The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Infant Baptism Question

Granted that the writings of the ECFs give us what was believed among them during the period in which they lived. However, anyone even remotely acquainted with those writings knows that there were differences, some great, among them as well. There is therefore no basis for one to rely upon them as a source of absolute truth. What is shown by their writings is that there was taking place during there time that which was even present during the time which Paul wrote his Epistles; i.e., false teachers would bring in heresies within the Church and lead even many astray. (cf. 1Cor 11:19; Gal 5:20) Peter also warned of such things to come when he wrote:

2 Peter 2:1 (ASV) "But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."

Was not Arius a member in "good standing" when he denied the doctrine of the Trinity? What of Origen's objectionable hermeneutical method and Marcion's rejection of many of the New Testament books? Again, the writings of the ECFs are an interesting study and they do provide an insight into how dogma was being developed. But they are hardly an infallible or even in some cases, a reliable source upon which to find the propositional truths of the inspired written Word of God. Doubtless, one could find evidence for even the most bizarre belief in the writings of those men in order to substantiate it and which is totally contrary to sound biblical teaching.

So, what are we left with? That blessed doctrine of "Sola Scriptura", whereby a true child of God by the indwelling Spirit is able to come to know the truth and of which truth they are set free. And those who do come to know the truth are said to be but a remnant. That there were and will continue to be false teachers who bring in their damnable heresies who will represent the majority of the whole is something which testifies against Rome and its empty claim that they are the guardians of the truth.

In His Grace,