. We must not embrace heresies or false beliefs even though they may be popular. We should stay away from adultery, fornication, drunkenness, and other things like these, for if we don’t, we would not inherit the heavenly kingdom of God. Those who do these evil things will find themselves consigned to condemnation in the horrible lake of fire. This is written:

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8, Ibid.)

There are only two places where a man will end up on Judgment Day: the Holy City or the dreadful lake of fire. The former provides eternal life and blissful existence with God and Christ; whereas, the latter offers painful torment and terrible agony and anguish with the devil and his angels. Not only did God describe the kind of life present in both places, but He also taught how man can reach either place. If one does not want to be punished but be saved and live in the Holy City, he must join the Church of Christ. It is by joining this Church and living a Christian way of life until the very end (Mt. 24:13) that we will be certain to reach the heavenly kingdom for all eternity.

On Being Patient

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
-James 5:7-8, New King James Version
The Scriptures prove that man must first belong to God’s chosen people so that his calls on Him will not be rejected.
“So it is best for us to wait in patience – to wait for him to save us - …When we suffer, we should sit alone in silent patience; We should bow in submission, for there may still be hope … The Lord is merciful and will not reject us forever.”
-Lamentations 3:26, 28-29, 31, Today’s English Version
PATIENCE SEEMS TO BE a diminishing virtue, especially in today’s fast-paced life. Now that “instant” is a common word in many people’s vocabulary – instant coffee, instant messages, and instant wealth – and almost everything – food, plane tickets, hotel bookings, and access to many sorts of information – is just a click away, many tend to expect instantaneous solutions to problems and immediate answers to their concerns. Without such solution, they would lose their patience and feel as though all hope were lost.

The dizzying pace of life nowadays, however, is not the only contributory factor to man’s impatience and frustrations. So, too, are the situations in man’s life that veer out of his control and overwhelm him such as the intense difficulties of daily living, the threats of disasters and dangers, and many other hardships that contribute to his predicament. Yet amid all these, the servants of God should not lose hope, for they have Him to trust in:

“Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Ps. 34:12, 8, New King James Version)

Indeed, with God, we will overcome life’s anxieties and all the things that may cause frustrations. So, why do others become impatient in drawing near to God?

Impatient in approaching GodWe almost automatically approach God in times of need. Yet, when some of our calls to Him seem not answered, some of us become impatient in approaching Him. The Bible describes such condition, thus:

“I call to you, O God, but you never answer; and when I pray, you pay no attention. … You let the wind blow me away; you toss me about in a raging storm. … I hoped for happiness and light, but trouble and darkness came instead. I am torn apart by worry and pain; I have had day after day of suffering.” (Job 30:20, 22, 26-27, Today’s English Version)

As illustrated in the preceding verses, there are those who, when their prayers to God are not answered, feel deep anguish and disappointment. This leads some to lose their trust and hope in God:

“I have forgotten what health and peace and happiness are. I do not have much longer to live; my hope in the LORD is gone. The thought of my pain, my homelessness, is bitter poison.” (Lam. 3:17-19, Ibid.)

Indeed, there are people who tend to blame and begrudge others for their life’s unwanted plight. They become impatient and lose hope, especially when they find that their calls for immediate help fall on deaf ears. But is it right to hold a grudge or grievance against our Almighty God when prayers to Him are unanswered? In the first place, who has the privilege to approach and pray to God and to our Lord Jesus Christ?

The privilege of God’s people
We must understand that being heard by God is a privilege that He gave to His people! This privilege is not something we earn for ourselves because of the works we do. It is based on God’s calling or election:

“… They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The LORD is my God’.” (Zeck. 13:9,NKJV)

The Scriptures prove that it is not enough that man approaches God and prays. Man must first belong to God’s chosen people so that his calls on Him will not be rejected. In the Christian Era, the people proven by Christ as the chosen ones have been given the right and privilege to worship and pray to Him And our Lord God. The Lord Jesus Christ confirms:
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16, Ibid.)

How did our Lord Jesus Christ introduce His chosen ones? He likened them to branches joined to the vine:

“I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.” (John 15:5, Contemporary English Version)

The vine Christ was referring to is Himself. Parallel to the relationship of the vine to the branches is the relationship of the head to the body – the head being referred to is our Lord Jesus Christ and the body is His Church:

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

The Church being referred to here whose members Christ has redeemed with His blood is the Church of Christ:


“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 Translation)

Therefore, Apostle Paul testifies that the branches that are joined to the vine who is Christ are the members of the Church of Christ. They have received a very great blessing. Through their calling and election, they have been given the privilege to approach and pray to God. They just need to be patient when praying for their needs. Nonetheless, there are those who belong to God’s nation who also are holding a grievance against Him and have become impatient for not getting concrete answers to their prayers.

Abiding trust in HimThose who belong to God’s nation yet are complaining or holding a grievance against Him instead of trusting in Him have something to realize. God said:

“Israel, why then do you complain that the LORD doesn’t know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice? Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts. He strengthens those who are weak and tired. Even those who are young grow weak; young men can fall exhausted. But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.” (Isa. 40:27-31, TEV)

God wants them to know that He is all-powerful and nothing is impossible with Him. He can give whatever His chosen ones need and He will do so in His time just as long as they completely put their trust and hope in Him.

What else are the mighty things God can do for those who trust in Him? The Bible made clear the extent of God’s power and the things He can do for His righteous servants:

“The LORD kills and restores to life; he sends people to the world of the dead and brings them back again. He makes some men poor and others rich; he humbles some and makes other great. He lifts the poor from the dust and raises the needy from their misery. He makes them companions of princes and puts them in places of honor. The foundations of the earth belong to the LORD; on them he has built the world. He protects the lives of his faithful people, but the wicked disappear in darkness; a man does not triumph by his own strength.” (I Sam. 2:6-9, Ibid.)

Indeed, there is no reason for God’s people to complain and become impatient when situations around them look overwhelming and require immediate solutions.

The value of obedience
and renewing one’s life
Another condition set by God so that the prayers of His servants will be heard is to honor and love Him:

“The LORD is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts. He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity. He supplies the needs of those who honor him; he hears their cries and saves them. He protects everyone who loves him, but he will destroy the wicked.” (Ps. 145, 17-20,Ibid.)

To honor and love God is to turn away from wickedness or renew one’s life – to obey all His commandments. Doing so will ensure God’s favorable response to the calls of His righteous servants. Even during the time of ancient Israel obeying God’s commandments was a must for them to remain His people. God’s statement concerning the importance of obedience is unequivocally stated:

“But I did command them to obey me, so that I would be their God and they would be my people. And I told them to live the way I had commanded them, so that things would go well for them.” (Jer. 7:23, Ibid.)

Refusal to comply with God’s commandments is the reason things turn for the worse in man’s life. What happened to Israel when they refused to listen to God’s commandment draws our attention to an important lesson. The prophet Jeremiah attests that they were cursed by God and ended up in a wretched condition when they became stubborn and refused to obey His commands:

“But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their forefathers. …Therefore say to them, ‘This is the nation that has not obeyed the LORD its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips’.” (Jer. 7:24-26, 28, New International Version)

Thus, what God’s people should make sure of is that they abide by the conditions He set in order for their prayers to be heard. They should never ever bear a grudge against God, complain or become impatient and lose hope if their prayers are not immediately answered.

Patience and prayer
Instead of complaining and losing one’s hope in God, His servants should wait in patience for His mercy:

“So it is best for us to wait in patience – to wait for him to save us - … When we suffer, we should sit alone in silent patience; We should bow in submission, for there may still be hope … The Lord is merciful and will not reject us forever.” (Lam. 3:26, 28-29, 31, TEV)

Undoubtedly, the Lord God is very eager and willing to help solve all the worries and provide all the needs of His nation to whom He has given the right to draw near and pray to Him and to the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah elucidates:

“And yet the LORD is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the LORD. You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The LORD is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you. The LORD will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more. If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, ‘Here is the road. Follow it’.” (Isa. 30:18-21,Ibid.)

Hence, God’s chosen ones await their salvation that is certain to come with confident hope. Amid all the haste and hardship in the world, they remain unperturbed knowing fully well that God is on their side. They continue to have faith in the power and efficacy of prayer. The words of the Psalmist about patience in praying to the Lord God inspire them:

“I waited patiently for the LORD’s help; then he listened to me and heard my cry.” (Ps. 40:1, Ibid.)

How can your church - the Iglesia ni Cristo claim to be of God when you preach that Jesus Christ is a man?

Letter from Dominciano Astorga:

HE LATE FELIX Y. MANALO preached that Christ is man, a claim upheld by ministers of the   Iglesia ni Cristo.  Preaching that Christ is man is proof that the Iglesia ni Cristo is a church of man and not of God.  How, then, can your church claim to be of God.

Panay, Philippines

Editor's reply:

     The Iglesia ni Cristo upholds the belief that the Lord Jesus Christ is man because this is what He Himself and His apostles taught as recorded in the Scriptures (cf. Jn. 8:40; I Tim. 2:5; Acts 2:22; Mt. 1:20). This does not imply, however, that the Church Jesus founded or the Church of Christ must necessarily be a church of man and not of God.

     In fact, to be of God, one must first be of Christ. As Jesus Himself attests “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Jn. 14:6, NKJV) For one to reach God and to be able to partake of Christ’s saving grace, he must be drawn by God to His Son (cf. Jn. 6:44). However, those who have been drawn or given to Christ by the Father are of God as Christ attests:

     “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.” (Jn. 17:9-10, NIV)

     Furthermore, the teachings that the Lord Jesus Christ preached were not His own but those that been taught to Him by the Father – the only true God (cf. Jn. 8:28; 17:1, 3). Even the works that Christ did were not His own but those of His Father (cf. Jn. 5:36). In the same way, the Church He established is one that belongs to God for what is followed and obeyed therein are not commandments of men but the teachings of the Almighty Father. Hence, theChurch of Christ, although founded by the man Jesus Christ, is of God.

___________________

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 

Iglesia ni Cristo members are advised to stop smoking to avoid its dreadful consequences; and not to get drunk on wine as drunkenness leads to wickedness.

On smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages

Lawrence Cardinal Wrote:

I RECENTLY RECEIVED   a copy of Pasugo from my best friend. The articles were so informative, inspiring, and enlightening. I have two questions though.  Is it a sin in the sight of God to smoke? Does the Bible prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages even without getting drunk?

Editor's reply:

People are responsible both to God and to themselves to take care of their physical bodies which they present when they serve the Lord. Hence, it is wrong to harmful substances such as nicotine and alcohol.

Many studies have been made by medical experts conclusively proving that one of the culprits of chronic and fatal diseases is nicotine. Little by little, nicotine affects the functioning of the heart and lungs, ultimately resulting in premature death because of the failure of the systems in the human body. Cancer is also one of the disastrous consequences of nicotine intake.

This is why members of the Iglesia ni Cristo are advised to stop smoking to avoid its dreadful consequences. To the early Christians, Apostle Paul said:

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thess. 5:23, New King James Version)

With regard to drinking alcoholic beverages, the Lord Jesus Christ gave this warning:

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” (Lk. 21:34, New International Version)

We should not fall into drunkenness as it endangers our salvation. The apostles likewise admonished the first Christians not to get drunk on wine because drunkenness leads to debauchery (Eph. 5:18). This is one of the reasons why no drunkards will inherit the kingdomof God (I Cor. 6:9-10).

¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled andstimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Eph. 5:18, Amplified Bible)

⁹ Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,^[a] nor sodomites, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (I Cor. 6:9-10, NKJV)

The Bible describes wine as a mocker and beer a brawler and those who are lead astray by them are not wise (Prov. 20:1). Thus, the Holy Scriptures teaches that we should not associate with drunkards (Prov. 23:20).

Wine is a mocker,
Strong drink is a brawler,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Prov. 20:1, NKJV)

Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, (Prov. 23:20, English Standard Version)

Since being drunk with alcohol begins with the intake of alcoholic beverages, it would be best for one to refrain from drinking so as not to fall into drunkenness which will jeopardize his salvation.  

___________________

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

Si Cristo ba ang Diyos na Lumikha ng Buhay?

SUSURIIN NATIN SA lathalaing ito ang isa sa mga talata ng Biblia na binibigyan ng maling interpretasyon upang magamit na batayan sa paniniwalang si Cristo ang tunay na Diyos. Ang tinutukoy dito ay ang nakasulat sa Gawa 3:15.

Ang kamalian ng pakahulugan na ibinibigay sa talatang ito ng mga naniniwalang si Cristo ay Diyos ay madaling makita dahil malayung-malayo iyon sa tunay na kahulugan ng nilalalaman ng talata.

Cristo: Manlilikha?
Ganito ang isinasaad sa Gawa 3:15:

“At inyong pinatay ang Lumikha ng buhay: na binuhay ng Dios na maguli sa mga patay; mga saksi kami ng mga bagay na ito.”

Sa talatang ito ay binigayang-diin ng mga nagtuturong si Cristo ay Diyos ang pariralang “Lumikha ng buhay.” Sinasabi nila na yayamang ang Diyos ang lumikha ng buhay, at si Cristo ang tinutukoy sa talata, kung gayon, si Cristo raw ay Diyos.

Hindi natin tinututulan na si Cristo nga ang tinutukoy sa talata na “Lumikha ng buhay.” Subalit ibig bang sabihin nito ay Diyos na Siya? Paano naman ang sinasabi sa talata na, “At inyong pinatay ang Lumikha ng buhay: na binuhay ng Dios na mag-uli sa mga patay”? Alam natin na ang tunay na Diyos na lumikha ng buhay ay hindi maaaring mamatay. Ganito ang pinatutunayan ni Apostol Pablo:

“Dakilain at purihin magpakailan man ang walang hanggan at walang kamatayang Hari - ang di-nakikita at kaisa-isang Dios! Amen.” (I Tim. 1:17,Salita ng Buhay)

Samakatuwid, kung sinasabi man na si Cristo ang binabanggit sa Gawa 3:15 na “Lumikha ng buhay,” hindi pa rin ito maaaring gamiting katunayan na Siya ay Diyos dahil sinasabi rin sa talata na Siya ay namatay, kaya nga binuhay na muli – taliwas sa katangian ng tunay na Diyos na walang kamatayan. Dahil dito, natitiyak natin na binigyan lamang ng maling pakahulugan ang nabanggit na talata kaya nagagamit ito bilang batayan daw sa pagtuturo ng aral na si Cristo ay Diyos.

Ang kahulugan ng ‘Lumikha ng buhay’Bakit, kung gayon, tinawag ang Panginoong Jesucristo na “Lumikha ng buhay” sa Gawa 3:15? Ganito ang paliwanag ni Apostol Juan kaugnay nito:

“Yamang binigyan mo siya ng awtoridad sa lahat ng laman upang bigyan niya ng buhay na walang hanggan ang lahat ng ibinigay mo sa kanya.” (Juan 17:2, Ang Bagong Ang Biblia)

Ang buhay na walang hanggan na kailangan ng tao ay ibibigay ng Diyos sa atin sa pamamagitan ni Cristo. Sa kahulugang ito, si Cristo ay sinasabing Siyang “Lumikha ng buhay” hindi dahil sa si Cristo ang Diyos na Manlilikha ng lahat, kundi dahil si Cristo’y binigyan ng Diyos ng kapamahalaan na bigyan ng buhay na walang hanggan ang lahat ng ibinigay ng Ama sa Kaniya.

Kaya sa Biblia na isinalin ng isang Lupong Tagapagsalin na binubuo ng mga Katoliko at Protestante ay ganito ang pagkakasalin ng Gawa 3:15:

“Pinatay ninyo ang Pinagmumulan ng buhay, ngunit siya’y muling binuhay ng Diyos, at saksi kami sa bagay na ito.” (Magandang Balita Biblia)

Siya ang Pinagmumulan ng buhay, sapagkat sa bisa ng awtoridad na kaloob ng Diyos sa Kaniya ay bibigyan Niya ng buhay na walang hanggan ang mga ibinigay ng Diyos sa Kaniya.

Isa pa, na kay Cristo ang batas o kautusan ng espiritu ng buhay:

“Ngayon nga’y wala nang anomang hatol sa mga na kay Cristo Jesus. Sapagka’t ang kautusan ng Espiritu ng buhay na na kay Cristo Jesus ay pinalaya ako sa kautusan ng kasalanan at ng kamatayan.” (Roma 8:1-2)

Kaya, ang mga kay Cristo ay hindi na hahatulan at sa kanila rin ipinangako ang buhay na walang hanggan na nasa Kaniya. Subalit sino ang makikinabang sa buhay na walang hanggan na na kay Cristo?

“Sapagkat kung paanong mamamatay ang lahat dahil sa kanilang kaugnayan kay Adan, gayon din naman, mabubuhay ang lahat dahil sa kanilang kaugnayan kay Cristo.” (I Cor. 15:22, MB)

Ang buhay na walang hanggan na na kay Cristo ay ibibigay sa mga may kaugnayan sa Kaniya. Hindi sapat na maniwala o sumampalataya lamang kay Cristo upang matamo ang kaligtasan at ang buhay na walang hanggan.

Ang mga pagkakalooban ng buhay na na kay Cristo
Mahalagang maugnay kay Cristo ang tao upang magtamo siya ng buhay na walang hanggan. Narito ang dapat na sundin ng tao:

“Ako ang pintuan; ang sinomang taong pumasok sa akin, ay siya’y maliligtas.” (Juan 10:9)

Ang pagpasok kay Cristo ay hindi sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaphayag lamang ng pagsampalataya sa Kaniya. Kailangan din ng tao na maging sangkap ng katawan ni Cristo o maging kaanib sa Iglesia ni Cristo:

“Kayo nga ang katawan ni Cristo, at mga kaanib ang bawat isa.” (I Cor. 12:27, King James Version, isinalin mula sa Ingles)

“At siya ang ulo ng katawan, sa makatuwid baga’y ng iglesia.” (Col. 1:18)

“Mangagbatian kayo ng banal na halik. Binabati kayo ng lahat ng mga iglesia ni Cristo.” (Roma 16:16)

Samakatuwid, alinsunod sa Biblia, ang may kaugnayan kay Cristo ay ang mga kaanib sa Iglesia ni Cristo. Sila ay nakatitiyak na wasto ang kanilang pagkilala sa Diyos at kay Cristo at dahil dito ay makaaasa sila sa buhay na walang hanggan na ibibigay ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ni Cristo.

Is it really true that the Bible is incomplete and not sufficient as a basis of faith and in leading us to attain salvation?

Letter from Peter Yong

I WAS BORN A CATHOLIC but I am one of those who attend Mass only when there are special occasions in the family like Christening, wedding, internment, and Christmas days. My friend who is a seminarian encourages me more to be active in our religion. In one of our friendly discussions, I asked him where in the Bible we could read many of our doctrines and practices like Trinity, purgatory, rosary, keeping images and the like. He read some biblical verses which I believe are not conclusively teaching them. He nevertheless pointed out that we must not be strictly biblical, for the Bible is incomplete, especially on the written account of Christ's life. He explained that we must  believe in the Bible, but we must also accept other Catholic books and traditions as bases of our faith.

What can you say about this? Is it really true that the Bible is incomplete and not sufficient as a basis of faith and in leading us to attain salvation?

Seoul, South Korea

Editor's reply:

It is true that the Bible's account on Christ's life is incomplete---the reason is explained by Apostle John:

"But there are many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (John 21:25, Revised Standard Version)

Though not all the things Jesus did were written in the Bible, it is not right to believe that what were recorded in the Bible are not adequate in leading to us to attain eternal life or salvation. Apostle John testifies, thus:

" Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may  have life in his name." (John 20:30-31, New International Version)

As a basis of faith, the Bible therefore does not need to be supplemented by any other book and even by what the Catholics call tradition. The truth, is to believe in the Bible and to propose that the Bible needs to be supplemented is to engage in self-contradiction---for the Bible warns everyone not to go beyond what is written:

" Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for you benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, 'Do not go beyond what is written'. .... (I Cor. 4:6, Ibid)

"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of these book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book." (Rev. 22:18, New King James Version)

Hence, a true believer in the Bible know that when compared to other books used as a bases by various religions, the Bible alone teaches the way to salvation. Aside from this, he also follows the biblical teaching not to go beyond what is written in it. Anyone who claims that he believe in the authority of the Bible and purports that it must be coupled with something else as source of true faith is guilty of either inconsistency or not truly accepting the precepts of the Bible.

This is the reason why the Iglesia ni Cristo believes that the Bible should be the sole basis of man's faith. It is the only book inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking errors, correcting faults and giving instructions (II Tim. 3:16, Today's English Version). Using the Bible as the only basis of faith will give us the wisdom that leads to salvation (II Tim. 3:15).

15 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. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, 17 so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. (II Timothy 3:15-17, Today's English Version)

___________________

The Church of Christ: Its Meaning and importance to man’s salvation

THIS ARTICLE AIMS to present some of the fundamental and essential truths about the Church of Christ. Through the teachings of God recorded in the Holy Scriptures, we will seek to answer some frequently asked questions about this Church of which we are members.

The Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) which reemerged in the Philippines on July 27, 1914, has spread not only throughout the islands of the Philippine archipelago but also to different parts of the world. To date, it has established locales and congregations in 83 countries and territories.

1. What does the name “Church of Christ” mean?
The meaning of the name “Church of Christ” is body of Christ. This is what Apostle Paul teaches:

“Christ is the head of the church, which is his body.” (Col. 1:18, New Living Translation)

Since the Church is Christ’s body, whatever feeling and concern that we have for the Church is the same feeling and concern that we have for its head, our Lord Jesus Christ. If we truly love and value our Lord Jesus Christ, then we should also love and value the Church. However, not all churches are considered the body of Christ. Apostle Paul enlightens us on this matter:

“We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body.” (Rom. 12:4-5, Today’s English Version)

There is only one body or Church of Christ. Apostle Paul’s pronouncement is explicit: “we are one body in union with Christ” [emphasis ours]. What is the characteristic of this one body or Church that has union or fellowship with Christ? Its members, though many, “are all joined to each other.” They are not separated from each other and they do not have divisions, factions, or schisms within them. Hence, not all churches are of Christ, and any church that is characterized by sectarianism or denominationalism could never be the one true Church which Christ recognizes as His body. Another solid proof that there is only one Church which Christ recognizes as His body is recorded in the Gospel according to Apostle Matthew. Our Lord Jesus Christ states:

“ ‘And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church…” (Mt. 16:18, New King James Version)

Notice the clause “I will build My church.” The word “church,” as far as the entire organization founded by Christ is concerned, denotes singularity. Hence, there is only one Church which our Lord Jesus built or established. Another important point is that the Lord Jesus used the pronoun “My” to show that the one true Church is His or belonging to Him, primarily because it is His body and He Himself established it.

2. What is the biblical name of the one true Church which Christ established and considers His body?
When Apostle James sent a general letter to the brethren in the Church during his time, he made it clear that they were called by the holy name of Christ:

“Do they not insult the holy name of Christ by which you are called?” (Js. 2:7, Christian Community Bible)

Besides not having divisions, another identifying mark of the one true Church is the name by which it is called: called by “the holy name of Christ.” Thus, any church which is not called by the name of Christ could not be true Church which Christ established and recognizes as His body. Which Church is called by the holy name of Christ? In Acts 20:28, Apostle Paul explicitly teaches:

“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.” (Lamsa Trasalation)

“Church of Christ” is the name of the Church which is called by the holy name of Christ. In Filipino as well as in other major languages such as Spanish, French, and German, it is translated “Iglesia ni Cristo,” “Iglesia de Cristo,” “église du Christ,” and “Kirche Christi,” respectively. It is only proper and just that the one true Church be called after the name of its Head, Founder, and Owner. Hence, “Church of Christ.”

Even Catholic authorities attest to the fact that the one true Church founded by Christ should be called “Church of Christ.” Francis B. Cassilly. A Jesuit priest admits the following:

“1. Did Jesus Christ 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. (Religion: Doctrine and Practice, pp. 442-443, emphasis ours)

Catholic priests attest to the truth that the Church which Christ established should be called “Church of Christ.” Ironically though, the Vatican council which convened in 1870 decided to drop the name “Christ” and use in its stead a name which can not be found in the Holy Scriptures, “The Holy Catholic Apostolic Roman Church” (Discourses on the Apostles Creed, p. 191).

Protestant authorities likewise affirm that the one true Church which was founded by Christ and recognizes as His body is to be called “Church of Christ.” Quoting a Protestant preacher and former Methodist by the name of Rice Haggard, Leroy Garrett writes in his book:

“All Christians ought to be members of one church, for there is but one foundation, which is Christ. And the name of this body originates from its head, which makes it ‘the Christian Church or the Church of Christ’.” (The Stone-Campbell Movement: An Anecdotal History of Three Churches, p. 88, emphasis ours)

Notice that Haggard said: “the name of this body originates from its head, which makes it… the Church of Christ.”

Then again, despite this admission, many Protestant churches, besides having divisions within them prefer to be called by various names such as Baptist Church, Episcopalian Church, Methodist Church, Pentecostal Church and Seventh-Day Adventist Church to name a few (Protestantism, p. 190;Moody Monthly, September 1984, p. 28).

3. How important is the Church of Christ to man’s salvation?
Contrary to popular belief, the Church of Christ is extremely important for the following biblical reasons:

a) Christ built the Church so that death will not be able to prevail against it.

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” (Mt. 16:18, Revised Standard Version)

Would Christ have built the Church if it were not important to man’s salvation? It is said that death will not prevail against the Church founded by Christ because those who died in Christ as members of His Church will be raised to life first:

“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.” (I Thess. 4:16, NKJV)

Blessed are those who are included in the first resurrection for the second death, that is, eternal punishment in the lake of fire, shall have no power over them. Instead, the Savior Himself guarantees that they will rise again to enjoy eternal life:

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev. 20:6, 14, Ibid.).

“Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to judgment.” (Jn. 5:28-29, NLT)

Concerning the members of the Church of Christ who are still living when Christ returns, they will no longer die but along with those who will be resurrected first, they will meet the Savior to be with Him forever.

b) Christ loved and offer His dear life for the Church.

“Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.” (Eph. 5:25, TEV)

If the Church were not important, would Christ have given up His precious life for it? In truth, He sacrificed His life for the Church in order to redeem its members from their past sins so that they will be saved when the Day of Judgment comes:

“But God has shown us how much he loves us – it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! By his sacrificial death we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God’s anger!” (Rom. 5:8-9, Ibid.)

“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 Translation)

c) The Church of Christ is where the Lord adds those who will be saved.

“Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts. 2:47, NKJV)

“For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body.” (Eph. 5:23, TEV)

For this reason, the Savior Himself commands all of those longing for salvation to enter the fold.

“ I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe.” (Jn. 10:9, Revised English Bible)

This fold or flock is none other than the Church of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation). Would the Lord God add to the Church of Christ those who will be saved and would Christ command people to enter in it if the Church were not important and necessary to man’s salvation?

4. How can one become a member of the Church of Christ?
A person officially becomes a member of the Church upon receiving baptism in the Church of Christ. Christ, who commanded all people to join the Church of Christ which He Himself founded, gave the following conditions for baptism:

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’.” (Mk. 16:15-16, NKJV)

Before a person receives baptism in the Church of Christ, he must first be taught the gospel and believe. For this reason, the Church of Christ conducts Bible studies wherein all the fundamental teachings it upholds are taught and explained to anyone who has declared his intention of joining the Church. The candidate for baptism then undergoes a series of tests in order to show that he really believes in these teachings. Another condition that an individual must meet before he can be baptized is taught by Apostle Peter:

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’.” (Acts 2:38, Ibid.)

Since baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, a candidate for baptism must first repent for all of his past sins. This is done by means of confessing one’s sins to God (I Jn. 1;9), asking Him for forgiveness (Mt. 6:12, NLT), leaving one’s wicked way of life including his way of thinking, and returning to God (Is. 55:7, TEV).

Notice that these aforementioned conditions for baptism could only be met while a person is still alive and while Judgment Day has not yet come. But once a person dies or when the Day of Judgment occurs, listening to and believing in God’s commandments, and repentance for past sins will then be impossible. Thus, the Lord Jesus admonishes:

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying ‘Lord, Lord, open for us’, and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from’,

“ ‘But He will say, “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from.” Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity’.” (Lk. 13:24-25, 27, NKJV)

We must make every effort to follow Christ’s commandment to enter His Church. When the door leading to salvation has already been shut, then there is nothing that man can do to reopen it for himself. The opportunity to be saved will be lost. This is precisely why Apostle Paul gives the following exhortation:

“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you’. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (II Cor. 6:1-2, Ibid.)

While the door leading to salvation is still open, man should not waste the opportunity that God is giving him. Upon realizing the meaning and importance of the Church of Christ to salvation, he should heed the call of our Savior Jesus Christ “to strive to enter through the narrow gate” by means of joining the Church of Christ.

References:
Cassilly, Francis B. Religion: Doctrine and Practice.
Chicago: Loyola University Press, n.d.

Crock, Clement H. Rev. Discourses on the Apostle’s
Creed. New York: Joseph F Wagner, Inc., 1938.

Garrett, Leroy. The Stone-Campbell Movement: An
Anecdotal History of Three Churches. Joplin,
Missouri: College Press Publishing Company,
1981.

Moody Monthly. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Bible
Institute, September 1984.

Protestantism. New York: Scorge Braziller Inc., 1962