Who Holds the Keys? (Pope or Prophet) - Opening Statement, Clifford

Who Holds the Keys? (Pope or Prophet)

Opening Statement
(Revised 05/09/98)
By Steve Clifford - Representing the
One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church's Teaching
On "Apostolic Succession".

The Apostles failed in their mission to preach the Gospel to the whole world. They neglected to properly appoint their successors. When the last Apostle died, the keys of the kingdom were lost from the earth. The so-called Christian Church was no longer the Lord's Church. A new organization, a "great and abominable church," came into existence. This wicked church founded by the devil became known as the "Catholic Church". In her corruption, she took away many plain and precious parts of the gospel from the Bible. It remained an apostate church until the keys of the kingdom were once again restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

As a fifth-generation Utah Mormon, I believed this sequence of events was true and therefore the LDS church was the only true church on earth. It wasn't until I was forty-three years old that I started to question whether or not the "Total Apostasy" actually happened. My original intention was to prove that the Catholic Church was the "great and abominable church" I had been taught about as a young Mormon. However, God's intention was to lead me to the fullness of the truth in the Catholic Church.

A few years ago Patrick Madrid, formerly of Catholic Answers, Inc., and currently the Editor-in-Chief of Envoy Magazine, was involved in a series of taped debates with two representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I listened to these debates very carefully, trying to find the weakness in the Catholic arguments and the strength in the Mormon position. What I discovered was that the overwhelming evidence available supports the Catholic Church's claim of being the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ upon the Rock of Peter. I searched through books, tapes, documents, and other resource material looking for the truth about the early Christian church. I could not find any solid evidence for the "Total Apostasy" theory of Mormonism. I was forced to conclude that the Catholic Church's claim to "Apostolic Succession" was the only plausible alternative. I credit the efforts of Patrick Madrid, along with other experts in the field of early Christian and early Mormon history, with providing the facts from which I could decide for myself which of the two positions, "Total Apostasy" or "Apostolic Succession", was historically and Biblically correct. Much of the information contained in this opening statement is derived from the outstanding arguments presented by Patrick Madrid in these two unique taped debates with LDS officials.

Why the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church can trace her line of authority through an unbroken chain of succession all the way from Peter, the rock upon which Jesus founded His Church, down to the current Vicar of Christ, Pope John Paul II. In order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church, the Apostles left bishops as their successors. The Apostles gave the bishops their own position of teaching authority. We know from inspired Scripture that the apostolic preaching was to be preserved in a continuous line of succession until the end of time. We call it "Apostolic Succession" because the validly ordained bishops in the Catholic Church derive their authority through a direct line of succession passed down to them from the Twelve Apostles.

A Visible Church

The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned the Church as a visible shining light to the world until the end of time (Matthew 5:14-16). He promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against her (Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:18-20). He made the Church in order to exercise her ministry as a beacon to the world, a holy city, and a visible symbol and working sacramental presence of Christ in the world (Ephesians 3:9-12). Jesus Christ established His visible Church on earth through Peter and the Twelve Apostles. The Catholic Church is the that visible Church, the Body of Christ. In Acts 22:7, Jesus said to Paul on the road to Damascus, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" In the context of this passage, was Paul persecuting Jesus, or was he persecuting the members of His Mystical Body, the Church? I submit that Jesus is speaking here of the persecution of His Church. He is protecting His Church, just as He promised He would do until the end of time.

The Church is to be Perpetuated

That there would be successors to Peter and the other Apostles is alluded to in the parables of Jesus. Robert A. Sungenis, after returning to the Catholic Church from Evangelical Protestantism, had this to say about the parables and apostolic succession:

"Along with all the direct indications in the New Testament that the succession of Peter was divinely mandated and practiced in the early Church, there are more subtle inferences to the common understanding and practice of succession. In various parables of Jesus, for example, one will notice that there is a consistent theme which depicts the wealthy land-owner who goes off on a long journey and leaves the care of his property to his trusted servant or servants (Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 22:1-3; Matthew 21:33-41; Matthew 18:23-25; Luke 19:11-26; Luke 20:9-19). Though in the spiritual lesson these parables are targeted toward convicting individuals of their God-given responsibilities, this particular aspect is not of interest here. Rather, with regard to the concept of succession our interest lies in the ancient motif utilized in these parables in which the sovereign places temporary control of his kingdom in the hands of a regent. The appearance of this motif highlights the common understanding in biblical times that positions of office and authority are not left vacant upon the temporary departure of the sovereign. According to historical documents, the regent to whom power is transferred assumes the full authority of the sovereign while he is away. If the regent is incapacitated for any reason, the authority is transferred to a vice-regent until the sovereign returns. Upon his arrival, the sovereign once again assumes power and begins making his own decisions to govern his kingdom, not the least of which is judging the performance and conduct of his regent or vice-regents. In some Old Testament applications of this motif, the regent rules alongside of but subordinate to the sovereign (cf., Genesis 41:41; Daniel 6:3), or, takes office upon the death of his predecessor (Deuteronomy 34:9; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; 2 Samuel 2:7; 1 Kings 2:15). Hence, the concept that Peter and his successors act as regents and/or vice-regents, respectively, assuming full and uncontestable authority over the kingdom of God (Matthew 16:19) until Christ, the Sovereign, returns, stems, in part, from a common understanding of the transfer of office and authority in ancient times and which was practiced immediately in the early centuries of the Church." Robert A. Sungenis, "The Succession Motif in the Landowner/Servant Parables," letter to authors, February 1994. 1

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus establishes his authority by stating that He has been given all power in heaven and in earth, not just some power, but ALL power. He then gives the Apostles the commission to go teach all the nations, not just some of the nations, but ALL the nations. Finally, He promises that He will be with them always, even unto the end of the world, not just until they die, but ALWAYS. He knew that they would not be on the earth until the end of time, so His promise also applies to their successors. Otherwise He would be a liar. (See also Ephesians 3:10-12)

In Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:28-32, Jesus speaks of the twelve thrones in His kingdom which are prepared for the twelve to sit in judgement on the twelve tribes of Israel. J. Du Pont, in interpreting these verses, linked the eschatological judgment (by the Apostles sitting on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel) with the function of the successors of the bishops (episkopous) in the earthly realm:

"Let us mention here an old explanation that a recent study has once again given force to (A. Geuillet, in 1949, and P. Benoit in The Jerusalem Bible, 1961): The twelve tribes of Israel designate the spiritual Israel, the Christian community, because the Twelve did not hesitate to link themselves with Jesus against the Israel of the flesh, they would reign with Him over the spiritual Israel...And it is not necessary to limit this promise to life in this world: The Apostles would govern - with Christ - the new world inaugurated by the Resurrection and Pentecost; they would begin to do so in this life, and they would continue to do so in the hereafter. Today still, St. Peter and St. Paul, all the Apostles and, we might add, all those who through the course of the centuries have fulfilled the same function continue to reign over the Church." J. Du Pont, "Le logion des douze trones," [trans Bernadeane Carr, S.T.L., 7/15/93], Biblica 45 (1962): 370. 2

"Death did not permit the Twelve to achieve an earthly mission, which has to be extended to the entire world. It is necessary, in effect, that the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that 'the Christ suffered, and having been raised the first from among the dead, he announced the light to the People (Jews) and the Nations (pagans).' (Acts 26:23) The Twelve thus would have 'continuers,' i.e., heirs of their responsibility to evangelize the earth. We must add: Responsible in solidarity with the Apostles. For they participate in a mission which pertains properly speaking to Christ. He is the one whom God charged to announce the light to the people and the Nations. Established at the time of the evangelization of Galilee, the principle of a collegial association in this mission was confirmed by the promise of a collegial association of the twelve at the last judgment. It would not be normal to suppose that the principle of collegial association was not to be maintained in the interval. Those who are supposed to pursue this earthly task of the Apostles bear responsibility in solidarity with them.

"These reflections show quite clearly the concrete impact and validity of the logion of the thrones, at this time when the Catholic Church has endeavored to emphasize the doctrine of episcopal collegiality." J. Du Pont, "Le logion des douze trones," [trans. Bernadeane Carr, S.T.L., 7/15/93], Biblica 45 (1962), 389. 3

The Bible is a Catholic Book

The New Testament was written, copied, and collected by Catholic Christians. These inspired writings of Catholic Apostles and Bishops were added to the Jewish Old Testament (Septuagint) to form the Bible as we know it today. The official canon of the books of the Bible was authoritatively determined by the Catholic Church in the fourth century (Catholic Councils of Hippo, 393 A.D., and Carthage, 397 A.D.). The Bible is a Catholic book, compiled and protected by the Catholic Church. A simple, undeniable fact is that the Catholic Church and the Christian Faith existed before the Bible did. Once the Catholic Councils of Hippo and Carthage had defined the canon of Scripture, the list was sent to Rome for the confirmation of the Roman Pontiff. Throughout history the Catholic Church has zealously and fearlessly protected the Bible from corruption and contempt. It is the same inspired text today as it was in the first century when it was written. The Catholic Bible today consists of the same books that it did in the fourth century when the list of inspired Scripture was first determined by the Catholic Church.

The Bible Teaches Apostolic Succession

The integrity of the Church was preserved throughout the ages through "Apostolic Succession". The Catholic Church teaches that there was never a break in that integrity (CCC 860-862).

Apostolic succession was first demonstrated in Acts 1:20-26 when Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. In Matthew 16:19 we read that Peter is given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 18:18, Jesus gives the Apostles the power to bind and loose. In John 20:23, He gives the Apostles the power to forgive sins. Peter is also made chief shepherd of the Church with the authority to govern in the name of Christ (John 21:15-17).

The Apostles did not neglect to pass this power on to their successors as the infant Church is growing. In 1 Timothy 4:14 Paul counsels Timothy on the importance of the laying on of hands. This gesture was used in the Old Testament to signify the transmission of authority from Moses to Joshua. Paul tells him that it is a special gift not to be neglected. In 1 Timothy 5:22, Paul warns that these special gifts are not to be given lightly to others and that Timothy should not bestow the imposition of hands too readily.

Early Church Fathers

In addition to Holy Scripture, we also need to examine the writings of the very earliest Christian believers. We must carefully study their writings to find out what the original members of the Christian Church taught and believed. Many of these early Christian writers were taught the Gospel directly from one of the Twelve Apostles. As such, they are regarded as the immediate successors to the work of the Apostles and closest in history to the truth taught by Jesus Christ. They are sometimes called the Early Church Fathers, the Fathers of the Church, or simply the Apostolic Fathers. The Catholic Church considers the Early Church Fathers to be the successors of the Apostles. Their writings are viewed as authoritative because they are the closest source to the teachings and traditions of the Apostles. These first Catholic bishops did not teach Protestant doctrines, Mormon doctrines, or any other doctrines but the Catholic Christian doctrines they received from the Apostles!

Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of John the Beloved. He was taught the truth, brought into the Christian Church, and ordained into the ministry by the Apostle John himself. In his Letter to the Smyrnaeans written around A.D. 110, Ignatius of Antioch teaches about the succession of bishops and the importance of following the teachings of the bishops and priests. He talks about the Eucharist being the true flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, unlike the modern Protestant or Mormon understanding of a sacramental symbol. He teaches that Jesus Christ is God incarnate. Ignatius of Antioch is the first one that we know of who calls the Church "Catholic". It is especially interesting that it is a man of Antioch who first writes the term Catholic Church. It was also at Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians in the Bible (Acts 11:26).

Clement of Rome was a disciple of Peter. He was the fourth Bishop of Rome, which makes him the fourth Pope of the Catholic Church. His Letter to the Corinthians was written around A.D. 80. Clement was not counted as one of the Apostles. However, his authority as the Bishop of Rome was recognized by the other bishops as being unique. He instructs the Church at Corinth about the importance of confession to a priest (presbyter). He writes about the truth that there is only one God. He speaks about how there would be strife for the office of bishop and that only those who are approved by the consent of the Church are to be appointed to the office. He tells the Church in Corinth that when bishops die, others shall succeed to their ministry. He also talks about the primacy of the Roman Church. Even though the Apostle John was still alive at the time that Clement wrote this letter, the Church in Corinth still relied on the Bishop of Rome for answers to their concerns.

Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, was also a disciple of the Apostle John. In his Letter to the Philippians, written around A.D. 135, Polycarp writes about the duties of the deacons and priests, the office of bishop, and the fact that there is only one God. In the Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrna Concerning the Martyrdom of the Holy Polycarp, written around A.D. 155/157, the author uses the term Catholic Church to describe the Church that Polycarp belonged to.

The Early Church Fathers received the truth of these doctrines directly from the Apostles. It doesn't make sense that these men would be willing to lay down their lives for their beliefs if it was anything other than the absolute truth. All of these men suffered horrible martyr's deaths for their faith because they knew it was the truth passed on to them from the Apostles.

Summary

The Church that we find in the New Testament is the same Church that is described in the first and second century writings of the Early Church Fathers. If there was a "Total Apostasy" in the early Church, then we run into the problem of "historical silence". Nowhere in the writings of the Early Church Fathers do we find any evidence of a "Total Apostasy" being defended against. Surely they would have fought valiantly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to preserve the remnant Church from being prevailed upon by the "Gates of Hell". All Biblical and historical evidence available clearly supports the Catholic Church's position of "Apostolic Succession".

The two choices are quite simple. Either there was a "Total Apostasy" in the early Christian Church and the Gospel was lost from the earth for hundreds of years until it was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith; or the Christian Church survived for almost 2,000 years through "Apostolic Succession" and the Ancient Church is in fact the same Catholic Church that we see today. If we accept the notion that a "Total Apostasy" happened, then we must conclude that Jesus Christ founded what would eventually become an apostate church. If, on the other hand, we accept that the original Deposit of Faith was carefully handed down to us through "Apostolic Succession", then we must conclude that Jesus Christ kept His promises, that His Church survived, and that it will continue to proclaim the fullness of truth until the end of time.

The LDS Church and the Catholic Church both claim to be the one true church, but they can't possibly both be right. I believe the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church is the true Church that has been proclaiming the fullness of Christianity for almost 2,000 years, "The Church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of truth." (1 Timothy 3:15)

All Bible references are taken from the
Revised Standard Version (RSV) - Catholic Edition

(Matthew 5:14-16)

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."