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Iglesia ni Cristo Religion
The Iglesia ni Cristo Religion is a religious organization that originated from the Philippines and claims to be the largest independent church in Asia. The church officially originated in 1914, being registered by Mr Felix Y Manalo. However, the official doctrines of the church profess that Jesus Christ is the founder of the church and that Felix Manalo was God's last messenger, whom he sent to re-establish the Christian Church to its true, pristine form.
The Iglesia ni Cristo religion does not believe in the Trinity, nor that the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are Biblical. The historical context of the Iglesia ni Cristo lies in a period of the early 20th century characterised by a variety of rural anti-colonialism movements, often with religious undertones, in the Philippines United States missionary work was exposing Filipino culture to many alternatives to the Roman Catholic Church, which had been installed under Spanish rule.
It is reported by others that the adherents believe only Iglesia ni Cristo ministers can be considered God's messengers: The belief is that it is through the preaching function of God's messengers that God calls people to be gathered in one body or in the Church of Christ. This is why members of the Iglesia ni Cristo uphold the words of God preached by His messenger in these last days, Brother Felix Y. Manalo. He and the other ministers and workers of the Church are the ones whom God sent in these last days, as attested to by the fulfillment of God's prophecy, to preach the gospel. According to Minister Manalo, (Wikipedia) The words of God are written only in the Bible. The Bible should be the only basis of service to God. This is the truth which will teach man salvation from punishment on Judgment Day. The Father who created all things is the only true God. There is no Trinity, no three persons in one God. The belief that all churches belong to God is false. Christ founded only one true Church - the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo). The apostasy of the Catholic Church from the Church established by Christ in the first century took place with their turning away from the teachings of God taught by Christ and His Apostles (Worship of Images, Mass, Popes and Priests as vicars or successors of Christ, Mediator Saints, Purgatory). The apostasy takes place whenever there is a teaching of God the Catholic Church violates. In view of this, all the doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church should be rejected. Each member of the Church of Christ believes that constant attendance in worship services is one of his obligations. Great blessings accrue to those who constantly attend worship services while great sins are committed by those who disregard this responsibility. The Church of Christ believes that it is God who gave the command to contribute and give thanksgiving offerings to support the needs of the Church. To fulfill these obligations is to lay up a good foundation for the attainment of eternal life. The Church of Christ believes that it is the will of God for us to love one another as true brothers and sisters. Hence, if anyone has sinned against us, we should forgive him and we should reconcile with those who are mad at us. The members of the Church of Christ believe that it is God who forbids the eating of blood and prohibits marriage with those of other faiths. Elopement is an act of disrespect for parents and this is a sin in the eyes of God. The Church of Christ believes that baptism is necessary for one to become a disciple of Christ and for the attainment of eternal salvation. But this should be done in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. The Church of Christ believes that each member should do missionary work or share his faith with others. Each one should learn how to pray to God so that he would not weaken in faith and thus be able to resist temptations. Each member should submit to the Administration placed by God in the Church by means of total agreement with the teachings and rules observed in the Church of Christ. The Church of Christ believes that unity is God's teaching and that division within the Church is an evil thing. This unity is implemented by the Church of Christ not only during election time but also in all its works in the service of God. The Church of Christ believes that God has determined the Day of Judgment which will take place at the second coming of Christ. This is the great day when the Church of Christ will receive the reward promised by God -- the everlasting home for God's chosen people.
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