Exposing False Doctrines

Exposing False Biblical Teachings

(“Truth Does Not Contradict Truth”)

It is our duty commanded by God to search for the truth path and walk in it but many people refuse to do so...

Textual Scholastic Criticism & the Bible

It is imperative to understand that when the Iglesia Ni Cristo or (Church of Christ) cites a biblical scholar’s reference, its main objective is to demonstrate how a particular passage may be interpreted. Providing third-party validation shows that our interpretation is not just our own bias or conclusion of what a verse or passage may imply. However, it’s important to note that when the Iglesia Ni Cristo uses a biblical scholar’s reference to substantiate a biblical position, it does not indicate that the scholar who is being referenced that his doctrinal stance coincides or aligns with any particular church denomination or non-denomination beliefs, practices or doctrines, especially the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). Furthermore, we often see scholars who contradict the viewpoint of other scholars and have disagreements among themselves regarding various passages of the Bible; thus, ultimately, we must refer back to the Holy Scriptures to weigh the gravity of their interpretation to see if one scholar’s interpretation will conflict or create contradictions with other passages of the biblical text compared to the other scholar’s interpretation of the same passage in view, before selecting to use such a scholarly reference. We know that “truth does not contradict truth, and God, the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles will not contradict their own written words throughout the scriptures, for God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33). Thus, ultimately we must seek spiritual truth by comparing “spiritual things with spiritual.”:

“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

(I Cor. 2:10,13,New King James Version, Emphasis Mine)

But how does one compare spiritual things with spiritual to find spiritual truth by using the above guiding principle? One example is Acts 20:28 (King James 2000 Bible), which renders the passage as follows:

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.”

(King James 2000 Bible, Emphasis Mine)

The problem with the above biblical rendition and any rendition that uses the word “God” to “which he has purchased with His own blood” is that it creates a biblical contradiction, for God has no blood; God is “Spirit” (Jn. 4:24). A “spirit” has no flesh and bones (Lk. 24:39). God is immortal, He can not die, (I Tim. 1:17). The one who died and purchased the church with His blood was Christ who gave His life for the Church, (Eph. 5:25, Good News Translation). Christ is a man (Jn. 8:40). Based on these biblical facts, we know that the correct preferred rendition for Acts 20:28 would be either the “American Standard Version” or the “Lamsa Bible,” which renders it as such:

“…to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.” (ASV)

“…to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (LB)

(Reference 1. [American Standard Version -ASV], Emphasis Mine), (Reference 2. [Lamsa Bible-LB], Emphasis Mine)

Therefore, it is clear that it was Christ who died and purchased the church with His blood, not God. Now, we have found “Spiritual truth” by comparing “spiritual things with spiritual,” as instructed by Apostle Paul (I Cor. 2:13, NKJV).

By adhering to the spiritual guidelines outlined by Apostle Paul, comparing “spiritual things with spiritual,” we can avoid inconsistencies and contradictions in scripture.

Accepting any rendition that implies the phrase “God, which he has purchased with his own blood” would suggest that God has a physical body with flesh and bones, died on the cross, and is a man in nature who purchased the church with His blood. This would gravely contradict the teachings recorded in the Bible.

TAKE NOTE: The original writings that God inspired His chosen writers were written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and the (New Testament) primarily in Greek with some sprinkles of Aramaic, then later interpreted into the many bible versions we find today. One may argue that any Bible version is sufficient and accurately translated from the original manuscripts. However, this is not the case. Using only one Bible version in both written and oral discourse seems practical and expedient. This would not pose any problem if and when those who translated various languages were completely free of bias and theologically neutral. Unfortunately, they are not. This has resulted not only in differences in shades of meaning in some portions of the verse, like in the example of Act 20:28, but also differences in interpretation of the entire passage.

Robert Martin, a Professor of Biblical Theology, has this to say:

All translations involves interpretation. Interpretation, of course, involves the influence of theology; and as all translation involves interpretation, so all translation involves theology… Translators cannot avoid totally the necessity of making interpretive decisions, nor can they avoid completely the influence of personal views of truth on their work. Translation is not hermeneutically neutral and translators are not theologically neutral.”

(Reference: Accuracy of Translation, by Robert Martin, p.41)

For these reasons, there are times when it is necessary to choose the version that is not only easier to comprehend but, most of all, renders the precise meaning — thus, the need to use more than one version of the Bible.

To determine which particular version of the Bible to use, as pointed out earlier we must adhere to Apostle Paul’s guiding principle when it comes to the teachings written in the Holy Scriptures. This principle should serve as the foundation for our selection process, as we seek to obtain Spiritual truth:

“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

(I Cor. 2:10,13,New King James Version, Emphasis Mine)

Spiritual truth must be compared with spiritual truth when a passage is in question, and in doing so, there must be no contradiction. Hence, if a term or phrase in a particular version contradicts the true doctrine, then there is an error in the translation. Therefore it behooves us to use a version that does not contradict the biblical truth.

However, an important thing must be understood when it comes to comparing spiritual truths with spiritual truths. A preacher of the gospel must be sent or duly commissioned by God for him to receive the Holy Spirit and be able to compare spiritual truths and spiritual things correctly. Hence, not everyone can rightfully explain the mysteries and content of the Bible; They must be commissioned because the words of God in the scriptures are hidden in mystery, and only God’s commissioned messengers of the true church are capable of declaring Gods words:

“For I am a minister of the Church by divine commission, a commission granted to me for your benefit and for a special purpose: that I might fully declare God’s word — that sacred mystery which up to now has been hidden in every age and every generation…”

(Col. 1:26 J.B. Phillips New Testament, Emphasis Mine)

This is why the mystery is only given to God’s true messengers because for those who are outside the true church all things to them come in parables:

“To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand…”

(Mark 4:11-12 NKJV, Emphasis Mine)

This is the very reason why Apostle Paul emphatically decalred:

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent.”

(Romans 10:15 ibid., Emphasis Mine)

Thus, one must be commissioned or sent to preach the words written within.

John the Baptist also taught the importance of being sent by God:

“The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit.”

(John 3:34 Today’s English Version, Emphasis Mine)

God gave the knowledge of His words only to His messengers who have the fullness of His Spirit. They are the ones entrusted with the ministry and the message of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:18-20), and thus, they are the ones who can rightfully teach the contents of the Holy Scriptures. People should listen to their preaching to know and understand God’s will expressed in His Holy book; otherwise, by listening to those who do not have the commissioning will be led by the untaught and unstable people who twist the scriptures to their own destruction:

“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”

(II Pet. 3:16 NKJV, Emphasis Mine)

It is clear that only through the commissioning of God’s true messengers can one avoid being led to destruction.

Hence we invite all those who seek the evidential and concrete truth to study with us, the ― Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), and most importantly not rely on “hearsay” or be counted among those whom Apostle Paul describes as those who “…will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear” (II Timothy 4:3 GWT).

Today, the Church of Christ, through its commissioning of God’s true messengers and the fulfillment of numerous biblical prophecies, has an international membership comprising 151 racial and ethnic backgrounds. It maintains nearly 7,000 congregations and missions grouped into more than 178 ecclesiastical districts in 166 countries and territories on six of the world’s inhabited continents and growing at a phenomenal pace all throughout the world.

Topics of Interest

Are we a Cult? The True Definition of a Cult

MANY ATTACK the Church Of Christ, claiming that we are a religious Cult or they claim our doctrines are comparable to other religious organizations such as the Jehovah’s Witness and the Mormons, etc., etc. But is this true?

"Misconception" of the Church of Christ (List)

HERE YOU WILL find a list of the common misconceptions and controversial claims against our church and our doctrines.

Is Jesus Christ God? (List)

HERE, WE ADDRESS the most popular and widespread Bible verses quoted by proponents of the Christ-is-God or the God-Man doctrine and their claim of a Triune God known as the Trinity.

The Apostasy Of The Church Of Christ (List)

AFTER THE DEATH of Jesus Christ and His Apostles, the Apostasy took place. Christians were hunted down, persecuted, and killed, causing the church to drift from the original teachings of Christ and His Apostles. False teachings emerged, leading to the contamination of the pure doctrine…

The Last Messenger (List)

AFTER THE GREAT Apostasy, it was prophesied by biblical prophecy that the true Church Of Christ, necessary for salvation, would reemerge in the Far East through God’s last messenger in these last days…

The Truth About Salvation (List)

CHRISTIANITY IS A religion with over 2 billion followers worldwide. It is a diverse faith with thousands of denominations, such as Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Adventistâ€”the list goes on. The Center for the Study of Global Christianity estimates that there are over 45,000 denominations globally, with more than 200 in the United States alone…

Jesus Christ and The True God (Articles)

HERE YOU WILL FIND various important topics regarding the “True God” and the true nature of our “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Including, controversial topics such as the false teachings of the “Trinity.”

Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)

WITH THE AIM of aiding others in achieving a more comprehensive understanding of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, a series of readings has been developed. These readings encompass a range of significant topics, from the nature and work of Christ to apostasy. We encourage all those who are curious or in search of truth to engage with these articles. They are designed to encapsulate the comprehensive doctrines and beliefs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo…

Does the Bible permit the homosexual lifestyle?

AN ESSENTIAL but volatile issue facing Christian-professing religions around the world at present is the dispute on whether the Bible permits or forbids people to live a homosexual lifestyle. Many churches and religious groups choose to duck this question altogether. That is because…

The Sabbath and the modern-day Sabbatarians

AT PRESENT, there are several religious groups that insist on keeping the Sabbath. The most well-known of these is the Seventh-day Adventist Church which claims that there are verses in the Holy Scriptures that support its observance of the Sabbath. In this article, we will closely analyze some of these verses…

Letters from others and our Answers (List)

HERE YOU WILL encounter various interesting questions from those who are curious about the doctrines and practices of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). These questions are of great interest to many, with direct answers from the Holy Scriptures…

The Seven Seals of Revelations

THE BIBLE’S BOOK of Revelation, the seven seals of God are the seven symbolic seals (Greek: σφραγῖδα, sphragida) that secure the book or scroll that John at Patmos saw in an apocalyptic vision given to him by God…

This article will provide only a brief summary overview of each seal…

Baptism by proxy for the dead (Unbiblical)

WHAT DO WILLIAM Shakespeare, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, Leo Tolstoy, and Dwight Eisenhower have in common? Although none of them ever joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints…

Why Mary should not be worshiped

FOR MANY CATHOLICS in various parts of the world, paying homage and praises to and worshiping Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, is a highly important religious practice. Countless images of Mary have been made and venerated and are attributed various names of praises…

Purgatory: An unscriptural belief

THE DOGMA OF purgatory is distinctly a Catholic doctrine. Though it had received severe denouncements from the past, Catholic authorities, as of late, have yet to waver in their insistence that such an intermediary state between heaven and hell exists…

Frequently Asked Questions About the Church Of Christ

HERE YOU WILL find a list of interesting Frequently Asked Questions. All editorial answers are solely based on the holy scriptures…

Convert Stories (List)

WITHIN THIS COLLECTION, you will discover a compendium of convert stories shared by individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. These narratives delve into their personal experiences and motivations for embracing membership in the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo – In Filipino).

The Truth About the Speaking In Tongues

PENTECOSTAL AND Charismatic religions today practice the act of “speaking in tongues,” also known as “glossolalia,” a form of unintelligible utterances or incoherent babbling. They claim that they have been given the gift of speaking in an unknown tongue, a “private prayer language” or a “heavenly language” that only God understands. But how true is this? Is there any biblical basis for this claim?…

Can just anyone Interpret the Bible?

ALMOST ALL preachers would claim that they are sent by God. Rarely anyone would admit that he was not. And many might even honestly though falsely believe that they are sent. Some claim authority to preach because God allegedly spoke to them. But just because someone says that he is a messenger does not make him so. Since many claim to understand the mysteries of the Bible, how can we identify those who are truly sent?…

Amazing Stories From The Bible (List)

THE BIBLE IS ONE continuous story filled with adventure, heroes and villains, triumphs and defeats, good and evil, love and jealousy, plot twists, and ultimately, a happy ending for those who belong to God. As you read each of the short Bible stories, the individual characters and their experiences of tragedy and triumph draw you into Godâ€™s words, love, judgment, and redemption.

Immerse yourself in the stories of the Old Testament and New Testament …

Is God's name 'Jehovah'?

CERTAIN RELIGIOUS organizations popularize the use of the term “Jehovah,” claiming that the said term is God’s name. They teach that a person is not righteous in God’s sight if he does not believe that Jehovah is God’s name. Is this true? Is it biblically correct to use “Jehovah” when referring to the one true God?…

Is It a Sin to Celebrate Christmas?

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST is not against giving praise and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ; we recognize the significance of offering praise and reverence to Him. We celebrate His birth daily by honoring and worshiping Christ and extending our love and compassion to our fellow men. It is essential to note, however, that Christmas, observed on December 25, was originally referred to as the ‘Birthday of the Sun’ …

Is It a Sin to Celebrate Halloween?

THIS DAY MARKED the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth…

Is It a Sin to Celebrate Valentines'?

THE DATE FEBRUARY 14 is known all over the world as “Valentine’s Day.” This is the day celebrated by lovers sending affectionate messages and gifts to each other, and many hearts were thrilled and soared to exhilarating heights upon propositioning: “Would you be my Valentine?” However…

Is Peter the "Rock" upon which Jesus built His Church? A discussion on Petros and Petra mentioned in the Greek text of Matthew 16:18

“APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION” is the primary basis of the Roman Catholic Church’s claim that it is the one true Church the Lord Jesus Christ built. They claim that Apostle Peter is the “rock foundation” on which Christ built His Church because they claim that their “pope” is the successor of Apostle Peter…

Answering Questions Regarding the Registration of the Iglesia Ni Cristo as a Corporation Sole

THERE ARE questions raised by non-members regarding the registration of the Iglesia Ni Cristo as a “corporation” with the Philippine government. Let us answer this one by one…

The Truth About the Qur'an (List)

THE QUR’AN serves as the foundational text for the Islamic faith, which its adherents believe to be divinely inspired through the Prophet Muhammad. However, an important inquiry remains regarding the authenticity of this text as a revelation from God. Additionally, it is essential to explore the historical context surrounding the Qur’an, a volume that countless Muslims regard as a sacred guide to divine truth and salvation…

The Biblical Teachings About Mary

MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS, holds a special place in the hearts of most Catholics. Over the course of the Catholic Church’s history, she has received increasing attention…

But are they biblical? What does Catholic tradition teach about the Mary whom they worship? Are those beliefs in accordance with the teachings of the Bible about Mary, the mother of Jesus? …

Historical Roadmap of Apostasy to Salvation in these last Days

THIS ROADMAP AIMS to provide a biblical and historical understanding of the First Century Church of Christ, the Apostasy, and the reemergence of the True Church Of Christ in these last days, as foretold by biblical prophecy where one can attain salvation…

Reach Out

If you wish to acquire a deeper understanding of our Church Doctrines and have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be delighted to direct you to one of our local resident ministers in your vicinity. Kindly include any queries you may have so that we may forward your inquiry in advance. Thank you.

“Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].”
(Eph. 4:29, Amplified Bible)

“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.”
(1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Amplified Bible)