Amen.
In the Old Testament, Israel did not have an infallible interpreter of the Scriptures. So why should that be true in the New Testament?
Rome would have us believe the pope, a single man, is the final arbiter of Scripture and God's word.
But Jesus relied on a canon that didn't have such a singular, worldly source. Rather, the canon was something recognized collectively by the people of God.
And this is because the people of God believe the Holy Spirit leads their understanding and guides them in all truth. As Christ explained...
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." -- John 16:13-14"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Now we can question if a man is truly being led by the Holy Spirit, but we can never doubt that the Holy Spirit does lead all those who have been saved, as Christ said and as God ordained. So individually and collectively, we measure everything against Scripture because the Holy Spirit speaks through the word of God and not through the mouth of one human being who presumes to stand above all others.
We kneel to none but Christ.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Didn't expect such from your corner! LOL.
But very well put.
I think the infallibility issue is a key connection to humility and to unity of spirit instead of unity of cookie-cutter-identical-mind-lock sameness.
IF and when a prophet becomes infallible in hearing and speaking for God . . . pride is a huge threat from then on. And Scripture indicates that all the other evils easily ride in on pride.
Flawdedness keeps at least the alert and awake belivers of broken and contrite hearts before God leaning ever more intensely in His direction rather than
ASSUMING--well, I have this hearing and speaking for God stuff all in a bag--so, NOW HEAR THIS ALL YE SERFS!
I believe there will be folks in this era humble after the manner of Moses and who hear accurately and speak accurately for God.
I don't know that there will be lots of them.
I think that it will be much MORE common for a collection of folks in a local congregation or geographic area who will each individual have bits and pieces of the puzzle to contribute but which Holy Spirit will retain the title and function of puzzle master and arranger. And not until all those with their bits and pieces contribute their bits and pieces in humility, self-lessness, love and faith--will the whole message be clear and functional.
I think that will even be true about God's desire for application of Scripture in a certain specific situation as well as prophetic inputs from God about where to go and how to avoid disaster in the earthly realm with the Anti-Christ's forces abroad in the land.
must my 25 cents.
Many things of the Old Testament changed in the New Testament, so it simply does not follow logically.
However, your premise is wrong too: the High Priest of Jerusalem temple was at the top of the sacredotal hierarchy. Papacy follows that model (as Pope Clement forcefully explains in his letter tot he Corinthians, where he compares himself to Aaron).