The New Testament churches that did exist.
The New Testament documents themselves.
(The letters of Cardinal Stanislaus Hosius, Liber Epistolarum 150, titled
"Alberto Bavariae Duci" in about 1563 A.D.) Translation of Quote:
For not so long ago I read the edict of the other prince who lamented the fate of the Anabaptists who, so we read, were pronounced heretics twelve hundred years ago and deserving of capital punishment. He wanted them to be heard and not taken as condemned without a hearing.
(by Carolinne White, Ph.D, Oxford University, Head of Oxford Latin)
Nam & alterius Principis edictum non ita pridem
legi, qui vicem Anabaptistarum dolens, quos ante mille ducentos annes haeretisos, capitalique supplicio
dignos esse pronunciatos legimus, vult, ut audiantur omnino, nec indicta causa pro condemnatis habeantur
You are the one who started a thread called 'Creeds vs. Bible,' not I.
If you actually wanted an intelligent discussion, you would have pointed out areas in which the Baptist Confession (since we are on a Baptist board) is faulty, but you did not.
You simply attempted to damn the whole idea of creeds and confessions.
That is what I described as erroneous and tendentious.
If there was anyone suggesting that creeds or confessions were, by their very nature, free from error, as apparently some KJV-only devotees are wont to do, there might be some purpose in your argument, but as it stands, there is none.
I have given Spurgeon's preface to his republication the 1689 Confession before, but it might be as well to do so again:
This ancient document is a most excellent epitome of the things most surely believed
among us.
It is not given as an authoritative rule or code of conduct whereby ye are to be fettered, but as an assistance to you in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness.
Here the younger members of our church will have a body of divinity in small compass, and by means of the scriptural proofs, will be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them.
Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient Gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers and saints.
Above all, it is the truth of God, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail.
Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example recommend your creed.
Above all, live in Christ Jesus and walk in Him, giving credence to no other teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by the Holy Spirit.
Cleave fast to the word of God, which is here mapped out for you.
that is a given and has been for you and I and our belief system.
I have questioned Tom concerning sin and death still undeniably present in the world if Christ has indeed returned but dont remember a scriptural answer from Tom.
Perhaps now is a good time for his feelings about this?
Tom, why is there yet sin and death present e.g. cemeteries constantly being filled, hospitals and jails as well, there is still murder, thievery, rape... on and on if Jesus has returned?
The promise of no more death, Hank, was time-specific. It had to do with the first century Christians. I do not believe that was promised to us. The focus of the Bible, I believe, is our eternal relationship with God, not the incredibly small amount of time we spend on this earth..
Please note that I never use the word heresy on a discussion forum, or indeed, anywhere else much, but the chief delight of Hyper-preterism is that it is very easily refuted.
Acts 1:9-11.
Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
And while they looked steadfastly towards heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?
This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."'
1.
The Lord Jesus left visibly (see the underlined sections).
He will return 'in like manner' i.e. visibly.
2.
The Lord Jesus left in a body that was 'flesh and bones' and that ate broiled fish and honey comb (Luke 24:38-43).
He will return 'in like manner' i.e. in a body.
3.
People saw the Lord Jesus ascend towards heaven; people will see Him return from heaven (Revelation 1:7).
4.
Clouds came across to conceal Him from the apostles' sight; clouds will part 'in like manner' to reveal Him.
These verses are a complete rebuttal of the Hyper-preterist myth.