Cult Organization: Iglesia Ni Cristo (1914)
Founder: Felix Manalo Ysagun a.k.a. “Felix Ysagun Manalo” or “Ka Felix”
Felix Manalo Ysagun was born on May 10, 1886. He ultimately changed his name to Felix Ysagun Manalo, most likely to sound more victorious and joyous. Some researchers believe that another explanation for his name change could be his affection for his mother, who loved him dearly. He originated from a Roman Catholic background, then joined a Protestant church, then a Seventh-day Adventist group, then became an agnostic, and finally founded his own religious group. Many of his teachings are comparable to those of Unitarians (that Jesus is man, not God), Seventh-Day Adventists (with legalistic laws), and the Church of Christ (that water baptism saves). He died April 12, 1963.
Executive Minister
Eraño G. Manalo (April 19, 1963 – August 31, 2009)
Eduardo V. Manalo (September 7, 2009 – Present)
Main Headquarter:
Quezon City, Philippines
Philippine Membership
Baptized Converts – 6,224 (1997); 7,933 (1998); 13,247 (1999)
INC Population in the Philippines [1]
1974–79: 500,000 – 1,400,000
1984: 1,000,000
1996: 1,680,000
1998: 858,000
1999: 3,000,000
2000 – 1,762,845
2014 – 2,251,941
2020 – ~2,800,000 – 3,000,000
2026 – ~3,000,000 – 3,200,000
According to one source, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has an estimated 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 members worldwide. [2]
Source of Authority
The teachings and prophetic interpretations of Felix Y. Manalo.
The Holy Bible (any text version except those that doesn’t support their theology)
Pasugo (first published 1939) or God’s Message – a magazine that contains the doctrines and commentaries written by the Iglesia ni Cristo ministers.
Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister, authorities, and local ministers.
Countries and Cities Present
Africa – 10+
Central America – 5+
North America – (a) Canada – 10+ (b) U.S.A. – 40+
South America – 5+
Caribbean – 5+
Asia – 25+
Australia & Oceania – 10+
Europe – 20+
Unbiblical Beliefs
Vehemently oppose the Biblical revelation of the Triune God.
Believes in the absolute oneness of God the Creator in the Person of the Father.
Believes the Son as the literal Word (which has no pre-existence) who became man. He was given power by the Father to do supernatural miracles. He is not God.
Believes in an impersonal Holy Spirit, a power sent by the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is not God but one of the spirits sent by God.
Believes the Father (Creator) and Son (creature) must be worshipped. The Son must be worshipped because the Father says so.
Believes a person must hear the “gospel” from authorized INC messengers and INC ministers. They are the only ones who have God’s Holy Spirit in order for them to understand the Bible.
Believes the official name of the church is “Iglesia ni Cristo” while other names are not.
Believes a person must be a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), be water baptized, follow the church rules (must avoid the eating of “dinuguan,” avoid joining labor unions, avoid court sessions, do block voting, be under compulsory church attendance, practice giving to the church) and perform his good deeds as an INC member in order for him to be saved.
Believes Felix Y. Manalo is the fulfillment of Isaiah 43:5-7; 46:11, and Rev. 7:2-3 prophecies.
They also believe in “soul sleep,” a belief that at death, the souls dies. There is no consciousness. (A belief of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church – Ellen G. White).
How to Start a Conversation with an Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Member
First, you can place a Christian tract on top of his working table or hand it to him personally. If he/she is a zealous I.N.C., he/she will be the one to open up the door of conversation.
Methods of Witnessing to an INC Member
Pray that the Lord will open a door for a spiritual conversation between the both of you. Suggest a topic for both of you to discuss preferably on essential teachings (e.g. deity of Jesus Christ, Salvation, Authority, etc.).
Do not dwell on peripheral issues such as the eating of “dinuguan”, tithes, manner of clothing, etc. for these cannot contribute to a person’s salvation.
Always bear in mind that when an INC says “God” what he has in mind is always the “Father.” Therefore do not ever say to him, “I will prove to you that Jesus is God” because you have just said, “I will prove that Jesus is the Father.” Rather say, “I believe the Scripture not only tell us that Jesus has the nature of ‘man’ but also has the nature of ‘God’ as well. Could we check that out?”
Always say, “The INC authorities said…” rather than “You said…” to avoid offending the person you’re talking to. This will also prevent him from building more walls against the gospel.
Whenever the INC member quote a passage supporting their set of beliefs do not just jump to another passage to prove your point. Rather, explain first the context of the passage he just quoted before proceeding onto another supporting verse–do this only when you feel that he has fully understood your explanation. Remember “the Scripture supports each other and does not contradict one another.”
Always throw a set of question so that he could think it over. Like this example below: Christian: Who are you expecting to come during the last day? Is it the Father or the Son? INC: The Son…
You can also ask him, “Are you willing to go to hell just because of someone else’s false teachings? …”
Before parting ways, ask permission if you can pray for him. If not, then lift him up in prayer during your private moments with God.
Things to Remember Before Witnessing to an INC Member
Be sure to know his theology first before embarking on witnessing.
Know why he believe what he believe.
Study every Scripture passage that they misquote and twist in order to explaining that Jesus Christ was only human.
Be very familiar with your Bible so that there will be no idle moments for him to interrupt what you’re saying.
Be alert on every explanation he presents so that you will have something use these against the INC’s false doctrines.
Do not forget to share him the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
References
[1] Not an exact figure. Source: Adherents.com and National Statistics Office as stated by Rappler (July 26, 2014)
[2] Updated global estimates based on contemporary demographic projections (~2026)
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