1. Roman (il)logic asserts the continuance of "apostolic authority" in an "apostolic succession" that is not unlike the Jewish-genetic succession of the Old Testament priesthood. Unfortunately (for their argument) Paul effectively demolishes any intrinsic worth in one's pedigree in Rom 2:28:29 "For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." If it is by faith, and grace-bestowed thereby, and not by genetic (or organic-institutional) bestowal, then Rome has no claim to be the "one, true church," incapable of either declension or (deductively) reformation. (Interestingly, Paul warns the church of ROME that they might be "broken off for unbelief"--so, can Rome fall or not? Rom 11:19-21)

So the issue is: which church(es) continue to preach the apostle's doctrine? Rome preaches another gospel, hence, she has no claim on the apostles--even if her pretentious claims to "succession" were demonstrable.

It is Christ, by his APOSTLES (who being dead, still speak, Heb. 11:4), who have the authority to remit/retain sins. They, because they spoke the Word of Christ they had from him, as well as the permission from him, and inspiration of his Spirit. This kind of authority is nowhere transferable--which is why there are no more apostles: no more direct commissions. This kind of "authority" died with the final apostle.

2. We do still have the authority to declare the truth of the apostle's doctrine, Luke 10:16. On the authority of Jesus Christ in his Word, we can declare what he has already declared: that those who believe on his name, who trust in his substitutionary death, are forgiven, justified, and receive his Spirit, Jn 5:24. It is for the listener to appropriate Christ's Word for himself, by faith.

We do no more than warn the unrepentant, and comfort the repentant sinner. Frankly, the apostle's themselves had no more authority than this, in the final analysis. They might receive some special revelation concerning someone's heart, but even in this they could not go beyond what Christ himself said through them. How many RCC priests are getting revelation from God about the truth or falsity of the confessor's words?

It is excessive for them to further assert that in their own office they exercise this power over men. They make themselves utterly indispensable to the laity. It is a system we can call "the dictatorship of the church." This the Reformers clearly understood, as did Protestantdom for several centuries.

Hope this is truly helpful.

__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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