God’s messenger in these last days

WHENEVER WE declare our belief that Brother Felix Y. Manalo is God’s messenger in these last days, many people raise questions concerning his commission. They ask: “Why do you recognize him as God’s messenger? How could he be God’s messenger?”

To answer questions such as these, we must consult the pronouncement of God in the Holy Scriptures.

Chosen by God

Brother Felix Y. Manalo is God’s messenger in these last days because he was chosen by God. The Almighty’s prophecy recorded in the Book of Isaiah testifies thus:

“Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, am first, and will be with the last.” (Is. 41:4, New Revised Standard Version)

The word “last” refers to the last of God’s messengers. We believe Brother Felix Y. Manalo is the fulfillment of this prophecy. He is the last messenger because his time is at the last days or at the “ends of the earth.” God says:

“You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’.” (Is. 41:9, Ibid.)

The time of God’s calling of His messenger is at “the ends of the earth.” The fruits of the work of this messenger will come from the Far East:

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

The people who would be the fruits of the work of the last messenger are from the Far East and are recognized by God as His sons and daughters. How about the messenger? How does God recognize him? As was cited in Isaiah 41:9, God recognizes him as His chosen servant.

God’s messenger as the ‘worm Jacob’

Another prophecy concerning God’s last messenger calls him “worm Jacob”:

“Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” (Is. 41:14, King James Version)

To be compared to a worm means to be without strength and to be despised (Ps. 22:6). In fulfillment, the last messenger of God was by himself without strength and was despised. But he was not helpless because God promised to strengthen and help him:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Is. 41:10, KJV)

God had chosen someone who was not learned and rich in order to confound the wise and the mighty (I Cor. 1:26-29). God’s promise to help and strengthen His last messenger was proven by the result of his work. The present stature of the Church that he preached clearly proves this.

However, many contend that the “worm Jacob” mentioned in Isaiah 41:14 refers to Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. Could it be that Jacob, the son of Isaac, is the one referred to in the prophecy? Was he still alive when the prophecy was proclaimed by Isaiah?

We must remember that a prophecy pertains to an event in the future. Jacob, the seed of Abraham, lived and died during the era of the patriarchs whereas Isaiah the prophet lived and died during the time of Israel or the prophetic age. Jacob died sometime in 1689 B.C. On the other hand, Prophet Isaiah lived during the time of King Uzziah, called Azariah during the 9th century (808 B.C.). Jacob had already been dead for 881 years when Isaiah made known his prophecy concerning the “worm Jacob.” Thus, Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, could not be the “worm Jacob” prophesied by Isaiah.

When is the appointed time of this “worm Jacob”? As previously cited in the Book of Isaiah, God’s last messenger is from the “ends of the earth.” “Ends of the earth” refers to a time different from “end of the earth.” The latter is synonymous with the end of the world or the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus (Mt. 24:3). The apostles had asked Jesus the signs of the end of the world. His reply was that they would hear of wars and rumors of wars, which would be followed by a war involving nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom; there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. All these are signs that the end is at the very doors (Mt. 24:3-4, 6-8, 33). In other words, these events would happen during the time “ends of the earth” which precedes the time “end of the earth.”

Prior to, during, and after the First World War, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes occurred in various places. The Church of Christ emerged in the Far East, specifically in the Philippines, simultaneous with the commencement of the First World War on July 27, 1914. This event fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the appointed time of God’s messenger whom God called the “worm Jacob.”

‘A new threshing instrument’

God made the worm Jacob as “a new threshing instrument”:

“Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

“Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.” (Isa. 41:14-15, KJV)

The worm Jacob referred to in the prophecy is the one whom God promised to make as a new threshing instrument. He would thresh the mountains and beat them small. What would make the worm Jacob as “a new sharp threshing instrument” are the words of God which are “… powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword” (Heb. 4:12, Ibid.). The mountains that would be threshed by him through God’s words are not literal mountains but kings (Rev. 17:9-10) or rulers of darkness (Eph. 6:12). In other words, the mountains refers to false religions.

In fulfillment, Brother Felix Y. Manalo, through his preaching, exposed the errors and falsity of the doctrines of other religions. He showed that such teachings are diametrically opposed to the true teachings of God. The impact of God’s words or doctrines which he had preached is continuously being felt by other religious organizations.

The fulfillment of God’s promises to His messenger, which was clearly proven by his work and by the continuing growth of the Church that he preached, only proves that the hand of God has done this:

“That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.” (Is. 41:20, KJV)

The Church of Christ, especially during its pioneering years, experienced severe persecution from many of its detractors. Yet, they were not able to hinder the speedy growth of the Church. Many were even confounded as to how the Church of Christ, from such a small beginning, grew. This, to them, remains an enigma. But to the members of the Church of Christ, everything is the will and work of the Almighty God. It was the Lord God who has done this, He who said:

“… I work and who can hinder it?’” (Is. 43:13, NRSV)

God’s Planting

God’s planting is for His glory, so a person can truly glorify God only if he is included among God’s planting or if he is among God’s chosen people.

ALTHOUGH CHURCHES professing to be Christians are so numerous nowadays that one can hardly count them, there remains the biblical truth that there is only one Church or religion that belongs to our Lord God. The Holy Scriptures, being the repository of God’s revealed truth, which man should accept and believe, is never wanting in revelations about which religion or church is the true one. Hence, people should not allow themselves to be confused or to be hoodwinked into believing that all religions or churches belong to Him, neither should they stop searching for the true one, until they have finally found it, because what is at stake here is no less than the salvation of their souls.

The Bible illustrates in various ways how God’s people – those who belong to the true Church or religion – can be recognized. One lucid illustrations depicts God’s chosen people as His planting – distinct and unique from those which He did not plant or those who do not belong to Him. The prime importance of being God’s planting is underscored in these words of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“…Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.” (Matt. 15:13, New King James Version)

The plants, which God did not plant, obviously, do not belong to Him and they will be uprooted come the appointed time. These are the churches or religions that were not established by Him. They are likened to tares that will be “gathered and burned in the fire… at the end of this age (Matt. 13:40, Ibid.) or on Judgment Day. How they came about, the Lord Jesus explains that “an enemy has done this,” referring to the devil as “the enemy who sowed them” (Matt. 13:28, 39, Ibid).

Indeed, to be God’s planting or to be among His people is very important because on Judgment Day, those that are not His planting will be uprooted and burned in the lake of fire.

God’s planting in the ancient time
The Psalmist points out which was God’s planting during the ancient period:

“You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it.” (Ps. 80:8, Ibid.)

The planting of God that He brought out of Egypt was no other than the nation of Israel that God established to be His own people. The Prophet Isaiah explains that “the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant …” (Isa. 5:7, Ibid.).

As God’s planting, His established nation and chosen people, the Israelites were towering in importance before the sight of God over all the other peoples of the world during their time:

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” (Deut. 7:6, Ibid.)

There were already many nations established during the time of ancient Israel but only the Israelites were chosen by God to be a people for Himself. Only Israel was God’s planting during that time. As such, He was counting on them to bring forth good grapes. However, what Israel brought forth instead were wild grapes. God said of His planting:

“And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes? And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned; And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down.” (Isa. 5:3-5, Ibid.)

As ancient Israel fell short of God’s expectation, He decided to take away from His vineyard its hedge, burn it, break down its wall, and be trampled down. Israel did not remain as God’s planting and God rejected them as His people.

God’s planting in the Christian era
God had prophesied, through Prophet Isaiah, whom He would send to begin a new group of people who would glorify Him and who would replace ancient Israel as His planting. The prophecy states:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” (Isa. 61:1-3, Ibid.)

Our Lord Jesus Christ proved that He was the one referred to as God’s planting in the prophecy when, after reading this same prophecy, He declared: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:17-21,Ibid.). However, Christ is not the only planting of God; as the true vine, He has branches. Says our Lord:

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. …I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:1, 5, Ibid.)

As Christ, the vine, is God’s planting, so are His branches. Christ and His branches belong to God and are recognized by God as His chosen people. As for what the branches are intended, the prophecy clarifies, thus:

“Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, that I may be glorified.” (Isa. 60:21, Ibid.)

God’s planting is for His glory, so a person can truly glorify God only if he is included among God’s planting or if he is among God’s chosen people. Christ and His branches are chosen by God to give glory unto Him in replacement of ancient Israel that was formerly His planting.

The vine and the branches
The equivalent of Christ’s being the vine and those who belong to Him as the branches could be read in this illustration of Apostle Paul:

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

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

Christ, who is the vine, is the head, and the members of the Church, which is His body, are the branches. The Church headed by Christ is named after Him – Church of Christ (Rom. 16:16; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

Christ and the members of the Church which He established in the first century were God’s planting. God expected them to glorify Him. However, Apostle Paul forewarned that the first-century Church of Christ would apostatize or turn away from the true faith, thus would stop giving glory unto God:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; … Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” (I Tim. 4:1, 3, King James Version)

This turning away from the faith of the early Christians occurred after the “departure” or death of the apostles (Acts 20:29-30, 37-38; II Tim. 4:6-8). Indeed, when the apostles were gone, the Church that they had left behind listened to and followed the “doctrines of devils,” two of which are forbidding to marry and abstension from eating meat. These doctrines can be found in the Catholic Church, the church that prides itself to be the continuation of the Church administered by the apostles (The Unbroken Chain, p. 4). The Catholic Church forbids its “priests to marry after their ordination” (The Faith of Our Fathers, p. 328), and it also commands its members “to fast and abstain from flesh meat on certain days of the year” (Manual of Christian Doctrine: Comprising Dogma, Moral, and Worship, p. 317). Upholding such doctrines clearly shows that the Catholic Church is indeed the result of the apostasy that took place when the first-century Church of Christ turned away from the true faith after the death of the apostles. Thus, just as Israel, God’s planting in ancient time, turned away from Him, so did the first-century Church of Christ which God appointed to replace it. And just as Israel continued to exist as a nation, but no longer as God’s nation, so did the Church that started in the first century, but no longer as the Church that belonged to God and to Christ, because it had turned into an apostate church.

God’s planting in these last days
With the turning away from the true faith of the first-century Church, God again planted a replacement as He had promised, thus:

“I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together, That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.” (Isa. 41:19-20, NKJV)

God’s planting in the wilderness herein referred to is the work and creation of His hand. He planted in the wilderness because the apostasy that overtook the first-century Church is illustrated in the Bible as that of a “woman [who] fled into the wilderness” (Rev. 12:6, Ibid.). The woman represents a church, for the true Church is likened by Apostle Paul to a chaste virgin (II Cor. 11:2). The first-century Church when it had apostatized became “a land where there is no one, A wilderness in whichthere is no man” (Job 38:26, NKJV). Although the organization has persisted and continued, it has lost its right and privilege to glorify God, and hence, the first-century Church of Christ died out as God’s planting after the death of the apostles. And so God promised to plant again in replacement to His former planting.

The beginning of God’s plantingTo start out His planting in these last days, God sent a messenger whom He had “taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions,” and to whom He assured, “You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not for I am with you, Be not dismayed, for I amyour God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:9-10, Ibid.).

The time “ends of the earth” refers to that period when the end of the world or the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus “is near – at the doors” (Matt. 24:3, 33, Ibid.), as He emphatically pointed out, giving as signs, events that had global significance, like the two world wars, World War I and World War II, that broke out in succession on July 27, 1914 and on September 1, 1939, respectively (Matt. 24, 6-7; The Story of the Great War, vol. 3, p. 923). It was at the start of the first global war that God’s planting at the ends of the earth officially emerged through the instrumentality of His chosen servant whom He had given the right to serve and worship Him and to whom He promised to help, strengthen, and uphold with His righteous right hand or the gospel, which is God’s righteousness for salvation (Rom. 1:16-17).

The Church of Christ believes that the chosen servant whom God had sent to begin His planting in these last days was fulfilled in Brother Felix Y. Manalo, who preached this Church in 1914. Through his preaching of the gospel, which God promised to uphold him with, God’s sons and daughters from the far east, the Philippines being the country in the far east in which the prophecy was fulfilled, were gathered together (Isa. 43:5-6, Moffatt Translation; Asia and the Philippines, p. 169), resulting in the reemergence of the true Church of Christ, God’s planting in these last days. In order for this planting to grow in the “wilderness,” as the first-century Church of Christ turned apostate and became devoid of people faithful to God’s teachings, God said in the prophecy that He “would make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water” (Isa. 41:18, NKJV). The water that God would cause to flow in the wilderness for His planting to grow is His words (John 4:10-15) and the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39), both of which have been received by those who believed in the preaching of the gospel by the one whom God has sent (Eph. 1:13-14).

True enough, the Church of Christ in these last days emerged through the preaching of God’s words by His messenger. The once desolate wilderness is now again populated with members of the true Church, God’s chosen people who firmly believe and faithfully obey His commandments. As God’s planting, the Church of Christ is continuously nurtured with His words, which are incessantly preached in the congregational worship services of its members throughout the world, together with the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit – all for the glory and honor of its vinedresser, the Father in heaven.

References:
Dela Costa, Horacio, S.J. Asia and the Philippines. Manila, Philippines: Solidaridad Publishing House, 1967.

Gibbons, James Cardinal. The Faith of Our Fathers. New York, USA: P.J. Kenedy & Sons, n.d.

Hunt, Most Rev. Duane G., D.D. The Unbroken Chain. n.p The Queen’s Work, 1959.

Manual of Christian Doctrine: Comprising Dogma, Moral and Worship. By a Seminary Professor. Nihil Obstat: N.F. Fisher, S.T.I., Censor Librorum, and Arthur J. Scanlan, S.T.D., Censor Deputatus; Imprimatur: D.J. Dougherty, Archiepiscopus Philadelphiensis. New York, USA: La Salle Bureau, Brothers of the Christian Schools, 1935.

Reynolds, Francis J., Allen L. Churchill, and Francis T. Miller, eds. The Story of the Great War, vol. 3. New York, USA: P.F. Collier & Son, 1916.

God saves regardless of number

Letter Of Ermilita Monilar

THE  BIBLE STATES  that God wants all men to be saved (cf. I Tim. 2:4, TEV). Salvation is for and through the Church (cf. Eph. 3:9-10, Ibid.). Do you think that your Church which is not yet worldwide can save man? And is it not against God's desire to save the few?

I believe that only the majority Church of today (majority group of believers today, not  during Noah's time) could stand along with God's desire  to save mankind, especially when He gave His assurance to them—"What I have planned, that I will do." (Is. 46:11, Ibid.)

Dangcagan, Bukidnon, Philippines

Editor's reply:

     IT IS TRUE THAT GOD WANTS all men to be saved. As to how men would be saved, Apostle Paul stated: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (I Tim. 2:4, KJV). Hence, in order for man to attain salvation, he should first come to the knowledge of the truth. For this reason, our Lord Jesus Christ said to His disciples: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:15-16, Ibid.). Those who believe in the gospel should be baptized into the one body or Church headed by Christ, which is called the Church of Christ (cf. Rom. 12:4-5; Col. 1:18; Rom. 16:16; Acts20:28, Lamsa).

     It is clear that salvation is open to all. God wants or desires to save all men. But it does not mean that all men will be saved. Salvation is not for those who do evil works and live in wickedness. One’s attainment of salvation depends on his response to God’s call. You argued that since the Iglesia ni Cristo is not a worldwide church, it cannot save man. That a church must be worldwide in scope to save man is a wrong assumption. There is no significant connection between a church being worldwide and its being able to save all men. Salvation depends on the positive response of the people to God’s specific command. Contrary to your belief, the Bible states that those who will not be saved are as many as the grains of sand on the seashore (cf. Rev. 20:7-9, KJV). Salvation rests on God’s righteousness, which is revealed in the gospel, the power of God for salvation (cf. Rom.1:16:17, NIV). How can man benefit from God’s righteousness? II Corinthians 5:21 states, thus: “Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God” (TEV). One who achieved union with Christ is joined with Him. Thus, he has become a new being (cf. II Cor. 5:17, Ibid.). The new being referred to is the one new man which has Christ as the head and the Church as His body (cf. Eph. 2:15; Col. 1:18). Thus, it is righteous for Christ to suffer for the sins of those whom He will save in as much as they have become members of His body (cf. Rom.12.4-5).

     A church does not need to be a church of either the majority or the minority to be saved. Salvation is open to everyone who will follow God’s command. Those who have become members of Christ’s body are the only believers who “could stand along with God’s desire to save mankind.”

     They are in one organization, one body, one church, not churches, not the “majority” of believers who belong to various religious organizations today (cf. Eph. 4:4).

     Since the beginning, God has chosen His own people. During Noah’s time, God elected and saved Noah and His family; there were only eight of them. God elected the ancient Israelites who were few in number – a “small nation.” There were millions of people who lived during the biblical times but only a few were elected because only a few followed His laws. In these last days, many people are searching for the truth, but only a few will find it and consequently attain salvation and the promised eternal life. Though God wishes to save all men, man should do his part in responding to the divine call to become members of Christ’s body (cf. Jn. 10:9; I Cor. 12.27).

     It is important to note that God has a standing policy in electing or choosing His own people. The Bible states, thus:

     “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (I Cor. 1:25-29, NIV)

     Salvation is strictly for the elect. This is God’s policy. And those elected by God are those who have conformed to His teachings. They are the only ones assured of God’s salvation.

___________________

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 

I know my sheep and am known by my own’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“5. Did Jesus establish a Church?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other sheep of Christ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The angel who ascended from the east

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

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

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

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

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

The meaning of the word ‘angel’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ascending from the east

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

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

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

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

The time element

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The prophecy fulfilled

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

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

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

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

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

References

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extending the work of salvation to the Gentiles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light for the Gentiles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members of the Church of Christ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The extension of the work of salvation

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

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

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

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

“ZI’ON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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