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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:

Okay. Fair dinkum.

So then....how are we assured that the right epistles were ommitd from the finished canon? How are we assured that what St. Paul wrote has the ring of truth?

And more to the point, how do we know which of several interpretations of the scriptures is the correct one?

For instance, there are Reformed Baptists here, as well as Lutherans, and some other types of believers. The Baptists believe that baptism is a sign of belief by which the world receives the testimony of our faith in Christ. The Lutherans, if I understand correctly, believe that baptism regenerates.

So which is correct and how do we know?

And it is this way for a dozen other doctrines of the Faith as well, isn't it?

Quite a quandry, wouldn't you say?

Cordially in Christ,


Brother Ed