CBCC advises citizens not to be swayed by ‘false prophecies’

Pfütsero, January 17 (MExN): The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) has clarified that the alleged ‘divine revelation’ pertaining to COVID-19 vaccines are contrary to the Bible and Christian faith.

Referring to a ‘prophecy’ purportedly issued by Eastern Zion Healing Ministry, Pfütsero which claimed that the newly launched vaccines are ‘not the will of God,’ the CBCC issued a press release on Sunday “to create awareness among the believers that such kind of unfounded and false prophecies are very much contrary to the Bible and Christian faith.”

It said that after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, churches around the world have been praying for God’s intervention and healing from the dreaded disease which has claimed millions of precious lives. “Therefore, the church believes that the vaccines which have come to us is indeed God’s answers to the prayers of believers,” the release stated. 

The CBCC further underscored its belief that health is a fundamental human right, and a moral obligation of the church to ensure that each and every individual has the opportunity to live a healthier and fuller life. “Health is also fundamental to economic growth for a developing country like India and vaccinations form the bedrock of public health,” it added.

Stating that the people may initially have doubts and apprehensions about the efficacy of the vaccines, “in any case vaccination has nothing to do with Salvation and do not have any biblical basis. A vaccine does not get to decide and cancel the work of Christ on the cross,’ it maintained.

While also acknowledging the fact that the Church believes in prophecy, the CBCC emphasised that the church is always guided by the Bible which admonishes the church not to believe every prophecy but to test every spirit, “Because there is such a thing as true or false prophecy then and even now.” 

As far as the source of prophecy in this context is concerned, the CBCC pointed out that even in the recent past, “the same kind of prophecies emerged from the same group which claimed that getting Aadhaar Card and Rubella vaccines was against the will of God and will attract the ‘beast marks’ which was also then clarified and out rightly condemned by CBCC back in 2018.” 

“Hence, it is for the information of all believers, that in a time such as this, we cannot rule out the possibility of a kind of vested interest which could be running a misinformation campaign to derail the fight against COVID-19,’ it said.

As such, the CBCC advised all believers not to panic or be swayed by the ‘false prophecies’ but continue to pray that God will use the vaccine to bring healing and protection to all people around the world. 

During the official launching of the State level vaccination drive in Kohima on January 16,   the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho also noted that  there are both ‘true and false prophecies’ and the only way to discern between them was through the word of God.

While neither condemning nor endorse anyone, Rev Keyho said there is the Bible, the Word of God, to test every spirit and one needs “God’s wisdom to discern right from wrong.”

“Our role is to pray that God will use the vaccine to bring protection to the community,” he added.