ARE THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS A RELIABLE SOURCE?   by steve finnell

What is the most reliable source for the truth about God and His plan for mankind. Is it the Bible? Is it the early church fathers? Is it twenty first century Bible commentators?

Are the early church fathers more reliable than the 21st century Bible commentators because they lived in the 1st century, and walked among Jesus and the apostles? No, they are not.

PROXIMITY TO JESUS AND THE APOSTLES IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF TRUTH AND RELIABILITY.

The Pharisees passed the proximity test, but failed as a reliable source for the truth.

Mark 7:7-8 'But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the precepts of men.' 8 Neglecting the commandments of God, you hold to the traditions of men."

Do you really want to use the early writings of the Pharisees as a truth source?

The Judaizers passed the proximity test, but failed as reliable sources for truth about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;

The Judaizers passed the proximity test, but failed the reliability test for the truth. The Judiazers were perverting the gospel by preaching that Christians had to keep some of the Jewish customs to be saved.

Do you really want to use the early writings of the Judiazers as a source for the truth about God.

Hymenaeus and Alexander passed the proximity test, but fail the reliability exam for the truth.

1 Timothy 1:19-20 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will learn not to blaspheme. 2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; but the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

Do you really want to consult the early writings of Hymenaeus and Alexander, as a source for the truth when it comes to faith and practice.

Being in proximity to Jesus and the apostles did not give the Pharisees, the Judiazers, Hymenaeus, nor Alexander, a trust factor, concerning the truth about God, and His plan for mankind.

Neither the early church fathers nor the 21st century Bible commentators, are absolutely trustworthy.Their books are not the infallible word of God. Their writing are not Scripture nor are they equal to Scripture.


THE ONLY RELIABLE SOURCE OF GOD'S TRUTH TO MANKIND, IS THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE!

THE LESS MEN RELY ON THE BIBLE FOR TRUTH; THE MORE CONFUSED THEY GET!