Catholic Church Authority

Date: December 29, 2019 (Sunday PM)

Bible Text: Matthew 16:18-19 | Ura Schrock

Where does the Catholic church claim to receive its authority?

Peter was the first pastor of the church at Rome
Peter was given the keys to the kingdom of Heaven, and that authority was passed along the line of the popes

Equating Old Testament Israel to the New Testament church
Initiation into Judaism in the Old Testament by circumcision, initiation into the church is at birth by baptism
The church exercises authority over secular authorities, theocracy on earth
Entered into by baptism and maintained by the Sacraments

Peter was specifically given authority and only him
"bind and loose" - authority to absolve sins, to pronounce doctrinal judgements, and to make disciplinary decisions in the church [Jesus himself forgives, not man]

Mostly were pastors of churches in the first five centuries. Defended the theology of the NT from error, but in reality, they corrupted it with the greatest errors!
Three categories of error
- Apostolic fathers - contemporaries of the Apostles
- Ante-Nicene fathers - lived before the Council of Nicea
- Post-Nicene fathers - lived after the Council of Nicea
Nicean Council
- Constantine called for a meeting of bishops in Nicea to clear up some controversies
  - Nature of Christ
  - Date of Easter
- The Nicean creed became the accepted position of the church
- The real problem is that the emporer of rome as "head" of the church, was able to "settle" doctrinal disputes. Pastors accepted it, false doctrine was spread thereby
Who are the real "church fathers?"
- The Apostles! (not "church fathers")
- Those who present the Word of God (Hebrews SLIDE 40)
- Those who present the foundation for the church (Ephesians 2:20)
- Those who give instruction on church behavior (1 Timothy 3:16)