[Cal]

I think it's important to note that in the 1st century the true apostles functioned as the equivalent to our word of God. In others words, if they spoke something, to the Christians that looked up to them as apostles, their word was as good as the word of God. It's important to realize that no such equivalent can exist today. The word is established, and Revelation warns against adding to it.

The LRC approached and approaches giving Lee this authority. Basically their view was Lee's interpretation of the word is as good as the word--and the corollary, Lee's interpretation is better than anyone's including yours, which precludes your exercising your own interpretation--a stunning limitation!

Now, outside of fringe groups, I don't know of any preeminent Christian teacher in history after the 1st century being afforded that kind of authority. One has to ask oneself, is it legitimate? In my judgment, no way.

It's also important to note that no major Christian teacher including Luther, Calvin, and others, ever sought or accepted the designation of apostle.