Church Authority
Why Christ Established a Teaching Church
Why Authority Matters
Every Christian believes that truth matters. Yet sincere believers often disagree about Scripture, doctrine, morality, and worship.
If Christ intended His followers to remain united in faith, He would need to provide a visible means of preserving and teaching that truth.
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus established precisely such an authority when He founded His Church upon the Apostles.
Christ Founded a Church
Jesus did not leave behind a book alone. He established a Church.
“And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
— Matthew 16:18 (Douay-Rheims)
Christ promised that His Church would endure and that the powers of hell would never overcome it.
The Church therefore serves as the visible instrument through which Christ continues His mission in the world.
The Apostles Received Authority
Jesus entrusted His authority to the Apostles, commissioning them to teach, govern, and sanctify His people.
“He that heareth you, heareth me: and he that despiseth you, despiseth me.”
— Luke 10:16 (Douay-Rheims)
Christ identified obedience to the Apostles with obedience to Himself.
This authority was not temporary but intended to continue through the generations of the Church.
The Church Is the Pillar of Truth
Scripture itself identifies the Church as a guardian of truth.
“The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
— 1 Timothy 3:15 (Douay-Rheims)
Notice that St. Paul does not call the Bible alone the pillar of truth. He describes the Church as the pillar and foundation that upholds it.
Apostolic Succession
The authority Christ gave to the Apostles did not disappear when they died.
The Apostles appointed successors to continue their ministry, creating an unbroken line of bishops stretching from the first century to today.
This transmission of authority is called Apostolic Succession.
Through Apostolic Succession, the Church remains connected to the teaching authority Christ originally established.
The Three Pillars of Church Authority
Catholic teaching on authority rests upon:
- The Apostles and their successors.
- The Bishop of Rome (the Pope).
- The Magisterium, the Church’s teaching office.
Together they preserve the faith handed down from Christ and the Apostles.
Why Catholics Trust the Church
Catholics do not trust the Church because every member is holy or perfect.
Catholics trust the Church because Christ promised to remain with her, guide her through the Holy Spirit, and preserve her from teaching error in matters of faith and morals.
“Behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.”
— Matthew 28:20 (Douay-Rheims)
Church Authority and Christian Unity
Authority exists to preserve unity.
Throughout history countless interpretations of Christianity have emerged. The Catholic Church maintains that Christ established a visible authority so His followers could remain united in one faith.
The existence of a teaching Church helps safeguard the truths of the Gospel from corruption and confusion.
A Simple Summary
- Christ founded a visible Church.
- He gave authority to the Apostles.
- The Church is called the pillar and foundation of truth.
- Apostolic authority continues through Apostolic Succession.
- The Pope and bishops preserve the Apostolic Faith.
- Church authority exists to protect truth and unity.