The article critiques the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s (INC) claim that its global success and longevity are evidence of its divine truth. It argues that using such criteria is flawed, as longer-lasting or larger religions like Roman Catholicism and Mormonism are not deemed true by INC members. Furthermore, the INC’s doctrine contradicts itself by asserting that decline signals falsehood, which would also apply to the early Christian church, believed by INC to have ceased for nearly 2,000 years. The author emphasizes that truth should be assessed not by success or growth but by adherence to biblical teachings, citing Acts 17:10-11 as a model for examining religious claims.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo teaches that its success and global expansion are not merely external signs but fulfillments of biblical prophecy. For example, Isaiah 43:5-6 foretells the gathering of God’s chosen people from distant lands. The growth of the INC is evidence that it is the church prophesied to arise in the last days, fulfilling God’s plan to spread His message worldwide. This aligns with the belief that the true church is divinely supported and will not fail in its mission.
Regarding the claim that decline signals falsehood, INC distinguishes between human-led religious institutions and God’s true church. While the first-century church established by Christ was indeed true, it did not fail; rather, it was temporarily set aside due to human apostasy, as foretold in passages like Acts 20:29-30 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The church was restored in the last days through the re-establishment of God’s work via Felix Y. Manalo, whom we recognize as God’s last messenger. This restoration aligns with the teachings of Revelation 7:2-3 and other prophetic texts.
The article’s critique of success as a measure of truth overlooks biblical examples where God’s work was marked by triumph despite adversity. For instance, the spread of the early Christian church in the face of persecution reflects divine guidance and support, a principle that applies to INC’s mission today. The Bible also emphasizes that God blesses His people with growth and strength to fulfill His purposes (e.g., Isaiah 60:22).
Lastly, INC teaches that while conformity to biblical teachings is paramount, the church’s growth serves as a tangible sign of God’s favor and fulfillment of prophecy. This perspective does not contradict Acts 17:10-11 but complements it by affirming that truth is revealed through both scripture and the evident blessings of God upon His true church. Therefore, the INC’s emphasis on success is not a contradiction but a reaffirmation of its belief in God’s active involvement in guiding His church.
True Iglesia Information 