You see, once you believe in the Great Commission, then you enter a fork on the road. One fork establishes that the “teaching authority” is to his apostles and their successors and the other leads to multiple interpretations with no authoritative underpinnings.
The Great Commission
The most famous and influential New Testament text pertaining to evangelization appears at the end of Matthew’s Gospel. It is part of the appearance of the risen Jesus to eleven of his apostles (the Twelve minus Judas). The appearance takes place on a mountain in Galilee. When the disciples see the risen Jesus, some pay him homage while others hesitate or even doubt. This sets the scene for the words of the risen Jesus that are traditionally known as the “Great Commission.” The text appears in Matthew 28:18b-20:
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
This is the Church triumphant in insuring that the “teaching” of the Christ is not in error. Hence the litany of saints and miracles attesting the execution of Divine and unerring authority. The “teaching” to all the “disciples” must be the same. How does one insure this without a Divinely inspired authority?
I do believe in the Great Commission, that is exactly WHY I am on these Mormonism threads.
My authority comes from Christ alone.
Go in Peace brother, I have REAL heretics to fight (these Mormons).
I think I recall a verse that states the Holy Spirit will be the teacher.
If this 'authority' is so good; WHY has the RCC made so many grievious sidetracks in it's history"