By the time John wrote Revelation 85% of the churches were teaching false doctrine. Why would I trust anyone later then that?
THis is presented without evience.
CB, if you're going to refer us to Revelation, where St. addresses seven churches in Asia, and 6 of the 7 come in for reproach due to the falling-off of their faith, there's nothing in these passages to suggest that these were the only seven Christian Churches on earth, nor even that they were statistically representative.
No mention, in the "Seven Churches" section, of the five Patriarchal Sees ---- Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, and Rome--- and neither does the "Seven Churches" section mention whether St. John's criticism bore fruit, and whether they repented.
In all seven cases the admonition is included, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". The letters all conclude with an appeal to hold fast and to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Each church is promised that everyone who conquers will be rewarded by Christ.
Only a Jonah-like, run-away-from-God, rebellious figure would not believe that the "Seven Churches" could repent like Nineveh, or not even want the /Seven Churches/Ninevites to repent.
All Churches at all times need to be called closer to Christ.
"Ecclesia semper reformanda."