Ang karunungan sa ikaliligtas

KUNG NABUHAY KA noong unang panahon, noong hindi pa naiimbento ang teleskopyo, kamera, telebisyon, at spaceship, maniniwala ka kaya kapag may magsabing bilog ang mundo at nakabitin sa wala?

Ang totoo, ang paniniwala noon ay ibang-iba kaysa ngayon. Noon, ang gayong balita ay kakatuwa at hindi kapani-paniwala. Marahil ay pagtatawanan lamang ito o kaya’y kokondenahin ng madla ang magpahayag ng gayong naiibang kaalaman. Ang isang halimbawa ay ang nangyari kay Galileo, isa sa mga unang scientist na nakatuklas na mali pala ang laganap na paniniwala noon na ang araw ay umiikot sa mundo.

Ngayon, sa makabagong panahon, sa tulong ng siyensya ay naiwasto na ang dating maling paniniwala. Tanggap na ng tao ang katotohanang ipinahayag ni Galileo; ang katotohanang ang mundo ay bilog at nakalutang sa wala ay hindi na rin pinagtatalunan ngayon.

Subalit, alam mo ba na ang mga katotohanang ito tungkol sa daigdig, maging tungkol sa kalawakan at mga bituin, ay nakasulat na sa Biblia daan-daang taon na ang nakalipas bago pa ito matuklasan ng siyensya?

Ang mundo ay bilog. “When the Bible was written it was universally believed that the earth was flat. …Finally, Magellan and his men sailed around the earth and thus proved it to be spherical in shape.” [Nang panahong isinusulat ang Biblia malaganap ang paniniwalang ang mundo ay lapad. …Sa wakas, naglayag at nilibot ni Magellan at ng kaniyang mga tauhan ang daigdig kaya’t napatunayan niyang ito ay bilog.] (George Dehoff. Why We Believe The Bible. p. 49)

Sa pamamagitan ng makabagong teknolohiya, mapatutunayan ng sinuman na bilog ang mundo. Ang katotohanang ito ay nasulat sa Biblia libu-libong taon bago pa libutin ni Magellan ang daigdig:

“Nakaupo siya sa itaas ng bilog ng mundo …” (Isa. 40:22, Biblia ng Sambayanang Pilipino)

Ang mundo’y nakabitin sa wala. “The ancient Greeks and Romans were the most advanced peoples of their time, yet they believed that the earth was held in place by poles or by the neck of Atlas.” [Ang mga Griego at Romano ang pinakamaunlad na tao sa sinaunang panahon, gayunman naniwala sila na ang mundo ay natutukuran ng mga poste o nakapasan sa leeg ni Atlas.] (George Dehoff. Why We Believe The Bible. pp. 49-50)

Habang ang mga “pinakamaunlad” na tao sa matandang panahon ay nanghahawak lamang pala sa kathang-isip, nasulat naman sa Biblia na ang mundo ay nakabitin sa wala:

“Kaniyang iniuunat ang hilagaan sa pagitang walang laman, At ibinibitin ang lupa sa wala.” (Job. 26:7)

Hindi mabilang ang mga bituin. “The ancients believed that there were only a very few stars in the heavens. In 150 B.C. Hipparchus said that there were less than three thousand. In A.D. 150 Ptolemy said there were not more than three thousand. …After the middle ages and the invention of the telescope, men discovered that the stars are innumerable.” [Ang mga tao noong unang panahon ay naniniwala na kakaunti ang mga bituin sa langit. Noong 150 B.C. sinabi ni Hipparchus na hindi aabot sa tatlong libo. Noong A.D. 150 sinabi ni Ptolemy na hindi hihigit sa tatlong libo. …Pagkatapos ng edad medya at nang maimbento ang teleskopyo, natuklasang ang mga bituin ay hindi mabilang sa dami.] (George Dehoff. Why We Believe The Bible. p. 56)

Ang katotohanang ito ay malaon nang nasulat sa Biblia:

“Gaya ng di mabilang na bituin sa kalangitan at ng buhangin sa dagat…” (Jer. 33:22, Magandang Balita Biblia)

Salita ng Diyos

Pansinin natin na ang mga katotohanang binanggit sa itaas (at iba pa) tungkol sa mundo, bituin, at kalawakan ay mapatutunayan sa tulong lamang ng modernong kasangkapan. Makikita lamang nating bilog ang mundo kapag tayo ay nasa kalawakan, na daan-daang milya ang layo mula sa daigdig. At, maliban nang gumamit tayo ng teleskopyo o kaya’y may libu-libong milya ang ating layo sa ating galaxy, kakaunting bahagi lamang ng di mabilang na bituin ang ating makikita.

Ngunit bagaman hindi gumamit ng mga modernong kasangkapan ang mga sumulat ng Biblia, paano kaya nila nalaman ang mga katotohanang ito? Nalaman nila iyon sapagkat ang Diyos na Siyang gumawa ng lupa, langit, at mga bituin ang nagpahayag nito sa kanila:

“Pagka binubulay ko ang iyong mga langit, ang gawa ng iyong mga daliri, Ang buwan at ang mga bituin na iyong inayos.” (Awit 8:3)

Ito ang nagpapatibay sa ating pananampalataya na ang Biblia ay kinasihang aklat at ang mga nakasulat dito ay mga salita ng Diyos:

“Ang lahat ng mga kasulatan na kinasihan ng Dios ay mapapakinabangan din naman sa pagtuturo, sa pagsansala, sa pagsaway, sa ikatututo na nasa katuwiran.” (II Tim. 3:16)

Samantalang ang kaalaman ng tao ay nababago kapag ito’y napasisinungalingan ng bagong tuklas na karunungan, ang mga salita ng Diyos na nakasulat sa Biblia ay nananatili sapagkat pawang katotohanan:

“Pakabanalin mo sila sa katotohanan: ang salita mo’y katotohanan.” (Juan 17:7)

Dakilang kahalagahan

Lamang, hindi dapat isipin na ang bawat natutuklasan ng tao sa kaniyang pisikal na kapaligiran ay mababasa rin sa Biblia. Ang Biblia ay walang gayong pag-aangkin.

Higit na mahalaga kaysa mga kaalaman tungkol sa pisikal na kalagayan ng daigdig, itinuturo ng Biblia ang karunungang makapagpapadunong “sa ikaliligtas sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya kay Cristo Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15). Itinuturo nito ang katotohanang dapat nating malaman upang tayo ay maligtas pagdating ng Araw ng Paghuhukom (I Tim. 2:3-4; Heb. 9:27).

Dahil sa mahabagin ang Diyos at hindi Niya ibig na tayo ay maparusahan, ipinasulat Niya ang Kaniyang mga salita upang ating malaman ang mga katotohanang ikaliligtas natin.

Ano ang itinuturo ng Biblia upang matamo ng tao ang walang hanggang buhay?

Kilalanin ang Ama na Siyang iisang tunay na Diyos, at ang Kaniyang Anak na si Jesucristo na sinugo Niya upang tayo’y iligtas:

“Ang mga bagay na ito ay sinalita ni Jesus; at sa pagtingala ng kaniyang mga mata sa langit, ay sinabi niya, Ama, …At ito ang buhay na walang hanggan, na ikaw ay makilala nila na iisang Diyos na tunay, at siyang iyong sinugo, sa makatuwid baga’y si Jesucristo.” (Juan 17:1,3)

Pumasok sa kawan o Iglesia ni Cristo na siyang tinubos at ililigtas ni Cristo:

“I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe.”[Ako ang pintuan; sinumang pumasok sa loob ng kawan sa pamamagitan ko’y magiging ligtas.] (Jn. 10:9, Revised English Bible)

“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.” [Ingatan ninyo kung gayon ang inyong mga sarili at ang buong kawan na rito’y hinirang kayo ng Espiritu Santo na mga katiwala, upang pakanin ang iglesia ni Cristo na binili niya ng kaniyang dugo.] (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

“Sapagkat ang lalaki ang ulo ng kanyang asawa, tulad ni Cristo na siyang ulo ng iglesya, na kaniyang katawan, at siyang Tagapagligtas nito.” (Efe. 5:23, Magandang Balita Biblia)

Manatiling kaanib sa Iglesia ni Cristo na tapat na sumusunod sa mga utos ng Diyos hanggang wakas:

“Kailangan ang pagtitiis at katatagan ng mga banal na sumusunod sa mga utos ng Dios, at nananatiling tapat kay Jesus. At narinig ko ang isang tinig na mula sa langit na nagsasabi, ‘Isulat mo: Mapalad ang namamatay sa paglilingkod sa Panginoon mula ngayon’.’Oo’, ang wika ng Espiritu, ‘magpapahinga sila sa kanilang gawain, at susundan sila ng kanilang mga gawa’.” (Apoc. 14:12-13, New Pilipino Version)

“Ngunit ang manatiling tapat hanggang wakas ay siyang maliligtas.” (Mat. 24:13, MB)

. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself had been severely persecuted, forewarned that persecution would also happen to those who would become His disciples, and foremost among those persecutors are members of their own families. .

'They will also persecute you ...'

Miss Sophie Wrote:
IT'S NOT THAT I want to hide it from my family, but I'm just waiting for the right time before I formally tell my parents that I'm in the process of entering the Church Of Christ ... One of my cousins converted to the Iglesia Ni Cristo before  and our whole clan, including my parents, denounced him for doing that ... For a long time, I studied this Church and I'm convinced that this is of God. However, the thought of being rejected by my family sometimes haunts me. Could you please counsel me?

Editor's reply:

We fully understand your predicament. Many other brethren have experienced the same. When found listening to the doctrines of the Church, many are indeed persecuted, others are even disowned by their loved ones and close friends. By faithfully adhering to what is right nonetheless, many of us have either appeased or drawn even their once persecutors into the true Church.

Persecution is part of Christian life. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself had been severely persecuted, forewarned that this would also happen to those who would become His disciples. He said:

"Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also" (John 15:20, New King James Version).

The Lord Jesus Christ admonished that people would be persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matt. 5:10). The righteousness is the gospel or God's words, which is His power for salvation (Rom. 1:16-17). It is not surprising therefore that many who have decided to listen to the gospel as taught in the Church Of Christ experience various persecutions.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,  For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:10, NKJV)

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,^[a] for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith." (Rom. 1:16-17, NKJV)

Christ also taught that foremost among those who may persecute His servants are members of their respective families:

"Your worst enemies will be the members of your own family" (Matt. 10:36,Today's English Version).

If situations like this would arise, Christ exhorts us to love Him more, showing that our love for Him transcends  our love for anyone else:

"Those who love their father or mother more than me are not fit to be my disciples;  those who love their own son or daughter more than me are not fit to be my disciples". (Matt. 10:37, Ibid.)

Besides, even if a true servant of God is abandoned by his parents he is never alone for as the Psalmist says:

"My father and mother may abandon me, but the LORD will take care of me" (Ps. 27:10, Ibid.).

Let us be inspired therefore by the apostles who, in spite of being beaten and warned not to do the Lord's will courageously continued to preach in His name. They remained steadfast in the faith amid great dangers to their lives (Acts 5:40-42).

⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beatenthem, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His^[d] name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:40-42, NKJV)

They stood for the truth unshaken because of their assurance that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake will inherit a great reward−the eternal life in the Holy City (Matt. 5:10-12; II Thess. 1:4-5; Rev. 7:14-17).

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,     For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt. 5:10-12, NKJV)

⁴ so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, ⁵ which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; ( II Thess. 1:4-5, NKJV)

¹⁴ And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;¹⁷ for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:14-17, NKJV)

Earnestly pray that our Lord God may give you the strength to do what He wants. Also pray for your loved ones that they may be enlightened. Invite them also to listen to God's words as taught in the Church Of Christ.

___________________

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. 

Onward to the Promised Land

YOU CAN CALL IT terra firma, ground, earth, or land. Occupying almost a quarter of the globe, it is one of life’s most coveted possessions. But it does not come cheap. In fact, the quest for land ownership has spawned conflicts and turmoil that run the gamut from petty disputes to bloody wars: it is the cause of animosity between squatters and landowners, tenants and landlords, and of border disputes and territorial conflicts between countries like Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Great Britain and Argentina, among others. The centuries-old conflicts between the Jews and the Palestinians has been very deeply rooted in it. Likewise, it is one of the reasons the hostility between India and Pakistan might cross the nuclear threshold and endanger planet Earth.

Indeed, it is a great irony that something so ubiquitous and abundant is beyond the possession of many and continues to severely affect the relationships among peoples and nations. Wars have been waged, conflicts have intensified, and relationships have been severed – all because of land. And yet, despite all these problems, the quest and longing for it remain unquenched.

The land of CanaanThe first nation of God, Israel was promised a land described in the Bible as “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exod. 3:8, New King James Version). The land of Canaan was often referred to as the promised land because of God’s repeated promise to give the land to Abraham and his descendants:

“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.

“Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” (Gen. 17:7-8, Ibid.)

There was no easy way into Canaan; it was inhabited by greater and mightier nations with armies larger and better equipped. But, because of God’s promise, Israel emerged victorious against formidable adversaries (Deut. 7:1-2; 20:1, 3-4, Ibid.). And, as God’s chosen people, ancient Israel had the right to serve and glorify God because of His promises and covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Deut. 7:8-9; Ps. 105:9-10, Ibid.) Moreover, not only did Israel have the true worship but also the hope of receiving His promises (Rom. 9:4, Today’s English Version).

However, the Israelites did not remain faithful to God’s covenant with them; they transgressed His law and turned away from Him:

“All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.” (Dan. 9:11, New International Version)

The Israelites’ unfaithfulness had a tragic consequence: they were rejected by God and ceased to be His chosen people (Hos. 4:6; Jer. 6:19, 30, NKJV).

From a full-pledged nation with a land of its own, the Israelite Kingdom collapsed and its people were thrown into captivity.

‘Strangers and foreigners on earth’In the Christian era, the promised land remains to be a promise, which is given by God not just to Israel in the flesh anymore. This promised land, certainly, cannot be this earth. Our present home called earth falls short of what we can consider to be a promised land offering a blissful life. Life on earth continues to deteriorate day by day as man continues to grapple with complex and unrelenting problems like dreadful diseases, natural and man-made calamities, and terrorism, among many others. The political landscape portrays a world reeling in crisis while on the economic front the outlook is downbeat and pessimistic. The prophetic words of Isaiah is foreboding:

“Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.” (Isa. 8:22,NIV)

Indeed, life on earth is not only fragile but also sad and frightening; the present terra firma does not offer hope. Although man’s progress has grown by leaps and bound, he still suffers from its tragic consequences.

Where should we put our hope then? Apostle Paul wrote:

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (II Cor. 4:18, NKJV)

Hence, present realities, however hard and painful, should not cloud our hope for the things incorruptible and timeless – God’s promise of a better land. And so, just like the faithful servants of God in ancient times, those who hope for God’s eternal promises in the Christian era consider themselves as mere strangers and foreigners on earth because “they were looking forward to a better home in heaven.” Apostle Paul made this clear when he said:

“…But they still had faith, even though they had not received what they had been promised. They were glad just to see these things from far away, and they agreed that they were only strangers and foreigners on this earth. When people talk this way, it is clear that they are looking for a place to call their own.

“But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. That’s why God wasn’t ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them.” (Heb. 11:13:14, 16, Contemporary English Version)

Thus, inasmuch as Canaan merely foreshadowed the Holy City and this earth we live in can never be the promised land, one must look to the future with hope and faith for a “better home in heaven” where he will receive God’s eternal rewards.

The new heaven and the new earthThis “better home in heaven,” also called the Holy City or the New Jerusalem, was described by Apostle John in a prophetic vision:

“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. 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.” (Rev. 21:1-3, NKJV)

Glory abounds in “the new heaven and the new earth” for it has the glory of God (Rev. 21:11, Ibid.), the kind of glory which is eternal, as Apostle Paul pointed out:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (II Cor. 4:17, NIV)

Thus, our pains and sufferings in this world are nothing compared to the great and eternal glory that will be revealed to us in the Holy City. Again Apostle Paul elucidated:

“I consider that what we suffer at the present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” (Rom. 8:18, TEV)

In the Holy City, we will enjoy a glorious life because there will be no more tears, grief, pain, death, crying, hunger and thirst (Rev. 21:1-4; 7:16, Ibid.) Hence, in that promised homeland, the New Jerusalem, a life of complete joy and happiness awaits us (Isa.65:17-19, Ibid.) Undeniably, life there is perfect and what reigns therein is eternal peace. No warfare of any kind will ever take place there. In the New Jerusalem, conflicts over lands, borders and territories are but things of the past.

In addition, the place is unequaled in its pulchritude and unmatched in its resplendence:

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

“Having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. …The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. …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. 21:10-11, 18, 21, NKJV)

All kinds of precious stones adorn the foundations of the city wall. And at each of the gates are angels. There is no house of worship or temple in the Holy City because God and Christ are its temple (Rev. 21:12, 19-25, Ibid.). Moreover, the river of life and the tree of life are among the precious things also found in the Holy City (Rev. 22:1-7, Ibid.).

Surely, the New Jerusalem or the Holy City is worth our sacrifices and sufferings – and our waiting.

Citizens of the new promised land
But how can people in the Christian era become heirs to God’s promises and thus, enter the Holy City?

After Israel fell into apostasy, Abraham’s seed carried on with God’s covenant with Abraham. The Bible enlightens us on this regard:

“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29, NIV)

Hence, in the Christian era, God’s everlasting covenant with Abraham continues because it was handed down to those who belong to Christ and thus are Abraham’s seed. One need not be an Israelite in the flesh anymore to partake of God’s covenant with Abraham. By virtue of having relationship to Christ, who is Abraham’s seed, one can have a share of God’s promises. The Bible emphasizes this:

“Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds’, as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed’, who is Christ.” (Gal. 3:16, NKJV)

And how can one have relationship to Christ? How can man inherit God’s promises? By becoming a part of the body. This is what the Bible teaches:

“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.” (Eph. 3:6, Ibid.)

The body referred to is the Church of Christ (Col. 1:18, Ibid.; Acts 20:28,Lamsa Translation). Thus, not just anyone can be an heir to God’s promise. And through an illustration, Christ introduced the heirs to God’s promises. They are the ones who, on His second advent, are likened to sheep placed at His right, as opposed to those likened to goats at His left. The sheep of Christ will be the ones to inherit the kingdom of God (Matt. 25:31-34, TEV). The Holy Scriptures clarifies that the flock where Christ’s sheep are gathered is the Church of Christ (Acts. 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

Therefore, the members of the Church of Christ, inasmuch as they belong to Christ, are the seed of Abraham regardless of their race, color, or social status. They have the covenant that God made to Abraham, that is, the right to serve and glorify God. By virtue of this great privilege they now are heirs to God’s promises and have the right to enter the New Jerusalem or the Holy City.

As hardships, trials, and sacrifices marked Israel’s laborious journey toward Canaan, so is the journey of God’s nation in these last days toward the new promised land. Yet members of the Church of Christ are ready and willing to sacrifice even their own lives, if necessary, for the sake of this eternal blessing from God. And this they do with utmost conviction and dedication because of their firm hope that their citizenship is in heaven, as Paul in his epistle to the Philippians puts it plainly:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Phil. 3:20-21, NKJV)

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