Can you then explain Vatican II? Was the Catholic Church in scriptural error before Vatican II or is it now in error?
By the way, I prefer to use the original meaning of "church" which is eklesia, or congregation. In this sense, the argument you espouse of not being able to have an independent group can be seriously debated. From this point of view, Jesus' proclaimation "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst" takes root and grows. A good congregation will not claim any private interpretation, but will invite scrutiny and study the Word in the open with the heart of a child, seeing what God has to say, and then applying it. A good congregation is humble and understands that since the Bible authors didn't know it all themselves, it is impossible for us to have all the answers now.
I Corinthians 13
8 Charity never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be abolished; if tongues, they shall cease; if knowledge, it will be abolished. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when the perfect thing comes, then that which is in part will be caused to cease. 11 When I was an infant, I spoke as an infant, I thought as an infant, I reasoned as an infant. But when I became a man, I did away with the things of an infant. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall fully know even as I also am fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, charity, these three remain; but the greatest of these is charity.
What is the problem with Vatican II that needs explaining?
Tell us what you think that VII was all about. It didn't change scripture and it didn't change any beliefs.
Vatican II changed nothing scriptural. I don't understand the question, unless you are lumping procedures and local practices in with doctrine.
The original churches were indeed gatherings who had the travelling missionaries from the Apostles and others who visited them, corrected them and instructed them. They were never stand-alone entities. Peter and the others had the authority - and used it extensively - to tell them what or what not to do.
Two or three gathered in His name does not proscribe the exercise of authority by His appointed Church over those individuals in the doctrine, tenets of the Church or any other spiritual subject. The two or three may practice error and would therefore need to be corrected. And taught.
We may know in part and prophesy in part, but how do we know the accuracy of the prophesies? How can an individual keep his own wants and needs out of influencing his prophesies? Answer: by having an organization greater than the individual keeping things as straight and narrow as possible. Anything less - and we see it all the time both in the spiritual as well as the physical world - will result in the warping of ideals to the lusts of the individual.
AMEN!!!
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." -- 2 Timothy 2:15
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." -- Romans 12:2
"I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee." -- Psalm 22:22