THE Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is a Christian denomination founded in the Philippines in 1914. It’s a rapidly growing church with a unique theology, emphasizing a single, supreme God and the sole authority of its leadership. The INC became a significant force in Filipino society, boasting of millions of members and a strong presence nationwide.
INC provides a strong sense of community, offering social services, educational institutions, and a distinct cultural identity. This year, the church will celebrate its 110th anniversary, a testament to its community’s steadfast faith.
Established in faith
Founded in 1914, with its first congregation in Punta, Santa Ana, Manila, INC, translating to “Church of Christ,” is a cornerstone of Filipino faith and a global religious force. Its story, woven with charismatic leadership and distinct beliefs, offers a glimpse into a church unlike many others.
The church’s founder, Felix Manalo, established the INC after a period of intense religious exploration.
World War II and its aftermath proved to be a period of significant growth for the INC. As the Philippines rebuilt, the church experienced a surge in membership fueled by a national religious revival. The INC’s strong sense of community and emphasis on education and social welfare provided stability and support during a turbulent time.
Following the death of Felix Manalo in 1963, the INC leadership transitioned to his son, Eraño Manalo. Under his guidance, the church expanded internationally, establishing congregations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The INC’s global reach solidified its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing Christian denominations.
Guided by the Word of God
The INC isn’t just a religious organization, it’s a community guided by a clearly defined vision and mission. Their vision, as outlined in Ephesians 5:27, is to be a “radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” It translates to a church striving for perfect unity in faith and practice, where members are devoted to a holy life based on authentic Christian teachings.
Its mission statement reflects a two-pronged approach. The first aspect emphasizes evangelism, fulfilling Christ’s command to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15-16). It encourages its members to share the gospel globally, believing that salvation comes through faith and baptism.
Meanwhile, the second facet of their mission focuses on nurturing their existing members. They achieve this through “constant and effective religious instruction,” as stated in Colossians 1:28. This translates to ongoing education and guidance to help members grow spiritually and live a righteous life, according to the INC’s interpretation of the Bible. Ultimately, the INC aspires to present its members “perfect in Christ.”
Essentially, the INC envisions a unified and faithful church with a mission to spread the gospel and guide its members toward spiritual maturity. These goals are central to everything the INC does, shaping its approach to worship, community building, and outreach.
Looking inside
the teachings of INC
Central to the INC’s theology is a strict adherence to the Bible, seen as the sole source of God’s teachings. They believe in one God, the Father, rejecting the concept of the Holy Trinity. Jesus Christ is God’s chosen son, the divine messenger, and the path to salvation. Unlike some Christian denominations, the INC emphasizes Christ’s humanity, denying his divinity.
The INC follows a strict moral code, emphasizing upright living and adherence to biblical teachings. It translates to practices like abstaining from vices like smoking and alcohol and avoiding holidays deemed to have pagan origins, like Christmas and Easter. Observance of the Sabbath on the seventh day, Saturday, is another vital tenet.
Moreover, for the INC, worshipping God is not just a religious practice; it’s considered the very purpose of human existence. The church emphasizes a unique perspective on worship, focusing on devotion’s internal and external aspects.
The INC believes worship should be done “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).
“In spirit” signifies worshipping God with sincerity and devotion, acknowledging Him as the creator, and recognizing our dependence. Their congregation offers prayers with a pure heart and a deep understanding of God’s teachings.
Additionally, the “in truth” aspect signifies obedience to God’s commandments in the Bible. The INC strictly adheres to its literal interpretation of scripture, emphasizing following God’s word. Worship services involve studying scripture, singing hymns that praise God, and offering contributions – all seen as ways to express obedience and devotion.
INC’s unique approach to worship has fostered a strong sense of community within the INC. Members are encouraged to participate actively in worship services, contributing their voices and resources. The emphasis on scriptural accuracy fosters a unified understanding of God’s will among members, further strengthening the INC’s identity.
Forged in unity
The INC strongly emphasizes a concept known as “Christian Unity.” This belief goes beyond simple interdenominational cooperation and delves into a core tenet of their faith.
But what exactly does Christian Unity mean for the INC?
It interprets passages from the Bible, like John 17:21-23, to advocate for a singular, unified church established by God. They believe divisions and denominations are not part of God’s plan and represent a departure from the original, united church founded by Jesus Christ.
Christian Unity manifests in several ways within the INC. Services occur according to a standard across all INC congregations worldwide, fostering a sense of shared practice. Additionally, the INC discourages internal factions or divisions, promoting a united front in their worship and mission.
The church continues to make strides for its local and global community. Recent years have seen the dedication of new houses of worship in North America and Europe, solidifying the INC’s footprint across continents. This expansion reflects the Church’s commitment to spreading its faith and serving its global membership.
As the INC prepares to celebrate its 110th anniversary, its legacy as a homegrown Filipino faith movement remains undeniable. It’s a church that continues to evolve, navigating the complexities of a globalized world, while holding fast to its core beliefs. The anniversary serves as a celebration and a testament to the enduring power of faith and community that the INC has fostered for over a century.
