Frequently asked questions

Accusation: INC is not a Christian religion because its doctrines differs from the doctrines mainstream Christianity like denying deity of Christ.

Question: Is INC not a Christian religion?

Answer: The meaning of "Christian" in the dictionary is:

adj.

1. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.

3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.

4. Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.

5. Showing a loving concern for others; humane.

n.

1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus. 

source: thefreedictionary.com

A true Christian is a follower of Christ’s commandments. 

He is one who faithfully upholds the teachings of the Lord (Jn. 8:31). One of these teachings concerns the true nature of the lord jesus Christ himself—that he is a man (Jn. 8:40). The fact that he is a man negates any assertion that he is god. Moreover, Christ declared that the only true god is the father, who is a spirit—having no flesh and no bones or without material form as Christ had (Jn. 17:1,3; Lk. 24:39; Jn. 4:24)

Christ, being a man, cannot be God and God, being god, cannot be man (Ezek. 28:2; Hos. 11:9). Even the apostles taught that Christ is man and is a diff. being from god himself (I tim. 2:5). Apostle Paul declared that “there is only one god, the father” who is definitely is not Christ, the son. (I cor. 8:6). Those who upholds beliefs contrary to these are themselves far from being true Christians.

Eating animal’s blood

Dinuguan (pork blood stew) was a Filipino food that is made from pig's blood. This is just one of the many dishes around the world that is made up of animal's blood.

But according to the bible, is eating/drinking animal’s blood prohibited by God?


In the time of Adam and Eve
Lets go back to the time of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. We all know that God did not intend all the fruits of the trees he made to grow in that paradise to be eaten by the couple. In fact, he gave an instruction concerning food—what the couple could and couldn’t eat. 

Lets read Gen. 2:15-17 that says,

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."”

God clearly forbade the couple to eat fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Violation of this prohibition would mean punishment for them. And the punishment God had set was severe—they would surely die. 

What happened ever since the couple ate the forbidden fruit in violation of God’s prohibition? They were not only driven out of paradise, but from then on, God decreed that they had to work or toil for them to eat, Lets read Gen. 3:17-19, 23 that says,

“To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return”

“So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.”

The effect of man’s salvation of God’s prohibition was far-reaching, to say the least. Not only was man decreed from then on to work for his food but he was decreed to suffer death. So, God’s prohibition on food, or any of his prohibition, for that matter, should not be taken lightly.


God’s prohibition about eating animal's blood
During the time of Noah after the great deluge, what also did God give to Noah and his descendants as food and what did he prohibited them to eat?

Lets read Gen. 9: 1-4 that says,

“Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands.

Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.”

God clearly stated to Noah and his descendants which things might be eaten and which should not be eaten. As the creator of all things and the source of what man needs in order to live, God decides which food for man and which is not. In Noah’s time, not only did God give them the herbs or plants as food, but also the animals, the birds, and the fish, or in other words, flesh meat. 

But again, there was the prohibition of God. He forbade them to eat the blood. And god was so strict on this prohibition that even the meat with blood still in it should not be eaten. And this prohibition continued during the time of the Israelites.

Lets read Lev. 7:26-27 that says,

“And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal. If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.' "”

The Israelites were also prohibited to eat the blood of birds and animals. Anyone among them who would break this law would no longer be considered as among God’s people. Thus, when it comes to food, there are certain kinds that people may consider right, and even good to eat, but to God, it is not. One of them is the animal’s blood.


Why God prohibits the eating of blood
God did not just prohibit his people the eating of blood of animals. He gave the reason for such prohibition.

Lets read Deut. 12:22-23 that says,

“Eat them as you would gazelle or deer. Both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat. But be sure you do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat.”

The reason given was that blood is life and therefore, it should not be eaten. No wonder, if someone loses so much blood or runs out of blood, that person dies. God clearly did not give and intend blood to be eaten. As far as God’s decree is concerned, this is not supposed to be consumed as food. If God did not intend blood to be eaten, what then did god reserve blood for?

The bible explains for what purpose blood was among God’s chosen people, in this case the Israelites, Lets read Lev. 17:11 that says,

“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.”

The purpose for which God intended blood to be used is sacred or holy and not for food.

Lets read also Heb. 9:13-14 that says,

“The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”

Through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ offered as a sacrifice on the cross, the members of the true church (Acts 20:28) are cleansed and forgiven of their sins and receive the right and privilege to serve god. Thus the blood of animals, since the time of the early people of god, is used for such sacred purpose and should not be eaten. For anyone not to violate God’s prohibition of eating blood, he gives this instruction whenever his people would slaughter animals for food, lets read Lev. 17:12-13 that says,

“Therefore I say to the Israelites, "None of you may eat blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood." 'Any Israelite or any alien living among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth,”

God’s command is clear that the blood of the animals slaughtered for food should be poured out and be covered with dust. And this is for good measure, because if the blood is poured out on the ground and covered with dust, there is no way one can eat that anymore.


The evil of violating this prohibition
Why should God’s people carefully and strictly observe the prohibition on eating blood? 

What evil does a person commit when he heats blood? 

Lets read Lev. 17: 10 that says,

“If any one of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn among them eats any blood, I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from among his people.”

God is against any person who would violate his prohibition on eating blood. As punishment, anyone among his people who would be found guilty of violating this prohibition will be cut off or will be removed from God’s nation. 

If one is separated from God’s nation, he is no longer considered as among his people and could no longer hope to receive his promised blessings, including salvation. And this prohibition of eating blood is not only for God’s early people but also, and still is, enforced in the Christian era, lets read Acts 21:25 that says,

"As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality."

God’s prohibition on eating blood continues in the Christian era. And his prohibition is not only confined to the eating of blood but includes the eating of strangled animals, whose blood has not been poured out. As pointed out earlier, God said clearly that his servants should not eat the blood, or the life, with the meat. 

Moreover, included among what God prohibits us to eat are the foods that have been offered to idols. That’s why members of the true church of Christ do not eat blood or any food mixed with blood. We do not also eat foods that have been offered to idols, in much the same way that we do not participate in any feasts or festivals being celebrated in honor of the so called saints or idols.

Concerning these prohibitions on food in the Christian Era, the apostles are not the only ones who prohibit the eating of blood or strangled animals or food that are offered to idols. This is upon instance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Lets read Acts 15: 28-29 that says,

“For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."”

Should we then be faulted if we in the Church of Christ carefully and strictly observe all of God’s prohibitions, including those concerning food? 

 

Iglesia Ni Cristo 95th anniversary celebration

MANILA, Philippines?The Iglesia ni Cristo, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary on Monday, announced Thursday it will hold huge religious assemblies in 14 venues around the country and in five sites in four other countries.

Tens of thousands of delegates are expected to congregate at designated venues in each of the regions in the country to celebrate ?Iglesia ni Cristo Day,? read a statement issued by the Iglesia ni Cristo.

In Metro Manila, the gatherings will be held at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, and at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.

The five-hour special gatherings would begin at 4:30 pm.

Malacañang last month announced July 27 of every year as a special day to commemorate the founding of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's last State of the Nation Address to Congress, which is expected to draw large mass actions, falls on July 27.

The Iglesia ni Cristo said local authorities have issued traffic advisories to avoid congestion on major roads leading to its venues.

In the provinces, delegates will assemble at the following venues: Butuan City Sports Complex in Agusan del Norte; Bicol University Sports Complex and Commencement grounds in Legazpi City, Albay; Cebu Sports Center in Cebu City;
General Santos City Oval Plaza, South Cotabato; Davao Agro-Industrial Institute Football Field in Davao City; Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Central Integrated Terminal in Santiago City, Isabela; Ashton Field Subdivision grounds in Calamba City, Laguna;
Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Villa del Sol Subdivision-Olongapo-Gapan Road in San Fernando City, Pampanga; Narciso Ramos Sports Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan; and Ipil Sports Complex in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga-Sibugay.
Gatherings will also be held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. and HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, USA; Central Hall Westminster in London, UK; Parco Esposizioni Novegro in Milan, Italy; and Hills Center in Sydney, Australia.

The rest of the local congregations in the Philippines which are too far from the announced venues, as well as congregations in countries outside of the US, UK, Italy and Australia will also hold celebratory gatherings in their respective houses of worship simultaneously with the big assemblies.

The Iglesia ni Cristo is an independent Christian religious organization registered with the Philippine government on July 27, 1914.

It was first preached by the late Brother Felix Y. Manalo, its first executive minister, who hailed from Tipas, Taguig City.

Under the present executive minister, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, who assumed overall leadership of the Church during its 49th year of establishment, the Iglesia ni Cristo became global.

Its first local congregation outside the Philippines was organized in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on July 27, 1968.

At 95, the Iglesia ni Cristo has over 5,400 local congregations (roughly equivalent to parishes) in 90 countries and territories, with a membership composed of 102 nationalities
This weekend, July 25 and 26, Iglesia ni Cristo thanksgiving worship services would be simultaneously conducted by all local congregations.

A TV anniversary special will also be aired on Sunday at 8 p.m. over GEMTV-49 and Net-25.
Last Saturday, July 18, the INC through its ?Lingap sa Mamamayan? socio-civic program, conducted a health service mission in the village of Maharlika in Taguig City as part of its anniversary celebration.

Around 20,000 residents benefited from the free medical and dental services, vitamins and medicines, and a package of rice and canned goods.

source: inquirer.net

Iglesia ni Cristo

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, economic status, and educational attainment.

A GLOBAL CHURCH

Thus far, the membership of the Iglesia Ni Cristo comprises at least 102 nationalities. It maintains about 5,400 local congregations grouped into 104 ecclesiastical districts in the Philippines and in 90 more countries and territories in the six inhabited continents of the world.

A ‘RADIANT’ CHURCH

In Ephesians 5:27, the church of Christ is described as a “radiant church, without any stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”

Hence, the Iglesia Ni Cristo molds its members toward perfect unity in faith and practice, that each one will be devoted to a life of holiness and service founded on true Christian teachings.

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…”

The church continuously preaches the gospel not only to win over people into lord’s flock but also to edify the faith of its members, “…admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom… [to] present everyone perfect in christ” (Colossians 1:28)

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 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, telecasts 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 not 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 believe in jesus Christ as the son of god. God made him lord and savior. 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)

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 of that Christ gave his life and thus, it is this church that he will save on judgment day. (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; 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 alos the end of the worls. (Acts 17:31; Jude 1:14-15; II pet. 3:7, 10)

Baptism. The Iglesia Ni 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 death 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 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.

95 YEARS OF EXPANSION

Beginnings. The Iglesia Ni Cristo was first preached by the late 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 voluntary 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 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 in April 1963, The church had established districts in more than half of all Philippine provinces.

Overseas. On July 27, 1968, the incumbent executive minister officiated at the first worship service of the Church outside the Philippines. This gathering held in Ewa Beach, Honolulu Congregation, the first overseas mission of the church. The following month, the executive minister was in 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.

Europe. The first local congregation in Europe was established in England in 1972. The church came to Germany and Switzerland in the mid-70’s. By the end of the 1980’s, 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 Oct. 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-70’s. The church first reached China by way of Hong Kong, and Japan through Tokyo also in the 1970’s. Missions have also opened in Kazakhstan and Sakhalin Island in Russia.

In Southeast Asia, the first congregation in Thailand was established in 1976 and missions have already been conducted in Brunei since 1979. In addition, there are also congregations in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

taken from a pamphlet distributed during church's 95th anniversary in 2009

 

Prophecy: God's Last Messenger

 

“Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes my counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.” Isa. 46:11

The prophecy also tells us whom God would use as his instrument in bringing his children from the Far east into the church of Christ. In Isa. 46:11, it was prophesied:

“Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes my counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.”

God’s instrument is a messenger who is likened to a bird of prey or to a ravenous bird. God would call him from a far country in the east or the Far east to execute messenger is likened to a ravenous bird because the people—god’s sons and daughters—to whom he was sent are being held back by “the north” and “the south”. 

That’s why God said, “I will say to the north, give them up! And to the south, Do not keep them back!” The north and the south that are holding back God’s people signify the two large and dominant religions from where the sons and daughters of God would be taken out through the instrumentality of the messenger. They are Catholicism and Protestantism as can be gleaned from the book The reformation:

“… In the north the Protestants were in control—Lutheran churches in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, the northern and central states of Germany; Calvinist or reformed churches in Scotland, the Netherlands, Hesse, The Palatine and a few of the western German states. In the south the Catholics were in control—Spain, Italy, Austria, Bavaria, and elsewhere in southern Germany.” (p.366)

Protestantism, which dominates the north and the Catholic Church, which dominates the south represent the north and south, respectively. From these two religions, the sons and the daughters of God would be snatched out by the messenger, thus, he is likened to a bird of prey. As a fulfillment of the prophecy, majority of those who became members of the Church of Christ in these last days came from the Catholic Church and protestant denominations.

The ‘worm Jacob’

The humble beginnings of the messenger of god and his work in these last days is being reflected by the phrase “worm Jacob” in Isa. 41:14 “Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord”

Jacob, a son of Isaac, was not the one being prophesied here through, because when this prophecy was declared, he was long dead (Gen. 49:33). The one signified by the phrase “worm Jacob” is a “new threshing sledge” (Isa. 41:14-15). And God also declared that when the new thing would come, the former or old things should no longer be remembered:

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…” Isa. 43:18-19

The old or former thing is ancient Israel, the first nation of God (Isa. 44:7). He has “given Jacob [or Israel] to the curse” (Isa. 43:28). Hence, Israel ceased to continue as his nation. This is why God said that he would make “a new thing”. That is his commissioning of the messenger ascribed as “worm Jacob” in the prophecy of Isaiah.

‘From the ends of the earth’

When would this new ‘Jacob’ emerge as prophesied? From “the ends of the earth” as stated in a verse preceding Isa. 41:14.

“You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, and said to you, ‘you are my servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away’.”

The “ends of the earth” is equivalent to what Christ referred to as the time when the end of the world is near, “at the doors” (Matt. 24:33). When his disciples asked him when the end of the world or his second coming would take place, He said: “when you see all these things”, that is, the signs of his coming, then, “[the end] is near—at the doors” (matt. 24:33). One of the signs given by Christ that the end of the world is near or that the time is already at the “ends of the earth” is that there would be a war that would be rumored or heard around the world (Matt. 24:6-8).

FULFILLMENT

The fulfillment of this is the first world war which broke out on July 27,1914. This was the time when the “worm Jacob” would be called by god (Isa.41:14). Fulfillment in the person of Brother Felix Manalo who first preached the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the Philippines and had it registered with the government on July 27, 1914.

But others insist that the Jacob prophesied in Isa. 41:14 is the seed or descendant of Abraham as stated in verse 8.

How can be Brother Felix Manalo be the seed of Abraham if he is a Filipino?

One should understand that in the Christian era, those who are counted as the seed of Abraham are not the children in the flesh but “the children of the promise” as pointed out in Rom. 9:6-8:

“But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called’. That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.”

In relation to this, Apostle Paul taught that Christ is the one and only seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16). But, if Christ is the one and only seed of Abraham, how can anyone else be counted as the seed of Abraham? Apostle Paul said that “if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29).

The ones belonging to Christ are the members of the Church He built, His church (Matt. 16:18) or the Church of Christ (Acts 20:28). Hence, they are counted as Abraham’s descendants according to the promise. This is why the messenger of God in these last days was ascribed in the prophecy as Jacob, seed of Abraham, not in the flesh but according to the promise.

God’s covenant transcended

The following prophecies show that god also bestowed upon his messenger in these last days that which he bestowed upon Abraham, Jacob’s forebear:

“You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, And is said to you, ‘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 am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand’.” Isa. 41:9-10

The one prophesied in these verses has the covenant of God. God said to him: “You are my servant… I am your God.” Likewise, God told Abraham:

“I will keep my promise to you and to you and to your descendants in future generations as an everlasting covenant. I will be your God and the God of your descendants.” Gen. 17:7

Hence, the covenant of god made with Abraham and his seed transcended to God’s messenger in these last days, thereby granting him and his converts the exclusive privilege to serve and worship god.

Why ‘worm Jacob’?

God’s messenger in these last days is called ‘worm Jacob’ because he was mocked, belittled, and despised by the people just like Christ, who is alluded to as “a worm” and would be “scorned by men and despised by the people” (Ps. 22:6-7). Indeed, harsh were the insults and severe were the persecutions hurdled against Brother Felix Manalo and the Iglesia Ni Critso especially during its early years. 

But, how would God’s help and strength be manifested to his messenger who is called “worm Jacob”? the prophecy states: “Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them, and make the hills like chaff” (Isa. 41:15)

The “sharp teeth” or instrument that god’s messenger in these last days would use in carrying out his missions are god’s words described as “living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12). The “mountains” represent kings or kingdoms (Rev. 17:9-10), “rulers of darkness” or the false religions in this world (Eph. 6:12).

FULFILLMENT

As the fulfillment, the messenger of God in these last days was able to triumphantly persuade many people to come out of false religions and join the true church. All the tirades and criticism that were unrelentingly marshaled against Iglesia Ni Cristo failed to prevent its rise. While at first, this church would be ignored, hated, and deserted, god promised to make it great:

“You will no longer be forsaken and hated, A city deserted and desolated. I will make you beautiful, a place of joy forever and ever.” Isa. 60:15

Brother Felix Manalo looked beyond what was merely apparent and humanly possible. He held on to these promises of God. And the Almighty kept them.

Glowing testimonies

Here are some of the numerous testimonies of neutral observers who are non-members of the church. In 1983, Manila Magazine reported:

“Iglesia ni Cristo: from ridicule to reverence”

“Felix Manalo formally started the INC in a makeshift bamboo chapel… he and the church were ridiculed and looked upon with scorn by the predominantly Catholic populace. …But gallant as he was, Manalo preserved though all the mockery.”

“Slowly, the Iglesia ni Cristo gained recognition and following that unbelievably spread afar and wide, around the country and all the way to the west.” (p.33)

Dr. Robert Reed of the university of California, in the US, in his work published in 1990 said:

“… the INC has been transformed into the most dynamic and powerful indigenous belief system in the Philippines. Growing at a phenomenal rate… this upstart community of faith may have recently surpassed Islam as the nation’s second largest religion. …Indeed, the INC… may be the most successful form of ‘Indigenous Christianity’ emanating from the Third world in this century.” (Patterns of Migration in Southeast Asia, pp. 154-155)

In 2001, Dr. Reed updated on the Iglesia Ni Cristo, describing its spread and progress worldwide as “from an obscure Philippines faith to a global belief system.” Its strides, even in the US, “has been nothing less that spectacular” (Journal of the Humanities and school Sciences of southeast Asia and Oceania, 2001)

[and etc…]

All these, including the success of the social and educational programs of the church and more importantly, the strong faith of its members in thousands of local congregations throughout the world who are now rendering the true worship to god, helping spread the message of salvation and supporting all the endeavors of the church, are proofs that the ‘worm Jacob’ has triumphed!

‘Our glorious power is from God’

Considering the fulfillment of God’s promised wondrous works for this Church, we, Iglesia ni Cristo members, acknowledge that “our glorious power is from god and is not our own” (II Cor. 4:7)

Though today, while most of mankind are grieving in helplessness, we, the recipients of a priceless spiritual heritage, make these declarations of faith and resolve of the Psalmist also our own.

“My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Ps. 121:2

“…You have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.” Ps. 71:7-8

Our exultation in the triumphs of this church leads us to thank and praise God and to be faithful to him even more. We look forward to where the glorious state of the church will reach, thus: “Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end” (Isa. 60:20). This refers to the certainly of our salvation—our most important glory.