But that doesn't negate the argument in any way. From Christ's declaration that "if he won't listen to the church, treat him as a pagan or tax collector," the following conclusions necessarily follow:
- There is ONE Church, since Christ refers to “the church.”
- The Church teaches with the same authority as Jesus, since Jesus could have directed people to Him, to settle disagreements.
- This Church is VISIBLE, since it is impossible to “take” disagreements to an invisible church.
- This Church must be united in doctrine, otherwise it could not settle disputes among Christians.
But that doesn’t negate the argument in any way. From Christ’s declaration that “if he won’t listen to the church, treat him as a pagan or tax collector,” the following conclusions necessarily follow:
- There is ONE Church, since Christ refers to “the church.”
- The Church teaches with the same authority as Jesus, since Jesus could have directed people to Him, to settle disagreements.
- This Church is VISIBLE, since it is impossible to “take” disagreements to an invisible church.
- This Church must be united in doctrine, otherwise it could not settle disputes among Christians.
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Paul was REFERRING to ONE LOCAL CHURCH in his letter.
This is not reason to reach your conclusion of just one church.
Point 1 above. There is just one GATHERING, since that is what CHRIST says. He does not say “church”, which is an unfortunate later German word.
Point 2 above. No, the church has authority. It is not equal to the God of the Universe who has authority over all things for all time.
Point 3 above. The local church is always visible.
Point 4 above. The context of Paul’s letter has nothing to do with doctrine at all. It has to do with local disputes.
Could you give me the exact Scripture that you’re using here? (Re: Christ’s declaration that “if he won’t listen to the church, treat him as a pagan or tax collector”)? It might be helpful in understanding.