The fulfillment of biblical prophecies

Published from Pasugo, August 1997


THE PROPHET ISAIAH gave the standard by which we can determine whether a religion belongs to God or not. He said: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Is. 8:20, New King James Version)

The law is the word of God written in His inspired book and the testimony is the spirit of prophecy as is written in the book of Revelation, thus:

“And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy’.” (Rev.19:10, Ibid.)

Hence, for a religion or church to be the true one and its preachers true messengers of God, it must pass this yardstick. Otherwise, such church is in the dark and cannot enlighten and lead its members to salvation.

The Iglesia ni Cristo satisfies these scriptural requirements. It upholds the laws and commandments of God written in the Bible. In fact, it is this very adherence to biblical teachings that sets it apart from other churches.

The testimony of prophecy and the other sheep of Christ

There is more to the Iglesia ni Cristo than its strict adherence to God’s laws written in the Bible: it has the testimony of the prophecy.

Though it may be easy for any church to claim that it adheres to God’s words written in the Bible, it may not be as easy to prove this in the light of biblical truth. But granting that a church appears to be upholding the teachings of the Bible, the one thing it cannot feign is the testimony of the prophecy. The Iglesia ni Cristo can show numerous prophecies testifying that it indeed belongs to God.

It was our Lord Jesus Christ Himself who testified to the truth of the Iglesia ni Cristo that reemerges in the Far East in these last days. In the gospel according to John, the Lord prophesied about His other sheep, thus:

“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, Ibid.)

The Lord said that the other sheep who were not yet in the fold at the time of His public ministry and even of His apostles would hear His voice and He would bring them to become one flock. What He meant was that His other sheep would also become members of His Church inasmuch as the flock or fold is the Church of Christ. Apostle Peter clarified this, thus:

“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 Version)

Who, then, are the other sheep of Christ which did not belong to the first-century Church of Christ? In a related prophecy, Apostle Peter mentioned of the three groups of people who have been promised to receive the Holy Spirit:

“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39, NKJV)

Each of the phrases “to you,” “to your children,” and “to all who are afar off,” corresponds to a particular group of people. “To you” refers to “all the house of Israel” (cf. Acts 2:36-39) and “to your children” refers to the Gentile converts whom the Israelites have begotten through the gospel (cf. I Cor. 4:15, NKJV), particularly the fruits of Apostle Paul’s preaching. These first two groups, the Jews and the Gentiles, received the promised Holy Spirit and were called in the Church of Christ in the first century (cf. Rom. 9:24). They were the sheep of Christ who were in the fold then.

The third group which would constitute the other sheep of Christ were yet to be called: “as many as the Lord our God will call.” That is why Christ said of this group, “which are not of this fold.” They “are afar off” or they are in “distant times and places” (cf. Rieu Version).

As it was prophesied, and so it was fulfilled: the Church of Christ emerged at the designated place on God’s own appointed time.

From the Far East

The history of the Iglesia ni Cristo, from the time of its inception and place of origin to its growth and march to progress until it has reached its present glorious stature, is clearly delineated in biblical prophecies. As the prophesied events in the Church unfold one after the other, we could clearly see God’s hand at work, proving that this Church came about through His will and not by any human plan or design.

Prophet Isaiah recorded many of these prophecies that have found fulfillment in this Church, one of which is this:

“Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” (Is. 43:5-6, King James Version)

According to Isaiah, there would emerge God’s sons and daughters at the ends of the earth. The ends of the earth is the time when the end of the world or the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is near, “even at the doors” (cf. Mt. 24:3, 33, Ibid.). One of the signs given by our Lord Jesus that we are already “at the doors” or “at the ends of the earth” is the war that broke out on July 27, 1914, known in history as the First World War (cf. Mt. 24:6-8; World History, pp. 478-479; The Nations at War: A Current History, p. 8; The Story of the Great War, vol. 3, p. 923).

As to the place, it was specifically mentioned that this work of salvation to which God’s children belong would arise from the Far East. The same verse is rendered by James Moffatt this way:

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

It was God’s design that this work concerning God’s children would come from the Far East, the same “afar off” place mentioned by the apostles when they prophesied about the third group of people who would constitute the Church of Christ. There is no denying that the Philippines where this prophecy found fulfillment is in the Far East. Jesuit scholar Horacio dela Costa says of the Philippines:

“It cannot be without significance that the country which stands almost at the geographical center of the Far East, the Philippines, should also be that in which Christianity has taken the deepest root.” (Asia and the Philippines, p. 169)

Hence, on God’s appointed time, the Church of Christ was registered with the government of the Philippines on July 27, 1914 in fulfillment of this prophecy.

Moreover, Isaiah’s prophecy mentions of events which were undoubtedly fulfilled in the Iglesia ni Cristo. According to the prophecy, the north and the south were holding back God’s servants: “I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” God’s children must be released from the bondage of the north and the south. North and south represent Protestantism and Catholicism, respectively.

The book, The Reformation, by Owen Chadwick affirms this:

“… 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 Palatinate, 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)

Therefore, God’s children would be taken out from these two major religions. No wonder, most members of the Church of Christ were former Catholics and Protestants. And to symbolize the exodus of God’s people from the apostate church, on July 27, 1994, the Iglesia ni Cristo officially established its congregation in Rome, Italy, the center of Catholicism.

To the Far West

Isaiah’s prophecy also ascertained where the Church would reach when it would embark on its foreign mission and the manner by which God would make this come to pass. It says in the prophecy:

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

The worldwide expansion of the Church of Christ will begin in the Far West. God would gather His servants in the Far West to form the nucleus of the Church in the West. Historically, when the Church of Christ spread in the West, it started with the gathering of God’s children in the Far West. What is referred to as the Far West? The World Almanac provides us this information:

“Far West: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii…” The World Almanac and Book of Facts, 1976, p. 88)

The gathering of God’s people scattered in the West was fulfilled when the first locale of the Church was established by the executive minister, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, in a worship service he officiated in Hawaii on July 27, 1968. Brethren who migrated from the Philippines were gathered and this started the spread of the Church of Christ not only in the West but in other parts of the globe as well.

At present, the Church has already reached about 70 countries and territories worldwide and now counts among its members about 111 nationalities. Indeed, God’s kingdom which was likened to a mustard seed in the parable or our Lord Jesus Christ has grown – and great is its growth (cf. Mt. 13:31-32).

Back to its original home

God’s plan for the Church of Christ does not end with its successful mission in the West and in other parts of the world. There is more in the prophecy of Isaiah about this Church than meets the eye. To understand this important event designed by God to occur in this commissioning, it behooves us to take a second look at Isaiah’s prophecy:

“Do not be afraid - I am with you! ‘From the distant east to the farthest west I will bring your people home’.” (Is. 43:5, Today’s English Version)

God would bring His people home. The true Church of Christ is God’s habitation or home in the Spirit (cf. Eph. 2:20-22). But this Church built by our Lord Jesus Christ in the first century was overtaken by apostasy. After it had apostatized and transformed into the Catholic Church, it became the habitation or home of the devil. It is, therefore, necessary for God’s people to be brought back to the true Church. With the commissioning of Brother Felix Y. Manalo as the messenger in these last days, the work of restoring people back into the home of God in the Spirit or the true Church of Christ has been carried out.

But the true Church is not the only home where God’s people will be brought back. God’s plan for the Church goes beyond having people return to the true faith. The Bible clarifies which home this is, thus:

“O Lord, you have chosen Jerusalem as your home: ‘This is my permanent home where I shall live’, you said, ‘for I have always wanted it this way’.” (Ps. 132:13-14, Living Bible)

Jerusalem is a special place to God. This city of David is the original home of the Church built by our Lord Jesus Christ in the first century. God wanted His people not only to be brought back to the true Church but for this Church to be restored in the city which He calls, “my permanent home where I shall live.” Hence, with the official establishment of the Church’s congregation in Jerusalem last March 31, 1996 in a special worship service officiated by Brother Eraño G. Manalo, the true Church of Christ finally returned to its original place of origin.

Extension of the Gentile Mission

After the Church of Christ has returned to Jerusalem, another prophecy unfolded in her colorful history. It was also Isaiah who prophesied this event:

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

The apostles of Christ, among them Peter, John, and James were commissioned by he Lord to preach the gospel to the Jews, while Apostle Paul and his companions were appointed the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles or the nations of the world. God wants this work of salvation to be extended to the end of the earth.

However, history attests that because of Apostle Paul’s limited time, he did not reach the ends of the earth, much less the world’s end. Thus, we can be certain that aside from the work of our Lord Jesus Christ and His 12 apostles, and that of Apostle Paul, God would commission another messenger who would continue the work of salvation until the world’s end. This came to pass with the commissioning of the messenger in these last days who had preached the Iglesia ni Cristo as the means to salvation. It is this Church which God has appointed to reach up to the end of the world and, therefore, to continue His work of salvation among the Gentiles.

The establishment of the Church’s congregation in Athens, Greece on May 10, 1997 symbolizes the extension of God’s mission of salvation among the Gentile nations. It was then that Isaiah’s prophecy concerning this mission had found further fulfillment.

The fulfillment of these prophecies proves that this is the true Church of Christ – God’s work of salvation until the end of the world.

Extending the work of salvation to the Gentiles

From PASUGO August 1997


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light for the Gentiles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members of the Church of Christ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The extension of the work of salvation

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

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

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

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

“ZI’ON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Church and the city of Jerusalem: A HISTORIC RESTORING

Published in PASUGO August 1997


The historic return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity was repeated by the restoration of the Iglesia ni Cristo to Jerusalem after being held captive by the apostate church – the Catholic Church.

AFTER ALMOST 2,000 years of exile from the city of Jerusalem, the Church of Christ has finally been restored to its original abode where it was founded by the Lord Jesus Christ in the first century. On the last day of March a year ago, the fulfillment of the divinely-inspired mission to restore the Iglesia ni Cristo to its place of origin in Jerusalem, Republic of Israel, has undoubtedly made its mark in the history of the Church.


The first-century Church in Jerusalem
Recorded in the Scriptures is the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ founded His Church in Jerusalem (cf. Mt. 16:18; Lk. 12:32; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Version). After declaring that He would build His Church, Christ told the apostles that He “must go to Jerusalem” (cf. Mt. 16:21). From there, the Lord and His apostles propagated the words of God in Galilee and Judea. After Christ’s ascension, the apostles and some 120 disciples gathered in the city of Jerusalem and became witnesses to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of the Pentecost.

The Administrator of the Church in Jerusalem then was Apostle James the Less. His authority and the primacy of the Jerusalem Locale over the other locales of the Church in the first century were recognized by the other apostles like Peter and Paul. In fact, when the controversy arose regarding the implementation of the Mosaic tradition among the Gentile converts, it was to Jerusalem where the elders and the apostles went and it was Apostle James who made the final decision after hearing the opinions of the bickering groups.

History, however proves that the Church which flourished in Jerusalem suffered great persecution that caused its members to disperse and wander to different parts of Palestine. Despite their difficult situation, the early Christians painstakingly propagated the gospel among their Hebrew kindred.

How did the Church in Jerusalem vanish into oblivion, thus, making necessary its restoration after almost 2,000 years? Roman imperialism and apostasy were the factors that led to the annihilation of the Church of Christ in Jerusalem. The Christians were already forewarned of the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman legions that as early as 66 A.D., they began to leave the said city.

When the city rebelled against Roman rule in 70 A.D., it was ransacked and totally destroyed. By then, the Christians from Jerusalem were already in Pella, a city in Transjordan. Some historians say that this group became the Ebionites, an obscure Jewish-Christian sect – so obscure, in fact, that they were later on forgotten by history.

When a group of “Christians” reappeared in Jerusalem in 120 A.D. or after the death of the apostles, their beliefs and practices were no longer similar to what the apostles and the original Church in Jerusalem upheld. This was expected because during that time, apostasy had already crept into the Church. Various unscriptural beliefs surfaced and, as a result, the Church gradually turned away from the true Christian faith. What then prevailed was the apostate church.

With the apostasy overtaking it, the true Church of Christ in Jerusalem had to be restored.

God’s abode forever

King David established Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel over 3,000 years ago. It became the center of the Jewish religion as Solomon built God’s temple there. But not even the turning of the Israelites away from God could change His decision to make Jerusalem His permanent home. Nor could the conquest of Jerusalem by Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar stop God’s will that His chosen people be returned to this beloved city. The historic return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity was repeated by the restoration of the Iglesia ni Cristo to Jerusalem after being held captive by the apostate church – the Catholic Church.

According to the Holy Scriptures, God has chosen Jerusalem as His permanent home:

“O Lord, you have chosen Jerusalem as your home: ‘This is my permanent home where I shall live’, you said, ‘for I have always wanted it this way. I will make this city prosperous and satisfy her poor with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation; her saints shall shout for joy’.” (Ps. 132:13-16, Living Bible)

Jerusalem is God’s abode forever. “Jerusalem” symbolizes three things: (1) the literal Jerusalem or the capital of Israel also called Zion – a home of God; (2) the Church whose members are registered in heaven – the home of God in spirit; and (3) the heavenly Jerusalem or the Holy City – the New Jerusalem – God’s home where all those to be saved will live with Him.

Bible scholars attest to the fact that Jerusalem symbolizes the Church:

“ZION

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

The true Church, the Church of Christ, would carry out God’s promise that Jerusalem would be His home forever. To fulfill this, the Lord prophesied that He will bring His people home again:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the happy news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns. The watchman shout and sing with joy, for right before their eyes they see the Lord God bring his people home again.” (Is. 52:7-8, LB)

Those who would be brought home will come from the distant east, thus, distinguishing this fulfillment from Israel’s return led by Ezra and Nehemiah:

“Do not be afraid – I am with you! ‘From the distant east and the farthest west I will bring your people home’.” (Is. 43:5, Today’s English Version)

Emancipation from Babylonian captivity

But before the restoration of the Church to Jerusalem would take place, God prophesied that His chosen people in these last days or the members of the Church of Christ must first take off the slave bands from their necks:

“Rise from the dust, Jerusalem; take off the slave bands from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For the Lord says, When I sold you into exile I asked no fee from your oppressors; now I can take you back again and owe them not a cent!” (Is. 52:2-3, LB)

This signifies freedom from enslavement. According to prophecy, what held God’s people captive is “Babylon and all it represents” (cf. Is. 52:11, Ibid.) A book entitled A Verse by Verse Commentary on Daniel and the Revelation states that “the term Babylon is used exclusively as a symbol of apostate Christianity” (cf. p. 843). This clarifies that the Catholic Church is the modern Babylon which has apostatized from the first-century Church of Christ and has held God’s people in bondage for close to two thousand years. Thus, those from the Far East will be taken out by God from the Catholic Church and would be brought back to the true Church.

The throwing off of the yoke of enslavement will occur at the “ends of the earth” (cf. Is. 52:9-10, LB). “Ends of the earth” is the time immediately preceding the end of the world or Judgment Day heralded by signs, among which is the outbreak of a great war (cf. Mt. 24:3, 6-8), the First World War being the fulfillment. Thus, the freedom from enslavement prophesied by the Scriptures would coincide with the First World War which broke out in 1914.

The emergence of the Church of Christ in the Philippines, a country in the Far East, in 1914 is the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the emancipation of God’s people from modern Babylon. The establishment of this Church right at the very heart of Catholicism in Rome on July 27, 1994 symbolizes its complete emancipation from the apostate church.

After being delivered from the captivity, the Church of Christ must now return to its former home. This was fulfilled when the Church was officially established in Jerusalem last year – when the true Church finally returned to its original abode.

The carrying out of the restoration

The work of the Church’s full restoration began when the messenger chosen by God from the Far East in the person of Brother Felix Y. Manalo started preaching the Iglesia ni Cristo. From the Philippines, God’s people in these last days also had to be gathered in the Far West. This was fulfilled in 1968 when the first two overseas locales of the Church were established in Hawaii and in California.

This Church also had to be restored first in the city which is the seat of apostasy – Rome, Italy. This was fulfilled in 1994 when the locale of the Chiesa di Cristo (Italian for Church of Christ) was established in the city of the seven hills. And on the third month of 1996, the Church was finally restored to its original home, Jerusalem, the city founded by King David.

During the restoration worship service, Brother Eraño G. Manalo declared that it was God’s will that they were allowed to complete this important mission. He proclaimed that this is God’s plan and design and, thus, no one can hinder it. The Church Administrator stressed to the brethren present in that worship service that right before their very eyes, the Almighty God has brought His people home again.

Indeed, the restoration of the Church of Christ in Jerusalem last year is God’s will - another manifestation that the Almighty God continuously fulfills all His promises to this Church. The establishment of the Iglesia ni Cristo in this city is a historic unfolding, a historic restoring of God’s chosen people to their original home.

Tze, Yvon & Jen

birthday ng mga iha..
some good traits

tze - strong,
von - patient
jen - warm

hapi bday! : )

THE BEAST WITH THE NUMBER 666

Published in Pasugo, Sept 1976

“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
Revelation 13:18

THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO, Church of Christ in English, always views the various criticisms of our detractors as a good opportunity to answer them, to expose their veiled motives, and to enlighten them – God willing – to win them over to the true Church built by Christ, the Church of Christ. Their vain attempt to becloud our doctrinal belief is a healthy sign that the impact of our preaching is continuously being felt by all sectors of the so-called Christian Churches.

Here in the Philippines, we have not heard from the Baptist for a very long time although we know that they are still around somehow. The Evangelical Torch Committee, Manila, Philippines, published a pamphlet entitled “Tunay Kayang Anghel si Manalo?” (Is Manalo Truly an Angel?)

How do the Baptists erroneously explain Revelation 13:18, 14 regarding a deceitful man, compared to a beast, with the number 666? We quote and translate for your convenience page 7 of their pamphlet: “The name Felix is a Roman name, Manalo on the other hand is not a Latin word but Tagalog. If we are to analyse from Tagalog-English and Latin, this will result: The word ‘Manalo’ in English is ‘Win’ – English-Tagalog Dictionary of the Department of Education, R.P., and in Latin ‘Win’ is ‘Vencedora,’ taken from the Latin book ‘La Vida Vencedora,’ in English ‘The Life That Wins,’ Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois. If every Roman name can be counted by number, let us see what the number is of the name Felix Manalo which in Latin is ‘Felix Vencedora’”

Is this teaching of the Baptists based on truth?

OUR ANSWER:

1. Never did Brother Felix Manalo use FELIX VENCEDORA as a title,
appellation, or as a name. The name FELIX VENCEDORA is a by-
product of the fertile imagination of our cynics.

2. It is not true that the word WIN (MANALO) is VENCEDORA in Latin.

3. Vencedora is a Spanish word: “Vencedora, n. conqueror, victor, foiler;
adj. Victorious (Fucilla Spanish Dictionary, Spanish-English – English-
Spanish, by Joseph G. Fucilla, p. 298, Follet Pub. Co., Chicago – New
York)

4. Manalo, “Win” is not Vencedora in Latin: “Win, v. vincere, superare,
victoriam adipisci or parere” Cassells’s New Latin Dict. Latin-English –
English-Latin, p. 879, by D. P. Simpson, Funk & Wagnalls Co. New
York)

5. Even if Arabic numbers were substituted to Roman letters having
numerical values, the name FELIX VINCERE, or FELIX SUPERARE, or
FELIX VICTORIAM will not yield the total 666. We invite our dear
readers, especially our detractors, to try counting the numerical
equivalents.

The writer of the above cited pamphlet together with all the members of the Evangelical Torch Committee are ignorant of the fact that “La Vida Vencedora” is not Latin but Spanish or if they know this, they had conspired among themselves to use the English-Tagalog Dictionary to show that MANALO in Tagalog is WIN in English, but in proving that WIN in English is allegedly VENCEDORA in Latin they did not use the Dictionary. The veiled motive is quite evident.

Is the number of the name sufficient to ascertain who is referred to as the deceitful man mentioned in Rev. 13:11, 18? “And I behold another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. …Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred three score and six.” According to the above cited verses the man with the number 666 is a beast. Why is this man called a beast; is he really a brute like a four-footed animal? Daniel 7:17 explains thus: “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings…” (KJV) The meaning of beast is king. The name of this beast, a king, has a number; the number is 666.

Our detractors, the Baptists, should have known that Brother Felix Manalo was not and has never been a king. He is not, therefore, even to considered as the man likely to possess the number 666. The Baptists must look somewhere, they must start with a king. If they do not know how to proceed in determining who is referred to in the prophecy we exhort them to read carefully this article.

Rev. 13:11 further mentions that this beast is like a lamb. Who is the lamb to whom the deceitful man, a king, had likened himself? Jesus Christ is the Lamb according to John the Baptist. (John 1:29) In what way will the beast, a king, liken himself to Christ, the Lamb of God? Christ warned His disciples to beware of ravening wolves (beasts) or false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing. (Matt. 7:15) Apostle Paul testifies that Christ is King of Kings. (I Tim. 6:14-15) It is not the clothing alone that this beast will imitate in Christ, but will also usurp Christ’s exalted positions as King of kings.

The book of Revelation further reveals in the previously cited verses that the beast has two horns. What is meant by horn? Amos 6:13 reveals: “Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?” The word horn means strength or power.

Let us now summarize the various clues given by the book of Revelation in order to easily pinpoint who the fulfillment of the prophecy is:

1. His clothing is likened to that of Christ’s;

2. He usurped the exalted position of Christ as the King of Kings;

3. He has a crown to signify his position as king;

4. He possesses two kinds of power;

5. His name or title bears the number 666.

Let us now collate the various evidences to prove and expose who actually is the deceitful man whose name bears the number 666:

1. “The Clothing of the Priest Saying Mass…The priest vested for mass is likened to that of Jesus Christ…” (Siya Ang Inyong Pakinggan – “Hear Ye Him” page 195, by Enrique Demond, S.V.D.)

2. Clerical Privileges…This privilege was based on the consideration that those who in the highest sense, take the place of the King of Kings.” (Modern World, page 162, by Francis Betten & Alfred Kauffman)

3. “Q. Who is the Holy Pope or Supreme Pontiff?

“A. The Bishop of Rome, VICAR of JESUS
CHRIST…Father and shepherd of Christians.

“Q. What is that which is placed on the head of the Pope,
called tiara?

“A. Three crowns of silver or gold attached to a high
headgear and the three crowns are placed one on top of
the other in layers of equal distance.” (Translated from
Pilipino: from a book entitled Compendio Historico de la
Religion (Historical Compendium of Religion), edited by
D. Josef Pinton in Spanish and translated in Pilipino by D.
Antonio Florentino Puansen, page 589)

4. “The Popes were not only devoted spiritual Fathers, but firm and valiant civil Governors…” (Faith of Our Fathers, p. 113, by James Cardinal Gibbons)

“To sum up in a few brief sentences the titles of Catholic Priest:

“He is a king…” (Ibid. page 320)

5. “On the pope’s crown in the Vatican museum is the recognized and most used title of the pope. VICARIVS FILII DEI (VICAR OF THE SON OF GOD). The word VICARIVS is on the top of the threefold crown. The word FILII on the second circlet; and the words are made from dark, shining precious jewels. The word DEI is on the under part of the threefold crown and is made of 100 diamonds.” (Studies in the Scriptures, p. 215 by Pastor Charles T. Russell).

Regarding the title of the pope, VICARIVS FILII DEI, it is inevitable to use our wisdom for the Holy Scriptures clearly advise us to do so: “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” Rev. 13:18, KJV) Verse 17 of the same chapter clarifies that it is the number of the name of the beast, the deceitful man.

Mr. Webster defines WISDOM: “…the power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding…” (Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language,p. 1678)

The recognized and most used title of the pope of the Roman Catholic Church is VICARIVS FILII DEI. Using our knowledge of Roman numerals with their corresponding equivalent in arabic numbers, here is what we will obtain:

* “V. 1. the twenty-second letter of the English alphabet: from
the Latin V… formerly used interchangeably in
English with U both as a vowel and as a consonant.”
(Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American
Language, p. 1606)

V = 5	F	D = 500
I = 1	I = 1	E
C = 100	L = 50	I = 1
A	I = 1	_____
R	I = 1	501
I = 1	_____
V = 5	53
S
_____
112

VICARIVS	112
FILII	53
DEI	501
	_____
Total	666

The clothing of the pope (a priest of the highest order in the Catholic hierarchy) is likened to that of our Lord Jesus Christ; the Catholic book Modern World admits that one of the clerical privileges of the pope is that he “takes the place of the King of Kings”; he has a crown, called the tiara, to signify that he is a king; he possesses two kinds of power, civil and religious (he is the chief of state of the Vatican and head of the Roman Catholic Church); and lastly, as computed above with wisdom, the pope’s title or name bears the number 666. The sound and inevitable conclusion is that the pope of the Roman Catholic Church is the beast with the number 666. This is not an imagination of the Minister of the Church of Christ for no one can dispute the fact that we gave you the clues direct form the Bible and the equivalent evidences in fulfillment of the prophecy. Unlike the Baptists who resort to sophistry in order to mislead people in understanding who factually is referred to as the beast with the number 666.

What mark was given by the beast to all those whom he had deceived? “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” (Rev. 13:16, KJV)

Are there people who have mark or sign on their right hand or on their forehead? “The sign of the Cross is made by tracing three small crosses with the thumb of the right hand, first on the forehead…The sign of the Holy Cross is the mark of the Catholic…” (Translated from Pilipino, Siya ang Inyong Pakinggan – Ang Aral Na Katoliko (Hear Ye Him – The Catholic Teaching), page 11).

How true indeed is the prophecy and its fulfillment in the pope of Rome! All Catholics, from all walks of life have the mark, the sign of the cross.

Does the sign of the cross or the mark on their right hand and forehead signify salvation? “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.

“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and 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 ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” (Rev. 14:9-11, KJV)

Who, therefore, is the beast, the deceitful man, with the number 666? The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church!

Who is “Felix Vencedora”? There is no such person in the Iglesia ni Cristo. Then who is he? I leave that to the fertile imagination of the Baptists.