What will happen at the centennial?

The "Iglesia Ni Cristo" centennial is a very interesting event in that there has been a lot of hype, but no explicit significance has been associated with the event. However, when the centennial itself comes, that may no longer be the case and it seems wise to discuss some predictions of what may occur and what significance the event may take for INC members.

The list of predictions presented here are not intended to be taken as a package - it is almost guaranteed that not all will come to pass. Rather, they are intended to be a record of independent things that might come to pass. These are listed so that if any of the following happen, INC members should not be able to point to them as something that demonstrates the truth of the INC, but something that had a degree of expectation from the outside.

Prediction 1: The INC may announce a translation of the Bible.

The INC has thus far maintained an odd pride in their use of a plethora of Bible versions. They seem to think that using many versions demonstrates a lack of bias when, in reality, choosing whatever version is most convenient at the given moment is practically definitional of bias. Additionally, their bibliology which denies the perspicuity of scripture does not call for a specially tailored translation, since Bible reading is primarily the obligation of the ministers.

However, the respect that the INC so covets demands the kind of justification that perhaps a translation could begin to provide. A translation would not only give them a more academic appearance, but it would also provide a method for controlling the form of the word of God to which their members are exposed.

Prediction 2: The INC may announce some eschatological significance of the centennial.

The INC may associate some prophecy in the Bible with the centennial. For example, they may take the following verse and use it describe the spiritual condition of those who did not celebrate the centennial.

Isaiah 65:20 (HCSB) - 20 In her, a nursing infant will no longer live only a few days, or an old man not live out his days. Indeed, the youth will die at a hundred years, and the one who misses a hundred years will be cursed.

Or, they may a take passage like Ezekiel 1, and apply it to their arena.

Ezekiel 1:26 (GWT) - 26 Above the dome over their heads was something that looked like a throne made of sapphire. On the throne was a figure that looked like a human.

Prediction 3: The INC may introduce some new doctrine.

Perhaps the INC will introduce an addition to their dietary law, or perhaps they will introduce a new element of their Christology. For example, maybe they will cease the worship of Christ, or lessen it in some way.

Such an introduction of doctrine would be subtle. It would not be explicit or noticeable, but such a change would be traced back to the centennial and the events surrounding it.

Prediction 4: The INC may introduce some new publication.

Dissatisfied by the reach of the Pasugo, TV programs, and websites, the INC will introduce some new publication. It is hard to say what form such a publication should take.

Conclusion

Regardless of what happens at the centennial, no one should be deceived into thinking that this event is from God. If any of these predictions come to pass, we should consider them as expected and not pointing to the truth of the organization.