"Why use different Bible versions?"

Letter from Kim Valdez

I HAVE READ several issues of your magazine. I greatly admire the way you tackle doctrinal issues by quoting directly from the scriptures. However, I find it disturbing that you use many Bible versions, and not stick to just one. Are you being subjective and arbitrary by choosing the version that suits your beliefs? Why the need to use different versions?

Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.

Editor's reply:

Using only one Bible version in both written and oral discourse seems practical and expedient. This would not pose any problem if and when those who translated various languages are completely free of bias or theologically neutral. Unfortunately, they are not. And this has resulted not only in differences in shades of meaning in some portions of the verse, but also  in differences in interpretation of the entire passage:  

"All translations involves interpretation. Interpretation, of course, involves the influence of theology; and as all translation involves interpretation, so all translation involves theology. ......... Translators cannot avoid totally the necessity of making interpretive decisions, nor can they avoid completely the influence of personal views of truth on their work. Translation in not hermeneutically neutral and translators are not theologically neutral." (Accuracy of Translation, p.41)

For these reasons there are times when it is necessary to choose the version that is not only easier to comprehend, but most of all renders the precise meaning---thus, the need to use more than one version of the Bible.

How do we determine which particular version of the Bible to use? Apostle Paul taught the guiding principle when it comes to the teachings written in the Holy Scriptures:

"But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."

"These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (I Cor. 2:10,13, New King James Version)

Spiritual truth must be compared with spiritual truths, and in doing so, there must be no contradiction. Hence, if a term or phrase in particular version contradicts the true doctrine, then there is an error in the translation. Therefore it behooves us to use a version that does not contradict the biblical truth.

However, an important thing must be understood when it come to comparing spiritual truths with spiritual truths. A preacher of the gospel must be sent or duly commissioned by God for him to receive the Holy Spirit and be able to correctly compare spiritual truths and spiritual things. Hence, not everyone can rightfully explain the contents of the Bible. Apostle Paul said,

"And how shall they preach unless they are sent? ..... (Rom. 10:15, ibid)

John the Baptist also taught the importance of being sent by God:

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

God gave the knowledge of His words only to His messengers. They are the ones entrusted with the ministry and the message of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:18-20), and thus they are the ones who can rightfully teach the contents of the Holy Scriptures. People should listen to their preaching to be able to know and understand the will of God expressed in His Holy book. □

Misconception about the Iglesia ni Cristo "Iglesia ni Cristo members are forced or compelled to give tithes or ten percent of their income to the Church"

"Tithing or giving 10% of income"

Misconception: 
THERE IS A PERSISTENT rumor among many people from other religions that Iglesia ni Cristo practice the giving of tithes or giving 10% of a member's income to the Church.  This allege practice of tithing is  perpetuated by Church detractors who persistently sow rumors about tithing in the Church as a means to dissuade other people from joining the Iglesia ni Cristo.  This, allege practice of tithing, is also due to a common perception among other people who are awestruck by the unceasing construction of beautiful and magnificent houses of worship or churches all over the Philippine archipelago and now in many places around the world. These people cannot believe that the Iglesia ni Cristo can fund this large scale church building projects with only the voluntary contributions of its members, the great majority of which are ordinary people and most them are considered poor in the society. Thus, they assume (accept without proof) that the Church is forcing or compelling its members to give tithes or 10% of their income so the Church can finance these massive church construction projects.

The Truth: 
THERE IS NO TRUTH to the allegation that Iglesia ni Cristo members  are forced, compelled, coerced, forced or manipulated to give ten percent of their income to the Church. Contrary to what some people say or believe, the Church do not practice the giving of tithes. Iglesia ni Cristo members give their offerings on a voluntary basis, out of their faith and understanding of the biblical teaching concerning religious offerings. Thus Iglesia ni Cristo members faithfully follow  God's commandment to His servants in the Christian Era that says:

Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not besad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily.  (II Cor. 9:7, New Century Version, emphasis ours)

Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God. (Heb.   13:16, NCV)

Knowing  that  the  Lord  is pleased  by  fulfilling the above commandments,  members   of  Iglesia ni Cristo voluntarily and happily give their offerings. And it is through these voluntary offerings that the Church is able to finance the construction of  beautiful and magnificent houses of worship where they, the members themselves, happily congregate to worship the Lord God Almighty in utmost solemnity. Many people may not believe nor may not come to understand that this happens in the Iglesia ni Cristo, simply because in their own religious organizations, many of which, cannot even put up a decent place of worship, and many still use public places such as cinemas, auditoriums, grandstands even after many years of giving tithes or offerings to their church leaders.

AN OBSERVER of the Iglesia ni Cristo has this to say:

"How is it that the INC has so many palatial churches—and we see them all over the country, while ours. . . . . . . . . .   Perhaps, there is  something about the   INC,   ...  that we   are missing.   Could  it  be that their leaders and, more important, their members believe—and more than just believing, live out their faith?"   ―Joel L Bodegon, Elder, United Churches of Christ of the Philippines from the book, The Isaiah Paradigm: Recapturing the Role of the Laity, pp. 116-117 (emphasis ours)

Mr Bodegon's observation is correct. There is something in the Iglesia ni Cristo that is missing in other religious organization. The Iglesia ni Cristo leaders and members more than just believe―they live out their faith. Why? Because deep in their hearts, they believe they are in the true Church of Christ. They know and worship the "only true God―the Father in heaven, the Lord God Almighty―and His Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who will come again for the second time to bring home God's chosen people.

A TESTIMONY about tithing in the Iglesia ni Cristo by Michael Alexander Peter Adams, a British businessman, who is now a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo:

 "I deal a lot with Roman Catholics and  people of other  faiths in everyday life in business, and they often raise issues concerning the doctrines and practices of the Church of  Christ and most of their perceptions on these matters are just simply not true. For example,   there is  a persistent belief that we practice tithing,    whereas I know from the numerous sermons I've heard on the subject that God loves a cheerful giver and it is not a requirement to give a certain amount. Actually, the way in which the offering is handled the Church is very impressive. Great care is taken to record the members offerings and to ensure that these offerings are properly spent. If anybody doubts that, all you do is look at the number of chapels which are being built all the time, which, in my own rough estimation, have approximated two a week for the past forty years!   The construction of houses of worship and other buildings certainly requires money and this shows you right away  that even without having to delve into the details of the Church's books of accounts, the brethren's offering are being properly used."

Source: Excerpt from Convert story, April 2004, GOD'S MESSAGE, p.28 (emphasis ours)

According to Mr. Adams "the persistent belief that the Iglesia ni Cristo practice tithing is simply not true". What is true is "the great care that  is taken to record the member's offering and to ensure that these offerings are properly spent".   This is the basic reason why members do not hesitate to help the Church as much as they can because they clearly see what is being done and what is being accomplished for the glory of God.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS on tithing: 
Pictures of foreign Congregations houses of worship are shown in between.

On the giving of tithes

I ATTENDED A worship service in your church and noticed you are collecting monetary contributions, Are your members compelled to give ten percent of their earnings or wealth to the Church? Do you practice tithing?

Derick Manning
Berkeley, California, USA 

Editors Reply: 
The members of the Church of Christ give voluntary contributions during congregational worship services. However, contrary to what some people believe we do not practice the giving of tithes. Neither are we being forced to give our contributions.   We  give our offerings on a voluntary basis, out of our faith and understanding of the biblical teaching concerning religious offerings. The Apostle Paul teaches:

Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give. A person should not give if it makes him sad. And a person should not give if he thinks he is forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily." (II Cor. 9:7, Easy-to-Read Version)

This is the teaching that applies to the Christian era. God's people are not mandated to give a specific percentage of their earnings or a particular amount of their wealth. Each one should give according to what he has decided in heart. Hence, tithing is not practiced in the Church of Christ of Christ.

Furthermore; we give our offerings to please God. If we give grudgingly or sadly, He wouldn't be pleased because He wants us to give happily and willingly. Hence, offerings should be voluntary and not compulsory.

Source: PASUGO, July 2002, p.2

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	Locale Congregation of Forest Hills, New York, USA

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On forced tithing:

IS IT TRUE that Iglesia ni Cristo members are forced to tithe or give ten percent of their income?

Justino Tumbaga
Camarines Sur, Philippines

Editors Reply: 
There is no truth to the allegation that Iglesia ni Cristo members  are coerced, forced or manipulated to offer ten percent of their income. The Church follows God's commandment to His servants in the Christian Era that says:

"Let each one give as He has made up in his own mind and purposed in his heart not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion." (II Cor. 9:7, Amplified Bible)

Members of the Iglesia ni Cristo offer according to the dictates of their hearts. They joyfully give their offerings knowing that by fulfilling this commandment,  God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16).

Source: PASUGO, July 2000, p.2

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	The Locale Congregation of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

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Not Tithing

IN   ONE OF YOUR ISSUES,   I Saw the pictures of some of   your "houses of worship" around the world. Objectively speaking, I have to admit that they are enormous    and    magnificent.    Some say, however, that your members  are forced to tithe or give ten percent of their income which is the reason why you can afford to build such edifices. Is it true?
Berna Sebastian
General Santos City, Philippines

Editor's reply: 
Although   there are many   religions that  practice tithing,   the   Church   of Christ is definite and firm in its stand that such  kind  of   monetary  contribution   is  not what God commands  for true Christians.

The truth is, members of the Church of Christ are taught to offer voluntarily according to what  their  hearts   have decided.  Even non-members who are studying   and  observing   this   Church could testify that Iglesia ni Cristo members are never coerced, forced, or manipulated to offer ten percent of their income. The Church   members   instead faithfully follow  God's commandment to His servants in the Christian Era that says:

"Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion ..." (II Cor. 9:7, The Amplified Bible)

Knowing   that   the  Lord    is pleased   by   fulfilling this   commandment   (Heb.   13:16),   members   of   this Church  voluntarily and   joyfully give their offerings. And it is through these voluntary offerings that the Church is able to do its holy functions like constructing edifices where  God   expects His people to worship Him:

"I intend to  build  a   great  temple, because our God is  greater than any other god.

 "I am  building a temple to honor the Lord my God.  It will be a holy where my people   and   I   will worship him ..." (II Chr. 2:5, 4, Today's English Version)

"Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.'"  (Isa. 56:7, New King James Version)

Source: GOD'S MESSAGE, January 2005, p.3-4

_____________________

	The Locale Congregation of Los Angeles, California, USA.

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Thank-offerings are voluntary contributions:

I HAVE BEEN fascinated by the magnificent houses of worship built all over the country by the Iglesia by the Iglesia ni  Cristo. Considering the fact that majority of he lglesia ni Cristo members are poor, I am amazed at how your Church manages to finance the construction of such elegant structures.

A member of your Church said that the Church's finances were supported or shouldered by voluntary contributions. Does your Church set a quota on the contributions of its members? Aside the support from the support for the Church's construction  work, what other expenses are your offerings allotted for?

Henry Bunao
Manila, Philippines

Editor's reply:
The Church's expenses, including those for the construction of houses of worship (cf. II Chron. 24:12-14), the maintenance of these houses of worship, the sustenance of ministers and their families (cf.Gal. 6:5-6),  the propagation of the gospel through  print, radio and TV, and the assigning of ministers for foreign missions, are all supported by voluntary contributions. What are voluntary contributions? They are thank-offerings given freely based upon the dictates of one's heart (cf. II Cor. 9:7).

Guided by these biblical precept, the Church does not in any way dictate or set a quota on the thank-offerings or voluntary contributions of its members.

Source: PASUGO, Sept. 1995, p.3

______________________

	The Locale Congregation of Western Sydney, Australia

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. How could the Iglesia ni Cristo be the true Church of Christ established by Christ, when it was Felix Manalo who pioneered the Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines in 1914? .

Christ's other sheep

Amy Guadalupe Wrote:

I AM A member of a Bible ministry in our place. As I often watch your television program Ang Iglesia ni Cristo, I have observed that you emphasize that it is only your Church which Christ will save while the rest are subject to perdition. Isn't this selfishness?

You teach that yours is the true Church of Christ established by Christ. How could this be true when it was Felix Manalo who pioneered the Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines in 1914?

How sure are you in saying that the Far East mentioned in the Bible refers to the Philippines when the Far East is composed of many countries like Japan, Korea, China, etc.  Even if we accept that the fulfillment of the prophecy is the Philippines, there were already other churches or religions established in this country prior to 1914 like the Catholic Church, Aglipayan Church, and the Protestant denominations.

Editor's reply:

The doctrine that membership in the Church of Christ is necessary for salvation, is far from being a selfish claim, as it is a biblical truth. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself declared:

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.” (Jn. 10:9, NKJV)

Man, therefore, must enter Christ to be saved. Those who have entered in Him find themselves in the fold or flock which is the Church of Christ (cf. Jn. 10:7, 9, REB; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation). Christ is the Savior of His Church because it is His body of which He is the head (cf. Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23). The Bible even testifies that God will judge those outside the true Church (cf. I Cor. 5:12-13, NIV).

It was the Lord Jesus Christ—and not Brother Felix Y. Manalo—who established the Churchof Christ in the Philippines as testified to by the prophecy of the Savior:

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (Jn. 10:16, NKV)

Christ prophesied about His other sheep which were not yet in the fold then. These other sheep of Christ will be made one flock or Church by listening to His voice. Thus, the time of their calling is in the distant future and not during Christ’s earthly ministry (cf. Jn. 10:16, Easy-to-Read New Testament). They comprise the third group of people yet to be called into the Church (cf. Acts 2:39). The first two groups were the Jews and the Gentiles (cf. Rom.9:24) who became members of the first-century Church of Christ (cf. Gal. 1:22; Rom. 16:4, 16, Lamsa Translation). On the other hand, the third group will come from distant times and places (cf. Acts 2:39, Rieu Version).

The “distant times” when Christ’s other sheep were to emerge is also called by Prophet Isaiah as the ends of the earth (cf. Is. 43:5-6), the time when the end of the world is near and which would be heralded by signs, among which is the war of all nations that will be rumored all over the world (cf. Is. 34:1-2; Mt. 24:33, 6-7). This war is the First World War that broke out on July 27, 1914 (cf. The Story of the Great War, vol. 3, p. 923), the same date when the Iglesia ni Cristo was registered with the Philippine government.

The distant places where the sons and daughters of God who are the other sheep of Christ will emerge is the Far East (cf. Is. 43:5, Moffat Translation). The nation from where they would originate consists of islands (cf. Is. 42:10, NIV). The Philippines where the Iglesia ni Cristo reemerged in 1914 is a country that stands almost at the geographical center of theFar East and consists of over 7,100 islands and islets (cf. Asia and the Philippines, p. 169; Encyclopedia Britannica, vol. 25, p. 537).

The Iglesia ni Cristo did not reemerge in any other country in the Far East, like Japan,Korea, or Thailand but in the Philippines as prophesied. Religions that sprouted before the year 1914 are not themselves the fulfillment of the biblical prophecy regarding the emergence of the “sons and daughters” of God or the “other sheep” of Christ.

However, Christ did not have to descend from heaven to preach to His other sheep. Instead, he sent someone to do the function of preaching the gospel. Listening to the one whom Christ has sent, or to his messenger, is equivalent to listening to His voice (cf. Lk. 10:16; Jn13:20).

The messenger of God in these last days who preached the gospel of Christ that resulted in the reemergence of the Iglesia ni Cristo is Brother Felix Y. Manalo. He was the Lord’s instrument responsible for the reemergence of the Church of Christ as prophesied but is never the Church’s founder as others have mistakenly thought.

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

Homosexual relationships are such an abomination before God that death penalty is imposed and offenders will not inherit the kingdom of God.

On homosexual relationship
(an unholy union)

Imelda Gasarin Wrote:

ONCE I TUNED in to a local television program and was surprised with the feature of this Catholic priest who is living with a man. This particular priest, in his sermons, is very vocal in his stand that marriage of couples of the same sex is not wrong. He reasoned out that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit such union. I want to know, if the Scriptures do not forbid the union of people of the same sex?  Does it mean that people can get into homosexual relationships without committing sin?

Editor's reply:

God does not allow homosexual unions. From the very beginning, God had instituted marriage for the union of a man and a woman—and not for two individuals who belong to the same sex. Adam and Eve—the first man and woman—were the first ones united by God through marriage.

According to God’s design, men and women need each other (cf. I Cor. 11:11).

¹¹ But in the Lord the woman needs the man, and the man needs the woman. (I Cor.11:11, Easy to Read Version)).

Apostle Paul said that every man should have his own wife and every woman should have her own husband:

“But because there is so much immorality, every man should have his own wife, and every woman should have her own husband.” (I Cor. 7:2, Today’s English Version)

The Bible strictly teaches that it is unnatural and sinful for women to have lustful affection and passion and worse, sexual relationship, with one another. Males having passion with other males are also denounced:

 “For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one,

“And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another—men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution.

“And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome.” (Rom. 1:26-28, Amplified Bible)

Homosexual relationships are such an abomination before God that death penalty was imposed upon offenders during Moses’ time (cf. Lev. 20:13).

¹³ “If a man has sexual relations with another man as with a woman, they have committed a terrible sin. They must be put to death. They are responsible for their own death. (Lev. 20:13, ERV)

In the Christian era, God had decreed that those who engage in such abominable relationships will not inherit His kingdom:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,…will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.” (I Cor. 6:9, 10, Amplified Bible)

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

Iglesia ni Cristo - Primer

The Iglesia ni Cristo  today

THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO (Church of Christ) is a Christian religion whose primary purpose is to worship the Almighty God based on His teachings as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and as recorded in the Bible.

The Church of Christ is a church for everyone who will heed the call of God and embrace its faith—regardless of his or her nationality, cultural background, social standing, economic status, and educational attainment.

A GLOBAL CHURCH
Thus far, today, the membership of the  Iglesia ni Cristo comprises at least 106 nationalities. It maintains about 5,400 local congregations grouped into 104 ecclesiastical districts in the Philippines and in 92 more countries  and territories  in the six inhabited continents of the world. Its present Executive Minister is Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.

A 'RADIANT CHURCH'
In Ephesians 5:27, the Church of Christ is described as a "radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (New International Version").  Hence, the Iglesia ni Cristo molds its members toward perfect unity of faith and  practice, that each one will be devoted to a life of holiness and service founded on true Christian teaching.

A CHURCH THAT SHARES 
The Iglesia ni Cristo endeavors to share the gospel of salvation written in the Bible to as many people as possible, in fulfillment of Christ's vision  as stated in Mark 16:15-16: "... Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved ..."   (New King James Version). 

The   Church  continuously  preaches  the gospel not only to win over people into the Lord's flock but also to edify the faith of its members, "...admonishing and  teaching  everyone  with ail wisdom ...  [to] present everyone perfect  in Christ" (Colossians 1:28, NIV)

NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION:

CHRISTIAN 
The Church of Christ adheres to the unadulterated teachings of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ written in the Bible. The faithful firmly believe that this Church is the fulfillment of biblical prophecies that the Church established by Christ would re-emerge in these last days for the salvation of humankind.

RELIGIOUS The Church's major activities include worship service, missionary works, and edification.

Worship service. This solemn gathering of the faithful is usually held on Thursdays and Sundays by every local congregation inside the house of worship. It consists of hymn singing, prayers, and study of God's words for proper applications in daily living.

Missionary Works.  The members gladly fulfill their duty to share the faith. They invite all people to attend Bible study sessions and worship services. The Church also uses mass media in spreading its message of hope to a broader audience.

The Pasugo: God's Message, the monthly official magazine of the Church, carries mainly religious articles and Church news and features.

DZEM (954 kHz) broadcasts programs that discuss Bible teachings. These programs are aired by about 60 other radio stations all over the Philippines and several more in the US and Australia.

GEM TV-49, as well as major cable stations in the Philippines and some channels in the US, telecast the Church's religious programs featuring biblical teachings.

Edification. For the spiritual welfare of the members, prayer meetings are held weekly by each group of neighboring households for further instructions in the faith and announcements about Church projects and activities.

Pastoral visitations to the brethren are conducted regularly by the Church officers for prayer and spiritual counseling.

Through its Christian family organizations (Buklod, KADIWA, and Binhi) the Church of Christ undertakes projects to strengthen the family, to guide the single members in right living and in proper conduct, and to assist the youth in their studies. The Buklod (bond) is the organization of married members. The KADIWA (acronym of a Filipino phrase meaning "Youth with a Noble Intent ) is for the single members 18 years and older, and the Binhi (seed) is composed of 13 to 17-year old members.

INDEPENDENT The Iglesia ni Cristo is not a denomination or sect. It is neither affiliated to any federation of religious bodies nor itself an assembly of smaller religious organizations. The Iglesia ni Cristo is Christ's one true Church today.

CORE VALUES:

BIBLE AS BASIS OF FAITH The Iglesia ni Cristo regards  the Holy Scriptures as the sole  basis of its faith and practice. Some of its fundamental scriptural teachings are as follows:

• Absolute oneness of God the Father. The Church believes in the teaching of Christ and the apostles that the Father, the Creator, alone is the true God. (John 17:1, 3; I Cor. 8:6)
• Jesus Christ the Son of God. The Iglesia ni Cristo believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. God made Him Lord and Savior. He is the only Mediator of man to God. Jesus Christ is holy and a very special man but not God. (Matt. 3:17; Acts 2:36; 5:31; I Tim. 2:5; John 10:36; 8:40; Acts 2:22, Easy-to-Read Version)
• The Church of Christ. The faithful firmly believe that the Church of Christ is the one Christ established for the salvation of mankind. It is for the Church that Christ gave His life and thus, it is this Church that He will save on Judgment Day. (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation;  Eph. 5:23, 25)
• Judgment Day. The Church of Christ believes that God appointed a day when He will judge all people through Christ. This is the day of the Second Advent of Christ, which is also the end of the world. (.Acts 17:31; Jude 1:14-15; II Pet. 3:7, 10)
• Baptism. The Iglesia m Cristo observes the biblical way of baptism, which is immersion in water. Receiving baptism in the Church of Christ is necessary for one to become a disciple of Christ, to be forgiven of sin, and to have hope for salvation, (Acts 8:38; John 3:23; Rom. 6:3-5; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16)
• Resurrection. The resurrection of Christ is the main proof that the dead will rise. Those in Christ will  rise first to be with Him forever in the Holy City. Those who are not of Christ will rise a thousand years after the first resurrection to be cast into the lake of fire. (I Cor. 15:12-13; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:5-10; 21:1-4)

UNITY
The Church of Christ is one in faith and practice. Its unity remains intact through a centralized form of administration that ensures the adherence of all members and congregations to the same Bible teachings and Church rules.

MORALITY AND HOLINESS
The Iglesia ni Cristo strives to maintain a high moral standard, It regards the teaching of the Bible as a way of life. It promotes purity of life among its members by means of instructions, reminders, and, when necessary, corrective or disciplinary measures.

PEACE AND ORDER
The Church of Christ helps maintain peace and order by teaching its members to respect and observe rules and regulations governing such. They are dissuaded from joining unions and organizations that resort to violence or extra-legal means to advance their causes.

LAWFULNESS AND DISCIPLINE
The Church puts a premium on lawfulness and discipline. It complies with the apostolic teaching to submit to human authority, that is, the duly constituted government, and abide by its laws (Titus 3:1; I Pet. 2:13). But over and above any law, its members obey the laws of God for Christians in our time as written in the Bible.

BROTHERHOOD AND EQUALITY OF MEMBERS
THE Iglesia ni Cristo promotes Christian brotherly love. All members are deemed equal in the sight of God (Gal. 3:26, 28). Gender, racial, social, educational, and economic discriminations are strongly discouraged.

SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE
Marriage in the Church of Christ is regarded as sacred and inviolable. It is God Himself who instituted marriage and He does not allow the separation of the husband and the wife whom He joined together (Matt. 19:4-6). Thus, the Church of Christ does not subscribe to divorce, annulment, or legal separation as a solution to marital problems in the same way that it opposes live-in relationships and same-sex marriage.

STABILITY OF THE FAMILY
The Church of Christ acknowledges the importance of family as the basic unit of its organization and of society as a whole. The stability of every family contributes to the stability of the entire Church- The home is where religious education begins so Christian parenting and proper love of children are taught and reinforced at every opportune time.

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
The Church of Christ upholds the democratic ideal of separation of Church  and State. It advances through peaceful and legal means the right and freedom of its members and congregations to conduct worship and other religious activities as provided for and protected by the fundamental law of the land. 

GLOBAL EXPANSION

BEGINNINGS 
The Iglesia ni Cristo was first preached by brother Felix Y. Manalo in the Philippine capital city of Manila. Its first local congregation was established in Punta, Sta. Ana. On July 27,1914, the Church was registered with the Philippine government.

In  1915, Brother Felix Manalo, as the first Executive Minister of the Church, started training ministers to assist him in the propagation of the gospel. By 1918, ministers and volunteer preachers were being sent to provinces around Manila. In its tenth year, the first ecclesiastical district was organized in Pampanga province.

DOMESTIC GROWTH
By 1939, the Church had already expanded  to as  far  as  Ilocos Norte province in Northern Luzon to Cebu province in the Visayas with the addition of 14 districts. It reached farther south in Mindanao in 1946 with the establishment of a  district in Cotabato. When Brother Erano G.  Manalo    assumed   overall   administration   as the Executive Minister in April 1963, the Church had established districts in more than half of all Philippine provinces.

OVERSEAS
On July 27,1968, the first worship service of the Church outside the Philippines was held in Ewa Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. Brother Erano Manalo officiated at this historic event which marked the establishment of the Honolulu Congregation, the first overseas mission of the Church. The following month, he went to California to establish the San Francisco Congregation and lead its inaugural worship service.

The Americas.
In 1971, the Church set foot in Canada. In June 1987, the US Main Office (USMO) was set up in Daly City, California to assist the Central Administration in supervising the then 11 districts of the Church in the West.

The first local congregation in Latin America was established in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1990. The following year, the Church reached Mexico and Aruba. From  2000 and beyond, congregations rose in the Central and South American countries. The local congregation of Los Angeles is the second local congregation of the Church of Christ in the US Mainland.  A beautiful new chapel was dedicated to God on March 2011.

Europe.
The first local congregation in Europe was established in England in 1972. The Church came to Germany and Switzerland in the mid-70s. By the end of the 1980s, congregations and missions could be found in the Scandinavian countries and their neighbors.

Mediterranean  
The Rome, Italy Congregation was established on July 27,1994; the Jerusalem, Israel Congregation in March 1996; and the Athens, Greece Congregation in May 1997. The predecessors (prayer groups) of these full-fledged congregations began two decades earlier. Meanwhile, the mission first reached Spain in 1979.

Africa
The first mission in northern Africa. opened in Nigeria in October 1978. After a month, the King William's Town Congregation, in South Africa was established.

Asia, Australia and Oceania
A congregation was organized in Guam  in  1969. In Australia, congregations have been established since mid-1970s. The Church first reached China by way of Hong Kong, and Japan through Tokyo also in the 1970s. Missions have also opened in Kazakhstan and Sakhalin Island in Russia.

In Southeast Asia, the first congregation in Thailand was established in 1976. Congregations have since sprung in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and many other countries and territories throughout Pacific. 

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Source: Light of Salvation Christian Readings

The Iglesia ni Cristo upholds birth control and family planning through artificial methods. This is in consonance with the commandment of God for man to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it"

A word on birth control

Renante Yu Wrote:

I HAVE BEEN watching your TV program every weekend. Please answer my question:  What is your stand about birth control?  Does the Bible prohibit the use of contraceptives? 

Editor's reply:

The Iglesia ni Cristo upholds birth control and family planning through artificial methods. This is in consonance with the commandment of God for man to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it":

“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over every living that moves on the earth’.” (Gen. 1:28, NKJV, emphasis ours)

God commanded man to fill the earth through procreation. In due time, however, God commands man to subdue the population or to bring it under control. Thus, the use of contraceptives to bring the human population under control is not against the will of God.

Any kind of artificial contraception (unless proven to be abortifacient or inducing abortion) can be agreed upon and used by couples after consulting with a medical expert regarding its applicability to their health.

During these times of economic crisis, a large family with low income will find it hard to meet all its needs. Children may consequently be deprived of proper food, nutrition, and education. Such bad conditions would only contribute to the increase of social problems.

     Therefore, family planning with the use of artificial birth control methods is part of responsible parenthood. And those who do not provide for their households [by their own imprudence] are worse than unbelievers (cf. I Tim. 5:8).

⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (I Tim. 5:8, NKJV)

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

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.