A controversial religious movement led by a charismatic leader who claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and the Antichrist.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Non-denominational
Founder: José Luis De Jesús Miranda (“el Jesucristo Hombre [Jesus Christ, the Man]”; “Melchizedek”)
Founded: 1986
Ended: 2013
Location: Miami, Florida, United States
Size: 100,000
Other Names: Growing in Grace, The Man Christ Jesus
Website: creciendoengracia.com
Creciendo en Gracia, or Growing in Grace International Ministry, was founded in 1985 by José Luis de Jesús Miranda, a figure who garnered international attention and controversy for his claims of being the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and later, the Antichrist. The organization, headquartered in Miami, Florida, spread across more than 20 countries, particularly in Latin America, through its charismatic leader’s exceptional discourse management and a profound use of media.
De Jesús Miranda’s teachings were marked by stark deviations from traditional Christian doctrine. In late 2006, he made the audacious claim of being the Antichrist, arguing that the term should be understood not in the traditional sense of opposing Christ but as a transition from following Jesus of Nazareth to following the teachings of the Apostle Paul. This redefinition supported his instruction to his followers to tattoo “666” on their bodies, asserting that the number represented wisdom and truth in following Jesus Christ’s teachings, contrary to its common association with evil. His interpretation rested on the belief that the devil had been destroyed and that hell does not exist, positioning the physical desires and sins of the flesh as the only remaining adversaries for his followers.
The central tenet of Creciendo en Gracia was the “Doctrine of Grace,” which posited that the death of Jesus on the cross had abolished sin and its consequences for humanity. Therefore, followers believed that moral behavior and repentance were unnecessary for salvation, as the grace of God, manifested through Miranda, ensured their eternal salvation. This doctrine led to significant criticism from mainstream Christian organizations.
The sect’s practices included a unique celebration of Christmas on April 22, corresponding with de Jesús Miranda’s birthday, rather than the traditional December 25th. This was part of a broader set of beliefs that promised a forthcoming “Transformation” day, during which followers would achieve a state of enlightenment and immortality, enabling them to perform miraculous feats such as walking through walls or being unharmed by fire.
The movement experienced significant growth in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly among Hispanic communities in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Creciendo en Gracia also established a robust presence in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico, among others. Miranda’s ability to connect with followers through charismatic preaching, televised sermons, and savvy use of media played a crucial role in this expansion.
However, the movement was not without its controversies, extending beyond its theological stance. De Jesús Miranda’s life was marked by allegations of extravagant spending and personal misconduct, leading to a divisive and publicized divorce that exposed the movement’s financial and moral inconsistencies. His death in 2013, under controversial circumstances, led to a significant decline in the movement’s influence. Despite initial denials of his death, reflecting beliefs in his immortality, the organization eventually fragmented, with some followers attempting to continue his legacy under new leadership and others disassociating entirely.
Today, remnants of Creciendo en Gracia persist through various factions and offshoots, including “La Amada de Jesucristo” (“The Beloved of Jesus Christ”), “La Ciencia de JH” (“The Science of JH”), “TV Gracia” (“Grace TV”), and “Rey de Salem, El Gobierno de Dios, Melquisedec-Lisbeth” (“King of Salem, The Government of God, Melchizedec-Lisbeth”), each adopting different interpretations of de Jesús Miranda’s teachings and the direction of the movement posthumously.
image via David Gaitán’s WordPress
