But Miranda is not the only claimant to the post of Jesus Christ, history is full of a long list of several others who have also said they were the reincarnation of Jesus. The only exception is that none has so far claimed to be the anti-Christ. Except Miranda.
Below are excerpts from such reports on the man who has encouraged his followers to inscribe the sign of the anti-Christ; the number 666 according to the book of Revelation, on their bodies:
Critics have called De Jesus a cult leader who manipulates followers. Church members say he has brought them happiness and spiritual fulfilment. "This is backing up what I truly believe," said Alvaro Albarracin, 38, who heads a film production company and joined the church more than a decade ago. He showed a bandage that covered the freshly tattooed "666" on his forearm. "It's like a brand.
It's like a sign." It's a sign most Christians would shun, because for centuries the numbers have been associated with Satan. But for the 30 or so church members who branded themselves with 666 and SSS — the initials of De Jesus' motto, "salvo siempre salvo," or "saved always saved" — it's a mark of their absolute faith in De Jesus.
It's like a sign." It's a sign most Christians would shun, because for centuries the numbers have been associated with Satan. But for the 30 or so church members who branded themselves with 666 and SSS — the initials of De Jesus' motto, "salvo siempre salvo," or "saved always saved" — it's a mark of their absolute faith in De Jesus.
Church members say the symbol doesn't connect them to Satan but rather to De Jesus' claim that he has replaced Christ's teachings with a new gospel. Scholars and critics of the movement say the tattoos offer frightening evidence of the influence De Jesus commands over his followers. "What is he going to do next to call attention to himself?" asked Daniel Alvarez, an instructor in the department of religious studies at Florida International University who has studied the movement.
"This means that his control over people is so great that no matter what he says to them, they'll follow him." De Jesus was not available to comment, said a church spokeswoman. At the tattoo parlour, one woman wore a T-shirt with De Jesus' picture and the phrase "The Lord Arrived" in Spanish. Others wore shirts and baseball caps marked with 666.
Spanish rap music blared from a stereo in the back. News cameras circled the tattoo chair as artist Jessica Segatto, wearing pink rubber gloves and a huge silver cross, carefully inked 666 on church members' ankles, forearms, backs and one member's neck. Some members said they decided to attend the tattooing session — which was prompted by a church announcement the previous week — to prove their commitment to De Jesus' vision. Others said they hoped the symbol would provoke questions about the movement.
Spanish rap music blared from a stereo in the back. News cameras circled the tattoo chair as artist Jessica Segatto, wearing pink rubber gloves and a huge silver cross, carefully inked 666 on church members' ankles, forearms, backs and one member's neck. Some members said they decided to attend the tattooing session — which was prompted by a church announcement the previous week — to prove their commitment to De Jesus' vision. Others said they hoped the symbol would provoke questions about the movement.
"I figured if I have it on my leg, people are going to notice it, 666, and they're going to ask," said church member and spokeswoman Axel Poessy. De Jesus — who preaches that sin and the devil were destroyed when Jesus died on the cross and that God's chosen already have been saved — has built a massive movement around his claim to divinity. Followers call him "Daddy" and "God" and lavish him with $5,000 Rolexes and sometimes 40 percent or more of their salaries.
Christian leaders have denounced De Jesus, saying he distorts the Bible. The Rev. Julio Perez of Nueva Esperanza, a faith-based community group in Hialeah, said De Jesus was promoting himself rather than helping members of his church. "What he's doing is trying to create his own sect," he said. De Jesus had just a few hundred followers when he launched his church in a Hialeah warehouse about 20 years ago.
Today, he commands a global movement from his Doral headquarters that boasts 335 education centers, 200 pastors, 287 radio programs and a 24-hour Spanish-language TV network that's available to 2 million homes — including by special request from some U.S. cable companies. Only De Jesus and his right hand man, Carlos Cestero, are authorized to preach.
Today, he commands a global movement from his Doral headquarters that boasts 335 education centers, 200 pastors, 287 radio programs and a 24-hour Spanish-language TV network that's available to 2 million homes — including by special request from some U.S. cable companies. Only De Jesus and his right hand man, Carlos Cestero, are authorized to preach.
In his sermons, De Jesus emphasizes wealth and success as a sign of God's favor. Many of his members are business owners who give a percentage of their corporate profits to De Jesus, said Alvaro Albarracin, who oversees corporate donations to the church and holds the title "entrepreneur of entrepreneurs." Albarracin, who runs the film production company MiamiLa Entertainment, said he gave 20 percent of his profit to the movement when he sold his Web-hosting company, Dialtone, for more than $16 million in 2001.
Martita Roca, 25, a South Florida singer and actress from Guatemala, said she sometimes gives 40 percent of her salary to Growing in Grace. Giving a piece of her flesh by getting a tattoo was another way to prove her commitment, she said. "For all of those people who pray for us to come out of this movement, this shows that this is it, there's no going back," Roca said of her tattoos. "This is to make sure that everyone relates me to that vision."
Luz Fuentes, 51, a former Catholic who joined Growing in Grace in 1990, said she and her brother give Growing in Grace up to 50 percent of profits from their Hallandale mortgage company, Apos Mortgage. "Apos" is short for "apostle," one of De Jesus' monikers. De Jesus is listed on the company's website as its CEO. "Antichrist" is the latest in a string of titles De Jesus has bestowed on himself.
Luz Fuentes, 51, a former Catholic who joined Growing in Grace in 1990, said she and her brother give Growing in Grace up to 50 percent of profits from their Hallandale mortgage company, Apos Mortgage. "Apos" is short for "apostle," one of De Jesus' monikers. De Jesus is listed on the company's website as its CEO. "Antichrist" is the latest in a string of titles De Jesus has bestowed on himself.
In 1988, De Jesus announced he was the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. In 1999, he dubbed himself "the Other," a spiritual superbeing who would pave the way for Christ's second coming. In 2004, he proclaimed himself to be Jesus Christ. That claim caused some prominent members to defect from the movement — including De Jesus' first wife, Nydia, and his son Jose Luis Jr., who started his own church in Puerto Rico.
In January, during a packed worship service at the church, De Jesus took off his coat and revealed the numbers 666 on his forearm. "This is a congregation of Antichrists," De Jesus said, drawing whistles and cheers. The number 666 appears in the Book of Revelation, a portion of the New Testament that details the prophet John's apocalyptic vision of the rise of the Antichrist, the tribulation and Christ's return.
In January, during a packed worship service at the church, De Jesus took off his coat and revealed the numbers 666 on his forearm. "This is a congregation of Antichrists," De Jesus said, drawing whistles and cheers. The number 666 appears in the Book of Revelation, a portion of the New Testament that details the prophet John's apocalyptic vision of the rise of the Antichrist, the tribulation and Christ's return.
In Revelation, a horned beast appears on earth and requires everyone to get his mark — 666 — on the right hand or forehead. Experts on new religious movements say De Jesus' opposition to other religions, and his claim to be the only legitimate spiritual authority, resemble the teachings of some cults. "It's clearly a personality-driven group," said Rick Ross, an anti-cult consultant based in New Jersey.
"It is defined by the claims of De Jesus Miranda." Nick Woodbury, director of the evangelical group Christ for Miami, said most mainstream Christians would reject Growing in Grace's teachings as unbiblical. "In the Christian evangelical sector, we would consider them a sect," said Woodbury, who has served as a missionary in Colombia with the Mimai-based group Latin America Mission.
"It is defined by the claims of De Jesus Miranda." Nick Woodbury, director of the evangelical group Christ for Miami, said most mainstream Christians would reject Growing in Grace's teachings as unbiblical. "In the Christian evangelical sector, we would consider them a sect," said Woodbury, who has served as a missionary in Colombia with the Mimai-based group Latin America Mission.
"They take the Bible, but their interpretation is very warped." De Jesus' followers have lashed out against organized Christianity because they believe their prophet holds the true gospel, they say. His adherents have disrupted Catholic processions on Good Friday and protested outside an evangelical church gathering in Miami's Tropical Park.
Last July, they tore up literature published by the Jehovah's Witnesses and other Christian movements during a march in downtown Miami. Scholars who are concerned about the movement's growth say they hope De Jesus' latest claim will insert doubt into the mind of some members. "The symbol of the Antichrist is so negative, the only good thing that will come out of this is that people will say, 'Hold on, this man is going off the deep end,"' FIU's Alvarez said
Last July, they tore up literature published by the Jehovah's Witnesses and other Christian movements during a march in downtown Miami. Scholars who are concerned about the movement's growth say they hope De Jesus' latest claim will insert doubt into the mind of some members. "The symbol of the Antichrist is so negative, the only good thing that will come out of this is that people will say, 'Hold on, this man is going off the deep end,"' FIU's Alvarez said
De Jesús grew up in poverty in Puerto Rico. He has claimed that during this period he served stints in prison for petty theft. He became a Pentecostal minister and then a member of the Southern Baptist convention In 2007 the Dallas Morning News reported that de Jesús "preaches to followers in some 35 nations, mostly in Latin America, and has 287 radio programs and a 24-hour Spanish-language TV network." De Jesús' broadcasts are received in over 103 countries every Wednesday and Sunday.
In early 2007 he claimed that he was the Antichrist. He states that the term is appropriate because people are no longer to follow the "Jewish teachings" of Jesus of Nazareth, but rather to follow the Apostle Paul's teachings through De Jesús. According to De Jesús, "Antichrist" means "no longer following Jesus of Nazareth as he lived in the days of his flesh".
In early 2007 he claimed that he was the Antichrist. He states that the term is appropriate because people are no longer to follow the "Jewish teachings" of Jesus of Nazareth, but rather to follow the Apostle Paul's teachings through De Jesús. According to De Jesús, "Antichrist" means "no longer following Jesus of Nazareth as he lived in the days of his flesh".
Most recently, followers have shown their support by getting "666" tattoos on their bodies. "666", de Jesús says, is not a sign of the Devil (he preaches that the Devil was destroyed), but the number of the Antichrist. A gallery of followers tattooed with the number of his name, 666, may be seen on his official website.
De Jesús and his followers celebrate Christmas each year on April 22, as this is the day de Jesús was born and therefore they claim it is the "real" Christmas. De Jesús appears in the 2008 documentary Religulous where he was subtly mocked by host Bill Maher. Jose Luis wrongly stated that his transformation and that of his followers would occur on 30 June, 2012. According to Axel Cooley (one of the North American representatives) on transformation day, members would have been supposedly able to walk through walls and go through fire and not get burned.
De Jesús and his followers celebrate Christmas each year on April 22, as this is the day de Jesús was born and therefore they claim it is the "real" Christmas. De Jesús appears in the 2008 documentary Religulous where he was subtly mocked by host Bill Maher. Jose Luis wrongly stated that his transformation and that of his followers would occur on 30 June, 2012. According to Axel Cooley (one of the North American representatives) on transformation day, members would have been supposedly able to walk through walls and go through fire and not get burned.
Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda according to information from aboutcult.com, is a 60-year-old former heroin addict and convict who believes that he is the living incarnation of “Jesus Christ, the Man . . . the second coming of Christ.” The Puerto Rican-born Miranda claims that in 1973 he had an “epiphany” -- a revelatory manifestation of a divine being. He says that he doesn’t know why God picked him. Still, Miranda once believed that he was the reincarnation of the apostle Paul. Then two years later he proclaimed himself as Jesus Christ. “God merged with me [and] . . . the resurrected Jesus . . .integrated/infiltrated himself within me.”
Miranda formed his own ministry in the mid-'80s, Creciendo en Gracia (‘Growing in Grace Ministry’) or “God’s Government on Earth.” While currently headquartered in a Miami, Florida warehouse, Miranda travels with a security team of nine bodyguards. He claims that his followers, largely Hispanic, reside in more than 20 countries, primarily in Central and South America, as well as the United States. His people call him everything from apostle to Jesus Christ Man, giving him their entire savings, cars, businesses, and estates, including a million-dollar home in a gated community. What makes this self-proclaimed messiah’s message so enticing?
Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda’s message is basic: “freedom to indulge.” He teaches that: The devil, hell, and sin are non-existent, Prayer is a waste of time, and The Ten Commandments (moral or ethical guidelines) are irrelevant.
His followers believe they are God’s chosen people, predestined for salvation, no matter what they do on earth. As such, all other religions’ teachings are rejected, believing that all other faiths are false and must be destroyed -- even when Crescendio en Gracia’s marches result in violent consequences. Miranda esteems himself above Jesus of Nazareth. His responses during interviews are startling: “I am greater than him . . . I teach better than him . . . I won’t die. Even if you tried to kill me! I will be president of the biggest government that this earth has experienced. I’m going to change the whole world.”
His followers believe they are God’s chosen people, predestined for salvation, no matter what they do on earth. As such, all other religions’ teachings are rejected, believing that all other faiths are false and must be destroyed -- even when Crescendio en Gracia’s marches result in violent consequences. Miranda esteems himself above Jesus of Nazareth. His responses during interviews are startling: “I am greater than him . . . I teach better than him . . . I won’t die. Even if you tried to kill me! I will be president of the biggest government that this earth has experienced. I’m going to change the whole world.”
These statements are both frightening and disturbing to authorities. Daniel Alvarez received his Masters Degree in Theology from Harvard Divinity School and serves as a Florida International University religion professor. Alvarez sees Crescendio en Gracia as having all the makings of a destructive cult with Miranda fitting into the classic mould of a cult leader who requires total submission by his followers. Cult authority, Rick Ross (Rick A. Ross Institute of New Jersey), agrees that Growing in Grace fits the basic profile of a dangerous cult which thrives on persuasion (brainwashing) and ultimately exploitation of its members.
Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is not Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ means “anointed one” -- consecrated, set apart as holy. Unlike Miranda, Jesus Christ knew the purpose of His incarnation (Colossians 1:19-22). Christ humbly acknowledged God the Father as greater than Himself (John 5:19; 14:28). Jesus Christ fervently believed in praying -- especially for others (John 17) and in obedience to God the Father (Hebrews 5:7-8). Jesus Christ is the exact representation of the Eternal God, yet chose to lay down His divine nature as a human sacrifice, dying for our sins (Hebrews 1:3; 2:14-15). Jesus taught with the goal of honouring God (John 7:16-18).
The Bible warns extensively of false teachers, those who practice deception (Matthew 24:4-5, Colossians 2:8, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Peter 2:1-3). The Scriptures also tell of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming to reunite all believers eternally with God (Matthew 16:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Revelation 1:7-8). Do not be deceived. Jesus Christ’s divine nature is unchanging. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas” (Hebrews 13:8-9).
The U.S.-based religious leader is penciling in June 30 for the end of days, nudging out Mayan Doomsday enthusiasts who have earmarked December 21, 2012 for humanity's last gasp. "An earthquake is coming," Miranda proclaimed in an April 25 ministry broadcast. "It is getting closer and we will see the catastrophes. What you have seen is nothing. What is coming is cities falling."
But Miranda is bringing his own unique twist to the Apocalypse-faithful. While promising the "complete destruction of the bad seed," the minister promises that he will emerge as a sort of superhero -- with the power to fly and even walk through walls. Mr. Doomsday, if you will. Or, as his followers call him, 'Dad'.
But Miranda is bringing his own unique twist to the Apocalypse-faithful. While promising the "complete destruction of the bad seed," the minister promises that he will emerge as a sort of superhero -- with the power to fly and even walk through walls. Mr. Doomsday, if you will. Or, as his followers call him, 'Dad'.
What we do know of Miranda is that he was, in fact, born mortal -- in Puerto Rico in 1946. By his own account, Miranda was visited by Jesus in 1973 -- apparently the Messiah walked up to him and entered his body. Hence, De Jesus. From there, his pronouncements have only gotten more interesting.
In 1988, Miranda disclosed that he was actually the Apostle Paul. Not long after that, Miranda took it to the next level, calling himself both Jesus Christ and the Anti-Christ -- a one-stop shop for all your Reckoning needs. And that Reckoning is at the world's doorstep.
In 1988, Miranda disclosed that he was actually the Apostle Paul. Not long after that, Miranda took it to the next level, calling himself both Jesus Christ and the Anti-Christ -- a one-stop shop for all your Reckoning needs. And that Reckoning is at the world's doorstep.
Miranda marshals a plethora of 'scientific' evidence to back his claim, much of it revolving around the reversal of Earth's poles causing "tectonic plates to heat up." "For 2012, we are expecting a change on the face of the earth and the destruction of the world will come."
There's also some economic oblivion thrown in for good measure -- essentially a toppling of world governments prompted by financial meltdowns. It all makes perfect sense to the ministry's followers -- legions of a not entirely disclosed number in some 130 countries.
"He's in their heads, he's inside the heads of those people," U.S. religion expert Prof. Daniel Alvarez told CNN News in 2007. "De Jesus speaks with a kind of conviction that makes me consider him more like David Koresh or Jim Jones." He's also in downtown Toronto these days. Sort of. Miranda offers a smiling salute from a billboard on Bloor Street West. The Growing Grace ministry boasts 200 members in Toronto, Calgary, St. Catharines, Montreal and Vancouver.
There's also some economic oblivion thrown in for good measure -- essentially a toppling of world governments prompted by financial meltdowns. It all makes perfect sense to the ministry's followers -- legions of a not entirely disclosed number in some 130 countries.
"He's in their heads, he's inside the heads of those people," U.S. religion expert Prof. Daniel Alvarez told CNN News in 2007. "De Jesus speaks with a kind of conviction that makes me consider him more like David Koresh or Jim Jones." He's also in downtown Toronto these days. Sort of. Miranda offers a smiling salute from a billboard on Bloor Street West. The Growing Grace ministry boasts 200 members in Toronto, Calgary, St. Catharines, Montreal and Vancouver.
Alex Poessy, the group’s bishop in Canada, told the National Post, “That day, the body of Jose de Luis de Jesus, who is a human like you and me, his flesh is going to be immortal…. He’s going to be living forever. And that will happen to him, but also his followers.” Many of those followers get some unlikely ink to show their support for 'Dad' -- the number 666 prominently emblazoned on their skin.
Don't worry, Miranda explains, it's actually a positive symbol. In fact, Miranda's followers crunch what might loosely be described as numbers in this statement to Miami New Times: "Thousands worldwide are marked with the number of His name, 666. The Earth's rotation has accelerated to a speed of 66,666 mph. All prophecies are fulfilling, even scientific, astronomical and numerological formulae are aligning - all pointing to the year 2012, where the Puerto Rican-born Jose Luis De Jesus (Latitude 66.6°) curiously turns 66."
Don't worry, Miranda explains, it's actually a positive symbol. In fact, Miranda's followers crunch what might loosely be described as numbers in this statement to Miami New Times: "Thousands worldwide are marked with the number of His name, 666. The Earth's rotation has accelerated to a speed of 66,666 mph. All prophecies are fulfilling, even scientific, astronomical and numerological formulae are aligning - all pointing to the year 2012, where the Puerto Rican-born Jose Luis De Jesus (Latitude 66.6°) curiously turns 66."
But not everyone is sold on this Doomsday prophet. Other religious groups seem more than a little chafed by Miranda'sprognosticaions."To put it bluntly," writes Christian website GotQuestions.org. "Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is a heretic. He is a false messiah who claims to be the second coming of Jesus Christ."
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