What is Iglesia ni Cristo? Overview Iglesia ni Cristo (Tagalog for “Church of Christ”) is a religious organization founded in the Philippines in 1914 by Felix Y. Manalo. It has since expanded internationally, establishing congregations in numerous countries. While it identifies itself as the true Church established by Christ, it differs in several doctrinal areas from historic Christian teaching, particularly regarding the nature of Christ and the Godhead. Below is a comprehensive examination of Iglesia ni Cristo’s origins, beliefs, practices, and how they compare with broader biblical perspectives. Historical Origin Iglesia ni Cristo began under the leadership of Felix Y. Manalo. Official government records in the Philippines show that the group was registered on July 27, 1914. Manalo claimed to be God’s messenger in these last days, restoring the church to its original form after what he described as a widespread apostasy that occurred in early Christian history. Since its founding, the organization has grown rapidly, known for building large chapels and for strict hierarchical oversight of members. It also places high importance on communal worship and unity under its central administration. Key Beliefs 1. View of God: Iglesia ni Cristo teaches strict monotheism, rejecting the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Instead, it maintains that the Father alone is God. 2. View of Jesus Christ: While acknowledging Christ as Savior and as the Son of God, Iglesia ni Cristo denies His eternal deity. In contrast, Christian orthodoxy cites biblical passages such as John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” – to affirm Jesus’ full divinity from eternity. 3. Salvation: Iglesia ni Cristo maintains that salvation comes through membership in the church, contending that outside its organization people cannot be saved. In contrast, Christians often appeal to passages like Ephesians 2:8 – “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith…” – to show that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by affiliation with any one institution. 4. Authority of Scripture: Members of Iglesia ni Cristo use the Bible as their sole authority in theory but interpret many passages regarding the nature of Christ and the church differently from mainstream Christian theology. Structure and Organization Iglesia ni Cristo’s structure is highly centralized. An Executive Minister, traditionally a member of Felix Manalo’s family, provides leadership for all congregations worldwide. Its worship services are highly organized; local congregations follow a uniform pattern of teaching approved by higher leadership. Worship services typically involve hymn-singing, prayer, and a sermon derived from official church outlines. Attendance and participation are strictly monitored, reflecting the group’s emphasis on church unity and discipline. Distinct Teachings 1. The “Last Messenger” Concept: Iglesia ni Cristo teaches that Felix Y. Manalo was the “Last Messenger” of God, chosen to restore the original church. This sets the group apart from mainstream Christian tradition, which holds that Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate and eternal messenger and that the foundation of the church remains with Christ and the apostles (Ephesians 2:20). 2. Rejection of the Trinity: The church maintains a unipersonal concept of God, often citing Old Testament passages like Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.” Historic Christian doctrine interprets such verses in light of further New Testament revelation, emphasizing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share one divine essence (Matthew 28:19). 3. Salvation and Membership: Iglesia ni Cristo teaches that one’s salvation is primarily found through membership in its ranks and adherence to its teachings. This strongly contrasts with broader Christian theology, which stresses that individuals are saved by the person and work of Christ alone (John 3:16). 4. Baptism: Membership generally requires baptism by immersion in Iglesia ni Cristo. The church teaches that this baptism is an essential step in receiving forgiveness and becoming part of God’s people. Comparison with Historic Christian Doctrine While Iglesia ni Cristo accepts the authority of the Bible, it interprets many crucial doctrines differently from historically recognized Christian confessions. Chief discrepancies include the nature of Christ and the Holy Spirit, the understanding of salvation, and the claim that only members of Iglesia ni Cristo constitute the true church. For mainstream Christianity, scriptural texts present: • Jesus as eternally divine (John 8:58; John 20:28). • The Holy Spirit as a distinct person with divine attributes (Acts 5:3–4). • Believers form one body in Christ worldwide (1 Corinthians 12:13), regardless of organizational ties. Biblical Evaluation 1. Jesus’ Deity: Verses like John 1:1, 14 and Philippians 2:6 are foundational for recognizing that Jesus possesses divine attributes, preexistence, and equality with the Father. Church history and ecumenical councils, such as Nicaea in A.D. 325, have long upheld the interpretation of Christ’s deity. 2. Church Universal: The Bible frequently speaks of the church (ekklesia) as encompassing all believers (Romans 10:9–10), implying that the true church is bound by faith in Christ rather than membership in a singular institutional structure. 3. Salvation: Scripture emphasizes that salvation is a gift, dependent on faith in Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross and validated by His Resurrection (Romans 5:1–2; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This teaching lovingly affirms that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord and places full trust in Him will be saved (Romans 10:13). Conclusion Iglesia ni Cristo holds a unique place among modern religious movements, especially in the Philippines. Its doctrines—particularly the rejection of the Trinity and the claim that Christ is not God—depart from mainstream Christian understanding and the historic creeds embraced over centuries. When examining Iglesia ni Cristo’s teachings in light of Scripture, believers and seekers alike are encouraged to test every belief (1 John 4:1) and hold fast to the biblical witness that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, that salvation is found solely through His ultimate sacrifice, and that the universal body of Christ includes all who truly believe in Him. |
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