One Response to “You say that the church had lost its authority at Nicene. Bu…”
Gabriel Ramos
2007-12-31 03:26:31
Hi friend. Mormons do not believe the early Christian Church lost its authority at Nicene. The loss of authority probably occurred with the death of the apostles, and human ideas began to be gradually mixed with Christ's true gospel teachings (despite the noble efforts of many good Christians) beginning in the late 1st century or early 2nd century.
The authority to act in God's name (the priesthood) was restored in the early 19th century. Ancient prophets and apostles returned as resurrected beings and bestowed the authority upon modern prophets and apostles like Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
This apostolic authority exists in the Mormon Church to this day. Mormons believe that a theological degree does not confer divine authority. A sincere desire to preach the word does not confer divine authority. The authority to act in God's name can only be conferred by one who has the authority and is operating under the direction of God Himself, as described in the New Testament.
The authority to act in God's name (the priesthood) was restored in the early 19th century. Ancient prophets and apostles returned as resurrected beings and bestowed the authority upon modern prophets and apostles like Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
This apostolic authority exists in the Mormon Church to this day. Mormons believe that a theological degree does not confer divine authority. A sincere desire to preach the word does not confer divine authority. The authority to act in God's name can only be conferred by one who has the authority and is operating under the direction of God Himself, as described in the New Testament.