On Sept. 24, I gave a message entitled, “The Choosing of the Twelve” relating to Christ calling the disciples. Within that message, I may have given the impression when Christ called Simon-Peter that the church had at its foundation the person of Peter (c.f. Matt. 16:13-19). Clarification: I believe the “foundation” of which Christ speaks is not Peter in his person (Πέτρος “a rock, or a stone”.) but Peter’s confession (πέτρα, “boulder, or large stone”). This distinction is pivotal in regard to the authority of Peter vs. the authority of Christ’s finished work in regard to salvation. For example, the Roman Catholic Church believes Peter was given the power to rule in developing the salvation found through the R.C.C., while the Protestant church believes the Gospel message that Peter confessed (Christ in the Lord-Messiah, Savior of the world), is the only basis for our salvation from sins. The R.C.C. has wielded power, to forgive sins and extend grace through the sacraments; they say Christ gave to Simon-Peter this authority within this passage. Our church, and any evangelical church, would disagree. We would affirm that salvation is founded within the reality of Peter’s confession that Christ has the merit to author and complete the terms of salvation by grace through faith alone.

I apologize for any misunderstanding that my formation of words may have given and hope this helps clarify my position.

Thanks to Eric F. for making me aware of this issue.