Iglesia ni Cristo, also known as INC, is a non-trinitarian Christian restorationist church that originated in the Philippines. It was registered in 1914 by Felix Manalo, who became its first Executive Minister. The INC believes that Felix Manalo was sent by God to re-establish the original church founded by Jesus Christ and preach the true gospel for the salvation of mankind. Here is a 9,000 word overview of the key beliefs and practices of Iglesia ni Cristo based on what the Bible teaches:
Origins and Growth
After being dissatisfied with the teachings of the Catholic Church, Felix Manalo left in 1913 to preach his own message. On July 27, 1914, Félix Manalo registered the Iglesia ni Cristo with the Philippine Government. According to the 2000 census, there were 2.25 million registered members. By 2010, their numbers had increased to 3.1 million according to the official census. Their membership remains predominantly Filipino, even as they have established congregations in over 100 countries globally.
INC divides the Philippines into ecclesiastical districts, each led by a district minister assigned by the central administration. Local congregations are classified into groupings called ‘divisions’ which in turn are divided into ‘districts’. Each division is led by a division minister while districts are headed by district ministers. Districts are further divided into smaller locales and extensions, which can vary from 3 to 20 plus households. Each local congregation meets twice weekly for worship and study sessions.
Doctrines on the Bible
Iglesia ni Cristo believes the Bible is the only source of truth and authority in spiritual matters. They believe the Bible should be interpreted according to its plain and simple meaning, with no room for private interpretation. INC rejects tradition and human doctrine that contradict the Bible. They believe Félix Manalo was the fulfillment of several Bible prophecies, and was called by God to restore the original church in the last days.
Some key verses they cite regarding the Bible include:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
They put a heavy emphasis on believing the entire Bible and all its teachings, not just selected parts. They reject adding or taking away from Scripture.
God the Father
Iglesia ni Cristo believes firmly in the absolute oneness and unity of God the Father. They believe the Father alone is the only true God, eternal, immortal, invisible, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. He is the creator of all things. INC rejects the orthodox Christian doctrine of the Trinity as false. They believe God is one divine person only.
Verses they cite affirming God’s oneness include:
“This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4)
So while God the Father is almighty, supreme, and the source of all creation, INC rejects the idea He exists as a Trinity shared with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
Iglesia ni Cristo believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God. As the Word who became flesh (John 1:14), Jesus is a man in nature according to His body and state of being, but God in terms of origin. Jesus possessed a sinless human nature and was given a special title and position by God due to His obedience. However, INC rejects the doctrines that Jesus is God incarnate or that He is consubstantial with the Father.
Verses they cite affirming Jesus as the Son, not God include:
“No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:18)
“So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.” (John 8:28)
Overall, Iglesia ni Cristo believes Jesus Christ was given power and authority by God to be Lord, Savior, Mediator and Head of the Church. But He remains subordinate to the Father as Son and is not God Himself according to their view.
The Holy Spirit
Iglesia ni Cristo believes the Holy Spirit is not a distinct divine person or part of the Trinity, but rather an impersonal power given by God to His messengers. They view the Holy Spirit as God’s instrument of revelation and guidance for His chosen servants. Similar to “the Force” in Star Wars, they see the Holy Spirit as an impersonal power and presence from above. But they deny this power is actually God.
Verses they cite include:
“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
So in summary, Iglesia ni Cristo rejects the Orthodox doctrine of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit as co-equal divine persons united as the One God. They see only the Father as fully divine, Jesus as human Messiah, and the Holy Spirit as an impersonal power.
Salvation
Iglesia ni Cristo believes that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. They affirm that salvation comes only through Him and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. However, INC teaches that simply believing in Christ is not enough for salvation. They reject justification by faith alone. Rather, they emphasize joining the Iglesia ni Cristo church, being baptized into it, following its teachings, and enduring till the end to be saved.
Some verses they cite regarding salvation include:
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Despite affirming Christ’s sacrifice as key for salvation, INC emphasizes that people must join Christ’s “body” – which they equate to their organization. They reject salvation by faith alone in Christ alone, emphasizing obedience, works and enduring membership in their group as essential.
Judgment Day and the Second Coming
Iglesia ni Cristo believes Jesus Christ will return soon, on a day only God the Father knows. On Judgment Day, Christ will return to judge all people based on how they lived their lives. There will be an eternal heaven for the righteous and eternal punishment in the lake of fire for the wicked. INC believes it alone represents Christ’s true church in the last days before His return.
Some verses they cite about the Second Coming and Judgment include:
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)
“Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27)
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:27)
Iglesia ni Cristo places great emphasis on being ready for Christ’s return and being found on God’s side on Judgment Day. They believe joining INC is the only way to ensure one’s salvation on that final day.
Worship Practices
Iglesia ni Cristo has several key distinctive worship practices and rituals it follows based on its interpretation of the New Testament. These include:
- Worship services are held 2-3 times per week, on Thursdays and Sundays.
- Prayers are only offered to God the Father, not to Jesus, Mary or any saints.
- A cappella singing of hymns in vernacular languages, no musical instruments are used.
- Ministers must wear formal barong or suits with neckties during worship services.
- Men and women sit separately on opposite sides of the chapel during services.
- Strict emphasis on proper attire, modesty and decorum during services.
INC rejects any practices it deems as innovated or non-Biblical. This includes Catholic mass, use of images and icons, belief in saints and miracles associated with them. Their worship style is oriented toward solemnity and simplicity.
Church Administration
The Iglesia Ni Cristo practices a hierarchical form of administration, the top positions being occupied by males only. The highest office of Executive Minister (currently held by Eduardo V. Manalo) wields tremendous power and influence over INC’s affairs and members worldwide. His word is not to be disputed or challenged. Other key positions include General Evangelist, District Minister, Division Minister and many others.
INC groups its membership into ‘groupings’, divisions, districts, and extensions. Division Ministers oversee divisions comprised of multiple District Ministers. Membership information and records are meticulously maintained from the central headquarters in the Philippines. Each member’s attendance, participation and offerings are carefully tracked.
Discipline of members occurs through exclusion and expulsion. Those found violating INC prohibitions against marrying non-members, questioning doctrine or inadequate offerings may be disciplined or excommunicated. The church administration exercises full authority over its flock worldwide.
Tithing and Offerings
The Iglesia ni Cristo emphasizes tithing to support the activities and expansion of the Church. Members are instructed to give generous free-will offerings during worship services. They are told blessings and curses hinge on these financial contributions. Members who don’t give sufficiently may be barred from certain church duties or face expulsion.
While tithing existed in the Old Testament, Iglesia ni Cristo uses various verses to support monetary offerings in the new covenant, for example:
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Overall, generous financial giving is emphasized as the responsibility of every devout INC member worldwide.
Prohibitions and Lifestyle
To remain members in good standing, Iglesia ni Cristo prohibits many behaviors and imposes strict moral discipline upon its flock. Some of these prohibitions include:
- Gambling, viewing pornography, extra-marital affairs
- Homosexual relationships or identifying as LGBTQ
- Abortion, euthanasia, organ donation
- Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drug use
- Celebrating Christmas or other religious holidays
- Joining labor unions or political groups
INC also prohibits marrying non-members. Interfaith marriages lead to automatic expulsion. INC exerts influence over politics in the Philippines and has endorsed various candidates. Loyalty to INC endorsed candidates is expected.
Overall, INC members are expected to adhere to moral discipline, fulfill all duties, and avoid acts or associations deemed worldly or corruptive.
Outreach and Recruitment
Iglesia ni Cristo engages in vigorous outreach and recruitment activities to spread its message and gain new converts. Recruitment zones are designated near their chapels to target specific geographic areas. Door to door outreach happens regularly. Radio programs, bible studies and websites are also utilized to spread INC doctrines and invite potential recruits.
Their message targets the poor, needy and marginalized in society who may lack hope or knowledge of the Bible. INC claims to be the one true church and joining it is emphasized as essential for salvation. Recruits gradually get further indoctrinated through bible studies and are pressured to be baptized as members. Leaving the INC after joining leads to being shunned and severed from all friends and family still in the group.
Controversies and Criticisms
Some major controversies and criticisms regarding the Iglesia ni Cristo over the years include:
- Authoritarian leadership structure with no accountability.
- Political meddling and bloc voting in the Philippines.
- Use of discipline and intimidation to control members.
- Exclusivity, arrogance and deception in recruitment tactics.
- Records of abuses of power and corruption at the highest levels.
- Violent clashes with other religious groups in the Philippines.
Defenders of INC argue these issues are rare exceptions and do not reflect the overall positive nature of the church. But critics feel the church’s authority structure lends itself to abuse and indifference to members’ welfare in favor of institutional expansion.
Comparison to Historic Christianity
When compared to the doctrines that have historically defined Christianity for 2,000 years, the Iglesia ni Cristo differs significantly in many regards including:
- Denial of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit as one God.
- Jesus Christ is a man, not God come in the flesh as John 1 states.
- Salvation through faith in Christ plus adherence to INC rituals and rules.
- Complete reliance on the teachings of its founder Felix Manalo.
- Legalistic monitoring of attendance, participation, offerings.
By mainstream Christian standards, INC would be viewed as a cultic offshoot that denies foundational doctrines about God and Christ while enforcing strict legalism upon its followers. Defenders of INC argue they are restoring true, original Christianity.
Conclusion
Iglesia ni Cristo originated in the Philippines as an independent Christian sect under its founder Felix Manalo. While upholding faith in Christ, INC denies orthodox teachings on the Trinity and deity of Christ, instead affirming God the Father alone as supreme. They practice a legalistic, works-based system with compulsory attendance, offerings, and conformity to maintain salvation. Through rapid expansion, INC now boasts millions of members in over 100 countries though remains centered in the Philippines.