2.13 Come posso essere certo che la Chiesa dice la verità?
Gesù stesso ha istituito la Chiesa, con Pietro e gli altri Apostoli e i loro successori come sue guide. Definì la Chiesa un “baluardo della verità” (I Tim 3, 15)I Tim 3, 15: “Ma se dovessi tardare, voglio che tu sappia come comportarti nella casa di Dio, che è la Chiesa del Dio vivente, colonna e sostegno della verità.”. Per assicurarsi che gli Apostoli potessero tramandare la verità della fede senza errori, Gesù diede loro lo Spirito Santo.
Anche oggi lo Spirito Santo aiuta la Chiesa a comprendere meglio la fede. Per questo motivo, e perché essa non è solo una istituzione umana, puoi essere certo che la Chiesa dice sempre la verità su Dio.
Why is the Church apostolic?
The Church is apostolic in her origin because she has been built on “the foundation of the Apostles” (Ephesians 2:20). She is apostolic in her teaching which is the same as that of the Apostles. She is apostolic by reason of her structure insofar as she is taught, sanctified, and guided until Christ returns by the Apostles through their successors who are the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter. [CCCC 174]
In what way is the Church holy?
The Church is holy insofar as the Most Holy God is her author. Christ has given himself for her to sanctify her and make her a source of sanctification. The Holy Spirit gives her life with charity. In the Church one finds the fullness of the means of salvation. Holiness is the vocation of each of her members and the purpose of all her activities. The Church counts among her members the Virgin Mary and numerous Saints who are her models and intercessors. The holiness of the Church is the fountain of sanctification for her children who here on earth recognize themselves as sinners ever in need of conversion and purification. [CCCC 165]
The preaching of the Church is everywhere consistent, and continues in an even course, and receives testimony from the prophets, the Apostles, and all the disciples... and that well-grounded system which tends to man's salvation, namely, our faith. [St. Irenaeus, Against heresies, Bk 3, Chap. 24 (MG 7, 966)]
