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CHURCH
FATHERS OF WHAT CHURCH? “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet
have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through
the gospel.” 1 Cor.4:15 Here we see in 1 Cor. 4:15, that our beloved apostle Paul refers to himself (and a few others) as CHURCH FATHERS, because being more than just teachers in the Church, they had ‘begotten spiritual children through the gospel’. And so we see that they referred to themselves as CHURCH FATHERS.
CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA 
Again speaking about CHURCH FATHERS, we see that a Church Father, Clement of Alexandria, wrote: "Words are the progeny of the soul. Hence we call those that instructed us fathers" (The Stromata). Here we see again, that those who begot spiritual children by their being the first gospel teachers to them, were called: CHURCH FATHERS.
IRENAEUS
Again speaking about CHURCH FATHERS, we see that a Church Father, Irenaeus, wrote: “Since the principal teacher of any Christian community is its bishop, the title "Father" was first applied to him. In fact, the bishops who gather in church councils have been from early times referred to as council fathers." Irenaeus, Against Heresies. Here we see again, that those who begot spiritual children by their being the first (i.e., the principal) teachers to them, and those who were appointed as bishops, being appointed by many people in the church, because of their great heavenly spiritual knowledge, and their deep scriptural understanding, to be heads of church councils and such; were called: CHURCH FATHERS.
Before that question gets answered, we should take a moment to look into the spiritual integrity, and the heavenly spiritual apostolic nature of the authority of some of these CHURCH FATHERS. For the earliest Church Fathers, were conversant with the apostles themselves, and therefore were unparalleled in their position to give extensively accurate instruction in the true Christian Church. POLYCARP
One of the earliest Church Fathers was Polycarp of Smyrna (between 70 and 155 A.D.). He was an Eastern (Greek) Father of the Church. Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 130-200) who was himself a spiritual son of Polycarp, had this to say about Polycarp: "But Polycarp also was not only instructed by the apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also by the apostles in Asia appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna, whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried on earth a very long time…having always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down…" (Irenaeus Against Heresies ). Here we see that Polycarp’s spiritual integrity, and the heavenly spiritual nature of his apostolic authority, speaks for itself in what his spiritual son Irenaeus had to say about him. And we see that he was a CHURCH FATHER in Smyrna.
Before that question gets answered, let’s look again into the spiritual integrity, and the heavenly spiritual apostolic nature of the authority of some of these CHURCH FATHERS. For as mentioned, the earliest Church Fathers were conversant with the apostles themselves, and therefore were unparalleled in their position to give extensively accurate instruction in the true Christian Church. IGNATIUS
One such Church Father was Ignatius bishop of Antioch A.D. 98-117. Ignatius, and Polycarp were friends. And it is believed that they both were fellow disciples of the apostle John. Polycarp in his epistle to the Philippians, had this to say about Ignatius: “I exhort you all, therefore, to yield obedience to the word of righteousness, and to exercise all patience, such as ye have seen [set] before your eyes, not only in the case of the blessed Ignatius, and Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul himself, and the rest of the apostles.” Polycarp to the Philippians And again, Polycarp says of Ignatius:“Both you and Ignatius wrote to me, that if any one went from this into Syria, he should carry your letter with him; which request I will attend to if I find a fitting opportunity, either personally, or through some other acting for me, that your desire may be fulfilled. The Epistles of Ignatius written by him to us, and all the rest of his Epistles which we have by us, we have sent to you, as you requested. They are subjoined to this Epistle, and by them ye may be greatly profited; for they treat of faith and patience, and all things that tend to edification in our Lord. Any more certain information you may have obtained respecting both Ignatius himself, and those that were with him, have the goodness to make known to us.” Polycarp to the Philippians Here we see that Ignatius’ spiritual integrity, and the heavenly spiritual nature of his apostolic authority, speaks for itself in the epistle that Polycarp wrote to the Philippians. And we see that Ignatius was a CHURCH FATHER in Antioch, and that ALL of his epistles were to be read and studied in the Church at Philippi, because of the word of righteousness that was in them.
Let us now look and find the answer. For Ignatius writing to the Church at Smyrna wrote: “Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude of the people also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” Ignatius to the Church at Smyrna
Let us recall that Polycarp read the epistle to the Church at Smyrna, that Ignatius sent him, and was in agreement with “ALL THINGS” that were in it, before he sent it to the Church at Philippi. And so we see that the Church at Philippi was to be in agreement with THE PREACHING OF THE FAITH, AND THE WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WAS IN THE EPISTLE, AND IN AGREEMENT WITH ALL THINGS THAT WERE MENTIONED IN THE EPISTLE. For Polycarp wrote: “Both you and Ignatius wrote to me, that if any one went [from this] into Syria, he should carry your letter with him; which request I will attend to if I find a fitting opportunity, either personally, or through some other acting for me, that your desire may be fulfilled. The Epistles of Ignatius written by him to us, and all the rest of his Epistles which we have by us, we have sent to you, as you requested. They are subjoined to this Epistle, and by them ye may be greatly profited; for they treat of faith and patience, and all things that tend to edification in our Lord. Any more certain information you may have obtained respecting both Ignatius himself, and those that were with him, have the goodness to make known to us.” Polycarp to the Philippians
ORIGEN
Indeed, the renowned Christian teacher Origen himself, calls: "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN", a "CATHOLIC EPISTLE". For he writes, "The Saviour is here called simply light. But in the CATHOLIC EPISTLE of this same John, we read that God is light." cf. Origen's Commentary on the gospel of John And when quoting from 1 Peter 3:18-20, Origen calls: "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER", a "CATHOLIC EPISTLE". For he writes, "... we read in Peter in his CATHOLIC EPISTLE..." cf. Origen's Commentary on the gospel of John. And when speaking about the true faith of a Christian, which is the true faith of a spiritual Israelite, Origen calls such a one as this, "Catholic". For he writes, "If, therefore, anyone by acceptance of the faith and profession of the name is a Christian and a Catholic, this one is an Israelite..." Origen's Homilies on Leviticus
THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH
For example, THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, in its article 27, states: Article 27: The Holy Catholic Church “We believe and confess one single catholic or universal church-- a holy congregation and gathering of true Christian believers, awaiting their entire salvation in Jesus Christ being washed by his blood, and sanctified (Dear reader, please note, the water baptism in the Lord’s name being spoken of here. See ~1Cor.6:11~) and sealed by the Holy Spirit.”Here we see that the term “CATHOLIC”, is referred to by THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, as meaning: “one single catholic, universal Church”. LUTHERAN & ORTHODOX CHURCHES
And in the LUTHERAN-ORTHODOX JOINT COMMISSION of common statements, we see that they all point out that they also confess THE ONE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH. THEY STATE THAT ONE IS RECEIVED INTO THIS ONE CATHOLIC UNIVERSAL CHURCH, ONLY BY THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM; THE GIFT THAT WAS GIVEN BY GOD. For they state: LUTHERAN-ORTHODOX JOINT COMMISSION Common Statements: The Lutheran—Orthodox (Antiochian Orthodox Church) Joint Commission, meeting in Sigtuna, Sweden in 1998, selected the topic “The Mystery of the Church” for the next round of conversations. “Lutherans and Orthodox agree that entry into the life of the One, Holy, “Catholic” and Apostolic Church is a gift given by God through the sacraments, which are enacted in the church. And then, the Lutheran--Orthodox joint commission added the following to what they just stated, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). In both traditions the sacrament of baptism is administered with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (cf. Matt. 28:19).” And so in this statement of the LUTHERAN-ORTHODOX JOINT COMMISSION of common statements, along with the Acts 2:38, and Matt.28:19 scriptures that they added to their statement, we see how they both equate the ONE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH, WITH THE ONE WATER BAPTISM THAT IS IN THE LORD’S NAME AND IS FOR REMISSION OF SINS. PACIAN
Looking further into what the term: “CATHOLIC” means, we see that THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FATHER, PACIAN OF BARCELONA A.D.325, gives this very enlightening account of the meaning of the term: “Catholic”. For taking excerpts from his epistles, we see that he wrote: “For such are the heresies which have sprung forth from the Christian head, that of the mere names the roll would be immense. For to pass over the heretics of the Jews, Dositheus the Samaritan, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees, it were long to enumerate how many grew up in the times of the Apostles, Simon Magus, and Menander, and Nicolaus, and others hidden by an inglorious fame. What again in later times were Ebion, and Apelles, and Marcion, and Valentinus, and Cerdon, and not long after them, the Cataphrygians, and Novatians, not to notice any recent swarms!” And again stating further in his epistle, Pacian says: “But under the Apostles, you will say, no one was called Catholic. Be it thus. It shall have been so. Allow even that. When after the Apostles heresies had burst forth, and were striving under various names to tear piecemeal and divide 1. the Dove and the Queen of God, did not the Apostolic people require a name of their own, 2. whereby to mark the unity of the people that were uncorrupted, lest the error of some should rend limb by limb 3. the undefiled virgin of God? Was it not seemly that the chief head should be distinguished by its own peculiar appellation?Suppose, this very day, I entered a populous city. When I had found Marcionites, Apollinarians, Cataphrygians, Novatians, and others of the kind who call themselves Christians, by what name should I recognize the congregation of my own people, unless it were named Catholic? Come tell me, who bestowed so many names on the other peoples? Why have so many cities, so many nations, each their own description? The man who asks the meaning of the Catholic Name, will he be ignorant himself of the cause of his own name if I shall enquire its origin? Whence was it delivered to me? Certainly that which has stood through so many ages was not borrowed from man. This name "Catholic" sounds not of Marcion, nor of Apelles, nor of Montanus, nor does it take heretics as its authors.” In this epistle of Pacian, let us notice that: 1. Pacian calls the Catholic Church, the Dove and the Queen of God. 2. Pacian states that the Catholic name is to MARK THE UNITY, THE ONENESS THAT IS IN THE CHURCH. 3. Pacian states that it is this UNITY, THIS ONENESS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THAT KEEPS THOSE IN IT UNDEFILED. Lets look further now at what Pacian has to say in his epistle about the term: “CATHOLIC”. We see that he writes, “Christian is my name, but Catholic my surname. The former gives me a name, the latter distinguishes me. By the one I am approved; by the other I am but marked.” And again stating further, Pacian says: “And if at last we must give an account of the word Catholic, and draw it out from the Greek by a Latin interpretation, “Catholic” is “everywhere one,” or, (as learned men think) "obedience in all", i.e., all the commands of God. Whence the Apostle said: “Whether ye he obedient in all things”. And again the Apostle Paul said: “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous”. Therefore he who is a Catholic, the same man is obedient. He who is obedient, the same is a Christian, and thus the Catholic is a Christian. Wherefore our people when named Catholic are separated by this appellation from the heretical name.” And again stating further, Pacian says: "But if also the word Catholic means “everywhere one,” as those first think, David indicates this very thing, when he saith: “Kings’ daughters were among thy honorable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir PS.45:9”, that is (the queen), is one amidst all.And in the Song of Songs the Bridegroom speaketh these words: “ My dove, My undefiled, is but one; she is the only one of her mother; she is the choice one of her that bare her.” Song of Solomon 6:9. And again, to complete his treatise on the Catholic name, Pacian says: “Therefore amidst all she is one, and one over all. If thou asks the reason of the name, it is evident.” ONE HOLY CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH
So, from these examples, we do see the "oneness" of the Catholic Church being mentioned.
But, we do see from these examples, that everyone needs to be of "the one Catholic faith", in order to be a true Christian.
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). And if THE ONE HOLY CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH IS ONE ONLY, AND HAS ONLY THIS ONE BAPTISMAL HOLY VIRGIN UNITY WITHIN HERSELF, why is it then that we do not see the “ONE HOLY CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH”, AND THE ONE BAPTISMAL HOLY VIRGIN UNITY WITHIN HER CHURCH; WHICH IS CALLED CHRISTIAN, CATHOLIC, etc? For instead, we see many, many, so-called Christian Churches, so-called Catholic Churches etc., each different from the other in their baptismal formulas, and confessions. Some Churches say of the baptism: “It can be done by sprinkling.” Some Churches say: “It must be complete immersion.” Some Churches say: “It is only a symbol.” Some Churches say: “It is regeneration.” Some Churches say: “It is not regeneration.” Some Churches say: “You are saved by it.” Some Churches say: “You are not saved by it.”
For example, those who are of The Roman Catholic Church today, say that THE CHURCH FATHERS ARE THE FATHERS OF THEIR CHURCH. And because of this, many Protestants wrongly believe that THE CHURCH FATHERS WERE ROMAN CATHOLIC. But nothing could be further from the truth. For King James himself, was against Roman Catholicism, and so were his Bible translators. Yet the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible (commissioned by King James himself), in: "The Translators To The Readers" section of the preface (authored by Dr. Miles Smith) of The 1611 King James Bible, spoke of the Church fathers as being “saints”, and as being true “fathers of the Church”, and gave quotes from these Church fathers many times in the preface, and showed that they "agreed" with what the Church fathers said. But before we look into how the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible (commissioned by King James himself), spoke of the Church fathers as being “saints”, and as being “fathers of the Church”, let us take a moment to see what King James himself, and his Bible translators, said about Roman Catholicism. Speaking about the infallibility of the Roman Catholic Pope, King James said, "...so I utterly deny that there is an earthly monarch thereof, whose word must be a Law, and who cannot err in his Sentence, by an infallibility of Spirit...Christ did not promise before his ascension to leave Peter with them to direct and instruct them in all thins; but he promised to send the Holy Ghost unto them for that end...But how they are now come to be Christs Vicars, nay, Gods on earth, triple crowned, Kings of heaven, earth and hell, judges of all the world, and none to judge them; heads of the faith, absolute deciders of all controversies by the infallibility of their spirit, having all power both spiritual and temporal in their hands; the high bishops, monarchs of the whole earth, superiors to all emperors and kings; yea supreme vice-gods, who whether will or not cannot err; how they now come is say to the top of greatness I know not but sure I am we that are kings have greatest need to look into it. As for me, Paul and Peter I know, but these men I know not...but I am sure none will condemn for an heretic save such as make the Pope their God, and think him such a speaking Scripture as they can define heresy no otherwise...Rome shall be the seat of the Antichrist--Rome is the Seat of the Antichrist." And again, speaking on the same subject, King James said, "And this opinion no Pope can ever make me recant..." "Having now made this digression against the Antichrist, which I am sure I can better fasten upon the Pope, than Bellarmine can do in his pretended Temporal superiority over kings." "...Popery...is indeed, the mystery of iniquity." And again, speaking about the forced celibacy of the Roman Catholic priests, King James said, "By their Fornication is meant both their spiritual fornication of Idolatry, and also their corporal fornication; which doth the more abound amongst them, as well by reason of the restraint of their Churchmen from marriage, as also because of the many Orders of idle Monastic lives amongst them, as well for men as women, and continual experience proves that idleness is ever the greatest spur to lechery." And speaking against the Roman Catholic church, the King James Bible translators said, "Namely, that at such time as the professours and teachers of Christianitie in the Church of Rome, then a true Church, were liberally endowed, a voyce forsooth was heard from heaven, saying; Now is poison poured down into the Church, &c." Notice that the King James translators said that at one time the true Church was at Rome, but now poison was there. Showing that they believed that the true Church at one time was at Rome, but not now.
For the King James Bible translators themselves, showed that they "agreed with using other Bible translations for profitable help in finding the sense of scripture". For they wrote, "Therfore as S. Augustine saith, that varietie of Translations is profitable for the finding out of the sense of the Scriptures: so diversitie of signification and sense in the margine, where the text is not so cleare, must needes doe good, yea is necessary, as we are perswaded. " But for now, keeping on the main subject at hand, let us see how the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible (commissioned by King James himself), in the preface of The 1611 King James Bible, spoke of the Church fathers as being “saints”, and as being “fathers of the Church, and gave quotes from these Church fathers many times in the preface, and showed that they "agreed" with what the Church fathers said. Here are some examples from the preface in: “The translators to the readers” section of The 1611 King James Bible. "And S. Cyrill against Julian; Even boyes that are bred up in the Scriptures, become most religious, &c. But what mention wee three or foure uses of the Scripture, whereas whatsoever is to be beleeved or practised, or hoped for, is contained in them? or three or foure sentences of the Fathers, since whosoever is worthy of the name of a Father, from Christs time downeward, hath likewise written not onely of the riches, but also of the perfection of the Scripture?" Notice that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible (commissioned by King James himself), called Cyril respectively: “Saint Cyril”. And notice how the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, spoke of Saint Cyril, and the others as: "Fathers". And notice how the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, "agreed" with what Cyril taught. And again, “So Saint Justin Martyr before him; Wee must know by all meanes, saith hee, that it is not lawfull (or possible) to learne (any thing) of God or of right pietie, save onely out of the Prophets, who teach us by divine inspiration.” Notice that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, called Justin Martyr respectively: “Saint Justin Martyr”. And notice how the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, "agreed" with what Justin Martyr taught. And again, “So Saint Basill after Tertullian, It is a manifest falling away from the Faith, and a fault of presumption, either to reject any of those things that are written, or to bring in (upon the head of them,) any of those things that are not written.” Notice that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible called Basill respectively: “Saint Basill”. And notice how the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, "agreed" with what Basil taught. And again, “Saint Jerome against Heludius, Saint Augustine in his 3. booke against the letters of Petilian, and in very many other places of his workes. Also we forebeare to descend to latter Fathers, because wee will not wearie the reader” Notice that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, called Jerome respectively: “Saint Jerome”. Notice that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, called Augustine respectively: “Saint Augustine”. And notice again, that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, referred to these men and others before them respectively as: “Fathers”. And again, “These with the Seventie made up the Hexapla, and were worthily and to great purpose compiled together by Origen. Howbeit the Edition of the Seventie went away with the credit, and therefore not onely was placed in the midst by Origen (for the worth and excellencie thereof above the rest, as Epiphanius gathereth) but also was used by the Greeke fathers for the ground and foundation of their Commentaries. Yea, Epiphanius above named doeth attribute so much unto it, that he holdeth the Authours thereof not onely for Interpreters, but also for Prophets in some respect:” Notice that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, speak with great respect about “S. Origen”, and how he gathered information on the seventy. And Notice that the original translators of the 1611 King James Bible, speak with great respect about “the Greek Fathers” of the Church. calling them respectively: "Fathers".
But again, we must understand that there was a great falling away from the Church at Rome. For THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS AT ROME, long ago, fell away from THE ONE TRUE BAPTISM THAT OUR HOLY LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE TO HIS CHURCH, THE BAPTISM THAT HE GAVE TO HIS APOSTLES, AND GAVE THEM POWER TO PREACH IT TO THE PEOPLE. THE ONE TRUE BAPTISM THAT THE CHURCH FATHERS BROUGHT FORTH IN THEIR TEACHINGS. Long ago, dear reader, THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS AT ROME, fell away from this one baptism, and in its place they advocated a carnal custom; a carnal earthly water baptism which could do absolutely nothing in regards to washing the soul of mankind clean, and in giving remission of sins to mankind. OH! DEAR READER, STOP! TAKE THE TIME NOW TO LOOK AT THE UNPRECEDENTED Christian council which took place at Carthage in Africa, around A.D.258 Indeed, this vitally important Christian baptismal council, that took place at Carthage around A.D.258, shows how the heavenly Christian brethren who were at Rome at that time, TURNED AWAY FROM THE HEAVENLY BAPTIZED SPIRITUAL BODY, THE BAPTIZED SPIRITUAL FLESH AND BONE OF CHRIST, by replacing this ONE AND ONLY HEAVENLY BAPTISM FOR REMISSION OF SINS, with a natural earthly symbolic water baptism that is done outside of THE SPIRITUAL BODY, THE SPIRITUAL FLESH AND BONE OF CHRIST. WE SHOULD BE AMAZED, OH DEAR READER, AT THIS COUNCIL! WE SHOULD BE AMAZED, OH DEAR READER, AT THE NUMBER OF BISHOPS, AND THE NUMBER OF ALL THE CHURCHES OF AFRICA THAT WERE INVOLVED IN THIS COUNCIL! WE SHOULD BE AMAZED, OH DEAR READER, AT WHAT THE AFRICAN BISHOPS, AND ALL THE CHURCHES WITH THEM, SAID ABOUT WHAT THE LIVING BAPTISMAL WATER WAS, AND WHERE IT WAS TO BE FOUND!
That is why we cannot over emphasize the importance of the links connected to this article. Therefore, we sincerely hope that you will call upon these links in there perspective order, READ THEM, and then come back to this article, to further your understanding of the present article: "CHURCH FATHERS OF WHAT CHURCH"? FIRMILIANUS
Equally important, is AFTER reading very carefully THE SEVENTH COUNCIL article, is to read the reply to this amazing council from Firmilianus Bishop of Caesarea of Cappadocia, with a confirmation of all the Bishops and Churches at Cilicia and Cappadocia and Galatia. WE SHOULD BE AMAZED, OH DEAR READER, AT THIS REPLY! WE SHOULD BE AMAZED, OH DEAR READER, AT THE NUMBER OF BISHOPS, AND THE NUMBER OF ALL THE CHURCHES OF CILICIA AND CAPPADOCIA AND GALATIA, THAT WERE INVOLVED IN THIS REPLY! WE SHOULD BE AMAZED OH DEAR READER, AT WHAT FIRMILIANUS, AND ALL THE BISHOPS AND CHURCHES WITH HIM, SAID ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL BAPTISM THAT THE APOSTLES GAVE! AND WHAT THE CARNAL IS AS OPPOSED TO THE SPIRITUAL! Indeed, this falling away of the brethren at Rome, was so ABOMINABLE, that in the end, the knowledge of ALL THE HEAVENLY SACRAMENTS was lost. Actually, it was taken away, just like the Kingdom Word was taken away from the Jews. Because the NAME OF THE LORD cannot be taken in vain without a penalty. And so, the falling away covered the whole earth, and THE LIVING WATER KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUE APOSTOLIC BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, WAS NO MORE TO BE FOUND. Yea, even the so-called great teachers of the Reformed Christian religion, DID NOT have a grasp on the true living water baptism that the apostles brought forth. C.H.SPURGEON (BAPTIST)
For example, in questions put forth to the Baptist teacher C.H. Spurgeon about baptism, his answers show very clearly that he DID NOT understand THE LIVING WATER BAPTISM THAT THE APOSTLES BROUGHT FORTH. For we read: QUESTION PUT TO C. H. SPURGEON: How do Baptism and the Lord's Supper become spiritually helpful? ANSWER FROM C.H.SPURGEON: Baptism and the Lord's Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue in them, or in him who does administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them. Here we see very clearly that C.H. Spurgeon DID NOT understand the heavenly virtue of our Lord’s one Holy heavenly LIVING WATER baptism that HE (i.e., our Lord God), gave to His Church. For TRUE VIRTUE (i.e., power, strength) IS ONLY FOUND IN GOD, AND HIS HEAVENLY SACRAMENTS. See Luke 6:19, Matt.28:18-19. And again looking at more sayings of C.H. Spurgeon, we read: SAYINGS OF C. H. SPURGEON: 1. The text says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved," but whether a man be baptized or not, it asserts that "he that believeth not shall be damned." 2. So baptism does not save the unbeliever; nay, it does not in any degree exempt him from the common doom of all the ungodly. He may have baptism, or he may not have baptism; but if he believeth not, he shall be in any case most surely damned. 3. Let him be baptized by immersion or sprinkling in his infancy or in his adult age, if he be not led to put his trust in Jesus Christ--if he remains an unbeliever --then this terrible doom is pronounced upon him, "He that believeth not shall be damned." 4. We ourselves are not dubious on this point: we protest that persons are not saved by being baptized. In such an audience as this, I am almost ashamed to go into the matter, because you surely know better than to be misled. Nevertheless, for the good of others we will drive at it. We hold that persons are not saved by baptism; for we think, first of all, it seems out of character with the spiritual religion which Christ came to teach, that He should make salvation depend upon mere ceremony. Oh! DEAR READER, what can be said of this? These sayings OF C. H. SPURGEON, SHOW BEYOND A DOUBT, THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE “ONE BAPTISM” that saves from the froward (untoward) generation (Acts 2:40), THAT OUR HOLY LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE TO HIS CHURCH FOR REMISSION OF SIN AND SALVATION. WAS OUR LORD’S SUFFERING (BAPTISM) ON HIS CROSS A ‘MERE CEREMONY’? NO! See Heb.1:3, 9:26, 10:10, 10:14! And, as a matter of fact, one CANNOT BE BAPTIZED IF THEY DO NOT first BELIEVE. For it is written, “…If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest…” Acts 8:37 Here we see from scripture that no one is baptized without "first" believing. For one cannot enter our Lord's baptism WITHOUT FIRST RECEIVING BY FAITH, THE WORD OF IT (Acts 2:41). ISAAC PENINGTON (QUAKER)
But indeed, the so-called great teachers of the Reformed Christian religion, NOT HAVING a grasp on the true living water baptism that the apostles brought forth, thought that the apostles brought forth a literal water baptism like John the Baptist had. But John's water baptism was one thing, and our Lord's was another. For John's water baptism was before the cross, but the Lord's water baptism was established at His cross. See SPIRIT BLOOD WATER article. For these teachers DID NOT understand THE LORD’S GOSPEL BAPTISM IN HIS NAME FOR REMISSION OF SIN, THAT HE (the Lord) opened up the minds of the apostles so that they might understand it (see Luke 24:44-47). Another example would be the influential Quaker minister Isaac Penington. ISAAC PENINGTON SAID: “ But that there was also a baptizing with outward water, that I do not deny; and that it was of use as a type to the weak and ceremonious state the Jews were in, when Christ sent forth his apostles to gather them out of the law state, into the gospel state, I am also satisfied in.”WHAT ISAAC PENINGTON SAID HERE, SHOWS BEYOND A DOUBT THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE “ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM”, THAT OUR LORD GAVE TO HIS CHURCH, BY THE HANDS OF THE APOSTLES. And again, ISAAC PENINGTON SAID: “That Peter did command persons to be baptized with water, and that John's baptism, or water-baptism, was made use of in those days, and that John had it from God, and that it was done in God's name, this is not denied; but that water-baptism was Christ's baptism, or the gospel baptism, this place doth not prove.” WHAT ISAAC PENINGTON SAYS HERE SHOWS US BEYOND A DOUBT THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE “ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM THAT IS DONE IN THE NAME OF THE LORD”, THAT OUR LORD GAVE TO HIS CHURCH, BY THE HANDS OF THE APOSTLES. FOR THE BAPTISM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS ONE THING, BUT OUR LORD’S BAPTISM ON HIS CROSS (THE BAPTISM IN HIS NAME, THE BAPTISM THAT HE GAVE TO HIS CHURCH), WAS ANOTHER THING ENTIRELY. Click on The Ministry of John the Baptist article.
BUT WHAT ISAAC PENINGTON SAYS HERE SHOWS INDEED THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE BAPTISMAL LIVING WATER THAT THE APOSTLES SPOKE OF IN ACTS 2:38-41, 8:30-39, and 10:43-48. See The Passion article. BUT WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THE BAPTISMAL LIVING WATER THAT THE APOSTLES SPOKE OF IN ACTS 2:38-41, 8:30-39, and 10:43-48. HOW CAN YOU BRING THE GOSPEL TO ANYONE? INDEED, YOU CANNOT BRING IT TO ANYONE. WATCHMAN NEE (PENTECOSTAL)
But indeed, because of the great falling away, it is clear that even the so-called great Pentecostal Christian religion teachers of today, DO NOT grasp the true living water baptism that the apostles brought forth. For example, Watchman Nee. Watchman Nee said: “One Baptism. Is it by immersion or by sprinkling? Is it single or triune? There are various modes of baptism accepted by the children of God, so if we make the form of baptism the dividing line between those who belong to the church and those who do not, we shall exclude many true believers from our fellowship.” And again Watchman Nee said:“The emphasis is not on the mode of baptism, but on the name into which we are baptized. The first question is not whether you are sprinkled or immersed, dipped once or thrice, baptized literally or spiritually, the important point is, into whose name have you been baptized? If you are baptized into the Name of the Lord, that is your qualification for church membership. If anyone is baptized into the Name of the Lord, I welcome him as my brother, whatever be the mode of his baptism.” And again Watchman Nee said: “The Word of God teaches that baptism is literal, and is by immersion, but the point here is that the mode of baptism is not the ground of our fellowship, but the Name into which we are baptized. All who are baptized into the Name of the Lord are one in Him.” All of the above examples show very clearly, that Watchman Nee DID NOT grasp at all the understanding of THE ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE TO HIS CHURCH FOR REMISSION OF SIN. LATTER RAIN GROUPS
Another example OF NOT grasping a complete understanding of THE ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM, THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE TO HIS CHURCH FOR REMISSION OF SIN, is the so-called latter rain, sonship, and overcomer groups. A prominent latter rain teacher said: “Cornelius and his household having had the Spirit fall on them and poured out upon them, water was brought and poured out on them, if the symbol is in any way to correspond to the reality (Acts 10:44-48).” Here we see very clearly that this prominent latter rain teacher is not grasping THE ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM IN OUR LORD’S NAME, that our Lord sent out by His apostles to bring to the nations. For as we know, the ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM THAT IS IN THE CHURCH, IS ALWAYS DONE IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. For example, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matt. 28:19 And again, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38 And again, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:47-48 In Acts 10:44-48, we see that THE LIVING WATER BAPTISM WAS DONE “IN THE LORD’S NAME”. The prominent latter rain teacher said that this water baptism that our Beloved apostle Peter did in the Lord’s name WAS A SYMBOL. But our Holy Lord’s name IS NOT A SYMBOL, BUT IS “HALLOWED”. As it is written, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Matt.6:9 In Strong's Bible Concordance, we see that the word ‘HALLOWED’, being used here in Matt. 6:9, means= TO MAKE HOLY, TO PURIFY, TO SANCTIFY. And it is BEING WASHED, BEING BAPTIZED, IN THIS NAME, THAT ONE IS SANCTIFIED. As it is written, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”1Cor.6:11 And so it is written, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” Eph.5:25-26 Let us notice what it says about THIS WASHING OF WATER: “…That he might sanctify …”. Those in His Church are to be of THIS VERY SAME SANCTIFICATION, THE WASHING OF HIS WATER. For it is written, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in
bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect
through sufferings. Here we see that all those who are in His Church, are to be of the ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISMAL WASHING, SANCTIFICATION, OF THE LORD! No other water baptism, no other sanctification, but THE LORD’S. And so we see that the falling away of the brethren at Rome, was so ABOMINABLE, that in the end, the knowledge of THE HEAVENLY (CATHOLIC) SACRAMENT OF OUR LORD’S ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM IN HIS NAME FOR REMISSION OF SIN, WAS LOST. ALL GROUPS
Indeed, it does appear that the so-called PURITAN GROUPS, and SEPARATISTS GROUPS, and for that matter, ALL the groups that first came to America, and all the groups that have been in America since that time, NEVER HAVE HAD THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF THE ONE LIVING WATER BAPTISM THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE TO HIS CHURCH FOR REMISSION OF SIN. THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE THAT OUR LORD FIRST GAVE TO HIS APOSTLES. BUT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FATHERS “DID HAVE THIS SAVING KNOWLEDGE”! THEREFORE, THEY WERE THE CHURCH FATHERS OF THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE CATHOLIC CHURCH! “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 1 Cor.4:15 THE HEAVENLY GOSPEL
The heavenly Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, IS NOT the Gospel of mans carnal kingdom, but IT IS THE GOSPEL OF GOD'S KINGDOM! IT IS THE GOSPEL OF GOD THE SPIRIT! IT IS THE GOSPEL OF GOD'S SPIRITUAL KINGDOM! Our Lord's Holy heavenly sacraments (if we may use that term), ARE OF OUR LORD'S GOSPEL. He (our Lord), is the giver of them. For what did our Lord say? "But whosoever drinketh of THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM..." John 4:14 What dear reader? You do not think that our Lord's baptismal living water is a drink? Let us learn from scripture that it is indeed a drink. For it is written, “GO FORTH OF BABYLON, thou that fleest from the Chaldeans: utter aloud a voice of joy, and let this be made known, proclaim it to the end of the earth; say ye, “The Lord hath delivered his servant Jacob. And if they shall thirst, he shall lead them through the desert; he shall bring forth water to them out of the rock: the rock shall be cloven, and the water shall flow forth , and my people shall drink. There is no joy, saith the Lord to the ungodly.” Isaiah 48:20-21 (Septuagint Bible). "According to the heavenly gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, this prophetic scripture of the one Holy baptism of Christ our rock, that He gave to His Church on His cross, was fulfilled in John 19:34, when Christ our Rock was cloven by a spear at His passion." And so it is written, "But one of the soldiers
with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
And so, from the above scriptures in Isaiah 48:20-21, we see that in truth, there is no coming out of Babylon (i.e., wisdom below), there is no redemption OUT OF BABYLON for anyone, save in the baptismal waters of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Rock. Again dear reader, we must not think it strange that the one Holy living water baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, our rock, for the remission of sin, is spoken of (in Isaiah 48:20-21) as a drink. For our Lord Himself, and by the mouth of His prophets, always spoke saying that the baptismal fountain for the remission of sin was a cup, in which all who would thirst for it would be able to drink from it, and find His kingdom Word, His kingdom covenant, His kingdom laws of everlasting life. As it is written, “For this is my blood of
the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But
I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine,
until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." And again, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” Isaiah 55:1-3 And again, ”The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." Isaiah 43:20-25 And again, “Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:” Isaiah 44:1-3 Indeed, the living water drink (baptism), in the Lord's name that our Lord Himself gave to His Church, "THE HEAVENLY GOSPEL BAPTISM", that the Holy apostles brought in Acts. Click on ACTS 2:38 article. And so dear reader, as we can see, the heavenly gospel knowledge of the living water baptism that was preached in Acts 2:38,8:16,10:47-48,19:5,ect, was lost (taken away), because of the great falling away. And we can see now that the various leaders of the sects that have come, DID NOT, and DO NOT, have the heavenly gospel knowledge of what baptism the Holy apostles brought forth in Acts. HOWEVER! We see that THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FATHERS, DID HAVE THIS KNOWLEDGE HANDED DOWN TO THEM, AND WERE ABLE TO BRING IT FORTH. Click on THE EARLY CHRISTIAN TEACHERS article. Oh! Dear reader! There needs to be a great repentance in all the land, by all the people and all their leaders! A great repentance because ALL NATIONS in their vain carnal understanding of THE APOSTOLIC HEAVENLY GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, have taken the Lord's name in vain. Oh! Dear reader! Have YOU taken the Lord's name in vain by being baptized in the Babylonian church systems of this world? We who are the heavenly Christians, we who are of THE TRUE HEAVENLY APOSTOLIC GOSPEL, have taken the time to write this treatise, because we believe, and know for sure, that in that great repentant state, the soul will be able to hear our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Holy one HEAVENLY Catholic CHURCH saying, “ And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17 OUR BAPTISMAL SONG
“And speaking waters touched my lips from the fountain of the Lord plenteously: And I drank and was inebriated with the living water that doth not die; And my inebriation was not one without knowledge, but I forsook vanity and turned to the Most High my God, And I was enriched by His bounty, and I forsook the folly which is diffused over the earth; and I stripped it off and cast it from me: And the Lord renewed me in His raiment, and possessed me by His light, and from above He gave me rest in incorruption”
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But let us ask, CHURCH FATHERS OF WHAT CHURCH?
Here we see that 
Note! Not that anyone
needs to be called a: "Catholic", in order to be a true Christian.
Also, it is very important to understand
that Dr. Miles Smith, the author of: "The Translators To The Readers"
section of the preface, and one of the final editors, is said to have had
Hebrew at his fingers' ends. He was so conversant in Chaldee, Syriac, and
Arabic that they were as familiar to him as English.
Dear reader, as you can
see, the present article: "CHURCH FATHERS OF WHAT CHURCH?" is very significant. 
