Hi Jane,
That "institution" you speak of is the rock upon which Jesus built His Church of which the gates of hell will not prevail against (Matthew 16:18)
Jesus is the rock, not an institution. Interesting though most catholics think Peter is the rock. That too is incorrect.
1Cor 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and
that Rock was Christ.
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
There are more in both o.t. and n.t. The rock is Jesus.
soooooo I have no problem with leaving the "impression" upon you or any one else that I am shouting from the rooftops that I love the Church that Jesus established. ;)
I've yet to find a catholic that can even find their church within the pages of the n.t. let alone prove He established the roman catholic church. Which didn't even exist yet.
Why do you only talk about your institution (your interpretation of scripture)? I think The Church is a better interpreter of Scripture than you and won't twist it....2 Peter 3:16
How many verses has your church infallibly defined in approx 2000 years? (allegedly)
I put my faith in The Church which is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 timothy 3:15) and has the final authority to treat someone as a pagan or tax collector with the authority to bind or loosen (Matthew 18:17-18).
Where is the verse where we are supposed to put our faith in the church? And 1 Tim 3:15 says ....pillar and foundation of THE truth. Not simply 'truth'. It changes the meaning. Your quote makes it look like the catholic church is the pillar and foundation of truth itself. The church upholds the truth, its not truth in and of itself.
Can you show me in Scripture where God gave any individual man that authority?
Once you can show me in Scripture that Jesus didn't established an "institution" with authority I will join you and your ilk.
Binding and loosing has to do with the gospel. Not power as youre thinking. Romans 1:16;
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Jesus gave the keys to all of us that proclaim the gospel. Thats what the great commission is all about.
2nd time asking: If the CC is not synonymous with Christ's Church then which church is?
Bible study Mary
The ekklesia. This is what God Himself places you in when you are born again.