ON JULY 27, 1914, the same day as the outbreak of the First World War in the same year the first vessel sailed through the Panama Canal, a distinctive Christian Church emerged from the Philippines, an archipelago in the Far East. This Church that emphasizes the Bible as the sole basis of faith is the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ firmly believes in the One True God, the Holy Father who created all things. The primary obligation of human beings and the purpose for our creation is to serve and worship Him. It acknowledges Christ Jesus, the begotten Son of God, as Lord and Savior, who established the Church according to the Will of God for salvation. Christ gave His life for His Church, His body. Being the head of the Church, Christ was able to redeem the sins of its members without breaking the law of God that each person must die for his own sins.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ has various biblical testimonies that prove that it is the true Church Of Christ that has Christ as her head today. As the Apostles in the 1st century held onto the sure word of the prophecy? As a proof of their divine calling (II Pt.1:10, 19-20), so does the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ. Biblical prophecies testified to this such as those written in Isaiah 43:5-7; 46:11,John 10:16, and revelation 7:2-3. These prove that it is indeed the true Church Of Christ re-established in these last days. Within a short period of 87 years, the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ has accomplished numerous achievements, which are truly remarkable for a church that originated from a developing country and that exist without financial or other aid of any government or religious agency anywhere in the world. From its early beginning at Punta, Stan Ana in Manila, where the late Brother Felix Y. Manalo first preached, the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ has indeed gone a long way as it now counts millions of members not only in the Philippines but also in different parts of the world.

In 1968, the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ achieved a milestone when Brother Eraño G. Manalo, her present Executive Minister, spearheaded the establishment of locales in Hawaii and California in the United States of America. Since then, the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ has spanned the different parts of the world. As of this time, 600 locales and congregations have been established, composed of people from 182 races and from 75 countries and territories out side the Philippines.

As the growth in its membership steadily increases, so does the construction program of the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ continue to intensify. Over the years, the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ has constructed numerous Houses of Worship, the biggest of which is the Central Temple in Quezon City, which stands in a total land area of 1.6 hectares and can seat about 7,000 worshipers. This magnificent structure is an integral part of the over 40-hectare Church complex where other remarkable edifices like the Central Office, Tabernacle, Pavilion, INC Museum and Gallery, New Era University, College of Evangelical Ministry, New Era General Hospital, among others are also built.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ is also actively involved in socio-civic works. Thousands have benefited from the livelihood projects that the Church has initiated in different places. The Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ has also successfully embarked on housing and community development projects intended for church volunteers in different regions of the Philippines. Many disasters victims as well as the bereaved and the less fortunate have likewise received aid and relief through the outreached program called Lingap Sa Mamamayan. In addition, the Church maintains its support to government campaigns on literacy, family planning, health, environment and other related endeavors.

Above other concerns is the welfare of people’s souls or his salvation on the day of Judgment that the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ primarily offers to all. By constantly proclaiming God’s Message of Salvation to everyone, the Church continues to uphold a truly noble purpose for all people to attain the wondrous love of God and the firm hope on His eternal promises.