Prove Bibliche che Cristo non è Dio

Posted on September 16, 2021September 16, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Prove Bibliche che Cristo non è Dio

Da: SAMUEL T. SOLANO

(Tradotto in italiano da Randolf Villajuan)

L’INSEGNAMENTO sostenuto dalla Iglesia Ni Cristo (Chiesa Di Cristo) che il Signore Gesù Cristo è un Uomo e non è Dio, per molti non è un segreto. Infatti, questa è una delle dottrine della Chiesa criticate frequentemente dai suoi detrattori, poiché non solo differisce ma va anche a contrapporsi alla credenza di molte religioni che professano di essere Cristiane, ovvero che Cristo sia Dio. Ma se la conoscenza e la credenza riguardo al Signore Gesù Cristo si basassero solamente sulla Bibbia, sarebbe facile notare che le Sacre Scritture presentano molte prove che Cristo non è Dio, ma è invece differente da Dio. Ecco alcune di queste differenze:

1. Cristo Stesso ha affermato che Lui è “un Uomo” (Giovanni 8:40 CEI2008), mentre Dio dichiara che Lui è “Dio, e non un uomo” (Osea 11:9 NR2006) e non permette all’uomo di essere Dio. (Eze. 28:2).

2. Cristo Stesso ha detto di aver udito la verità da Dio (Giovanni 8:40); quindi, è ovvio che Lui è differente da Dio dal Quale ha udito la verità.

3. Cristo è “un Uomo accreditato da Dio,” secondo l’Apostolo Pietro (Atti 2:22 NR2006). Cristo non poteva essere lo stesso Dio che Lo aveva accreditato.

4. Cristo è un Uomo: un “figlio” concepito nel grembo di Sua madre, Maria, secondo l’Apostolo Matteo (Mat. 1:18, 20 NR2006).

5. Cristo “nacque da una donna” (Gal. 4:4 NR2006). Dio, d’altra parte, non è un “figlio di uomo” (Num. 23:19 NR2006).

6. Cristo ha un inizio: è preceduto e proviene “da Dio” (Giovanni 8:42 NR2006), mentre il vero Dio non ha inizio poiché Egli è “da eternità a eternità” (Sal. 90:2 NR2006)

7. Cristo è morto (Giovanni 19:30, 33), mentre Dio è immortale (1 Tim. 1:17).

8. Cristo fu resuscitato e questo non sarebbe successo se prima non fosse morto oppure se fosse immortale. Inoltre, non resuscitato Sé Stesso, invece “Dio lo risuscitò” (Atti 2:23-24 NR2006).

9. Cristo riconosce Dio come il Suo Dio (Marco 15:34), mentre Dio non riconosce nessun altro Dio oltre a Sé Stesso (Isa. 44:8).

10. Cristo si affaticò (Gio. 4:6 NR2006) mentre Dio “non si affatica e non si stanca (Isa. 40:28 NR2006).

Rimanete in attesa della pubblicazione di futuri articoli religiosi su pasugo.com.ph, che presentano ulteriori prove bibliche che Cristo non è Dio.

Per sapere di più riguardo a ciò che crede la Iglesia Ni Cristo sul Signore Gesù Cristo, leggete “Pasugo:God’s Message”, la rivista ufficiale della Chiesa.

Per avere una conoscenza basilare su ciò in cui crede la Chiesa riguardo a Dio, cliccate qui.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Why we greatly respect and love our Executive Minister

Posted on August 31, 2021September 6, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Why we greatly respect and love our Executive Minister

The reason Church Of Christ members hold their spiritual leaders in the highest esteem and accord them genuine affection

By DENNIS C. LOVENDINO

NOT A FEW OBSERVERS are baffled by the high regard and deference the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members accord their spiritual leaders. While some view it with grudging admiration, others had mistaken it for fanaticism or blind obedience.

Church Of Christ members highly esteem those who look after their spiritual well-being not only because some rules of propriety or convention demand it, nor by force of habit or tradition. Rather, they do so in obedience to God’s commandment:

“Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.” (Heb. 13:17 Amplified Bible 2015)

God commands the true Christians to obey and submit to their leaders inasmuch as they labor for their spiritual welfare. But more than just recognizing their leaders’ authority, they are expected to do much more:

“We beg you, our friends, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life. Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves.” (I Thess. 5:12–13 Good News Bible)

Christians are duty-bound to treat those who guide and instruct them in the Christian life with the “greatest respect and love because of the work they do.” This is the main reason the Church Of Christ members hold their spiritual leaders in the highest esteem and accord them genuine affection. God expects them to do nothing less.

Foremost among those who instruct and guide them in the Christian life is the minister entrusted with the administration of the Church:

“I have become its minister, according to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message fully known.” (Col. 1:25 Holman Christian Standard Bible)

In the Church, God appoints a minister—like Apostle Paul in the first-century Church—who is vested with the authority to administer the flock and make His message fully known. In our time, he is the Executive Minister of the Church. And along with his task to preach God’s words comes the authority to lay down rules for Christians to obey:

“As they went through the towns, they delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, and they told them to obey those rules. So the churches were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.” (Acts 16:4–5 Good News Bible)

Take note how the early Christians were edified in their faith and grew in number when they obeyed the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders of the Church. For, God sanctions every decision laid down by the Church Administration, as Christ told His apostles:

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” (Matt. 18:18–19 New King James Version)

The bind mentioned refers to God’s commandments (Prov. 3:3, 1) with which people are bound when they believe the true gospel preached to them and receive baptism in the body of Christ or the Church Of Christ (Mark 16:15–16; I Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).

Thus, for those asking why we highly regard and esteem our spiritual leaders, especially our Executive Minister, the answer is plain and simple: God commands us to do so. And why do we find it easy and delightful to obey such command? Because we love them so much, for we ourselves see how our spiritual leader labors and toils for our sake, sacrificing personal comfort and safety, to preach to us God’s words and bring us closer to Him and His blessings. His genuine love and concern for us is palpable and deeply felt.

We, members of the Church Of Christ, are unabashed in expressing our love for our Executive Minister, who at present is Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. Because we know that we are always in his thoughts and prayers, he is also constantly in ours. That is the least we can do in appreciation of his selfless love and concern for our souls.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Sino ang mga anak ng Diyos?

Posted on August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Sino ang mga anak ng Diyos?

Kabilang ka na ba sa mga anak ng Diyos? Kung hindi pa, nasain mong matamo ang dakilang kaloob at pagpapalang ito ng Diyos!

Sinulat ni GREG F. NONATO

ANG KARANIWANG PANINIWALA ng marami, lahat ng tao ay mga anak ng Diyos dahil silang lahat ay Kaniyang nilalang. Ngunit ang hindi nila alam, nang magkasala ang mga tao ay itinakwil sila ng Diyos bilang mga anak Niya. Ganito ang pahayag ng Biblia:

“Sila’y nagpakasama. Dahil dito’y di na sila marapat tawaging anak, Isang lahing tampalasan at balakyot.” (Deut. 32:5 Magandang Balita Biblia)

Hindi lamang nawala ang kanilang karapatan sa pagiging anak ng Diyos, kundi sila ay itinuring din ng Diyos na Kaniyang mga kaaway:

“At kayo, nang nakaraang panahon ay nangahihiwalay at mga kaaway sa inyong pagiisip sa inyong mga gawang masasama.” (Col. 1:21)

Dahil sa ang mga tao ay naging kaaway ng Diyos, sila ay nakatakdang parusahan sa Araw ng Paghuhukom:

“Kundi isang kakilakilabot na paghihintay sa paghuhukom, at isang kabangisan ng apoy na lalamon sa mga kaaway.” (Heb. 10:27)

Upang maging anak ng Diyos

Hindi dapat mawalan ng pag-asa ang sinuman sapagkat bagaman ang mga tao ay itinakwil ng Diyos bilang Kaniyang mga anak, ay nagbigay naman Siya ng pagkakataon upang sila ay muling magkaroon ng karapatang maging mga anak Niya:

“Datapuwa’t ang lahat ng sa kaniya’y nagsitanggap, ay pinagkalooban niya sila ng karapatang maging mga anak ng Dios, sa makatuwid baga’y ang mga nagsisisampalataya sa kaniyang pangalan.” (Juan 1:12)

Upang ang tao ay muling magkaroon ng karapatan na maging anak ng Diyos, dapat niyang tanggapin at sampalatayanan ang pangalan ng Panginoong Jesucristo.

Sa kasalukuyan, maraming tagapangaral, lalo na ang mga pangkatin na tinatawag na Evangelicals o Protestante na bagama’t tamang ipagdiinan na, “Tanggapin si Jesus!” o “Sampalatayanan si Jesus” ay sapat na raw ito upang ang tao ay pagkalooban ng karapatang maging anak ng Diyos.

Dahil dito, mahalagang suriin natin sa pamamagitan ng aral Mismo ni Jesus kung sino ang kinikilala Niya na tunay na sumasampalataya sa Kaniya upang malaman natin kung sino ang naging mga anak ng Diyos. Ganito ang Kaniyang pahayag:

“Datapuwa’t hindi kayo nagsisampalataya, sapagka’t hindi kayo sa aking mga tupa.” (Juan 10:26)

Ayon sa Panginoong Jesucristo, kung hindi kabilang sa Kaniyang mga tupa ay hindi tunay na sumasampalataya. Paano makikilala ang mga taong kabilang sa Kaniyang mga tupa? Ganito ang patuloy Niyang pagtuturo:

“Dinirinig ng aking mga tupa ang aking tinig, at sila’y aking nakikilala, at sila’y nagsisisunod sa akin.” (Juan 10:27)

Ang mga taong nakikinig at sumusunod sa mga salita ni Jesus ang kinikilala lamang Niya na Kaniyang mga tupa. Alin ang sinalita ni Jesus na sinunod ng mga taong kabilang sa Kaniyang mga tupa?

“Kaya’t muling sinabi ni Jesus, ‘Tandaan ninyo: ako ang pintuang dinaraanan ng mga tupa. … Ako ang pintuan. Ang sinumang pumapasok sa pamamagitan ko’y maliligtas. …”
(Juan 10:7, 9 MB)

Sinabi ni Jesus na Siya ang pintuang dinaraanan ng mga tupa. Ang mga taong pumasok sa Kaniya ang kinikilala Niyang kabilang sa mga tupa Niya. Saan napaloob ang mga tupang pumasok kay Jesus?

“I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me shall be safe. … [Ako ang pintuan; ang sinumang pumasok sa kawan sa pamamagitan ko ay magiging ligtas. …]” (Juan 10:9 New English Bible)

Ang mga pumasok kay Jesus ay kabilang sa kawan ng mga tupa. Ang kawan ng mga tupa ay tinawag ni Apostol Pablo na Iglesia ni Cristo:

“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. [Ingatan ninyo kung gayon ang inyong sarili at ang buong kawan na rito’y hinirang kayo ng Espiritu Santo na mga katiwala, upang pakanin ang iglesia ni Cristo na binili niya ng kaniyang dugo.]” (Gawa 20:28 Lamsa Translation)

Maliwanag, kung gayon, na ang mga pumasok o umanib sa Iglesia Ni Cristo ay nakinig at sumunod sa salita ni Cristo. At dahil sa sila ang kinikilala ni Cristo na Kaniyang mga tupa na tumanggap at sumampalataya sa Kaniya, sila ang nagtamo ng karapatang maging mga anak ng Diyos (Juan 1:12). Sa kabilang dako, hindi tunay na sumasampalataya ang mga taong ayaw dinggin at sundin ang sinabi ni Jesus na pumasok sa Kaniya sa loob ng Iglesia Ni Cristo at hindi rin sila tunay na mga anak ng Diyos.

Hindi sapat na sabihin lamang ng tao na tinanggap at sinasampalatayanan niya si Jesus. Dapat din siyang pumasok kay Cristo sa paraang mapaloob siya sa Iglesia Ni Cristo. Sa gayong paraan niya matatamo ang karapatan bilang anak ng Diyos.

Ang pangakong mamanahin ng mga anak ng Diyos

Ang pagiging anak ng Diyos ay malaking pag-ibig at pagpapalang ipinagkaloob sa mga kaanib sa Iglesia Ni Cristo:

“Masdan ninyo kung gaanong pagibig ang ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Ama, upang tayo’y mangatawag na mga anak ng Dios; at tayo’y gayon nga. Dahil dito’y hindi tayo nakikilala ng sanglibutan, sapagka’t siya’y hindi nakilala nito.” (I Juan 3:1)

Bakit ang karapatan sa pagiging anak ng Diyos ay dapat ituring na malaking pag-ibig at pagpapalang kaloob Niya? Sapagkat ayon kay Apostol Pablo:

“Ang Espiritu rin ang nagpapatotoo kasama ng ating espiritu, na tayo’y mga anak ng Dios: At kung mga anak, ay mga tagapagmana nga; mga tagapagmana sa Dios, at mga kasamang tagapagmana ni Cristo; kung gayon nga makipagtiis tayo sa kaniya, upang tayo’y lumuwalhati namang kasama niya.” (Roma 8:16-17)

Ang mga anak ng Diyos lamang ang tiyak na mga kasamang tagapagmana ni Cristo, subalit hindi ang lupang ito ang kanilang mamanahin kundi ang bagong langit at bagong lupa na tinatahanan ng katuwiran:

“Nguni’t, ayon sa kaniyang pangako, ay naghihintay tayo ng bagong langit at ng bagong lupa, na tinatahanan ng katuwiran.” (II Ped. 3:13)

Sa Bayang Banal ay wala nang pagluha, wala nang hirap o panambitan man at hindi na magkakaroon ng kamatayan (Apoc. 21:1-4). Kailan tatamasahin ng mga anak ng Diyos ang maligayang buhay sa Bayang Banal? Sa pagbabalik ng Panginoong Jesucristo ayon sa pahayag ni Apostol Pablo:

“Sapagka’t ang ating pagkamamamayan ay nasa langit; mula doon ay hinihintay naman natin ang Tagapagligtas, ang Panginoong Jesuscristo: Na siyang magbabago ng katawan ng ating pagkamababa, upang maging katulad ng katawan ng kaniyang kaluwalhatian, ayon sa paggawa na maipagpapasuko niya sa lahat ng mga bagay sa kaniya.” (Filip. 3:20-21)

Itinuturing ng mga anak ng Diyos na ang kanilang pagkamamamayan ay hindi rito sa lupa kundi nasa langit. Matiyaga nilang hinihintay ang pagbabalik ng Panginoong Jesus sapagkat nalalaman nila na sa araw na yaon ay babaguhin ang kanilang katawan na may kasiraan at may kamatayan at magiging katulad ng katawan ng Panginoon na maluwalhati, walang kasiraan at walang kamatayan (I Cor. 15:52-54). Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang pagtatamo ng karapatan na maging anak ng Diyos ay isang napakadakilang kaloob at pagpapala na mula sa Kaniya.

Kabilang ka na ba sa mga anak ng Diyos? Kung hindi pa, nasain mong matamo ang dakilang kaloob at pagpapalang ito ng Diyos! Umanib ka sa tunay na Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Unang inilathala ang artikulong ito sa magasing Pasugo: God’s Message noong Setyembre 2013.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Does God ‘know’ you?

Posted on August 4, 2021August 4, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Does God ‘know’ you?

A person can claim that he knows God and thus will be saved. But if God does not know or recognize him, then all is but a claim and a false one to be exact.

By JOJI S. CRISOSTOMO

ONE OF THE MOST prevalent beliefs about salvation is the so-called “faith alone” concept. It teaches that it is enough to merely recognize God and our Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved. Although this belief may be appealing to many because of its convenience, the Bible declares otherwise:

“But now you know God. Even better, God knows you. So why are you turning back to those weak and worthless beliefs? Do you want to be slaves to them all over again?” (Gal. 4:9 New International Reader’s Version)

It is not enough that a person recognizes or knows God in order to be saved. What is more important or as the Bible teaches, “even better” is that “God knows you.”

A person can claim that he knows God and thus will be saved. But if God does not know or recognize him, then all is but a claim and a false one to be exact.

Not enough for Christ

Our Lord Jesus Christ shares the same policy of mutual recognition when it comes to salvation. He made this emphatically clear in His declaration in Matthew 7:21-23:

“Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil’.” (Living Bible)

Notice that the people referred to by Christ already recognize Him as Lord. In fact, they use His name and are even able to perform great and wondrous acts in His name. However, Christ stated they “still won’t get to heaven.” They still do not have the right to salvation because Jesus declared to them, “You have never been mine.”

Whom Christ recognizes

In order to be saved, one must first be recognized by God and by Christ. Jesus proved this again when He taught:

“I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14 Revised English Bible)

Clearly, one needs to be known or recognized by Christ (“I know my own”) to truly belong to the Lord. Where can we find those who are recognized by Christ as His own? In John 10:7 and 9 it states thus:

“So Jesus spoke again: ‘In very truth I tell you, I am the door of the sheepfold. I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe.” (REB)

Those who truly belong to Christ and are recognized by Him are in the “fold” or flock of Christ. Apostle Paul calls this flock the Church Of Christ:

“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 Translation)

The Lord Jesus Christ referred to His flock as “My Church” (Matt. 16:18 New King James Version), which is why the apostles called it Church Of Christ. Even the Gentiles in the first century who became followers of Christ or Christians were called after the name of Christ (Acts 15:11, 17-18 New American Standard Bible) because they were members of the Church Of Christ:

“The truth now revealed is that the Gentiles can be fellow heirs of God with Israel. They are eligible to be united in the same body—Christ’s Church. They can all now receive all the blessings God promises in the Great News about Christ.” (Eph. 3:6 Last Days Bible)

The true Christian

When it comes to salvation, the Book of Revelation records those who will be saved on the day of Judgment:

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who from this time forth die as Christians!’ ‘Yes!’ answers the Spirit, ‘Let them rest from their toil, for what they have done will go with them!’” (Rev. 14:13 Goodspeed Translation)

The Bible assures us that it is the true Christians who will be saved on the day of Judgment. But who is a true Christian? Is it someone who simply declares he is a Christian? Is it the one who merely professes that he believes and belongs to Christ? Apostle John teaches us how we can recognize the true Christian:

“Someone may say, ‘I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.’ But if he doesn’t do what Christ tells him to, he is a liar.” (I John 2:4 LB)

To be a true Christian means to follow the teachings and commandments of Christ—to “do what Christ tells him to.” And one of Christ’s principal commands when it comes to salvation is to enter His flock or His Church, the Church Of Christ.

People may have their own opinion, beliefs and even principles when it comes to salvation. However, all of that really do not matter because salvation is not based on man’s will and whim. God and the Lord Jesus Christ already laid down long ago the process by which man can be saved. If we would only keep an open mind, understand God’s will, and allow the teachings of God and of Christ to guide us, we will find ourselves in the one place of salvation—the Church Of Christ.

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine, April 2015 Issue.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Becoming important to God

Posted on July 2, 2021July 2, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Becoming important to God

By ARNEL M. ARMENIA

DO YOU KNOW of VIPs or very important persons? Who are they? What did they do to make it on your list? Each of us have our own set of standards against which we measure the worth of individuals. More often than not, we use those standards in identifying the persons important to us. On the other hand, unlike man’s subjective standards or perception, righteous is the yardstick that God uses in counting people important to Him. Who are important to God? What makes them important to Him? Most importantly, why should people strive to be counted among those who are important to Him? And how tragic is it if one isn’t among such people?

Man’s condition

The Bible declares that man’s condition in the sight of God is deplorable—he is worthless:

“As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one’ … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:10-12, 23 New International Version)

Based on the Bible, because man has sinned, he became worthless or unimportant to God. Worse, God decreed that man shall pay for his sins (Rom. 6:23)—the full payment of which is eternal punishment in the lake of fire:

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21: 8 New King James Version)

No matter what one’s nationality is, no matter what he has acquired in this world, no matter how exalted he is in the sight of his peers, but in the eyes of God, man is worthless and condemned to eternal punishment. Since all people have sinned, it is imperative then that all seek to be extricated from the condition of being worthless, to being important God.

God’s “special treasure”

The people who are important to God are His chosen ones:

“You are a holy nation. The LORD your God has set you apart for himself. He has chosen you to be his special treasure. He chose you out of all the nations on the face of the earth to be his people. The LORD chose you because he loved you very much. …” (Deut. 7:6-7 New International Reader’s Version)

The Israelites became God’s special treasure. They had ceased from being worthless when He set them apart and chose them to be His people. They deemed Him important because of their calling and election from Him. But when they turned their backs on God, He rejected them (Dan. 9:11). In time, God chose another people for Himself:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praise of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Pet. 2:9 NKJV)

The ones referred to in the verses are God’s “own special people” in the Christian era. According to Apostle Peter, He called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Clearly then, as it was in the time of ancient Israel, in the Christian dispensation of time, being chosen by God—their divine calling and election—made people important to Him. Apostle Paul revealed who God’s people are in the Christian era:

“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:12-14 NKJV)

Those whom God called from the darkness into the light are the ones redeemed with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. They have been forgiven of sins, so they have become important to God.

As to which was redeemed with the blood of Christ, this is what is recorded in the Bible:

“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 Translation)

The Lord Jesus Christ purchased or redeemed with His blood the “church of Christ.” Hence, in the Christian era, those whom God has chosen as His “own special people” are the members of the Church Of Christ. They are the ones who are important to Him because they have the divine election.

God’s chosen people today

Just like the ancient nation of Israel, the first-century Church Of Christ turned away from God. This fact is proven by the Bible and history. Knowing this, the Almighty God, long ago already spoke about His sons and daughters from the “ends of the earth:”

“Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants for the east, And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth” (Isa. 43:5-6 NKJV)

The “east” that the Prophet Isaiah mentioned in his prophecy as the place where the children of God would come from is the “far east” (Isa. 43:5 Moffatt Translation). The time of their emergence is the “ends of the earth” or the time when the end of the world is “at the doors:”

“And as he sat at the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? … So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” (Matt. 24:3 & 33 King James Version)

The time “ends of the earth” began at the onset of the war that the Lord Jesus Christ foretold:

“And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matt. 24:6-8 NKJV)

The fulfillment of the prophesied war is the First World War which broke out on July 27, 1914. On that day, the “ends of the earth” began, the time of the emergence of God’s children from the Far East.

That the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) emerged in the Philippines, a country in the Far East, and was registered with the government on the same day the First World War broke out proves that it is God’s nation in these last days. It is where the sons and daughters of God can be found. Being counted among God’s children is a proof in itself that one has ceased being worthless before His sight because they stand to inherit His promises:

“And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Rom. 8:17 NKJV)

Hence, all people should strive to join the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). It is what people need so that they will become important to God and be spared from the eternal punishment He has foreordained for those who have sinned.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Acknowledge Christ for who He truly is

Posted on June 15, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Acknowledge Christ for who He truly is

To accept Jesus Christ while at the same time having a wrong notion of Who He really is amounts to not recognizing Him at all.

DO YOU KNOW who Jesus Christ really is?

“But, of course!” you’d probably say. Such an answer is understandable, especially if you are among the many Bible-believers who claim to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

But just how sure are you that you have the correct knowledge about Christ? Do you truly know Him, or, what you know about Him is actually just a misconception?

Make sure that your knowledge about Christ is right, lest you be among those whom the apostles forewarned would be deceived for believing in “another Jesus” or a “Jesus” whom they did not preach:

“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough.” (II Cor. 11:3-4 New King James Version)

Christ’s distinctive qualities

The Bible reveals to us Christ’s many God-given qualities, which make Him worthy of our praise and adulation. Some of these are as follows:

God introduced Jesus as His beloved Son

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’.” (Matt. 3:17 NKJV)

God made Jesus to be our Lord, Savior, and Mediator

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36 NKJV)

“Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31 NKJV)

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” (I Tim. 2:5 NKJV)

God placed Jesus above all creation

“Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.” (Eph. 1:20-22 NKJV)

Christ’s nature or state of being

While it is true that Christ’s characteristics show that He is greater than any ordinary man, these should not be misconstrued as proofs that He is God. Christ Himself teaches that the one and only true God is the Father in heaven (John 17:3, 1). Christ is not the Father; They are very different from each other, as shown in the table above.

Consider these testimonies made by no less than Christ Himself and His apostles:

A Man who speaks God’s truth

Christ Himself said: “But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this.” (John 8:40 NKJV)

The one Mediator, a Man

Apostle Paul said: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” (I Tim. 2:5 NKJV)

A Man attested by God

Apostle Peter said: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—” (Acts 2:22 NKJV)

Christ is not God

Indeed, we should exalt and honor our Lord Jesus Christ for all the great qualities that God has endowed Him with. But for us to benefit from the salvation that Christ brings, our recognition of Him should not go beyond what the Bible teaches. To gain eternal life is to recognize that the only true God is the Father and that Jesus Christ is the one Whom God has sent (John 17:1, 3).

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

The meaning and importance of the true Church

Posted on May 31, 2021May 31, 2021 by pasugoeditor

The meaning and importance of the true Church

By Glady C. Gaddi

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST built or established His Church (Matt. 16:18). Apostle Paul described the Church that this is the body of Christ:

“Christ is the head of the body. (The body is the church.) …” (Col. 1:18 Easy-to-Read Version)

The apostles also tell us that the Church is analogous to a physical human body with many parts or members:

“For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ, the Messiah and individually we are parts one of another—mutually dependent on one another.” (Rom. 12:4-5 Amplified Bible)

According to Apostle Paul, as there is only one head—Christ— there is only one body or Church that belongs to Christ. It follows then that the true Church remains a single organization no matter where it spreads and no matter how many its members are.

The only name by which one may be saved

At present, there are many religions that claim to be the Church established by Christ. How can we identify the Church founded by Him? Apostle James tells us:

“Do they not insult the holy name of Christ by which you are called?” (James 2:7 Christian Community Bible)

The true Church can be identified by how it is called—by the name of Christ. This is very important since “there is no other Name given to humankind all over the world by which one may be saved” (Acts 4:12 Ibid.). Hence, the Church that will be saved bears the name of the Savior. As such, the apostles called the Church established by the Lord Jesus “Church Of Christ”:

“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 Translation)

Church Of Christ—its importance

One might ask: “How is the Church Of Christ essential to man’s spiritual well-being?” Christ Himself emphasized His purpose in establishing the Church:

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18 Revised Standard Version)

The true Church is far more important than wealth, wisdom, power, and anything else in this world because if one is a member of the true Church, Christ guarantees that he will never be defeated by death.

Does this mean that members of the Church Of Christ will no longer die? They may experience death, but, they will live again:

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” (John 11:25 New King James Version)

When members of the Church Of Christ are resurrected from death, it will be for the eternal life. On the other hand, those who are not part of the body of Christ are the unfortunate ones who will be condemned:

“Do not be surprised at this; the time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice and come out of their graves: those who have done good will rise and live, and those who have done evil will rise and be condemned.” (John 5:28-29 Good News Bible)

Indeed, God’s purpose in having Christ establish the Church Of Christ is very noble. God wants people to be saved from punishment in the lake of fire.

The Church is God’s master plan

Even if people say they have faith in Christ, but they are separate from the ock or Church (Acts 20:28 Lamsa), they are not truly believers of Christ (John 10:26 Living Bible). So for man to become part of the flock or Church and be saved, he must heed the commandment of the Lord Jesus:

“So Jesus spoke again: ‘In very truth I tell you, I am the door of the sheepfold. … I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe’.” (John 10:7, 9 Revised English Bible)

Entering or joining the Church is indeed the way to salvation. This has been the master plan of God since the beginning or even before the creation of everything:

“May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the church through Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 3:21 LB)

According to Apostle Paul, it is God’s master plan to give salvation to the Church through Christ. Hence, the Church is important just as salvation is important. The Church Of Christ is what Christ will save on Judgment Day.

We owe it to ourselves to be saved on Judgment Day. May all of us heed immediately to this call of God for
now is the right time to do so:

“As God’s partners, we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God’s great kindness. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.” (II Cor. 6:1-2 New Living Translation).

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine, July 2017 Issue.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

The significance of God’s sending of messengers

Posted on May 9, 2021May 11, 2021 by pasugoeditor

English

The significance of God’s sending of messengers

The sending of true messengers is the work of God Himself

By BIENVENIDO A. SANTIAGO JR.

CHURCH OF CHRIST MEMBERS give utmost importance to God’s commissioning of His messengers. We firmly believe that the sending of true messengers is the work of God Himself. In His pronouncement in John 6:29, the Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest of God’s messengers, attests to this truth:

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent’.” (New King James Version)

It is only God who can give man, by calling and choosing him, the honor of being His messenger. No one can ever take this honor for himself (Heb. 5:4).

God’s messengers honor, exalt, and proclaim God’s laws (Isa. 42:21, 19). They teach not their own will but the will of the One who sent them (John 7:16). They are the ones whom He entrusted to preach His words (John 6:29; 3:34).

There is also the testimony that proves that the Lord God had chosen and sent them as expressed in prophecies written in the Bible. Indeed, that was what Christ Himself affirmed to those who, during His ministry on earth, were averse to acknowledge Him as the One who should speak to them the words of God. Christ told them to search the Scriptures, for it is where they could find the prophecies that testify of Him (Isa. 61:1–2; John 5:39–40). Apostle Paul and Barnabas also cited the biblical prophecy that attests to their divine commission to preach God’s words to the Gentiles (Isa. 49:6; Acts 13:47). Even John the Baptist cited a prophecy in the Book of Isaiah concerning him and said that he was its fulfillment (Isa. 40:3; John 1:23).

God sends His messengers to open people’s eyes; turn them from darkness to light; remove them from the clutches of Satan and transfer them to God; and for them to receive forgiveness of sins and the promised inheritance (Acts 26:17–18).

Hence, people should seek God’s instruction from His messengers as stated in Malachi 2:7:

“For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction—because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty” (New International Version).

The priest mentioned in these verses refers to Levitical priests, who, during the prophetic era, were sent by God to proclaim His words.

In the Christian era, there are messengers whom God and Christ sent to be their ambassadors in bringing the message of reconciliation to man in order to mend his broken relationship with God (John 13:20; II Cor. 5:18–21, NIV; Isa. 59:2; Eph. 2:12).

In the last days, God sent Brother Felix Y. Manalo to preach His laws and teachings. There are prophecies in the Bible that were fulfilled in him—proof that God indeed sent Brother Manalo. And just as what previous true messengers did, Brother Manalo also proclaimed the Lord’s laws and teachings to fulfill his mission in bringing God’s righteousness, the gospel, to people in order for them to be saved (Rev. 7:2–3; Isa. 41:9–10; 46:11–13; Rom. 1:16–17).

Indeed, God’s purpose in sending His messengers is to make known to people the truth that will lead them to salvation. That is the important mission and duty that God’s messengers carry out for our benefit.

The teachings of God that Brother Felix Manalo preached are being faithfully upheld by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) through the leadership of its Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.

When a person rejects God’s messengers, the One Whom he is really rejecting is the Lord God Who sent them (Luke 10:16). Such is a grievous sin—much worse than the wicked acts committed by the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, which incurred God’s terrifying wrath (Matt. 10:14–15).

People should believe in the significance of God’s sending of messengers. The Lord Jesus Christ assures those who will accept and believe in the messengers sent by God that they shall certainly receive their reward (Matt. 10:42).

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine, May 2018 issue.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

The Church built by Christ

Posted on April 7, 2021April 7, 2021 by pasugoeditor

The Church built by Christ

By DENNIS G. DULAY

THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO (Church Of Christ) believes that the members of the Church established by Christ in Jerusalem in the first century, eventually apostatized, that is, they turned away from the true faith. Thus, the Church Of Christ that reemerged in these last days, is the restoration of the Church founded by Christ.

The gospel according to Matthew gives us an insight on the events that would take place in the history of the Church built by Christ in the first century. It is important to understand the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ here on earth and the purpose for which God sent Him.

Matthew 16:18—The establishment of the Church

The mission for which Christ was sent has something to do with man’s reconciliation with God, according to the apostles:

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
(II Cor. 5:18-20 New King James Version)

Since all have sinned (Rom. 5:12) all have been separated from God (Isa. 59:2) and became His enemies (Col. 1:21). The righteousness or law of God requires sinners to pay for their sins (Deut. 24:16) and the full payment for sin is death (Rom. 6:23)—in the lake of fire, which is the “second death,” according to the Bible (Rev. 20:14).

To fulfill the purpose for which He was sent, Christ established His Church. He declared, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18 NKJV). He made the Church His body (Eph. 5:23).

Matthew 24:14—This Kingdom will be preached in all the world

Christ did establish the Church. In the beginning, the Church Of Christ was merely a little or small flock (Luke 12:32; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation), but through the guidance of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Church Of Christ which was centered originally in Jerusalem, flourished during the administration of Christ’s apostles. The number of disciples increased in Jerusalem (Acts 6:7), in fact in one instance, 3,000 souls were converted to the Church (Acts 2:41) and daily they increased in number (Acts 2:47).

Time came when a great persecution arose against the Church in Jerusalem which caused the members to scatter to the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). Ironically, this persecution, which was originally aimed at thwarting the Church’s growth, even became the catalyst for its expansion. Those who scattered to various regions of Palestine continued to spread the gospel (Acts 8:4).

Through the instrumentality of Apostle Paul, the Church Of Christ spread to the Gentile nations (Acts 13:46-49; Rom. 16:4, 16). The labor of Apostle Paul and his companions was in line with the mandate of Christ that the Good News about the “Kingdom” be preached through all the world for a witness to all mankind (Matt. 24:14 Good News Bible). This kingdom which was propagated by the apostles, to serve as a witness to all mankind, is the Church Of Christ (Col. 1:13-14 NKJV; Acts 20:28 Lamsa).

Matthew 24:4 and 11—The rise of false prophets

Before His ascension to heaven, Christ warned of the future rise of false prophets: “And Jesus answered them, ‘Take heed that no one leads you astray … And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray’” (Matt. 24:4, 11 Revised Standard Version).

Even the apostles, who were being guided by the Holy Spirit, were aware of this foretold occurrence:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” (I Tim. 4:1-3 King James Version)

While the apostles were still alive, they were able to restrain the falling away or the apostasy of the Church (II Thess. 2:8, 3 New American Standard Bible). But they were also aware that time would come when a number of believers would be removed. The departure of the apostles (Acts 20:29) or their death (II Tim. 4:6-8), would be the turning point of the first-century Church Of Christ from her status as God’s chosen people (I Pet. 2:9-10).

Apostle Paul knew that the false prophets would rise up from among the leaders of the Church:

“Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:30 NKJV)

He was so troubled about what was going to happen that he said:

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (II Cor. 11:3-4 NKJV)

The corruption of the faith and beliefs of the members of the Church after the death of the apostles was the reason why the organization lost its status as God’s children. According to the Bible, God refuses to accept as His children those who have acted corruptly toward Him (Deut. 32:5 NKJV).

Matthew 7:13-14—Enter the narrow gate

Christ made it clear that He truly wanted people to benefit from His work of redemption. He taught:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14, NKJV)

The narrow gate that Christ admonished people to enter is in fact Himself, and those who enter in by Him will be saved:

“So Jesus said again, ‘I am telling you the truth: I am the gate for the sheep. … I am the gate. Whoever comes in by me will be saved …’.” (John 10:7, 9 GNB)

Those who have entered in by Christ are in the flock or fold (John 10:9 Revised English Bible; 10:16) which is the Church Of Christ:

“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)

In our time, the true Church Of Christ has reemerged. Though Christ and His apostles prophesied about the apostasy or turning away of the first century Church Of Christ, Christ also said:

“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.” (John 10:16 NKJV)

We believe that the prophesied “other sheep of Christ” are the members of the true Church Of Christ today—the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

The true Church Of Christ has always been just one religious organization, in the first century and even now. The true Church, no matter how far and wide it reaches, will always share the same beliefs, faith and hope, as it was during the time of the Apostles: “There is one body [the body is the Church—Col. 1:18] and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4-6 NKJV).

Matthew 28:19-20—Make disciples of all nations

Before ascending to heaven, Christ said to His apostles:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age …” (Matt. 28:19-20 NKJV)

One has completely entered into the body of Christ, or the Church Of Christ, if he is baptized in it (I Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18). But true baptism can only be facilitated by one commissioned to teach the true commandments that came from God. Christ warned about the proliferation of false preachers (Matt. 24:11), so one must be careful in his choice of preachers. Since discipleship is the result of faith and obedience to the true commandments of God and Christ, one should examine first all the doctrines and teachings being propagated by any particular preacher or religion before adhering to such. Christ promises only to be with those who observe what is in line with what He taught.

Therefore, the true identifying characteristics of the true Church Of Christ today are the teachings it observes. Even if an organization traces its history back to the original Church established by Christ in the first century, yet if it does not follow and uphold the true teachings of Christ, it could not be considered as the true Church Of Christ.

Matthew 10:36-38—Prove our love for Christ

But it’s not easy to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Being a member of His Church entails enduring persecutions and tribulations. The Bible declares:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’.” (Matt. 16:24 NKJV)

Among the crosses that one must take up or bear is persecution. Christ said:

“And ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matt. 10:36-38 NKJV)

Those who are able to prove their love for Christ despite persecution and trials are the ones He considers as worthy and faithful. Their sole inspiration in enduring all pains and sufferings is Christ’s promise of great blessings when He returns:

“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes’.”
(Luke 12:42-43 NKJV)

And so with utmost determination, a member of the true Church Of Christ will strive to complete his course because Christ fervently promised:

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
(Matt. 24:13 NKJV)

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message Magazine, September 2014 Issue.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Sharing in Christ’s resurrection

Posted on March 27, 2021March 27, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Sharing in Christ's resurrection

THE RESURRECTION OF our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the greatest events in the history of Christendom. Not only did this fulfill the biblical prophecies concerning Christ’s work and mission but it also significantly manifested the fulfillment of man’s long standing hope of victory over his gravest problem—death—and of his attainment of God’s promised salvation:

“But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised.” (I Cor. 15:20 Good News Bible)

Just as death is a certainty, so is the resurrection of the dead.

But, there are people who doubt the idea of the dead being raised to life, especially today when even the brightest of scientist haven’t discovered this for a fact. Apostle Paul explains the truthfulness of this doctrine of the Bible by saying:

“When you plant a seed in the ground, it does not sprout to life unless it dies.” (I Cor. 15:36 GNB)

Indeed, a seed has to dry out before it sprouts to life. Following this metaphor, the apostle said:

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in peace. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” (I Cor. 15:42-44 New King James Version)

The natural body we have now ages, grows weak, dies, and is to be buried in the ground where it will see corruption and decay. But at the day of resurrection, it will be replaced by a spiritual body, one that is without corruption, glorious, honorable, and raised in power.

This happened to our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:15, 23). It will happen again to all the dead at the appointed time.

The two resurrections

The more important thing that we should make sure of is the kind of resurrection which is in store for us. Our Lord Jesus Christ taught that there are two resurrections:

“Don’t be so surprised! Indeed the time is coming when all the dead in their graves shall hear the voice of God’s Son, and shall rise again-those who have done good, to eternal life; and those who have continued in evil, to judgment.” (John 5:28-29 Living Bible)

Man shall rise from death to receive either eternal life or judgment. Who will be raised to life when Christ returns?

“For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. But each one will be raised in his proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him.” (I Cor. 15:22-23 GNB)

One has to have genuine relationship with Christ to receive eternal life. Only those who are in union with Christ and belong to Him can hope to be raised to a life of perfection. Which has relation to Christ? In Ephesians 5:30, 32, this is written:

“Because we are members (parts) of His body …. This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.” (Amplified Bible)

It is the Church which has relation to Christ. Through it, a person becomes truly one with Christ because the true Church is the body of Christ, and He is its head (Col. 1:18; Eph. 2:15). The apostle identify this Church as the Church of Christ:

“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 Translation)

Therefore, relationship with Christ is not just a personal thing as what many people believe. One cannot be in union with Christ by merely professing faith in Him as Lord and Savior. He must also accept and join the Church Of Christ because it is the way to become united with Christ.

The first resurrection

Those who are in Christ or members of the Church of Christ will be the first ones to be raised to life:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (I Thess. 4:16-17 NKJV)

Apostle Paul explained how the first resurrection of the dead will take place. He said that the “dead in Christ,” or the members of the Church Of Christ who died will rise first on His Second Coming. Meanwhile, the members who are alive at the day of Christ’s return will no longer taste death. Instead, they shall dwell with the Lord in the heavenly abode with their resurrected brethren. The Second Death shall have no power over them:

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6 NKJV)

A great fortune awaits those who belong to the Church of Christ. Being among those who will take part in the first resurrection, they will be saved from the eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

The second resurrection

What about those who will not take part in the first resurrection? The book of Revelation reveals what kind of resurrection awaits them:

“Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. … Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev. 20:7-10, 14 NKJV)

Those who are not part of the first resurrection will be raised to face judgment. They will suffer both on Judgment Day when the ungodly are destroyed (II Pet. 3:7, 10) and on the second resurrection a thousand years later when they will be cast into eternal torment in the lake of fire.

There is a great difference between the first and second resurrection in terms of time and more importantly the condition where they lead to. While a great fortune awaits those who will share in the first resurrection, eternal punishment will befall the rest or those who do not belong to Christ. Thus, to whom shall death come as a great blessing?

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on”.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them’.” (Rev. 14:13 NKJV)

For the members of the true Church Of Christ, to die in the service of the Lord is a great blessing. Christ will raise them up when He returns to endow them with eternal life in God’s Holy City. There, they shall rest from all pains, sufferings, loneliness, and even death (Rev. 21:1-4).

One should join the Church Of Christ for him to share in the victory of Christ over death and His gracious inheritance in the Holy City. For, just as the Lord Jesus Christ was raised to glory, so will He raise the faithful members of His Church and transform their lowly body “that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philip. 3:20-21).

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

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