Responding Job Bautista Post on "The Holy City, New Jerusalem" - Part 1

This post is one that I have previously engaged with or possibly overlooked. It is essential to address and debunk the beliefs presented, which may seem too good to be true. We will delve into each scriptural verse to analyze and uncover the validity and accuracy of the claims made. By carefully examining the scriptures, we aim to gain a deeper understanding and discern the truth behind the beliefs being discussed.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo believes in the Holy City being prepared by Christ, and He promised His disciples that He will take them there upon His return (John 14:2-3).

Was the context of John 14:2-3 all about the New Jerusalem?

Ok, so Heads up! John 14:2-3 is a passage where Jesus tells His disciples, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

The traditional interpretation within Latter-day Saint teachings, as well as in many other Christian traditions, is that Jesus is speaking about the many dwelling places in the afterlife that He is preparing for those who follow Him. This is understood to mean that in the heavenly realm, there is a place prepared for each of the faithful. This interpretation focuses on the promise of eternal life and the personal relationship believers can look forward to having with Jesus Christ in the hereafter.

While the concept of the New Jerusalem is related to Latter-day Saint eschatology (end times beliefs), discussing the gathering of Israel and the establishment of Zion in the latter days, the specific verses in John 14:2-3 don't directly refer to the New Jerusalem but rather to the heavenly dwellings prepared by the Savior for His followers. Latter-day Saint scripture and teachings do elaborate on the concept of the New Jerusalem but in other contexts, such as in Doctrine and Covenants or the Book of Mormon, rather than directly in the interpretation of John 14:2-3.

The Holy City is glorious, adorned with the glory of God (Rev. 21:10-21).

No questions. The Book of Revelation itself in that same chapter 21 until 22:1-5 in particular as they'd used it in this article, had a clear structural interpretation of the New Jerusalem which I'll provide further detail in this article posibly after my response.

It will be the home of the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo who remain faithful until the end. Life in the Holy City is perfect—there will be no need for the sun and moon, and there will be no more night (Rev. 21:23-25; 22:5), no lack of food and water (Rev. 22:1-2), no more curse (Rev. 22:3), no more hunger, thirst, sorrow, pain, death, and evil (Rev. 7:15-17; 21:4).

Indeed, the concept of a heavenly home is mentioned in the scripture, but it may not align with the interpretation put forth by the Iglesia Ni Cristo. The specific verse refers to the saints who demonstrate unwavering faithfulness throughout their lifetime. It provides intricate descriptions of the environment and the ultimate state of individuals who have faithfully followed Christ's teachings and upheld their commitments. The scripture outlines the rewards and status awaiting those who have diligently adhered to Christ's Gospel and remained steadfast in their faith.

Those given by the Father to Christ will enter the New Jerusalem (John 17:24).

Again, John 17:24 is nestled within a very special and profound portion of the New Testament known as the High Priestly Prayer. This chapter doesn't directly talk about the New Jerusalem but instead captures Jesus' prayer to His Father just before His crucifixion. In this prayer, Jesus expresses His desires for His followers and articulates a broader theme of unity and eternal fellowship with God. Here's what the verse says:

"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to see My glory that You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world."

In this verse, Jesus is expressing His desire for His followers—those the Father has given Him—to be with Him and to behold His glory. The glory He mentions is the glory given to Him by the Father, rooted in the love that predates the creation of the world. This passage is more about the eternal relationship and union with Jesus and the Father that believers are invited into. It emphasizes the deep love Jesus has for His followers and His desire for them to share in His glory and presence—a theme that resonates with the promises of eternal life and joy with God, which we also see embodied in the idea of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.

While John 17:24 is not about the New Jerusalem directly, both this prayer and the descriptions of the New Jerusalem share underlying themes of communion, presence with God, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.

The people given to Christ are called by God to be with Christ (1 Cor. 1:9), 

The verse says this - 
"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." This passage is part of an opening section where Paul addresses the Christians in Corinth, aiming to remind them of the core truths of their faith as a foundation before addressing specific issues within the church.

The context of this verse, especially within the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, highlights several key themes:

• Unity in Christ: Paul starts his letter by calling the believers in Corinth to unity, rooted in their shared allegiance to Jesus Christ. He's concerned about divisions in the church and emphasizes that their calling and identity in Christ should bring them together.
• The Faithfulness of God: This verse underscores that the relationship between believers and Christ is made possible by God's faithfulness. It's a comforting reminder that God is constant, reliable, and will fulfill His promises to His people.
• The Call to Fellowship: The idea of being "called unto the fellowship of his Son" suggests a deep, communal relationship not just with Christ but also among fellow believers. It points towards living in a way that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus, supporting and edifying one another in faith.
• Foundation for Addressing Issues: Paul sets this theological groundwork to address the issues within the Corinthian church, such as divisions, immorality, and misunderstandings of spiritual gifts. By reminding them of their fundamental call and God's faithfulness, Paul aims to guide them back to living in accordance with the gospel.

This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of our calling as followers of Christ, grounded in the faithfulness of God. It's about being part of a community that reflects the values and love of Jesus, even in facing challenges and disagreements.

and this calling is through the gospel preached by the messengers of God (2 Thess. 2:14; 2 Cor. 5:19-20).

Whose Messenger are we talking to? This passage is part of a letter from Paul to the Thessalonians, where he addresses concerns about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and encourages them to stand firm in their faith.

In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul discusses the "man of sin" or the "son of perdition," warning of a time of apostasy that must come before the Second Coming of Christ. He talks about the mystery of iniquity already at work and how it will eventually lead to the revelation of this man of sin, who will exalt himself above God. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that the Lord Jesus will overthrow this figure with the brightness of His coming.

Leading up to verse 14, Paul is essentially comforting and encouraging the members of the Church in Thessalonica. He emphasizes that they have been chosen by God from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. Verse 14 serves as a culmination of this message, reminding them that they were called to this salvation through the gospel so that they might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This context highlights the importance of steadfast faith and the assurance of eternal blessings through the gospel amidst trials and the presence of evil. It's a call to remember the divine purpose and destiny that God has set forth for His children, through adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the gospel.

And from 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, from the King James Version (KJV), goes as follows:

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

Now, Job Bautista, let's carefully consider certain factors that will help us determine who this person was and how he came to be known as an ambassador of Christ, or perhaps we should refer to them as messengers. It is not enough to simply claim that someone is a messenger based on the name of their church or its biblical registration. That is not the correct approach. A person must be called by God through His authority to preach the Gospel and administer the Ordinances, among other things. Essentially, it is God who should appoint them, not just anyone who claims it based on what they have read. If you can provide a more in-depth study of Manalo's calling and the authority he has received from heaven, I would be willing to consider it. However, if it has already been proven otherwise, then please refrain from asserting that your religion is true solely based on its name. You are mistaken in this regard. The context of Paul's letter regarding those verses was primarily an invitation to the saints to act as ambassadors. However, if you believe it is solely about messengers and special witnesses of Christ, you may do so, but please ensure that you are qualified to make such a claim.

The called ones are gathered into one body (Col. 3:15) which is the Church (Col. 1:18)

This is basically how the church was to be construct and Paul clearly state the role of Christ as the Head of the church.

The broader context of Colossians 3 encourages believers to put on the new self, characterized by virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. Paul is essentially outlining what it looks like to live a life that is centered on Christ, influencing how we interact with others within the church and in the wider community.

This verse, therefore, invites us to let Christ's peace guide our hearts and relationships, fostering unity and gratitude within the community of believers. It's a beautiful call to reflect on how Christ's peace is manifesting in our own lives and how we are contributing to the peace and unity of the body of Christ.

Colossians 1:18 is a wonderful verse that speaks to the centrality of Jesus Christ in all things, particularly in relation to the Church. It says:

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

This verse highlights several key points about Jesus Christ:

Head of the Body, the Church: Jesus is described as the head of the church, which is likened to a body. This metaphor signifies that just as a body cannot function without the head, the church cannot operate without Christ at its forefront. He is the ultimate leader and the one we follow.

The Beginning, the Firstborn from the Dead: Jesus is the "firstborn from the dead," indicating His resurrection. This is significant because it paved the way for eternal life for all who follow Him. Through His resurrection, Christ conquered death, ensuring that He is the beginning of a new, eternal life for believers.

Preeminence: The scripture emphasizes that in everything, Christ is to have the preeminence or the highest place of honor and authority. This means that in all aspects of life and doctrine within the Church, Jesus Christ is supreme and holds the central role.

whose name is Iglesia Ni Cristo (Romans 16:16; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

The repeated emphasis on using a particular name for marketing purposes is a concern. It is essential to understand that the Church of Jesus Christ was established on the solid foundation of Prophets, Apostles, revelation, and divine authority from God. Merely claiming to possess the true Church based on the name alone is insufficient. Anyone can assert such a claim, but it holds no scriptural significance. The biblical teachings of Christ do not highlight the importance of a specific church name in relation to salvation or any other important aspect. Instead, it is the divine priesthood of God that serves as the guiding force for the Church.

The name of the Church should not overshadow the fundamental principles it represents. The focus should be on embracing and living the teachings of Jesus Christ, rather than engaging in marketing strategies centered around a name. True discipleship goes beyond mere labels and requires a genuine commitment to following Christ's teachings and embodying His love and compassion.

By prioritizing the development of a strong foundation based on the principles taught by Christ and the divine authority of God, the Church can ensure that its members are guided by truth and righteousness. Let us shift our attention away from superficial aspects and instead concentrate on nurturing a deep and meaningful relationship with God through faithful discipleship.

Now back to the topic, what do the latter-day saints belief about the New Jerusalem?

This seems kind a longer as I expected. So I'll make a different article focusing on this topic. For Part 2 link Coming Soon.