The article challenges the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s teaching that understanding the Bible requires the help of a minister. Using biblical references, the author argues that God’s word is accessible and understandable to all believers. Citing Deuteronomy 30:11-14, the article emphasizes that Moses taught the Israelites that God’s commandments are not distant or difficult to grasp, but are near to them, enabling obedience. Similarly, Paul in Romans 10:5-12 applied this concept to the gospel, asserting that believers cannot claim to need intermediaries to comprehend or share the message. Ultimately, the article encourages personal responsibility in understanding and applying God’s word.
The Bible teaches that messengers, prophets, and ministers are essential for explaining God’s word and guiding people to the truth. Scripture frequently shows that God uses chosen individuals to reveal His will and explain His teachings. For instance, in Acts 8:30-31, when Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah, the eunuch admits that he cannot understand the scripture without guidance, saying, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” This indicates the necessity of a teacher or messenger to properly understand the deeper meaning of God’s word. Moreover, Romans 10:14-15 supports the need for preachers, as Paul writes, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” This passage reinforces that hearing and understanding the word of God requires someone to teach or explain it. Furthermore, 2 Peter 3:16 warns that some parts of Scripture are hard to understand and can be twisted by the unlearned. This underscores the need for divinely appointed messenger who is called and equipped to accurately teach God’s word. Without such guidance, individuals may struggle to fully grasp the truth independently, risking misinterpretation and confusion.

