Is Iglesia ni Cristo the True Church? Examining the Claims of Felix Manalo and Their Belief About Jesus

Is Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) the true Church founded by Jesus? This article examines their claim that Felix Manalo is God's last messenger and their denial of Jesus’ divinity. Discover if there's real evidence or if INC is just another modern cult.

---

Is Iglesia ni Cristo the True Church? Examining the Claims of Felix Manalo and Their Belief About Jesus

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), founded in the Philippines in 1914 by Felix Y. Manalo, boldly claims that they are the one true Church restored by God in the last days, and that Felix Manalo is the “angel from the East” or the "bird of prey" mentioned in Isaiah 46:11 and Revelation 7:2. But how valid are these claims? Do they hold up to biblical, historical, and theological scrutiny? Or is INC simply a man-made religious movement with cultic tendencies?

---

1. The Claim: Felix Manalo is the Angel from the East

One of the most controversial teachings of INC is that Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. They cite Isaiah 46:11 ("a bird of prey from the East") and Revelation 7:2-3 ("an angel ascending from the east") as referring to Manalo, saying that his mission began in the East (Philippines) and that he is the last messenger of God in these last days.

But is there any evidence for this?

• Biblical scholars (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) across the centuries have never interpreted these passages to refer to a modern-day Filipino preacher.

• The "angel" in Revelation 7 is part of a vision representing God's spiritual work—not necessarily a literal person.

• Using Scripture to identify oneself as a “prophesied angel” without strong biblical or apostolic tradition is extremely dangerous and misleading.

---

2. A Break from Historical Christianity

The INC did not exist before 1914. There is no apostolic succession, no historical roots going back to Christ or the apostles, and no early Church Father who ever taught their unique doctrines.

By contrast, the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and some ancient Eastern Churches can trace their roots historically and theologically all the way back to the first century, directly from the apostles.

This lack of historical continuity is a red flag. A church that claims to be the one true Church must show:

• Apostolic origin

• Doctrinal consistency with early Christianity

• Sacramental and liturgical continuity
  The INC fails in all three.

---

3. INC Denies the Divinity of Jesus Christ

Perhaps the most alarming of INC's teachings is their denial that Jesus is God. According to INC, Jesus is merely a man—a special one, yes—but not divine. They reject the doctrine of the Trinity and consider it a heresy.

Is this the belief of true Christians?

Absolutely not. The divinity of Jesus is a core doctrine of Christianity, supported by:

• John 1:1,14 – "In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh."

• John 20:28 – Thomas calls Jesus, “My Lord and my God.”

• Colossians 2:9 – “In Christ, the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.”

• Titus 2:13 – “…our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

From the apostolic era to the Nicene Creed (325 A.D.), the belief that Jesus is true God and true man has been the undisputed foundation of Christianity.

To deny Jesus’ divinity is to depart from biblical Christianity, and aligns INC more with Arianism, a heresy condemned in the early Church.

---

4. Signs of a Cult?

Many scholars and ex-members have described INC as cult-like, and here’s why:

• Authoritarian leadership – Dissent is not tolerated, and members who question the doctrines are expelled.

• Control of information – Members are discouraged from reading outside sources or studying theology independently.

• Exclusive salvation claim – They teach that only members of INC will be saved, which contradicts God's universal offer of salvation.

These are hallmarks of cultic behavior, not a mark of the true Church of Christ.

---

 

Conclusion: Does Iglesia ni Cristo Have Evidence?

While INC boldly claims to be the true Church and elevates Felix Manalo to near-prophetic status, they offer no credible biblical, historical, or theological evidence to support this. Their denial of Jesus' divinity further distances them from true, apostolic Christianity.

True Christianity is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ as both God and Savior, passed down through the apostles, and preserved by the Church He founded in the first century.

The truth is: Iglesia ni Cristo is not the true Church of Jesus Christ, but a man-made sect that diverges from historic Christianity.

Are you open minded Christian, thirsty in seeking for truth?  Read also Is Felix Manalo the “Bird of Prey” in Isaiah 46:11? A Biblical and Historical Analysis;   Why Protestants are afraid of history?

Was Any Protestant Church Truly Founded by Jesus? Discovering the One True Church of Christ

Can any Protestant denomination prove it was founded by Jesus Christ? Explore historical and biblical evidence to identify the true Church established by Christ in the first century A.D. and whether it still exists today.

---

Introduction

One of the most important questions every Christian must ask is:
"Which Church did Jesus Christ actually establish?"

Many Protestant denominations today claim to teach the truth, follow the Bible, and represent authentic Christianity. But were any of them truly founded by Jesus Himself? Do they have historical or biblical evidence to support this claim?

This article examines the origins of Protestant churches, the biblical and historical criteria for the true Church, and how to identify the Church that Christ founded in the first century—and whether it still exists today.

---

1. The Foundation of Christ’s Church in the Bible

Jesus was very clear in His intention to establish a Church:

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
— Matthew 16:18

Key observations from this passage:

• Jesus founded one Church ("my Church," singular).

• It would be built on the foundation of Peter and the Apostles.

• This Church would never be destroyed or vanish ("gates of Hades will not prevail").

The true Church of Christ must therefore:

• Be historically continuous from the time of the Apostles.

• Be united in faith and teaching, not divided into thousands of denominations.

• Possess apostolic succession, authority passed down from the original Apostles.

---

2. When and How Did Protestant Denominations Begin?

The Protestant Reformation began in 1517, when Martin Luther, a Catholic monk, broke away from the Catholic Church. This started a chain reaction that led to thousands of denominations with conflicting beliefs.

Denomination	Founder	Date	Place
Lutheran	Martin Luther	1517	Germany
Anglican	King Henry VIII	1534	England
Reformed (Calvinist)	John Calvin	1536	Switzerland
Baptist	John Smyth	1609	Netherlands
Methodist	John Wesley	1738	England
Pentecostal	Charles Parham, William Seymour	1901–1906	USA
Seventh-Day Adventist	Ellen G. White	1863	USA
Jehovah's Witnesses	Charles T. Russell	1872	USA
Iglesia ni Cristo	Felix Y. Manalo	1914	Philippines

			None of these denominations claim to have existed before the 16th century. That means none of them were founded by Jesus Christ in the first century. 3. Do Any Protestant Churches Claim Apostolic Succession? Most Protestant groups reject the concept of apostolic succession, which the early Church considered essential. While they claim the Bible as their only authority (Sola Scriptura), this principle is not found in the Bible itself and leads to endless interpretations. Jesus did not leave a book; He established a teaching Church (Matthew 28:19–20), which passed on oral and written tradition (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The absence of apostolic succession, lack of historical continuity, and conflicting teachings across Protestant denominations are strong indicators that they cannot be the Church founded by Christ. 4. How Can You Find the True Church Founded by Jesus? If Christ founded only one Church, and He promised it would never perish (Matt. 16:18), then that Church must still exist today. ✅ Look for These Marks of the True Church (based on Scripture and the Nicene Creed): One – United in faith, doctrine, and leadership (Eph. 4:4–6) Holy – Founded by Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 1:2) Catholic – Universal across nations and centuries (Matt. 28:19) Apostolic – Built upon the foundation of the Apostles (Eph. 2:20) These four marks point clearly to the Catholic Church, which: Was founded by Christ in the first century (Acts 2) Has a continuous line of leadership from Peter to Pope Francis Holds the same core doctrines for 2,000 years Has preserved sacred scripture, tradition, and worship since the beginning Even non-Catholic historians acknowledge the Catholic Church as the oldest and original Christian body. 5. What About the Orthodox Churches? The Eastern Orthodox Churches also have apostolic succession and ancient liturgy. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches split in 1054 A.D. in what’s called the Great Schism. While they share many similarities, only the Catholic Church maintains: Universal unity under one visible head (the Pope) Clear doctrinal authority and ecumenical councils 6. Conclusion: Which Church Did Jesus Christ Really Found? No Protestant denomination can trace its founder, belief system, or structure back to Jesus Christ in the first century. All were formed by men long after the apostolic age. On the other hand, the Catholic Church alone fulfills all the biblical and historical marks of the true Church: Founded by Christ on the Apostles Exists without interruption since Pentecost (Acts 2) United in faith, sacraments, and apostolic leadership Confirmed by history, tradition, saints, and Scripture If you’re searching for the Church founded by Jesus, you’re looking for a Church that has never needed to be “reformed,” because it never left the foundation Christ laid.

Unearthing Faith: The Oldest Christian Churches in the Holy Land and Their Connection to the True Church of Christ

Discover the oldest Christian churches in the Holy Land tied to Jesus Christ and His Apostles, supported by archaeology and ancient tradition. Can these sacred sites help identify the True Church Christ founded in the first century?

---

Introduction

The Holy Land—especially in modern-day Israel and Palestine—is home to ancient Christian churches that trace their origin to the very places where Jesus Christ lived, preached, died, and rose again. These churches, built on sacred locations described in the New Testament, serve as living witnesses to the first-century Church and its enduring legacy. This article explores the oldest church structures, their connection to Jesus and His Apostles, current custodians, and scientific or archaeological evidence that supports their authenticity. Can these serve as markers to help us identify the true Church that Christ founded?

---

1. Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Jerusalem

Biblical Significance:
This site is traditionally believed to be the location of Golgotha (Calvary), where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb where He rose from the dead.

Date and History:
Built in AD 335 by Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena, the church has stood for nearly 1,700 years, despite destruction and reconstruction.

Ownership:
Shared under the Status Quo agreement by:

• Greek Orthodox Church

• Armenian Apostolic Church

• Roman Catholic Church (Franciscans)

Archaeological Evidence:
Excavations beneath the church have revealed:

• A 1st-century rock-cut tomb consistent with Jewish burial practices of the time.

• Scientific analysis in 2016 confirmed the original limestone burial bed dated to the 1st century AD.

---

2. Church of the Nativity – Bethlehem

Biblical Significance:
Built over the cave believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:1–7).

Date and History:
Constructed by Constantine in AD 339, rebuilt in the 6th century by Justinian after a fire.

Ownership:
Managed by:

• Greek Orthodox Church (main structure)

• Armenian Apostolic Church

• Roman Catholic Church (Franciscans oversee the adjoining Church of St. Catherine)

Archaeological Evidence:

• Original mosaics from the 4th and 6th centuries are preserved.

• The grotto matches early Christian writings that identified it as the site of Jesus’ birth.

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and spiritual value.

---

3. Church of the Annunciation – Nazareth

Biblical Significance:
Site where the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26–38).

Date and History:
The current basilica, completed in 1969, sits atop Byzantine and Crusader ruins.

Ownership:
Managed by the Roman Catholic Church (Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land).

Archaeological Evidence:

• Remains of a 1st-century Jewish home beneath the church, traditionally identified as Mary’s house.

• Graffiti with early Christian references, including “Ave Maria,” dated to the 3rd century.

---

4. Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu – Jerusalem

Biblical Significance:
Believed to be the location of Caiaphas’ house, where Jesus was imprisoned and where Peter denied Christ three times (Luke 22:54–62).

Date and History:
The present church was built in 1931, on top of earlier Byzantine and Crusader churches.

Ownership:
Operated by the Roman Catholic Assumptionist Fathers.

Archaeological Evidence:

• 1st-century prison cells and ancient stone stairways lead from the Mount of Olives, possibly walked by Jesus on the night of His arrest.

---

5. Church of the Multiplication – Tabgha (Sea of Galilee)

Biblical Significance:
Site of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes (Mark 6:30–44).

Date and History:
A small chapel existed by the 4th century, expanded in the 5th century, with the modern church rebuilt in 1982.

Ownership:
Maintained by the Benedictine Order (Catholic).

Archaeological Evidence:

• Well-preserved 5th-century mosaic floor, one of the oldest in the Holy Land.

• Ancient rock believed to be the place where Jesus laid the loaves and fish.

---

6. Dormition Abbey – Mount Zion, Jerusalem

Biblical Significance:
Traditionally believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary “fell asleep” (dormition) before her assumption.

Date and History:
Built by German Benedictines in the early 20th century, atop Byzantine ruins.

Ownership:
Managed by the German Benedictine Order (Catholic).

Archaeological Evidence:
Traces of earlier churches and tombs, along with Christian mosaics and relics, affirm centuries of veneration.

---

Can These Ancient Churches Help Prove the True Church?

These ancient churches provide more than historical interest—they offer real, tangible links to the 1st-century Christian community. Here's how:

✅ 1. Apostolic Succession

Most of these sites are managed by churches that can trace their leadership back to the Apostles, particularly:

• The Catholic Church (St. Peter in Rome)

• The Greek Orthodox Church (from the Church of Jerusalem and Constantinople)

• The Armenian Apostolic Church (one of the oldest Christian traditions)

This aligns with early Church structure (cf. Acts 1:20–26; 2 Tim. 2:2).

✅ 2. Historical Continuity

The uninterrupted veneration and preservation of these sites by the same faith communities since the early centuries reflects the authentic worship and beliefs of early Christians.

✅ 3. Archaeological Integrity

Excavations, carbon dating, inscriptions, and ancient writings support the authenticity of these locations as the very places described in the Gospels.

✅ 4. Universal Unity

The Catholic Church, in particular, fulfills the mark of catholicity (universality) described in early creeds, as it maintains and celebrates these sacred places globally.

---

Conclusion

The oldest Christian churches in the Holy Land are sacred time capsules that connect modern believers with the historical Jesus and His Apostles. With support from archaeology, tradition, and scripture, these sites give us credible insight into the early Church’s life and faith. While they may not definitively prove which Church is the true Church of Christ, they strongly validate the claims of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, which have preserved apostolic faith, practice, and worship from the 1st century to today.