WBO Weltwerweight Champion and Philippine Congressman Manny Pacquiao knows that a profession of religion has become popular with world. In fact, “rulers, politicians, lawyers, doctors, merchants, join the church as a means of securing the respect and confidence of society and advancing their worldly interests,” according to the book of the Great Controversy.
After his tumultuous relationship with his wife Jinky, even without rendering a detailed confession to the public, Pacquiao seeks to cover all his unrighteous acts under the garb, as offered by the Catholic Church of the Philippines, of “Bible Ambassador”.
Sure, reciprocity exists here in terms of promotional values. Just like any other religious bodies, enforced by the wealth and influence of these baptized worldlings, make a higher bid for popularity and patronage. I just hope these priests surrounding Pacquiao have not “broken their solemn vows of allegiance and fidelity to the King of Heaven”.
But, Pacquiao’s standing before God is one that no man could be in the right position to judge. Only God the condition of his heart. What is appealing to many is that Pacquiao’s public witnessing about his relationship with God is influencing his close associates and fans who have not come to Christ for repentance and forgiveness.
Even then, Pacquiao must publicly admit based on truth what he publicly denies. Humbly confessing one’s “sins” by the power of the Holy Spirit, even to the point of tarnishing his public image and even to the point of self-incriminating to potential imprisonment, is the mark of a transformed man. And that’s the true test of his faith.
What about potentially inflicting brain injury and castigating Timothy Bradley on June 9 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada? Isn’t this a gruesome prospect for one who has professed to be a born-again Christian?
Another, Pacquiao’s fans, who e-mailed this writer, and the rest of the curious public, however, said they would truly appreciate what Pacquiao, who claims to have become a born-again Chirstian, is doing now if he so publicly confesses his “sins”, including boldly claiming how many children he has fathered and to name the names of the mothers, as well, of these children, as a matter of confession, to give justice to the truth. He would also be truly credible if he withdraws his investments from cockpit arenas and in other worldly affairs of men, they said.
But, what’s most revealing about Pacquiao is that he has provided a powerful evidence of God’s work in him. His willingness to submit to Christ is what counts in the transformation of his character. If God had so changed the worst of sinner’s heart, he can do the same with Pacquiao’s. Like Solomon of Old, Pacquiao’s conversion may not be instantaneous. His Christian experience can be one worth-studying.
One thing, though, “religious faith appears so confused and discordant that the world know not what to believe as truth.”
Source: The Great Controversy
