THE TRUE RELIGION ACCORDING TO MANALO

Q: What is the Gospel of Manalo Doctrine No.3 and what is its fallacy?
A: An excerpt of Gospel of Manalo Doctrine 3 follows:

"LESSON NO. 3 - The true religion
Summary of the Lesson: The commonly accepted belief that all churches belong to God is false. Christ founded only one true Church--the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo). Therefore, we value the Church because herein are we able to do the kind of service acceptable to God and through which we shall be saved." (Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Erano G.Manalo (1989), p.8).

The fallacy of Doctrine Lesson 3:

This Manalo gospel teaching that it is the Church of Christ or Iglesia ni Cristo is the true religion and through which we can be saved, is a lie. The truth in the Bible is that it is only the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth who was given by God for salvation of all men and there is no other name given under heaven except the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:10-12).
Furthermore, Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (Jn.14:6 NKJV). Because of this, the Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ is the wrong way, a false religion, and will lead to death not life because it does not conform to the gospel of Christ. What FYM had done is that he made another gospel called the Gospel of Manalo.

God Bless You

rey anthony gatela

THE BIBLE

Q: What is Number 1 of Gospel of Manalo doctrine and what is its fallacy?
A: An excerpt of Gospel of Manalo Doctrine Lesson 1 follows:

"LESSON NO.1 - The Bible
Summary of the lesson: The Church of Christ adheres to the belief that the words of God are written only in the Bible. The Bible should be the only basis of service to God. This is the truth which will teach man salvation from punishment on Judgment Day. Thus, each member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo should give value to the teachings of God written in the Bible by fulfilling them in his life." (Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Erano G. Manalo, 1989, p.1).

The fallacy of Doctrine Lesson No. 1:

The Iglesia ni Cristo lies about this doctrine. Actually, the INC does not observe the Bible as written. Nor to them the Bible is the only basis for service to God. The INC does not subscribe that the Bible teaches the truth about salvation.

Doctrine Lesson No. 11 or ten lessons away, makes a mockery of Lesson 1 because in that lesson, Felix Y. Manalo is given the mysteries and secrets of the Bible.
This means that FYM is higher than the Bible. Only the interpretations of Felix Y. Manalo is correct. This makes the Bible subservient to FYM. In another rebuff to Doctrine Lesson 1 is Lessons 3 & 4 which basically change Lesson 1 in that it is the Church of Christ or Iglesia ni Cristo (not the Bible) that saves man from punishment on Judgment Day.

God Bless You

rey anthony gatela

Introduction to INC.

Q: So, you do not know yet what is the Iglesia ni Cristo?
A: The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) also known by its English name as Church of Christ (of Felix Y. Manalo) is a membership religious organization registered as a sole corporation in July 27, 1914, in the Philippines. Members are controlled tightly by its Manalo leader. The corporation's sole owner is Felix Y. Manalo.
Currently, it has 223 fully established congregations scattered outside the Philippines which include 134 in the U.S., 11 in Canada, 13 in Japan, 10 in Australia, and congregations in major cities of the world such as Tel-Aviv, Vienna, Brussels, Paris, Hamburg, Rome, Madrid, Athens, Geneva, Auckland, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, and Hongkong.

Q: Who is Felix Y. Manalo?
A: He is the founder and organizer of the Iglesia ni Cristo. He claims to be the angel and Messenger of God in these last days using Revelation 7:2-3 and Revelation 14:9-11. He died in April 12, 1963. Before he died, he installed his son, Erano, to be his successor. Erano G. Manalo (EGM), the current leader, has himself installed his son, Eduardo (EVM) to be the future head of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

Q: What is the religious background of Felix Y. Manalo?
A: According to their official publication, God's Message, Felix Y. Manalo was born as a Catholic in May 10, 1886 in Taguig, Rizal (now part of Metro Manila), in the Philippines. In his boyhood, he lived with his uncle Catholic priest in the latter's parish in Sampaloc, Manila. It was there where he discovered a hidden bible which he began reading against the advise of his uncle priest. To his consternation, he found out that the biblical passages reject most of Catholic teachings. As a result, he embarked in a religious odyssey. He converted to the Methodist Episcopal Church. From the Methodist church, he joined the Presbyterian Church and became one of its pastors. Next, he became attracted and converted to another Protestant group called the Christian Missionary Alliance (Disciples of Christ), because of its baptism by immersion. At age 25, continuing his religious oddyssey, he joined the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) and became one of its outstanding evangelist. Because the SDA failed to to respond to his query why observance of Sabbath is on Saturdays, he left the SDA in 1913. (Source: God's Message magazine, Jul-Sep 1994, p.10-11).

Q: How did Felix Y. Manalo became a Messenger of God?
A: The following is an excerpt from their magazine God's Message:
"Devine Revelation
In November 1913, Brother Felix locked himself in his dimly-lit room and began poring over all the religious literature he had accumulated. For three days and tree nights, he immersed himself in an intensive study and reflection of the doctrines of various churches and compared their beliefs with the Bible. His exhaustive study of religions and the Bible led him to the conclusion that none of the existing churches then remained faithful with the biblical truth. Therefore, none of them is the true religion. His meditations assured him that God was commissioning him to preach the true Church of Christ." (God's Message, Jul-Sep 1994, p.11-12).

Q: What is the life of an Iglesia ni Cristo member?
A: The life of an Iglesia ni Cristo member revolves around these four obligations:
1. To attend without failure the Thursdays and Sundays worship services and the weekly committee prayer meetings;
2. To bear fruits, i.e., be instrumental in converting people to become Iglesia ni Cristo members for as long as one lives;
3) To obey the church administration always. The church administration is Erano G. Manalo and his ministers sent to lead the established congregations.
4) To contribute to the many offerings:
a) Thursdays and Sundays offerings;
b) Weekly local fund offerings;
c) Weekly EGM offerings;
d) Weekly deposits for the year end thanksgivings;
c) Monthly District offerings;
d) Monthly God's Message offerings;
e) Special Worship offerings;
f) July Anniversary offerings;
g) Additional cash to supplement the deposited
thanksgiving offerings.

Q: How can one become an Iglesia ni Cristo member?
A: Before one can become a member, he/she must undergo the twenty seven (27) indoctrination lessons of the gospel of Manalo. The Gospel of Manalo is a book of Iglesia doctrines written by Felix Y. Manalo commonly called Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo. One lesson per session per day or per week depending upon available time of the indoctrinee. The INC minister is available for twenty four (24) hours a day except on worship service hours.
After undergoing the 12 indoctrination lessons (The INC, due to the bad connotation, now calls the indoctrination as Bible Studies), the successful indoctrinees must pass a trial period of six months of uninterrupted worship service attendance and committee prayers attendance. Indoctrinees secure slips as proofs of attendance.
Having passed the trial period, the prospective convert is baptized in a pool of water by immersion after reciting an oath with raised right hand. Henceforth, the new convert is required to fill up a 201 file (Individual membership record file, assigned a deacon (if male) or deaconess (if female) who becomes his/her overseer/watcher.
The new convert also is provided a tag name in the chapel's hallway tagboard. Every time he/she attends the worship service, he/she must flip his/her name. Unflipped tagname will trigger a visitation by his/her assigned deacon/deaconess to ascertain the cause/s of the absence.

Q: What is the INC mandatory worship service?
A: It is a gospel of Manalo doctrine that compels all members not to be absent from the Thursday and Sunday worship service under pains of being thrown by God into the Lake of Fire. Through the trick of isolation of verses, Felix Y. Manalo is able to change the contexts of many verses such as the isolation of Heb. 10:25 fom its proper paragraph and attaching the verse to the next paragraph that deals with another topic (Willful Sinning). Thus, by combining Heb.10:25 with Heb. 10:26-27, FYM was able to concoct a mandatory worship service.

Q: What is the Iglesia ni Cristo's Law of Increasing responsibilities?
A: This law teaches that in the Iglesia ni Cristo, obligations, duties, and responsibilities of members increase as time passes. During the early days of the INC, there was only once-a-week worship, which is, on Sundays, but, later on, the Thursday worship was added. Previously, there was only one Thanksgiving Day which was on December, but, as time passed thanksgiving obligation became twice a year on December and July. Also, previously, there was only once a month contributions to the Locale Fund, later, it became weekly. Lately, the family weekly prayer obligation was added. So, is the start of a two hour worship service that includes compulsory organization meetings right after worship service.

Q: What is the Committee Prayer?
A: The weekly committee prayer is the gathering of the members that belong to the group of the deacon/deaconess. Usually, the meeting place is the place of residences of the members by rotation. In the gathering, the deacon or deaconess will read the church administration instructions and say prayers for the church generally. Usually, propagation works are discussed as to who has a prospect for conversion. Everybody knows each other in such a small group.

Q: What is the Iglesia ni Cristo compulsory seven days of devotional prayers?
A: It is one of the Gospel of Manalo doctrine that commands all officers to go nightly to the chapel to pray consecutively for seven days for sin cleansing. Usually, the following occasions requires the seven days devotional prayers:

a) Thanksgiving Worship Service on December;
b) Church Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship on July;
c) Holy Supper in April or May;
d) Bible Expositions;
e) Grand Evangelical Missions;
f) Other occasions as may be commanded by EGM

Q: How does an INC congregation rise up?
A: A congregation starts as a committee prayer group of usually two or three members. As the committee group increase in numbers, the INC central office in the Philippines will send a minister to officiate the Thursday and Sunday worship service. Usually, a hall or other convenient place is rented pending the acquisition of a permanent house of worship or chapel. The committee prayer group becomes a congregation upon having its own regular worship service.

Q: How does an INC committee group or congregation start?
A: A committee group or congregation starts in two ways:
1. Member initiative;
2. Central office initiative.
A member initiative is one in which a member goes to another place, city, county, or country, where there is no existing established INC church, starts a committee prayer group in his house or apartment with himself and two or more new acquaintances, or with his family plus family acquaintances. The committee prayer group is like a cell. The cell grows to become a congregation.
A central office initiative is one in which an existing INC congregation is broken up into two or three congregations by instructions from the central administration in the Philippines.

Q: How does the INC finance its chapel buildings?
A: The central administration only lends the money to the congregation for buying the chapel building. The members of the congregation pay back the loaned central office money through their weekly thanksgiving deposits. The local congregation does not keep the books to show the status of the loaned money. Usually, the loaned money is paid off in three to five years.

Q: What are the techniques employed by the Iglesia ni Cristo in luring anyone to become an indoctrinee?
A: Members get reminded of their sworn duty to bear fruits during the compulsory worship services. Members heeding the reminders will invite their relatives, friends, and acquaintances, to the weekly bible expositions or the monthly grand evangelical missions. As visitors are herded into the Iglesia ni Cristo chapels, it becomes the part of the minister to turn the visitors into converts. The Iglesia ministers are trained for years in the Philippines by Manalo in the art of seducing people to become a member. Subtle scaring is mostly employed at the initial phase. Coupled by the inviters show of friendships (love bombings), the visitors will be sweeped off their feet to undergo their so-called bible studies.

Q: What other techniques are employed by the Iglesia ni Cristo to have a continuous supply of indoctrinees?
A: 1. Use of the Manalo created organizations such as the Buklod, Kadiwa, Binhi, Light of Salvation, Edification, Adult and Junior Choirs, Records, Finance, Area Groups, deacons and deaconess. All officers of these organizations are also officers of the church. Being officers, they are required to have annual oathtaking or annual reaffirmations of their oaths. All these organizations have their respective meetings and agendas. All these officers receive no compensations whatsoever in doing their work for the Iglesia ni Cristo. Usually, more than 50% of the members of the congregation are officers. It is always reminded that being an officer is a virtue that all should strive for. These offficers are being marshalled by the resident minister to work in getting new indoctrinees.

2. Use of devotional prayers - One week before the scheduled bible exposition (B.E.) or grand evangelical mission (G.E.M.), the officers are required to do seven days devotional prayers nightly in the chapel. Attendance is monitored through signing an attendance sheet next to one's officer's name. Ostensibly, the aim of the devotional prayer is to harness the powers of God so that people will heed the invitations.

3. Use of committee prayer groups - The congregation is split into areas. The respective areas are themselves split into groups of seven or less members under the tutelage of a deacon or deaconess. In the committee group meeting, the agenda of the church administration is brought out. These are agendas which could not be brought out in the regular worship service gathering. Members are asked how many visitors he/she is bringing to the bible exposition.

3. Use of the God's Message magazine - Each member buys this magazine ( currently the price is $2.50 each issue). Usually, members buy two. One for self and one for his/her prospective visitor or prospect.

4. Use of television programs, radios, and video productions.

5. Use of social projects such as cleaning of public parks, blood donations, food donations to victims of calamities. The financial aspects of these projects are shouldered by the members themselves. It is believed the INC church does not dole out monies for any of these projects. The INC refuses to divulge the uses of its incomes.

Q: What are the verses being used by the Iglesia ni Cristo to scare people into becoming an indoctrinee?
A: 1. The Judgment Day.......Heb.9:27. 2 Pet.3:7;
2. Two kinds of resurrection..Jn.5:28-29, 1 Thes.4:16; Rev. 10:6-7;
3. All men are sinners...Rom. 5:12; 6:23
4. Penalty for sinners is second death in the lake of fire..Rev. 20:14;
5. Remedy is joining the INC..Rom.8:1 (NKJV); Eph.2:15 (NKJV);Col.1:18 (NKJV; Acts 20:28 Lamsa

Q: What are the Iglesia ni Cristo terms and words of expression and their meanings?
A: The followings words and phrases are commonly used in the Iglesia ni Cristo and their corresponding meanings:

1) Cold - One who seldom attends the worship services. Applies also to anyone who seldom attends the organizational meetings.
2) Fruit - A convert to the Iglesia ni Cristo faith. It could also apply to a newly recruited church officer;
3) Sheep - Every member is a sheep being tended by his or her respective deacon/deaconess;
4) Branch -Every member of the INC is a branch (of the vine). The vine here is understood to be the Iglesia ni Cristo. It is said that when a member does not bear fruit, or does not remain member of the INC church, he/she is cast as a branch, is withered, and gathered to be thrown into the lake of fire;
5) Gift - The office or position or duty that a member is recruited to possess or occupy. It is said that when a member is recruited to an officer position, that is a gift given by God. Since it is God who has given the gift, the member has no right to terminate or resign from such position. It is only God who can terminate or gets back the gift.
6) Citizens of heaven - All members of the Iglesia ni Cristo are citizens of heaven. As citizens of heaven, their allegiance is to the messenger of God of heaven which is no other than Felix Y. Manalo and his duly appointed successor.
7) Body - the word "body" whereever it could be found in the Bible refers to the Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ (of FYM).
8) Church - the word "church" (not capitalized) whereever it could be found in the Bible refers to the Church of Christ (of FYM) or Iglesia ni Cristo.
9) Saints - Refers to all members of the Iglesia ni Cristo.
10) Angel (or "sugo") - Refers to Felix Y. Manalo, the founder of the Iglesia ni Cristo church.
11) Drawing back - Refers to the act of any member who starts to miss the worship service on Thursday or Sunday. Refers also to those who are leaving the Iglesia ni Cristo faith and going back to their original faiths as Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, etc. It is always reminded in the worship service that anyone who draws back will not please God and will subject the transgressor to punishment in the lake of fire. As it is said, one who draws back is like a dog who goes to its own vomit, or a pig who goes to wallow in the mud after being cleaned. Also, one who goes back to their former religion will result in the worsest condition because the evil inside the Ex-INC will invite seven more evils to inhabit the traitor. Drawing back also applies to any officer who does not fulfill his sworn duties. Drawing back can also be incurred if your money thanksgivings for the year has decreased from that what you have offered last year.
12) Share - This word if found in the Bible (particularly Heb. 13:16 or 1 Tim.6:18) means sharing the Iglesia ni Cristo faith. It also means sharing your monies to the church for its many projects.
13) Third group - Refers to the Iglesia ni Cristo group that has the promise of salvation as provided in Act 2:39 NKJV). Accordingly, the first group are the Jews, the second group are the Gentiles. According to Felix Y. Manalo, the first two groups (Jews and Gentiles) were no longer the people of God because both have departed from the true faith- the Jews became idolatrous, while the Gentiles (first century Christians) listened to doctrines of demons and converted to Catholicism & Protestantism.
14) Lake of fire - This is the second death punishment for sinners who do not want to become Iglesia ni Cristo members. This punishment is also given to Iglesia members who had left the Iglesia ni Cristo faith. Missing alone one worship service will incur this punishment for any erring Iglesia member.
15) In the flesh - Refers to members who indulge in sinful lives. It is always reminded in the worship service that members renew their sinful lives, otherwise, they too, will be consigned into the lake of fire. Having a non member boyfriend or girlfriend is considered as being in the flesh. Too much love for money is also a sin in the flesh.
16) Annual December Thanksgiving - This is one of the delicate worship service. As such, it requires the seven day devotional prayers by members. In this worship service, each one, adult, youth, and babies, must have his/her envelope stuffed with monies. Members are required to have one year preparation accomplished by making weekly Sunday deposits starting from the first Sunday of January through the second Sunday of December. A token check for the total amount deposited is given to the member depositor in exchange for the surrendering of the deposit booklet. The token check will be placed in the thanksgiving envelope. Since the Thanksgiving Day is the third Sunday of December, the deficiency of the deposits will covered up by adding cash, money orders, or bank checks. Personal checks are discouraged unless the brother/sister is sure of sufficiency of funds in the bank. The members must thank God for calling them to become members of the Church of Christ. According to Manalo, the members must thank God for many things such as: Most important of all is for remaining as members inside the Iglesia ni Cristo, for being alive, for being freed from mishaps, sickness, and other calamities, for receiving many blessings such as the jobs, the possessions, and properties they own..
17) July Anniversary Thanksgiving- This is another delicate worship service to commemorate the founding of the Iglesia ni Cristo by Felix Y. Manalo. It is also the commemoration and praise of Felix Y. Manalo, whose commissioning by God lead to the rebirth of the first century church established by Jesus Christ. The members must have the envelope stuffed with monies to thank God for the progress of the Church.
18) Holy Supper - Is another delicate worship service that demands seven days nightly devotional prayers. The highlights of this service besides the parading of the choir members and the eating of the tiny (1/2 inch diameter) toasted bread, the drinking of the one tablespoon of grape juice, is the raising of the right hand in an oath to proclaim the Lord's death. Proclaiming the Lord's death (1 Cor.11:26 NKJV) means doing propagation works or getting new converts.
19) Block voting - Refers to the practice of selecting for the members the names whom to vote during election time. Political candidates usually troop to the Iglesia ni Cristo mansion to gain the support of Erano G. Manalo. Candidates are queried what can they do for the Iglesia ni Cristo. Successful candidates are written in a sample ballot paper to be distributed in the Committee prayer meetings of Iglesia ni Cristo groups. The sample ballot is secretly brought by the member to be copied into the official ballot inside the voting booth. Members who don't unify with the chosen candidates are warned of expulsion from the church.

Q: What is the Gospel of Manalo?
A: The Gospel of Manalo is the book of doctrines conceived and written by Felix Y. Manalo as revised by his son Erano G. Manalo which serves as the basis of faith in the Iglesia ni Cristo. This book commonly called Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo delineates the twenty seven (27) doctrines or lessons comprising the Manalo gospel which must be accepted, believed, and sworn for their obedience, before anyone can become an Iglesia ni Cristo member. The Iglesia ni Cristo now calls this preaching of these Manalo gospel doctrines as bible studies.

Q: Why is the Gospel of Manalo able to control people?
A: The Gospel of Manalo uses the technique called Classical Conditioning. In classical conditioning, you can condition , train, or control anyone to do what you want, provided you feed your victim with an accessory bait and provided that such teaching and accessory bait have been given to your victim repeatedly for an extended period of time. When the worship service of the Iglesia ni Cristo is of the same topic preached repeatedly, it is in line with the repetition principle of classical conditioning.

Psychology Book Example of Classical Conditioning:

Mind conditioner................Pavlov
Animal to be conditioned........A dog
What Pavloc wants the dog to do? To salivate (detected by use of inserted instrument)
Two things needed to condition the dog: 1) Bell 2) Meat powder as a bait.

Application:
Every time Pavlov rings the bell, the bell is accompanied by giving the dog the meat powder. Pavlov does this repeatedly to train or condition the dog. After several ringing and dispensing of the meat powder, the dog is now trained (or conditioned). Pavlov rings the bell but without the accessory meat powder. Result: The dog salivates upon hearing the bell even without the meat powder. Conclusion: The dog is already conditioned to accept that the bell means meat powder.

The INC Application of Classical Conditioning:

Mind Conditioner............Felix Manalo (or INC minister);
Animal to be trained........Visitor or Prospect;
What FYM or INC minister wants the visitor to do: To enroll in the INC free bible study;
Two things needed to condition the visitor....1) Gospel of Manalo, and 2) The Bible (as bait).

Application:

In the bible exposition, every time the INC minister teaches the gospel of Manalo, it is accompanied by reading the Bible. In the entire session, the two things (Manalo gospel plus Bible bait) is being repeated again and again. At the end of the session, the visitor is impressed that the Iglesia ni Cristo is a Bible based church. Conclusion: The visitor is already conditioned to become a Bible student or indoctrinee.

The Iglesia ni Cristo's technique of classical conditioning (brain washing in modern parlance) is being applied notoriously in the Iglesia mandatory worship services on Thursdays and Sundays. FYM can't afford that members miss the brainwashing session or else he will lose them. For every whims that Manalo desires, he pushes the members through the use of a bait. The mind is susceptible to be trained and to be conditioned to accept and do anything if pushed by a bait and if done regularly and repeatedly.


God Bless You

rey anthony gatela

iglesia ni manalo exposed

Q: What is the Gospel of Manalo Doctrine Lesson 2 and what is its fallacy?
A: An excerpt of Gospel of Manalo Doctrine 2 follows:

"LESSON NO. 2 - The true God
Summary of the lesson: The Iglesia ni Cristo believes in the teachings taught by the Bible that the Father Who created all things is the only true God. There are no three persons in one God; thus, reject the belief in the so-called Trinity. The Bible also prohibits worship of images or idolatry." (Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Erano G. Manalo (1989), p.4).

The fallacy of Doctrine Lesson 2:

The Iglesia ni Cristo lies that it is only the Father who is the true God, or that the Father is the only one who created all things. The truth is that the Father as well as the Son Jesus Christ has created all things. This was testified by Apostle John:

"He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (Jn.1:2-3 NKJV)

Therefore, the Bible teaches Jesus Christ is co-creator of all things. Jesus Christ was in the beginning with God. That all things were made through Jesus Christ, and without Jesus Christ nothing was made that was made. This teaching of Apostle John is corroborated by Apostle Paul:

"He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn over all creation.For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or domination, or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." (Col. 1:15-16 NKJV)

Therefore, Jesus Christ created also all things. This is the true gospel taught by the apostles.

The Manalo doctrine that it is the Father who is the true God is false. Jesus Christ is also God as attested in Heb.1:8-9:

"But to the Son He says:
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, Therefore God, Your God,has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions." (Heb.1:8-9 NKJV).

It is the Father who is calling His Son, "O God". The denial of this Bible fact by Felix Y. Manalo is proof that Manalo does not respect the Bible nor God at all. This trait of disrespect to God could only come from the evil spirit.

Felix Y. Manalo also lies about the non existence of the Trinity. The Bible is replete with many verses that testify of the existence of the Trinity or the three compositions of the one God. The following verses teach the Trinity: Matthew 28:19-20; Genesis 1:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14. The Trinity word in the Bible is called Godhead (Rom.1:20 NKJV, Col.2:9 NKJV).

The mirroring of the Trinity on man based on the Bible that man was created in the image of God is the tripartite composition of man. We all know that man has three compositions namely, body, soul, and spirit (1 Thes.5:23). This man's image source is God's, therefore, God has three compositions which we all know as the Father, Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The body represents Christ, the soul represents Father, and spirit represents the Holy Spirit. The fact that man is deemed only one man despite that he actually has three compositions, therefore, though God having three compositions, is only one God.

God Bless You,
rey anthony gatela

Jesus Christ Never Said He Was God?

This is for Bible Belief--- please read..

by Rey Anthony Rosillo Gatela

Introduction

What did Jesus say?

For "not having ever claimed to be God," Jesus made some pretty arrogant statements. For example, in response to Thomas, Jesus said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." (John 14:6) From this statement alone, one would have to wonder why nobody could come to God directly. Maybe Jesus was really saying that He was God?

Rich Deem

Many members of Christian cults claim that Jesus never said He was God. However, the biblical evidence shows that this concept is false. This page examines the claims of divinity that Jesus made about Himself. For other biblical passages that claim that Jesus is God, see Jesus Christ is God (YHVH).
It is true that Jesus never said, "I am God" directly. However, most of His teachings were done through parables, and not by direct statements. His disciples asked Him why He taught this way. His answer was:

And He answered and said to them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him shall more be given, and he shall have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." (Matthew 13:11-13)

Those who make the claim that Jesus never claimed to be God are blind and deaf to God's word, by their own choices.

Jesus claims to be the Son of Man

Although the title "Son of Man" may seem fairly innocuous, it is, in fact, a title of the Messiah, of whom the book of Daniel claims that all people will serve and that His kingdom would never end:

"I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)

Obviously, if the Son of Man were only human, He would not be able to establish an eternal kingdom. Likewise, He would not be able to convince all peoples to serve Him. Such abilities and honors are reserved for God alone.

Jesus claims to bethe Son of God

The Bible makes the direct claim that Jesus is the Son of God.¹  Many others, including the disciples,² a Roman Centurion,³ angels,⁴ demons⁵, John the Baptist,⁶ Martha,⁷ Saul (Paul),⁸ and the Ethiopian Eunich⁹make the same claim. Others said that Jesus Himself made the claim to be the Son of God.¹⁰ The gospels also indicate that Jesus Himself made the statement or acknowledged that He was the Son of God many times.¹¹
Virtually all cults will acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, as if the title confers no special meaning or only second class status. This assumption is unrealistic, since no other prophet ever called himself the Son of God. The Jewish leaders of the time knew exactly what this title implied - that Jesus was claiming to be God Himself:

For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. (John 5:18)

Claiming to be the Son of God also conferred the title of Messiah or the anointed One. Psalm 2 talks about the Messiah (mashiach), whom it says is God's Son.¹² This great messianic Psalm warns the reader to do homage to the Son and take refuge in Him,¹³ since He will rule the nations and judge the earth.¹⁴

Jesus claims to be the Messiah (the Christ)

The Bible says that Jesus is the Christ, or Messiah - the anointed One of God. Jesus Himself made the claim or acknowledged that He was the Messiah.¹⁵ The title is especially significant with regard to the question at hand - is Jesus God? The Old Testament tells us that the Messiah is God and the eternal Father:

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Other prophecies of the Old Testament tell us that the Messiah would be God:

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

The title, "The LORD Our Righteousness" indicates that the Messiah is God. The Hebrew word translated "LORD" is yhvh (Yahweh), which is the personal name of God.

Jesus claims to have the attributes of God

Jesus claimed to have many of the attributes that God alone possess. Jesus claimed to have sent the prophets:

"Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, (Matthew 23:34)

However, the Old Testament indicates that God sent the prophets.¹⁶ Therefore, Jesus was claiming the authority that was previously reserved only for God.
Jesus claimed that His origins are from heaven, whereas men are from the world:

• "And no one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, even the Son of Man. (John 3:13)
• And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. (John 8:23)

Not only did Jesus claim to come from heaven, but He said that it was "my kingdom" Isn't heavenGod's kingdom?

• that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:30)
• Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." (John 18:36)

Jesus claimed to have existed before He was born in Bethlehem:

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:58-59)

The claim included the term "I am" - a reference God made of Himself when talking to Moses.¹⁷The Jews immediately recognized that Jesus was claiming to be God and attempted to stone Him.
Jesus also claimed to have existed "before the world began":

"And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." (John 17:5)

This statement is an obvious claim to deity. Not only did Jesus claim to exist before the creation of the universe, but He claimed to share the glory of God! Jesus also claimed that He had "all authority... in heaven and on earth" and that everything of God was His.¹⁸

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me inheaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18)

Jesus claimed to be the supreme judge who will exercise all judgment.¹⁹ However, there are at least 50 verses in the Bible that claim that Jehovah God will judge the earth (see Who Will Judge Mankind?). Jesus claimed to be the one to separate the "sheep from the goats".²⁰ However, the book of Ezekiel says that Jehovah God will do this.²¹ Jesus claimed to be the resurrection and the life.²² He said that He would personally raise everyone from the dead.²³ These are all attributes of God.
Jesus claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath,²⁴ although the Bible indicates that God held such title.²⁵
Jesus claimed the ability to forgive sins.²⁶ Even the Jews recognized that this was a function of God alone.²⁷
Jesus claimed that He would return in the clouds in glory.²⁸ Isaiah makes the same claim for Jehovah God.²⁹ Obviously, Jesus was making a claim to deity.
Jesus claimed to be the light of the world who provides salvation.³⁰ In the Psalms, David tells us that Jehovah God is our light and salvation.³¹ Jesus also claimed to be the way to life³² - an assertion that is made for God.³³ Jesus said that He was the one who searched the hearts and minds,³⁴ gives eternal life,³⁵ and rewards those who follow Him.³⁶ All of these characteristics are found only in God.^37, 38, 39
Jesus said He was the good shepherd,⁴⁰ who searches for His sheep.⁴¹ These are claims made of God in the Old Testament.^42, 43 Jesus claimed to be the fountain of living water.⁴⁴ This is a clear reference to what God said of Himself as recorded by the prophet Jeremiah.⁴⁵ Jesus said He would give rest to those who found Him.⁴⁶ The same claim is made of God in the book of Exodus.⁴⁷
Jesus claimed to send the Holy Spirit (Helper).⁴⁸ The same claim is made for God.⁴⁹ Jesus said that He raised Himself from the dead,⁵⁰ even though the Bible says that God did it.⁵¹ Among Jesus' parting words, He told His disciples to baptize new followers in "the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

It should be noted that the other two names (Father and Holy Spirit) are names for God. In fact, the text says specifically that they should be baptized in the name (singular), not names, of the three persons mentioned. In order to be one name, they must all represent God. Jesus claimed that His disciples would be unable to do anything of significance without His power. Such a statement is a clear claim of divine power.

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Jesus accepts the title of God

One of the least favorite exchanges in the Bible from the cults perspective is the one that occurred between Jesus and Thomas after Jesus rose from the dead. Thomas, the ever-skeptical disciple, was unconvinced that Jesus had risen from the dead and wanted to see direct proof. However, when the Lord Jesus appeared to him, his only reaction was "My Lord and my God!"

Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." (John 20:28-29)

What was Jesus' reaction to the title of God? Did Jesus rebuke him for calling Him "God"? No! In fact, Jesus praised Thomas for his belief. And the belief that Thomas exhibited was that Jesus was Lord and God. If Jesus were not God, accepting such a statement for truth would be a grievous sin. Either Jesus is God or He would have to be a sinner!

Jesus claims to be God

The cults tend to acknowledge that Jesus and God were "one in purpose." However, this is a rather weak claim. Every disciple of Jesus Christ has the goal of being "one in purpose" with God the Father. Even so, Jesus never used the word "purpose" in His claims of oneness with God.

"I and the Father are one." The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, "I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?" The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God." (John 10:30-33)

Obviously, the Jews did not think that this claim of being one with the Father referred to purpose. They knew that He was claiming equality with God, which is why they tried to stone Him. In addition, Jesus said outright that He was Lord⁵² and claimed to be the first and the last,⁵³ an obvious trait reserved for God.⁵⁴

Jesus accepts worship reserved for God alone

Some of the most significant statements Jesus made regarding His deity actually involve an argument from silence - what Jesus did not say. In no less than 12 instances, Jesus was worshipped by various people - the wise men,⁵⁵ the disciples,⁵⁶ a leper,⁵⁷ a synagogue official,⁵⁸ a woman of Canaan,⁵⁹ Mother of Zebedee's children,⁶⁰ a blind man,⁶¹ angels,⁶² and everybody in heaven.⁶³ The Bible clearly indicates that God alone is to be worshipped.⁶⁴ Even Jesus proclaimed this to Satan, when he tempted Him and demanded that He worship him.⁶⁵ Some members of cults claim that the people who worshipped Jesus did so improperly. There are a number of examples where people attempted to worship the disciples⁶⁶ or angels⁶⁷ and were warned not to do so by the parties being worshipped. Jehovah's Witnesses claim that Jesus is the archangel Michael. However, the Bible clearly indicates that angels are not to be worshipped.⁶⁸ The problem arises that Jesus never told anyone to stop worshipping Him. If Jesus were not God, to say nothing in the face of worship would be a huge sin. So, if Jesus is not God, then He sinned in allowing others to worship Him. If He sinned, then Jesus could not even be the Savior, since the Savior must be without spot or blemish. By claiming that Jesus is not God, the cults turn Him into a liar and impostor.

Conclusion 

Jesus never claimed to be God? It would seem from this large collection of sayings that Jesus made the claim to divinity constantly, in many different ways. Those who claim Jesus never said he was God are not reading his claims with the understanding of the true nature of God, as revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Jesus was constantly giving people advice. One of His favorite sayings is recorded below. It's good advice for those who really want to know Jesus.

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

God Bless You

Rey Anthony Rosillo Gatela

http://www.cesreygatela.blogspot.com

Joseph Smith and Kabbalah

Freemasonry, Judaism, Mormonism and Kabbalah are demonic sex cults!

 While doing research on the cult of Mormonism, I came across several articles on the internet authored by Lance S. Owens. At first it appeared that Mr. Owens was against the Mormon cult, with such article titles asJoseph Smith and Kabbalah: The Occult Connection. Then I read the following quote on his website...

This work was originally published in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 27, No. 3, Fall 1994, pp. 117-194. The paper received considerable notice, and in 1995 the Mormon History Association recognized Joseph Smith and Kabbalah: The Occult Connection with its annual award for the best article in Mormon studies. There is an ongoing demand for this paper but unfortunately  Dialogue sold out its entire printing of the Fall, 1994 issue within a few weeks.  Most academic libraries will have Dialogue in their collection of journals for those seeking a print copy.

 Lance S. Owens is NOT a Christian and his writings openly reveal that Mormonism is connected with the occult. Oddly enough, the Mormons readily admit their occult roots. Joseph Smith was a heretic! Unbeknownst to many people, Joseph Smith (the founder of Mormonism in 1830) was a 33rd degree Freemason, as was Charles Taze Russell (the founder of the Jehovah Witnesses in 1874). Those who understand the Satanic roots of cults such as Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism know that Kabbalah is greatly revered in such groups.  

Demonic Kabbalah

Matthew 27:25, “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”

Kabbalah is a Jewish system of black magic which originates in ancient pagan Babylon. Freemasonry is a Jewish sex cult. The primary Masonic symbol, the square and compass (which is a representation of the Jewish Star of David) is seen throughout Masonic temples and lodges. Albert Pike, a 33rd degree mason of the Scottish-rite wrote MORALS AND DOGMA. This book was given to every MASTER MASON (33rd degree). In his book, Pike said that the 33 degrees of Freemasonry is based in the Jewish Kabbalah, the source of everything that happens in the Masonic lodge. I wonder how many Christians in the Southern Baptist Convention are aware that they are members of a sex-cult?
Kabbalah is based largely upon the Zohar, and is esoteric (which simply means that you can't understand it by reading it, someone has to explain it to you). I sincerely don't think the Zohar was intended to be understood. I think it's interpretation is solely at the whim of any occultist who wants to manipulate dumb people. I've tried to read it and it's just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo that you could literally interpret to mean anything. I am confident that it was simply meant to impress and not really have any legitimate meaning at all.
The Roman Catholic Vatican, to thwart true Christians from exposing their heretical beliefs, changed all their online doctrines into Latin at the Vatican's official website. It looks impressive to the world, but no one knows what they believe. Who reads Latin these days? What a sad joke! Catholicism is a massive religious fraud intended to deceive the masses of this world. Roman Catholicism has been extremely effective for the cause of Satan, boasting of over 1,000,000,000 members worldwide. The Jehovah's Witnesses cult only has an estimated 6,000,000 members. Walter Martin authored a book, KINGDOM OF THE CULTS
In contrast, the Word of God has a definite meaning which cannot be twisted if you take the Bible at face value.  Sadly, Kabbalism has many devout followers such as Madonna (who recently built a $5,000,000 Kabbalah reading room in London) and Britney Spears (who plans to write a Kabbalah book for children). The Zohar is straight from Hell, as are the false religions of Kabbalism and Mormonism that are largely derived from it.

"What is Kabbalah and who believes in it?
Kabbalah is a branch of Jewish mysticism, which is thought to have originated in the 13th century. Its teachings come from an ancient 23-volume book called the Zohar, which offers interpretations of the inner meaning of the Torah. Traditionally, its practices were reserved for a select number of Jewish scholars who already had an advanced understanding of Jewish law, but for the past 500 years it has been followed more widely.
In 1969, a former insurance salesman, Rabbi Philip Berg, established the Kabbalah Centre International and appointed himself its leader. The centre markets Kabbalah as a "universal system for self-improvement" and attracts more than 3.5 million followers. Berg claims that Kabbalah answers the ultimate questions of human existence: who we are, where we come from and why we're here. Its followers claim that it can purify the soul and banish disease, depression and discontent using the spiritual light of the Zohar.
The Kabbalah Centre sells copies of its sacred texts and other "spiritual tools", such as Kabbalah Water. Among the best-selling items is the red string bracelet, said to protect the wearer from the evil eye. The Beckhams, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Demi Moore and Madonna have all been seen sporting one." -SOURCE: The Great Kabbalah Con Exposed.

Kabbalah means "tradition" or "transmitted teaching." It is a mix of Jewish mysticism, the occult, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and uses numerology to "interpret" the Bible. Even though it claims to have been handed down orally from Abraham, the system appears to have been given its earliest formulation in the 11th century in France. It is sad in these last days to see people turning to every kind of lie imaginable, when they are seriously searching for the truth and answers to what this life is all about. 
Ever since the Tower of Babel, men have created false gods and religions out of their imagination, rejecting the One and only True God and His Truth. Kabbalah is one of the hottest cults today because of celebrities like Madonna, Britney Spears, Demi Moore, and Paris Hilton who have popularized it. Revenues are obtained primarily through the sale of books, tapes, the famous "red string" bracelet that is supposed to protect the wearer from the "evil eye," and Kabbalah water.
Like ALL cults, Kabbalists make it sound like something everyone should be involved in it. They also falsely claim that you can be a Christian and be involved in Kabbalah. Biblically, Kabbalah is a lie from the pits of hell, it has NOTHING to do whatsoever with the Christian faith! ALL cults base their final authority upon something other than God's Word. The Mormon cult uses the Book of Mormon. The Jehovah Witnesses cult uses the writings of the Watchtower Society. The Christian Science cult uses the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. The Seventh-Day Adventists cult uses the writings of Ellen G. White. The Scientology cult uses the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. And the Kabbalah cult uses the Zohar.

Mormonism is of the Devil
Let's recognize Mormonism for what it is...A CULT!  The lie of Mormonism is not a new problem.  Paul himself had
to deal with the issue of "cults," those who perverted the Gospel.  Paul spoke of this often in his writings, "...but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ" -Galatians 1:7.  Cults are nothing new.  The bottom line in Mormonism is a denial of the deity of Jesus Christ.  In Revelation 1:8, Jesus Christ proclaims that He is Almighty God!  Nearly every cult denies the deity of Christ or somehow diminishes it.  Many Mormons will lie to you and say that they believe in the Jesus of the Bible, but they are not telling you the truth.  In Mormon theology, their jesus is NOT a deity!  THE JESUS OF THE BIBLE IS ALMIGHTY GOD!

Although Mormons use the Bible, it is NOT their final authority as it is for the Christian.  Their authority
lies in the writings of the lunatic Joseph Smith and their cult's Doctrine and Covenants statement.  Only faith in Jesus Christ, the Jesus of the Bible will get you into Heaven.  The Mormon cult spends tens of millions each year in public relations to portray themselves as "just another Christian church."  DO NOT LET THEIR ADS FOOL YOU.  They are no more a Christian church than your local mosque is!

WARNING: Do NOT be taken in by the warm and fuzzy exterior of this cult, Mormons are NOT Christians.  And when they say the name Jesus, it is NOT the Jesus of the Bible!  Jesus said, "Ye must be born again!" -John 3:3.
 
The Word of God is Upfront and Honest
Thankfully, the Word of God (the Bible) is open to all.  There is no private interpretations of the Bible, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation" -2nd Peter 1:20.  God has written the Bible to all mankind.  Anyone can understand the Word of God if they will come to Jesus Christ and receive God's gift of eternal life (John 1:12).  Oh how Satan blinds the masses with deception.  ANYTHING that is of the occult is Satanic.  This includes all New Age teachings, yoga, astrology, Tarot reading, palm readings, psychics, Yin Yang, spiritualism, astral projection, hypnotism, good luck charms, etc.  Mormonism is saturated with occult imagery and doctrines.  Joseph Smith was an occult Freemason.  Do not be deceived friend, Satan is the common denominator behind all false religions, all designed to blind the masses.  Satan is the god of this world (2nd Corinthians 4:4) and he works through occult organizations and false religions.  It is no surprise that the founder of the Mormon false religion was an occult member of Freemasonry.
By the way, there is NO such thing as separation of church and state.  To remove God from anything is an open invitation to Satan.   Until we bring God back, Satan will continue to reign over America.  Satan has infiltrated our schools, our churches, our government, and even our Bibles.  The only defense is the Word of God, which I believe is the 1611

God Bless You

Rey Anthony Gatela

http://cesreygatela.blogspot.com

Cabala's Pagan Origins

       Following the division of Israel and the Assyrian captivity of the northern tribes, the southern kingdom of Judah adopted the pagan traditions of the heathen nation of ancient Babylon. These traditions, with their associated rituals which included human sacrifice, provoked God to judge the southern kingdom, which judgment the prophet Jeremiah forewarned the Jews for a period of forty years, to no avail. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in three stages, from 605 to 586 B.C., in which year the Temple of Solomon was demolished and the remaining Jews were carried into captivity. During the Babylonian captivity, the prophet Ezekiel continued to reprove Judah for its apostasy from the God of Israel and their love affair with Babylon. Note, in the following passage, the Jews’ admiration for the images of rich, brightly attired Babylonian princes, which evoke visual images of the elegant processions of the princes of the Roman Catholic Church attired in their rich and colorful vestments:

“...[Jerusalem] increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion, Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity: And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea. And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them. So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness: then my mind was alienated from her...” (Ezek.23:14-18)

Moreover, as Matthew Henry noted in his commentary on this passage, the kingdom of Judah patterned its own worship after the pomp and pageantry of the Babylonians with whom they had become enamored:

“Thus she increased her whoredoms; she fell in love, fell in league, with the Chaldeans. Hezekiah himself was faulty this way when he was proud of the court which the king of Babylon made to him and complimented his ambassadors with the sight of all his treasures, Isa. 39:2. And the humour increased (v. 14); she doted upon the pictures of the Babylonian captains (v. 15, 16), joined in alliance with that kingdom, invited them to come and settle in Jerusalem, that they might refine the genius of the Jewish nation and make it more polite; nay, they sent for patterns of their images, altars, and temples, and made use of them in their worship. Thus was she polluted with her whoredoms (v. 17), and thereby she discovered her own whoredom (v. 18), her own strong inclination to idolatry.”

According to two authoritative sources, H.P. Blavatsky and the Jewish Encyclopedia, the Jews also acquired from the Chaldeans their doctrines of Eastern mysticism. These were later developed into a written compendium of esoteric literature known as the Jewish Qabbalah or Kabalah, and in the Middle Ages as the Latin Cabala.

“Kabalah (Heb.) The hidden wisdom of the Hebrew Rabbis of the middle ages derived from the older secret doctrines concerning divine things and cosmogony, which were combined into a theology after the time of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. All the works that fall under the esoteric category are termed Kabalistic.” (Blavatsky, Theosophical Glossary, p. 168)

“The Pythagorean idea of the creative powers of numbers and letters, upon which the ‘Sefer Yetzirah’ is founded, and which was known in tannaitic times…is here proved to be an old cabalistic conception. In fact, the belief in the magic power of the letters of the Tetragrammaton and other names of the Deity…seems to have originated in Chaldea (see Lenormant, ‘Chaldean Magic,’ pp. 29, 43). Whatever, then, the theurgic Cabala was …, the very fact that Abraham, and not a Talmudical hero like Akiba, is introduced in the ‘Sefer Yetzirah,’ at the close, as possessor of the Wisdom of the Alphabet, indicates an old tradition, if not the antiquity of the book itself…

“The whole dualistic system of good and of evil powers, which goes back to Zoroastrianism and ultimately to old Chaldea, can be traced through Gnosticism; having influenced the cosmology of the ancient Cabala before it reached the medieval one…

“The gradual condensation of a primal substance into visible matter, a fundamental doctrine of the Cabala, … is the ancient Semitic conception of the ‘primal ocean,’ known to the Babylonians as ‘Apsu’ (compare Jastrow, ‘Religion of Babylonia’), and called by the Gnostics βύθος =  (Anz, ‘Die Frage nach dem Ursprung des Gnostizismus,’ p. 98).”

The Chaldean religious tradition that was embraced by apostate Jews during their captivity in Babylon was delivered to subsequent generations by word of mouth. According to Blavatsky, these disseminators of the Chaldean tradition in the few centuries before Christ were known as Tanaim:

“Kabalist. From Q B L H, Kabala, an unwritten or oral tradition. The kabalist is a student of ‘secret science’, one who interprets the hidden meaning of the Scriptures with the help of the symbolical Kabala… The Tanaim were the first kabalists among the Jews; they appeared at Jerusalem about the beginning of the third century before the Christian era… This secret doctrine is identical with the Persian wisdom, or ‘magic’.” (Ibid. p.167)

The dictionary defines the Medieval Latin cabala as derived from the Hebrew word “qabblâ” which means “received doctrine, tradition, from qibbl, to receive.” According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, Cabalists claimed to have received these oral traditions, not from ancient Chaldeans, but from the Patriarchs and Prophets “by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

“Cabala comprised originally the entire traditional lore, in contradistinction to the written law (Torah), and therefore included the prophetic and hagiographic books of the Bible, which were supposed to have been ‘received’ by the power of the Holy Spirit rather than as writings from God’s hand... Each ‘received’ doctrine was claimed as tradition from the Fathers...to be traced back to the Prophets or to Moses on Sinai... The chief characteristic of the Cabala is that, unlike the Scriptures, it was entrusted only to the few elect ones;…’”

Because of its heretical nature, the Cabala was not generally promulgated among the Jews but remained the “secret doctrine” of “elect” Jews. That is to say, certain Jews who were deemed worthy could comprehend hidden teachings in the written Torah and, through mystical techniques, make direct contact with “God.”  Among these practices are rapid recitation of the “Holy Name of God” (YHVH, or Tetragrammaton), meditation on the 11 Sephiroth of the Tree of Life which are believed to be emanations of God, learning to use the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet as force-carrying energy patterns which serve as the building blocks of the cosmos, and, finally, transcending the space/time limitations of the physical world to realize one’s “inner divinity.” This “secret doctrine” has been preserved throughout the ages to the present time by a spiritual brotherhood who progress individually to various stages of enlightenment and proficiency in the hidden wisdom—from “elect” to “adepts” to “wise men” to “adepts in grace”:

“Cabala... The specific term for the esoteric or mystic doctrine concerning God and the universe, asserted to have come down as a revelation to elect saints from a remote past, and preserved only by a privileged few. At first consisting only of empirical lore, it assumed, under the influence of Neoplatonic and Neopythagorean philosophy, a speculative character. In the geonic period it is connected with a Mishnah-like text-book, the ‘Sefer Yetzirah,’ and forms the object of the systematic study of the elect, called ‘mekubbalim’ or ‘ba’ale ha-Kabbalah’ (possessors of, or adepts in, the Cabala). These receive afterward the name of ‘maskilim’ (the wise), after Dan. xii. 10; and because the Cabala is called (‘Hokmah nistarah’ = the hidden wisdom), the initials of which receive the meaning ‘adepts in grace’ (Eccl. ix. 11, Hebr.).” (Ibid.)

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"Kabbalism is a system of Jewish mysticism and magic and is the foundational element in modern witchcraft. Virtually all of the great witches and sorcerers of this century were Kabbalists." -William J. Schnoebelen, The Dark Side of Freemasonry

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 God Bless You

Rey Anthony Gatela

http://cesreygatela.blogspot.com