Posted by Ray Kidder on 9/29/2009, 6:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Acts 15"
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Searcher,
You wrote:
"I certainly will not take the conclusions of an ecumenical council over and above the inspired Word."
Is there an example where the Nicene Creed contradicts the Protestant Bible? If so, where? Do you have evidence that those who came up with the conclusions of the 1st Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 AD were trying to rewrite scripture, or point out how scripture is not infallible?
You also wrote:
"As far as Acts 15:6, it is Peter and then James who spoke to the council and persuaded them. Peter and James were chosen by God to be apostles. Their words were inspired. The decisions made by some ecumenical council appointed by men are based on the reasoning of men, not God. Man's wisdom is just foolishness in the eyes of God. (1Cor 1:19-21)"
What makes you think that the Holy Spirit was not at work among those who attended this ecumenical council? Do you think it was inappropriate for the Holy Spirit to intercede at this council, even in light of this saying of Jesus found in John 14 (NKJV):?
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Why wouldn't the Holy Spirit teach those at the 1st Ecumenical Council of Nicea the truth about Arianism, to guide them in the beginning of the writing of the Nicene Creed?
Also, with respect to Acts 15, weren't Paul and Barnabas also involved in the discussions? Weren't Judas and Silas (mentioned as prophets in verse 32) also involved? Here is Acts 15:23 (NKJV), which shows the beginning of the letter to the Christians in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
23 They wrote this, letter by them:
The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,
To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
It seems to me that the short letter found in Acts 15 was the result of a Church council, involving many prominent Christians, rather than having only one or two authors, as was the case with the books of the New Testament. Why can't the Church Council of Acts 15 be viewed as an example of how the Church is to be used (when the Holy Spirit works through the leaders) to resolve religious questions? Why shouldn't revelation from God also include answers to prayers; especially when many Christians are involved in trying to answer important religious questions such as those that needed answering at the beginning of each of the seven ecumenical councils?
I vaguely recall reading that Church historians believe that each of the seven ecumenical councils was not recognized as having infallible wisdom from God until many years after the conclusion of each council. Many other church councils have taken place, in which the results are not recognized as infallible. It is Church tradition (which I presume comes from the Holy Spirit) that gives these seven ecumenical councils this distinction.
This verse from Hebrews 6 (NKJV) comes to mind:
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
This verse from Hebrews 11 (NKJV), also comes to mind:
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
If those at the 1st Ecumenical Council diligently sought out God in prayer for wisdom, in faith, then God must have answered their prayers; right? Such answers to their prayers cannot be lies; right?
Ray Kidder
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