The original belief of the early christians to Jesus

Most Christians does not believe that Christ is not God. They thought that the belief of the early christians about Christ is that he is a God incarnated: a God and a human.

But if we will just examine the bible and history, we will understand that what Iglesia ni cristo teaches about Christ is the true and original belief of the early Christians.

Let us read some books regarding this:

George Eldon Ladd, a protestant bible scholar says:

“… The early Christian concept of jesus was that of man who was mightily endowed by the spirit of god.” The young Church

Ronald J. Wilkins, a catholic priest says:

“… The apostles and the early Christians did not experience jesus as god in human disguise or as god pretending to be human (this is one reason that the early church rejected fanciful and wildly imaginative accounts of jesus’ life). They experienced him as a human. He was so real in his life, so genuinely human in his spirit, and so convincing in his words that they believed in him. They felt that whatever human life really was, Jesus as a person expressed that life.”  The emerging church, part one

Bernard Lohse, a historian says:

“… As one church historian, Bernard Lohse, writes Motive in Glauben (Motivation of belief): ‘Arius reminds us that jesus, as he described in the gospels, was not a god who walked this earth, but truly a human being. Of course, by his very humanity, jesus proved his full community with God. ’” The Jesus establishment 

Others...

“We read gospels and the book of acts in the light of our understanding of the pre-existence and the incarnation of god the son. However, the early Christians had no such concepts in their minds. They had no doctrine of the deity of Christ…” The young church: Acts of the apostles  


“Jesus was not called God in those early days…” New testament Commentary  



“The crisis grows out of a fact now freely admitted by both Protestant and Catholic theologians and exegetes: that as far as can be discerned from the available historical data, jesus of Nazareth did not think he was devine…” The first coming: How the kingdom of God became Christianity


“Jesus never claims to be god, personally…” Honest to god


“It was when Christianity spread out into pagan world that the idea of jesus as a savior God emerged.” The meaning of the dead Sea scrolls


“The earliest post-New testament writers, known as the Apostolic fathers, continued the development that had emerged in the later new testament period of calling Jesus God. Ignatius of Antioch, writing in the second century to the Ephesians, declares, ‘Jesus Christ our God was conceived of Mary’ (Eph 18:2) and ‘God was now appearing in human form’ (Eph 19:3)” Word Become Flesh


 “The council could not agree and after two years, impatient at the delay, the emperor Constantine appeared and addressed the assembly, ordering them to agree on the divinity of Christ…” Challenge of a liberal Faith 


“When constantine picked out and convened the 318 bishops for the council,the background was pure power politics, religious concerns taking very much of a backseat. Even the Charismatic bishops can have been in no doubt about that, for not only did the emperor preside over the council, he also expressly proclaimed that his will was ecclesiastical law. The senior pastors accepted him as ‘universal bishop’, even though he was uncrowned, and let him take part in votes on church dogma as a secular prince.” Miracles of the Gods


 “Once this “Nicene Creed” had been publicly signed by all the bishops and promulgated by Constantine, it became the official creed for all Christians. To deny the divinity of outside of the Christian community and was a crime against the state.” The emerging Church: Part one

  
Let us now consult the BIBLE concerning Jesus and God, the Father:


Apostle Paul says:

“There is one God and one mediator so that human beings can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who is himself human.” I tim. 2:5

Apostle peter says:

“People of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you by the miracles, wonders, and signs he did through Jesus. You all know this, because it happened right here among you.23 Jesus was given to you, and with the help of those who don't know the law, you put him to death by nailing him to a cross. But this was God's plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen.” Acts 2:22-23

Apostle Matthew says:

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but before they married, she learned she was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Matt. 1:18

Jesus Christ himself says:

“I am a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God, but you are trying to kill me. Abraham did nothing like that.” John 8:40

Now its clear, the bible teaches us that Jesus is a MAN and not God, he is a man but not an ordinary man, but doesnt mean he is God. If we read the bible from cover to cover, Jesus NEVER CLAIMED that he is God, the God in the OLD TESTAMENT and the GOD in NEW TESTAMENT did not change, its the same, the God of the Jews, Abraham, the Apostles, Jesus Christ and the early Christians, it is no doubt, it is the ONLY ONE TRUE GOD, THE FATHER.

Distinguishing God from Christ

God who created all things has no beginning; He is from everlasting to everlasting.

“Before the mountains were born and before you created the earth and the world, you are God. You have always been, and you will always be.” Ps. 90:2

VS. 

Jesus Christ Came from God.

“Jesus said to them, "If God were really your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and now I am here. I did not come by my own authority; God sent me.” Jn. 8:42

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God is immortal.

“To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” I tim. 1:17

VS. 

Jesus died on the cross.

“When Jesus tasted the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and died. But when the soldiers came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.” Jn. 19:30, 33

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The almighty God neither grows tired nor weary.

“Surely you know. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever, who created all the world. He does not become tired or need to rest. No one can understand how great his wisdom is.” Is. 40: 28

VS. 

Jesus Christ wearied or grew tired.

“Jacob's well was there. Jesus was tired from his long trip, so he sat down beside the well. It was about twelve o'clock noon.” Jn. 4:6

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God is spirit, without flesh and bones.

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”Jn. 4:24 “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have a living body as you see I have."” Lk. 24:39

VS. 

Jesus Christ is a man having flesh

“Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have a living body as you see I have.” Lk. 24:39 “I am a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God, but you are trying to kill me. Abraham did nothing like that.” Jn. 8:40

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God knows no other God besides himself.

“Don't be afraid! Don't worry! I have always told you what will happen.You are my witnesses. There is no other God but me. I know of no other Rock; I am the only One."” Is. 44:8

VS. 

Jesus Christ called upon the father and acknowledged him as the only true god.

“At three o'clock Jesus cried in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani." This means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"” Mk. 15:34  

“After Jesus said these things, he looked toward heaven and prayed, "Father, the time has come. Give glory to your Son so that the Son can give glory to you. And this is eternal life: that people know you, the only true God, and that they know Jesus Christ, the One you sent.” Jn. 17:1, 3

_________________________________________________________

God is above all, He is subject to no one.

“There is one God and Father of everything. He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything.” Eph. 4:6

VS.

Jesus Christ, the son of god, is subject to God the father.

“After everything has been put under the Son, then he will put himself under God, who had put all things under him. Then God will be the complete ruler over everything. But I want you to understand this: The head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.” I Cor. 15:28, 11:3

Who is the ravenous bird in Isaiah 46:11?

Various are the ways and means employed by the enemies of tryth in order to hinder people from accepting the commission of Bro. Felix Manalo as God’s last messenger. We sincerely believe that Bro. Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of the prophecy mentioned in Isaiah 46:11.

Lately, our critics have found, allegedly, a prima facie evidence to prove that Cyrus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s concerning the ravenous bird. The evidence, they aver, is Isaiah 46:11 itself. They cite The living bible thus: ”I will call the swift bird of prey from the east—that man Cyrus from far away.”

At first glance, it seems that our critics are justified in believing that Cyrus is the ravenous bird mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah. Our readers must take note of the fact that our detractors conveniently used Isaiah 46:11 of the living bible which was translated in a paraphrase style.

What are paraphrases, by the way? “To paraphrase is to say something in different words than the author used. It is a restatement of an author’s thoughts, using different words than he did.” (Preface, The living Bible) Take note to that, Is there any danger in this style of translation? “There are dangers in paraphrases, as well as values. For whenever the author’s exact words are not translated from the original languages, there is a possibility that the translator, however honest, may be giving the English reader something that the original writer did not mean to say.”

If there is danger whenever the author’s exact words are not translated from the original language, thus giving the readers something the original writer did not mean to say, how much more when the translator inserted something that the original author did not say.

Most of the translations and versions of the bible do not contain the name Cyrus as far as Isaiah 46:11 is concerned. The conclusion is inevitable—the name Cyrus was inserted by the translator of The living bible. Such an actuation is extremely dangerous.

We are not against from The living bible or any translations or versions of the bible per se, but we reject and do not use any verse erroneously translated.
Is our rejection of Cyrus as the alleged fulfillment of Isaiah 46:11 merely based on our refusal to accept Isaiah 46:11 of the living bible because it was erroneously translated? What differentiate the Ravenous bird from Cyrus?

THE RAVENOUS BIRD

The ravenous bird will execute God’s counsel… Is. 46:11
God’s counsel is to bring his righteousness and salvation to those who are stouthearted and far from righteousness… Is. 46:11-13
The ravenous bird will snatch people out of the fire… Jude 1:23
This is God’s counsel… Is. 46:13
The name of the ravenous bird, a man, is not mentioned… Is. 46:11

CYRUS

Cyrus shall perform all of God’s pleasure… Is. 44:28
God’s pleasure is that Jerusalem be built and the temple’s foundation be laid. Cyrus, king of Persia did this… Ezra 1:1-11
Cyrus is to subdue nations before him… Is. 45:1
The kingdoms of the earth were given to Cyrus… Ezra 1:3
Cyrus’ name is mentioned in the prophecy… Is. 44:28, 45:1


These are merely some of the differences between the ravenous bird and Cyrus. The conclusion is inevitable: Cyrus is not the ravenous bird mentioned in Isaiah 46:11. Who then is the fulfillment? We sincerely believe Bro. Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of the said prophecy. We will therefore proceed to unravel the prophecy and to show its fulfillment.

Let us quote Isaiah 46:11-13, King james Version:

“Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”
“Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:”
“I will bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and salvation shall not tarry; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.”

Who are the stouthearted or hard –hearted and are far from righteousness? Certainly not Israel although they were hard-hearted for them belonged to covenants, giving of the law, the right to serve God, and the promises (Rom. 9:4). For the benefit of Israel, Cyrus’ spirit was moved by God to build him a house at Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-11). Who then, are not only stouthearted but are also far from righteousness? The gentiles: “You were not born Jewish. You are the people the Jews call "uncircumcised."Those who call you "uncircumcised" call themselves "circumcised." (Their circumcision is only something they themselves do on their bodies.) Remember that in the past you were without Christ. You were not citizens of Israel, and you had no part in the agreements with the promise that God made to his people. You had no hope, and you did not know God.” Eph. 2:11-12

The Ravenous bird from the east is actually a man from a far country. He is, therefore, from the far east. This is supported by a related prophecy in Isaiah 43:5-6 wherein it is stated that God’s chosen messenger and his seed are from the far east:

“Don't be afraid, because I am with you. I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.I will tell the north: Give my people to me. I will tell the south: Don't keep my people in prison. Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from faraway places.”

Students of history will readily admit that Cyrus is from Persia (presently called Iran) a country geographically located in the middle east, (webster’s new world dictionary of the American language) another proof that Cyrus is not the Ravenous bird prophesied by Isaiah 46:11.

By the name will the seed from the far East, the object of God’s counsel to be performed by the Ravenous bird, be called? They will be called by the name by God for his glory (Isa. 43: 5-7). The name Christ is for God’s glory (Acts 2:36; Philip. 2:9-11) How is the name Christ called upon the beneficiaries of God’s counsel, that is, his righteousness and salvation? They are called Church of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa). The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation and God’s righteousness is revealed therein. The ravenous bird , therefore, is a preacher of the gospel and not a subduer of nations as Cyrus was, another glaring proof that Cyrus is not that Ravenous bird.

The time element involved in the prophecy concerning the ravenous bird and his seed from the far east, recognized by God as his sons and daughters, is ends of the earth. The end of the earth is Christ’s second coming (Mt. 24:3). So, when is the ends of the earth? “In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to come.” Mt. 24:33 Which are the things to be seen heralding that the end of the earth is near, things that will happen during the ends of the earth?

“You will hear about wars and stories of wars that are coming, but don't be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight against other nations; kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat, and there will be earthquakes in different places. These things are like the first pains when something new is about to be born.” Mt. 24:6-8

And all these referring to the First World war that started on July 27, 1914 is the time where the Church of Christ registered on the Philippine government.

Iglesia ni Cristo logo

1. the bird is the dove or Holy Spirit
2. the flame is the light of salvation
3. The shield is the shield of faith
4. the scale represents the equality of the justice of God;
5. the crown is the crown of eternal life
6. the lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ
7. the book is the Bible
8. the two scrolls seen in the Bible represent the OT and NT;
9. the upside down triangle means the equality of the members or brotherhood (Mt. 23:8);
10. white is holiness
11. green is love
12. red is courage
The logo of the INC has been used since 1919 but only appeared on its buildings of worship since the 1950s

source: truthfinder





The same topic is discussed here: Explaining the mystery of the INC logo

Birthday, flag and blood transfusion

There is nothing wrong with celebrating birthdays if it is done for the glory of God:

“The answer is, if you eat or drink, or if you do anything, do it all for the glory of God.” I Cor. 10:31

To regard our birthday as God’s blessing and to thank him during this occasion for all the good things that we have received from him throughout the year that has passed is never wrong.

In fact, the holy scriptures teach us to be thankful in everything:

“and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.” I thess 5:18

Apostle paul, however, admonishes Christians to get away from revelries and drunkenness because these are works of the flesh and those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21)

Concerning the use of flag, verses of the bible show that the lord does not prohibit it:

“May there be shouts of joy when we hear the news of your victory, flags flying with praise to god for all that he has done for you. May he answer all your prayers!” Ps. 20:5

The holy book even proves that God himself instructed the ancient Isaraelites to use flags:

“The Lord spoke to Moses in the Meeting Tent in the Desert of Sinai. This was on the first day of the second month in the second year after the Israelites left Egypt. He said to Moses: "You and Aaron must count all the people of Israel by families and family groups, listing the name of each man. The Israelites will make their camps in separate divisions, each family near its flag. ”
Num. 1:1-2,52

Paying respect to a flag by saluting at attention when it is being raised is but a gesture nationalism, It is a form of respect and not of religious worship or adoration. Respecting something does not necessarily mean worshiping it. When we follow the commandment to respect our parents (Mat. 15:4), we do not necessarily worship them.

What the Almighty has prohibited since the time of Noah is the eating of blood of animals (Gen. 9:1-4; Lev. 17: 12-13; Acts 21:25). This prohibition by god cannot be used as a basis for forbidding the medical practice called blood transfusion, for “eating blood” is obviously different from “transfusing blood”.

Catholic Saints

The Church of Christ believes in the “saints” mentioned in the bible and not the “saints” defined by the catholics.

The term “saint” is defined by Catholics as:

“A title of Christ recognized by the church, either traditionally or by formal canonization, as being in heaven and thus worthy of honor.” New Catholic encyclopedia

As such “saints” are believed by the catholics to be in heaven, acting as “intercessors with god for the living and for souls in purgatory.”

The bible teaches however, that with the exception of our Lord jesus Christ who was resurrected by God and ascended to heaven, the holy who have passed away are not yet in heaven. The scriptures teaches that the dead lie in the grave (Ps. 88:5) and that the “soul clings to the dust” (Ps. 119:25).

The holy do not ascend to heaven after their death. For instance, david, whom the scriptures teaches as holy (Ps. 86:2), did not ascend to heaven after his death:

“Brothers and sisters, I can tell you truly that David, our ancestor, died and was buried. His grave is still here with us today. David was not the one who was lifted up to heaven, but he said: 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by me at my right side,” Acts 2:29, 34

The dead will remain lying in their graves and will rise only when the heavens are no more (Job 14:10-12), that is, on judgment day (II Pt. 3:10, 7). Only then will the holy or those who are worthy of salvation enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 25:31-34). The belief that the so-called “saints” are already in heaven is therefore unscriptural.

The Catholic definition of and doctrine about saints as “intercessors with god for the living and for souls in purgatory” also contradicts the biblical teaching that there is but one intercessor or mediator between God and men, The lord jesus Christ (I Tim. 2:5).

Moreover, bible mentions nothing about purgatory, nor are there souls in such realm (Ps. 119:25; Mt. 25:31-34). The dead who will be condemned and even those who will be rewarded will both come from the grave, not from purgatory:

“Don't be surprised at this: A time is coming when all who are dead and in their graves will hear his voice. Then they will come out of their graves. Those who did good will rise and have life forever, but those who did evil will rise to be judged guilty.” Jn. 5:28-29

The bible truly mentions of men who are saints. Apostle Paul said:

“unto the church of God which is at Corinth, even them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, their Lord and ours: ” I Cor. 1:2

The saints whom the bible refers to in the preceding verse are those who have been sanctified through the sacrifice of Christ (Heb. 10:10) or by his blood (Heb. 9:14). The holy scriptures attests that the church of Christ was the one purchased by Christ’s blood:

“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 own blood” Acts 20:28, Lamsa translation

Clearly then, those who have been sanctified or made holy by the blood of Christ, called by the bible as saints, are the members of the church of Christ. The term “saint” therefore denotes the characteristic of those who were redeemed by Christ’s blood. It is in this context that we recognized the apostles, being preachers in the church of Christ, as saints.

Nevertheless, we do not attach the term “saint” as an honorific to each of their names when we address each of them so as not to be misinterpreted that we consider them “saints” in the Catholics’ sense. For the same reason, members of the church of Christ do not use the term “saint” as a title attached to their names.

Jesus is a mighty God?

John 10:34-35 God said, “you are gods”

“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” john 10:34-35

This pronouncement made by our lord Jesus Christ before the Pharisees who questioned his words is an illusion to some verses in the Old testament, Psalm 82:1 and 6 which reads:

“God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods. …I said, ‘you are gods’ and all of you are children of the most high.”

The word ‘gods’ in these verses was used metaphorically of those whom God had placed as judges in the nation of Ancient Israel. This is similar to what is written in Exodus 21:6,

“Then his master shall bring him to God [the judges as his agents]; he shall bring him to the door or doorpost and shall pierce his ear with an awl;
and he shall serve him for life.”

Another proof that those referred to as ‘gods’ in Psalms 82:1 and 6 are not of the same nature as the God almighty is that they were to die like “mere men”:

“How long will you defend the unjust and show partially to the wicked?...” “But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler.” Ps. 82:2, 7

Going back to John 10:34-35, our Lord Jesus Christ alluded to Psalms 82:1 and 6 in order to stress a point to the Pharisees who took offense at his statement that he is the son of God. In the succeeding verse, john 10:36, Christ was pointing out to his detractors that if they were to accept that those from whom God’s word came are called “gods”, then why should they accuse Christ of blaspheming when he introduced himself as the son of God:

“As for me, the father chose me and sent me into the world. How, then, can you say that I blaspheme because I said that I am the Son of God?”

But, even as they really are “so-called gods” as mentioned in the bible, this should not lead us to believe in and worship other gods aside from the only true God, the father, as stated by Apostle Paul:

“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” I Cor. 8:5-6

The belief that there is more than one true god other than the father is erroneous and is biblically untenable. The lord Jesus Christ himself made it quite clear when he declared that the father is the only one true god:

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:1,3

Isaiah 9:6 “Mighty God”

Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy about the ”Son”, our Lord jesus Christ. However, as you will see later, Jesus Christ is not the mighty god referred to nor does this prophecy indicate his alleged divinity.

Isaiah 9:6 reads:

 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Since Isaiah 9:6 was originally written in Hebrew, it would be of help to consult the Jewish Publication Society of America on how it renders the verse:

“For a child is born unto us, a son is given unto us; And the government is upon his shoulder; and his name is called Pele-joez-el-gibbor-abi-ad-sar-shalom.”
The holy scriptures according to the Masoretic text

The Hebrew name pele-joez-el-gibbor-abi-ad-sar-shalom is translated in the footnote as “Wonderful in counsel is God the mighty, the everlasting father, the ruler of peace”

It is evident here that this is not a series of names as interpreted by some but just one long name. More importantly, we could clearly notice here that the “God the mighty” or “Mighty god” referred to who is also “wonderful in counsel” is none other than “the everlasting father” Himself. Taking into consideration that jesus Christ is the “Son” of the father (Matt. 3:16-17), He therefore, is not the father himself, hence, Christ is not the mighty God.

Does it say anywhere else in the bible that the father is indeed “wonderful in counsel”? In the same book of Isaiah, these are stated:

“All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.” Isa. 64:8

Clearly then, the “Mighty god”, who is referred to in the prophecy as also “wonderful in counsel”, is not the Son jesus Christ but the “everlasting father.”

Why then is that one long name, having as its part the term “Mighty God”, mentioned in the prophecy concerning Christ? It is because the “government” or “authority” that the child (Christ) would later hold came from no less than the Mighty god who is the father. Christ himself proved this when he said:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Matt. 28:18, 11:27

Therefore, although Christ is the fulfillment of this prophecy about the child, it does not mean that he is god. It is worthwhile to note that one’s state of being is not necessarily determined by the meaning attached to his personal name, much less by the meaning of the title of the government or authority he holds. 

Simon the apostle was named “Cephas” or “Peter” which means rock (John 1:42) and the apostles James and John, were named “Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of thunder’” (Mark 3:17). However, it doesn’t mean that peter is himself a rock and that the other two are ‘sons of thunder’. Moreover, biblical name of persons such as Eliphelet (The god of deliverance and Elihu (whose God is he{Jehovah} and places like Elkosh {od of my bow} and El-bethel {the god of bethel}) Also contain descriptions about God, but no serious theologian so far claims that those persons and places are God.

Going back to Isaiah 9:6, is this how Jewish scholars understand this verse which is originally written in their language—that the name in this prophecy does not indicate Christ’s alleged divinity? In the Jewish study bible, explain that:

“The mighty god… ruler: This long sentence is the throne name of the royal child. Semitic names often consit of sentences that describe God; thus the name Isaiah in Hebrew means, ‘The lord saves’; Hezekiah, ‘The lord strnghtens’… These names do not describe that person who holds them but the god whom the parents worship. Similarly, the name… un this verse Isaiah 9:6 does not describe that child or attribute divinity to him, contrary to classical Christian readings of this messianic verse.

It is clear that Pele-el-gobbor-abi-ad-sar-shalom is the “name” or the “title” of the authority or government or, as jewish scholars put it, the “throne name” which “does not describe the child or attribute divinity to him” but, as another scholar also puts it, “descriptive of his {Christ} office” given by the father:

“This son is not have a name which will be for a sign, like names of Isaiah’s sons, but one which will be descriptive of his office.”
Isaiah 1-39, by John Mauchline

Eli Soriano on "Special Assignment"

Mr. Eliseo Soriano was featured in a documentary tv show in the Philippines which tackle issues about him and his church. Let us all watch the video:

Guilty of Idolatry

Most churches that have statues, images and so on in their chapels says that they do not worship those, they are just showing veneration and respect. 

But the truth is, even they deny it, they cannot escape that they are guilty of Idolatry...

Lets see if they really do:

MEANING OF ‘worship’ IN THE DICTIONARY:
>The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.
>The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed.
>Ardent devotion; adoration.
>To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion.

THESAURUS:
>The act of adoring, especially reverently: adoration, idolization, reverence, veneration.
>Deep and ardent affection: adoration, devotion, love..
>To regard with great awe and devotion: adore, idolize, revere, reverence, venerate. > To feel deep, devoted love for: adore, love.

Whatever their explanation in the use of their images, statues and so on in their homes and churches still, they are guilty of Idolatry!
 
Catholic catechism requires that members should have for themselves idols or images to worship:

“13. Is the worship of the saints confined to their persons?—No; it extends also their relics and images… 15. Ought we to worship holy images?-- We should have, particularly in our churches, images of our lord, as also of the blessed Virgin and the saints, and we should pay them due honor and veneration.” Catechism of Christian doctrine, no. 3, p. 87

Eduard Syndicus, a Jesuit Priest says:

“Moreover, following other schoolmen, Thomas also showed in a wonderful section of his summa Theologica, his understanding of the irrational element in the cult image and its veneration: When one turns to an image, he says in so far as it is a thing—either a painting or a statue—it deserves the same reverence as Christ himself. ‘Since Christ is worshipped with humble veneration, it follows that his image, too, must be worshipped with (relatively) humble veneration’ ”
(Summa Theol. III, pu. 25, art. 3, Early Christian Art, p.151)

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“And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.” Rom. 1:23

These images are: images of man, of birds, of four-footed beasts, and of creeping things.


Are these images can found in the Catholic Church?

Yes! For instance, it has a Saint Francis of Assisi, with whose image are images of birds; Saint Isidore, with whom is an image of a cow (a four-footed beast); La purisima Concepcion and Saint Martha, with the image of a snake and a crocodile (both creeping animals), respectively.

But what does the bible says about such things?

"You must not have any other gods except me.You must not make for yourselves an idol that looks like anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the water below the land.You must not worship or serve any idol, because I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. If you hate me, I will punish your children, and even your grandchildren and great-grandchildren." exo. 20:3-5

"But cowards, those who refuse to believe, who do evil things, who kill, who sin sexually, who do evil magic, who worship idols, and who tell lies—all these will have a place in the lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Rev. 21:8

"Those who worship idols should be ashamed; they brag about their gods. All the gods should worship the Lord." Psalms 97:7

"They knew God, but they did not give glory to God or thank him. Their thinking became useless. Their foolish minds were filled with darkness.They said they were wise, but they became fools. They traded the glory of God who lives forever for the worship of idols made to look like earthly people, birds, animals, and snakes. They traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served what had been created instead of the God who created those things, who should be praised forever. Amen." Rom. 1:21-23,25