My minister doesnt need a legitimate claim to an office. … Besides the bible doesnt teach that a person has to be part of apostolic succession to be able to teach the gospel message of Christ.
Actually, he does … and it does – which of course brings us right to the heart of the “heretics and seperated brethren at the same time” question.
As you will see from reading the article at the link I referenced earlier (I’m guessing you haven’t yet, judging from your response), you will see that the Bible teaches the following:
the “episkopoi” of the church at Ephesus have guardianship over “the flock” of God’s people.
to be a “pastor” (shepherd, overseer, elder) is also to be an “ambassador” for Christ (c.f. 2 Cor. 5:18ff).
“And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was.” (Heb. 5:4)
The dictionary defines the word “ambassador” to mean, an “authorized messenger or representative” - thus, an ambassador must be sent. In fact, the word “apostle” is Greek for “sent one.” To this we can add the words of St. Paul, who says that preachers must be “sent.” (Rom. 10:15)
Now, what does “to be sent” mean, except that someone in authority over you has conferred the privilege and authority upon you?
“…these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me.” (John 5:36)
“…As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” (John 20:21)
Scripture shows that only the Apostles are “entrusted” with the care of the Gospel message
Scripture also shows that only the Apostles refer to the Gospel message as their own personal possession. The Apostles possess the Gospel message precisely because it was “entrusted” to them, i.e., given to them, and
not taken by them on their own initiative.
The question we must ask now is this: after the original 12 Apostles, how is this Gospel and apostolic authority passed on? Is it passed on at all? After the death of the last Apostle, can any individual who feels “called” by God simply take up the mission and message and carry on where the Apostles left off? The answer to this question is plainly “no,” as we have already begun to see from Scripture. The mission and the message can only be passed on by someone who first possessed it.
The first generation of Apostles takes care to not only pass along the message, but also creates new pastors with apostolic authority to continue transmitting the message
the Scriptures are a tool for “teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” but who is to use this tool for these purposes? That is, who has the authority to teach, reproof, correct, and train others in righteousness? The “man of God” has this authority. But, who is the “man of God?” Your minister may wish to claim this title for himself as well, but a short survey of Scripture’s use of the title will reveal that this, too, is a privileged title that cannot be simply taken upon oneself
Contrary to the opinion that the “man of God” can be any Christian without distinction, Scripture itself will not allow such an interpretation, insisting that the “man of God” is a figure of authority, either commissioned by God directly through Divine Intervention (such as Moses or the Angel), or appointed by another holder of authority (such as Samuel, David, Elisha, and St. Timothy).
“If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony which I receive is from man; but I say this that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me.” (John 5:31-36)
If even Jesus submitted to this proof-test, how can any mere man exempt himself from this same test, unless he wishes to say he is greater than even Jesus?
Your probably right about the can of worms too but again not my intention. I just really want to know what the CC would say about me:thumbsup:
I am strong and non-wavering in my faith and know I am a child of God. I just like to get both sides of the story:thumbsup:
I stand on that by faith. I havent been disappointed:thumbsup:
The CC does seem to exclude people.
Your statement above shows that.