I can't formulate a long reply as I am on my way out the door, but remember, Matthew 16 would be meaningless if there were no covenant. If we as believers live and operate in a covenantal paradigm of salvation, then our praxis here on earth must fit within that paradigm. And as I have tried to express before, there simply must be a head over the covenant family here on earth who can be SEEN, HEARD, and OBEYED regarding the teaching of doctrine and morals for the believers here on earth.

That Jesus is the covenantal Head over all the Church is without argument, but the Church is not united yet, is it? We are still separated by the barrier of physical death, so that no one can see or hear or follow Jesus by the senses of this physical earth. Therefor, He must have a representative, a "prime minister" who takes His place, speaks on His behalf, and leads His flock.

And as we see by the doctrinal and moral chaos and confusion therein, Protestantism is not that voice.

More later.

Going bowling.

Brother Ed

Best wishes to all on the forum.